| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Armed Merchant Cruiser |
| Class | [No specific class] |
| Pennant | F 97 |
| Built by | A. Stephen & Sons Ltd. (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Ordered | |
| Laid down | |
| Launched | 14 Apr 1938 |
| Commissioned | 2 Dec 1939 |
| End service | 15 Apr 1944 |
| History | On 19 October 1939 the passenger ship Canton of the P. & O. Steam Navigation Co Ltd, London was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an armed merchant cruiser. Conversion was completed on 2 December 1939. Displacement: 15784 GRT On 15 April 1944 she was returned to her owners. |
Commands listed for HMS Canton (F 97)
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. George Devereux Belben, DSC, RN | 26 Sep 1939 | 12 Feb 1941 |
| 2 | A/Capt. Charles Alfred Godfrey Nichols, RN | 12 Feb 1941 | 3 Mar 1942 |
| 3 | A/Capt. Geoffrey Neame Loriston-Clarke, RN | 3 Mar 1942 | Sep 1942 |
| 4 | A/Cdr. (Retd.) Richard John Edward Daintree, RN | Sep 1942 | Oct 1942 ? |
| 5 | A/Capt. Geoffrey Neame Loriston-Clarke, RN | Oct 1942 ? | 13 Nov 1943 |
| 6 | Capt. Joseph Johnstone Eadie Barclay, RNR | 13 Nov 1943 | 6 Apr 1944 |
| 7 | T/A/Lt.Cdr. Ronald Hubert Lancelot Orde, RNVR | 6 Apr 1944 | 15 Apr 1944 |
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Notable events involving Canton include:
The page with the wartime history of HMS Canton was created in April 2023.
The page of HMS Canton was last updated in August 2023.
2 Dec 1939
At 1000Z/2, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is commissioned at Glasgow. (1)
5 Dec 1939
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock. (1)
7 Dec 1939
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and full power trials in the Clyde area. (1)
11 Dec 1939
Around 0015Z/11, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth. (1)
12 Dec 1939
Around 1145Z/12, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Greenock. (1)
18 Dec 1939
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Portsmouth. (1)
19 Dec 1939
Around 0830Z/19, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she arrived around 1600Z/19.
Gunnery exercises on arrival at Portland had to be cancelled due to the bad visibility. (1)
20 Dec 1939
During the afternoon, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portland. (1)
22 Dec 1939
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portland. On completion of these exercises she returned to Portland.
Around 2230Z/22, she departed Portland for Greenock. (1)
24 Dec 1939
Around 0900Z/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from Portland. (1)
26 Dec 1939
Around 1800Z/26, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol west of the Faeroer Islands. (1)
9 Jan 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Greenock. (2)
10 Jan 1940
In the evening, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) grounded in bad weather conditions on the west coast of Lewis Island, Hebrides.
She was able to get off the following morning but had sustained damage and was holed forward.
Around 1100Z/11, the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) joined to render assistance. She parted company around 1325Z/11, after the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) had joined shortly before.
Around 1700Z/11, the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN) and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) also joined.
Around 2015Z/11, the tug HMS Bandit arrived. Later also the HMS Englishman joined.
Around 2110Z/11, HMS Isis and HMS Imperial parted company.
Around 1115Z/12, HMS Foresight obtained an A/S contact but lost it soon afterwards, no submarines were in the area so this mist have been a non-sub contact as no enemy submarines were in the immediate area.
The destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN) and HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN) arrived in the area to cover the passage of the damaged armed merchant cruiser to the Clyde.
Around 1215Z/13, HMS Canton arrived at Greenock. (2)
17 Jan 1940
The damaged HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is intentionally grounded at the entrance to Holy Loch when the pumps are not able to keep up with the inflow of water. (2)
21 Feb 1940
The damaged HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is towed from Holy Loch to Glasgow where is to be taken in hand for repairs at Barclay Curle shipyard. (3)
6 Mar 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is docked at Glasgow. (4)
8 Apr 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is undocked. (5)
23 May 1940
With her repairs completed, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock. (6)
24 May 1940
Around 2030A/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Portland. (6)
26 May 1940
Around 0845A/26, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Portland from Greenock. At Portland she is to undergo an exercise programme. (6)
29 May 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (6)
30 May 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (6)
31 May 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (6)
5 Jun 1940
Around 1830A/5, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Portland for patrol. Before departure gunnery exercises were carried out. She was ordered to patrol off the Bay of Biscay. (7)
17 Jun 1940
At 1734A/17, in position 54°17'N, 11°40'W, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) sighted a torpedo close under the port bow and travelling away to port. No torpedo wake was sighted though. Shortly afterwards it was thought that a periscope was sighted. It was thought this was the periscope of a second U-boat.
No German submarine have reported this attack. It is unlikely that U-122, which did not return from patrol, could already have been in this position on the 17th. (8)
18 Jun 1940
Around 1445A/18, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from patrol. (7)
3 Jul 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (9)
4 Jul 1940
Around 1330A/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown where she is to join the Freetown Escort Force / South Atlantic Station. (9)
15 Jul 1940
Around 0900N/15, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (9)
16 Jul 1940
Convoy SL 40.
This convoy departed Freetown on 16 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), Celtic Star (British, 5575 GRT, built 1918), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Dayrose (British, 4113 GRT, built 1928), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kirriemoor (Brititsh, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Adelaide (British, 8422 GRT, built 1919), Port Denison (British, 10334 GRT, built 1918), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Rydboholm (Swedish, 3197 GRT, built 1933), Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Winsum (Dutch, 3224 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN).
On 17 July, the Dayrose dropped astern being unable to keep up due to a foul bottom. She was last seen in position 10°39'N, 17°20'W.
The Pindos had great difficulty keeping up with the convoy since departure from Freetown. She complained of bad coal as being the reason of this. She was last seen on 18 July 12 miles astern of the convoy in position 09°25'N, 17°20'W. The Pindos was sunk on 4 August 1940 by the German submarine U-58 in position 55°22'N, 08°50'W.
P.M. on 20 July, the Kirriemoor parted company with the convoy in position 17°15'N, 20°19'W. She had been continuously dropping astern unable to keep up with the convoy due to a very foul bottom.
On 21 July, the Richard de Larrinaga and Sylvia de Larrinaga both parted company with the convoy due to being unable to keep up. Both due to faul bottoms. They were last seen in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.
Around 0430Z/1, when the convoy was to the west of Ireland in position 53°28'N, 20°12'W, the City of Wellington and the Grangepark collided and dropped out of the convoy but they were able to rejoin later. The Grangepark was ordered to proceed to Belfast for repairs.
Around 1100Z/1, Convoy SLF 40, merged with convoy SL 40 in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.
Convoy SLF 40 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).
Convoy SLF 40, had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) which also joined convoy SL 40.
Around 0445Z2, in position 54°40'N, 16°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the now combined convoy. The sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) was also to join but she never did.
On HMS Aberdeen and HMS Periwinkle joining, HMS Asturias and HMS Canton parted company with the convoy and both proceeded independently to Greenock.
At 1500Z/3, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined in position 55°41'N, 08°35'W.
On the 4th, the corvettes HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR), which came direct from the A/S training facility at Tobermory, also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 August 1940. (10)
20 Jul 1940
Convoy SLF 40.
This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN).
The convoy merged with convoy SL 40 on 1 August 1940.
[For more info on convoy SL 40 see the event ' Convoy SL 40 ' for 16 July 1940.]
3 Aug 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty.
[As no log is available for HMS Canton for the month of August 1940 some details for this month might be missing.] (11)
6 Aug 1940
Around 1700A/6, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (12)
16 Aug 1940
Around 0930N/16, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (12)
18 Aug 1940
Convoy SL 44.
This convoy departed Freetown on 18 August 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Aymeric (British, 5196 GRT, built 1919), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), British Glory (British (tanker), 6995 GRT, built 1928), Browning (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Copacabana (Belgian, 7340 GRT, built 1938), Djambi (Dutch, 6984 GRT, built 1919), Dorington Court (British, 5281 GRT, built 1939), Gaelic Star (British, 5596 GRT, built 1917), Gannet (British, 1443 GRT, built 1921), Harmodius (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Marylyn (British, 4555 GRT, built 1930), Myrmidon (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Nagina (British, 6551 GRT, built 1921), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), St.Glen (British, 4641 GRT, built 1907) and Welcombe (British, 5122 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN).
The British Glory returned to Freetown on 20 August 1940 after having been detached from the convoy.
Some of the ships listed above, most likely four of them, joined at sea coming from St. Vincent (Sao Vicente).
Around 0600A/3, the destroyer Blyskawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) Stanislaw Hryniewiecki) and sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) joined the convoy in position 54°32'N, 16°19'W.
Around 0645A/3, the corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) and two A/S trawlers joined the convoy.
Around 0715A/3, the destroyer HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.
Later the destroyer HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and corvette HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 5 September 1940.
5 Sep 1940
Around 0830A/5, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (13)
10 Sep 1940
Convoy AP 3.
This convoy departed Liverpool on 10 September 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 22 October 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Brisbane Star (British, 12791 GRT, built 1937), Brittanic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Clan Campbell (British, 7255 GRT, built 1937), Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1935) and Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from the U.K. the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN), HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN). They remained with the convoy until 12 September.
In the morning of 11 September the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) joined the convoy until 0745/12 when she returned to the Clyde after having been ordered to do so.
Ocean escort joined around the time the destroyers left and was made up of the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) and HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN). They remained with the convoy until it arrived at Freetown on 23 September 1940.
On 25 September 1940 the convoy departed Freetown escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN).
Around noon on the 27th, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) also joined coming from Freetown.
The convoy arrived at Capetown on 4 October 1940
On departure from Capetown on 6 October 1940, the convoy was escorted by HMS Canton until 1140B/9 when she was relieved by HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) which had joined the convoy around 0900B/9. This armed merchant cruiser remained with the convoy until 1220C on 15 October when she was relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) which remained with the convoy until 20 October.
On 18 October the convoy was near Aden and the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined.
The escort parted company with the convoy on 20 October except HMS Kandahar which remained with the convoy until it's arrival at Suez two days later. On arrival at Suez two more ships were escorting the convoy, these were the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and the minesweeper HMS Stoke (Cdr.(Retd.) C.J.P. Hill, RN). Presumably these had joined on 20 October.
15 Sep 1940
Around 1330A/15, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (13)
25 Sep 1940
Around 1215N/25, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out.
Around 2145N/25, she departed Freetown to escort convoy AP 3 to Capetown.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (13)
25 Sep 1940
Around 1000N/25, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) with convoy AP 3.
Around 2200N/25, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Freetown to overtake and join convoy AP 3.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (14)
4 Oct 1940
Around 1725B/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty. (15)
4 Oct 1940
Around 1730B/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty with convoy AP 3.
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) had arrived at Capetown earlier that afternoon with convoy AP 3. (13)
6 Oct 1940
Around 1700B/6, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for escort duty with convoy AP 3.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (15)
12 Oct 1940
Around 0845B/12, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty.
14 Oct 1940
Around 1725B/14, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the South Atlantic. (15)
2 Nov 1940
Around 0815B/2, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from patrol. (16)
4 Nov 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is docked for repairs to her rudder in the Selborne Graving Dock at Simonstown. (16)
18 Nov 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is undocked. (16)
19 Nov 1940
Around 1715B/19, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for Freetown. Before departing she first conducted rudder trials. Later she was ordered to search for the Vichy French transport Ville de Tamatave (4993 GRT, built 1931) but if the Vichy ships was not sighted during daytime on the 20th she was to continue her passage to Freetown. (16)
28 Nov 1940
Around 1800N/28, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Simonstown. (16)
28 Nov 1940
Convoy SL 57.
This convoy departed Freetown on 28 November 1940.
The convoy was made up the following merchant vessels; Baron Ardrossan (British, 3896 grt, built 1932), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Benvannoch (British, 6427 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Fortitude (British (tanker0, 8482 GRT, built 1937), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914), Danmark (British (former Danish), 8391 GRT, built 1925), Defoe (British, 6245 GRT, built 1940), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920)), Laplace (British, 7327 GRT, built 1919), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mahanada (British, 7196 GRT, built 1914), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Streefkerk (Dutch, 6185 GRT, built 1921), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 192) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Bengali (Lt. F.R. Pike, RCNVR.
Around 2000N/29, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) joined.
Around 1820N/30, HMS Bridgewater and HMS Bengali parted company with the convoy.
Around 1720Z/15, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown.
Either late on 15 December or early on 16 December the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Lt. Adrian Paul Northey, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR) and HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, RNR) joined.
Around 1430Z/16, the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 December 1940.
24 Dec 1940
Around 1700N/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (17)
4 Jan 1941
Around 1700N/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic. (18)
17 Jan 1941
Around 1000N/17, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. (18)
20 Jan 1941
Convoy SL 63.
This convoy departed Freetown on 20 January 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), City of Singapore (British, 6567 GRT, built 1923), City of Sydney (British, 6986 GRT, built 1930), Clan Alpine (British, 5442 GRT, built 1918), Clan Farquhar (British, 7958 GRT, built 1918), Clan MacGillivray (British, 5023 GRT, built 1911), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Dorington Castle (British, 5281 GRT, built 1939), Dundrum Castle (British, 5259 GRT, built 1919), Gujarat (British, 4148 GRT, built 1923), Havsten (Norwegian (tanker), 6161 GRT, built 1930), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Kaikoura (British, 5852 GRT, built 1937), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Ripley (British, 4997 GRT, built 1936), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Sembilan (Dutch, 6566 GRT, built 1922), Shillong (British, 5529 GRT, built 1939), Soloy (Norwegian, 4402 GRT, built 1929), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927) and Waroonga (British, 11243 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR).
On 22 January 1941, HMS Clematis parted company with the convoy.
Around 1900N/24, HMS Milford and HMS Cyclamen parted company with the convoy.
Around 1000Z/7, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy on the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. V.C.F. Clark, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN, corvette HMS Picotee (Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) joining. The following day the destroyer HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) and corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 February 1941.
8 Feb 1941
Around 2245A/8, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (19)
21 Feb 1941
Around 1730A/21, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (19)
24 Feb 1941
Around 0724O/24, HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, DSO, RN) sighted an unidentified ship in position 53°55'N, 26°49'W which later, on sighting the submarine, opens fire despite repeated challenges by Thunderbolt, forcing her to dive.
The ship was the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) which mistook her for a U-boat. (20)
5 Mar 1941
Around 1130N/5, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (21)
12 Mar 1941
Convoy SL 68.
This convoy departed Freetown for the U.K. on 12 March 1941.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Alexandra (Greek, 4355 GRT, built 1913), Alphacca (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Andalusian (British, 3082 GRT, built 1918), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Benwyvis (British, 5920 GRT, built 1929), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Brittany (British, 4772 GRT, built 1928), Cap des Palmes (French, 3082 GRT, built 1935), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), Clan Macilwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Clan Macnab (British, 6076 GRT, built 1920), Clan Macwhirter (British, 5941 GRT, built 1918), Clan Ogilvy (British, 5802 GRT, built 1914), Cressdene (British, 4270 GRT, built 1936), Djambi (Dutch, 6984 GRT, built 1919), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Glenshiel (British, 9415 GRT, built 1924), Gloucester Castle (British, 8006 GRT, built 1911), Henri Mory (British, 2564 GRT, built 1920), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Mandalika (Dutch, 7750 GRT, built 1930), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Medjerda (British, 4380 GRT, built 1924), Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), New Columbia (British, 6574 GRT, built 1920), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Nicolaou Zografia (Greek, 7050 GRT, built 1913), Oltenia (British (former Rumanian), 6394 GRT, built 1928), P.L.M. 27 (British, 5633 GRT, built 1922), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920), Port Auckland (British, 8789 GRT, built 1922), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937), Saint Gobain (Swedish (tanker), 9959 GRT, built 1936), St. Merriel (British, 4980 GRT, built 1925), Sticklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strix (Norwegian (tanker), 6219 GRT, built 1930), Susan Maersk (British, 2355 GRT, built 1923), Tapanoeli (British, 7031 GRT, built 1924), Thyra (Swedish, 1796 GRT, built 1925) and Widestone (British, 3192 GRT, built 1920).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), corvettes HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), and HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Kelt (T/Lt. W.T. Hodson, RNVR) and HMS Turcoman (Skr. A.G. Day, RNR).
Around 1330N/15, the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN) and destroyer HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 11°11'N, 19°40'W. HMS Mauritius then parted company taking HMS Wishart with her.
In the evening of March 17th, the German submarine U-106 attacked the convoy. Two of the merchant vessels were sunk in the attack. These were the Andalusian and the Tapanoeli.
Also on the 17th (very late in the evening) the merchant vessels Clan Macnab and Early on the 18th another German submarine attacked the convoy, this was U-105 attacked the convoy. One merchant vessel was sunk in the attack. This was the Medjerda.
Shortly after midnight during the night of 18/19 March, U-105 attacked the convoy again sinking the merchant vessel Mandalika.
Very late in the evening of March 20th, U-106 attacked at convoy again and the merchant vessel Meerkerk was torpedoed and damaged as was HMS Malaya.
A few hours later U-105 made another attack run. Two merchant vessels were torpedoed and sunk during this run, these were the Benwyvis and the Clan Ogily.
Around 1800B/21 it was decided that the convoy would be scattered in position 21°00'N, 24°48'W, and that the ships were to proceed independently to either Halifax, Bermuda or Trinidad. The damaged ocean escort, HMS Malaya set course for Trinidad being escorted by HMS Crocus until 2000/23. HMS Canton was ordered to proceed to Bermuda searching for enemy supply vessels between 24°N / 28°N and 38°W / 42°W en-route. (22) 1 Apr 1941 2 Apr 1941 4 Apr 1941 6 Apr 1941 16 Apr 1941 17 Apr 1941 19 Apr 1941 5 May 1941 6 May 1941 11 Jun 1941 12 Jun 1941 15 Jun 1941 16 Jun 1941 22 Jun 1941 1 Jul 1941 3 Jul 1941 This convoy departed Freetown on 3 July 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agioi Victores (Greek, 4344 GRT, built 1918),
Christine Marie (British, 3895 GRT, built 1919),
Dago II (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917),
Emmy (Greek, 3895 GRT, built 1914),
Empire Lough (British, 2824 GRT, built 1940),
Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923),
Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921),
Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922),
Perth (British, 2259 GRT, built 1915),
Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939) and
Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), corvettes HMS Amaranthus (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RNR), HMS Bergamot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Chapman, RNR), A/S yacht HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E. Stubbs, RN) and the M/S trawler HMS Canna (T/Lt. G.C.L. Payne, RNVR).
Around 1845N/7, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy after having been relieved by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Esperance Bay (Capt.(ret) G.S. Holden, RN). HMS Canton then proceeded on patrol in the mid-Atlantic.
On 8 July 1941, HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy.
On 9 July 1941, HMS Surprise parted company with the convoy.
On 11 July 1941, HMS Amaranthus, HMS Bergamot and HMS Canna parted company with the convoy.
On 23 July the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and the corvettes HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) joined.
On 26 July HMS Verity was detached to Belfast after having sustained serious damage below the waterline due to having collided with HMS Broke. She arrived at Belfast on 27 July.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 27 July 1941. 10 Jul 1941 18 Jul 1941 24 Jul 1941 Around 1800N/26, HMS Wivern parted company to return to Freetown.
Around 0700N/27, HMS Wild Swan parted company to return to Freetown.
Around 1530Z/4, the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and HMIS Jumna (Cdr. W.R. Shewring, RIN) joined.
HMS Canton arrived in the Clyde around 1000B/6. she had parted company with the two sloops and the troopships around 2245A/25. The sloops and the troopship arrived at Liverpool later on 6 August 1941. (27) 7 Aug 1941 Around 1015B/8, near Bishop Rock the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSC, RN) joined coming from Holyhead which she had departed earlier on the 8th.
Around 1145B/8, HMS Canton arrived at Southampton. HMS Blankney then proceeded to Portsmouth. (27) 5 Oct 1941 6 Oct 1941 7 Oct 1941 9 Oct 1941 Early in the afteroon of 10 October 1941, HMS Woolston parted company and proceeded to Belfast.
HMS Canton arrived at Greenock around 2330A/10. (29) 17 Oct 1941 This convoy departed from U.K. ports on 17 October 1941 and formed up off Oversay the following morning.
The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Avila Star (British, 14443 GRT, built 1927) and Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938).
On forming up the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. H.E. Morse, DSO, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), destroyers HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN).
The destroyers parted company with the convoy on 20 October 1941.
Around 0630N/21, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown where she arrived on 29 October.
Around 0720N/21, HMS Indomitable parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda where she arrived on 26 October.
The Avila Star arrived independently at Trinidad on 31 October 1941 and the Pasteur arrived independently at Halifax on 25 October. 29 Oct 1941 31 Oct 1941 13 Nov 1941 18 Nov 1941 2 Dec 1941 6 Dec 1941 15 Dec 1941 22 Dec 1941 26 Dec 1941 They made rendezvous on the morning of the 29th in approximate position 05°00'N, 35°00'W and instructions for patrol were passed from HMS Devonshire to both auxiliary cruisers. (34) 5 Jan 1942 6 Jan 1942 18 Jan 1942 24 Jan 1942 9 Feb 1942 12 Feb 1942 2 Mar 1942 4 Mar 1942 11 Mar 1942 The following day, at 1215N/12, the aircraft of HMS Canton sighted the Spanish vessel in position 08°30'N, 26°06'W and HMS Pretoria Castle was able to intercept her at 1415N/12 in position 08°52'N, 26°00'W.
The Spanish ship was then escorted to Bathurst by HMS Pretoria Castle. They arrived there around 1115N/15.
HMS Canton continued her patrol. (39) 18 Mar 1942 23 Mar 1942 2 Apr 1942 4 Apr 1942 13 Apr 1942 16 Apr 1942 20 Apr 1942 26 Apr 1942 1 May 1942 2 May 1942 5 May 1942 15 May 1942 26 May 1942 28 May 1942 4 Jun 1942 5 Jun 1942 At 1030B/5, a signal was received ordering HMS Canton to proceed with despatch to position 27°33'S, 37°05'E, which was to the north-east of Durban. The merchant vessel Elysia (British, 6757 GRT, built 1908) had reported being shelled in that position. Later HMS Canton was ordered to patrol to the south of Madagascar. (43) 19 Jun 1942 21 Jun 1942 26 Jun 1942 7 Jul 1942 She departed for Freetown around 1215Z/7. (45) 10 Jul 1942 10 Jul 1942 11 Jul 1942 23 Jul 1942 25 Jul 1942 27 Jul 1942 HMS Bleasdale had joined around 1230B/27. (45) 28 Jul 1942 29 Jul 1942 21 Aug 1942 25 Aug 1942 10 Dec 1942 18 Dec 1942 Around 1520A/18, the escort destroyer HMS Easton (Lt. C.W. Malins, DSC, RN) joined.
Around 1840A/18, HMS Tynedale and ORP Slazak parted company.
Around 1000A/20, HMS Canton arrived at Greenock. HMS Easton continued on to Tobermory where she arrived later the same day.
(48) 21 Dec 1942 29 Dec 1942 31 Dec 1942 2 Jan 1943 7 Jan 1943 18 Jan 1943 24 Jan 1943 This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 24 January 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 26 and KMF 8 at sea on 29 January 1943.
The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925),
Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921),
California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923),
Chyebassa (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942),
Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937),
Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931),
Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939),
Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928),
Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929),
Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936),
Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938),
Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941),
Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922),
Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929),
Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925),
Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923),
Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923),
Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914),
Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941),
Ruys (British, 14155 GRT, built 1937),
Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921),
Sibajak (British, 12226 GRT, built 1927),
Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937),
Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931),
Tiwali (British, 8178 GRT, built 1931) and
Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).
The aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, RN) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN), destroyers HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RNR), escort destroyers RHS Adrias, RHS Miaoulis, sloops HMS Egret (Cdr. C.R.S. Farquhar, RN), Savorgnan de Brazza, cutters HMS Banff (Lt. P. Brett, RNR), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigate HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RN).
On 25 January 1943 the destroyer HMS Clare parted company to return to Londonderry. The escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis had lost touch with the convoy during the night of 24/25 January 1943. She was unable to regain touch and was also ordered to return to Londonderry. Her sister ship RHS Adrias had also lost touch but apparently was able to regain contact.
Around 1730A/26, the Antenor parted company with defects to return to the Clyde. It appears that she was escorted back to the Clyde by the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza.
Around 1630A/29, the convoy split into two parts.
Convoy KMF 8 continued on towards the Mediterranean and was made up of the transports Circassia, Duchess of York, Dunnottar Castle, Empire Pride, Letitia, Samaria, Strathnaver, Tawali and the aircraft carrier HMS Argus. They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Banff, HMS Fishguard and HMS Test.
Around 1630A/30, HMS Argus and the transport Letitia parted company with convoy KMF 8 to proceed to Gibraltar. They entered Gibraltar Bay around 0330A/31. Presumably they were escorted by the frigate HMS Test which also arrived at Gibraltar on this day.
On 31 January the destroyer HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN) joined convoy KMF 8 having departed Gibraltar on 30 January.
Later on 31 January the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Alberni (Lt. I.H. Bell, RCNVR), HMCS Baddeck (T/Lt. J. Brock, RCNVR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. W.E. Harrison, RCNVR), HMCS Port Arthur (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSC, RCNVR) and HMCS Summerside (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.O. Gerity, RCNR) joined the escort of convoy KMF 8. They had departed Mers-el-Kebir earlier on 31 January. On the joining of HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout, HMS Verity was detached to join convoy GUF 4 as was the corvette HMCS Port Arthur.
The transport Strathnaver was detached to proceed to Oran escorted by HMCS Alberni, HMCS Baddeck, HMCS Luneburg and HMCS Summerside.
The remainder of convoy KMF 8 arrived at Algiers on 1 February escorted by HMS Laforey, HMS Lookout, HMS Egret, HMS Enchantress, HMS Banff and HMS Fishguard.
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When the convoys split up, WS 26 continued on to Freetown. It was made up of the transports . They were escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, destroyers HMS Quadrant, HMS Relentless and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.
On 31 January, the repair ship HMS Wayland (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.S. Carson, RN) and the transport Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) joined. They had departed Gibraltar on 29 January. Also on 31 January the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) joined. They had departed Gibraltar on 30 January.
The destroyers HMS Quadrant, HMS Relentless and escort destroyer RHS Adrias parted company on 31 January to fuel at Casablanca from where they departed again on 1 February to rejoin the convoy. HMS Quadrant and HMS Relentless rejoined on 3 February. RHS Adrias only rejoined on 5 February.
On 4 February the transport Leopoldville parted company with the convoy escorted by the destroyer HMS Redoubt. They arrived at Bathurst on 5 February.
Convoy WS 26 arrived at Freetown on 6 February 1943 escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, destroyers HMS Quality, HMS Quadrant, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.
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Convoy WS 26 departed Freetown on 9 February for South Africa. It was made up of the transports
Arundel Castle,
California, Chyebassa, Dempo,
Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch, Duchess of Richmond, Empress of Canada, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Mooltan, Orduna, Rembrandt, Ruys, Sibajak, Stratheden,
Volendam and the repair ship HMS Wayland.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR), destroyers HMS Quality, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Racehorse and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.
On 12 February HMS Corinthian and RHS Adrias parted company with the convoy.
At 1145AB(-1.5)/13, the destroyer HMS Relentless joined the convoy coming from Lagos having departed there on 12 February immediately after being undocked.
Also on the 13th the corvette FFS Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves joined the convoy escort.
In the morning and early afternoon of the 14th, HMS Racehorse and HMAS Quickmatch fuelled from HMS Canton.
Around 0900AB/15 the destroyers HMS Quality and HMAS Quiberon arrived at Porte Noire to fuel after having parted company with the convoy around 2300AB/14. After doing so they departed again around 1230AB/15 to rejoin the convoy which they did around 1700AB/15. Also on the 15th the Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves fuelled from HMS Canton.
Around 2215B/20, the escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) joined the convoy coming from Saldanha Bay.
Around 0630B/21, HMAS Quiberon and HMAS Quickmatch parted company with the convoy to proceed to Capetown where they arrived around 2100C/21. They departed again around 0730C/22 to rejoin the convoy which they did around 1000C/22.
Around 1000C22, the Capetown section of the convoy, made up of Arundel Castle, California, Cheyebassa, Duchess of Richmond, Highland Chieftain, Orduna, Ruys, Sibajak and HMS Wayland parted company with the convoy to proceed to Capetown. Part of the escort, HMS Racehorce, HMS Relentless, HMAS Quiberon and FFS Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves went with them, some of which then went on to Simonstown.
The light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) joined the Durban section as did the corvette HMS Genista (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR). This corvette was later detached around 1000C/24 and arrived at Port Elizabeth on later 24 February. Around 1200C/22, HMS Racehorce later rejoined after having fuelled at Capetown. HMS Blackmoor then parted company.
HMS Canton proceeded to Simonstown where she arrived around 1530C/22.
The remaining ships proceeded to Durban arriving there on 25 February escorted by HMS Ceres, HMS Cilicia, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch and HMS Racehorse.
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On 26 February 1943 the Capetown section departed there to proceed towards Durban. It was now made up of the transports Arundel Castle, California, Cheybassa, Highland Chieftain, Orduna and HMS Wayland. The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton, destroyer HMS Relentless and the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Blackmore.
At 0115C/1, HMS Relentless was detached to proceed ahead to Durban to fuel.
On completion of fuelling she returned from Durban together with the corvette HMS Freesia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Cherry, RNR), and the minesweepers HMIS Carnatic (Lt. H.J.D. Hamilton, RIN) and Commandant Duboc.
Meanwhile the corvette HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR) had also joined the convoy escort.
HMS Blackmore and HMS Catterick also went to Durban to fuel. They returned later together with the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) and HMS Ceres.
HMS Canton parted company with the convoy and entered Durban.
Transports that joined coming from Durban were the
City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922), Dempo, Dilwara, Dominion Monarch, Lancashire (British, 9445 GRT, built 1917), Maloja, Mooltan, Rembrandt, Selandia (South African, 8482 GRT, built 1938) and Stratheden. The repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) also joined the convoy. The Dilwara however returned to Durban with defects shortly after sailing.
Around 1830C/3, HMS Jasmine and HMS Freesia parted company.
Around 0530C/4, HMS Relentless, HMS Blackmore and HMS Catterick parted company.
Around 1500D/6, the Lancashire was detached to Tamatave escorted by the Commandant Duboc.
Around 0300C/8, HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy to proceed to Diego Suarez.
Around 0800CD(-3.5)/9, HMS Resource was detached from the convoy to proceed to Kilindini escorted by HMS Birmingham. The heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) had joined just before.
Around 1200D/10, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 0700D/11, the convoy split up into the Aden section and the Bombay section.
The Aden section was made up of the Arundel Castle, City of Paris, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Orduna, Rembrandt and Selandia. They were escorted by HMS Frobisher. They arrived off Aden on 15 March 1943 where the convoy was dispersed.
The Bombay section was made up of the California, Chyebassa, Dempo, Dominion Monarch, Mooltan and Stratheden. They were escorted by HMS Hawkins. They arrived at Bombay on 17 March 1943. 6 Feb 1943 9 Feb 1943 22 Feb 1943 26 Feb 1943 [For more info see the event ' Combined convoy WS 26 / KMF 8 ' for 24 January 1943.] (51) 1 Mar 1943 16 Mar 1943 This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 March 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 28 and KMS 11 at sea on 21 March 1943.
The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914),
Brittanic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930),
Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, built 1923),
Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928),
Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942),
Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930),
Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931),
Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935),
Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917),
Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1925),
Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925),
Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922),
Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936),
Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929),
Reina del Pacifico (17702 GRT, built 1931),
Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939),
Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931),
Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937),
Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934),
Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) and
Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).
Also the naval auxiliaries HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) were part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the following escorts were with the convoy; sloops HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN, with the S.O. 2nd Escort Group on board, Capt. F.J. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, DSC, RN), destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Pumphrey, RN, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz, ORP).
On 21 March the convoy split up into two sections, KMF 11, made up of Banfora, Cuba, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Ormonde, Orion, Nea Hellas, Rangitata, Windsor Castle and HMS Ulster Monarch proceeded to Algiers where it arrived on 23 March 1943 escorted by the original escort minus HMS Douglas which put into Gibraltar on 22 March with damage to her port propeller. After inspection it was apparent that she was able to continue but she was not to exceed 22 knots so it was decided that she could rejoin the convoy. All five escort destroyers also put into Gibraltar to fuel but departed again later the same day to rejoin the convoy. HMS Ulster Monarch also put into Gibraltar.
At 0254/23, the Windsor Castle was torpedoed by a German He.111 from I/KG 26 in position 37°28'N, 01°10'E. The passengers (troops) were taken off by HMS Wren, HMS Eggesford and HMS Whaddon. The last two ships reported to be dangerously overloaded with survivors.
Three tugs were sailed to go to the damaged ship assistance, Salvestor from Algiers, Hengist from Gibraltar and Restive from Oran.
Also the destroyer HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN), which were on A/S patrol off Algiers were ordered to proceed to the convoy. Also the destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) were ordered to do the same sailing from Oran.
At 1027/3, it was reported that Windsor Castle was abandoned and slowly sinking and the HMS Loyal had taken off the crew. HMS Whaddon and HMS Eggesford were proceeding to Algiers covered by HMS Douglas.
At 1621/3, Windsor Castle was still afloat and HMS Farndale was ettempting to take her in tow. The ship however sank suddenly at 1724/3. HMS Eskimo, HMS Loyal, HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale, Hengist and Restive then proceeded to Oran while HMS Lamerton and Salvestor proceeded to Algiers.
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WS 28, made up of Brittanic, Duchess of Bedford, Empire Might, Monarch of Bermuda, Orontes, Otranto, Perthshire, Reina del Pacifico, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Tegelberg, Waipawa, Winchester Castle, HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and HMS Largs.
To escort these ships the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) sailed from Casablanca on 20 March and the destroyers
HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) sailed from Gibraltar also on 20 March. They joined the convoy in the morning of March 21st after which the convoy split up.
Another destroyer, HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), departed Gibraltar on 21 March and she joined the convoy later the same day.
On 22 March the transport Empire Might reported a fire in her stokehold rendering her immobile. She was then towed to Dakar by HMS Ashanti.
The remainder of convoy WS 28 arrived at Freetown on 27 March 1943.
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Convoy WS 28 departed Freetown for South Africa on 30 March 1943.
The composition of the convoy was the same on departed as in which it had arrived at Freetown three days earlier.
Escort was provided on departure from Freetown by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN), destroyers HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN), HMS Quadrant, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch and HMS Wolverine.
At 2359Z/30, HMS Ulster Monarch overtook and joined the convoy coming from Freetown.
At 0600A/4, HMS Redoubt and HMS Quadrant parted company with the convoy to refuel at Pointe Noire. They rejoined the convoy at 1212B/5.
At 1300B/5, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch and HMS Wolverine were detached.
At 1420B/5, HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) joined the escort.
On the 11th the convoy split up, Britannic, Duchess of Bedford, Monarch of Bermuda, Tegelberg, Waipawa and Winchester Castle went to Capetown apparently escorted by HMS Redoubt and HMS Relentless. HMS Largs and HMS Ulster Monarch went to Simonstown, as did HMS Kenya and HMS Quadrant and HMS Racehorce.
The destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the remainder of the convoy (Orontes, Otranto, Perthshire, Reina del Pacifico, Sobieski, Strathnaver, HMS Bulolo and HMS Keren) which arrived at Durban on 14 April 1943.
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On 15 April the 'Capetown section' of the convoy departed from there, it was made up of the same ships as that had arrived at Capetown but apparently without the Britannic. HMS Largs joined the convoy off Simonstown. Escort was provided by HMS Kenya, HMS Quadrant, HMS Redoubt and HMS Relentless.
Around noon on the 18th the 'Capetown section' joined up with the 'Durban section' which had departed from there escorted by HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) which also joined the convoy as escorts. HMS Quadrant parted company and proceeded to Durban.
At 2000C/20, the destroyers parted company to return to Aden.
At 1015D/24, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) joined the convoy to take over the escort. They had sailed from Kilindini on 22 April. HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy at noon and set course for Kilindini where she arrived on 25 April to join the Eastern Fleet.
At 2300D/27, HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy following which she proceeded to Bombay where she arrived on 1 May 1943.
On 30 April 1943 the convoy was dispersed off Aden. HMS Canton arrived at Aden later on the same day. 22 Mar 1943 This convoy departed Durban on 22 March 1943.
On departure from Durban the convoy was made up of the following transports;
Cap Tourane (British, 8009 GRT, built 1923),
City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922),
City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907),
Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939),
Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936),
Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922),
Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913),
Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922) and
Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912).
The auxiliary fleet repair ship HMS Wayland (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.S. Carson, RN) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN).
Around 1200C/26, HMAS Napier left the convoy. She returned to Durban around 1000B/28.
Around 1630C/26, HMS Chitral, HMS Quality and HMS Catterick parted company with the convoy. They returned to Durban around 1400B/28.
Around 1200C/30, The ' Aden section ' (CM 40A) of the convoy parted company. HMS Canton continued on with the ' Bombay section ' (CM 40B) which was made up of the City of Canterbury, City of London, Dilwara and Empire Trooper. They arrived at Bombay on 8 April 1943.
Meanwhile the ' Aden section ', which was made up of the Cap Tourane, Devonshire, Empire Woodlark, Khedive Ismael and Pulaski, was joined around 0840/1 by their escort, the light cruiser HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) which had departed Kilindini around 0615C/1. They arrived at Aden on 8 April 1943. 10 Apr 1943 This convoy departed Bombay on 10 April 1943.
It was made up of the transports;
Esperance (British, 5072 GRT, built 1923) and
Itola (British, 6793 GRT, built 1940).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN).
The convoy was dispersed around 1500D/15. (53) 19 Apr 1943 22 Apr 1943 Around 1500C/22, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) also departed Kilindini / Mombasa for gunnery exercises.
In the evening, on completion of the exercises, both armed merchant cruisers set course to join convoy WS 28.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy WS 28 / KMS 11 ' for 16 March 1943.] (54) 30 Apr 1943 4 May 1943 This convoy departed Aden on 4 May 1943.
It was made up of the following transports;
El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN).
The convoy arrived at Bombay on 10 May 1943. (55) 10 May 1943 13 May 1943 19 May 1943 This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 19 May 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 30 and KMS 15 at sea on 25 May 1943.
The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922),
Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929),
Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937),
Brisbane Star (British, 12791 GRT, built 1937),
Deseado (British, 9641 GRT, built 1942),
Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929),
Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923),
H.F. Alexander (American, 8357 GRT, built 1915),
Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925),
Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930),
Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925),
Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922),
Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917),
Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921),
Siboney (American, 6938 GRT, built 1918),
Sloterdijk (Dutch, 9230 GRT, built 1940),
Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and
Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936).
The landing ships
HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) were also part of the convoy.
On formation off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), escort destroyers HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), sloops HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), Cutters HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).
The destroyer HMS Sardonyx apparently parted company on 20 May.
HMS Cleveland fuelled from HMS Suffolk during the morning of 21 May.
At 1130Z/23, HMS Active sighted a surfaced submarine in position 42°16'N, 15°40'W at a range of about 6000 yards. Shortly afterwards HMS Ness also sighted this submarine. Both ships rushed towards to attack and the submarine was seen to crash dive. When the range was down to 2900 yards HMS Active obtained contact on the target with her Asdic. At 1143Z/23, HMS Active dropped a pattern of ten depth charges set at 150 and 300 feet. At 1150Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (150 and 300 feet). At 1158Z/23, HMS Active came back for another pattern of ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1212Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). A double explosion was then heard by the two escorts. At 1223Z/23, HMS Active dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1240Z/23, a small amount of wood and cork wreckage came to the surface as well as life-jackets, coffee tins marked 'Napoli' and a pair of fresh human lungs. At 1305Z/23, HMS Ness dropped a final pattern of ten depth charges (500, 550 and 700 feet). It is believed that the Italian submarine Leonardo Da Vinci was sunk in this attack. The most succesful Italian submarine of the Second World War disappeared with all hands. Nine officers and fifty-four ratings perished.
At 0630Z/24, the transports Brisbane Star and Deseado were detached from the convoy.
Around 1530Z/24 a German Focke Wulf aircraft attacked and dropped some bombs near HMS Unicorn but no damage was done.
At 1040Z/25 the convoy split up. All escorts proceeded with convoy KMF 15 except for HMS Suffolk, HMS Corfu which went along with WS 30. Convoy KMF 15 was made up of the transports Arawa, Boissevain, Duchess of York, Franconia, Indrapoera, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Letitia, Ormonde, Samaria, Staffordshire and Stirling Castle. HMS Royal Scotsman and HMS Royal Ulsterman were also part of this convoy.
On the 26th, the transport Letitia proceeded to Gibraltar as did HMS Unicorn which had on board Beaufighter aircraft and aircraft spares besides two operational squadrons which she had been able to operate during the passage. The escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) had come out to escort them in although HMS Haydon was later detached to proceed to the assistance of an aircraft that had crashed into the sea. HMS Active, HMS Cleveland and ORP Slazak also put into Gibraltar.
The transports Staffordshire and Stirling Castle were detached and arrived at Oran on 26 May.
The remainder of convoy KMF 15 arrived at Algiers on 27 May.
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Convoy WS 30 continued on to Freetown and was made up of Argentina, Brisbane Star, Deseado, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Siboney and Sloterdijk. Their escort of HMS Suffolk and HMS Corfu was joined by the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) which all came from Gibraltar. HMS Boadicea also rejoined after fuelling at Casablanca.
In the morning of May 27th, HMS Antelope fuelled from HMS Suffolk.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 31 May 1943.
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On 3 June 1943 the convoy departed Freetown now made up of the transports Argentina, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Siboney and Sloterdijk.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk, armed merchant cruisers HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN), HMS Corfu, destroyers
HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN), HMS Boardicea, HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick.
At 1500Z/6, the transport Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923) and the destroyer HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Takoradi.
At 1950Z/6, HMS Corfu and HMS Boadicea parted company with the convoy to proceed to Takoradi.
At 1445Z/9, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Pointe Noire.
At 1517Z/9, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Rapid parted company with the convoy to proceed to Pointe Noire.
Around 0730A/13, the transports Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941) and Santa Barbara (American, 6507 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy as did the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza which had been escorting them.
On 15 June 1943 the convoy arrived at Capetown. HMS Suffolk and HMS Carnarvon Castle then went on to Simonstown. In the approaches to Capetown the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) joined the escort as an enemy submarine had been reported to be operating in the area.
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On 16 June 1943, the convoy departed Capetown for Durban. It was now made up of the transports Argentina, Cuba, Exceller, Exiria (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland, Santa Barbara, Siboney and Sloterdijk.
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam, HMAS Norman, HMS Quadrant and HMS Redoubt.
On 18 June, the transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy presumebly coming from Port Elizabeth or East London.
The convoy arrived at Durban on 20 June.
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On 25 June 1943, the convoy departed Durban for Aden / Bombay, now made up of the transports Cuba, General Fleischer (Norwegian, 5138 GRT, built 1943), Karagola (British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nieuw Holland, Sagoland (American, 5334 GRT, built 1913), Santa Barbara and Sibajak.
The convoy was now escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (now commanded by Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN).
The armed mercant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) joined the convoy around 0900C/28 having departed Kilindini around 1745C/25.
Around 2000C/29, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy to return to Durban via Tulear, Madagascar. HMS Rotherham and HMAS Quickmatch remained with the convoy for another 150 miles and then parted company to rejoin HMAS Norman and then proceed to Tulear.
Around 0900C/1, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy having departed Kilindini around 1730C/29. HMS Canton then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindi taking the transports Karagola and Sagoland with her. They arrived at Kilindini around 1200C/2.
At 0310C/3, the transport Santa Barbara was detached to proceed independently to Colombo.
At 1115C/4, the transports General Fleischer and Sibajak were detached to proceed independently to Aden.
The transports Cuba and Nieuw Holland arrived at Bombay and their escort, HMS Alaunia, around 1000FG/9. 20 May 1943 23 May 1943 26 May 1943 This convoy departed Fremantle on 26 May 1943.
It was made up of the troop transports;
Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) and Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).
On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).
Around 0700H/27, when near longitude 110°00'E, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company to return to Fremantle.
Around 1630FG/29, near position 25°19'S, 91°00'E, the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) took over the escort duties from HrMs Tromp which then set course to return to Fremantle.
Around 1500FG/2, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) joined and the convoy split up. the armed merchant cruiser and the Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) set course for Aden. HMS Canton parted company with the Dominion Monarch near Socotra around 0640D/6. The Dominion Monarch arrived at Aden on 7 May 1943. HMS Canton proceeded to Kilindini / Mombasa where she arrived around 1215C/10.
HMS Sussex and the Nieuw Amsterdam continued on towards Colombo where they arrived around 0930FG/4. (56) 31 May 1943 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 19 ' for 26 May 1943.] (55) 10 Jun 1943 23 Jun 1943 25 Jun 1943 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy WS 30 / KMS 15 ' for 19 May 1943. (57) 2 Jul 1943 3 Jul 1943 7 Jul 1943 14 Jul 1943 22 Jul 1943 22 Jul 1943 This convoy departed Wellington on 22 July 1943.
It was made up of the troopship Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).
On departure from Wellington the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN).
In the late morning and afternoon of 27 July 1943, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck fuelled at Hobart following which passage towards Fremantle was resumed.
Around 1220H/1, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined in approximate position 35°09'S, 113°30'E.
The convoy arrived at Fremantle around 0730H/2.
The convoy departed Fremantle around 1100H/4. Escort was again HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes.
Around 2100H/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company to return to Fremantle.
Around 1500FG/7, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 19°00'S, 94°40'E and took over the escort duties from HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.
Around 1530F/10, in approximate position 05°50'S, 75°00'E HMS Newcastle turned over the escort of convoy US 21 to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). HMS Newcastle then proceeded to Addu Atoll.
HMS Canton parted company with the Nieuw Amsterdam around 2000D/13 in position 07°40'N, 55°14'E. HMS Canton then proceeded to Kilidini. The troopship then continued on unescorted towards Suez. 29 Jul 1943 2 Aug 1943 5 Aug 1943 She departed for Addu Atoll around 1700D/5. (61) 8 Aug 1943 9 Aug 1943 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (61) 10 Aug 1943 HMS Newcastle then set course to Addu Atoll.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (62) 17 Aug 1943 31 Aug 1943 [As there is no mention in the logbook of HMS Canton of the Admiral boarding it seems more likely that her transferred his flag to a shore base.] (63) 8 Sep 1943 HMS Canton parted company the following day to proceed to their destination ahead of the other two ships. (64) 13 Sep 1943 15 Sep 1943 19 Sep 1943 On departure from Fremantle she is escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).
Around 0800H/20, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes is detached to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1650H/20.
Around 1145G/25, in position 20°15'S, 91°55'E, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) takes over the escort duties from HMAS Adelaide which then set course to return to Fremantle where she arrived on 29 September 1943.
Around 0740FG/2, in position 05°26'N, 81°56'E, HMS Canton parted company with the Sambridge after the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN) had joined.
The Sambridge and HMS Scout then proceeded to Colombo arriving on 3 October. HMS Canton also arrived at Trincomalee on 3 October, around 1115FG. (66) 20 Sep 1943 [For more info on subsequent movements see the event for 19 September 1943.] (65) 3 Oct 1943 5 Oct 1943 9 Oct 1943 10 Oct 1943 15 Oct 1943 [See the event for 16 October 1943 for more details.] (67) 16 Oct 1943 On departure from Fremantle (around 1130H/16) she was escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).
Around 1900H/17, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.
Around 0930FG/20, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck was relieved by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck then set course to return to Fremantle.
Around 0730FG/27, the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) joined coming from Bombay.
HMS Canton, HMAS Nepal, HMAS Napier and the Lurline arrived at Bombay around 1045FG/28. (68) 28 Oct 1943 30 Oct 1943 Around 0300F/31, the destroyers parted company to join convoy AB 18 coming from Aden.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined Convoy AB 18 / AP 50 ' for 25 October 1943 (not visible on the page of HMS Canton).] (70) 5 Nov 1943 6 Nov 1943 13 Nov 1943 15 Nov 1943 19 Nov 1943 25 Nov 1943 10 Dec 1943 11 Dec 1943 15 Dec 1943 25 Dec 1943 30 Dec 1943 2 Jan 1944 3 Jan 1944 12 Jan 1944 14 Jan 1944 19 Jan 1944 19 Jan 1944 Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Charlotte Schliemann.
The light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Mauritius to patrol an area roughly near position 30°00'S, 68°00'E. A German supply vessel (Charlotte Schliemann (7747 GRT, built 1928) is suspected to be operating in that area to resupply U-boats operating in the Indian Ocean.
On 21 January 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Rear-Admiral R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and the frigate HMS Bann (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RD, RNR) also departed Mauritius to join HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler.
HMS Suffolk, joined HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler around dawn on the 24th.
In the morning of the 26th HMS Suffolk fuelled HMS Bann.
Around noon on the 29th, HMS Newcastle parted company with HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler to return to Mauritius.
In the evening of the 30th, HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler set course to proceed to the westwards to pastrol their way towards Durban.
HMS Newcastle arrived at Mauritius on 31 January 1944.
HMS Bann arrived at Mauritius on 2 February 1944 [Her exact movements during this patrol are unknown to us.]
HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler arrived at Durban on 4 February 1944.
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Also on 21 January 1944, the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) departed Mauritius to patrol to patrol an area roughly near position 25°00'S, 65°00'E.
HMS Nepal returned to Mauritius on 28 January 1944.
HMS Kenya returned to Mauritius on 1 February 1944.
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The armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) also departed Mauritius for the operation. She arrived at Durban from patrol around 1400C on 2 February. (74) 21 Jan 1944 [For more information see the event ' Operation Thwart ' for 19 January 1944 '.] (73) 2 Feb 1944 18 Feb 1944 24 Feb 1944 On board the Canton were along Allied military personnel also Italian POW's. (75) 29 Feb 1944 They departed for Addu Atoll around 1200D/29. (75) 4 Mar 1944 They departed for Colombo around 1830EF/4. (76) 6 Mar 1944 The destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) had parted company en-route and arrived at Trincomalee on the 7th. (76) 21 Mar 1944 27 Mar 1944 28 Mar 1944 31 Mar 1944 15 Apr 1944 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
Around 0915Q/1, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Bermuda. (23)
During a gale, the RFA tanker War Brahmin (5545 GRT, built 1921), which was alongside HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) at Bermuda broke loose and the two ships bumped into each other. The tanker sustained considarable damage above the waterline. HMS Canton was only lightly damaged. (24)
Around 1230Q/4, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Bermuda for Halifax where she was to land the around 200 military personnel she had on board since leaving Freetown originally bound for the U.K. with convoy SL 68. (23)
Around 1315Q/6, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Halifax from Bermuda. (23)
Around 0815Q/16, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Halifax for New York where she is to refit. (23)
Around 2300R/17, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at New York from Halifax. (23)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) is taken in hand for refit at the Bethlehem Shipyard, Brooklyn. (23)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) is docked at the Bethlehem Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York. (25)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) is undocked. (25)
Around 0600Q/11, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), with her refit completed, departed New York for Chesapeake Bay where she arrived around 0745Q/12. (26)
After having conducted D/G trials at Chesapeak Bay, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), departed for Bermuda around 1330Q/12. (26)
Around 0600Q/15, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Bermuda from Chesapeake Bay. (26)
During 16/17 June 1941, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Bermuda. (26)
Around 1315Q/22, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Bermuda for Freetown. (26)
Around 1400N/1, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from Bermuda. (27)Convoy SL 80.
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) intercepted the German merchant vessel Hermes (7209 GRT, built 1926), north-west of St. Paul Rocks, in position 04°03'N, 34°40'W. Before the German ship, which identified herself as the Dutch Saparoea (6668 GRT, built 1921) could be boarded she was scuttled by her crew. The German ship had departed Rio de Janeiro on 27 June 1941 bound for France (most likely Bordeaux). (28)
Around 0815N/18, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty and patrol. (27)
Around 1800N/24, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), with 110 German POW's on board, departed Freetown for the U.K. She is escorting the troop transport Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914). The destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN) were also in company.
Around 1900B/7, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Southampton where she is to be taken in hand for alterations which included the fitting of a crane and an aircraft catapult.
With her refit / alterations completed, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) proceeded from Southampton to Spithead. (29)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials in Spithead. (29)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in Spithead. (29)
Around 0630A/9, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Cowes Roads for the Clyde. Around 1030A/9, the escort destroyer HMS Blencathra (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, DSC, RN joined. She parted company around 1555A/9 and proceeded to Dartmouth where she arrived later the same day. As relief escort the escort destroyer HMS Woolston (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) had joined, coming from Plymouth, on HMS Blencathra parted company.
Convoy CT 4.
Around 1100N/29, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown. (29)
Around 1730N/31, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic. (29)
Around 1230N/13, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (30)
Around 1945N/18, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic. (31)
Around 1545N/2, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (32)
Around 1630N/6, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol mid-Atlantic / South Atlantic. (33)
Around 0745Z/15, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (32)
Around 1800Z/22, HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol mid-Atlantic. (33)
HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic. She is to make rendezvous with the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) and HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) which were also to patrol in the same general area.
Around 1130P/5, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Pernambuco from patrol. (35)
Around 0815P/6, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Pernambuco to resume her patrol. (35)
Around 1130Z/18, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) and HMS Pretoria Castle (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN) both arrived at Freetown from patrol. (36)
Around 1200Z/24, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol mid-Atlantic. (35)
Around 1515Z/9, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (37)
Around 0815Z/12, the armed merchant cruisers HMS California (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic. (37)
Around 0900Z/2, HMS Canton (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (38)
Around 1630Z/4, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol mid-Atlantic. (38)
The armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and HMS Pretoria Castle (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN), on patrol in area H 34, were ordered to intercept the Spanish merchant vessel Monte Gorbea (3720 GRT, built 1923).
Around 1530Z/18, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. (38)
Around 0830Z/23, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol mid-Atlantic. (38)
Around 1545Z/2, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (40)
Around 1515Z/4, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Freetown for Simonstown where she was to dock. (40)
Around 1645B/13, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Freetown. (40)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is docked in the Selborne Graving Dock at the Simonstown Dockyard. (40)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is undocked. (40)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is again docked in the Selborne Graving Dock at the Simonstown Dockyard. (40)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is undocked. (41)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown but due to the discovery of enemy mines near the end of the searched channel she had to remain at sea. She was finally swept into harbour arriving around 1945B/4. (41)
Around 1930B/5, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Capetown to patrol in the South Atlantic. (41)
Around 1400Z/15, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 25°00'S, 05°00'W. Mails and information were exchanged before both continued to patrol in the South Atlantic. (42)
Around 1000B/26, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol. (41)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) proceeded from Capetown to Simonstown. (41)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted engine trials in False Bay. (41)
Around 0715B/5, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Simonstown to patrol in the South Atlantic.
Around 0915B/19, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) returned to Simonstown from patrol. (41)
At Simonstown, Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). (44)
Around 0130B/26, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) departed Simonstown for Takoradi. (44)
Around 0800Z/7, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) arrived at Takoradi from Simonstown.
Around 1100Z/10, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) arrived Freetown from Takoradi. (44)
Around 1800Z/10, at Freetown, Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) to HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (46)
Around 0900Z/11, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Freetown for the U.K. where she is to refit and undergo engine repairs. (45)
Around 0830B/23, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Greenock from Freetown. (45)
Around 2000B/25, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Greenock for Southampton. She is escorted by the destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN). (45)
Around 1600B/27, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Bleasdale (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, RN) arrived at Portland having been ordered to proceed there instead of proceeding directly to Southhampton / Portsmouth.
Around 0900B/28, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Bleasdale (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, RN) departed Portland for Southhampton / Portsmouth where they arrived later the same day.
(45)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) completed de-ammunitioning and is taken in hand for refit at Southampton. (45)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is docked in the King George V Graving Dock at Southampton. (47)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is undocked. (47)
With her extended refit and turbine repairs completed, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), conducted D/G trials off Southampton. (48)
Around 0900A/18, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed The Solent for Greenock. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.W.M. Wronski).
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering trials / exercises off Lamlash. (48)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Lamlash. (48)
During 31 December 1942 / 1 January 1943, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (49)
From 2 to 4 January 1943, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (50)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) proceeded from Lamlash to Greenock. (50)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (50)Combined convoy WS 26 / KMF 8.
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and RHS Adrias arrived at Freetown with convoy WS 26.
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN), HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and RHS Adrias departed Freetown escorting convoy WS 26.
Around 1515C/22, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty. (51)
Around 1515C/26, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Simonstown for escort duty with convoy WS 26.
Around 1930C/1, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Durban from convoy escort duty. (52)Combined convoy WS 28 / KMS 11.
Convoy CM 40.
Convoy BA 42.
Around 1600C/19, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from convoy escort duty. Before entering harbour D/G trials were carried out. (53)
Around 1145C/22, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for gunnery exercises.
Around 1130C/30, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN) and HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) arrived at Aden. (53)Convoy AB 8.
Around 1930FG/10, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (55)
Around 1100FG/13, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (55)Combined convoy WS 30 / KMS 15.
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is docked at Colombo. (55)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) is undocked. (55)Convoy US 19.
Around 1510FG/31, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Colombo for escort duty with convoy US 19.
Around 1215C/10, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from escort duty. (57)
The battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR), HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They returned Kilindini on 25 June 1943. HMS Frobisher proceeded to Manza Bay instead. (58)
Around 1745C/25, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for escort duty with convoy WS 30.
Around 1200C/2 HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from convoy escort duty. (59)
Around 1300C/3, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. (59)
Around 1620B/7, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. (59)
Around 0930B/14, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Durban for Kilindini / Mombasa via the east of Madagascar. (60)
Around 1330C/22, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Durban. (59)Convoy US 21.
During 29/30 July 1943, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. These included night exercises. (59)
Around 1630C/2, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Addu Atoll via the Seychelles. (61)
Around 1215D/5, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Port Victoria from Kilindini / Mombasa.
Around 1815FG/8, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll from Port Victoria from Kilindini / Mombasa. (61)
Around 1715FG/9, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Addu Atoll for escort duty with convoy US 21.
Around 1530F/10, in approximate position 05°50'S, 75°00'E HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) handed over the escort of convoy US 21 to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN).
Around 0900C/17, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from escort duty. (61)
At Kilindini, Adm. J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) to either HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) or to a shore base.
Around 1630C/8, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) and the destroyer HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Colombo. On board both ships were staff members of the Commander-in-Chief headquarters. The headquarters was being transferred from Kilindini / Mombasa to Colombo.
Around 1700EF/13, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) was joined by the destroyer HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN). The destroyer had departed Colombo on the 12th. (59)
Around 0900FG/15, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and the destroyer HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. (65)
Around 0920H/19, the transport Sambridge (British, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee.
Around 0745FG/20, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed colombo for escort duty. She was to take over the escort of the transport Sambridge (British, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Around 1115FG/3, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from escort duty. (67)
HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) acted as target off Trincomalee for torpedo bombers and also for a shore battery during exercises. (67)
Around 1700FG/9, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (67)
Around 1715FG/10, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (67)
Around 1445FG/15, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Colombo to make rendezvous with the troopship Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) coming from Fremantle and then relieve her current escort.
The troop transport Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) departed Fremantle for Bombay.
Around 1045FG/28, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and the troop transport Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) arrived at Bombay. (69)
Around 1245FG/30, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Bombay for Kilindini / Mombasa. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN).
Around 1500C/5, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Bombay. (71)
Around 0615C/6, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. (71)
Around 0830C/13, HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini / Mombasa. At Durban she is taken in hand for a short refit. (71)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) is fumigated at Durban. The ship is re-boarded the following day. (71)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) is docked at Durban. (71)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) is undocked. (71)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) is docked at Durban. (72)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) is undocked. (72)
Around 1500C/15, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Durban for Bombay. Before departure D/G trials were carried out. (72)
Around 1400FG/25, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Bombay from Durban. (72)
Around 1130FG/30, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Bombay for Colombo. (72)
Around 1800FG/2, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (73)
Around 0800FG/3, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Colombo for Durban. (73)
Around 1615C/12, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Durban from Colombo. (73)
Around 1800C/14, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived departed Durban for Mauritius. (73)
Around 1000D/19, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Mauritius from Durban. (73)Operation Thwart.
Around 1320D/21, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Mauritius for patrol.
Around 1400C/2, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Durban from patrol. (75)
HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) conducted gunnery exercises off Durban. (75)
Around 1730C/24, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) departed Durban for Diego Suarez.
Around 0900D/29, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Durban.
Around 1615EF/4, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) arrived at Addu Atoll from Diego Suarez.
Around 1745FG/6, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Colombo from Addu Atoll.
Around 1930FG/21, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Colombo for Aden. She is to be turned over at Suez to the Ministry of War Transport for the use as troopship. (77)
Around 1300C/27, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (77)
Around 0545C/28, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) departed Aden for Suez. (77)
Around 1100C/31, HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) arrived at Suez from Aden. (76)
At Suez, HMS Canton (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H.L. Orde, RNVR) is turned over to her owner, P&O. A small naval maintenance party had remained on board since April 6th, when the majority of the crew had left the ship to return to the U.K. (78)