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Notable events involving Laconia include:

12 Feb 1940

Convoy HXF 20.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Hallaren (Swedish, 2749 GRT, built 1929), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935) and Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919).

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

Around 1200Q/13, the merchant vessels Beignon (British, 5218 GRT, built 1939) and Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), which had sailed late from Halifax, overtook and joined the convoy.

Also on the 13th, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

At daybreak on 20 February 1940, after having encountered heavy weather during the night, it was seen that the Beignon and Emma Bakke as well as HMS Laconia were no longer with the convoy. Both merchant vessels never rejoined the convoy and HMS Laconia turned back to return to Halifax around 1950Z/21. Shortly afterwards she sighted the remaining ships of the convoy which were apparently astern of the stragglers.

Around 0730Z/22, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN) and HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 1610Z/22, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Commerce, Manchester Exporter, Salacia, San Adolfo and Tudor Star. They were escorted by HMS Venetia which arrived at Liverpool on 24 February 1940.

The remaining ships of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Acasta which arrived at Plymouth on 26 February 1940 after having doubled back from the vicinity of Portsmouth. (1)

5 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 25.

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (British (tanker), 8881 GRT, built 1930), Barn Hill (British, 5439 GRT, built 1921), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), Bradfyne (British, 4740 GRT, built 1928), Cairnvalona (British, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Cygnet (Panamanian, 3530 GRT, built 1917), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Edwy R. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), H.M. Flagler (Panamanian (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1918), Helmspey (British, 4764 GRT, built 1931), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Inverarder (British (tanker), 5578 GRT, built 1919), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Michigan (French, 6419 GRT, built 1920), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Nevada (French, 5693 GRT, built 1918), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), Saintonge (British (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company on the 6th to return to Halifax where they arrived on the 7th.

The Helmsprey (arrived in the Downs on 21 March), Hoperange (arrived in the Downs on 19 March) and Mount Kassion (arrived at Liverpool on 20 March) apparently never joined the convoy.

During the night of 6/7 March the Bradfyne (arrived at Sharpness on 22 March) straggled from the convoy.

During the night of 7/8 March the Barn Hill (bombed and sunk by a German HE 111 aircraft off Beachy Head in the evening of 20 March) and Cairnvalona (arrived at Portland on 20 March) straggled from the convoy.

During the night of 14/15 March the Cygnet (arrived at Liverpool on 21 March) straggled from the convoy.

Around 1345Z/18, in position 50°28'N, 13°13'W, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Stocker, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) joined. [according to the log of HMS Laconia only three destroyers joined so possibly the fourth, unknown which one, joined later that day.] HMS Laconia then parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1830Z/18, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (arrived at Liverpool on 21 March), Benedick (arrived at Glasgow on 22 March), Comanchee (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 March), Delilian (arrived in the Clyde on 21 March), Fernbank (arrived at Swansea on 21 March), Inverarder (arrived in the Clyde on 22 March), Margarita Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 March), Robert F. Hand (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 March) and Tornus (arrived at Liverpool on 21 March). They were escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool on 21 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Drupa (arrived at Southampton on 20 March), Edwy R. Brown (arrived in the Downs on 21 March), H.M. Flagler (arrived at Le Havre on 23(?) March), Kaipara (arrived in the Downs on 21 March), Michigan (arrived at Le Havre on 20 March), Nevada (arrived at Le Verdon on 22 March), Pacific Pioneer (arrived in the downs on 21 March), Saintonge (arrived at Le Havre on 20 March) and San Eliseo (arrived in the Downs on 21 March). They were escorted by HMS Antelope (arrived at Dover on 21 March) and HMS Vanessa (arrived at Plymouth on 21 March, most likely having escorted the ships destined to Le Havre first). (2)

14 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 35.

This convoy departed Halifax on 14 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 193), Craftsman (British, 7896 GRT, built 1922), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), Eli Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9026 GRT, built 1925), Elmdene (British, 4853 GRT, built 1939), Ferm (Norwegian (tanker), 6593 GRT, built 1933), Fresno City (British, 4955 GRT, built 1929), General Gassouin (French (tanker), 5011 GRT, built 1926), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), I.C. White (Panamanian (tanker), 7052 GRT, built 1920), Ile d'Ouessant (French, 6187 GRT, built 1919), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Kongsgaard (Norwegian (tanker), 9467 GRT, built 1937), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Polar Chief (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1897), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937), Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), Rio Dorado (British, 4507 GRT, built 1924), Scottish Minstrel (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1922), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Saint-Malo (French, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Texas Trader (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Thyra (Norwegian, 1655 GRT, built 1920), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

Around 1700Q/15, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0700Q/16, the merchant vessel Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928) overtook and joined the convoy. She had departed late from Halifax on the day the convoy sailed.

On 19 April, in approximate position 42°20'N, 43°00'W, the Texas Trader straggled from the convoy being finally unable to keep up with it after struggling to do so since 15 April. She arrived independently at Portland on 29 April.

During the night of 22/23 April, the Athelqueen (arrived at Liverpool, ahead of the convoy, on 28 April) and Thyra straggled from the convoy in approximate position 47°00'N, 30°00'W. The Thyra was able to rejoin the convoy around 2115A/26 in position 50°22'N, 13°09'W.

Around 0945A/26, in position 50°24'N, 15°48'W, HMS Laconia parted company to return to Halifax. The sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy shortly before.

Later the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels.
Athelduchess (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Athelfoam (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), British General (arrived in the Clyde on 29 April), Cowrie (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Craftsman (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Dunaff Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 April), Eli Knudsen (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Glaisdale (arrived in the Clyde on 29 April), John A. Brown (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 April), Leiesten (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Rio Dorado (arrived at Belfast on 29 April), Temple Arch (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April) and Thyra (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April). They were, most likely [unable to confirm this from the available records on this convoy], escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) which arrived at Liverpool on 29 April. The destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN) also arrived at Liverpool on 29 April and may also have been escorting this section of the convoy [again we are unable to confirm this from the available records on this convoy].

The Channel / east coast section of the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Caduceus (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Cairnesk (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), D.L. Harper (arrived at Southampton on 29 April), Danby (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Elax (arrived at Le Havre on 29 April), Elmdene (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Ferm (arrived at Le Havre on 29 April), Fresno City (arrived at Portland on 28 April), General Gassouin (destination was La Pallice, France, arrival date not known), I.C. White (arrived at Le Havre on 30 April), Ile d'Ouessant (destination was La Havre, France, arrival date not known), Kongsgaard (arrived at Dunkirk on 1 May), Polar Chief (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Queen Anne (arrived at Portland on 28 April), Rhea (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 29 April), Rimutaka (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Scottish Minstrel (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 29 April), South Wales (arrived at Portland on 28 April), Saint-Malo (destination was Bordeaux, France, arrival date not known), Torinia (arrived in the Downs on 29 April) and Valldemosa (arrived in the Downs on 29 April). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which arrived at Dover on 29 April. (3)

12 May 1940

Convoy HX 42.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bencleugh (British, 5755 GRT, built 1919), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cygnet (Panamanian, 3530 GRT, built 1917), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 192), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Empire Unity (British (tanker), 6369 GRT, built 1927), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Peterton (British, 5221 GRT, built 1919), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Stylianos Chandris (Greek, 6059 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1745Q/13, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0800P/14, the merchant vessel Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) overtook and joined the convoy. She had sailed from Halifax late. [The position given in the Commodore's report can not be correct.]

On 18 May, in position 42°57'N, 39°30'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 42) joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Brandanger (Norwegian, 4624 GRT, built 1924), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Davisian (British, 6433 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Ranger (British, 6865 GRT, built 1929), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), Sticklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1845Z/24, in position 50°15'N, 13°11'W, HMS Laconia parted company. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 2100Z/24, in position 50°14'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined.

Around 2400Z/24, in position 50°12'N, 12°23'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.

(4)

10 Mar 1941

Convoy SC 25.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 March 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925, with Commodore C.M. Ford, RNR, on board), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Dartford (British, 4093 GRT, built 1930), Don (Norwegian, 2010 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Empire Caribou (British, 4861 GRT, built 1919), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fano (British, 1889 GRT, built 1922), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Grelhead (British, 4274 GRT, built 1925), Havtor (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1930), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (British, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Knud (British, 1944 GRT, built 1900), Koranton (British, 6695 GRT, built 1920), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Marionga D. Thermiotis (Greek, 4784 GRT, built 1904), Mariston (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Nicolaos Piangos (Greek, 4499 GRT, built 1912), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Pagasitikos (Greek, 3942 GRT, built 1914), Parthenon (Greek, 3189 GRT, built 1908), Pegasus (Greek, 5762 GRT, built 1920), Profit (Norwegian, 1608 GRT, built 1918), Ramillies (British, 4553 GRT, built 1927), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Veni (Norwegian, 2982 GRT, built 1901) and Zurichmoor (British, 4455 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the submarine HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, DSO, RN).

During the night of 10/11 March 1941, the Gezina and Havtor parted company with the convoy and apparently returned to Halifax.

At 1115P/15, in position 44°32'N, 46°58'W, HMS Thunderbolt parted company with the convoy after having been ordered to do so by the Rear Admiral Submarines.

Around 0730O/22, in position 57°35'N, 33°32'W the merchant vessel Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy. She had dropped out of convoy HX 114.

Around 1100O/22, in position 57°55'N, 33°25'W the merchant vessel Roxby (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy. She had also dropped out of convoy HX 114.

Around 1700P/22, in position 59°00'N, 25°12'W the merchant vessels Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939) and Velox (Norwegian, 3831 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy. They had both dropped out of convoy HX 114.

Around 2030P/22, HMS Laconia parted company with the convoy in position 58°55'N, 25°05'W. The convoy was now not escorted. The A/S escort had not yet joined.

During the night of 24/25 March 1941, the convoy encountered a heavy easterly gale and several ships straggled from the convoy.

At 1100 hours on 26 March 1941 (time zone not known but probably Z/GMT) the A/S escort finally joined in position 58°47'N, 20°20'W. It was made up of the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski), HMS Chesterfield (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR), sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN), HMS Picotee (Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) and HMCS Hepatica (T/Lt. C. Copelin, RCNR). ORP Garland was ordered to look after the stragglers.

The convoy arrived in UK waters on 30 March 1941 and was then divided into several section which then proceeded to their respective destinations. (Loch Ewe, Belfast, Barry Roads and Mersey). (5)

11 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 114.

This convoy departed Halifax on 11 March 1941 and arrived in UK waters on 30 March 1941.

This convoy was made up of following merchant vessels; Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Clavella (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Colonial (British, 5108 GRT, built 1926), Corrales (British, 5363 GRT, built 1930), Cristales (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Elmdene (British, 4853 GRT, built 1939), Emile Francqui (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Empire Mermaid (British, 6381 GRT, built 1919), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Heranger (Norwegian, 4877 GRT, built 1930), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Labette (British, 4989 GRT, built 1919), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Royal Emblem (British, 4900 GRT, built 1940), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Tilapa (British, 5392 GRT, built 1928), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Toward (British (rescue ship), 1571 GRT, built 1923) and Zagloba (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN).

Shortly after departure the merchant vessel Labette was to return to Halifax with engine trouble.

On the 14th the convoy merged with convoy BHX 114 coming from Bermuda. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy; Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dephnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Hidlefjord (British (tanker), 7639 GRT, built 1928), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Lincoln Ellsworth (British (tanker), 5580 GRT, built 1927), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938) and Velox (Norwegian, 3831 GRT, built 1922 ).

The escort of convoy BHX 114, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN), then parted company.

Around 1200OP/15 the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company at 1520P/16 when a warship was sighted which turned out to be HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) which was to join the convoy to take over from HMS Rodney.

At that moment the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), which was in sight, reported heavy calibre gunfire on the horizon. HMS Rodney increased speed and set course towards this reported gunfire. HMS Royal Sovereign briefly followed but due to her slower speed opted to remain between the enemy and the convoy. HMS Royal Sovereign remained in position between the enemy and the convoy until late in the evening.

The source of the gunfire was the German battlecruiser Gneisenau which was in the process of sinking the merchant vessel Chilean Reefer (British, 1739 GRT, built 1936). She spotted the tops of the approaching British battleship and quickly got underway and made off at high speed. HMS Rodney was left with picking up the survivors of the Chilean Reefer unable to catch the German battlecruiser due to her inferior speed. HMS Rodney then continued to patrol the area where convoy HX 114 was passing through during the next few days.

At 1545N/24, the merchant vessels Inger Lise and Velox were detached with orders to join convoy SC 25.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax.

On the 25th, the merchant vessel (tanker) Lincoln Ellsworth with a cargo of fuel oil parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik was she was to discharge her cargo. She arrived at Reykjavik the next day.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax. The convoy was joined by destroyers late on the 24th or early on the 25th by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Vanity ( Lt. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), HMS Montgomery (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.L. Puxley, RN), sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN), corvettes HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. C.A. Shillan, RNVR), HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) and HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR). Destroyers HMS Montgomery, HMS Vanity, sloop HMS Weston and the auxiliary A/S trawlers were detached later to join other convoys. The remainder of the escort remained with the convoy until its arrival in UK waters on the 30th.

19 May 1941

Convoy SC 32.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 May 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antiope (British, 4545 GRT, built 1930), Baron Kinnaird (British, 3355 GRT, built 1927), Brynhild (British, 2195 GRT, built 1907), Chagres (British, 5545 GRT, built 1919), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Flynderborg (British, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Inger Elizabeth (Norwegian, 2166 GRT, built 1920), Ingerfire (Norwegian, 3835 GRT, built 1905), Juno (Dutch, 1763 GRT, built 1908), Katwijk (Dutch, 1589 GRT, built 1921), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Picotee (British, 4307 GRT, built 1913), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Rosenborg (British, 1997 GRT, built 1914), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), Stalowa Wola (Polish, 3133 GRT, built 1924), Stonepool (British, 4815 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940), West Saginaw (British, 6187 GRT, built 1919), Western Ocean (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918) and Zypenberg (British, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

The Picotee and Stonepool both developed engine trouble and returned to Halifax.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Around 2030P/19, HMCS Cobalt and HMCS Collingwood parted company with the convoy and returned to Halifax.

During the night of 24/25 May 1942, the Marita straggled from the convoy and she did not rejoin.

Around 1900O/29, Convoy SC 32 temporary joined Convoy HX 128. Convoy SC 32 took station astern of convoy HX 128. With convoy HX 128 was the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) which also was to provide protection to Convoy SC 32.

Around 2000N/30, HMS Talisman parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2200Z/31, HMS Revenge and HMS Laconia parted company with the convoys to return to Halifax or to proceed to Reykjavik respectively.

A/S escorts commenced to join the convoy as from 29 May but sources vary on their composition, [this will have to be researched further in the future.]

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 7 June 1941.