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Notable events involving Sandwich include:

10 Oct 1939
The heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) fuelled the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) which was also on patrol in the Tsushima Strait. (1)

16 May 1940

Convoy HX 43.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Fort Medine (French, 5261 GRT, built 1919), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Ida Bakke (Norwegian, 5455 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Pierre L.D. (French, 5705 GRT, built 1935), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Temple Moat (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Thornlea (British, 4261 GRT, built 1929), Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928), Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914), Wirta (Finnish, 4013 GRT, built 1909) and Wisa (Finnish, 3768 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser Emerald and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

During the night of 16/17 May, the Wirta straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived in the Tyne on 3 June.

Around 1800Q/17, in position 42°38'N, 57°57'W, the Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1100P/21, in position 41°31'N, 42°32'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 43) joined convoy HX 43. This were the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (British, 8621 GRT, built 1926), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Courage (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1928), British Hussar (British (tanker), 6944 GRT, built 1923), British Loyalty (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1928), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Dallas City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1935), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Ensis (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Laurits Swenson (Norwegian, 5725 GRT, built 1930), Napier Star (British, 10116 GRT, built 1927), Neion (Greek, 5241 GRT, built 1918), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Victor Ross (British (tanker), 12247 GRT, built 1933), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1130O/24, in position 45°50'N, 30°36'W, the merchant vessel Jamaica Pioneer (British, 5471 GRT, built 1931), which had lost two propeller blades, but non the less was able to do 9.5 knots, joined the convoy.

Around 1400O/24, in position 46°20'N, 29°40'W, the Ahamo lost a men overboard which was picked up by the Vivi. The Vivi was then however unable to take up her position in the convoy and never rejoined. She arrived at Avonmouth on 31 May.

Around 2000O/25, in position 47°25'N, 25°00'W, the Bristol City dropped out of the convoy with engine defects. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived at Swansea on 31 May.

Around 2359N/26, in position 49°06'N, 20°00'W, HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1800Z/27, in position 49°47'N, 16°23'W, the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1900Z/28, in position 50°00'N, 10°36'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 30 May), Bhima (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), British Courage (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), British Hussar (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), British Loyalty (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Brynymor (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Daytonian (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), Ida Bakke (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Inverilen (arrived at Swansea on 30 May), Iroquois (arrived at Avonmouth on 30 May), Laurits Swenson (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), Monteal City (arrived at Newport on 31 May), Opalia (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Ramsay (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Sildra (arrived at Swansea on 31 May), Spinnington Court (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Thornlea (arrived at Avonmouth on 30 May), Wendover (arrived at Manchester on 31 May) and Winterswijk (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 30 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (arrived at Brest on 30 May), Athelprince (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Baxtergate (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Chama (arrived at Pauillac on 31 May), Dallas City (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Ensis (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Fort Medine (arrived at Bordeaux on 1 June), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Brest on 30 May), Gold Shell (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Jamaica Pioneer (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Napier Star (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Neion (arrived at St. Nazaire on 1 June), Pierre L.D. (arrived at St. Nazaire on 31 May), Standella (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Temple Moat (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Victor Ross (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Wisa (arrived in the Downs on 31 May) and Yarraville (arrived at Brest on 30 May). They were escorted by HMS Clarkia which arrived at Dover on 31 May. (2)

24 May 1940

Convoy HX 45.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Barrwhin (British, 4998 GRT, built 1929), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Bellcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Buteshire (British, 6590 GRT, built 1912), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5219 GRT, built 1918), Kiruna (Swedish, 5484 GRT, built 1921), Kuridistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Leontios Teryazos (Greek, 4479 GRT, built 1911), Manoula (Greek, 1966 GRT, built 1920), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Senta (Norwegian, 3911 GRT, built 1917), Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930) and West Cape (British, 5572 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

HMCS Saguenay was ordered to leave the convoy around 1800Q/25 and then return to Halifax.

During the first two days out of Halifax fog was encountered and the Manoula and Senta both straggled from the convoy. They arrived at Liverpool on 8 June and Belfast on 9 June respectively.

Around 0830P/29, convoy BHX 45 joined convoy HX 45. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy;
Beth (Norwegian, 6852 GRT, built 1930), Bradglen (British, 4741 GRT, built 1930), British Commander (British (tanker), 6901 GRT, built 1922), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Brumaire (French (tanker), 7638 GRT, built 1930), Caprella (British (tanker), 8230 GRT, built 1931), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Coya (British, 4954 GRT, built 1919), Cressington Court (British, 4971 GRT, built 1929), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Evoikos (Greek, 4792 GRT, built 1922), Hallanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1928), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939), Houston City (British, 4935 GRT, built 1934), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Krossfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9323 GRT, built 1935), Litiopa (Norwegian (tanker), 5311 GRT, built 1917), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928), Ruth Kellogg (British (tanker), 5543 GRT, built 1920), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Solsten (Norwegian (tanker), 5379 GRT, built 1929), South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922), Thelma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920), Varanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9305 GRT, built 1925) and Waban (British, 6038 GRT, built 1919).

Around 1400P/29, the Evoikos parted company to proceed to Casablanca where she arrived on 12 or 13 June.

Around 1400N/4, in position 50°04'N, 18°22'W, HMS Voltaire parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0640A/5, in position 50°18'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy followed a few hour later by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN).

The convoy was split up into two sections later on 5 June.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Barrwhin (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Bayano (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Commander (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Dominion (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Prudence (arrived at Scapa Flow on 13 June, possibly via Belfast), Buteshire (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Clumberhall (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Cressington Court (arrived at Manchester on 8 June), Donax (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Filleigh (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Goolistan (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Hallanger (arrived at Swansea on 7 June), Hoegh Scout (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Inventor (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Kalypso Vergotti (arrived at Portishead on 8 June), Kiruna (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Lancaster Castle (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Litiopa (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Lunula (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Moveria (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), San Eliseo (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), San Gabriel (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Schuylkill (arrived at Swansea on 7 June), Scottish Heather (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Solsten (arrived at Ardrossan on 11<(???) June), South America (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Tamaroa (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Thelma (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Torvanger (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Varanger (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June) and West Cape (arrived at Swansea on 7 June). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 7 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Belcrest (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Beth (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Bradglen (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Brumaire (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Caprella (arrived at Southampton on 8 June), Cliona (arrived at Southampton on 8 June), Consuelo (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Coya (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Dalblair (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Dalmore (arrived at Portland on 8 June), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Houston City (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Inanda (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), James McGee (arrived at Brest on 6 June), Krossfonn (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Kurdistan (arrived at Portland on 7 June), Leontios Teryazos (arrived at Bordeaux on 8 June), Lylepark (arrived at Portland on 7 / 8 June), Peterston (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Rangitiki (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Rushpool (arrived at Portland on 11(???) June), Ruth Kellogg (arrived at St. Nazaire on 9 June), San Cipriano (arrived at Brest on 7 June), San Florentino (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Waban (arrived at Portland on 7 June) and Wearwood (arrived in the Downs on 8 June). They were initially escorted by HMS Periwinkle which arrived at Plymouth on 7 June after having been relieved around 0630A/7 by HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) which came from Plymouth. HMS Hibiscus arrived at Dover on 8 June. (3)

2 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 47.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aegeon (Greek, 5285 GRT, built 1919), Andreas (Greek, 6566 GRT, built 1919), Anna Mazaraki (Greek, 5411 GRT, built 1913), Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1939), Asby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920), Balmoralwood (British, 5834 GRT, built 1937), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Blairspey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Cairnvalona (British, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Clydebank (British, 5156 GRT, built 1925), Comedian (British, 5122 GRT, built 1929), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Erik Boye (Canadian (former Danish), 2238 GRT, built 1924), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Georgios G. (Greek, 4289 GRT, built 1918), Georgios Potamianos (Greek, 4044 GRT, built 1913), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Harborough (British, 5415 GRT, built 1932), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hellen (Norwegian, 5289 GRT, built 1921), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Masunda (British, 5250 GRT, built 1929), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Randsfjord (Norwegian, 3999 GRT, built 1937), Saimaa (Finnish, 2001 GRT, built 1922), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) and Zurichmoor (British, 4455 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Esperance Bay (Capt.(ret) G.S. Holden, RN), destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel (former survey vessel) HMCS Acadia (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR).

The convoy sailed 24 hours late due to a reported submarine in the Halifax area. No enemy submarine was however in the area. The convoy sailed in thick fog.

The two Canadian escorts were to accompany the convoy until dusk on 3 June and then return to Halifax.

Around 1400P/2, the Randsfjord had to return to Halifax after a collision with the Georgios Potamianos in thick fog. The Greek ship had sustained no damage and was able to continue. Due to this fog the convoy became dispersed but most merchant vessels rejoined soon after the fog clear. The last merchant vessel to rejoin the convoy was the Georgios G. which rejoined on 6 June.

Around 1900P/6, in position 40°49'N, 45°41'W, the Balmoralwood dropped out of the convoy, presumably with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy and continued her passage to her destination, Falmouth, independently. She was however torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-47 on 14 June.

Around 2100P/6, in position 40°35'N, 45°20'W, the Zurichmoor dropped out of the convoy, presumably with engine trouble. She arrived at Cardiff on 16 June.

The Askeladden also straggled from the convoy during the night of 6/7 June but she was able to rejoin the convoy on 12 June.

Around 1430P/7 in position 41°21'N, 42°36'W, the Bermuda section (Convoy BHX 47) joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy;
British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Diplomat (British, 8240 GRT, built 1921), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Hoyanger (Norwegian, 4624 GRT, built 1926), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Northumberland (British, 11558 GRT, built 1915), Ocatavian (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), Saturnus (Swedish, 9964 GRT, buil 1940), Storanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9223 GRT, built 1930), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Theodoros Coumantaros (Greek, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939), Ulysses (Dutch, 2655 GRT, built 1918) and Vinemoor (British, 4359 GRT, built 1924).

Around 1930O/9, in position 45°33'N, 33°46'W, the Germanic dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She arrived at Liverpool (for Manchester) on 17 June.

Around 1630N/11, in position 48°00'N, 25°28'W, the Theodoros Coumantaros dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. Her destination was London, arrival date not known.

Around 0600A/14, in position 50°15'N, 13°00'W, the sloops HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1700A/14, in position 51°00'N, 08°00'W, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Andreas (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Anna Mazaraki (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Ashby (arrived at Avonmouth on 16 June), Blairspey (arrived in the Clyde on 17 June), Boston City (arrived at Swansea on 16 June), British Captain (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), British Faith (arrived at Avonmouth on 16 June), Clydebank (arrived at Swansea on 16 June), Comedian (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Diplomat (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Dornoch (arrived at Avonmouth on 16 June), Egda (arrived in Barry Roads on 16 June and at Avonmouth on 18 June), El Aleto (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Erik Boye (destination was Sharpness via Milford Haven but torpedoed and sunk on 15 June [see below]), Ferncastle (arrived at Milford Haven on 15 June), Georgios G. (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Hellen (arrived at Ardrossan on 20(?) June), Hoyanger (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Italia (destination was Manchester but torpedoed and sunk on 15 June [see below]), Kenbane Head (arrived at Dublin on 15 June), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Manchester on 17 June), Masunda (arrived at Milford Haven on 15 June), Northumberland (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Pacific Pioneer (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Regent Panther (arrived at Milford Haven on 15 June), Salacia (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Saturnus (arrived at Holyhead on 16 June), Temple Inn (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June), Ulysses (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June) and Vinemoor (arrived at Liverpool on 16 June). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 16 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aegeon (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Annavore (arrived at St. Nazaire on ? June), Argos Hill (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Askeladden (arrived at Weymouth on 16 June), Beaverbrae (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Beaverhill (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Briarwood (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), British Prince (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Cairnvalona (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Capsa (arrived at Brest on ? June), Elax (arrived at Weymouth on 16 June), F.J. Wolfe (arrived at Southampton on 16 June), Georgios Potamianos (arrived at Bordeaux on ? June), Harborough (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Hartlebridge (arrived at Weymouth on 16 June), Loke (arrived at Bordeaux on ? June), Nailsea Manor (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), Octavian (arrived at Weymouth on 16 June), Saimaa (arrived in the Downs on 17 June), San Adolfo (arrived at Plymouth on 16 June), Southgate (arrived at Southampton on 16 June), Storanger (arrived at Brest on ? June) and Thiara (arrived at Weymouth on 16 June). HMS Esperance Bay was also with the Channel / east coast section. She arrived at Southampton on 16 June. They were initially escorted by HMS Fowey which arrived at Dover on 17 June.

At 1748A/14, Land's End Radio had intercepted an SOS message from the Balmoralwood that she had been torpedoed in position 50°19'N, 10°28'W and that the crew was abandoning ship. In a signal timed 1904A/14, HMS Fowey and HMS Sandwich were ordered to hunt for the attacking submarine. At 2305A/14, HMS Sandwich reported that the crew of the Balmoralwood had been picked up by the merchant vessel Germanic.

At 0600A/15, HMS Sandwich reported that 22 survivors from the Erik Boye and 16 survivors from the Italia, that had both been torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-38 that night, were picked up by HMS Fowey. HMS Sandwich also reported that she was proceeding to rejoin the Irish Sea / west coast section of convoy HX 47 (Convoy HX 47B), which she did around 1800A/15, and that she had ordered HMS Fowey to land the survivors at Plymouth. HMS Fowey did not rejoin the Channel / east coast section before it passed Dover.

As a reult of these and also other submarine attacks, at 1659A/16, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) to conduct an A/S sweep to the south of Ireland and support convoys. They departed Plymouth for this duty that day. (4)

9 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 49.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), C.J. Barkdull (Panamanian (tanker), 7204 GRT, built 1917), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Endicott (British, 6319 GRT, built 1919), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Eurylochus (British, 5723 GRT, built 1912), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nevada (French, 5618 GRT, built 1917), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Ontariolite (British (tanker), 8932 GRT, built 1925), Osmussaar (Estonian, 2173 GRT, built 1909), Point Lobos (Panamanian, 4801 GRT, built 1919), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), Randsfjord (Norwegian, 3999 GRT, built 1937), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Mount (British, 5017 GRT, built 1924), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930), Thalia (Greek, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Tregenna (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919) and Tremoda (British, 4736 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers escorted the convoy until about half an hour after sunset on 9 June and then returned to Halifax.

On 10 June, the Endicott dropped out of the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 23 June.

On 11 June, the Thalia dropped out of the convoy. She was briefly seen on the 14th but did not rejoin the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 24 June.

Around 1700P/13, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 49) joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), British Fidility (British (tanker), 8465 GRT, built 1938), British Cincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Confield (British, 4956 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Eli Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9026 GRT, built 1925), Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Glarona (Norwegian (tanker), 9912 GRT, built 1928), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Moordrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1930), Port Huon (British, 8021 GRT, built 1927), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Felipe (British, 5626 GRT, built 1919), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).

On 15 June, the Point Lobos dropped out of the convoy. She arrived Liverpool on 23 June.

Also on 15 June the Osmussaar dropped out of the convoy. She was able to rejoin the convoy on 21 June.

Around 1145N/18, in approximate position 48°27'N, 25°45'W, the Moordrecht and Ontariolite were detachted. The Moordrecht was to proceed independently to La Coruna, Spain but was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-48. The Ontariolite, originally destined for Brest, was ordered to proceed to Aruba but this was apparently later changed and she arrived at Montreal on 8 July.

Around 1700Z/20, HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0545A/21, the sloops HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1912A/21, in position 50°20'N, 10°23'W [British source], the convoy, which had not yet split up, was attacked by the German submarine U-47 which torpedoed the tanker San Fernando. HMS Sandwich reported that the ship could be salvaged if tugs could be sent at once. The crwew had been taken off by the sloops HMS Sandwich and HMS Fowey and that they were now searching for the attacker. At 0232A/22, it was reported that the rescue tugs Marauder and Zwarte Zee had sailed from Falmouth and at 0234A/22, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) was ordered to escort these tugs. The derelict San Fernando however was not found and must have sunk later.

Following this attack the convoy was ordered to scatter but this order was quickly revoked. The ships destined for the the Irish Sea / west coast section apparently did not reform as a convoy and proceeded independently and unescorted. This were the following merchant vessels;
Athelfoam (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Athellaird (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 24 or 25 June), British Sincerity (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Cadillac (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), Charles F. Meyer (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Collegian (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Confield (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Director (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Eli Knudsen (destination was Swansea but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Eurybates (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Eurylochus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Glarona (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Hekoria (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Jean L.D. (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Jhelum (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Luculus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Nevada (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Port Huon (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Randsfjord (destination was Liverpool but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Regent Lion (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), San Felipe (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Sheaf Mount (arrived at Swansea on 23 June), Snar (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Solarium (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Strinda (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Suderholm (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Torborg (arrived at Manchester on 24 June) and Tregenna (arrived at Swansea on 23 June).

Of these ships two were torpedoed by German submarines.

At 0158A/22, the Randsfjord was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30.

At 0236A/22, the Eli Knudsen was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-32. A salvage attempt was undertaken for which the tug Coringa (287 GRT, built 1914) escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Agate (Lt. A.T. Board, RN) were sent out from Milford Haven around 1400A/22. An attempt by HMS Fowey to take the damaged tanker in tow had meanwhile failed. At 0445A/23, HMS Agate reported that the Coringa had sunk due to flooding of the stokehold and that she was picking up survivors.

HMS Sandwich arrived at Liverpool and HMS Fowey arrived at Plymouth, both on 23 June.

The Channel / east coast section was reformed as a convoy and proceeded unescorted [HMS Fowey was to have escorted them but she remained behind to search the area for the attacker]. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Appledore (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Barrdale (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), British Fidility (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), C.J. Barkdull (arrived at Southampton on 24 June, having been detached around 2030A/23), Campus (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Cromarty (arrived at Plymouth on 23 June, having been detached around 0230A/23), Gallia (arrived at Southampton on 26 (?) June, she had apparently straggled from the Channel / east coast section), Harmonic (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Nellie (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), New Westminster City (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Osmussaar (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), R.J. Cullen (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Stakesby (arrived in the Downs on 24 June) and Tremoda (arrived in the Downs on 24 June).

Around 0630A/23, the Channel / east coast section was joined by the corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) which came from Plymouth. HMS Hibiscus arrived at Dover on 24 June. (5)

17 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 51.

This convoy departed Halifax on 17 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Bonita (Panamanian, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Elna (Estonian, 3353 GRT, built 1903), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Ethel Radcliffe (British, 5673 GRT, built 1920), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), King Edward (British, 5224 GRT, built 1919), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), Sinbad (British, 5537 GRT, built 1939), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Trelissic (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and Trevorian (British, 4599 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Jervis Bay (A/Capt. E.S.F. Fegen, RN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMCS Acadia (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR) and HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

Around 1820Q/18, HMCS Acadia and HMCS French parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1045P/21, Convoy BHX 41 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Gand (Belgian, 5086 GRT, built 1919), Heranger (Norwegian, 4877 GRT, built 1930), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Maimoa (British, 10123 GRT, built 1920), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930), Rio Grande (Panamanian, 5696 GRT, built 1919), Sandar (Norwegian (tanker), 7624 GRT, built 1928), Scholar (British, 3940 GRT, built 1922) and Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919).

The Dosinia was most likely immediately detached to proceed to Halifax where she arrived on 25 June.

Around 0400Z/28, HMS Jervis Bay parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Aroud 1800Z/28, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined and remained with the convoy throughout the night.

Around 0420A/29, the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1400A/29, the destroyer HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN) joined the convoy followed around 1515A/29 by her sister ship HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN).

Around 2000A/29, in position 51°00'N, 08°00'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexandre Andre (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Amakura (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Bridgepool (arrived at Milford Haven on 30 June), Caledonian Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Empire Penguin (arrived in the Clyde on 2 July), Heranger (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), King Edward (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Lucerna (arrived at Milford Haven on 30 June), Maimoa (arrived at Milford Haven on 30 June), Manchester Merchant (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Mosli (arrived in the Clyde on 2 July), Olympos (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Orduna (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Peleus (arrived at Belfast on 2 July), Polartank (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Rio Grande (arrived in the Clyde on 2 July), Sandar (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Stigstad (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July), Trelisick (arrived at Liverpool on 1 July) and Trevorian (arrived at Belfast on 2 July). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 1 July and HMS Vivacious which arrived at Plymouth on 1 July after having having parted company with the convoy during the night of 30 June / 1 July.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduchess (arrived at Plymouth on 1 July), Blairatholl (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Bonita (arrived at Weymouth on 1 July), Bornholm (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Elna (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Ethel Radcliffe (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Gand (arrived at Weymouth on 1 July), Iddesleigh (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Lustrous (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Pilar de Larrinaga (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Scholar (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Selvistan (arrived in the Downs on 2 July), Sinbad (arrived in the Downs on 2 July) and Trekieve (arrived at Weymouth on 1 July). They were escorted by HMS Versatile which arrived at Dover on 2 July. (6)

21 Jun 1940
The British tanker San Fernando is torpedoed and damaged about 50 nautical miles south-south-west of Cape Clear in position 50°20'N, 10°24'W by German U-boat U-47. The tanker was taken in tow by tugs but sank the next day. HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) together pick up 49 survivors.

22 Jun 1940
HMS Sandwich (Cdr M.J. Yeatman, RN) picks up 37 survivors from the Norwegian tanker Eli Knudsen that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-32 south of Ireland in position 50°36'N, 08°44'W.

29 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 54.

This convoy departed Halifax on 29 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Allende (British, 5108 GRT, built 1928), Antigone (British, 4545 GRT, built 1928), Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Breedijk (Dutch, 6861 GRT, built 1922), Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 1926), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Hartington (British, 5496 GRT, built 1932), Janna (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1919), Kainalu (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Pennland (Dutch, 16082 GRT, built 1922), Rupert de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1930), Sabine (British (tug), 488 GRT, built 1917), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Tresillian (British, 4743 GRT, built 1925), Treverbyn (British, 5281 GRT, built 1920), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922), Trolleholm (Swedish, 5047 GRT, built 1941), Vaalaren (Swedish, 3406 GRT, built 1936) and Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Rajputana (Capt.(Retd.) F.H. Taylor, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers returned to Halifax on 30 June.

The convoy departed in poor visibility which later developed into fog and the convoy was not properly formed up until the 30th when four ship were still missing.

Two of these rejoined on 1 July and one more rejoined in the afternoon of 3 July when also convoy BHX 54 joined. This convoy was made up of the following ships;
Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), Athinai (Greek, 2897 GRT, built 1910), Benmohr (British, 5920, built 1928), Bonnington Court (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dirphys (Greek, 4240 GRT, built 1917), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Empire Caribou (British, 4861 GRT, built 1919), Empire Moose (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Holmpark (British, 5780 GRT, built 1927), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Jutland (British, 6153 GRT, built 1928), Port Brisbane (British, 8315 GRT, built 1923), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), Stureholm (Swedish, 4575 GRT, built 1919), Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Westmoreland (British, 9001 GRT, built 1917).

This left only the Janna unaccounted for. She actually never joined the convoy and proceeded independently to the U.K. She was however torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-34 south-west of Ireland on 11 July.

In the early hours of 11 July the Trolleholm and Holmpark collided. Both proceeded to the U.K. independently with the Holmpark standing by the leaking Trolleholm. Both arrived in Belfast Lough on 15 July. HMS Wanderer had also stood by.

Around 0400Z/11, the local escort joined. This was made up of the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, DSC, RN). An hour later HMS Rajputana parted company to return to Halifax.

Later the destroyers HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN) and HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) also joined.

Around 0920A/11, the Buesten was detached to Foynes, Ireland but she rejoined around 1500A/11. Her ordered obviouly having been changed.

Around 1200A/12, the Leonidas was detached to Cork, Ireland.

Around 1900A/12, off the Smalls, the Buesten, Hartington and Treworlas were detached to Milford Haven.

Later the Lars Kruse was also ordered by HMS Havelock to proceed to Milford Haven.

Around 0815A/13, off the Skerries the Clyde and Belfast sections parted company. HMS Sandwich went with them as esocrt.

The following ships made up the 'Belfast section;
Dirphys, Dunaff Head and Stureholm.

The following ships made up the 'Clyde section;
Allende, Antigone, Athinai, Baron Dunmore, Benmohr, Boddington Court, Breedijk, Brookwood, Comanchee, Embassage, Empire Moose, Gregalia, Hoperange, Jutland, Rupert de Larrinaga, Sabine, Sepia, Tresillian, Treverbyn, Vimeira and Voco.

The remaining ships went to Liverpool as did HMS Havelock, HMS Harvester and HMS Wanderer. (7)

2 Jul 1940
HMS Sandwich (Cdr M.J. Yeatman, RN) picks up 42 survivors from the British tanker Athellaird that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-29 about 350 nautical miles north-west of Cape Finisterre in position 47°24'N, 16°49'W.

11 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 57.

This convoy departed Halifax on 11 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Bereby (British 5248 GRT, built 1919), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), City of Oxford (British, 2759 GRT, built 1926), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Delftdijk (Dutch, 10220 GRT, built 1929), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Evanger (Norwegian, 3869 GRT, built 1920), Everoja (Latvian, 4830 GRT, built 1910), Granicos (Greece, 3689 GRT, built 1916), Gypsum Queen (British, 3915 GRT, built 1927), Harlesden (British, 5483 GRT, built 1932), Hartismere (British, 5498 GRT, built 1933), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Horda (Norwegian, 4301 GRT, built 1920), Horn Shell (British (tanker), 8272 GRT, built 1931), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Milcrest (British, 5283 GRT, built 1919), Norman Prince (British, 1913 GRT, built 1940), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Ruperra (British, 4548 GRT, built 1925), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), Sedgepool (British, 5556 GRT, built 1918), Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928), Vingaland (Latvian, 4534 GRT, built 1910), White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928) and Zeus (Greek, 5961 GRT, built 1920).

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

Around 2115P/11, in position 44°07'N, 62°17'W, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Saguanay parted company to return to Halifax.

During 12 July, in foggy weather conditions, the Bjorkhaug and Sedgepool straggled from the convoy. They did not rejoin and arrived in the Clyde on 25 July and in Barry Roads on 29 July respectively.

Around 1145P/15, in position 40°50'N, 46°15'W, convoy BHX 57 joined up with convoy HX 57. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Carperby (British, 4890 GRT, built 1928), Clearwater (British, 5590 GRT, built 1920), Eglantine (British, 6374 GRT, built 1919), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), Goodleigh (British, 5448 GRT, built 1938), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), La Cordillera (British, 5185 GRT, built 1940), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Malmanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7078 GRT, built 1920), Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), Ronin (Panamanian, 5677 GRT, built 1919), Salvestria (British, 11938 GRT, built 1913), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Sulev (British (former Estonian), 2233 GRT, built 1908), Tuscan Star (British, 11449 GRT, built 1930) and Vav (Norwegian (tanker), 6415 GRT, built 1931).

Around 0530N/23, in position 56°40'N, 17°10'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax. Shortly before the local A/S escort had joined. This was made up of the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, RN), corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) and an A/S trawler [so far not idenified.].

Around 1930A/24, in position 56°04'N, 08°14'W, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 57A was destined for Methil and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Caperby, Delftdijk, El Ciervo (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 July), Goodleigh, Granicos, Harlesden, Hartismere, Hercules, Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 July), La Cordillera, Norman Prince, Port Darwin, Salvestria (mined and sunk in the Firth of Forth on 27 July), San Emiliano, Sulev and Vancouver. Convoy HX 57A arrived at Methil on 27 July. They were escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMS Deptford which both arrived at Rosyth on 27 July.

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Convoy HX 57B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area.

Around 0840A/25, in position 55°12'N, 05°50'W, the following merchant vessels with destinations in the Clyde area parted company;
Agia Marina, Athelviking, Daldorch, Delilian, Kars, Leiesten, Malmanger, Milcrest, Rio Azul, Sildra and Vingaland.

Around 1100A/25, the following merchant vessels parted company to proceed to Belfast Lough;
Bengore Head, Vav and White Crest.

Around 1815A/25, the following merchant vessels parted company to proceed to ports in the Bristol Channel area;
City of Oxford, Eglantine, Everoja (destination was Dublin), Inverilen, Ruperra and Zeus.

Around 0330A/26, the following merchant vessels arrived off the Bar light vessel and subsequently entered Liverpool;
Atlantian, Bereby, Clearwater, Evanger, Gypsum Queen, Horda, Horn Shell, Madrono, Manchester Division, Rio Blanco, Ronin, San Arcadia and Tuscan Star. They were escorted by HMS Wanderer and HMS Periwinkle which both also arrived at Liverpool on 26 July. (8)

23 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 60.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oriole (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Andrea Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 10173 GRT, built 1940), Baron Minto (British, 4637 GRT, built 1937), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beatus (British, 4885 GRT, built 1925), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Belcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Bilderdijk (Dutch, 6856 GRT, built 1922), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938)), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Springbuck (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Graigwen (British, 3697 GRT, built 1926), Heron (British (trawler), 355 GRT, built 1919), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), King Idwal (British, 5115 GRT, built 1920), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loch Lomond (British, 5452 GRT, built 1934), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Papalemos (Greek, 3748 GRT, built 1910), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), San Marcos (British, 5759 GRT, built 1919), Saturnus (Dutch, 2741 GRT, built 1909), Sea Giant (British (tug), 778 GRT, built 1920), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Tafelberg (South African (whale factory ship serving as tanker), 13640 GRT, built 1930), Thala (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Thornlea (British, 4261 GRT, built 1929), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) and W. Hendrik (British, 4360 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. H.G. Norman, RN), destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and auxliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS Ottawa and HMCS French were to part company half an hour after sunset on 23 July and then return to Halifax.

During the passage to the U.K. the following ships straggled from the convoy [dates and positions are not given in the convoy report.];
Heron, Levant, Papalemos, Porjus and Sea Giant. The Porjus rejoined the convoy later (4 August). Also the Lewant must have rejoined the convoy before that time.

Around 1000P/27, in position 40°53'N, 46°17'W, convoy BHX 60 joined convoy HX 60. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Amastra (British (tanker), 8031 GRT, built 1935), Anglo Peruvian (British, 5457 GRT, built 1926), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Boka (Panamanian, 5399 GRT, built 1920), Catrine (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dalfonn (British (tanker), 9860 GRT, built 1928), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Indora (British, 6622 GRT, built 1938), Rosewood (British (tanker), 5989 GRT, built 1931), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928) and Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939).

Around 0315A/4, red rockets were observed and it became apparent that an enemy submarine had attacked the convoy. Two ships had been hit of which the King Alfred broke in two, the forepart sinking immediately. The aft part remained floating for a while. The other ship torpedoed was the Gogovale which remained afloat for a while before sinking. The attacking submarine had been the U-52.

Around 0510A/4, the convoy was joined by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the destroyer HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN).

Around 0543A/4, HMS Vanoc was ordered to proceed to the assistance of the torpedoed ships. She picked up survivors and scuttled the aft part of the King Alfred and then made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 0545A/4, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) joined the convoy.

Around 0820A/4, the convoy executed an emergency turn of 90° to port and a few minutes later it was reported that the Geraldine Mary had been torpedoed. Following this attack HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent dropped depth charges on A/S contacts. During this time, the attacker, once again U 52 was depth charged and sustained damage.

Around 1014A/4, the Geraldine Mary broke in two with the after end sinking immediately and the fore end partly submered bottom up.

Around 1120A/4, HMS Vanoc was sighted and at 1217A/4, she and HMCS St. Laurent were ordered to keep an A/S patrol in the area while HMS Sandwich picked up survivors. [HMS Vanoc also picked up four.]

At 1223A/4, HMS Vanoc reported that she was short of fuel so she was ordered to rejoin the now unescorted convoy.

At 1233A/4, HMCS St. Laurent was ordered to continue to search the area for the attacker and also to scuttle the still drifting forepart of the Geraldine Mary.

At 1311A/4, the C-in-C, Western Approaches ordered the corvettes HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) to sweep to position 56°59'N, 16°32'W and then take over the escort of the damaged Gogovale, which was thought to be salvageable, from HMS Vanoc. Also the rescue tug HMS Brigand departed Kirkwall to tow the damaged Gogovale to the Clyde.

At 1316A/4, HMS Sandwich, having picked up 30 survivors, made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1510A/4, HMS Sandwich saw HMCS St. Laurent was seen approaching. She had to abandon the A/S search due to fuel shortage.

Around 2000A/4, HMS Sandwich rejoined the convoy. The convoy escort was now made up of HMS Sandwich, HMCS St. Laurent and HMS Vanoc. Besides these ships, two additional destroyers had meanwhile joined the convoy, this were HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN).

Around 1645A/5, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 60A was destined for Methil (arrived on 8 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amastra, Anglo-Peruvian, Beatus, Beaverhill, Belcrest, Boka, British General, Catrine, Clea, Dalblair, Llanishen, Loch Lomond, Maasdam, Rosewood (arrived at Scapa Flow on 8 August), Saturnus, Scottish Heather (arrived at Invergordon on 11(?) August) and Uganda. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent which both arrived at Rosyth on 8 August.

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Convoy HX 60B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oreole (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Andrea Brovig (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Athelviscount (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Baron Minto (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bassano (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bilderdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Cape Nelson (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Clumberhall (arrived at Newport on 9 August), Custodian (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Dalfonn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Daphnella (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Davila (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Dromore (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Empire Springbuck (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Explorer (arrived at Liverpool on 7 / 8 August), Graigwen (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Indora (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), King Idwal (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Langleetarn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lewant (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lyras (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Margarita Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Moveria (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Olaf Bergh (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Porjus (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Ringstad (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), San Felix (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), San Marcos (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Simonburg (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 August), Tafelberg (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Thala (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Thornlea (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Solfonn (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August) and W. Hendrik (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Mackay (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), HMS Vanoc (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August) and HMS Winchelsea (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August). (9)

4 Aug 1940
HMS Sandwich picks up master and survivors of SS Geraldine Mary, of Anglo-Newfoundland Steamship Co Ltd (10)

8 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 64.

This convoy departed Halifax on 8 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amsterdam (Dutch (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1922), Anna Bulgaris (Greek, 4603 GRT, built 1912), Ardanbhan (British, 4980 GRT, built 1929), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Blommersdijk (British, 6855 GRT, built 1922), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Canada (Swedish, 5527 GRT, built 1921), Cape Corso (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Corsair (British (yacht), 2181 GRT, built 1930), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Mariner (British, 5055 GRT, built 1922), Halcyon (British, 3531 GRT, built 1917), Harbury (British, 5081 GRT, built 1933), Leonidas M. Valmas (Greek, 2042 GRT, built 1915), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Pacific (Swedish, 4978 GRT, built 1914), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Siljan (Swedish, 3063 GRT, built 1920), Trevethoe (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, built 1938).

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

HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS French returned to Halifax on 9 August after having parted company with the convoy.

Around 1800P/10, Convoy SHX 64, coming from Sydney, joined convoy HX 64. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Aracataca (British, 5377 GRT, built 1925), Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baron Jedburgh (British, 3656 GRT, built 1936), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Chr. J. Kampmann (Canadian, 2281 GRT, built 1924), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Erna III (British, 1590 GRT, built 1930), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Flensburg (Dutch, 6421 GRT, built 1922), George J. Goulandris (Greek, 4345 GRT, built 1913), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Ila (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1939), Manistee (British, 5360 GRT, built 1921), Prins Willem II (Dutch, 1304 GRT, built 1939) and Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920).

Around 1630P/12, Convoy BHX 64, coming from Bermuda, joined convoy HX 64. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelmonarch (British (tanker), 8995 GRT, built 1928), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Darlington Court (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Eumila (British, 6207 GRT, built 1937), Fresno City (British, 4955 GRT, built 1929), Holmside (British, 3433 GRT, built 1930), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Stad Alkmaar (Dutch, 5750 GRT, built 1940), Tacoma City (British, 4738 GRT, built 1929) and West Cohas (British, 5647 GRT, built 1929).

Around 2210P/14, in position 49°10'N, 40°02'W, the Leonidas M. Valmas, which had already been trailing the convoy for two days, was lost from sight. She did not rejoin the convoy and was torpedoed and heavily damaged [salvaged but later declared a total loss] on 20 August by the German submarine U-46.

Around 1030N/19, in position 58°55'N, 20°52'W, in thick fog, the Darlington Court and West Cohas lost contact with the convoy. They both arrived in the Clyde on 23 August.

Around 0530N/20, in position 57°29'N, 16°33'W, HMS Rajputana parted company to return to Halifax after the first ships of the local A/S escort had contacted.

The sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) then joined the convoy around 0700Z/20 in position 57°24'N, 16°52'W.

Around 0900Z/20, the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and the corvette HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 0630A/21, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 64A was destined for Methil (arrived on 24 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amsterdam, Ardanbhan, Ary Lensen, Athelfoam, Baron Lovat, Baxtergate, Blairnevis, Brisk, British Prince, Campus, City of Lancaster, Coulmore, Erna III, Eskdalegate, Fresno City, Hallfried, Holmside, Hopemount, Ila, Inanda, Madras City, Magician, Mathilda, Oilreliance, Prins Willem II, Selvik, Socony, Tacoma City, Trevethoe and Wray Castle. This section was escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMS Gardenia which both arrived at Rosyth on 24 August.

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Convoy HX 64B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algerian (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Aracataca (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Athelchief (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Anna Bulgaris (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Athlmonarch (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Baron Jedburg (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Biafra (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Blommersdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Bradburn (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Brant County (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Canada (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cape Corso (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Chr. J. Kampmann (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cistula (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Corair (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Empire Mariner (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Eulima (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Flensburg (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), George J. Goulandris (arrived at Port Talbot on 25 August), Halcyon (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Harbury (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), James J. Maguire (arrived at Avonmouth on 25 August), Lombardy (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Manistee (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Orient City (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Pacific (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Rajahstan (arrived at Newport on 25 August), Siljan (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August) and Stad Alkmaar (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August). They were escorted by HMS Warwick and HMS Mallow which both arrived at Liverpool on 23 August. (11)

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.

23 Nov 1940
HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) picks up 28 survivors from the British merchant King Idwal that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-123 about 158 nautical miles west of Rockall in position 56°44'N, 19°13'W.

HMS Sandwich also picks up 5 survivors from the British merchant Tymeric that was also torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-123 about 350 nautical miles west-north-west of Malin Head in position 57°00N, 20°30'W.

6 May 1941

Convoy HG 61.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 6 May 1941.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aguila (British, 3255 GRT, built 1917), Alva (British, 1584 GRT, built 1934), Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Baron Cochrane (British, 3385 GRT, built 1927), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Bifrost (Swedish, 1781 GRT, built 1923), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cape Corso (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Caverock (British, 1332 GRT, built 1915), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ridge (British, 2922 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Fort Richepanse (British (former French), 3485 GRT, built 1935), Lanahrone (Irish, 1221 GRT, built 1928), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Meta (British, 1578 GRT, built 1931), Milos (Swedish, 3058 GRT, built 1898), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Sarastone (British, 2473 GRT, built 1929), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929) and Torfinn Jarl (Norwegian, 1480 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN), corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Joinquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR) and submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN).

Around 0700A/7, in position 34°51'N, 08°24'W, and the special service vessel HMS Fidelity (Cdr. C.A.M. Péri) joined the convoy.

Around 2130Z/12, in position 41°54'N, 21°54'W, HMS Azalea, HMS Geranium and HMS Jonquil parted company with the convoy to join convoy OG 61.

Around 0600Z/13, in position 42°51'N, 22°00'W, HrMs O 21 parted company to join convoy OG 61.

Around 0740Z/13, the armed boarding vessel Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy. With her was the Italian tanker

Gianna M. (5703 GRT, built 1913) which HMS Hilary had captured the Gianna M. north of the Azores on 10 May 1941.

Around 1130Z/14, the armed boarding vessels Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) and HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1700Z/14, in position 47°04'N, 21°42'W, HMS Hilary parted company with the convoy.

Around 1930Z/15, in position 49°53'N, 21°31'W, the destroyer HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1545Z/16, in position 52°23'N, 21°14'W, the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN), corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the convoy. The rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy later that day.

Around 2140Z/17, the destroyer HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1030Z/18, an enemy aircraft was seen and three minutes later bombs were dropped close to the Fort Richepanse and the Gianna M.. Both sustained some minor damage. Two more air attacks were carried out on this day but the bombs dropped all exploded well away from the convoy.

At 0324B/19, in position 54°57'N, 11°10'W [British source] 54°47'N, 11°10'W [German source], the Empire Ridge was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-96. HMS Vanquisher picked up the only two survivors which were subsequently transferred to HMS Legion.

Around 2300B/19, the ' Oban ' portion of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Cochrane, Baron Yarborough, Bifrost, Cape Corso, Marklyn and Meta.

Around 0530B/20, in position 55°31'N, 06°33'W, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea parted company to proceed to Londonderry to fuel after which they were to proceed to Liverpool.

Around 0635B/20, in position 55°27'N, 06°45'W, the Zaafaran parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Clyde.

Around 0700B/20, in position 55°25'N, 06°27'W, HMS Cavina and HMS Corinthian parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Clyde.

Around 1005B/20, the ' Clyde ' portion of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aguilla, Auk, Baron Stranraer, Caverock, City of Lancaster and Sarastone.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded onwards.

The following ships arrived at Belfast Lough on 20 May 1941; Empire Tern, Fort Richepanse, Gianna M., Lanahrone, Pinzon and South Wales.

The Alva arrived at Workington on 21 May 1941.

The following ships arrived at Barrow-in-Furness on 21 May 1941; Bruse Jarl and Milos.

The Torfinn Jarl arrived arrived at Liverpool on 21 May 1941.

Of the escort HMS Londonderry arrived at Londonderry on 20 May 1941 and HMS Legion arrived in the Clyde also 20 May 1941.

All remaining escorts arrived at Liverpool on 21 May 1941. (12)

1 Dec 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. W.A. Phillimore, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN) and HMS Le Tiger (T/Lt. C.A. Hoodless, RNR). (13)

24 Mar 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Rochester (Cdr. (retired) C.B. Allen, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, RN), HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN) and ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. T. Gorazdowski, ORP, ORP). (14)

24 Mar 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (15)

21 May 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Stork (Cdr. F.J. Walker, DSO, RN), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. C.J. Jackson, RNVR), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR). (16)

22 May 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR), HMS Leamington (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS Columbine T/Lt. A.L. Turner, RNR) and HMS Vanessa (Lt. C.E. Sheen, RN). (16)

31 Jul 1942
German U-boat U-213 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of the Azores, in position 36°45'N, 22°50'W by depth charges from the British sloops HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, RN), HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RNR).

18 Sep 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR), HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR), HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR), HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, RN) and two other vessels [unable to read these names in the log of HMS H 43]. (17)

19 Sep 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR) and HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR). (17)

19 Dec 1942

Convoy CF 10.

This convoy departed Capetown on 19 December 1942.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921) and Straat Soenda (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Capetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the destroyer HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN).

Around 0655B/21, HMS Fortune parted company with the convoy to proceed to Simonstown.

Around 1400A/27, the corvette HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1615Z/28, the escort destroyer HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and corvette Commandant Drogou joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 December 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 1 January 1943 but now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), destroyer HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), escort destroyer HMS Holcombe and corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR).

Around 1940Z/1, HMS Ilex was detached to participate in an A/S hunt off Dakar.

Around 1120Z/2, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) joined, having departed Bathurst on 1 January.

Around 1930Z/3, HMS Ilex rejoined the convoy having first fuelled at Bathurst. At the same time the Largs Bay escorted by HMS Woodruff parted company. The Largs Bay was to proceed to New York escorted part of the way by the corvette. HMS Woodruff arrived at Bathurst on 10 January.

Around 1800Z/4, HMS Holcombe parted company to proceed to Bathurst where she arrived on 6 January.

Around 0800Z/5, the sloops HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, RN) joined.

Around 0840Z/5, HMS Ilex and HMS Bellwort parted company to proceed to Bathurst where HMS Ilex arrived on the 6th and HMS Bellwort on the 7th.

Around 1200A/8, the convoy merged with convoy MKF 6. The three sloops did not join convoy MKF 6 but proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived later on the 8th. (18)

9 Aug 1943

Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 9 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alresford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Porpoise (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fenad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Assiniboine (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Lanrick (British, 1276 GRT, built 1920), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Penshurst (British, 1454 GRT, built 1921), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, built 1938), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), St. Rosado (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) was also part of the convoy.

Also part of the convoy were the boom defence vessels HMS Barndale (T/Lt. R.L. Jones, RNR) and HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR, with Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSC, RN on board as Senior Officer of the Escort Group), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Fal (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the M/S trawlers (for passage to the Mediterranean) HMS Staffa (T/Lt. R.L. Roat, RNVR) and HMS Unst (T/Lt. F.M. Cornall, RNVR).

Around 1700Z/11, in position 51°38'N, 13°14'W, the sloop HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN) joined coming from Londonderry.

Around 1300Z/12, the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) joined the convoy coming from Milford Haven. She had the tanker Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943) with her.

Around 0715Z/13 the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide cover against surface attack. About an hour later she positioned herself well to the east of the convoy. She left the vicinity of the convoy the following day after the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) had joined around 0535Z/14 in position 43°42'N, 14°15'W. She was stationed inside the convoy for AA protection. During daylight hours, HMS Stork and HMS Redpole were also stationed inside the convoy to provide AA protection with their 4" gun batteries. During the night there were deployed in the A/S screen.

At 0915Z/15, when the convoy was in position 39°40'N, 13°33'W, it was noticed that en enemy FW 200 aircraft was shadowing the convoy.

At 1015Z/15, two FW 200's commenced high level bombing attacks on the convoy but all bombs fell wide.

Around 1745Z/15, the convoy was attacked by (16 to 18) German FW 200 aircraft from 1./KG.40 in position 38°59'N, 12°58'W. The Warfield was heavily damaged and later sank while the Baron Fairlie and Ocean Faith were both damaged. The Baron Fairlie was making water in the engine room. HMS Bazeley remained behind to assist these ships but she later rejoined the convoy. She sank the wreck of the Warfield which was beyond salvage. HMS Bazeley was near missed and slightly damaged but this was not discovered until the ship was docked for inspection.

Around 1200Z/16, HMS Trent was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2045Z/16, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived around 0830B/17.

Around 0600Z/16, HMS Test was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 0900Z/17, the convoy split into convoy OS 53 and KMS 23.

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Convoy OS 53, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus, Botlea, British Engineer, Empire Bardolph, Empire Bombardier, Empire Cabot, Empire Porpoise, Empire Prowess, English Monarch, Hilversum, Leighton, MacGregor Laird, Neleus, New Brooklyn, Norjerv, Peterston, Solarium, St. Rosario, Trojan Star and Tynemouth.

They were joined by the merchant vessels; Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Fort Alexandria (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Antic which came from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 15th escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the trawler HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury, HMS Fal and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau. HMS Trent and HMS Test latr rejoined from Casablanca on the 18th and 19th of August respectively.

On 17 August 1943, the convoy was joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Casablanca which they had departed the previous day; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR). These patrol vessels did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca arriving there on the 18th. They had taken the merchant vessel Empire Prowess with them.

Around 1000Z/22, the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) joined the convoy. HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau then parted company to proceed to Dakar to fuel where they arrived the following day.

On 23 August 1943, the El-Biar, Finistere and Montaigne arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessels Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, 1942) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

On 24 August 1943, the British Engineer and Empire Bombardier arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessel Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy the following day coming from Bathurst.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 27 August 1943. Not all merchant ships entered Freetown but continued on to their destination independently.

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Convoy KMS 23, towards the Mediterranean, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford, Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Baron Forbes, Chloris, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Capulet, Empire Chamois, Empire Clarion, Empire Deed, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Empire Shearwater, Euryades, Facto, Fenad Head, Filleigh, Fort Albany, Fort Ash, Fort Assiniboine, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort Fraser, Fort Glenyon, Fort McLeod, Fort St. Paul, Fort Ville Marie, Greathope, Itinda, Lanrick, Lowlander, North Leigh, Ocean Faith, Ocean Valentine, Penshurst, Portsea, Selvik, Tigre and Wayfarer.

The rescue vessel Rathlin and the boomb defence vessels HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst were also with the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, sloops HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, A/S trawler HMS St. Nectan and the M/S trawlers HMS Staffa and HMS Unst. Also joining on the split up of the combined convoy was the Mediterranean escort of the convoy. It had departed Gibraltar on 16 August 1943 and was made up of the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN), HMS Romney (Lt. W.E. Halbert, RNR), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, DSC, RNR), HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)), HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)) and HMAS Maryborough (T/Lt. J.C.P. Boyle, RANR(S)).

On 18 August 1943, the Arlesford, Baron Forbes, Ocean Faith, Selvik, Rathlin, HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy. From the escort, HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, HMS St. Nectan, HMS Staffa and HMS Unst also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 18 August 1943 the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Gibraltar; A.C. Bedford (American (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919) and Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927).

Around 1700B/19, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar which she had departed around 1200B/19. She parted company with the convoy around 0725B/20 to return to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1915B/20.

On 20 August 1943, the Cloris, Elizabeth Massay, Greathope and Gulf of Venezuela arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining from Oran were the LST's USS LST 17 (Lt. H.B. Gallagher, USCGR), USS LST 21 (Lt. C.M. Brookfield, USCGR), USS LST 25 (Lt. J.P. Houlinan, USCGR), USS LST 72 (Lt. H.A Kaye, USNR), USS LST 73 (Lt. W.K. Bradbury, USNR), USS LST 175 (Lt. E.J. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS LST 176 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Salt, USNR), USS LST 208 (Lt. R.W. Emmons, USNR), USS LST 209 (Lt. F.J. Oberg, USNR) and USS LST 261 (Lt. L.I. Reilley, USCG).

On 21 August 1943, the Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Empire Chamois, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Facto, Filleigh, Fort Fraser, Grand Quevilly, Lanrick and Penshurst arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Empire Cato (British, 7039 GRT, built 1942), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Miriam (British, 1903 GRT, built 1912), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

The submarines HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) also joined the convoy off Algiers for passage to Malta.

On 22 August 1943, the Fort Ash arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Benedict, Empire Cato, Fort Albany, Northleigh and Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Empire Clarion, Empire Commerce, Empire Deed, Fenad Head, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Ville Marie and Ravens Point arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

Around 1800B/22, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) joined coming from Bizerta which she had departed around 1000B/22.

On 23 August 1943, the A.C. Bedford, Armenara, Balteako, Edward Richardson, Eildon, Empire Salvage, Horace Binney, Kingsborough, Toorak and all the LST's arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 23 August 1943, the Cape Sable arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 August 1943, the Belnor, Empire Shearwater, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort St. Paul, Jade, Miriam and Ocean Valentine arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940).

The two submarines were detached to Malta. The escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) escorted them there.

Around 2230C/26, HMS Colombo parted company with the convoy to proceed to Benghazi.

On 27 August 1943 the merchant vessels Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi.

On 29 August 1943, the British Vigour, Egret, Euryades, Fort Assiniboine, Lowlander, Meroe, Ovula , Shirrabank and Trajanus arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Shoreham, HMS Hythe, HMS Romney, HMS Whitehaven and HMAS Gawler.

HMAS Lismore proceeded to Haifa where she arrived on 30 August 1943.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 August 1943.

12 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN). (19)

22 Nov 1943

Convoy SL 141.

This convoy departed Freetown on 22 November 1943.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Empire Arun (British, 5490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918) and Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR).

On 25 November 1943, the merchant vessels Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942) and Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 3 December 1943, the merchant vessels Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936) and Fort Gibraltar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the El-Biar with them.

On 4 December 1943, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 32(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), City of Hongkong (British, 9609 GRT, built 1924), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930)), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Gold (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scout (British, 2185 GRT, built 1936), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Iris (British (cable ship), 1479 GRT, built 1940), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Parklaan (Dutch, 3807 GRT, built 1911), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Recorder (British, 2276 GRT, built 1902) and Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Bury (British, 1686 GRT, built 1911) was also with the convoy.

The LST's USS LST 5 (Lt. J.F. Lambden Jr., USNR), USS LST 7 (Lt. F. O'Neil, USN), USS LST 306 (Lt. R.H. Kimball, USNR), USS LST 307 (Lt. J.B. Markham, USNR), USS LST 331 (Lt. J. Mazotta, USCG), USS LST 335 (Lt. H.R. Roberts, USNR), USS LST 336 (Lt. D.L. Biberman, USNR), USS LST 369 (Lt. J.P. O'Riorden, USNR), USS LST 388 (Lt. R.S. Browning, USNR), USS LST 391 (Lt. I. Ehrensall, USNR), USS LST 392 (Lt. L.R. Lemaire, Jr., USNR) and USS LST 393 (Lt. W.C. Knight, USNR) also took passage in the convoy.

Convoy MKS 32(G) was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (Capt.(Retd.) H.T.M. Pawsey, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, DSC, RNVR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) and HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR).

The original escort of convoy SL 141 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 5 December 1943.

Around 1015Z/6, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 0630Z/12 to join the combined convoy Combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35. She was escorted to the rendezvous with this convoy by HMS Tavy which then parted company to rejoin convoy SL 141 / KMS 32.

The now combined convoy SL 141 / MKS 32 arrived in U.K. waters on 17 December 1943. The Arawa (to Clyde, arrived 14 December 1943) and Socotra (to Liverpool, arrived 12 December 1943) had been detached earlier and proceeded to their respective destinations independently.

9 Dec 1943

Combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 9 December 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacGillivray (British, 5023 GRT, built 1911), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Commandant Dorise (British (former French), 5529 GRT, built 1917), Dimitrios Inglessis (Greek, 5275 GRT, built 1918), Drammensfjord (Norwegian, 5339 GRT, built 1920), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Boswell (British, 2898 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Empire Razorbill (British, 5620 GRT, built 1920), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Covington (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), Ingman (British, 3149 GRT, built 1907), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Kiruna (Swedish, 5484 GRT, built 1921), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Madoera (Dutch, 9360 GRT, built 1922), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Mahanada (British, 8489 GRT, built 1943), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Melampus (Dutch, 6336 GRT, built 1924), Merton (British, 7195 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

The rescue ship Pinto (British, 1346 GRT, built 1928) was also part of the convoy as were three Greek LST's, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), cutter HMS Fishguard (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), frigates HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), HMS Towy (Cdr. M.J Evans, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Narcissus (T/Lt. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawlers HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. R.C. Heron, RNVR) and HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR).

The Clan MacGillivray had to return to the U.K. and arrived in the Clyde on 10 December 1943.

On 11 December 1943, the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) joined the convoy coming from Plymouth which she had departed on 10 December.

Around 1245Z/12, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) joined the convoy having parted company with northbound convoy SL 141 / KMS 32.

On 16 December 1943, HMCS Prince Robert parted company. Also the transport Linge parted company with the convoy to proceed to the Azores. She was escorted by HMS Fishguard. They arrived at the Azores on 18 December 1943.

Around 0535Z/17, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 142 / MKS 33. She joined this combined convoy around 1120Z/17. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Inver which then parted company to rejoin combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35.

On 19 December 1943 the convoy split into convoy OS 61 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 35 bound for the Mediterranean. The merchant vessels Barrington Court, Empire Boswell, Fort Covington and Lisbeth were detached to Lisbon.

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Convoy OS 61 was made up of the merchant vessels; Commandant Dorise, Fort George, Kiruna, Merton and Sobo.

They were joined by the following merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929)), Corfirth (British, 1803 GRT, built 1934), Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Fort Binger (British, 5671 GRT, built 1919), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Silverash (British, 7750 GRT, built 1926) and Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922) which came from Gibraltar which they had departed Gibraltar on 19 December 1943 escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) which now took over the escort of convoy convoy OS 61.

On 21 December 1943, the merchant vessels Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed on 20 December 1943. The Corfirth, Fort George and Kiruna were then detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 22 December 1943.

On 26 December 1943, the Chelma, Marrakech, Montaigne and Tynebank arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912) and the minesweeping sloop Gazelle departed Dakar to join the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 December 1943. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 35 was made up of the merchant vessels; Agen, Anglo-Indian, Baron Fairlie, Barrgrove, Chertsey, Clan MacIlwraith, Dimitrios Inglessis, Drammensfjord, Empire Austen, Empire Gale, Empire Razorbill, Empire Snow, Fairwater, Fort Meductic, Ingleton, Ingman, Johilla, Keilehaven, Madoera, Madras City, Mahanada, Manchester Commerce, Manchester Port, Martand, Melampus, Ocean Vesper, Stad Arnhem, Stanhill, Tactician, Temple Inn, Tiba and Zypenberg.

The Pinto and the three Greek LST's, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos were also part of this convoy.

On 21 December 1943, the following ships; Agen, Barrgrove, Ingman, Pinto, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy as did the original escort. [It is possible several other ships of the convoy made a short stop at Gibraltar.]

Early on 22 December 1943, the three Greek LST's and the merchant vessels Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Pierrot (British (tug), 232 GRT, built 1943), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Harry A. Garfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Zena (British, 1416 GRT, built 1911) departed Gibraltar to (re)join the convoy. Also joining were the submarine tender Jules Verne, RFA salvage vessel Salvage Duke, rescue tug HMRT Mindful and the submarine HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN). A new escort group also joined, made up of the frigates HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Inver, corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR), HMS Primula (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?). Additional escorts were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), cutter HMS Fishguard (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), minesweepers HMS Rosario (A/Cdr. F.E. Brooking, RN), HMS Waterwitch (Lt.Cdr. D.S. Campbell, RNVR), patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the A/S trawler La Setoise.

On 23 December 1943, the following ships; Dimitrios Inglessis, Haakon Hauan, Stad Arnhem, Vera Radcliffe and Zypenberg were detached to Oran, as were the Amiral Mouchez and La Setoise, while the following merchant vessels; George Dewey (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hilary A. Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James G. Birney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Paul Hamilton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Oran. Also joining from Oran was the salvage vessel USS Tackle (Lt. J.M. Gillespie , USNR).

On 24 December 1943, the following ships; were detached to Djebel Aures, Empire Austen, Empire Razorill, Fort Meductic, Madras City and Temple Inn to Algiers as were the Jules Verne, HMS Salvage Duke and the USS Tackle. The following ships joined the convoy of Algiers; Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bairn (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Harald (British, 1970 GRT, built 1903), Ile de Brehat (French, 6176 GRT, built 1919), Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919) and Norbris (Panamanian (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930). The LST HMS LST 324 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bell, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 25 December 1943, the merchant vessel Empire Tana () joined the convoy off Bougie.

Later on 25 December 1943, the merchant vessels Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy off Bougie.

Also on 25 December 1943, the Harry A. Garfield, Ingleton, Stal and Tiba were detached off Bone as was the rescue tug HMRT Mindful while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Tintern Abbey (British, 2471 GRT, built 1939).

On 26 December 1943, the merchant vessels Harald, Keilehaven, Loke and Paul Hamilton parted company with the convoy off Bizerta as did HMS Colombo, HMS LST 324, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Bizerta; Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opal (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1941), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Mannington (British, 1127 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Ugo Fiorelli (Italian, 1600 GRT, built 1943) as did the buoy tender Sunflower (American, 1100 GRT, built 1907).

The Empire Damsel and Sunflower were subsequently detached to Porto Empedocle on the south coast of Sicily.

On 27 December 1943, the merchant vessels Drammensfjord, Kosciuszko and Manchester Port were detached to Malta as was the minesweeper HMS Waterwitch while the merchant vessels Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928) and Forthbank (British, 5057 GRT, 1929) joined the convoy.

On 27 December 1943 the following merchant vessels departed Augusta to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937).

On 28 December 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Baron Fairlie, Benjamin Goodhue, Chertsey, Colytto, Empire Bairn, Empire Gale, Empire Snow, Empire Summer, Empire Tana, Esneh, Fairwater, Fomalhaut, George Dewey, George Matthews, Hilary A. Herbert, Ile de Brehat, James G. Birney, Joseph Hewes, Loriga, Mannington, Manchester Commerce, Norbris, Ocean Stranger, Ocean Vesper, Riverton, Stanhill, Star, Theodore Foster, Tintern Abbey, Ugo Fiorelli, Van der Capelle, William Patterson and Zena.

On 30 December 1943, HMS Inver arrived at Tobruk after having been detached from the convoy.

On 31 December 1943, the following merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp, Bantria, Berkel, Crista, Empire Capulet, Empire Daring, Empire Glory, Fort Ash, Fort Erie, Fort Nashwaak, Sambrake and Sofala were detached to Alexandria as were HMS Gloxinia, HMS Fishguard, HMS Rosario, HMS Wolborough and HMSAS Southern Maid.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 1 January 1944 after which the two remaining escorts, HMS Dart and HMS Primula proceeded to Haifa.

15 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 65 / KMS 39.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 15 January 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Alcor (Dutch, 3526 GRT, built 1920), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), City of Derby (British, 6616 GRT, built 1921), City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918)), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nipigon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Fort St.Nicolas (British, 7154 GRT, built 1943), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, 1943), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), Manchester Shipper (British, 7881 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913), Mimosa (Greek, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pilar de Larringa (British, 7046 GRT, built 1918), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Prospector (British, 6202 GRT, built 1944), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919), Samhain (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

The boom carrier HMS Ethiopian (5424 GRT, built 1936, A/Cdr.(Retd.) K.A.S. Phillips, RNR) was also part of the convoy as were the rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) and the rescue tugs HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN), corvettes HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR), HMS Narcissus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR), HMS Orchis (T/Lt. B.W. Harris, RNVR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawler HMS Northern Foam (T/Lt. J.A. Crockett, RNR). As additional escorts the frigates HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR), HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Prescott (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McIsaac, RCNVR), HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) and HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) were also present until 19 January 1944 when they were detached to northbound convoy SL 145/ MKS 36.

On 16 January 1944, HMS Verity was detached to join another southbound convoy KMF 28.

On 17 January 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR) joined the convoy after having departed the Clyde late on the 15th.

On 18 January 1944, the frigate HMS Towy (Cdr. M.J Evans, OBE, RN) joined the convoy after having departed Londonderry on the 17th.

On 19 January 1944, the German U-boat U-641 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Ireland, in position 50°25'N, 18°49'W by HMS Violet.

On 21 January 1944, the tanker / transport Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918) departed the Azores to join the convoy.

While en-route, around 19/20 January 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined at sea from northbound convoy SL 145/ MKS 36.

On 27 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 65 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 33 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 65 was made up of the merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Bornholm, Congonian, Dordrecht, Gascony, John Holt, Mimosa, Princesa, Royal Star and Silvermaple. The corvettes Aconit, Lobelia and Roselys remained with the convoy initially.

On 26 January 1944, the merchant vessels Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Belgian Seaman (Belgian, 7023 GRT, built 1941), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) which were to escort the convoy to Freetown.

On 27 January 1944, the transport Mimosa and the corvettes Aconit, Lobelia and Roselys arrived at Casablanca after having been detached from the convoy.

On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Casablanca to join the convoy; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941) and Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt.(jg) A.W. Silverstein, USNR). The patrol vessels did not join the convoy but proceeded to make rendezvous with convoy OT 12.

On 3 February 1944, the El-Biar and arrived Marrakech arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Sant-Louis (French, 5202 GRT, built 1913) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 6 February 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 39, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with most of the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Agia Marina, Baron Ruthven, City of Keelung, City of Lancaster, Dromore, Empire Thackeray, Empire Usk, Esturia and Surula. The rescue ship Melrose Abbey, escort oiler San Tirso and HMS Ethiopian arrived at Gibraltar as did the following escort vessels / rescue tugs; ORP Burza, HMS Towy, HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Narcissus, HMS Orchis, HMS Violet, HMS Kilbirnie, HMS Northern Foam, HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent. HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Violet had probably arrived early to fuel before rejoining the convoy.

The following ships meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Alcor, Baron Napier, Belgian Trader, Blairnevi, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, City of Derby, Coulmore, Dunelmia, Empire Derwent, Empire Grebe, Empire Voice, Fort Cumberland, Fort Frontenac, Fort Lennox, Fort Nipigon, Fort St.Nicolas, Generton, Glaucus, Innerton, King Edgar, Manchester Shipper, Nicolas, Peleus, Pilar de Larrinaga, Prospector, Recorder, Samhain, Slemmestad, Stamos, Tobruk and Van Ostade.

They were joined by transport Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918) coming from Gibraltar. Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Gloxinia (?), HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Violet, A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR). The minesweeper HMS Rosario (A/Cdr. F.E. Brooking, RN) was also with the convoy as was the submarine Pipinos (Lt.Cdr. Rallis).

On 29 January 1944, the transports Blairnevis and Van Ostade arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander R. Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elihu Yale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Hyde (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942).

On 30 January 1944, the transports Alcor, Coulmore, King Edgar, Peleus and Stamos arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Far (Norwegian, 2475 GRT, built 1921), Fort Connally (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samholt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920).

On 30 January 1944, the transports Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910) and Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) departed Bougie to join the convoy.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Innerton and Nicolas arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gloucester (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) and Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Belgian Trader, John McKinley, Ward Hunt and William Kent as well as the AA cruiser HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle arrived at Tunis after having parted company with the convoy

On 2 February 1944, the transports Baron Napier, Baronesa and Selvik as well as the minesweeper HMS Rosario arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tanker Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920) and Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

During 2/3 February 1944, the transports Alexander R. Lillington, Chertsey, Chloris, Colin P. Kelly, Jr., Dunelmia, Elihu Yale, Empire Derwent, Empire Grebe, Empire Guinevere, Empire Tristram, Far, Fort Connolly, Fort Cumberland, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Gloucester, Fort Lennox, Fort St.Nicolas, Fort St.Regis, Indiana, Ingertre, J.E.B. Stuart, John W. Brown, John Wise, John Hopkins, Joseph H. Nicholson, Loke, Ocean Vesper, Pilar de Larrinaga, Richard Bassett, Riverton, Samholt, Samson, Slemmestad, Star, Thomas W. Hyde and Tobruk arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Augusta which they had departed on 2 February 1944.

On 6 February 1944, the transports / tankers Empire Cameron, Empire Capulet, Fort Ash, Fort Cadotte, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Glenogle, Prospector, Samarina, Sambrake, Sampa and Samwater arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Dart, HMS Gloxinia and HMS Meadowsweet of the escort.

On 7 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield, City of Derby, Empire Copperfield, Empire Glory, Empire Path, Empire Voice, Fort Kootenay, Fort Nipigon, Fort Senneville, Glaucus, Grena, Manchester Shipper, Recorder, Samhain and Samshire arrived at Port Said after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Violet and HMS Wolborough of the escort.

On 9 February 1944, the submarine RHS Pipinos arrived at Beirut after having parted company with the convoy.

11 Feb 1944

Convoy SL 149.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 February 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ann Stathatos (Greek, 5685 GRT , built 1918), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Ragnhildsholm (Swedish, 2818 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922), William Hawkins (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Zarembo (American, 4957 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and the patrol vessels HMS Kildwick (T/Lt. P. Pannell, RNVR) and HMS Kilkenzie (T/Lt. B.C. Sheen, RNVR). The A/S trawler HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR) and the M/S trawler HMS Copinsay (Skr. J.A. MacTean, RNR) were with the convoy of the day of the convoys departure only.

On 14 February 1944, the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Fort Archambault (French, 5549 GRT, built 1918) and the coastal transport RHS APc-75 (?) departed Dakar to join the convoy. With them was the minesweeping sloop Gazelle which also joined the convoy.

At some point, presumably not too long after departure from Freetown, the William Hawkins and Zarembo were detached to Trinidad.

On 15 February 1944, the Olaf Bergh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.

Also on 15 February 1944, HMS Kildwick and HMS Kilkenzie arrived at Freetown after having been detached from the convoy the previous day.

On 21 February 1944, the mechant vessel Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did the following day. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).

On 22 February 1944, the Canada and the Fort Archambault were detached to Casablanca with the Gazelle, USS PC-475 and USS PC-481. They arrived at Casablanca on 23 February 1944.

On 22 February 1944, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 40(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Clan MacInnes (British, 4672 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Drammensford (Norwegian, 5329 GRT, built 1920), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Gatineau Park (Canadian, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Mariposa (British, 3702 GRT, built 1914), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Rideau Park (Canadian, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Samark (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambut (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samzona (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943) and Shahzada (British, 5454 GRT, built 1942). With these ships were also the LST's HMS LST 324 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bell, RNR), HMS LST 362 (Lt.Cdr. Reginald Harry Andrew Clark, RD, RNR), HMS LST 413 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.J.W. Crowdy, RNVR) and HMS LST 427 (T/Lt. W.R.G. Carling, RNR).

The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) was also with this convoy.

Convoy MKS 40(G) was escorted by the sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). The damaged escort destroyer HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) was also with the convoy for passage to the U.K. where she was to undergo repairs. She had only one engine available.

The original escort of convoy SL 149 and APc-75 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 24 February 1944.

Around 1500N/26, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

On 1 March 1944, the four LST's, HMS LST 324, HMS LST 362, HMS LST 413 and HMS LST 427 were detached to Plymouth escorted by HMS Rockwood.

Around 0350A/2, the German submarine U-744 fired a salvo of four torpedoes in position 48°00'N, 17°23'W at what was thought to be a convoy of four tankers. It was thought that three of the tankers were hit and sunk but in fact only one ship HMS LST 362 was hit. The LST broke in two with the fore part sinking immediately without any survivors from that part. The after part remained afloat for a while and 73 surivors, on of which later died, were picked up by HMS LST 324. The U-boat was then attacked with depth charges by HMS Rockwood. The U-boat then fired a gnat, acoustic homing torpedo at the escort destroyer but this missed, most likely due to the limited speed of the escort destroyer which had only one engine operational. HMS Rockwood later picked up another 22 surivivors of which unfortunately two later died.

At 0700A/2, HMS Tavy was detached from the convoy to proceed to the aid of the detached LST's and HMS Rockwood. Also aircraft from HMS Fencer were sent to the area of the attack.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 6/7 March 1944. The Jersey Hart had been detached en-route [no further details currently available].

11 Apr 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), HMS Versatile (Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN) and HMS Columbine (T/Lt. J.C. Grose, RNR). (20)

14 May 1944

Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).

The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.

The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.

On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Dunelmia, Marquesa, Menelaus, Mount Rhodope, Nairnbank, New Brooklyn and Port Darwin.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.

On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.

On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy; Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.

Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.

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Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Biafra, City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Drakepool, Dunelmia, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Mariott, Esturia, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, King Frederick, Madras City, Melrose Abbey, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, Pendeen, Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].

The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.

The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.

The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott, Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), King Frederick, Madras City, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, President de Vogue, Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.

The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.

On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Empire Gareth, Norbryn, Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Trader, Cragpool, Edward H. Crockett, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Strenght, Palermo, Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.

On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Badjestan, John S. Casement, John Sergeant, Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.

Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns, Afghanistan, Albert A. Michelson, Andrew Pickens, Beckenham, Campidoglio, Charles A. Wickliffe, Chiswick, City of Khios, Defender, Dwight W. Morrow, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Facto, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, George Davis, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Hopestar, Iceland, James Jackson, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Kemp P. Battle, King Frederic, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Madras City, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, President de Vogue, Robert Howe, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Stancleeve, Star, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea.

11 Jun 1944

Convoy SL 161.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Derwenthall (British, 4934 GRT, built 1940), Desirade (British, 9645 GRT, built 1921), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Karmt (Norwegian, 4991 GRT, built 1938), Lafian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Nelius (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Silverwalnut (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) and the motor minesweeper HMS BYMS 2150 (T/Lt. H.B. Williams, RNVR).

At 0815Z/14, in position 14°56'N, 18°00'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941) and Taigete (Italian, 4800 GRT, built 1908). They were escorted to the rendezvous by Chevreuil and two ML's. These escorts then returned to Dakar taking the merchant vessel Itinda with them which had boiler trouble. HMS BYMS 2150 also parted company and proceeded to Dakar.

At 0015Z/16, the Briarwood dropped out of the convoy and reported that both main feed pumps were out of action and that she had to stop. At daybreak she was not in sight and HMS Kilmartin was ordered to search for her astern of the convoy but could not find her. HMS Kilmartin rejoined the convoy around 1200Z/16.

At 2000Z/19, in position 29°08'N, 12°55'W, HMS Lowestoft parted company to proceed to Casablanca to refuel. She later rejoined the convoy around the same time as convoy MKS 52(G) merged with the convoy.

At 1630Z/21, in position 34°29'N, 11°42'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Belgian Fisherman (Belgian, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941) and Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR). These escorts then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessel Medie II with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 22 June 1944.

Around 0700Z/22, in position 35°43'N, 11°52'W, convoy MKS 52(G) joined coming from Gibraltar which it had departed on 20 June 1944. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Buffalo (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922), Lochee (British, 964 GRT, built 1937), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Samariz (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928).

Also with them were the rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910), escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), aircraft transport HMS Engadine (Capt. W.T. Fitzgerald, RD, RNR) and the submarines HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN).

They were escorted from Gibraltar by the escort carrier Searches, destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR), HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?) and A/S trawler HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR).

On convoy MKS 52(G) joining, HMS Leith, HMS Sandwich and HMS Kilmartin parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the merchant vessels Patrick Henry and Taigete with them.

At 0630Z/27, the Scottish American parted company with the convoy to join southbound convoy OS 81. She was escorted by a frigate [to be investigated] and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) which had come over to escort the oiler.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 1 July 1944. (21)