Allied Warships

HMS Hastings (L 27 / U 27)

Sloop of the Folkestone class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSloop
ClassFolkestone 
PennantL 27 / U 27 
Built byDevonport Dockyard (Plymouth, U.K.) 
Ordered4 Apr 1929 
Laid down29 Jul 1929 
Launched10 Apr 1930 
Commissioned26 Nov 1930 
End service 
History

Sold 2 April 1946.

 

Commands listed for HMS Hastings (L 27 / U 27)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1Lt.Cdr. Arthur Barclay Alison, RN26 Aug 1939Early 1942
2Lt.Cdr. Leslie Benjamin Philpott, DSC, RNREarly 1942Dec 1943
3T/Lt. Rupert Langsford Garratt, RNVRlate 194328 May 1944
4T/Lt. Walter Alen Panton, RNVR28 May 1944Jun 1944
5A/Cdr. Eric Alonzo Stocker, DSC, RNJun 194428 Aug 1945
6Lt.Cdr. Alexander Gracie, RN28 Aug 1945Oct 1945 ?

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Notable events involving Hastings include:


29 Nov 1939
HMS Hastings (Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) picks up 37 survivors from the British merchant Ionian that sank off Newarp Lightship in position 52°45'N, 01°56'E after hitting a mine laid on 21 November 1939 by German U-boat U-20.

11 Mar 1940
Convoy FS 119 (ca. 23 ships) departed the Tyne escorted by the AA destroyer HMS Valorous (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, RN) and the sloops HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) and HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN). The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) covered the convoy for part of the way south. These two destroyers arrived in the Humber on 12 March. The convoy arrived at Southend on 13 March. (1)

9 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, RNR), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, RN), HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN). (2)

20 Jan 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO, RN), HMCS Kitchener (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Evans, RCNVR), HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Regina (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Freeland, RCNR) and HMCS Moosejaw (T/Lt. L.D. Quick, RCN). (3)

14 Aug 1943

Convoy MKS 21G.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 14 August 1943.

The convoy was made up of the following transports; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Coity Castle (British, 2767 GRT, built 1919), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Wedderburne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Norfalk (Norwegian, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Ogmore Castle (British, 2481 GRT, built 1919), Ottinge (British, 2870 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Saint Bernard (British, 5183 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Shuna (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Sneland I (Norwegian, 1791 GRT, built 1922) and Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943).

The boom carrier HMS Laomedon (6693 GRT, built 1912) (A/Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMS Speedy (A/Cdr. H.J.A.S. Jerome, DSO, RN).

On 15 August 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake the convoy and join the convoy escort for extra AA defence. She joined the convoy later the same day.

During the passage to the U.K. the transport Empire Friendship developed engine trouble. The transport Becheville stood by her to assist as did the corvette HMS Clover. The sloop HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and tug Dexterous were sent out from Falmouth.

At 0515B/20, HMS Charybdis, parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy WS 33 / KMF 22.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 25 August 1943 minus the Empire Friendship and the Becheville which arrived on the 27th.

23 Aug 1943
On the 23th August 1943 the 40th Escort Group (Cdr. Dallison), consisting of the sloops HMS Landguard, HMS Bideford, HMS Hastings and the frigates HMS Exe, HMS Moyola and HMS Waveney were deployed on a U-boat hunt off Cape Ortegal. The whole operation was covered by the British light cruiser HMS Bermuda.

On the 25th August the Canadian 5th Support Group (Cdr. Tweed), consisting of the British frigates HMS Nene, HMS Tweed and the Canadian corvettes HMCS Calgary, HMCS Edmundston and HMCS Snowberry were deployed to relieve the 40th Escort Group. While this was in progress the ships were attacked at 1415 hrs by 14 Dornier Do-217's and 7 Ju-88's. with the new German weapon, the Henschel Glider Bombs, (the "Hs293 A-1"). Designed by the German Professor Herbert Wagner. HMS Landguard and HMS Bideford were the first of the Allied and R.N. ships to be attacked and damaged by them. This being the first time of their being brought into action against Allied ships. Several sailors were injured on HMS Bideford and one sailor was killed.

Another two days later on the 27th August 1943 the Canadian 5th Support group was relieved by the 1st Support group (Cdr. Brewer) consisting of the sloops HMS Pelican, HMS Egret and the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Rother, HMS Spey and HMS Evenlode. Also the covering cruiser HMS Bermuda was relieved by the Canadian destroyer HMCS Athabaskan and the British destroyer HMS Grenville. These ships were also attacked by the Germans. This time with 18 Dornier Do-217?s also carrying Henschel Glider Bombs. HMCS Athabaskan was heavily damaged and HMS Egret was sunk with the loss of 194 of her crew. After this loss the U-boat hunt was blown off.

19 Sep 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr. R.C.S. Woolley, RNR) and HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR). (4)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) both conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area during the night of 7/8 October 1944 with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (5)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. (6)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (7)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. (6)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. HMS Vengeful returned to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (7)

31 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. These exercises included night exercises. (6)

31 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (7)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. HMS Vengeful returned to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (8)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from the Clyde for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) and HNoMS Utsira (Lt. S. Valvatne). They are escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (9)

8 Nov 1944
At 0500 hours HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous with their escort, HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (10)

16 Nov 1944
HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde area for Sheerness. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

At 1625/19, off Scapa Flow, HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort of HMS Hastings.

At 1513/20, near Dundee, Sceptre joined HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR) that was escorting HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, DSO, DSC, RN) southwards. (11)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the British sloop HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (12)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (13)

9 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (14)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) departed Loch Ranza for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (15)

19 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) and HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Norman, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (13)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (16)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (17)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as he targets. These included night exercises. (13)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. These were followed by night exercises with HMS Hastings. (16)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. On completion of these exercises HMS Stubborn proceeded to Campbeltown. (16)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with Morse (Lt. O. Chauveau) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). These included night exercises. (18)

5 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (19)

7 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (19)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) conducted a deep dive trials in the Clyde area. This trial was followed by exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (18)

8 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Upon completion of these O 24 proceeded to Holy Loch. (19)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). On completion of these exercises HMS Stubborn performed noise trials in Loch Goil. On completion of these noise trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (20)

9 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). These included night exercises. (20)

10 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Upon completion of these O 24 proceeded to Larne. (19)

14 Jan 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Carradale Bay to continue their passage north escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (21)

21 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the targets. (19)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (20)

23 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (19)

27 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (19)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (22)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (23)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (23)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN) served as target. Kihna was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (24)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made (part of) the passage Northbound together with HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. H.S. May, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (25)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) both conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (26)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (27)

7 Mar 1945
HMS Taurus (A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage south together with HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) and the French submarine Morse (Lt. O. Chauveau). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (28)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. On departure she first conducted exercises in the Clyde area. She anchored for the night in Brodick Bay together with her escort, HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (29)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) continued her passage to Lerick escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (29)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Morgan Jones (T/A/Ch.Skr. J. Beeson, RNR) until 0227/17 when HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) took over the escort. (30)

17 Mar 1945
HMS Trusty (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Rothesay. She makes the passage together with HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN). They are escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (31)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (27)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR), HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) all conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). (32)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (33)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as targets. (34)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. She returns to Holy Loch upon completion of these exercises. Late in the evening she departed from Holy Loch again for night exercises. She returns to Holy Loch around 0800 hours the next morning. (35)

11 Apr 1945
HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) departed Holy Loch for two days of trials and exercises with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (36)

14 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (37)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (38)

15 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (37)

15 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (38)

16 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted night radar exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (37)

17 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (37)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (38)

18 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Following these exercises O 23 proceeded to Loch Goil for sound trials. Upon completion of these sound trials O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch. (37)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (39)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (40)

11 May 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (41)

12 May 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. During these exercises HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as escort for HMS Hastings. (42)

12 May 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (41)

23 May 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN), HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN), HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as targets. (43)

24 May 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. (44)

25 May 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) serving as the targets. These exercises included night exercises. (44)

12 Jun 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) is undocked at Holy Loch. She then departed for a few days of exercises in the Rockabill area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (45)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (46)

28 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises during which HMS Sanguine (T/Lt. P.C.S. Pritchard, RNR), HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the targets. These also included night attacks. (47)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the targets. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Sea Devil proceeded to Holy Loch.

[Note; no log is available for July 1945 so no details of the work-up exercises for this month can be given.] (47)

7 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (37)

7 Jul 1945
HMS Astute (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (48)

10 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (49)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (49)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (49)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (50)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (49)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the targets. (50)

24 Aug 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (51)

27 Aug 1945
HMS Truculent (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (52)

28 Aug 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Springer (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN). (51)

Sources

  1. ADM 199/362
  2. ADM 173/17216
  3. ADM 173/17790
  4. ADM 173/17786
  5. ADM 173/19040
  6. ADM 173/18916
  7. ADM 173/19363
  8. ADM 173/19364
  9. ADM 173/18917
  10. ADM 199/1871
  11. ADM 173/18645
  12. ADM 173/18652
  13. ADM 173/18745
  14. ADM 173/18770
  15. ADM 173/18766
  16. ADM 173/18860
  17. ADM 173/19365
  18. ADM 173/20344
  19. File 2.12.03.6444 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  20. ADM 173/18861
  21. ADM 173/20260
  22. ADM 173/19948
  23. ADM 173/19949
  24. ADM 173/19580
  25. ADM 199/1444
  26. ADM 173/19853
  27. ADM 173/20281
  28. ADM 173/19865 + ADM 173/20281
  29. ADM 173/20262
  30. ADM 173/20126
  31. ADM 173/20039
  32. ADM 173/20345
  33. ADM 173/19974
  34. ADM 173/19808
  35. ADM 173/19975
  36. ADM 173/19463
  37. File 2.12.03.6429 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  38. ADM 173/20220
  39. ADM 173/19572
  40. ADM 173/20318
  41. ADM 173/19976
  42. ADM 173/19809
  43. ADM 173/19532
  44. ADM 173/19929
  45. ADM 173/19712
  46. ADM 173/20030
  47. ADM 173/19596
  48. ADM 173/19473
  49. ADM 173/19931
  50. ADM 173/20031
  51. ADM 173/19824
  52. ADM 173/20012

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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