uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Scarborough include:

25 Dec 1939
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.R. Conway, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Scarborough (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) and HMS Beryl. (1)

31 Dec 1939
HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.E.H. Spencer-Cooper, RN) departed Gibraltar for Belfast. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) and the sloop HMS Scarborough (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN). (2)

7 Jan 1940
HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.E.H. Spencer-Cooper, RN), HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) and HMS Scarborough (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) arrived at Belfast. (3)

19 Jun 1940
HMS Scarborough (Cdr C.T. Addis, RN) picks up 30 survivors from the British merchant Baron Loudoun that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-48 west-northwest of Cape Ortegal in position 45°00'N, 11°21'W.

20 Jun 1940
HMS Scarborough (Cdr C.T. Addis, RN) picks up 16 survivors from the British merchant Otterpool that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-30 about 130 nautical miles west of Ushant in position 48°45'N, 08°13'W.

29 Dec 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Scarborough (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, RN) and HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR). (4)

5 Apr 1941
German U-boat U-76 was sunk south of Iceland, in position 58°35'N, 20°20'W, by depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the British sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Northney, RN).

6 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 119

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1941 in two sections, convoy HX 119A and convoy HX 119B. They merged in the morning of April 13th.

Convoy HX 119A was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1922), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Bra-Kar (Norwegian, 3778 GRT, built 1928), British Consul (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Brittany (British, 4772 GRT, built 1928), Ceronia (British (tanker), 4955 GRT, built 1929), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Curacao (British, 8269 GRT, built 1930), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Kentar (British, 5878 GRT, built 1920), Lista (British, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Lobos (British, 6479 GRT, built 1921), Mangkalihat (Dutch, 8457 GRT, built 1928), Mount Helmos (Greek, 6481 GRT, built 1923), Oscilla (Dutch (tanker), 6341 GRT, built 1939), Port Auckland (British, 8789 GRT, built 1922), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Reaveley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937), Tucurinca (British, 5412 GRT, built 1926) and West Totant (British, 5628 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119A was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

The convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) around 0900Q/8.

Around 1400P/11, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 119B was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alphacca (British, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Barberrys (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Braddock (British, 6619 GRT, built 1919), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Glaiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), Leerdam (Dutch, 8815 GRT, built 1921), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mercier (Belgian, 7556 GRT, built 1915), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Soekaboemi (Dutch, 7051 GRT, built 1923), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) and Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119B was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

Around 0900P/13, Convoy HX 119B merged with convoy HX 119A.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At 1215Z/14, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN).

At 1210Z/15, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Aurania and HMS Montclare parted company with convoy HX 119 (now combined).

At 1815Z/15, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy. Followed during the night of 15/16 April by the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN).

At 2130Z/16, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy to proceed to Hvalfjord.

On the 17th, destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the convoy.

On the 18th, destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th, corvette HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy

On the 20th, HMS Havelock, HMS Hurricane, HMS Restigouche and HMS Saguenay parted company with the convoy.

On the 21st, HMS Viscount and corvette HMS Freesia parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 22 April.

6 May 1941

Convoy OG 61.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 6 May 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 4 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Berto (Norwegian, 1493 GRT, built 1918), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Michalios (Greek, 3742 GRT, built 1908), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918) and Willodale (British, 1777 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Milford Haven this section was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Viceroy (Lt.Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Huddersfield Town (Skr. J.H. Consadine, RNR).

The Liverpool section (sailed 5 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Daleby (British, 4640 GRT, built 1929), Parthenon (Greek, 3189 GRT, built 1908) and Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN).

The British Coast (British, 889 GRT, built 1934) joined coming from Preston.

Around 0900B/6, the Milford Haven and Liverpool sections joined company after which HMS Viceroy and HMS Huddersfield Town were detached to Belfast Lough.

Around 1500B/6, the Clyde section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alberte le Borgne (British, 3921 GRT, built 1914), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Garm (Swedish, 1231 GRT, built 1912), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Maaskerk (Dutch, 4343 GRT, built 1929), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Perth (British, 2259 GRT, built 1915) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1800B/6, the Oban section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Cervantes (British, 1810 GRT, built 1916), Empire Steelhead (British, 7744 GRT, built 1920), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Hawkinge (British, 2475 GRT, built 1924), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 1927), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Rhineland (British, 1381 GRT, built 1922), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

Around 2000B/6, the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. Sir P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR) joined.

Between 0700B/9 and 0745B/9, a German Focke Wulf Condor aircraft was seen circling the convoy. HMS Fleetwood and HMS Sabre both opened fire on it.

At 2230B/9, in position 52°24'N, 19°00'W, HMS Fleetwood, HMS Alisma, HMS Dianella, HMS Kingcup, HMS Man o' War and HMS Wellard parted company to make rendezvous with and join convoy SL 72. They also took rescue ship Perth with them.

Around 0900B/10, in position 51°07'N, 19°00'W, HMS Keppel, HMS Lincoln and HMS Sabre parted company. These were also to join convoy SL 72. HMS Scarborough was now the sole escort of the convoy.

Around 0730B/11, in position 48°20'N, 19°20'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy;
Baron Ruthven (arrived at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 21 May 1941), Berto (arrived at Halifax on 21 May 1941), Bonde (arrived at Montreal on 24 May 1941), Cliona (arrived at Bermuda on 20 May 1941), Empire Steelhead (arrived at Baltimore on 27 May 1941), Gard (arrived at Trinidad on 27 May 1941), Hindsholm (arrived at Halifax on 19 May 1941), Jobshaven (arrived at Manzanillo (Cuba) on 27 May 1941), Maaskerk (arrived at Barbados on 25 May 1941), Michalios (arrived at Halifax on 21 May 1941), Miralda (arrived at New York on 22 May 1941), Nicolas (arrived at Montreal on ?? May 1941), Peleus (arrived at Montreal on 22 May 1941), Pennington Court (arrived at Montreal on 23 May 1941), Taygetos (arrived at Montreal on 24 May 1941), Umberleigh (arrived New York at on 24 May 1941) and Vestland (arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland on 17 May 1941).

Around 2130B/12, in position 45°00'N, 21°18'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy;
Albert le Borgne (arrived at Freetown on 30 May 1941), Daleby (arrived at Lagos on 4 June 1941), Helder (arrived at Capetown on 10 June 1941), Lewant (arrived at Freetown on 26 May 1941), Sire (arrived at Las Palmas on 17 May 1941) and Urbino (arrived at Capetown on 7 June 1941).

Around 1100B/13, in position 43°36'N, 21°03'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800B/14, in position 41°07'N, 20°26'W, the corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Joinquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0900B/14, in position 41°00'N, 20°25'W, the Parthenon was detached to Takoradi where she arrived on 31 May 1941.

Around 1400B/16, in position 35°08'N, 14°55'W, HMS Geranium and HMS Joinquil parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 0600B/18, in position 35°16'N, 8°23'W, HMS Azalea parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 1900B/18, in position 35°51'N, 06°15'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lisbon where all arrived on 20 May 1941;
Garm, Gothland, Lapland, Rhineland, Scania and Willowdale.

At the same time also the following ships were detached to Huelva where all arrived on 19 May 1941.
Hawkinge, Kellwyn, Leadgate, Leka and Phillip M..

Around 0100B/20, the remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar, these were the following ships;
Baron Kelvin, British Coast, Cervantes, Lissa, Runa and Wallsend. On arrival at Gibraltar they were escorted by HMS Scarborough and HrMs O 21. (5)

25 May 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carries out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with the British sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and the British ASW trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR).

Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 63 (11th war patrol for O 23).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HG 63 for 25 May 1941.] (6)

25 May 1941

Convoy HG 63.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 25 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adjutant (British, 1931 GRT, built 1922), Avant Garde (British (former French), 791 GRT, built 1920), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Crane (), Cressado (British, 1228 GRT, built 1913), Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Empire Kestrel (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Fendris (British, 1018 GRT, built 1925), Henrik Ibsen (Norwegian, 4671 GRT, built 1906), Ila (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1939), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929), Merkland (British, 1363 GRT, built 1934), Mount Parnes (Greek, 4768 GRT, built 1917), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Procris (British, 1033 GRT, built 1924), Senta (Norwegian, 3911 GRT, built 1917), Thurso (British, 2436 GRT, built 1919), Trinidad (Panamanian, 434 GRT, built 1939), Urd (Swedish, 989 GRT, built 1922), Vanellus (British, 1886 GRT, built 1921), Varangberg (Norwegian, 2842 GRT, built 1915), Waldinge (British, 2462 GRT, built 1925), Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).

Around 2215Z/1, in position 43°21'N, 21°36'W, HMS Geranium, HMS Jonquil, HMS Lady Hogarth and HrMs O 23 parted company with the convoy. HMS Lady Hogarth and HrMs O 23 then joined convoy OG 63.

Around 0730Z/5, in position 51°43'N, 19°51'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN), HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN), corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) and the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN).

At 0727A/7, an enemy Focke Wulf Condor aircraft dropped a stick of four bombs on the starboard wing of the convoy but no damage was done.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Oban on 8 June 1941;
Avant Garde, Corabella, Fanefjeld, Henrik Ibsen, Inga I, Melrose Abbey, Merkland and Wallsend.

On 8 June 1941, HMS Westcott made a short stop at Londonderry, presumably due to fuel shortage.

The following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 / 9 June 1941;
Adjutant, Procris, Senta, Thurso, Urd, Wallonia. Also HMS Pegasus arrived at Belfast on 8 June 1941.

The following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde 9 June 1941;
Baltallinn, Dago, Fendris, Mount Parnes and Varangberg. They were escorted by HMS Marigold which arrived at Greenock on 9 June 1941.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Workington on 9 June 1941;
Vanellus and Waldinge.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Barrow in Furness on 9 June 1941;
Empire Lake and Ila.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool on 9 June 1941;
Crane, Empire Kestrel and Palacio. Also HMS Wanderer, HMS Westcott, HrMs Campbeltown, HMS Scarborough, HMS Auricula and HMS Periwinkle arrived at Liverpool on this day.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Preston on 10 June 1941;
Cressado and Lech. (7)

1 Oct 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR). (8)

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). (9)

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). (10)

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). (11)

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). (11)

8 Feb 1943
HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) picks up 55 survivors from the British merchant Empire Mordred that is sunk west of Gibraltar in position 35°58'N, 05°59'W on a mine laid on 1 / 2 February 1943 by German U-boat U-118.

6 Mar 1943
HMS H 28 (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR), HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR), HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HNoMS Rose and HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR). (12)

13 Mar 1943
HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) picks up 69 survivors from the British merchant Clan Alpine that was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-107 190 nautical miles west of Cape Finisterre in position 42°45'N, 13°31'W. The Clan Alpine was finally sunk by depth charges from HMS Scarborough.

4 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR), ? (can't read the ships name in Upstart's log), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR) and HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR). (13)

6 May 1943

Combined convoy OS 47 / KMS 14.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 May 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albion Star (British, 7946 GRT, built 1919), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921), City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), City of Hereford (British, 5101 GRT, built 1927), City of Oran (British, 7323 GRT, built 1915), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clive (British (CAM ship), 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919), Empire Eve (British (CAM ship), 5979 GRT, built 1941), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Anne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942)), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Indian Prince (British, 8587 GRT, built 1926), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, built 1943), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Lwow (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Merkland (British, 1363 GRT, built 1934), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Nestor (British, 14629 GRT, built 1913), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Phrontis (Dutch, 6616 GRT, built 1926), Prince de Liege (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Rallus (British, 1871 GRT, built 1922), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 192), Sellinge (British, 2327 GRT, built 1916), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Stanforth (British, 1817 GRT, built 1915), Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929), Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Umvuma (British, 4419 GRT, built 1914).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR), minesweepers HMS Fort York (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Parrsboro (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Raven, DSC, RNVR), HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. H. Stevens, RNVR), HMS Wedgeport (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Fetherstonhaugh, RNR), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the M/S trawler HMS Prodigal (T/Lt. G.C. Norman, RNR).

Later, between latitudes 49°N and 42°N, the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) was near the convoy to provide cover.

On 7 May 1943, the Ocean Valour developed a fire in her lower bunker. As she was carrying ammunition and at 0800Z/7 she was detached in position 55°18'N, 08°58'W to return to Belfast.

Around 0200Z/9, HMS Mignonette was detached to make rendezvous with the merchant vessel Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942) which had been unable to sail with the convoy and had left Barrow-in-Furness later to proceed and join the convoy via the south of Ireland.

Around 0800Z/10, HMS Mignonette and the Empire Guinevere joined the convoy in position 49°16'N, 14°12'W as did the corvette HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) and the merchant vessel Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) which came from Milford Haven.

At 0722Z/11, when the convoy was in position 47°07'N, 14°19'W, the air cover, a Halifax aircraft (Sqdn. 58/D), reported sighting a submarine bearing 217° - 10 nautical miles from the convoy. On receipt of this report HMS Mignonette was ordered to proceed to this position and she was ordered to rejoin by 1000Z/11 if not in contact. The convoy changed course to 150°.

At 0749Z/11, the aircraft reported that she had sighted and attacked a submarine in position 280° - 8 nautical miles. HMS Fleetwood was ordered to proceed to this position and she was ordered to rejoin by 1030Z/11 if not in contact. At 0820Z/11, HMS Fleetwood reported that she was in the position marked by the aircrafts smoke float and at 0856Z/11, she reported that she was in contact. On receipt of this info, HMS Mignonette and HMS Wedgeport were ordered to join HMS Fleetwood.

The convoy altered course to 200° at 1200Z/6.

At 1345Z/11, HMS Fleetwood reported that the submarine had been sunk and that she had picked up 39 survivors and HMS Mignonette another 6. The submarine in question was U-528 which had been damaged by the depth charges from the aircraft and HMS Fleetwood. The damaged U-boat managed to surface and was then scuttled by her crew.

At 1500Z/11, HMS Fleetwood, HMS Mignonette and HMS Wedgeport were ordered to rejoin the convoy. HMS Fleetwood and HMS Mignonette were back in station by 2130Z/11. HMS Wedgeport could not find the convoy in the bad visibility and was ordered to remain behind the convoy until the following morning. At 2000Z/11, the convoy altered course to 182°

On the 12th, HMS Wedgeport was homed on to the convoy and resumed station at 1140Z/12. Earlier, the Llancarvan had to stop in approximate position 45°35'N, 14°10'W with engine trouble and at 0608Z/12, HMS Qualicum was ordered to remain with her until further orders. They were subsequently ordered to proceed to Lisbon which was the port of destination of the Llancarvan.

At 0800Z/12, the convoy was in position 44°56'N, 14°03'W, course 182°, speed 6.75 knots.

At 1315Z/14, in position 38°50'N, 12°17'W, HMS Prodigal was detached to escort Merkland to the territorial waters of Lisbon and the Brika to Huelva. HMS Prodigal was then to proceed to Gibraltar. In the end the destination of the Brika was changed to Gibraltar and HMS Prodigal escorted her to her new destination.

Also on the 14th, HMS Mignonette transferred her six German survivors from U-528 to HMS Fleetwood.

At 0600Z/15, the convoy was in position 37°15'N, 11°32'W when course was altered to 135°. HMS Fleetwood was now detached to Gibraltar to land her prisoners and complete with depth charges, ammunition and fuel and then rejoin the convoy.

At 1830Z/15, in position 36°02'N, 10°36'W, convoy KMS 14 parted company to make rendezvous with convoy UGS 8 which was effected in the afternoon of the 16th in position 35°44'N, 08°15'W. Convoy KMS 14 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Yarborough, City of Agra, City of Auckland, Clan Macbean, Collegian, Daldorch, Egret, Eildon, Empire Beatrice, Empire Carpenter, Empire Clive, Empire Commerce, Empire Eve, Empire Guinevere, English Prince, Explorer, Filleigh, Fort Anne, Fort Vermillion, Govert Flinck, Havildar, Indian Prince, James Barbour, Kingsland, Kong Haakon VII, Lwow, Macharda, Manchester Port, Masirah, Myrtlebank, Nea, Nigerstroom, Ocean Vanity, Ocean Verity, Ocean Volunteer, Pencarrow, Prince de Liege, Rallus, Salawati, Sellinge, Spero, Stanforth, Tactician, Thurland Castle, Topsdalfjord, Trader and Tynemouth.

They were escorted by HMS Fort York, HMS Parrsboro, HMS Wedgeport and HMS Hazard.

In the early hours of 16th May 1943, the Maplewood straggled from the convoy and was not seen again. She proceeded independently to Freetown.

Around 0700Z/16, in position 34°43'N, 10°14'W, rendezvous was made with convoy OS 47G, the Gibraltar section of the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Clan Murray (British, 5953 GRT, built 1918), Empire Ruskin (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942), Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Simpson (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pilgrim (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wayfarer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, DSC, RN) and the ASW trawlers HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR) and HMS Reighton Wyke (Skr. G.M. Sutherland, RNR).

At 1000Z/16, rendezvous was made with the Casablanca section of the convoy which had departed that port on the 15th. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942) and Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940).

These had been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy escorted by the destroyers USS Guest (T/Cdr. H. Crommelin, USN), USS Thatcher (T/Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN) and USS Brownson (T/Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN).

These destroyers then returned to Casablanca where they arrived on the 17th having taken the following merchant vessels with them; Baron Dunmore, Empire Barrie, Fort Douglas, Fort Drew and Fort Thompson.

Around the same time the HMS Foxtrot and HMS Reighton Wyke were detached to proceed to Gibraltar. HMS Wishart was to join the combined convoy UGS 8 / KMS 14.

At 0700Z/19, in position 25°57'N, 16°27'W, the RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) and her escorts, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) and the ASW whaler HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. W.J.L. Storey, RNVR) joined the convoy. The Fortol was to fuel the escorts which commenced at 0900Z/19 when HMS Scarborough went alongside.

At 1106Z/19, when the convoy was in position 25°38'N, 16°51'W, the air escort, a Sunderland flying boat, reported having sighted a periscope bearing 120° - 14 nautical miles from HMS Scarborough, the escort leader. Immediately HMS Balsam was ordered to proceed to this position and at 1114Z/19, HMS Coltsfoot was ordered to join her. HMS Scarborough slipped from the Fortol at 1120Z/19 to also proceed to the scene.

At 1120Z/19, HMS Scarborough arrived on the reported location and with the two corvettes a large square search was carried out until 1615Z/19, but no contact was obtained. The escorts then made off to rejoin the convoy after having dropped a depth charge pattern each for exercise purposes. [No enemy submarine appeared to have been in the immediate area, closest one was U-511 but she was further to the west.]

Around 0200Z/20, HMS Scarborough, HMS Balsam and HMS Coltsfoot rejoined the convoy.

Around 1050Z/20, HMS Fleetwood rejoined the convoy from Gibraltar.

During the 20th, all escort vessels fuelled from the Fortol.

Around 1600Z/22, in position 14°52'N, 18°05'W, two merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar [No clue on their identity] escorted by local escorts. Four of the merchant vessels then parted company to proceed to Dakar escorted by the local escorts. These were the Empire Addison, Empire Cougar and Fort Livingstone. [No clue on the identity of the fourth.]

At 1100Z/23, in position 12°45'N, 18°30'W, one of the mercant vessels which was to proceed to recife was detached. This was most likely the City of Hereford.

At 1700Z/23, in position 11°08'N, 18°41'W, two additional escorts joined, these were the corvette HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and the ASW whaler HMS Buttermere (Lt. J.D.E. Lewis, RNR).

Around 1100Z/25, the convoy was approaching the end of the swept channel into Freetown. Some ships of the convoy split off forming convoy OSS 47 escorted by HMS Bellwort, HMS Armeria, HMS Buttermere and HMS Wastwater. [The ships that split off were probably the following (to be researched further); Albion Star, Amstelkerk, City of Calcutta, Clan Forbes, Empire Galahad, Empire Geraint, Guinean, Harmonic and Lombardy.]

Three merchant vessels; Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925) and Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911) joined convoy OSS 47 coming from Freetown escorted by the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR), corvette HMS Burdock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Lynes, RD, RNR) and the ASW trawlers HMS Birdlip (Lt. E.N. Groom, RNR) and HMS Duncton ( Lt. J.N. Burgess, RANVR).

On these ships joining, HMS Bellwort, HMS Buttermere and HMS Wastwater parted company with convoy OSS 47 and also entered Freetown.

Convoy OSS 47 continued on to Takoradi though most of the merchant vessels were detached to proceed independently before arrival at Takoradi. (14)

31 Aug 1943
HMS H 33 (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (15)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RD, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) conducted a convoy defence exercise off Freetown. (16)

24 Sep 1943
Le Centaure conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR). (16)

16 Nov 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Towy (Cdr. M.J Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), USS Bull, USS Schmitt and USS Frament. (17)

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.

17 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and anchored at Moville. (18)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and anchored at Moville. (18)

5 Feb 1944
HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (19)

5 Feb 1944
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN). (20)

6 Feb 1944

Combined convoy OS 67 / KMS 41.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 February 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Bangkok II (British (former French, 8056 GRT, built 1919), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Calgary (British, 7206 GRT, built 1921), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Lancer (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Henley (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Prudhomme (British, 7167 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Leeds City (British, 4758 GRT, built 1927), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920)), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Persier (Belgian, 5382 GRT, built 1918), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) and the rescue tug HMRT Griper were also with the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), 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), frigates HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Tees (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RNR), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR) and HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Four of the merchant vessels of the convoy had to return to the U.K. due to defects of weather damage, these were; Baron Forbes, Lyras, Silverlaurel and Wanderer.

On 10 February 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy from convoy SL 147 / MKS 38.

On 12 February 1944, fighters from HMS Pursuer shot down two German aircraft that were shadowing the convoy.

On 16 February 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 67 and KMS 41.

HMS Stafnes had been detached from the convoy and arrived at Horta, Azores on 17 February 1944.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy OS 67, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calgary, Cochrane, Empire Buckler, Empire Galahad, Empire Lancer, Fort Henley, Fort Livingstone, Fort Poplar, Gloucester City, Leeds City, Marija Petrinovic, Matadian, Neleus, Persier, Sansu and Silverlarch. The frigate HMS Tees of the escort remained with convoy OS 67.

On 15 February 1944, the frigates HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR) and corvette HMS Stonecrop (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.S. Fayrer, DSC, RNVR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 67G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 67) which was made up of the following transports; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 16th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy, minus HMS Tees then proceeded with convoy KMS 41 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 February 1944, the tanker Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On this ship joining the convoy the transport Leeds City parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 February 1944, the Fort Livingstone arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921) and Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Also the the sloop / minesweeper Annamite joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 26 February 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy KMS 41, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy (minus HMS Tees).

On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Baltrover, Baron Graham, Baron Haig, Empire Cormorant, Empire Snipe, Errington Court, King Frederick, Langleebrook, Norman Monarch, Ottinge, Tilemachos and Tudor Prince as did the rescue ship Accrington, escort oiler San Tirso and HMRT Griper. The escort, made up of HMS Rochester, HMS Londonderry, HMS Scarbrough, HMS Tavy, HMS Geranium, HMS Mignonette and HMS Cape Argona also arrived at Gibraltar.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Ary Lensen, Bangkok II, Belnor, Boltonhall, Cape Wrath, Clan Cameron, Danby, Empire Clarion, Empire Conrad, Empire Gareth, Empire Heath, Empire Mallory, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Explorer, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipicoten, Fort Prudhomme, Fort St.Joseph, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Ioannis Frangos, Junecrest, Merchnant Royal, Parkhaven, Pentridge Hill, Rancher, Rugeley, San Rafael, Starstone, Thistleford and Tynemouth.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the following transports / tankers; Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) and Robert Y. Haine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). 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), minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Aries (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR).

On 18 February 1944, the transports Palacio, Parame, Parkhaven, Robert Y. Haine and Tynemouth arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Gabriel Duval (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943)), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The self propelled fuel barges USS Anticline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.R. Byron, USNR) and USS Syncline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.E. Nichols, Jr., USNR) also joined the convoy.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Cara, Empire Mallory, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Harrogate, Ioannis Frangos, James Barbour, Junecrest, Merchant Royal and Thistleford as well as USS Anticline and USS Syncline arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Imber (British, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920) and Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 20 February 1944, the transport Empire Gareth arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Cape Wrath, Iceland and William Blount as well as HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy from Bizerta; Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William L. Smith (American, 7196, built 1943). The rescue tug HMRT Patroclus also joined the convoy.

On 21 February 1944, the transport Boltonhall arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Empire Clarion, Imber and Moray Coast arrived at Malta as did the minesweeper HMS Aries after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Toscana (British (former Italian), 9442 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arena, Ary Lensen, Benito Juarez, Bourgogne, Brighton, Cornelius Gilliam, Cornelius Harnett, Cuba, Danby, Daniel Huger, David L. Swain, Empire Conrad, Empire Dickens, Empire Guinevere, Empire Heath, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Fort Bell, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipiconten, Gabriel Duval, Grand Quevilly, Louis McLane, Nathaniel Macon, Nea, Nebraska, Richard Montgomery, Rugeley, Samspring, San Rafael, Starstone, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, Thomas Pinckney, William L. Smith and Zane Gray. HMRT Patroclus also arrived at Augusta.

On 26 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Clan Cameron, Empire Opossum, Fort Erie, Fort Prudhomme, Newbrough, Samnebra, Samphire and Toscana. From the escort HMS Hazard, HMS Anemone and HMS Coltsfood also arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 February 1944.

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].

26 Apr 1944
HMS H 50 (T/Lt. A.F. Wicker, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Summerside (T/Lt. G. St. A.Mongenais, RCNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR), HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (21)

4 May 1944
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pennywort (T/Lt. A.W. James, RNR), HMS Wanderer, HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (22)