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Notable events involving Lowestoft include:

23 Jan 1940
HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN). (1)

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. (2)

4 Jun 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Standtlandet.

Before departure for her patrol area, A/S exercises were carried out in the Firth of Forth with HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Clyde during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

12 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 65.

[Note: No convoy report of the Convoy Commodore is available as the Commodore's ship was sunk, some datails regading this convoy may thus be missing.]

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harpalyce (British, 5169 GRT, built 1940), Housatonic (British (tanker), 5559 GRT, built 1919), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nerissa (British, 5583 GRT, built 1926), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Reedpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920) and Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940).

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

Around 1940P/12, HMCS French parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2030P/13, HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0840P/14, convoy SHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Anna Mazaraki (Greek, 5411 GRT, built 1913), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Axel Johnson (Swedish, 4896 GRT, built 1925), Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Fircrest (British, 5394 GRT, built 1907), Juno (Dutch, 1753 GRT, built 1908), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1200P/16, convoy BHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cape York (British, 5027 GRT, built 1926), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Merlin (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), La Brea (British, 6945 GRT, built 1916), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Sitala (British (tanker), 6218 GRT, built 1937), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Winkleigh (British, 5468 GRT, built 1940).

Heavy fog was encountered during the period of 17 to 23 August. During this period the Cymbula (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August) and La Brae (torpedoed and sunk on 24 August by the German submarine U-48).

Around 1500O/23, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0605Z/24, in position 57°45'N, 16°40'W, the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0750Z/24, the sloop HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/24, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 65A was destined for Methil (arrived on 27 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Blairatholl, British Lord (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 August), Cape York (bombed by enemy aircraft on 26 August, sank on 27 August, see below), Cetus (arrived at Stornoway on 26 August), City of Hankow, Empire Merlin (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Fircrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Harpalyce (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Juno, Lodestone, Maplewood, Nellie, Nordlys, Prins Maurits, Reedpool, Remuera (torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft on 26 August), Stakesby (torpedoed and heavily damaged on 25 August, see below), Welsh Prince and Winkleigh. They were escorted by HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia which both arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

Around 0345A/25, the German submarine U-48 attacked convoy HX 65A. The Empire Merlin and Athelcrest were hit. The Empire Merlin sank almost immediately. One survivor was picked up by HMS Godetia. Six survivors from Athelcrest were also picked up by HMS Godetia which then scuttled the burning wreck with gunfire.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia also depth charged the attacking submarine but did no damage.

Shortly before 2300A/25, the German submarine U-124 attacked the convoy and torpedoed the Fircrest, Harpalyce (the ship of the Convoy Commodore) and the Stakesby. The Fircrest sank at once due to her cargo of iron ore, there were no survivors. The Harpalyce also sank very quickly. Five survivors were picked up after a few hours by auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Fort Dee (?). The Stakesby remained afloat due to her cargo of timber (pit props). The rescue tug Thames took the damaged ship in tow but she ran aground in Glumaig Bay after the tow rope broke. She was later salvaged and repaired and re-entered service in 1943 as Empire Derwent.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia attacked with depth charges but did no damage to the U-boat.

HMS Godetia also stood by the damaged Stakesby.

On the 26th the convoy escort was reinforced by the sloops HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN) and HMS Egret (Cdr. D.P. Evans, RN).

Around 2045A/26, near Kinneard Head, gunfire was seen coming from land and also ahead. Apparently convoy WN 10, which was ahead of convoy HX 65A, was under air attack.

Between 2100A/26 and 2210A/26, convoy HX 65A, then also came under air attack in at least five attack runs. The Remuera was torpedoed and sunk (43 survivors being picked up by HMS Egret) while the Cape York was damaged by bombs but she did not sink. HMS Egret took off the crew. Salvage attempts were undertaken by the rescue tug Saucy but the ship eventually sank around 1115A/27. Saucy fouled her propeller during the salvage attempts and was taken in tow for a while by HMS Egret.

Like HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia, HMS Lowestoft and HMS Egret arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

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Convoy HX 65B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Alfred Olsen (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Anna Mazaraki (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Dublin on 26 August, possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Atlantic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Axel Johnson (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Chama (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Eclipse (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), F.J. Wolfe (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Fernbank (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Gard (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Gitano (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August), Housatonic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Manchester Merchant (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nerissa (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nikoklis (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Pecten (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Rangitane (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Regent Panter (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 August), Sitala (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Solarium (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Taria (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Torr Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August) and Torvanger (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August). They were escorted by HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus which both arrived at Liverpool on 27 August.

At 0902A/25, HMS Westcott obtained an A/S contact and one depth charge was fired at 0906A/25 in position 57°25'N, 09°38'W. Contact was immediately regained afterwards.

A second attack was carried out and six depth charges were fired at 0917A/25. There was no sign of wreckage, oil fuel or bubbles.

Contact was then regained and a third attack was carried out and five depth charges were dropped at 0930A/25.

Though contacts were firm and submarine was known to be in the vicinity it was considered the contacts were non-sub. At 1000A/25, HMS Westcott proceeded to rejoin the convoy considering it unwise to stay away from the convoy any longer.

The German submarine U-57 reported twelve depth charges being dropped around this time at a distance between 3 to 4 kilometers.

At 1847A/25, the tanker Pecten, the rear ship of the starboard wing column, was torpedoed. HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus immediately proceeded towards the scene and started an A/S hunt which lasted until 2026A/25. Several patterns of depth charges were dropped by both ships before they made off to rejoin the convoy which they did the following morning.

The Pecten sank quickly with heavy loss of life. 8 Survivors were picked up by the Torr Head. She had been torpedoed and sunk by U-57 which was subsequently depth charged counting 27 depth charges. She sustained no damage [KTB U-57 from 7 July to 31 August in NARA, T 1022, roll 2883, PG 30054].

Around 0715A/26, the Clyde section of the convoy was detached. [and presumably the ships destined for Belfast Lough as well or otherwise shortly afterwards.]

Around 1300A/26, the Regent Panther was detached to proceed indepently toward Milford Haven / the Bristol Channel.

Around 0500A/27, Convoy HX 65B arrived off the Bar Light Vessel. (4)

30 Oct 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (5)

31 Oct 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Montrose (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN). (5)

1 Nov 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN), HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and HMS Southwold (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN). (5)

5 Nov 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (5)

17 Dec 1941
HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (6)

24 Dec 1941
HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) is undocked. (6)

1 May 1942
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Rosthern (Cdr. P.B. Cross, RCNVR), USS Niblack (Lt.Cdr. E.R. Durgin, USN), HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN). (7)

2 May 1942
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN) and HMS Quadrille (T/Lt. N.T. Chetwood, RNVR). (7)

7 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN) and HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR). (8)

9 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR). (9)

10 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN). (8)

11 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), USS Belknap and USS Badger. (8)

19 May 1943

Combined convoy WS 30 / KMS 15.

This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 19 May 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 30 and KMS 15 at sea on 25 May 1943.

The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Brisbane Star (British, 12791 GRT, built 1937), Deseado (British, 9641 GRT, built 1942), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), H.F. Alexander (American, 8357 GRT, built 1915), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Siboney (American, 6938 GRT, built 1918), Sloterdijk (Dutch, 9230 GRT, built 1940), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936).

The landing ships HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) were also part of the convoy.

On formation off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), escort destroyers HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), sloops HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), Cutters HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

The destroyer HMS Sardonyx apparently parted company on 20 May.

HMS Cleveland fuelled from HMS Suffolk during the morning of 21 May.

At 1130Z/23, HMS Active sighted a surfaced submarine in position 42°16'N, 15°40'W at a range of about 6000 yards. Shortly afterwards HMS Ness also sighted this submarine. Both ships rushed towards to attack and the submarine was seen to crash dive. When the range was down to 2900 yards HMS Active obtained contact on the target with her Asdic. At 1143Z/23, HMS Active dropped a pattern of ten depth charges set at 150 and 300 feet. At 1150Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (150 and 300 feet). At 1158Z/23, HMS Active came back for another pattern of ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1212Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). A double explosion was then heard by the two escorts. At 1223Z/23, HMS Active dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1240Z/23, a small amount of wood and cork wreckage came to the surface as well as life-jackets, coffee tins marked 'Napoli' and a pair of fresh human lungs. At 1305Z/23, HMS Ness dropped a final pattern of ten depth charges (500, 550 and 700 feet). It is believed that the Italian submarine Leonardo Da Vinci was sunk in this attack. The most succesful Italian submarine of the Second World War disappeared with all hands. Nine officers and fifty-four ratings perished.

At 0630Z/24, the transports Brisbane Star and Deseado were detached from the convoy.

Around 1530Z/24 a German Focke Wulf aircraft attacked and dropped some bombs near HMS Unicorn but no damage was done.

At 1040Z/25 the convoy split up. All escorts proceeded with convoy KMF 15 except for HMS Suffolk, HMS Corfu which went along with WS 30. Convoy KMF 15 was made up of the transports Arawa, Boissevain, Duchess of York, Franconia, Indrapoera, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Letitia, Ormonde, Samaria, Staffordshire and Stirling Castle. HMS Royal Scotsman and HMS Royal Ulsterman were also part of this convoy.

On the 26th, the transport Letitia proceeded to Gibraltar as did HMS Unicorn which had on board Beaufighter aircraft and aircraft spares besides two operational squadrons which she had been able to operate during the passage. The escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) had come out to escort them in although HMS Haydon was later detached to proceed to the assistance of an aircraft that had crashed into the sea. HMS Active, HMS Cleveland and ORP Slazak also put into Gibraltar.

The transports Staffordshire and Stirling Castle were detached and arrived at Oran on 26 May.

The remainder of convoy KMF 15 arrived at Algiers on 27 May.

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Convoy WS 30 continued on to Freetown and was made up of Argentina, Brisbane Star, Deseado, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Siboney and Sloterdijk. Their escort of HMS Suffolk and HMS Corfu was joined by the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) which all came from Gibraltar. HMS Boadicea also rejoined after fuelling at Casablanca.

In the morning of May 27th, HMS Antelope fuelled from HMS Suffolk.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 31 May 1943.

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On 3 June 1943 the convoy departed Freetown now made up of the transports Argentina, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Siboney and Sloterdijk.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk, armed merchant cruisers HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN), HMS Corfu, destroyers HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN), HMS Boardicea, HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick.

At 1500Z/6, the transport Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923) and the destroyer HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Takoradi.

At 1950Z/6, HMS Corfu and HMS Boadicea parted company with the convoy to proceed to Takoradi.

At 1445Z/9, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Pointe Noire.

At 1517Z/9, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Rapid parted company with the convoy to proceed to Pointe Noire.

Around 0730A/13, the transports Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941) and Santa Barbara (American, 6507 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy as did the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza which had been escorting them.

On 15 June 1943 the convoy arrived at Capetown. HMS Suffolk and HMS Carnarvon Castle then went on to Simonstown. In the approaches to Capetown the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) joined the escort as an enemy submarine had been reported to be operating in the area.

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On 16 June 1943, the convoy departed Capetown for Durban. It was now made up of the transports Argentina, Cuba, Exceller, Exiria (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland, Santa Barbara, Siboney and Sloterdijk.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam, HMAS Norman, HMS Quadrant and HMS Redoubt.

On 18 June, the transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy presumebly coming from Port Elizabeth or East London.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 20 June.

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On 25 June 1943, the convoy departed Durban for Aden / Bombay, now made up of the transports Cuba, General Fleischer (Norwegian, 5138 GRT, built 1943), Karagola (British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nieuw Holland, Sagoland (American, 5334 GRT, built 1913), Santa Barbara and Sibajak.

The convoy was now escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (now commanded by Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN).

The armed mercant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) joined the convoy around 0900C/28 having departed Kilindini around 1745C/25.

Around 2000C/29, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy to return to Durban via Tulear, Madagascar. HMS Rotherham and HMAS Quickmatch remained with the convoy for another 150 miles and then parted company to rejoin HMAS Norman and then proceed to Tulear.

Around 0900C/1, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR), which came from Kilindini / Mombasa, joined the convoy. HMS Canton then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindi taking the transports Karagola and Sagoland with her. They arrived at Kilindini around 1200C/2.

At 0310C/3, the transport Santa Barbara was detached to proceed independently to Colombo.

At 1115C/4, the transports General Fleischer and Sibajak were detached to proceed independently to Aden.

The transports Cuba and Nieuw Holland and their escort, HMS Alaunia arrived at Bombay around 1000FG/9.

28 May 1943

Convoy MKF 15.

[Note: Further research on this convoy is required.]

This convoy departed Algiers on 28 May 1943 for the U.K. where it arrived on 5 June 1943.

On departure the convoy was made up of the following transports; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Boissevain (British, 14134 GRT, built 1937), California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923), Dartmouth (American, 9879 GRT, built 1943), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Algiers the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

On 29 May the transports Cristobal (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942), J.W. McAndrew (American, 7997 GRT, built 1940), John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Seatrain Lakehurst (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936).

On 30 May the transports Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) joined coming from Gibraltar. Also joining from Gibraltar were the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carrier HMS Tracker (A/Capt. G.C. Dickins, RN) and the destroyers HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN).

Later on 30 May the transports Antenor, Staffordshire and Stirling Castle were detached to proceed to Freetown via Bathurst / Dakar.

Also on 30 May the Scythia was detached to proceed to New York.

The sloop HMS Totland had to be detached due to defects and arrived at Gibraltar on 30 May 1943.

[No info available on the US ships, it seems likely that the Scythia proceeded with them to the USA but further research is required.] They probably parted company with the convoy on 1 June 1943.

At 1200Z/4, HMS Unicorn, HMS Tracker, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin parted company with the convoy and proceeded ahead of it to the Clyde (HMS Tracker to Belfast).

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 June 1943 with the bulk of the convoy arriving at Liverpool on 5 June 1943.

20 Jun 1943

Convoy KMS 18A.

This convoy departed the Cylde on 20 June 1943.

It was made up of the following tank landing ships; LST 301 (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.F. Hoyle, RNR), LST 305 (A/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Naylor, RNR), LST 319 (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN), LST 321 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Metcalfe, RNR), LST 365 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.F. Halliday, RNR), LST 366 (A/Lt.Cdr. N. Hall, RNR), LST 406 (A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Chaloner, RNR) and LST 424 (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Grandage, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Wellington (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Pytchley (Lt. R.H. Hodgkinson, RN).

LST 406 developed engine trouble and was detached to Londonderry.

Cover for part of the voyage was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN).

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 29 June 1943.

4 Aug 1943
HMS Wellington (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMS Folkestone (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, OBE, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN) conducted a convoy defence exercise off Freetown. (10)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Wellington (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMS Folkestone (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, OBE, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) conducted night encounter exercises off Freetown with HMML 206 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Leslie, DSC, RNVR) and HMML 305 (T/Lt. N.I. Chester, RNVR). (10)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Wolverine (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN), HMS Wellington (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Fandango (T/Lt. A.G. Fisher, RNR) and HMS Rumba (T/Lt. E.C.F.D. Jacquier, RNVR) conducted night encounter exercises off Freetown with HMS ML 281 (T/Lt. P.S. Castle, RNVR) and HMS ML 289 (T/Lt. G.A.W. Lacey, RNVR). (10)

26 Sep 1943
Le Centaure conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN) and HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN). (10)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), ships from B 7 Escort Group, HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN). (11)

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. (12)