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Notable events involving Leander include:

6 Jan 1940

Convoy US 1.

Troop convoy from New Zealand and Australia to Suez.

The convoy departed Wellington, New Zealand on 6 January 1940 and on departure was made up out of the following troopships: Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Wellington the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN).

Two more troopships joined the convoy in New Zealand waters, these were: Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy then set course for Australia.

On 9 January the troopships: Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Orford (British, 19941 GRT, built 1928), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) departed Sydney to join the convoy which they did the next day. They were being escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN).

HMS Leander was then detached while HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) joined the convoy on the 10th but already left again the day after when she was detached at 0238K/11 to search for a missing aircraft. As it was later reported that the aircraft had crashed on land the search was soon abandoned.

HMS Ramillies also made a brief stop for a few hours at Sydney on the 9th before rejoining the convoy.

On the 12th the troopship Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Melbourne.

On 18 January the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) near Fremantle joined the convoy escort.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle later the same day.

On 20 January, the convoy departed Fremantle escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies and the heavy cruisers HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and Suffren (Capt. R.J.M. Dillard).

HMAS Canberra and HMAS Australia had departed a few hours earlier to patrol the area. They returned to Fremantle on 21 January.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 30 January and entered the harbour as did HMS Ramillies. HMS Kent and Suffren kept patrolling off the harbour until the convoy set sail again on 1 February but now escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN). HMS Ramillies and HMS Sussex had sailed with the convoy from Colombo, the other two escorts came from Trincomalee. HMS Kent and Suffren then entered Colombo. At Colombo the convoy had been joined by the French troopship Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927).

On 6 February 1940 the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) joined the convoy coming from Colombo. On joinig the convoy she was oiled by HMS Sussex.

Early on the 7th, HMAS Hobart proceeded ahead to Aden with three of the troopships.

At dawn of the 8th the convoy arrived off Aden and three more of the troop transports entered the harbour. The remainder proceeded towards the Red Sea now escorted by HMS Sussex and HMAS Hobart. Aircraft from HMS Eagle patrolled in the area while HMS Ramillies fuelled in the outer anchorage.

The transports that had entered Aden left there on 9 February escorted by HMS Sussex as this cruiser had turned back when off the Perim Strait. HMS Sussex and HMS Westcott now escorted these ships until they met HMAS Hobart which had now dispersed the first group of transports in 22°30'N.

HMS Sussex then turned back to proceed to Aden leaving the transports of the second group to HMAS Hobart which then escorted the transports to 22°30'N when they were dispersed. HMS Westcott went on to Suez with the Rangitata. HMAS Hobart then also set sourse to return to Aden. (1)

12 Jan 1940
HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Commodore H.E. Horan, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney before entering harbour. (2)

16 Jan 1940
HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Commodore H.E. Horan, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery and range and inclination exercises off Sydney.

They parted company on completion of the exercises.

HMS Leander setting course to return to New Zealand. (2)

1 May 1940

Convoy US 3.

The troopship Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, 1508 troops) departed Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand (near Christchurch) on 1 May 1940. She was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN).

Around noon on May, 2nd, in Cook Strait they were joined by the troopships Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, 3627 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, 2047 troops) and Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930, 1554 troops) and their escorts, the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN). They came from Wellington.

Early on May, 5th, HMS Leander parted company and proceeded to Sydney. During the forenoon the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936, 5059 troops) came out escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN). Shortly afterwards HMAS Canberra also entered Sydney harbour to pick up correspondence. Around 1600K/5, HMAS Canberra and HMS Leander came out together with the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939, 2616 troops). The convoy then set course for Fremantle.

At 2045K/5, HMAS Perth parted company to return to Sydney where she arrived around 0330K/6.

At 1600K/6, off Melbourne, the troopship Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922, 1615 troops) joined the convoy.

At 0630H/10, when 70 nautical miles from Rottness Island, HMS Leander parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Fremantle.

At 0800H/10, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), joined the convoy and guided into Gage Roads. The transports berthed alongside Fremantle Harbour as arranged except for the Aquitania and Queen Mary. The other transports fuelled and took in water. All ships of the escort berther alongside except for HMAS Adelaide which patrolled in Gage Roads.

At 1200H/12, the convoy started to leave the harbour. On forming up course was set for Colombo.

At 2214G/15, the convoy altered course towards the Cape of Good Hope. It had been decided that the convoy was not to pass through the Mediterranean as the situation with Italy was deteriorating. During the night HMS Leander parted company to proceed to Colombo.

At 1529D/20, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) joined in position 28°13'S, 60°50'E. HMAS Canberra then parted company to return to Australia.

At dawn on May, 26th, the convoy started to pass down the searched channel and entered Table Bay, Capetown.

At 0743B/26, HMS Shropshire set course to proceed to Simonstown.

The Queen Mary and Aquitania anchored in Table Bay while the other troopships berthed alongside the harbour.

At 1350B/26, the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) arrived from Simonstown.

At 0300B/28, the Queen Mary and Aquitania departed Table Bay to proceed to False Bay escorted by HMS Cumberland.

At 1000B/31, the ships at Capetown, less the Empress of Japan commenced to leave the Bay led by HMAS Australia. At sea they were joined by the Queen Mary and Aquitania and their escorts HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland. They had departed from False Bay around 0815B/31. At the rendezvous HMAS Australia then parted company and proceeded to Simonstown.

Course was set for Freetown where the convoy arrived in the morning of June, 7th.

The convoy departed Freetown in the morning of the June, 8th. Still escorted by HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland but now joined by the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN).

At 0035N/10, HMS Hermes parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Dakar.

Around 0900N/12, the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800N/14, the aircraft carrier Argus joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1000/14, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) joined the convoy coming from the U.K. HMS Dorsetshire then parted company.

around 1500N/14, the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) joined followed around 1600N/14 by the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the afternoon of the 16th.

4 Jun 1940
At 1640 hours (zone -2), HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) arrived at Port Sudan. Here Rear-Admiral Murray transferred his flag to HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN).

HMS Liverpool then departed Port Sudan for Alexandria at 2140 hours. She was to join the Mediterranean Fleet. (3)

23 Jun 1940

Convoy BN 1.

This convoy departed Bombay on 23 June 1940 for the Suez where it arrived on 12 July 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Architect (British (tanker), 7388 GRT, built 1922), British Hope (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), Svenor (Norwegian (tanker), 7616 GRT, built 1931), Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN).

HMS Cathay parted company with the convoy on 2 July after the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) had joined the escort.

HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy on 4 July.

The destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the convoy on 5 July 1940. HMIS Hindustan then parted company.

Off Aden the merchant vessels Alavi and Beaconstreet parted company with the convoy. They arrived at Aden on 6 July.

Off Aden the RFA tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) also joined the convoy.

Also off Aden the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy.

On 9 July HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston parted company with the convoy.

On 10 July HMNZS Leander, HMS Flamingo and HMS Shoreham parted company with the convoy being relieved as escorts by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). (4)

26 Jun 1940
RAF reconnaissance reported a large Italian ship leaving Assab and proceeding Northwards. HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) which was on patrol was ordered to intercept but she did not sighted the reported ship.

She however did encounter the Italian submarine Perla which was returning to Massawa from patrol. HMS Kingston then opened fire on her. The submarine crash dived and was then hunted and depth charged by HMS Kingston.

The light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden to search for the wreckage of the submarine which was thought to have been probably sunk and also to invite action with Italian surface ships.

The submarine was located on the 27th laying beached midway between Assab and Messina. It was then bombarded and bombed. No enemy surface craft were encountered but Leander, Kandahar and Kingston were shadowed by enemy aircraft and also bombed by them but they sustained no damage. It was thought the beached submarine was either a total-loss or if not it would at least take months to repair her. [Perla was indeed out of action for months, She ran post repair trials in mid-December.] (5)

7 Jul 1940

Convoy BS 1.

This convoy departed Suez on 7 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 15 July 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Athelmere (British (tanker), 5566 GRT, built 1918), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Bronxville (Norwegian, 4663 GRT, built 1929), Bullmouth (British (tanker), 7519 GRT, built 1929), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Gogra (British, 5190 GRT, built 1919), Herstein (Norwegian, 5100 GRT, built 1939), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Orwell (Norwegian (tanker), 7920 GRT, built 1905), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

On 10 July 1940, HMIS Clive and HMS Grimsby parted company with the convoy as escort was taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

The merchant vessel Khosrou parted company (on the 10th ?) to proceed to Port Sudan arriving there on the 11th. (4)

17 Jul 1940

Convoy BN 2.

This convoy departed Bombay on 17 July 1940 for the Suez where it arrived on 5 August 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Consul (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), Clydefield (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1928), Cornwall (British, 10605 GRT, built 1920), Daviken (Norwegian, 2922 GRT, built 1926), Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911), Germa (Norwegian, 5282 GRT, built 1920), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Jalarashimi (British, 4449 GRT, built 1918), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924),Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Nawab (British, 5430 GRT, built 1915), Olivia (Dutch (tanker), 6307 GRT, built 1939), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN).

On 20 July two of the merchant ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to other destinations, these were the tankers British Consul (to Trincomalee) and Clydefield (to Colombo).

On 26 July the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay and HMAS Westralia parted company with the convoy while the light cruisers HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) joined the convoy.

On 27 July the sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) joined the convoy to provided A/S escort while the convoy was approaching Aden.

On the 29th the merchant vessels Jerhangir and Varsova split off from the convoy and proceeded to Aden escorted by HMS Ceres.

The following merchant ships joined the convoy at Aden; Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Judge (British (tanker), 6735 GRT, built 1921), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940) and Peshawur (British, 7934 GRT, built 1919).

On 30 July the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy to escort it partly through the Red Sea. HMIS Hindustan and HMS Shoreham parted company with the convoy on 30 July.

On 3 August the following merchant vessels split off to proceed to Port Sudan; Daviken, Grena, Marija Petrinovic and Ozarda. They were escorted to there by HMS Kimberley.

Also on 3 August 1940 HMS Leander, HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar and HMS Flamingo parted company with the convoy, while the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined the convoy to escort it on it's last leg to Suez.

25 Jul 1940
The light cruisers HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) departed Aden for escort duty with convoy BN 2.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BN 2 ' for 17 July 1940.] (6)

31 Jul 1940

Convoy BS 2.

This convoy departed Suez on 31 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 9 August 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; African Prince (British, 4653 GRT, built 1939), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Esneh (British, 1928 GRT, built 1919), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938) Tweed (British, 2697 GRT, built 1926) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).

On depature from Aden the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) until position 21°30'N, 63°37'E on 3 August.

Two more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan on 3 August, these were the Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Escort was then taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

The convoy was dispersed on 9 August 1940. Three of the merchant vessels proceeded to Aden as did the escorts. (4)

10 Aug 1940

Convoy BN 3.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 August 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Acadia (Norwegian, 5002 GRT, built 1938), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

Around 1245D/15, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy. Both armed merchant cruisers then parted company with the convoy.

On 16 August 1940, the sloop HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) joined the convoy, she parted company on the 17th.

Off Aden the transports Ethiopia and Khandalla were detached to the port.

Off Aden, on the 17th, seven more transports / tankers joined the convoy, these were the following; British Fusilier (British (tanker), 6943 GRT, built 1923), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919), Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926) and Raby Castle (British, 4996 GRT, built 1925).

The destroyers HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) coming from Aden. The sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) also joined the convoy, she had already been at sea.

On the 19th, a patrolling Wellesley aircraft crashed into the sea near the convoy. The entire crew of the aircraft was rescued by HMS Kingston.

On 21 August 1940 the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined. HMS Leander, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston and HMAS Parramatta then parted company.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 23 August 1940. (4)

23 Aug 1940

Convoy BN 4.

The Karachi section of this convoy departed Karachi on 23 August 1940.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Nizam (British, 5322 GRT, built 1914), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925) and Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930)).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).

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The Bombay section of the convoy departed Bombay on 25 August 1940.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Amra (British, 8314 GRT, built 1938), Bankura (British, 3185 GRT, built 1912), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Erinpura (British, 5143 GRT, built 1911), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Jaladuta (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Jalamohan (British, 5100 GRT, built 1925), Jalavihar (British, 5330 GRT, built 1911), Karagola ((British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nurmahal (British, 5419 GRT, built 1923), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

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The two sections joined company around 1230E/27 in approximate position 19°00'N, 69°52'E.

Around 1200D/1, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy in position 14.46'N, 53.02'E. Both armed merchant cruisers then parted company to return independently to Bombay patrolling en-route.

On 4 September 1940 the convoy arrived off Aden where the Khosrou, Nizam and Rajput were detached as planned. Also the Bankura had to be detached due to engine defects.

From Aden 18 more vessels joined the convoy. These were the; Atlas (Greek (tanker), 4008 GRT, built 1909), Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 193), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), El Hak (British, 1022 GRT, built 1929), Jalapadma (British, 3935 GRT, built 1929), Northmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Polyktor (Greek, 4077 GRT, built 1914), Star of Cairo (Egyptian, 4555 GRT, built 1924), Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Velho (British (tanker), 1100 GRT, built 1905), Warlaby (British, 4875 GRT, built 1927) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928).

On 6 September 1940, the convoy was attacked three times by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.

Also on 6 September 1940, the small Greek tanker Atlas, which had straggled from the convoy due to her slow speed, was torpedoed and sunk in position 15°50'N, 41°50'E by the Italian submarine Guglielmotti.

On 8 September 1940, the following ships were detached to Port Sudan. Amra, Erinpura, Jaladuta, Jalakrishna, Jalavihar, Karagola, Nevasa, Subadar, Varela and Varsova. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) which had joined the convoy earlier [furher research is required to find out exactly when].

The remainder of the convoy continued on towards Suez arriving there on 11 September 1940.

On 8 September 1940, HMS Leander parted company after the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) had joined.

[It is possible the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) had also been with the convoy at times but further research is required.] (4)

10 Sep 1940

Convoy BN 5.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 September 1940.

On departure from Bombay is was made up of the following transports; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Jalaganga (British, 4981 GRT, built 1936), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).

On departure from Bombay she was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).

Around 1230D/16, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) took over the escort duties from both armed merchant cruisers which then set course to return to Bombay.

Around 0600D/18, the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Aden; Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Bankura (British, 3185 GRT, built 1912), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Emperor (British (tanker), 3663 GRT, built 1916), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Heron (British, 2374 GRT, built 1937), Nils Moller (British (tanker), 6907 GRT, built 1922), Ovington Court (British, 6095 GRT, built 1924), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tomislav (Yugoslavia, 5387 GRT, built 1928), Treminnard (British, 4964 GRT, built 1922) and Westralia (British, 4568 GRT, built 1937).

The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (?) were also part of the convoy. With her was the salvage vessel Protector (British, 562 GRT, built 1906).

They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and the sloops HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). HMAS Parramatta had actually conducted an A/S sweep ahead of the convoy and then joined it. HMS Caledon remained with the convoy until the vicinity of Perim.

The tanker Crista was detached from the original convoy from Bombay and arrived at Aden on the 19th.

Soon after departure both engines of HMS X 2 broke down and she had to be towed back to Aden arriving on the 20th.

On 20 September 1940, the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.

On 21 September 1940, Italian aircraft again attacked and the merchant vessel Bhima was hit and had to return to Aden being towed by the merchant vessel Ashbury. HMS Caledon and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) were sent from Aden to escort them back there.

On 23 September 1940, six ships from the convoy arrived at Port Sudan having been detached from the convoy the previous day. These were Akbar, Alavi, Bankura, British Emperor, Santhia and Talma. They had been escorted to Port Sudan by HMAS Parramatta.

On 23 September 1940, HMS Leander, HMS Auckland and HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy and sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined.

The eight fastest ships of the convoy arrived at Suez on 26 September 1940 escorted by HMS Grimsby, the remaining eight (slower) ships arrived the following day. They had been unescorted during the last part of their voyage. (4)

19 Sep 1940

Convoy BN 5A.

This convoy departed Bombay on 19 September 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 29 September 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

On departure escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN).

The Ormonde was not ready to depart on the 19th and she departed one day later with orders to overtake the convoy. Until she made rendez-vous with the convoy she was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).

The convoy arrived off Aden on 25 September and HMS Colombo and HMS Kanimbla were relieved by the light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

Light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) had also been with the convoy (briefly) but parted company on 26 September 1940.

On 27 September the southbound convoy SW 1 was sighted and the destroyers HMS Kandahar, HMS Kimberley and sloop HMS Flamingo joined that convoy as escorts. The convoy then continued northwards escorted by HMS Ajax and HMS Coventry.

Çonvoy BN 5A arived at Suez safely on 29 September 1940. (4)

23 Sep 1940

Convoy BN 6.

The Karachi section of this convoy departed that place on 23 September 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911) and Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).

On 26 September 1940, the ' Kararchi section ' was joined by the ' Bombay section ' which had departed that place on 25 September 1940.

It was made up of the following transports (one one tanker); Borgestad (Norwegian, 3924 GRT, built 1924), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Marisa (Dutch (tanker), 8029 GRT, built 1937), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nizam (British, 5322 GRT, built 1914), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).

Around 1230C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) took over from the armed merchant cruisers which then parted company to proceed to Bombay.

Around 0800C/3, the sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined.

Around 0830C/4, the ' Bombay / Karachi section ' merged with the ' Aden section '. On doing so, HMAS Hobart parted company and proceeded to Aden.

The ' Aden section ' was made up of the following transports / tankers; Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), City of Singapore (British, 6567 GRT, built 1923), Clan Ross (British, GRT, built ), Cyprian Prince (British, GRT, built ), Devis (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), El Segundo (Panamanian (tanker), 3664 GRT, built 1912), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Helka (British (tanker), 3471 GRT, built 1912), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Jalaputra (British, 4856 GRT, built 1906), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), Lurigethan (British, 3564 GRT, built 1916), Quiloa (British, 7765 GRT, built 1925), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Robert L. Holt (British, 2918 GRT, built 1926), Soli (Norwegian (tanker), 5834 GRT, built 1915), Star of Alexander (Egyptian, 4329 GRT, built 1928), Strix (Norwegian (tanker), 6219 GRT, built 1930), Therese Moller (British, 3930 GRT, built 1905) and Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).

The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).

The convoy now proceeded northwards up the Red Sea.

At dawn on the 5th, the Ayamonte was detached to proceed to Kamaran escorted by HMAS Parramatta.

On the 5th, 6th and 7th of October convoy BN 6 was attacked by high level Italian bombers but no damage was done.

The following ships were detached to Port Sudan where they arrived on 7 or 8 October 1940; Borgestad, Devonshire, El Amin, Garmula, Jehangir, Khandalla, Pundit, Rajput, Ranee, Rohna, Strix, Takliwa and Talamba.

From the escort HMIS Hindustan arrived and left Port Sudan on 7 October 1940, HMAS Auckland arrived and left on 8 October and HMAS Yarra arrived and left on 9 October. HMS Kingston also called at Port Sudan [date currently unknown to us].

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Suez on 11 October 1940. on 9 October 1940, HMS Leander had been replaced as escort by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN). (7)

5 Oct 1940

Convoy BS 6.

This convoy departed Suez on 5 October 1940.

It was made up of the transports / tanker; Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Duffield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Hydroussa (Greek, 2038 GRT , built 1922), Jalapadma (British, 3935 GRT, built 1929), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Phenix (British (tanker), 5920 GRT, built 1920, former French), Raby Castle (British, 4996 GRT, built 1925), Star of Mex (Egyptian, 1116 GRT, built 1911) and Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

On 8 October 1940 the transport Karoa was detached to Port Sudan.

On 9 October 1940 the two sloops were relieved by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division) and the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN).

Also on 9 October 1940 the convoy was joined by the transport Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923) and sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) coming from Port Sudan.

Around 1030C/13, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) which relieved HMS Leander. The transports Baron Erskine, Hydroussa, Phenix and Star of Mex were detached to Aden escorted by HMIS Hindustan. They arrived around 2000C/13.

At dusk, HMAS Hobart parted company with the convoy and set course for Colombo.

The convoy was dispersed later the same day and HMS Auckland and HMAS Yarra proceeded to Aden arriving around 0700C/14. (4)

10 Oct 1940

Convoy BN 7.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 October 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Karagola (British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nurmahal (British, 5419 GRT, built 1923), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

Around 1330D/16, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy. The armed merchant cruisers then parted company.

On the 18th, the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined.

On 19 October the Varsova was detached from the convoy and proceeded to Aden.

Also on the 19th, 24 more transports / tankers joined the convoy off Aden, these were the following; Arundo (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Askot (Norwegian, 1323 GRT, built 1938), Australind (British, 5020 GRT, built 1929), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Erica (South African, 5112 GRT, built 1926), Hannah Moller (British, 2931 GRT, built 1911), Hatarana (British, 7522 GRT, built 1917), Inviken (Norwegian, 4131 GRT, built 1925), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Marcella (British, 4592 GRT, built 1928), Margot (British, 4545 GRT, built 1926), Marion Moller (British, 3287 GRT, built 1909), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nyco (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Odysseus (British, 4577 GRT, built 1913), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919) and Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916).

The Turkish minelayer Sivrihisar that had been built in the U.K. and was on passage to Turkey for delivery was also part of the convoy.

Also the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the minesweepers HMS Derby (Lt.Cdr. F.C.V. Brightman, RN) and HMS Huntley (Lt.Cdr. H.R.A. King, RNR) joined the convoy.

On 19 October 1940 and also on 20 October 1940 the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.

During the night of 20/21 October 1940, the Italian destroyers Pantera, Leone, Nazario Sauro and Francisco Nullo. No damage was done and the destroyers were driven off by the escort.

At dawn on 21 October one of the Italian destroyers, Francisco Nullo, was seen to be aground on Harmil island. She had been in battle with HMS Kimberley which then closed to finish off the damaged and grounded Italian destroyer. However HMS Kimberley was taken under fire by Italian shore batteries and sustained damage in her engine room. She was towed clear by HMS Leander during which both ships were unsuccessfully bombed. Later the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) took over the tow and she towed her damaged sistership to Port Sudan.

HMS Derby and HMS Huntley arrived at Port Sudan on 22 October 1940.

On 23 October 1940, HMS Auckland, Cranfield, Erica, Felix Roussel, Hatarana, Nevasa and Nurmahal arrived at Port Sudan. After taking on board water the Felix Roussel sailed again to rejoin the convoy.

Also on 23 October 1940, the remaining escorts parted company and the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) had joined.

On 24 October 1940, HMAS Yarra arrived at Port Sudan.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 26 October 1940. (4)

25 Oct 1940

Convoy BN 8.

This convoy departed Bombay on 25 October 1940.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929, 45 troops and motor transport), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923, 369 troops and camels) and Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930, 975 troops and stores).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).

Around 1400C/31, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) joined. HMS Antenor then parted company.

Around 1530C/2, the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0700C/3, HMS Caledon left the convoy with the Khandalla. They proceed to Aden arriving there not long afterwards.

Around the same time 26 more merchant vessels joined the convoy. These were the following; Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), Alice Moller (British, 4986 GRT, built 1914), Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), British Renown (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1928), British Sailor (British (tanker), 5576 GRT, built 1918), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Haraldsvang (Norwegian, 3112 GRT, built 1920), Helga Moller (British, 5546 GRT, built 1912), Iris (Swedish,1974 GRT, built 1886), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), Kawsar (British, 7778 GRT, built 1923), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Maliakos (Greek, 3903 GRT, built 1912), Nirvana (British, 6044 GRT, built 1914), Octavian (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Petros J. Goulandris (British, 4693 GRT, built 1923), Rosalie Moller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1910), Speybank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).

The stores ship / transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) was also part of the convoy.

With them were the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN).

At 0615C/6, HMS Kingston was detached for Port Sudan taking the transports Khosrou, Nirvana and Rizwani with her. HMS Breconshire was also detached to proceed ahead to Suez.

On 7 November 1940, the escorts were detached.

The convoy continued unescorted to Suez and arrived on 10 November except for the Kurdistan with arrived the following day.

(4)

19 Nov 1940

Convoy BS 9.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 November 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Arundo (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Askot (Norwegian, 1323 GRT, built 1938), Australind (British, 5020 GRT, built 1929), Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Clan Campbell (British, 7255 GRT, built 1937), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Erica (South African, 5112 GRT, built 1926), Inviken (Norwegian, 4131 GRT, built 1925), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Konistra (Greek, 3539 GRT, built 1907), Marion Moller (British, 3287 GRT, built 1909), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nyco (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929) and Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

On 22 or 23 November the transport Empire Defender (British, 5649 GRT, built 1910) joined coming from Port Sudan while the Marion Moller and Umberleigh, which had straggled from the convoy, were ordered to proceed to Port Sudan where they arrived on 23 November.

The two escorting sloops were replaced A.M. on 23 November by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN).

Around 1330C/26, the transports Clan Campbell, Inviken, Katie Moller, Konistra and Subadar parted company to proceed to Aden as did HMS Leander, HMS Carlisle and HMS Auckland.

At the same time, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) joined coming from Aden.

Around 0900C/27, HMIS Hindustan was detached to Aden.

Around 1200C/27, the convoy was dispersed in position 12°08'N, 46°53'E. HMAS Hobart and HMS Kingston setting course for Aden. (4)

4 Feb 1941

Convoy US 9.

This convoy departed Sydney on 4 February 1941 and arrived at Bombay on 22 February 1941.

The convoy was made up of the troopships; Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914), Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) and Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Sydney, around 1420K/4, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN).

Off Melbourne, at 1650K/6, the convoy was joined by the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy arrived at Fremantle around 0800H/10 and departed again on 12 February 1941 but now escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN).

Around 1500G/16 the convoy made rendezvous with the light cruiser HMS Durban (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) in position 08°12'S, 104°00'E which took the Queen Mary with her to Singapore where they arrived on the 18th.

Around 0900E/20, HMAS Canberra was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) in position 06°44'N, 77°27'E.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 22 February 1941.

9 Feb 1941
Around 0930/9, HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN), departed Penang and shortly afterwards made rendezvous with the troopship Narkunda (British, 16227 GRT, built 1920) which had departed Singapore on the 6th.

HMS Dauntless escorted the troopship until around 1300/11, when the escort was turned over in approximate position 05°57'N, 85°35'E to HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN). At the rendezvous position both cruisers then conducted some exercises with each other.

Narkunda and HMNZS Leander arrived at Colombo on the 12th.

HMS Dauntless returned to Penang around 1530/14. (8)

22 Feb 1941
At 0515Z/22, the Dutch merchant vessel Rantaupandjang (2542 GRT, built 1922) sent out a raider signal from position 08°24'S, 51°35'E.

Then at 0818Z/22, a Walrus aircraft from the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) reported a German pocket battleship in position 08°30'S, 51°35'E. This was the Admiral Scheer. Later that afternoon after the aircraft had been launched again it failed to make contact with the enemy.

In response the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) and light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) were sailed from Kilindini / Mombasa for the area the raider was spotted. The light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) was sent to the Seychelles.

The heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) was operating off Somaliland. She was ordered to joined HMS Hermes and HMS Emerald.

The heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) was sent to the area the raider was spotted from escort duty with convoy WS 5B. HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) remained with this convoy.

Heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN), which was en-route to the Maledive Islands from Colombo was ordered to proceed towards position 06°00'S, 60°00'E.

Heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) was with ' Z Force ' near Durban. She was ordered to join the East Indies command to search for the enemy. She was ordered to return to Durban the following day to continue escorting ' Z Force '.

Light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) was ordered to proceed southwards from Bombay. (9)

27 Feb 1941
HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) sank the Italian armed merchant cruiser Ramb I (3667 GRT, Lt.Cdr. Bonezzi) west of the Maldives Islands in position 01°00'N, 68°30'E after a short gun duel. 103 men were captured.

4 Mar 1941
Around 1636E/4, a Walrus reconnaissance aircraft from HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) reported having sighted a merchant vessel and a tanker. HMAS Canberra immediately commenced to close and the ships were sighted around 1650E/4 in position 08°40'S, 61°25'E. HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) had apparently parted company earlier that afternoon but was still nearby so she was recalled.

At 1707E/4, HMAS Canberra opened fire on the merchant vessel and suspecting it might be an enemy raider she did so from long range. After the ship was set on fire amidships, gunfire was ceased.

The aircraft meanwhile had dropped some bombs near the tanker and she was subsequently scuttled by her crew. She was later found to be beyond salvage and was subsequently sunk by gunfire from HMAS Canberra.

Survivors from the ships, which turned out to be the German merchant vessel Coburg (7400 GRT, built 1928) and the Norwegian tanker Ketty Brovig (6970 GRT, built 1918), were picked up by both cruisers which then set course for Mauritius.'

The Coburg had left Massawa in February and the Kitty Brovig had been captured by the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer on 2 February 1941. (10)

23 Mar 1941
HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) intercepts and captures the Vichy-French merchant Charles L.D. (5267 GRT) in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar.

11 Apr 1941

Convoy BM 6.

This convoy departed Madras on 11 April 1941.

This convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923). These ships carried a total of 4516 troops.

On departure from Madras they were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN).

Around 1200FG/12, in position 13°16'N, 84°52'E, the light cruiser HMS Danae (A/Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) took over the escort.

The convoy arrived at Penang on 16 April 1941. (11)

6 May 1941

Convoy US 10B.

This convoy departed Colombo on 6 May 1941.

It was made up of the troop transports Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914), Ile de France (British, 43450 GRT, built 1926, former French) and Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Colombo the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN).

Around 1000E/7, the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) made rendezvous with the convoy coming from Aden. HMS Leander then parted company to proceed to the Socotra area in search of an enemy raider.

Around 0500C/11, HMAS Canberra parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden. The troopships then continued on to Suez unescorted.

6 Jun 1941

The Syrian campaign.

6 June 1941.

At 1415C/6, the destroyer HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) had departed Port Said for Haifa. On board were 2 officers and a small beach party. HMS Hero arrived at Haifa around 2130C/6. Cdr. Biggs and the two officers then met the Naval Officer in Charge Haifa to arrange a reconnaisance of the landing beaches. The NOIC Haifa then put the patrol vessel Cadwell (a 50 foot fast motor boat) at their disposal.

At 2355C/6, the Cadwell departed Haifa with the two officers and the small beach party. Twenty minutes later HMS Hero followed to give support for the reconnaisance.

7 June 1941.

During the night, the Cadwell conducted reconnaisance to the north of mouth of the Litani river. HMS Hero patrolled 7 miles from the shore in case Cadwell needed assistance. The reconnaisance party encountered a heavy surf. Cadwell and HMS Hero retired from the area at first light and returned to Haifa around 0600C/7 after which the results of the reconnaisance were discussed. Conclusion was that it would be impracticable to land under the current weather conditions. It was expected that this would be the case for at least two days.

Around 1145C/7, 'Force B', the cover force, made up of the light cruisers HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) departed Alexandria so to be off the Syrian coast at dawn the following day for their role supporting the Army during Operation Exporter, the Allied attack on the Vichy-French colony of Syria.

Around 1200C/7, ' Force C ', the landing force, departed Port Said for Syria. Force C was made up of the transport HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (A/Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicholson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN). On board HMS Glengyle were troops (27 officers and 456 men).

Around 1500C/7, HMS Hero departed Haifa to join Force C which she did around 1850C/7 in position 32°21'N, 34°01'E.

8 June 1941.

At 0038C/8, HMS Glengyle arrived in position 270° - mouth of the Litani river - 4 miles. She had lowered her boats by 0100C/8. It was then that the Cadwell approached and it was stated that landing the troops would be impossible due to the surf. The attempt was then abandoned at 0115C/8. ' Force C ' then set course to return to Port Said.

At 0600C/8, HMS Coventry, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur from Force C joined Force B.

At 0645C/8, Force B closed the coast to the southward of Tyrus and HMS Hotspur was detached to try to make contact with the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army ashore. It proved very difficult to determine the progress of the army. A land mine was seen to explode three miles north of the border at 0700C/8. It apparently had destroyed a considerable stretch of the road and as a result the Allied motor transport was being held up.

At 1230C/8, HMS Kimberley was also sent inshore but no definite news could be obtained until 1530C/8 when it seemed fairly certain that the Allied troops had taken Tyrus. Owing to the uncertainty of the situation, no supporting fire was given or asker for until 2200C/8 when HMS Kimberley was able to bombard some French positions near Khan bridge for half an hour, after which Force B retired to seaward for the night. HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur were detached with orders to join HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero for another attempt at landing the troops.

At 1430C/8, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero arrived back at Port Said.

At 1615C/8, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Port Said for a further attempt of landing the troops.

9 June 1941.

At 0100C/9, when near Haifa, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero were joined by HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. HMS Glengyle was now able to land the special service troops around 0430C/9 after which she returned immediately to Haifa arriving there around 0615C/9 escorted by HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. Her landing craft later proceeded to Haida under their own power where they had all arrived around 1145C/9 escorted by HMS Ilex and HMS Hero. During the landings around 0530C/9, French shore batteries had opened fire after which HMS Ilex and HMS Hero closed their position and carried out a bombardment which was ceased after five minutes as the positions of the special service troops were not known.

Around 0310C/7, HMS Phoebe was attacked but missed ahead by the Vichy-French submarine Caiman. HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley were detached to hunt the attacker but they failed to obtain contact. Shortly afterwards, around 0400C/7, Force B commenced to close the coast again to give support for the landings by Force C. As the presence of Vichy Submarines was now proven no destroyers could be spared for inshore support as they were required to screen the cruisers. At 0845C/9, Force B retired to the westward.

At 1005C/9, a report was received from the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army that two Vichy-French destroyers were shelling the Allied positions near Khan Bridge. These were the Guepard and Valmy. HMS Coventry was detached to Haifa while the remainder of Force B closed the coast at full speed but noting was seen of the French ships which had meanwhile retired to the north. Their raid had lasted half an hour and was well timed from their point of view.

At 1045C/9, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur which had just returned after having oiled at Haifa, which they had left at 0930C/9, were sent inshore to give fire support to the Army. However the situation on land was too confused to permit immediate supporting fire.

At 1225C/9, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley left the area to proceed to Haifa so that more destroyers would be available for close (inshore) support. HMS Janus and HMS Jackal therefore joined HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. This was considered a strong enough force to deal with the two French destroyers in case they would come out again.

At 1240C/9, HMS Janus was ordered by the Commanding Officer of HMS Isis (Senior Officer) to take HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur under his command and conduct an A/S sweep until 1600C/9. HMS Isis would meanwhile patrol inshore.

At 1240C/9, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Haifa for Alexandria where they arrived around 2350C/9.

At 1335C/9, while in position 33°30'N, 35°12'E, HMS Janus sighted two destroyers on the horizon, bearing 040°. They were steering to the south-west. Immediately an enemy report was made, speed was increased and course was altered towards. HMS Janus ordered HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur to form single line ahead on the most advance ship and proceed at 30 knots. It was consided important to advance as fast as possible and not to wait until the line was properly formed up.

At 1339C/9, the two French destroyers (Guepard and Valmy) opened fire from a range of about 17000 yards.

At 1340C/9, HMS Phoebe received the contact report from HMS Janus which reported she was in contact with the two French destroyers, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley immediately turned back at full speed.

At 1342C/9, HMS Janus opened fire on the leading French destroyer from 15000 yards. At that time HMS Jackal was about 8 cables on the starboard quarter. HMS Hotspur had been unable to keep up and was at least a mile astern.

At 1347C/9, when the range was about 10000 yards HMS Janus was hit on the bridge, in the foremost boiler room and aft. The hit on the bridge killed or wounded all the bridge personnel except the Commanding Officer, and cut all fire-control leads. The hit in No.1 boiler room stopped the ship and cut off all electric high power. The hit aft did not affect the fighting efficiency of the ship. While stopped the ship was hit twice, again in No.1 boiler room, and an unexploded shell ended up in the seamen's bathroom.

Fire was continued in local conttrol and quarters firing by all gins, until A and B guns would no longer bear. X gun continued in action as long as the enemy were in range, and whenever they were in sight.

HMS Janus finally stopped, with the enemy fine on the port quarter, and the wind on the starboard beam. Smoke floats were lit and launched over the stern and, as the ship drifter to leeward proved effective. HMS Jackal passed between HMS Janus and the enemy making smoke.

HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur continued to engage the enemy and as a result the French did not close the range to finish off the damaged HMS Janus. At 1406C/7, HMS Jackal fired three torpedoes towards the French destroyers.

Meanwhile HMS Isis also come north at full speed ans as soon as she opened fire the French made smoke and withdrew around 1412C/7, chased by the three British destroyer, HMS Jackal in the lead. Afterwards the French destroyers briefly turned and engaged the British several times. Last action between HMS Jackal and the two French destroyers was at 1445C/9 after which the three British destroyers turned to the south while the French retired to Beirut. HMS Jackal sustained some minor damage from a shell hit during the action.

At 1450C/9, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley passed the disabled HMS Janus. HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley were ordered to stand by the stricken destroyer while HMS Phoebe proceeded on to join and give support to HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal. 10 Minutes later HMS Phoebe saw the three destroyers returning southwards after their action with the French destroyers which now had retired back into the port of Beirut.

Shortly afterwards, while HMS Kimberley was taking HMS Janus in tow the force was bombed by Vichy aircraft but no damage was sustained.

By 1545C/9, HMS Kimberley had HMS Janus in tow at a speed of 10 knots towards Haifa escorted by the remainder of the force minus HMS Ajax which had been ordered to proceed ahead to Haifa independently. She arrived at Haifa around 1730C/9.

At 1600C/9, a British and French fighter aircraft collided with each other. Both pilots survived and were picked up by HMS Kandahar.

At 1820C/9, when the tow was off Ras Nakura (Naqoura), HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur parted company and returned to the coast. They were later joined by HMS Jackal.

Between 2036C/9 and 2051C/9, HMS Phoebe, on requist of the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army, bombarded enemy positions on the northern side of Khan Bridge, after which HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal retired to seaward for the night.

PM on this day,

HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Alexandria for the operations area of the Syrian Coast.

10 June 1941.

At 0400C/10, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Port Said to return to the operations area of the Syrian Coast. They were to join HMAS Stuart, HMS Jaguar, HMS Griffin and Defender coming from Alexandria also for the operations area of the Syrian Coast.

At dawn on the 10th, HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal were to the west of Beirut to cut off the French destroyers in case they had come out for another sweep but when a French reconnaissance aircraft was seen at 0702C/10 it became apparent that this would not materialise.

Around dawn HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley had left Haifa to give close inshore support to the Army. They did good work and destroyed French tucks, tanks and ammunition depots north of Khan Bridge.

Around 1130C/10, HMS Ajax departed Haifa. She was joined shortly afterwards by HMAS Stuart, HMS Hero, HMS Griffin and HMS Defender.

Around 1315C/10, HMS Phoebe then left the area for Haifa escorted by HMS Ilex, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal. HMS Isis and HMS Jaguar were ordered inshore to reinforce HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley.

Around 1620C/10, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ilex, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal arrived at Haifa.

At 1640C/10, the four 'inshore' destroyers were attacked by 5 Potez bombers but no damage was done.

11 June 1941.

At 0625C/11, HMS Coventry, HMS Ilex and HMS Jackal left Haifa to relieve HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar and HMS Isis which subsequently arrived at Haifa around 1000C/11. HMS Ilex took over from HMS Isis as leading destroyer of the inshore squadron. During the day the 'Inshore Squadron' bombarded visible targets north of a line indicated by the Army.

At 1800C/11, HMS Janus left Haifa in tow of HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and escorted by HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

12 June 1941.

An air raid on Haifa, during which minedropping was suspected, delayed HMS Phoebe, HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur from sailing until 0830C/12. Around 1215C/12, they relieved HMS Ajax, HMS Griffin, HMS Defender, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kimberley which then set course to Haifa where they arrived around 1500C/12.

During the day HMS Ilex, HMS Kandahar, HMS Isis and HMS Jackal formed the 'Inshore Squadron' which carried out further shore bombardments which assisted the Army advance to a position on the Zahrani River. Close support to the 'Inshore Squadron' was provided by HMS Phoebe, HMS Coventry screened by HMAS Stuart, HMS Hero and HMS Hotspur.

By 1630C/12, the Army had advanced to within two miles of Sidon where stiff resistance was met and the advance halted. At 1950C/12, a request was received to bombard Sidon but this was declined as Rear-Admiral King had no authority to open fire on non-military targets.

At dusk, HMS Jackal picked up an agent with his boat at Tyre and landed him close to Beirut. HMS Ilex, HMS Kandahar and HMS Isis gave close support for this operation. The remainder of the force gave cover to the northward.

13 June 1941.

The coast was closed at dawn and the 'Inshore Squadron' began their bombardment around 0800C/13. Main target was the wooden areas south of Sidon where the Vichy-French had strong defensive positions.

HMS Griffin, HMS Kimberley and HMS Defender joined from Haifa at 1040C/13 and relieved HMS Ilex, HMS Hero and HMS Jackal which then returned to Haifa with HMS Coventry. They arrived at Haifa around 1500C/13.

Around 1200C/13, the light cruiser HMS Leander (New Zealand Division, Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) joined coming from Alexandria which they had departed around 1800C/12.

On these ships joining, HMS Isis and HMS Kimberley were sent inshore with HMS Phoebe, HMS Leander, HMS Jervis, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty and HMS Defender providing cover.

Around 1245C/13, HMS Ajax and HMS Jaguar departed Haifa for Alexandria. They were joined at sea by HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar and HMS Hotspur. They arrived at Alexandria around 0700C/14.

Warnings were received that German air attack might be expected and French bombers were noticeably more in evidence in attacking onshore. On receipt therefore of information from the NOIC Haifa that for the future it would not be possible to do more than maintain fighters at call for the protection of ships off the coast, Rear-Admiral King reported that it was most desirable that extra fighters should be made available, since fighters at call could not arrive in time to prevent attack.

At 1530C/13, eight JU 88's attacked the force without causing damage. Allied fighters were on their way out for a routine patrol, shot down three and damaged two after the attack.

After dark, as the Army was still held up and did not want fire support during the night, the force withdrew and patrolled north of Beirut.

14 June 1941.

Bombardment was continued at dawn by HMS Isis and HMS Kimberley which were relieved inshore at 0640C/14 by HMS Jervis and HMS Griffin.

At 0719C/14, a message was sent for fighters to deal with a formation of aircraft closing from the westward. No attack took place and it is possible that the aircraft were French reinforcements flying to Syria. The fighters took 36 minutes to arrive. The NOIC Haifa reported that they had left the ground 16 minutes after receipt of the message at the W/T station but he hoped to speed up communications. Later it was noticed that the time needed had been halved.

At 1020C/14, HMS Coventry and HMS Hero joined coming from Haifa and half an hour later HMS Phoebe and HMS Isis left for Haifa where they arrived around 1345C/14. HMS Ilex and HMS Jackal were delayed in their departure from Haida due to the later arrival of ammunition. They eventually relieved HMS Jervis and HMS Hasty around 1600C/14 which then proceeded to Haifa.

At 1620C/14, HMS Griffin sighted the French destroyers Guepard and Valmy which had again come out of Beirut harbour.

The possibility that the French intended to mine the coast north of Saida threatened to hamper the work of the destroyers inshore.

15 June 1941.

Around 0800C/15, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jervis, HMS Isis and HMS Hasty departed Haifa and joined HMS Leander and her escorting destroyers around 1100C/15. It was decided to keep the whole force together, except for the 'Inshore Squadron' as a Cassard-class destroyers was reported to be to the north of Cyprus proceeding towards Syria. [This was the Vichy French destroyer Chevalier Paul.]

The 'Inshore Squadron' for this day was made up of HMS Jervis, HMS Hasty and HMS Defender.

During the day Sidon surrendered as reported by the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army in his report received at 1730C/15. He also reported that gunfire from the destroyers had destroyed 12 75mm guns as well as several tanks.

At 1703C/15, eight JU 88's attacked and a near miss caused severe damage HMS Isis to the machinery spaces and boiler rooms off the ship. Three fighters were in the area and drove off half the bombers before they completed their attack, bringing down one. HMS Coventry and HMS Defender were ordered to escort HMS Isis to Haifa.

At 1908C/15, another air attack was made by a number of Vichy French aircraft. Their number was estimated between 14 and 18. At 1915C/15, HMS Ilex was badly damaged by a near miss and had to be towed back to Haifa by HMS Hasty. No fighters were present during this attack. [The report by HMS Ilex on this attack however stated that the bombs that caused the damage were dropped by a JU 88 aircraft so if that is correct the attacker must have been German.] The boiler rooms were damaged but the ship managed to get underway again by 1935C/15 but she came to a stop at 1950C/15 due to the fuel oil being contaminated with water.

After having escorted HMS Isis to Haifa, HMS Coventry was ordered to Port Said to make good engine defects and HMS Defender was ordered to escort the transport Rodi (British (former Italian), 3220 GRT, built 1928) on the first part of her voyage from Famagusta to Port Said.

The remainder of Force B patrolled to the north of Beirut during the night with the object of intercepting the Cassard-class destroyer and engaging the two other French destroyers if they came out of Beirut.

16 June 1941.

At 0415C/16, HMS Kimberley sighted the Guepard and Valmy close inshore off Beirut. In the brief engagement which followed, before the enemy made smoke and retired under the protection of the shore batteries, HMS Kimberley and HMS Jervis both claimed to have seen hits on the second destroyer.

Around 0500C/16, the damaged HMS Ilex arrived at Haifa still in tow of HMS Hasty.

At 0800C/16, after a report from 815 Squadron (FAA) that they had hit the Cassard-class destroyer, north of Rouad Island Rear-Admiral King turned his force to the northward to close the position but on further consideration decided that he was not justified in risking the ships against air attack north of Beirut for a destroyer which there was a small chance of intercepting before she reached Tripoli (Syria) even if still afloat which was doubtful. He therefore turned back to the southward and in the middle of the turn torpedo tracks were sighted by HMS Kimberley. While following up, HMS Kimberley was attacked by two bombers and fired on by shore batteries. She was therefore ordered to rejoin the other ships.

At 1025C/16, a signal was received from the C-in-C Mediterranean ordering Force B to return to Haifa. The C-in-C had decided not to operate off Syria in daylight unless full fighter protection was available. Force B arrived at Haifa around 1500C/16.

17 June 1941.

During the forenoon, the light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) arrived from Alexandria which they had departed around 1800C/16.

HMAS Nizam arrived later in the day as she had departed Alexandria after the other ships which had arrived earlier.

Around 1800C/17, HMS Griffin and HMS Defender departed Haifa for Alexandria.

During the day, Rear-Admiral King visited the General Officer Commanding of the Army and the Air Officer Commanding of the RAF, in Jerusalem to discuss the situation, and the question of fighter protection in particular. It became clear that unless required from bombardment purposes no or little fighter protection could be provided for Force B. The little fighter protection that could be provided would be able to give three hours of fighter protection if need for a bombardment arose.

At 1815C/17, the Naval Liaison Officer reported a French destroyer, later reported to be a 'gun boat' which fired a few rounds before retiring back to Beirut having done no damage.

At 1830C/17, Rear-Admiral King transferred his flag from HMS Phoebe to HMS Naiad.

At 1900C/17, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Jaguar, HMS Nizam and HMS Kingston departed Haifa with the object of destroying the Cassard-class destroyer if it had managed to reach Tripoli (Syria). While at sea it was learned that this ship had in fact been sunk and so a sweep between Beirut and Tripoli was carried out instead.

18 June 1941.

At 0715C/18, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Jaguar, HMS Nizam and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa after a blank patrol.

At 1945C/18, HMS Phoebe departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 1315C/19.

At 1900C/18, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kimberley, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a patrol off Syria. With them the minesweeper HMS Harrow (Lt.(Retd.) G.C. Hocart, RNR) also sailed to carry out a searching sweep of area QB 44 for enemy mines but no mines were found. Force B also provided cover for her.

19 June 1941.

At dawn Force B closed the coast and HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston were detached and carried out a 40 minute bombardment of enemy positions at El Atiqua just south of Damur. On completion they rejoined Force B with subsequently returned to Haifa arriving there around 0835C/19.

HMS Coventry arrived from Port Said.

Around 1900C/19, HMS Leander, HMS Hero, HMS Hasty, HMS Jackal and HMAS Nizam sailed and carried out a search north of Beirut during which nothing was sighed.

20 June 1941.

Around 0920C/20, HMS Leander, HMS Hero, HMS Hasty, HMS Jackal and HMAS Nizam returned to Haifa. At dawn, HMS Hero and HMS Jackal had carried out a short bombardment during which they came under some light return fire from the shore but they sustained no damage.

Around 1945C/20, HMS Naiad, HMS Leander, HMS Jervis, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston, HMS Jaguar, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam, HMS Hero and HMS Hasty departed Haifa with the object of intercepting another Cassard-class destroyer reported to be arriving at Beirut at daylight the following morning. This was the Vauquelin.

At 2130C/20, HMS Jervis, HMS Hasty, HMS Jaguar, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam were detached as a searching force while the cruisers and the other three destroyers formed a striking force.

At 2353C/20, HMS Jervis sighted a submarine but she failed to gain contact after it had dived. The operation continued as planned.

21 June 1941.

The search was carried out to a point 60 miles north of Beirut at 0320C/21 but nothing was seen of the enemy. At 0530C/21, the two French destroyers already based at Beirut, Guepard and Valmy, were sighted close to the harbour entrance at a range of 26000 yards.

The Army did not desire a dawn bombardment and on return to Haifa around 0930C/21, reconnaissance reports were received which showed that the Vauquelin had waited till daylight before making the coast and was being escorted to Beirut by 20 aircraft.

That morning the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN) and HMS Hotspur arrived from Alexandria. HMS Hero, HMS Kimberley and HMS Jackal then departed for Alexandria [It seems likely these destroyers did not enter Haifa on their return with Force B and set course direct for Alexandria on Force B entering harbour around 0930C/21.]

Around 1915C/21, HMS Naiad, HMS Decoy, HMS Hotspur and HMS Havock departed Haifa to intercept the Vichy-French hospital ship Canada (9684 GRT, built 1912). HMS Hero had detached HMS Jackal at 1600C/21 to search and at 2245C/21, a report was received that she was escorting the Canada towards Haifa.

22 June 1941.

The Canada was sighed by Force B at 0030C/22 and escorted to Haifa while HMS Jackal was detached to continue her passage to Alexandria. Force B arrived at Haifa around 0630C/22. HMS Decoy had been detached to escort the Canada arrived a little later that morning with the French hospital ship. The Canada was examined and, nothing irregular being found, was allowed to proceed to Beirut latter in the forenoon.

Information was received from the Naval Liaison Officer of the three days programme of naval supporting fire that would be required when the coastal advance was resumed, the date for which could not then be given.

Around 1915C/22, Force B departed Haifa for a sweep to the northward of Beirut while HMS Jervis, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Decoy were ordered to carry out an A/S patrol to seaward while HMS Naiad, HMS Leander, HMS Jaguar, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam swept close inshore to look for the French destroyers.

23 June 1941.

At 0148C/23, when about 10 miles north of Beirut on a southerly course HMS Naiad sighted first one and then a second French destroyer on the port bow, on a northerly course close inshore and at a range of 5000 yards.

The French destroyers turned away making smoke and retired under the coast defence battery of Nahr el Kelb which opened fire. They were engaged by the cruisers and their escorting destroyers for about eleven minutes and several hits were observed on both.

It is probable that two torpedoes fired by HMS Jaguar and four by HMS Leander ran ashore in approximate position 34°05'N, 35°38'E. Owing to the nature of the coast it was considered almost certain they will have exploded on grounding and HMS Kingston (rear ship) reported hearing underwater explosions at the time.

The Army had no specific bombardment requirements and Force B returned to Haifa around 0615C/23.

The submarine HMS Parthian (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived on patrol off Beirut during the afternoon.

Around 1930C/23, HMS Harrow sailed to carry out another searching sweep of QB 44. She was covered during the night by HMS Leander, HMS Hasty, HMS Jaguar and HMAS Nizam. No mines were found.

24 June 1941.

The Leander's force closed the coast at dawn and HMS Leander, HMS Hasty and HMS Jaguar bombarded enemy positions until 0600C/24 when all ships set course for Haifa where they arrived around 0845C/24. During the bombardment they came under some light fire from batteries on shore.

The Air Officer Commanding, visited Rear-Admiral King during the day and the fighter situation was discussed. It was reported that improvements had been made but the escort for any extended period could only be undertaken at the expense of other tasks such as attacking French aerodromes. It was decided not to take the fighters of these other tasks.

Around 2030C/24, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out a sweep to the northwestward during the nigh. Nothing was seen. Dawn bombardment was not required.

In an air raid on Haifa during the nigh a bomb was dropped fairly close to HMS Leander but did no damage.

25 June 1941.

Around 0500C/25, HMS Hasty and HMS Jaguar departed Haifa for Alexandria.

Around 0630C/25, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from their night patrol.

At 1248C/25, HMS Parthian sank a French Requin-class submarine between Damur and Beirut.

Around 2030C/25, HMS Leander, HMS Decoy, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock departed Haifa to carry out a sweep to the northwestward. Nothing was seen.

26 June 1941.

The Leander's force closed the coast at dawn and bombarded enemy positions between 0518 and 0555C/26. Course was then set for Haifa where they arrived around 0850C/26. HMS Leander did not enter harbour but was joined by HMS Coventry which had departed Haifa around 0645C/26. The cruisers then set course for Alexandria.

Around 1000C/26, the light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and HMS Carlisle (A/Cdr. W. Pope, RN) arrived from Alexandria.

Around 2030C/26, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for a sweep to the northwestward during the night.

27 June 1941.

The Naiad's force closed the coast at dawn and HMS Jervis and HMS Hotspur bombarded shore targets between 0500 and 0600C/27. Shore batteries replied.

At 0545C/27, four bombers and at 0615C/27, one bomber attacked Force B but no damage was done. Allied fighters were in the vicinity but failed to intercept owing to cloud conditions and the brief warning received of the attack. The incident however showed that the dawn bombardments were becoming too much a matter of routine.

On recovering paravanes, HMS Naiad port wire was found to be cut and it was decided to carry out another searching sweep of QB 44.

Around 0600C/27, HMS Kandahar and HMS Griffin arrived at Haifa from Alexandria.

Around 0830C/27, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa.

Around 1915C/27, HMS Kandahar, HMS Griffin and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a T.S.D.S. (this is minesweeping gear fitted on destroyers) search of QB 44. HMAS Perth also sailed to support the destroyers if required. No mines were found.

28 June 1941.

Around 0550C/28, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Griffin and HMS Havock returned to Haifa.

At the Army's requist six hours of fighter protection was arranged and at 1215C/28, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Decoy and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa. They arrived off Damur around 1530C/28. HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston bombarded various targets while HMAS Perth opened fire on and silenced the Khalde battery. They returned to Haifa around 1930C/28.

Around 2000C/28, the damaged HMS Ilex left for Port Said in tow of HMS Decoy and escorted by HMS Carlisle, HMAS Nizam and HMS Hotspur.

29 June 1941.

Around 1800C/29, HMS Jervis departed Haifa for Alexandria.

Around 2045C/29, HMS Carlisle, HMS Decoy and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from escorting / towing HMS Ilex. HMAS Nizam did not return to Haifa but proceeded to Alexandria instead.

Around 2030C/29, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar and HMS Griffin sailed to carry out a night bombardment of targets in the Damur area.

30 June 1941.

The Naiad's force closed the coast around 0030C/30. HMS Naiad illuminated the targets with starshell while HMS Kandahar carried out a short bombardment. This was done mainly for its nuisance value. The 5.25" star shell proved to have considerable incendiary effect. The force returned to Haifa around 0620C/30.

Around 2030C/30, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out a sweep during the night.

1 July 1941.

Around 0615C/1, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from patrol.

Around 0900C/1, HMS Parthian arrived at Haifa from patrol.

Around 2030C/1, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar, HMS Decoy and HMS Havock departed Haifa for patrol.

2 July 1941.

Around 0600C/2, HM MTB 68 and HM MTB 215 arrived at Haifa from Famagusta. Their tender HMS Vulcan followed around 1330C/2.

Around 0615C/2, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar, HMS Decoy and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol.

Around 1015C/2, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Griffin departed Haifa and subsequently carried out a bombardment of the Damur area. HMAS Perth managed the destroy four guns from a battery at Abey also an ammunition dump was blown up.

Around 1500C/2, Force B was bombed by Allied aircraft by mistake but no damage was sustained. Rear-Admiral King decided to remain at sea during the night to intercept possible Vichy French freighters with reinforcements which have been reported to be on their way to Syria.

Around 1600C/2, HMS Parthian departed Haifa to patrol off Tripoli.

3 July 1941.

Around 0650C/3, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Griffin returned to Haifa from patrol. The destroyers HMS Jaguar (with Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN, on board) and HMS Hasty had arrived from Alexandria. The Yugoslav motor torpedo boats Kajmak?alan and Durmitor also arrived from Alexandria.

Around 1500C/3, HMS Ajax (flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Phoebe, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kimberley arrived at Haifa from Alexandria.

Around 2030C/3, HMAS Perth, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kingston, HMS Hotspur and HMS Griffin departed Haifa for a night sweep.

Also on this day HMS Decoy and HMS Kandahar departed Haifa for Alexandria.

4 July 1941.

Around 0630C/4, HMAS Perth, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kingston, HMS Hotspur and HMS Griffin returned to Haifa.

Around 0930C/4, HMS Naiad, HMS Ajax, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kimberley, HMS Havock and HMS Hasty departed Haifa to carry out a bombardment in the Damur area. The destroyers found and plastered their targets but the shoot by HMS Ajax was less successful. The force returned to Haifa around 1730C/4.

Around 2030C/4, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for a night search keeping clear of the area HMS Parthian was patrolling. Nothing was seen though.

5 July 1941.

Around 0630C/5, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty returned to Haifa from their patrol.

Around 1100C/5, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Griffin, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out another bombardment in the Damur area. HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam were the ships which carried out bombardments. The force returned to Haifa around 1800C/5.

Around 2030C/5, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a nigth sweep again keeping clear of HMS Parthian who had been ordered to leave patrol P.M. and was returning the Haifa.

6 July 1941.

At 0045C/6, HMS Ajax, HMS Jackal, HMS Griffin, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to join Perth's force at 0500C/6 off Damur. The Army advance over the Damur river began at dawn and throughout the day Force B gave support to the coastal column. Force B returned to Haifa around 2015C/6.

Around 0930C/6, HMS Parthian arrived at Haifa from patrol.

Around 1945C/6, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for a night sweep during which nothing was sighed.

7 July 1941.

Around 0620C/7, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty returned to Haifa from their sweep. They did not enter harbour but anchored off the breakwater entering only around 1000C/7.

Between 0930C/7 and 1000C/7, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kimberley, HMS Havock and HMS Hasty departed Haifa to support Army operations. They returned to Haifa around 1830C/7. They had carried out no bombardments due to the confusing situation on land and the poor visibility.

A strong force of Vichy-French bombers approached the bombarding force during the afternoon but were driven off by the fighter escort. The fighters reported having shot down a JU 88 which was most likely a German reconnaissance aircraft.

From air reconnaissance reports during the day of the three Vichy-French destroyers (Guepard, Valmy and Vauquelin) on the Turkish coast it appeared possible that they might attempt to reach Beirut during the night. At 1815C/7, HMS Naiad and HMS Phoebe departed Haifa to look for them. HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock joined them on leaving harbour having been detached from the Ajax's force.

At the same time the four MTB's (MTB 68, MTB 215, Kajmak?alan and Durmitor) departed Haifa to operate of Beirut during the night. MTB 68 actually entered the harbour but on finding it very difficult to attack merchant vessels with torpedoes due to the limited space and therefore firing only one torpedo which missed. She dropped depth charges instead alongside two of the merchant vessels.

around 2330C/7, it became apparent that the French destroyers were not proceeding towards Beirut this night and HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock turned southwards and set course to return to Haifa.

8 July 1941.

On their arrival off Haifa HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock found the port closed due to enemy air laid mines having been dropped in the harbour. They therefore patrolled to seaward throughout the day and then proceeded on a normal night sweep at sunset. In the port mines had been dropped close to HMS Carlisle which was towed out of the danger area.

9 July 1941.

Around 0600C/9, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol.

A report was received that the French had asked for an armistice and this was later confirmed.

Around 1800C/9, HMS Parthian departed Haifa for Alexandria.

Around 2030C/9, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a regular night sweep.

10 July 1941.

Around 0620C/10, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa.

Reconnaissance during the day reported two large merchant vessels at Banias, two between Rouad Island and the coast and one north of Tripoli harbour. The reports were not trusted but at 1618C/10, a signal was received from the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean that these ships were to be captured so at 2015C/10, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Jackal, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston departed Haifa to do so. Boarding parties had been sent by the cruisers which remained in harbour to the destroyers.

No merchant ships were found in the reported places and off the coast.

11 July 1941.

Around 0635C/11, HMAS Nizam, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to join HMS Ajax's force (possibly for exercises ?).

Around 0805C/11, HMS Jackal arrived at Haifa after having been detached.

Around 0930C/11, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa.

Around 2030C/11, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a night sweep.

12 July 1941.

Information was received during the night that hostilities would cease at 0001C/12 and that armistice delegates would meet at 1100C/12 at Acre.

Around 0620C/12, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa from patrol.

Around 2030C/12, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Hasty and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for a night sweep and also to avoid congestion in the harbour.

13 July 1941.

Around 0625C/13, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Hasty and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from patrol.

Around 2030C/12, HMS Ajax, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a night sweep and also to avoid congestion in the harbour.

14 July 1941.

Around 0630C/14, HMS Ajax, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol.

Around 1800C/14, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Griffin, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for Alexandria.

15 July 1941.

Around 1400C/15, HMS Moy departed Haifa for Beirut.

Around 1900C/15, HMS Harrow and HMS Lydiard (Lt. D.M. Gibb, RNR) departed Haifa for Beirut.

Around 2000C/15, HMS Carlisle departed Haifa for Beirut.

All the above ships were due to arrive at Beirut around 0530C/16.

Around 2000C/15, HMS Hasty and HMAS Nizam departed Haifa to carry out an A/S sweep from 5 to 15 miles from Beirut. The search was negative.

16 July 1941.

Around 0800C/16, HMS Hasty and HMAS Nizam returned to Haifa.

Around 1145C/16, HMS Leander arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. She had been delayed by a reduction of speed at 21 knots due to excessive vibration.

17 July 1941.

Around 0800C/17, HMS Jervis arrived at Haifa from Alexandria.

Around 2000C/17, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for Alexandria. Off Alexandria they were to join the Fleet for exercises.

Around 2030C/17, HMS Ajax, HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston departed Haifa to provide cover for convoy LE 25 which they did until 0500C/18.

18 July 1941.

Around 0800C/18, HMS Ajax and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa.

Around 0930C/18, HMS Leander departed Haifa for full power trials after divers had removed wire fouling her inner port propeller. The full power trial was satisfactory though there was still some vibration aft but this may also be due to a foul bottom as her last undocking had been on 26 December 1940. She returned to Haifa around 1120C/18.

Around 1130C/18, HMS Jervis returned to Haifa having conducted D/F trials before entering harbour. (12)

10 Jul 1941
HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)

22 Jul 1941
Around 2100C/22, the Mediterranean Fleet, made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), fast minelayers HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Alexandria to proceed to a position to the west of Crete.

Around 1400C/22, the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Leander (New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) had departed Haifa to rendez-vous with the fleet at 0600C/23.

At daylight on 23 July the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (A/Cdr. W. Pope, RN) also joined the fleet.

After dark on 23 July the fleet turned eastwards. HMS Neptune, HMS Abdiel and HMS Kimberley were then detached with orders to proceed to Port Said where they arrived on 24 July.

HMS Latona, HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kandahar were detached on the 24th to make rendezvous off Alexandria with the damaged aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN) and escort her to Port Said. A/Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN had struck his flag in HMS Formidable before departure. HMS Formidable arrived at Port Said on the 25th and immediately entered the Suez Canal for a southbound passage. She arrived at Ismalia early in the evening of the 25th. HMS Formidable is to proceed to the U.S.A. for repairs. HMS Latona and the destroyers then proceeded to Haifa.

On the 24th HMS Leander was also detached with orders to proceed to Port Said where she arrived on 25 July to embark troops together with HMS Latona and HMS Jaguar.

The bulk of the fleet returned to Alexandria around 1800C/24. (14)

25 Jul 1941
HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN), HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) embarked troops for Famagusta at Port Said. The troops were landed there during the night of 25/26 July. At Famagusta HMS Jaguar and HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) collided.

After disembarking the troops HMS Latona and HMS Jaguar departed Famagusta for Haifa while HMNZS Leander proceeded to Alexandria where she arrived at 1715C/26. (14)

10 Jan 1942

Convoy ZS 6.

This convoy departed Auckland on 10 January 1942.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Port Montreal (British, 5882 GRT, built 1937), Rangitira (New Zealand, 6152 GRT, built ) and Wahine (New Zealand, 4436 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Auckland the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN).

Around 1330M/11, the convoy was sighted by the Australian Squadron which was made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN) and the light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMNZS Achilles (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN). The Australia Squadron then patrolled ahead of the convoy.

Around 1800M/13, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Achilles parted company with HMAS Australia and proceeded one hour later with the Rangitira to Lautoka, Fiji where they arrived around 0800M/14. The cruisers then set course for Suva where they arrived around 1300M/14.

Meanwhile the remainder of the convoy had proceeded to Suva escorted by HMAS Australia and HMNZS Leander. They had arrived in the morning of the 14th. (15)

15 Jan 1942
Around 0600M/15, the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN), light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMNZS Achilles (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN), HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) and the destroyer FSS Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) departed Suva for Sydney.

Around 1100M/15, FFS Le Triomphant was detached to return to Suva to escort the chartered tanker Falkefjell (Norwegian, 7927 GRT, built 1931) to Brisbane.

Around 1130L/17, HMNZS Achilles was detached to proceed to Auckland for docking.

Around 1400K/19, HMAS Australia, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Leander arrived at Sydney. (15)

23 Jan 1942
HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (15)

27 Jan 1942
HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) departed Sydney to proceed eastwards to provide cover for a US troop convoy proceeding to Melbourne. HMAS Adelaide was to join the close escort of the convoy.

HMAS Australia, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Leander returned to Sydney on 31 January 1942.

The convoy continued on and arrived at Melboune on 1 February 1942 escorted by USS Phoenix and HMAS Adelaide.

Rendezvous with the US Convoy was made around 1130L/29. The US convoy was made up of the light cruiser USS Phoenix (Capt. H.E. Fischer, USN) and the (troop) transports Mariposa (18017 GRT, built 1931) and President Coolidge (American, 21936 GRT, built 1931). HMAS Adelaide then join the close escort while HMAS Australia, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Leander patrolled ahead of the convoy.

(15)

31 Jan 1942
Around 1730K/31, HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) departed Sydney to proceed to the eastward to make rendezous with HMNZS Achilles (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) coming from Auckland and to provide cover for an American transport enroute to Australia.

Plans were however changed and around 2330K/1, HMAS Perth was detached having been ordered to proceed to Melbourne.

HMNZS Leander was ordered to escort / provide cover for the transport while HMAS Australia was ordered to proceed to Wellington. (15)

13 Jul 1943
During the Battle of Kula Gulf, HMNZS Leander (Capt. C.A.L. Mansergh, DSC, RN) is torpedoed by Japanese warships. Leander is severely damaged with an engine room, a boiler room and a 4-inch gun destroyed. After making temporary repairs Leander proceeded to Boston, USA for major restoration and a refit.