| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Destroyer |
| Class | Admiralty V & W |
| Pennant | D 46 |
| Mod | Long range escort |
| Built by | J.S. White & Co. (Cowes, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 9 Dec 1916 |
| Laid down | 24 May 1917 |
| Launched | 15 Dec 1917 |
| Commissioned | 15 Mar 1918 |
| End service | |
| History | Reconstruction to Long Range Escort at Sheerness Dockyard was finished in April 1942. HMS Winchelsea is not listed as active unit in the October 1944 Navy List Sold to be broken up for scrap on 20 March 1945. |
Commands listed for HMS Winchelsea (D 46)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | ||
| 1 | Cdr. Christopher Theodore Jellicoe, RN | 6 Jul 1939 | 20 Dec 1939 | |
| 2 | Lt.Cdr. William Alan Frank Hawkins, RN | 20 Dec 1939 | Dec 1941 | |
| 3 | Lt.Cdr. George Windsor Gregorie, RNR | 1 Mar 1942 | 25 Oct 1943 | |
| 4 | Lt. Claude Tone Shuttleworth, RNVR | 25 Oct 1943 | Jul 1944 ? | |
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Notable events involving Winchelsea include:
1 Sep 1939
The aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN), which had recently recommissioned from reserve, landed on aircraft near Plymouth. The destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) served as guard destroyer during the landing on of the aircraft.
On completion of the landing on, HMS Hermes proceeded to Portland arriving there later the same day. (1)
16 Sep 1939
Convoy HX 1.
This convoy departed Halifax on 16 September 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Capulet (British, 8190 GRT, built 1932), Carimare (French, 4459 GRT, built 1920), City of Eastbourne (British, 5563 GRT, built 1923), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hartismere (British, 5498 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Mansepool (British, 4894 GRT, built 1928), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Springdale (British, 1579 GRT, built 1937) and Vermont (French, 5186 GRT, built 1932).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN).
The Kirnwood had to return to Halifax where she arrived back on 17 September.
At 1530P/17 HMCS St. Laurent parted company with the convoy.
At 0545P/18, the destroyer HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) joined the convoy.
At 1845P/18, HMS Berwick, HMS York, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax where all four arrived on 20 September.
Around 1530A/29, to the southwest of Ireland, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1045A/30, the convoy split into the Channel / East coast section and Irish Sea / West coast section.
HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent escorted the Channel / East coast section towards the Downs and then proceeded to Dover where they arrived around 1700A/2.
HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole escorted the Irish Sea / West coast section and arrived at Liverpool around 0500A/2. (2)
8 Oct 1939
Convoy HX 4.
This convoy departed Halifax on 8 October 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Box Hill (British, 5677 GRT, built 1920), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Harpenden (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Teviotbank (British, 5078 GRT, built 1938) and Tregarthen (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).
At noon on the 10th the escort parted company in position 42°36'N, 55°21'W. The destroyers were to return to Halifax. HMS York proceeded on patrol.
Around 0800A/21, to the southwest of Ireland, in position 49°50'N, 13°00'W, the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN) joined the convoy. All ships proceeded to West Coast ports. HMS Winchelsea and HMS Witherington arrived at Liverpool on 23 October. (3)
31 Oct 1939
Convoy HXF 7.
This convoy departed Halifax on 31 October 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Craftsman (British, 7896 GRT, built 1922), Fort Richepanse (French, 3485 GRT, built 1935), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), J.H. Senior (Panamanian (tanker), 12185 GRT, built 1931), Matra (British, 7911 GRT, built 1926), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929) (ship of the convoy Commodore), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Antonio (French, 6013 GRT, built 1930) and San Pedro (French, 5947 GRT, built 1931).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt. Retd. C.F. Allsup, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).
The convoy departed Halifax in thick fog which continued until daylight the next morning. It was then found that only three merchant vessels and HMCS St. Laurent were in sight of the Commodore's ship.
At 1100Z/1, HMCS St. Laurent parted company with the convoy in position 44°42'N, 59°40'W to return to Halifax. HMCS Fraser was no longer in company with the convoy having probably lost contact in the thick for earlier.
By 1300Z/1, for had lifted and a total of 9 merchant vessels were now in company (out of the total of 13 merchant vessels). HMS Asturias was not in sight though.
By 1100Z/2, the whole convoy had now formed up.
During the night of 4/5 November 1939 the convoy Commodore's ship, the Rangitane lost touch with the convoy in the heavy weather. During her absence more ships had lost tough with the convoy.
Around 1800Z/10, the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and HMS Viscount (Lt. M.S. Townsend, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 50°18'N, 17°05'W.
Around 0030Z/11, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) joined the convoy Commodore's ship Rangitane. Around 0630Z/11, the destroyer HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN) also joined these ships.
Around 0730Z/11, the convoy Commodore's ship, the Rangitane and her two escorting destroyers rejoined the convoy in position 49°51'N, 13°23'W. It was found that at that moment the following ships were not in company with the convoy; Bradford City, Craftsman and Gregalia.
Around 1000Z/11, HMS Winchelsea was detached to proceed to Liverpool taking the San Ambrosio with her.
Around 1200Z/11, HMS Witherington left the convoy to proceed to Liverpool.
Around 1740Z/12, HMS Asturias left the convoy to proceed to Greenock.
Around 1600Z/12, HMS Antelope and HMS Viscount were relieved to the south of the Lizard by the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN).
These destroyers remained with the convoy until 1520Z/13 when they parted company upon its arrival in the Downs. (4)
8 Nov 1939
Convoy HXF 8.
This convoy departed Halifax on 8 November 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Devon City (British, 4928 GRT, built 1933), Fort Royal (French, 3485 GRT, built 1935), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Maurienne (French, 3259 GRT, built 1938), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).
The Canadian destroyers parted company around 1500Q/9 to return to Halifax.
Around 0945Z/19, in position 50°09'N, 08°50'W, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.
The convoy was then split up into two sections and shortly afterwards HMS Ascania parted company to proceed to return to Halifax.
The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur F. Corwin, Devon City and Tornus. They were escorted by HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole. They arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 20 November 1939.
The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. The Clea and the two French ships were detached to French ports. The remainder of the merchant vessels proceeded to the Downs. HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent arrived at Dover in the morning of 21 November 1939. (5)
26 Nov 1939
Convoy HX 10.
This convoy departed Halifax on 26 November 1939 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 10 December 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Birchbank (British, 5151 GRT, built 1924), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), British Workman (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), C.O. Stillman (Panamanian, 13006 GRT, built 1928), Caroni River (British, 7807 GRT, built 1928), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lerwick (British, 5626 GRT, built 1938), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Maimoa (British, 10123 GRT, built 1920), Middleton (British, 4297 GRT, built 1935), Nailsea Lass (British, 4289 GRT, built 1917), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Newton Moore (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Chief (British, 7006 GRT, built 1928), Stagpool (British, 4560 GRT, built 1930), Stanburn (British, 2881 GRT, built 1924), Statira (British, 4852 GRT, built 1937), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928) and Victor Ross (British (tanker), 12247 GRT, built 1933).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers Assiniboine (Cdr. E. Mainguy, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN).
At 0800/28, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy and set course to return to Halifax.
HMS York parted company with the convoy at 0920/8 shortly after the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN), HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) had joined the convoy.
31 Jan 1940
Convoy HX 18.
This convoy departed Halifax on 31 January 1940 and arrived at Liverpool 16 February 1940.
Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Cefn Y Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Glenmoor (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Gretafield (British (tanker), 10191 GRT, built 1928), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Langleeford (British, 4622 GRT, built 1925), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sea Glory (British, 1964 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Telena (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Trontolite (British (tanker), 7115 GRT, built 1918), Ullapool (British, 4891 GRT, built 1927), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928), White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928), William Blumer (Norwegian, 3604 GRT, built 1920) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).
The convoy had been escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).
HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena were detached on 1 February 1940.
On 3 February 1940 a lot of merchant ships lost touch with the convoy, these were the following vessels: Boltonhall, British Prince, Cefn Y Btyn, Conus, Dalcairn, Geddington Court, Gretafield, Harmonic, Hindpool, Langleeford, Parthenia, Rio Blanco, Sea Glory, Sire, Trewellard and Yarraville.
On 8 February 1940 HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy which then continued on unescorted until the destoyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) and sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined on 13 February.
On 14 February two stagglers from the convoy were sunk by the German submarine U-26. These were the Gretafield and Langleeford.
The bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 16 February.
27 Jul 1940
HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) picks up 48 survivors from the British merchant Sambre that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-34 south-south-west of Rockall in position 56°37'N, 17°53'W.
HMS Winchelsea also picks up 36 survivors from the British merchant Thiara that was also torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-34 south-south-west of Rockall in position 56°37'N, 17°56'W.
11 Aug 1940
Convoy SL 43.
This convoy departed Freetown on 11 August 1940.
It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Cieszyn (Polish, 1386 GRT, built 1932), Chile (British, 6956 GRT, built 1915), Corinthian (British, 3121 GRT, built 1938), Dartford (British, 4093 GRT, built 1930), Debrett (British, 6244 GRT, built 1940), Dixcove (British, 3790 GRT, built 1927), Helmspey (British, 4764 GRT, built 1931), Helvig (British (former Danish), 2252 GRT, built 1937), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Maccreggor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Marken (Dutch 5719 GRT, built 1937), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), Oregon I (British (former Danish), 4774 GRT, built 1916), Port Dunedin (British, 7441 GRT, built 1925), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rodney Star (British, 11803 GRT, built 1927), Spar (Dutch, 3616 GRT, built 1924), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Margaret (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Theodoros T. (Greek, 3409 GRT, built 1912), Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939), Tyr (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1926) and Umtali (British, 8135 GRT, built 1936),
The transport New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920) departed Bathurst on 13 August to join the convoy at sea.
Several transports, some of which had been coaling at St. Vincent (São Vicente Island), Cape Verde Islands, were to join the convoy at sea on the 14/15th. these were the following, Alchiba (Dutch, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Alcyone (Dutch, 4534 GRT, built 1921), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Duquesa (British, 8651 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Marconi (British, 7402 GRT, built 1917), Minnie de Larrinaga (British, 5049 GRT, built 1914), Springfontein (Dutch, 6406 GRT, built 1921) and Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and the sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN).
On 13 (or 14) August 1940, the Cieszyn and HMS Milford parted company to proceed to Bathurst where they arrived at 1945N/15. On board the Cieszyn was the Gambia Company, Sierra Leone Battalion, Royal West African Frontier Force.
Around 1855Z/14, the light cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 2020Z/16.
On 26 August, the sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN) and corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy.
On 27 August, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.
On 27 August, HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Belfast where she was to be taken in hand for repairs.
17 Sep 1940
HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) picks up 25 survivors from the British merchant Crown Arun that was torpedoed and sunk (with gunfire) by German U-boat U-99 north of Rockall in position 58°02'N, 14°18'W.
28 Nov 1940
Convoy SL 57.
This convoy departed Freetown on 28 November 1940.
The convoy was made up the following merchant vessels; Baron Ardrossan (British, 3896 grt, built 1932), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Benvannoch (British, 6427 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Fortitude (British (tanker0, 8482 GRT, built 1937), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914), Danmark (British (former Danish), 8391 GRT, built 1925), Defoe (British, 6245 GRT, built 1940), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920)), Laplace (British, 7327 GRT, built 1919), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mahanada (British, 7196 GRT, built 1914), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Streefkerk (Dutch, 6185 GRT, built 1921), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 192) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Bengali (Lt. F.R. Pike, RCNVR.
Around 2000N/29, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) joined.
Around 1820N/30, HMS Bridgewater and HMS Bengali parted company with the convoy.
Around 1720Z/15, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown.
Either late on 15 December or early on 16 December the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Lt. Adrian Paul Northey, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR) and HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, RNR) joined.
Around 1430Z/16, the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 December 1940.
15 Jan 1941
Convoy HX 103.
This convoy departed Halifax on 15 January 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 1 February 1941.
Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Botusk (British, 3091 GRT, built 1919), Emmaplein (Dutch, 5436 GRT, built 1926), Gandia (Belgian, 9629 GRT, built 1907), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and the corvette HMCS Arrowhead (T/Lt. V.H. Torraville, RCNR).
The destroyer and the corvette parted company with the convoy on the 16th and returned to Halifax.
On 18 January convoy BHX 103 coming from Bermuda merged with convoy HX 103. Convoy BHX 103 had been made up of the merchant vessels Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Mamura (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932) and Mijdrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1931). It had departed Bermuda on 13 January 1941 and had been escorted to the rendez-vous position by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN) which was then detached.
The battleship parted company with the convoy on 26 January and then returned to Halifax.
On 27 January 1941 the destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR) and HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) joined the convoy but they were detached later the same day. On 28 January 1941 the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. They were detached on 31 January 1941.
The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 1 February 1941, apparently unescorted.
Two merchant vessels were lost when the convoy ran into the British minefield SN 2 (north-west of Rona Island, in approximate position 59°08'N, 05°52'W) on 31 January 1941. These were the Botusk and Emmaplein.
28 Feb 1941
Convoy SC 24.
This convoy departed Halifax for the U.K. on 28 February 1941.
On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Atlanticos (Greek, 5446 GRT, built 1919), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Borgfred (British, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Brave Coeur (British, 6458 GRT, built 1919), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Bruxelles (Belgium, 5085 GRT, built 1919), Emmy (Greek, 3895 GRT, built 1914), Flynderborg (Norwegian, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5686 GRT, built 1918), Kyma (Greek, 3959 GRT, built 1911), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Start Point (British, 5293 GRT, built 1919), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Thistleglen (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922), Victo (Norwegian, 3655 GRT, built 1906), Western Chief (British, 5759 GRT, built 1918) and Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN) and the corvette HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvette however soon returned to harbour.
The merchant vessel Bernhard turned back during the night of 28 February / 1 March due to engine defects.
At 1100Q/1, the merchant vessel Kalypso Vergotti turned back to Halifax due to a leak.
From 5 March the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) was nearby to provide cover for the convoy (and convoy HX 112 as well).
On 14 March, the merchant vessel Western Chief, which had straggled from the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Emo.
At 1200A/15, HMS Wolfe parted company with the convoy.
Later on the 15th the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy followed by the corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) the following day.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 March 1941.
10 Mar 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) departed Holyhead for Londonderry. She is escorted by HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN). (6)
21 Mar 1941
Convoy HX 116.
This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 9 April 1941.
Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Anna Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9057 GRT, built 1931), Birgitte (British, 1595 GRT, built 1930), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN).
On 23 March the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) joined the convoy.
On 31 March HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy.
On 4 March 1941 HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy after the destroyers HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR) had joined. The destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined on 5 April. The destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and corvette HMS Orchis (Lt. A.D. White, RNR)both joined on 6 April. HMS Orchis was detached on 7 April.
The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 9 April.
25 Mar 1941
Convoy WS 7.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 25 March 1941 for several destinations in the Middle and Far East.
This convoy was made up of the following troopships / transports; Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Denbighshire (British, 8983 GRT, built 1938), Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932), Glenorchy (British, 8982 GRT, built 1939), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929) and Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930).
These ships had come from Liverpool and from the Clyde. While proceeding to the Oversay rendezvous (from the Clyde) the Strathaird collided with the Stirling Castle and was forced to return due to the damage sustained. The Stirling Castle also had damage but was able to continue.
On departure from the U.K. waters the convoy was escorted by the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) (came from Scapa Flow), HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) (came from the Clyde), light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Commodore C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) (came from the Clyde), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) (came from Moelfre Bay) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski), HMS Broadwater (Lt.Cdr. W.M.L. Astwood, RN) (these destroyers came with the Clyde section of the convoy), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) (came with the Liverpool section of the convoy), HMS Viceroy (Lt.Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN), Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou) (came from Londonderry), HMS Arrow (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) (had come from Scapa Flow with HMS Nelson) and HMCS St. Clair (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Wallace, RCNR) (came from Tobermory).
On assembly of the convoy, around 0800A/25, the destroyers HMS Winchelsea, HMS Arrow, HMS Eclipse and HMS Eskimo first proceeded to Londonderry to fuel. All rejoined the convoy later the same day, HMS Winchelsea at 1330A/25, at the same time HMCS St. Clair also joined. HMS Arrow, HMS Eclipse and HMS Eskimo rejoined around 1830A/25.
Around 2130A/26, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Viceroy, HMS Rockingham, HMS Legion, ORP Piorun and Léopard parted company with the convoy in position 54°05'N, 20°41'W.
Around 2200A/26, HMS Cairo also parted company with the convoy.
Around 2130A/27, HMS Arrow and HMS Eclipse parted company with the convoy to return to Scapa Flow via Londonderry. They arrived at Londonderry to fuel on the 29th and then left at 1100A/30 for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0400A/31.
Around 0830A/28, HMS Broadwater and HMCS St. Clair parted company with the convoy in position 52°52'N, 23°54'W.
Around 1200A/28, HMS Somali, HMS Bedouin,HMS Eskimo, HMS Mashona and HMS Matabele parted company with the convoy in position 46°54'N, 27°50'W. They then set course to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1425A/31.
Around 1230A/28, HMS Revenge parted company taking Georgic with her to escort her to Halifax.
Around 2200A/29, HMS Edinburgh parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.
Around 1000A/1, the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from Bathurst.
Around 1350A/2, the destroyers HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN) joined the convoy also coming from Bathurst.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 4 April 1941.
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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa (Capetown and Durban) on 7 April 1941. The composition of the convoy was the same in which it had arrived at Freetown.
Escort on departure was also the same as on the convoy's arrival, battleship HMS Nelson, HMS Foxhound, HMS Duncan, HMS Wishart and HMS Vidette.
In the evening of April 7th, HMS Foxhound, picked up three crewmembers from the merchant vessel Umona that had been torpedoed and sunk on 30 March 1941 by the German submarine U-124.
At 0830Z/8 HMS Foxhound parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown due to defects.
The remaining three destroyers parted company at 1800Z/9 to return to Freetown.
Around 1430B/15, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in position 30°30'S, 14°23'E and took over the escort. HMS Nelson then parted company to proceed to Capetown to fuel and then on to Simonstown for repairs to her leaking hull.
At 0900B/16, the convoy split up in position 33°53'S, 17°47'E in a Capetown portion and a Durban portion.
The Durban position was made up of the Denbighshire, Glenorchy, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Orontes, Otranto, Stirling Castle, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Warwick Castle. HMS Newcastle remained with this section until its arrival at Durban on 19 April 1941.
The remaining ships made up the Capetown section and arrived there on 16 April 1941. Dempo later went on independently to Durban arriving there on 20 April 1941.
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On 20 April 1941 the Capetown portion of the convoy departed. It was made up of the Andes, Duchess of Athol, Duchess of York, Empress of Canada, Orcades, Orion, Pasteur, Strathallan, Stratheden, and Strathmore. They were escorted by the cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN).
On 23 April 1941 the Durban portion of the convoy departed. It was made up of the Dempo, Denbighshire, Empress of Australia, Glenorchy, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Orontes, Otranto, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Warwick Castle. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN). The Stirling Castle which had arrived with the Durban section sailed on 26 April indepedently to Melbourne, Australia where she arrived on 10 May 1941.
These groups made rendezvous at 0900C/24 after which HMS Carthage parted company while HMS Hawkins continued on with the convoy.
Around 1600C/28, HMS Hawkins was relieved by the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) and HMS Colombo (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) which both had departed Mombasa earlier that day.
On 1 May the Bombay section of the convoy split off. it was made up of the Duchess of York, Johan van Oldebarnevelt, Strathmore and Warwick Castle. HMS Colombo went with them as escort. They arrived at Bombay on 5 May 1941.
The remainder of the convoy continued on, escorted by HMS Glasgow until it was dispersed on 3 May after which the ships proceeded independently to Suez. (7)
29 Mar 1941
Convoy SL 70.
This convoy departed Freetown on 29 March 1941 and arrived in UK waters (Liverpool) on 23 April 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alfred Jones (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Andrea Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 10173 GRT, built 1940), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Belgravian (British, 3136 GRT, built 1937), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 1914), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Clan MacInnes (British, 4672 GRT, built 1920), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Dagomba (British, 3845 GRT, built 1928), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Denpark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Elstree Grange (British, 6598 GRT, built 1916), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Gunda (Swedish, 1770 GRT, built 1930), Henry Stanley (British, 5026 GRT, built 1929), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Marconi (British, 7402 GRT, built 1917), Meliskerk (Dutch, 6045 GRT, built 1919), Para (Norwegian, 3986 GRT, built 1921), Parklaan (Dutch, 3807 GRT, built 1911), Phidias (British, 5623 GRT, built 1913), Sacramento Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Storanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9223 GRT, built 1930) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).
The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), corvette HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Kelt (T/Lt. W.T. Hodson, RNVR) and HMS Pict (???).
At 1726N/31, HMS Dragon parted company with the convoy. The armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) had joined shortly before HMS Dragon parted company.
Around 1300N/4, HMS Kelt and HMS Pict parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bathurst.
At 1755N/4, HMS Calendula parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bathurst.
Around 1730N/5, the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) and the troopship Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy. They had departed Freetown around 1730N/2 to overtake the convoy.
Around 1600N/19, HMS Marsdale (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Armstrong, RNR) joined the convoy after which HMS Bulolo parted company.
Around 0900N/20, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1800N/20, the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Beagle, (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), HMCS St.Francis (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Pullen, RCN) and the corvettes HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN), HMS Orchis (Lt. A.D. White, RNR), HMCS Hepatica (T/Lt. C. Copelin, RCNR) and HMCS Windflower (T/Lt. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR) joined the convoy.
At 2105N/20, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 23 April 1941. Some of the A/S escorts had already parted company with the convoy earlier.
17 Apr 1941
Around 0045A/17, the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) departed the Clyde. HMS Argus was to proceed to Gibraltar and HMS London was to escort her until being relieved.
Around 1020A/17, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) joined.
Around 2215A/18, HMS Winchelsea and HMS Eridge parted company. (8)
6 May 1941
Convoy HG 61.
This convoy departed Gibraltar on 6 May 1941.
On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aguila (British, 3255 GRT, built 1917), Alva (British, 1584 GRT, built 1934), Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Baron Cochrane (British, 3385 GRT, built 1927), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Bifrost (Swedish, 1781 GRT, built 1923), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cape Corso (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Caverock (British, 1332 GRT, built 1915), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ridge (British, 2922 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Fort Richepanse (British (former French), 3485 GRT, built 1935), Lanahrone (Irish, 1221 GRT, built 1928), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Meta (British, 1578 GRT, built 1931), Milos (Swedish, 3058 GRT, built 1898), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Sarastone (British, 2473 GRT, built 1929), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929) and Torfinn Jarl (Norwegian, 1480 GRT, built 1922).
On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN), corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Joinquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR) and submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN).
Around 0700A/7, in position 34°51'N, 08°24'W, and the special service vessel HMS Fidelity (Cdr. C.A.M. Péri) joined the convoy.
Around 2130Z/12, in position 41°54'N, 21°54'W, HMS Azalea, HMS Geranium and HMS Jonquil parted company with the convoy to join convoy OG 61.
Around 0600Z/13, in position 42°51'N, 22°00'W, HrMs O 21 parted company to join convoy OG 61.
Around 0740Z/13, the armed boarding vessel Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy. With her was the Italian tanker
Gianna M. (5703 GRT, built 1913) which HMS Hilary had captured the Gianna M. north of the Azores on 10 May 1941.
Around 1130Z/14, the armed boarding vessels Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) and HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) joined the convoy.
Around 1700Z/14, in position 47°04'N, 21°42'W, HMS Hilary parted company with the convoy.
Around 1930Z/15, in position 49°53'N, 21°31'W, the destroyer HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1545Z/16, in position 52°23'N, 21°14'W, the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN), corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the convoy. The rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy later that day.
Around 2140Z/17, the destroyer HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN) joined the convoy.
At 1030Z/18, an enemy aircraft was seen and three minutes later bombs were dropped close to the Fort Richepanse and the Gianna M.. Both sustained some minor damage. Two more air attacks were carried out on this day but the bombs dropped all exploded well away from the convoy.
At 0324B/19, in position 54°57'N, 11°10'W [British source] 54°47'N, 11°10'W [German source], the Empire Ridge was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-96. HMS Vanquisher picked up the only two survivors which were subsequently transferred to HMS Legion.
Around 2300B/19, the ' Oban ' portion of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Cochrane, Baron Yarborough, Bifrost, Cape Corso, Marklyn and Meta.
Around 0530B/20, in position 55°31'N, 06°33'W, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea parted company to proceed to Londonderry to fuel after which they were to proceed to Liverpool.
Around 0635B/20, in position 55°27'N, 06°45'W, the Zaafaran parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Clyde.
Around 0700B/20, in position 55°25'N, 06°27'W, HMS Cavina and HMS Corinthian parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Clyde.
Around 1005B/20, the ' Clyde ' portion of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aguilla, Auk, Baron Stranraer, Caverock, City of Lancaster and Sarastone.
The remainder of the convoy proceeded onwards.
The following ships arrived at Belfast Lough on 20 May 1941; Empire Tern, Fort Richepanse, Gianna M., Lanahrone, Pinzon and South Wales.
The Alva arrived at Workington on 21 May 1941.
The following ships arrived at Barrow-in-Furness on 21 May 1941; Bruse Jarl and Milos.
The Torfinn Jarl arrived arrived at Liverpool on 21 May 1941.
Of the escort HMS Londonderry arrived at Londonderry on 20 May 1941 and HMS Legion arrived in the Clyde also 20 May 1941.
All remaining escorts arrived at Liverpool on 21 May 1941. (9)
10 May 1941
Convoy SL 74
This convoy departed Freetown on 10 May 1941 for the U.K. where it was dissolved on 4 June 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant ships; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913) retuned 11-04 after collision with Zephyros, Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Anselm (British, 5954 GRT, built 1935), Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), Bonita (Panamanian, 4929 GRT, built 1918), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Clan MacNair (British, 6096 GRT, built 1921), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Empire Success (British, 5988 GRT, built 1921), Empire Trader (British, 9990 GRT, built 1908), Evros (Greek, 5283 GRT, built 1918), Gamaria (British, 5255 GRT, built 1918), Glenstrae (British, 9460 GRT, built 1922), Holmside (British, 3433 GRT, built 1930), Koumoundouros (Greek, 3598 GRT, built 1925), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Llandaff (British, 4825 GRT, built 1937), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Melpomene (French, 7011 GRT, built 1923), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Nicolas Pateras (Greek, 4362 GRT, built 1910), Norita (Swedish, 1516 GRT, built 1924), Olivebank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), P.L.M. 17 (French, 4008 GRT, built 1922) left the convoy on 20 May with engine trouble, Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Queensbury (British, 3911 GRT, built 1931), Rosenberg (Dutch, 2068 GRT, built 1918), Saturnus (Dutch, 2741 GRT, built 1909), Scotia (Swedish, 1874 GRT, built 1918), Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938), Southern Empress (British, 12398 GRT, built 1914), Taurus (Norwegian, 4767 GRT, built 1925), Tombouctou (French, 5636 GRT, built 1919), Tovelil (Danish, 2225 GRT, built 1925), Trentbank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919), Vassilios A. Polemis (Greek, 3429 GRT, built 1907), Viking Star (British, 6445 GRT, built 1920), Waterland (Dutch, 6847 GRT, built 1922), Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919) and Zephyros (Greek, 4796 GRT, built 1909).
Escort was initially provided by the British armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) (10 May 1941 to 3 June 1941) and the corvettes HMS Amaranthus (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RNR), HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. P. Everett-Price, DSC, RNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR). (All from 10 May 1941 to 19 May 1941).
They were joined on 12 May 1941 by the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN).
At 1300N/13, in approximate position 13°07'N, 19°22'W, HMS Bulolo sighted a ship which turned out to be the Vichy-French transport Bourbonnais (4484 GRT, built 1914). The ship was ordered to stop but she refused to do so initially. A shot was fired across her bow which resulted in the ship to stop. She was then boarded. It turned out that she was en-route from Dakar to Tamatave with stores and 400 native troops. HMS Bulolo and the Vichy ship then remained in the general area while the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) was sent out from Freetown to take her over and then escort her to Freetown so that HMS Bulolo could rejoin the convoy. HMS Dragon joined around 0930N/14 and the Vichy ship was then turned over to her custody.
On 26 May 1941, HMS Dorsetshire parted company with the convoy to join the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck. She succeeded in making contact on the next day he delivered the coup de grace to her and torpedoed the heavily damaged German battleship from both sides and she sank soon afterwards. HMS Dorsetshire picked up German survivors until she was forced to leave the scene after a U-Boat alarm. More survivors had to be left in the water.
The convoy was joined by more escorts for the passage through the Western Approaces, these were; Destroyer HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR). These ships all joined on 30 May 1941 and remained with the convoy until it was dissolved on 4 June 1941. The destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) also joined on 30 May but left the convoy on 2 June 1941. Finally the corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) joined the convoy on 31 May and remained with it until dissolved on 4 June 1941.
4 Jun 1941
Convoy WS 9A.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 June 1941.
On assembly the convoy was made up of the transports; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Empire Condor (British, 7773 GRT, built 1940), Empire Curlew (British, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Empire Egret (British, 7169 GRT, built 1939), Empire Widgeon (British, 6737 GRT, built 1940), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).
On assembly of the convoy it was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN), HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR) and HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN).
At 0130Z/7, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea parted company with the convoy.
At 0700Z/7, HMS Ausonia, HMS Cairo and all remaining destroyer parted company with the convoy.
In the afternoon of the 14th the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) joined the convoy escort.
HMS Highland was however soon detached for other duties.
In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) joined the convoy escort.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 16 June 1941.
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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 20 June 1941.
The composition of the convoy was the same in which it had arrived with the addition of the transports Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913) and Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham and the destroyers HMS Boreas, HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Velox and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN).
At 0700ZA(-0.5)/23, the destroyers parted company with the convoy.
In the morning of July 1st, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle, Eastern Prince, Empire Widgeon, Empress of Japan and Llangibby Castle parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Capetown.
At 1400AB(-1.5)/2, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy after the escort had been taken over by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) which came from Mauritius. HMS Birmingham then proceeded to Simonstown.
The Eastern Prince departed Capetown on 2 July to proceeded independently to Durban.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Durban on 4 July 1941.
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On 5 July 1941, the ships of the Capetown section (minus Eastern Prince, see above) departed there escorted by HMS Birmingham which had come from Simonstown.
On 8 July 1941, the transports Aagtekerk, Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Empire Condor, Empire Curlew, Empire Egret and Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) and their escort HMS Hawkins departed Durban to make rendezvous with the Capetown section the following day.
On making rendezvous, HMS Birmingham was detached to return to Simonstown.
At 1415D, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle and Empress of Japan parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bombay. This was known as Convoy WS 9AX. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) which had just made rendezvous with the convoy. They arrived at Bombay at 24 July.
The remainder of the ships continued on to the vicinity of Aden escorted by HMS Hawkins. The convoy was dispersed on 21 July 1941. (7)
10 Jun 1941
Around 1700A/10, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) joined the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) and the troop transport Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922).
Around 2355A/10, HMS Sheffield parted company with the carriers and the troop transport.
Around 1145B/11, HMS Furious, HMS Argus and the Nea Hellas were joined by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN).
Around 2200B/11, the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) joined.
Around 2200B/13, HMS Winchelsea parted company to proceed to Londonderry arriving there on the 14th.
Around 0600B/14, HMS Furious, HMS Argus, HMS Cossack, HMS Maori and HMS Sikh arrived at Greenock.
HMS Vanquisher continued on to Liverpool arriving there later on the 14th. (10)
30 Jun 1941
Convoy WS 9B.
This convoy was formed off Oversay on 30 June 1941. It arrived at Freetown on 13 July 1941.
On assembly it was made up of the following (troop)transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Ceramic (British, 18713 GRT, built 1913), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Elizabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925), Pampas (British, 6345 GRT, built 1941), Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).
The transport Anselm (British, 5954 GRT, built 1935) had been unable to keep the required speed up during the passage from Liverpool to the rendezvous point and was ordered to proceed to the Clyde. She was not allowed to join the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN), flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN), HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN), HMS Moreton Bay (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, RN), armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) and the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN), HMS Castleton (Cdr. (Retd.) F.H.E. Skyrme, RN), HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN), HMCS St.Francis (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Pullen, RCN), HMS Wells (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP).
HMS Wolverine was detached with defects at 1324Z/31.
HMS Wells parted company with the convoy around 2200Z/1.
HMS Vanquisher, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Castleton and HMCS St. Francis parted company around 0400Z/2.
HMS Maori was detached at 1600Z/2.
HMS Cairo, ORP Piorun and ORP Garland parted company with the convoy around 1900Z/2 in position 49°20'N, 26°20'W.
HMS Reading was detached at 0400Z/3.
HMS Edinburgh parted company around 2315Z/3.
HMS Cathay parted company around 0630Z/4.
HMS Chitral and HMS Corinthian parted company around 0100Z/6.
Around 1115Z/10, in position 17.28'N, 20.50'W the destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and corvette HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) joined.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 13 July 1941.
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The convoy left Freetown in the same composition as in which it had arrived.
It was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Galatea and the destroyers HMS Brilliant, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN).
All destroyers parted company on the 18th, HMS Brilliant and HMS Velox at 1200/18 and HMS Boreas and HMS Vansittart at 1600/18.
At 0515/27, HMS Galatea parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Simonstown to fuel.
The transports Ceramic, Clan Forbes, Pampas, Elizabeth Bakke, Pulaski and Rangitata were detached to Capetown.
HMS Galatea departed Simonstown at 1530/27 and rejoined the remaining ships of the convoy at 0900/28.
The remaining ships and HMS Galatea arrived at Durban on 30 July 1941.
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The Clan Forbes, Elisabeth Bakke, Pampas and Pulaski departed Capetown on 30 July 1941 escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Queen of Bermuda (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN).
On 3 August 1941 the Arundel Castle, Athlone Castle, Monarch of Bermuda and Oronsay departed Durban escorted by HMS Galatea. The Capetown and Durban section then merged and set course for Aden. Both escorts remained with the convoy until it was dispersed off Aden on 14 August 1941.
On 13 August the Athlone Castle and Elizabeth Bakke parted company forming convoy WS 9BX. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and arrived at Bombay on 16 August 1941. (7)
12 Jul 1941
Convoy WS 9C
This convoy was formed at sea and was initially made up of the British merchant vessels / troop transports Avila Star (14443 GRT, built 1927), City of Pretoria (8049 GRT, built 1937), Deucalion (7516 GRT, built 1930), Durham (10893 GRT, built 1934), Leinster (4302 GRT, built 1937), Melbourne Star (11076 GRT, built 1936), Pasteur (30447 GRT, built 1939), Port Chalmers (8535 GRT, built 1933) and Sydney Star (11095 GRT, built 1936).
They were escorted by the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) (12-20 July), cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), (12-17 July), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) (12-15 July), cruiser-minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN), (15-16 July), destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (12 July), HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, DSO, RN) (12-15 July), HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) (12-15 July), ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) (12-15 July), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN) (12-15 July), HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) (12-17 July), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) (12-17 July), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) (17-20 July), escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) (18-20 July) and sloop HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) (12-13 July).
The merchant ships from the convoy departed either Avonmouth, Liverpool, the Clyde area and Belfast. The convoy was finally formed up at sea early on the 13th in position 55°40'N, 06°55'W.
The passage of the convoy was uneventful.
HMS Gurkha and ORP Garland left the convoy around 0330B/15 reaching the limit of their endurance. HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wanderer did the same around 1830B/15. Around 2000B/15 HMS Manxman joined the convoy, she parted company at 1900B/16 and set course for Gibraltar. The merchant vessel Avila Star had meanwhile left the convoy at 1000B/16.
At 0700B/17 the 8th Destroyer Flotilla was to join the convoy coming from Gibraltar but due to thick for no contact was made. At 1000B/17 the Pasteur left the convoy for Gibraltar escorted by HMS Manchester, HMS Maori, HMS Lightning and HMAS Nestor. Shortly afterwards the fog lifted and the 8th Destroyer Flottilla was sighted and joined the convoy. At 1200B/17 the Leinster also left the convoy for Gibraltar escorted by HMS Arethusa, HMS Cossack and HMS Sikh.
At 1800B/18 HMS Firedrake joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.
At 0700B/18 HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale joined the Pasteur, HMS Manchester, HMS Lightning and HMAS Nestor. HMS Maori then left that group and joined the group that was made up of the Leinster, HMS Arethusa, HMS Cossack and HMS Sikh. HMS Manchester departed the ‘Pasteur group’ at 1000B/19 to join the ‘Leinster group’ which she did at 1500B/19.
The ‘Pasteur group’ arrived at Gibraltar shortly after noon on the 19th and around 0330B/20 the ‘Leinster group’ arrived at Gibraltar. Troops aboard these ships then disembarked.
Around 0200B/20, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Manxman, HMS Lightning, HMAS Nestor, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale departed Gibraltar to rendez-vous with the now incoming convoy WS 9C. They joined the convoy shortly before noon, the six F-class destroyers of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla then left to refuel at Gibraltar.
For the continuation of the events see the event for 21 July 1941 on Operation Substance. (11)
21 Jul 1941
Convoy TC 12.
This troop convoy departed Halifax on 21 July 1941 and arrived in the Clyde on 28 July 1941.
Is was made up of the troopships Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. C. Coppinger, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Earl Beattie, RN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN).
On 23 July the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) and HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN) joined the escort taking over from HMCS Columbia and HMS Buxton.
The other four destroyers remained with the convoy until 26 July and on this day the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN), HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN).
Around 2000/28, HMS Malaya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow. The destroyer HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) and escort destroyers HMS Heythrop (Lt.Cdr R.S. Stafford, RN) and HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, RN) had come out of Scapa Flow to escort her in.
2 Aug 1941
Convoy WS 10
This convoy assembled in the Clyde area on 2 August 1941 destined for the middle east area.
The convoy was made up of the following troop transports; Andes (25689 GRT, built 1939), Britannic (26943 GRT, built 1930), Cameronia (16297 GRT, built 1920), Highland Monarch (14139 GRT, built 1928), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Nea Hellas (16991 GRT, built 1922), Orcades (23456 GRT, built 1937), Rangitiki (16698 GRT, built 1928), Reina del Pacifico (17702 GRT, built 1931), Stirling Castle (25550 GRT, built 1936), Strathallan (23722 GRT, built 1938), Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922), Warwick Castle (20107 GRT, built 1930), Windsor Castle (19141 GRT, built 1922) and the following transports; Diomed (10374 GRT, built 1922), Indian Prince (8587 GRT, built 1926), Manchester Port (7071 GRT, built 1935), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939) and Phemius (7406 GRT, built 1921),
Escort was initially provided by the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) (2 – 10 August), armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) (2 – 6 August), the light cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) (2 – 5 August), the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (2 – 5 August), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN) (2 – 5 August), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) (2 – 5 August), HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) (2 – 6 August), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN) (2 – 6 August), HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) (2 – 6 August), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) (2 – 6 August), HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) (2 – 6 August), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) (2 – 6 August) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) (2 August – 17 August).
On 5 August, around 2200 hours, HMS Cairo, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Witch and HMS Whitehall parted company with the convoy.
On 6 August, around 2300 hours, HMS Worcestershire, HMS Broadway, HMS Gurkha, HMS Lance, HMS Legion, HrMs Isaac Sweers and ORP Piorun parted company with the convoy. Shorty afterwards the troopships Warwick Castle and Windsor Castle collided. Due to this the Warwick Castle was detached and was escorted to Halifax, Nova Scotia by HMS Worcestershire. Windsor Castle dropped astern and was brought back to the convoy the next day by HMS Jupiter who had been despached to search for her.Jupiter
Very early on the 9th HMS Jupiter was detached to fuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores. HMS Jupiter re-joined the convoy around 0700 on the 10th.
Around noon on 10 August, HMS London, was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, RN) which had departed Gibraltar on the 8th. HMS Edinburgh remained with the convoy until it reached Freetown on the 17th.
When approaching Freetown A/S escorts joined the convoy. On 14 August 1941 two destroyers and a corvette joined, these were; HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Bergamot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Chapman, RNR). The next day the corvette HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) also joined.
On 21 August 1941 the convoy departed Freetown for South Africa. Escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh until 2 September 1941, when part of the convoy (Troopships Britannic, Indrapoera, Reina Del Pacifico, Striling Castle, Strathallan, Volendam, Windsor Castle and the transports Nigerstroom and Phemius) arrived at Capetown. HMS Edinburgh then went to Simonstown. On departure from Freetown A/S escort was provided until dawn on the 24th by the destroyer HMS Jupiter and the corvettes HMS Anchusa (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNR), HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR). The corvettes then returned to Freetown while HMS Jupiter proceed to St. Helena.
The light cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) then took over the remainer of the convoy and took these towards Durban were they arrived on 5 September 1941. These were the troopships Andes, Cameronia, Highland Monarch, Nea Hellas, Rangitiki and the transports Diomed, Indian Price and Manchester Port.
On 6 September 1941 the part of the convoy (minus Reina del Pacifico) that had entered Capetown on 2 September departed from Capetown escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN). On 8 September the Britannic split off and proceeded to Durban to embark troops that had been on the Cameronia. Britannic rejoined the next day escorted by Hawkins. The troop transport Aronda (9031 GRT, built 1941) was also with them and joined the convoy. After these ships had joined HMS Carnavon Castle then split off with the Indrapoera, Volendam, Nigerstroom and Phemius and took these ships to Durban.
The convoy (by now called WS 10B), now made up of the troopships Aronda, Britannic, Stirling Castle, Strathallan and Windsor Castle, and escorted by HMS Hawkins proceeded to Bombay where it arrived on 20 September 1941. En-route, in position 03.25’S, 51.12’E and on September 13th, HMS Hawkins had been relieved by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN).
[Other ships that had been part of convoy WS 10 later proceeded to their destinations in other convoys.]
31 Aug 1941
Convoy WS 11
This convoy assembled in the Clyde area on 31 August 1941 for the far east.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Abosso (11330 GRT, built 1935), Barrister (6348 GRT, built 1939), Bhutan (6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Edinburgh (8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Manchester (8917 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of York (20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Australia (21833 GRT, built 1914), Glaucus (7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenorchy (8982 GRT, built 1939), Kina II (9823 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (14182 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Progress (5620 GRT, built 1938), Mooltan (20952 GRT, built 1923), Northumberland (11558 GRT, built 1915), Orontes (20097 GRT, built 1929), Otranto (20026 GRT, built 1925), Scythia (19761 GRT, built 1920), Viceroy of India (19627 GRT, built 1929). The netlayer HMS Guardian (A/Capt. H.A.C. Lane, RN) also sailed in this convoy.
Escort was initially provided by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, MVO, RN), the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, MVO, DSO, RN), the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (31 August – 2 September), HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) (31 August – 2 September), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski) (31 August – 3 September), ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) (31 August – 3 September), the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN), HMS HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).
Around 1530A/31, HMS Furious was detached to Bangor due to an engine room defect. HMS Lively accompanied the carrier. They arrived at Bangor around 1930A/31. The defect could be repaired quickly and they left again around 0430A/1 to rejoin the convoy which they did around around noon on 2 September. Meanwhile they had been joined around 1000A/1 by HrMs Isaac Sweers which had been detached from the convoy to join HMS Furious.
HMS Cairo and HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy on 2 September and proceeded to Northern Ireland. HMS Sheffield also left the convoy later this day.
ORP Piorun and ORP Garland parted company with the convoy shortly after noon on 3 September to assist a merchant vessel that was being bombed by German aircraft. By then HMS Winchelsea had also left the convoy.
HMS Furious was destined for Gibraltar and operated mainly a little away from the convoy. She left the convoy around 1100 hours on 4 September arrived at Gibraltar on 7 September escorted by HMS Cossack, HMS Zulu, HMS Legion and HMS Lively.
Shortly afterwards around 1300 hours on 4 September the convoy split into two sections, these were; WS 11F (Fast); This convoy was made up of the merchants Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India. HMS Guardian was also part of this convoy.
Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Repulse, HMIS Sutlej (Later went to the escort of convoy WS 11S), HMS Highlander (detached to fuel at the Azores), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) (joined around noon on 4 September coming from Gibraltar) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) (joined around 0800 hours on 7 September coming from Gibraltar).
Most of these ships oiled at sea from the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) (Master Lt.Cdr. A.E. Curtain, OBE, RNR). Rapidol later joined convoy WS 11S. At least HMS Highlander oiled at Ponta Delgada, Azores, she rejoined the convoy around noon on 6 September.
Around 0730 hours on 8 September 1941, HMAS Nestor parted company to fuel at Bathurst where she arrived around 0930 hours on 11 September 1941. She departed again around 1430 hours to rejoin the convoy. However at 1640 hours on 11 September HMAS Nestor obtained a firm A/S contact and attack with depth charges which resulted in a heavy explosion which shook the ship considerably. She the resumed course to rejoin the convoy but 30 minutes later a lubrication oil leak was reported. Course was then set to proceed direct to Freetown for repairs. Further damage was discovered afterwards which made it necessary to reduce speed.
In the morning of 11 September 1941 two destroyers coming from Freetown joined the escort, these were HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN). Later that day, around 1400 hours, the corvette HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR) also joined the escort. Shortly afterwards HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bathurst.
This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 13 September 1941.
The other section of the convoy was WS 11S (Slow); This convoy was made up of the merchants Abosso, Barrister, City of Manchester, Glaucus Manchester Progress and Northumberland.
Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Derbyhire, HMS Sennen and HMS Totland.
This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 15 September 1941.
At Freetown the convoy (now called WS 11B) was re-grouped and departed from there on 18 September 1941 for the Cape.
The convoy was now made up of the merchants Barrister, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India and the Dutch liner (troopship) Nieuw Zeeland (11069 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy at Freetown.
Escort was provided by the battlecruiser HMS Renown and the armed merchant cruiser Derbyshire. A/S escort was provided until 1800 hours 20 September 1941 by the destroyers HMS Velox and HMS Wrestler after which these returned to Freetown.
On 30 September the following ships put into Capetown escorted by HMS Derbyshire; Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland.
The other ships; Barrister, Empress of Australia, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto and Scythia arrived at Durban on 3 October escorted by HMS Repulse.
On 3 October 1941, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland departed Capetown still escorted by HMS Derbyshire.
On 7 October 1941, Barrister, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto as well as the transports City of Canterbury (8331 GRT, built 1922), Dilwara (11080 GRT, built 1936), Eastern Prince (10926 GRT, built 1929), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Llandaff Castle (10799 GRT, built 1926), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Pulaski (Polish, 6516 GRT, built 1912). They were escorted by the battlecruiser Repulse until 13 October when she was relieved by HMS Ceres (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN). On 8 October these ships joined up with the ships coming from Capetown. HMS Derbyshire then left the convoy and returned to Capetown.
In the afternoon of 17 October 1941, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) made rendez-vous with the convoy and then parted company taking the following ships with her; Barrister, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Glaucius, Glenorchy, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Otranto, Nieuw Zeeland, Viceroy of India.
The other ships continued with HMS Ceres towards Aden where they arrived on 19 October 1941.
The ships taken over by HMS Glasgow proceeded to Bombay where they arrived on 22 October 1941. Three ships taken over by HMS Glasgow however were destined for Basra. One of these, the Barrister was unable to keep up with the convoy and was detached on 18 October. This ship arrived at Basra on 25 October. The other two ships destined for Basra, City of Edinburgh and Glenorchy were detached on 19 October and both arrived at Basra on 23 October 1941.
On 27 October 1941 the convoy departed Bombay for Colombo escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN). The convoy was now made up of the transports; Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland, Orion (23371 GRT, built 1935) and Ellenga (5196 GRT, built 1911).
They arrived at Colombo on 30 October 1941, minus the Kina II which had been detached at 1815(EF) on 29 October 1942, in position 07°52'N, 76°29'E, and proceeded independently to Trincomalee.
On 31 October 1941 the convoy, now made up of Ellenga, Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland Orion and Rangitiki (16698 GRT, built 1929) departed Colombo for Singapore. The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN). They arrived at Singapore on 6 November 1941. (7)
15 Apr 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN), USCGC Campbell (Cdr. D.C. McNeil, USCG), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR).
16 Apr 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR), USCGC Campbell (Cdr. D.C. McNeil, USCG), USS Courage (Lt. C.S. Barker, Jr., USN) and USS Surprise (Lt. R.C.D. Hunt, Jr., USN). (12)
21 Apr 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Fennel (T/Lt. J.M. Gillison, RCNR), HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. J.C. Littler, RCNR) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR). (13)
22 Apr 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with
HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN). (13)
2 Nov 1942
HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR) picks up 24 survivors from the British merchant Hartington that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-521 about 450 nautical miles east of Belle Isle in position 52°30'N, 45°30'W.
21 Dec 1942
Convoy HX 220.
This convoy departed New York on 21 December 1942.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Andrew Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Wedderburne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fred W. Weller (Amrican (tanker) 10626 GRT, built 1917), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), John Carver (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mokambo (British, 4996 GRT, built 1938), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), N. T. Nielsen-Alonso (Norwegian, 9214 GRT, built 1900), Nicania (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Pachesham (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Silverash (British, 7750 GRT, built 1926), Southern Sun (American (tanker), 8893 GRT, built 1931), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Stuart Prince (British, 1911 GRT, built 1940), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).
The escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role) HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Buttercup (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR), HMS Columbine T/Lt. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMCS Dunvegan (T/Lt. J.A. Tullis, RCNR), HMCS Fennel (T/Lt. R.B. Warwick, RCNVR), HMCS Hepatica (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T. Gilmour, RCNR and the minesweeper HMCS Cowichan (T/Skr.Lt. K.W.N. Hall, RCNR).
The merchant vessel Gulf of Venezuela returned to New York.
On 24 December 1942, the Fred W. Weller and Wallace E. Pratt arrived at Halifax after having detached from the convoy. They were escorted to Halifax by HMCS Dunvegan, HMCS Fennel, HMCS Hepatica and HMCS Cowichan.
The following merchant vessels joined the convoy on 24 December coming from Halifax; Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Mathew Luckenbach (American, 7551 GRT, built 1918), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936), Tropic Star (Norwegian, 5047 GRT, built 1926) and Vav (Norwegian (tanker), 6415 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by the corvettes HMCS Arrowhead (Cdr. E.G. Skinner, RCNR), HMCS Chicoutimi (T/Lt. H.G. Dupont, RCNR) and the minesweeper HMCS Digby (T/Lt. S.W. Howell, RCNR). The corvettes joined the convoy while HMS Digby returned to Halifax.
At 1200Z/26, the merchant vessel Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938) departed St. Johns to join the convoy. She was escorted by the corvette HMS Clover (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RNR). They were joined at daylight on the 27th by the destroyers HMS Beverley (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Lavender ( Lt. L.G. Pilcher, RNR) which had departed St. Johns around 1330Z/26. They all joined convoy HX 220 around 1200Z/27 in position 48°07'N, 48°42'W. All current escorts then parted company to proceed to St. Johns where they arrived on the 28th.
During the night of 27/28 December 1942, the Mathew Luckenbach and Tropic Star straggled from the convoy and never rejoined. They proceeded independently to the U.K.
On 28 December 1942, the Andrew Moore and Parcheshamparted company with the convoy to proceed to St. Johns due to defects.
At 1600Z/3, HMS Clover took over as Senior Officer of the escort as HMS Beverley and HMS Winchelsea parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord, Iceland to fuel. Attempts to fuel at sea from the Mosli had been not very successful with only a very limited amount of fuel being transferred to either of the destroyers due to the bad weather conditions. They arrived at Hvalfjord around 0845Z/5.
On 5 January 1943, HMS Clover was able to fuel from the Mosli.
On 6 January 1943, HMS Anemone was able to fuel from the Mosli.
Around 1600Z/6, HMS Battler and the Noesaniwi parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. They were escorted by HMS Asphodel and HMS Lavender which were short of fuel.
On 8 January 1943, the convoy arrived in U.K. waters and was divided in several sections which then proceeded to their respective destinations. (14)
21 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN), HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR), HMS Starling (Capt. F.W. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, RNR), HMS Loosestrife (Lt. H.A. Stonehouse, RNR), HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR). (15)
22 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with ships of Escort Group B 7, HMS Starling (Capt. F.W. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and another vessel [unable to read the name of this vessel in the log of HMS H 33]. (15)
23 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Starling (Capt. F.W. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR). (15)
24 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Starling (Capt. F.W. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) (15)
3 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMCS Wetaskiwin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Kidston, RCNVR), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR) and HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR). (16)
19 Jun 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR), HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR or Lt.Cdr. G.S. Grant, RNR), HMS Pennyworth (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Asphodel (Lt. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR). (17)
20 Jun 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Berry (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR or Lt.Cdr. G.S. Grant, RNR). (17)
27 Jul 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Madison, USS Lansdale, HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR). (18)
29 Jul 1943
Combined convoy OG 91 / KMS 22.
This convoy assembled off Oversay on 29 July 1943.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heywood (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fort Grouard (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942), Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Flyingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Mont Everest (French, 5210 GRT, built 1918), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Courier (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), P.L.M. 13 (British (former French), 3754 GRT, built 1921), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Suncrest (Britih, 5117 GRT, built 1940) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).
Also part of the convoy was the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR).
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR).
P.L.M. 13 soon parted company and proceeded to Belfast with engine trouble.
Around 1200Z/2, in position 46°05'N, 16°49'W, the rescue ship Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) joined.
Around 0800Z/5, in position 38°15'N, 18°57'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined.
Around 1200B/8, in position 35°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar.
Around 0400B/9, in position 35°17'N, 10°27'W, the Marrakech and Martand parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar at 12.5 knots. HMS Walker went with them as escort.
At 1830B/9, the convoy was south of Europa Point. The remaining escort then parted company and entered Gibraltar as did the ships of Convoy OG 91, the Copeland and HMS Barbette. The ships that parted company (OG 91) were the following; Ashbury, Blairdevon, Cydonia, Fort Rupert, Fylingdale, Pencarrow and Porjus.
The remaining ships made up convoy KMS 22 and entered the Mediterranean now escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR) and HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).
Also the Marrakech and Martand rejoined the convoy. There was also the merchant vessels Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Tivives (American, 5017 GRT, built 1911) which joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.
Around 1900B/10, in position 35°56'N, 00°50'W, the Charles R. McCormick and Grand Quevilly parted company to enter Oran. From Oran the merchant vessel La Drome (French, ????, GRT, built ????) joined the convoy.
Around 2000B/11, in position 36°56'N, 03°11'E, the Cape Sable, Dalemoor, Empire Foam, Empire Mallory, Fort Grouard, Kingborough, Lublin, Marrakech, Ravens Point and Suncrest were detached to enter Algiers. From Algiers the merchant vessels Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925)), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy as did the cable laying vessel HMS Retriever.
In the evening of the 12th the merchant vessels Lysaker V (Norwegian, 1571 GRT, built 1936), Roman (????, ???? GRT, built ????) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.
Around 2350B/12, in position 37°17'N, 07°32'E, the Fort Slave, Gudvin, Lysaker V, Ocean Couries, Ocean Stranger and Roman were detached to enter Bone. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943) and ???? (French, ???? GRT, built ????) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
Around 1330B/13, in position 37°20'N, 09°59'E, the Charles Goodyear, La Drone, Mont Everest, Nordeflinge, Paine Wingate, Tivives and the unidentified French vessel which had joined from Bone left the convoy to enter Bizerta. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta as did three LST's; LST 303 (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Parker, RD, RNR), LST LST 323 (T/Lt. F.H.W. Graybrook, RNR) and LST 366 (A/Lt.Cdr. N. Hall, RNR).
Around 1615B/13, in position 37°14'N, 10°26'E, the Empire Candida, Ulla left the convoy to enter Tunis.
Around 1800B/14, in position 35°35'N, 14°00'E, the Good Gulf and Harpalycus as well as HMS Retriever and the three LST's were detached from the convoy to proceed to Malta. Also detached to Malta was HMS Jonquil from the escort. Around the same time the merchant vessels Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and the RFA tanker War Krishna (5760 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Malta. Also the merchant vessel Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939) joined coming from Tripoli.
Around 0600B/19, in position 31°16'N, 29°34'E, the Crista, Edam, Empire Austen, Empire Heywood, Empire Newton, Fort Grahame, Fort Meductic and Talma were detached to Alexandria as were HMS Holcombe, HMS Atherstone, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Coltsfoot and HMS Hyderabad while the merchant vessels Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926) and Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) joined coming from Alexandria.
The convoy arrived at Port Said on 20 August 1943 escorted by HMS Rhododendron. (19)
14 Aug 1943
Convoy MKS 21G.
This convoy departed Gibraltar on 14 August 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Coity Castle (British, 2767 GRT, built 1919), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Wedderburne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Norfalk (Norwegian, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Ogmore Castle (British, 2481 GRT, built 1919), Ottinge (British, 2870 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Saint Bernard (British, 5183 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Shuna (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Sneland I (Norwegian, 1791 GRT, built 1922) and Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943).
The boom carrier HMS Laomedon (6693 GRT, built 1912) (A/Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) was also part of the convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMS Speedy (A/Cdr. H.J.A.S. Jerome, DSO, RN).
On 15 August 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake the convoy and join the convoy escort for extra AA defence. She joined the convoy later the same day.
During the passage to the U.K. the transport Empire Friendship developed engine trouble. The transport Becheville stood by her to assist as did the corvette HMS Clover. The sloop HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and tug Dexterous were sent out from Falmouth.
At 0515B/20, HMS Charybdis, parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy WS 33 / KMF 22.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 25 August 1943 minus the Empire Friendship and the Becheville which arrived on the 27th.
6 Sep 1943
HMS H 28 (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR). (20)
15 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry, Northern Ireland where she was to participate in A/S exercises. During this passage she was escorted by HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR). (21)
21 Dec 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Arcturus (T/Lt. H.R. Grief, RNR), HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR), HMCS Rosthern (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR), HMCS Dauphin (T/Lt. R.A.S. MacNeil, RCNR) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR). (22)
29 Dec 1943
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and another Royal Navy ship (unable to read the name in the log of O 10). (23)
4 Jan 1944
Combined convoy OS 64 / KMS 38.
This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 January 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Scottish American (British (tanker / escort oiler), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Sreca (Yugoslavian, 5248 GRT, built 1918), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943).
The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy as was the Greek LST RHS Chios.
Of the transports the following had to return after departure; Empire Cormorant, Empire Thackeray- and Merchant Royal.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Burdock (T/Lt. F.R.M. Greasley, RNR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR), HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) and A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. B. James, RNVR). The rescue tug HMRT Stormking was also with the convoy.
On 6 January 1944, the frigate HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier as her new Commanding Officer had not yet arrived to take over command.
On 6/7 January 1944, the frigate HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Edmundston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined from convoy SL 143. They parted company on 12 January 1944 to join northbound convoy SL 144.
On 7 January 1944, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, DSC, RD, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier due to defects.
In the evening of 8 January 1944, HMS Bayntun and HMCS Camrose sank the German submarine U-757 in position 50°33'N, 18°03'W.
On 9 January 1944, the corvette HMS Abelia sustained damage to her rudder. The damage was possibly due to a T-5 acoustic torpedo fired by a German submarine but might also have been inflicted due to one of her own depth charges exploding prematurely. She was able to steam under her own power but could not steer. HMRT Stormking then took her in tow towards Cardiff where they arrived on 13 January 1944. They had been escorted by HMS Vizalma which subsequently proceeded to Liverpool arriving on the 14th.
On 11 January 1944, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and frigates HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR) joined from convoy SL 144. They parted company again the following day to rejoin convoy SL 144 taking HMS Burdock also with them.
In the late afternoon of 11 January 1944, the German submarine U-953 attacked the corvette HMCS Lunenburg with a T-5 homing torpedo but it missed. The submarine was then hunted for hours by the Lunenburg herself as well as HMS Foley, HMCS Waskesiu and HMCS Edmundston. The U-boat was damaged but was able to remain on patrol.
On 17 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 64 and KMS 38.
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Convoy OS 64, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Biafra, Bosphorus, Danae II, Empire Geraint and Port Melboune.
On 15 January 1944, the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 64G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 64) which was made up of the following transports; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).
On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 17th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy then proceeded with convoy KMS 38 towards the Mediterranean.
On 16 January 1944, the transport/ tanker Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943) had departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette Commandant Detroyant and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. These escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca on the 17th.
On 23 January 1944, the and arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Arcturus (French, 2514 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.
Convoy OS 64 arrived at Freetown 26 January 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.
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Convoy KMS 38, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.
On 17 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; City of Leicester, Copeland, Empire Caxton, Empire Melody, Empire Wolfe, Laguna, North Devon and Scottish American. The Greek LST RHS Chios also arrived at Gibraltar.
The original escort, made up of HMS Helmsdale, HMS Bayntun, HMS Avon, HMS Foley, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Asphodel, HMS Clover and HMS Crocus also arrived at Gibraltar.
On the convoy passing Gibraltar on the 17th, the transports Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928) and Empire Daring (British 7059 GRT, built 1943) joined.
Also a new escort joined, this was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), RHS Sakhtouris, RHS Apostolis, A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the M/S trawler HMS Filla (T/Lt. G.H. Syrett, RNVR).
The submarines HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) also joined the convoy for passage to Port Said.
On 18 January 1944, the transport Lornaston was detached to Oran while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907) and William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 19 January 1944, the transports / tanker Atlantic City, Baron Douglas, Hartbridge, Mount Othrys, Ocean Gallant and Telesfora de Larrinaga were detached to Algiers as was the M/S trawler HMS Filla while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Edward P. Costigan (American, 7194, built 1943), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176, built 1943), Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Thomas Pickney (American, 7177, built 1942).
On 20 January 1944, the transport Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.
On 20 January 1944, the transport Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 20 January 1944, the transports / tanker , Anna N. Goulandris, Empire Harbour, George G. Meade, Gouverneur General Lepine and Srbin arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bone; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cyrus H.K. Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941) and Senga (Yugoslavian, 5140 GRT, built 1913). The RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) also joined the convoy.
On 21 January 1944, the transports Cartago, James R. Randall, Senga, Sreca, Theomitor and the RFA tanker Prestol arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). HMS Colombo also arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 21 January 1944, the transports Eskdalegate and Joseph N. Teal arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 22 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cedar (British (tug), 129 GRT, built 1941), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Raja (British, 6224 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930) and Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943).
On 23 January 1944, the transports Amberton, Benjamin Tay, Brighton, Coulbeg, Craigpool, Cyrus H.K. Curtis, Destro, Djebel Aures, Dornoch, Dux, Edward P. Costigan, Empire Brook, Empire Grange, Empire Opossum, Empire Peacock, Empire Stronghold, Fort Fairford, Fort Norman, Fort Reliance, George Matthews, George W. McCrary, Guinean, Irvin MacDowell, John A. Campbell, John P. Mitchell, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph E. Brown , Kyklades, Manchester Exporter, Ocean Vulcan, P.L.M. 13, Pan-Maryland , Silvester Gardiner, Tabitha Brown, Temple Inn, Thomas Pinckney, Van Honthorst and William Mulholland arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 26 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Blairclova, Edam, Fort Capot River, Fort Nashwaak, Fort St. Francois, Lublin, Marsdale, Ocean Trader, Samaritan, Samnebra, Samsylvan and Trevelyan. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Alexandria; HMS Inver, HMS Delphinium and RHS Apostolis.
On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said; Anglo-African, Antilochus, Comliebank, Empire Ballad, Empire Cedar, Empire Daring, Empire Raja, Empire Rock, Fort Clatsop, Governor, Nolisement and Tide Water. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Port Said; RHS Sakhtouris, HMSAS Southern Sea
12 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN). (24)
2 Mar 1944
Convoy MKF 29.
This convoy departed Port Said on 2 March 1944.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Dunnotar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Mormacswan (American, 7194 GRT, built 1939), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932). They were escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Mendip (Lt. P.D. Davey, RN) and RHS Themistocles.
The troop transport Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) departed Port Said later the same day to overtake and join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and RHS Miaoulis.
In the afternoon of 5 March 1944, the troop transport Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Augusta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Blencathra (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN).
Around the same time the troop transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Malta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) and RHS Kriti.
On these ship joining the troop transports Ascania, Derbyshire and Sobieski parted company with the convoy to proceed through the Messina Strait towards Naples where they arrived on the 6th. They were escorted by HMS Farndale, HMS Blankney, HMS Blencathra and RHS Kriti and RHS Themistocles.
HMS Tetcott returned to Augusta.
Also on 5 March the Naples section of the convoy departed that place. Convoy SNF 16 also formed part of the Naples section which was then made up of the following troop transports; Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), LLangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and the following from convoy SNF 16; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Letitia ((British, 13595 GRT, built 1925) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
The Naples section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN, HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Curzon (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Diggins, DSC, RN) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).
On the 6th, off Palermo, the Naples section was joined by the troop transport Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931).
The Naples section merged with the main convoy around 1745A/7. The troop transport Leopoldville then proceeded to Bone while the Hai Lee arrived at Philippeville later the same day after having straggled from the convoy.
On 8 March 1944, the troop transport Winchester Castle was detached to Algiers while the troop transports Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 8 March 1944, the (troop) transports Almanzora, Champollion, Circassia,Letitia and Mormacswan were detached to Oran.
On 9 March 1944, the convoy arrived at Gibraltar where part the current escort; HMS Colombo, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck, ORP Slazak, HMS Catterick, HMS Mendip and RHS Miaoulis. ORP Krakowiak and HMS Haydon had already arrived at Gibraltar the previous day after having proceeded ahead of the convoy.
Coming from Gibraltar the folling (troop) transports joined the convoy; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
Also joining from Gibraltar were the battleship HMS Warspite (A/Capt. D. Edwardes, RN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN), destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and the sloops HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RN), HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) and HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN).
On 11 March 1944, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Horta, Azores which she had departed the previous day. She parted company with the convoy early on 15 March and arrived at Greenock later the same day.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 16 March 1944.
Media links
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Sources
- ADM 53/109169 + ADM 53/111202
- ADM 53/107293 + ADM 53/107294 + ADM 53/107486 + ADM 53/107487 +ADM 53/107741 + ADM 53/111070 + ADM 53/111071 + ADM 53/111202 + ADM 53/111203 + Convoyweb website
- ADM 53/111294 + ADM 199/52
- ADM 199/52
- ADM 53/107296 + ADM 53/107488 + ADM 53/111072 + ADM 53/111204 + ADM 199/52
- File 2.12.03.6375 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 199/1138
- ADM 53/113616 + ADM 53/114554
- ADM 199/932
- ADM 53/113618 + ADM 53/114291 + ADM 53/115055
- ADM 53/114626 + ADM 53/114204 + ADM 199/1138
- File 2.12.03.6379 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 173/17248
- ADM 199/576 + ADM 199/717 + ADM 199/2100
- ADM 173/17781
- ADM 173/18373
- ADM 173/17925
- ADM 173/17772
- ADM 199/585 + ADM 199/975 + ADM 199/2101
- ADM 173/17762
- ADM 173/18430
- ADM 173/17777
- File 2.12.03.6384 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 173/18851
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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