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Notable events involving Fraser include:

23 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 2.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverburn (British, 9874 GRT, built 1927), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Charles L.D. (British, 5273 GRT, built 1933), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Languedoc (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), San Mateo (French, 5947 GRT, built 1931), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Vandyck (British, 13241 GRT, built 1921) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

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 Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1600P/23, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) also joined.

Around 0800P/24, HMCS Saguenay was detached.

Around 1800P/24, HMCS Fraser and HMCS St. Laurent were detached. HMCS St. Laurent stood by the Mill Hill which had developed engine trouble but repairs were made and the ship apparently proceeded independently to her destination, Rouen, France where she arrived on 10 October 1939.

Around 1200P/25, in position 42°10'N, 54°55'W, HMS York parted company with the convoy and proceeded on patrol.

During the night of 1/2 October 1939, in approximate position 50°03'N, 26°50'W, the Blairmore straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to her destination, Glasgow.

Around 00700A/5, in approximate position 50°40'N, 12°30'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0815A/5, the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) also joined.

HMS Versatile and HMS Warwick escorted the Irish Sea section of the convoy to Liverpool where they arrived very late on 7 October 1939.

The Irish Sea section was made up of the following ships; Corner Brook (bound Dublin), Kurdistan (bound Manchester), Manchester Port (bound Manchester), New York City (bound Cardiff) and Vandyk(bound Liverpool).

HMS Jackal and HMS Janus escorted the Channel section of the convoy to the Downs where they arrived in the morning of 8 October 1939.

The Channel section was made up of the other ships but not all proceeded to the Downs though as the French ships proceeded to Le Havre and the Mill Hill to Rouen. (1)

25 Sep 1939

Convoy HXF 2.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of only one ship, the Lancastria (British, 16243 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was briefly escorted by the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

The Lancastria arrived in the Downs on 4 October 1939. She subsequetly proceeded to London. (2)

30 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 3.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Cairnross (British, 5494 GRT, built 1921), Daleby (British, 4640 GRT, built 1929), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), North Cornwall (British, 4303 GRT, built 1924), Ontariolite (British (tanker), 8932 GRT, built 1925), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937) and Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN).

Around 1720Q/1, HMCS Fraser and HMCS St. Laurent parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0610Q/2, HMCS Berwick parted company to proceed on patrol and to return to Halifax afterwards.

Around 0900A/13, to the south-west of Ireland, in approximate position 50°23'N, 13°15'W, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN) and HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1300A/14, the convoy split up into the Channel and East coast section and the Irish Sea section for west coast ports.

Before the convoy split up, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy; Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Grelhead (British, 4274 GRT, built 1925), Langleeford (British, 4622 GRT, built 1925) and Larpool (British, 3872 GRT, built 1924). These ships had departed Halifax on 29 September 1939 as convoy HXS 3. They had not been escorted.

The Channel and East coast section was made up of the following ships Bassano, Cairnross, Esmond, Framlington Court, Gitano, Grelhead, Larpool, North Cornwall and Ontariolite. On the convoy parting company this part of the convoy was escorted by HMS Acasta.

The other ships made up the Irish Sea section of the convoy and were escorted until 1400A/14 by HMS Ardent which was then relieved from escorting this section when the destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN) joined. HMS Ardent then joined the Channel / East coast section.

HMS Witherington and HMS Volunteer arrived at Liverpool on 16 October 1939.

Around 0200A/15, HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent parted company with the Channel / East coast section to proceed to Plymouth arriving there later the same day. By now (around 2300A/14) the Channel / East coast section had been joined by the destroyers HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN) and HMS Wivern (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN).

HMS Vansittart and HMS Wivern escorted the Channel / East coast section to the Downs and then set course for Dover arriving there on 16 October. (3)

7 Oct 1939
Around 1100A/7, the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. C.H. Knox-Little, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN) and HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) departed Portland for Halifax, Nova Scotia. Both battleships had silver on board for safe storage in Canada.

Around 1645A/7, the light cruisers HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN), HMS Caradoc (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. A.G. Talbot, RN) and HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. B. Jones, RN), departed Plymouth. Both E-class cruiser had gold bullion on board for safe storage in Canada.

Around 1900A/7 both forces made rendezvous.

The destroyers parted company around 1930A/8.

They arrived at Halifax on the 16th and were escorted into port by the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) which had joined around 0630Q/16. (4)

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. (5)

17 Oct 1939

Convoy HX 5.

This convoy departed Halifax on 17 October 1939 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 29 October 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Cairnglen (British, 5019 GRT, built 1926), Cairnmona (British, 4666 GRT, built 1918), Cairnvalona (British, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Floride (French, 7030 GRT, built 1921), Gracia (British, 5642 GRT, built 1921), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Malabar (British, 7976 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and Vaclite (British (tanker), 5026 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by 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).

Around 0930Q/19 the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN).

At 1000Q/19, HMS York parted company with the convoy after which she proceeded on patrol. The destroyers also parted company with the convoy around this time to return to Halifax.

Around 0600Z/28, the destroyers HMS Grafton (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN) joined the convoy followed around 1600A/28 by the destroyer HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN). At 1700/28, HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy and set course for Plymouth.

In the early hours of 29 October the German submarine U-34 attacked the convoy and the merchant vessel Malabar was torpedoed and sunk. The survivors were picked up by HMS Grafton.

On 30 October the merchant vessel Cairnmona which had split off from the convoy was torpedoed and sunk off the east coast of the U.K. by the German submarine U-13.

HMS Grafton and HMS Gallant arrived at Plymouth on 30 October 1939.

HMS Wessex arrived at Milford Haven on 31 October 1939.

24 Oct 1939

Convoy HXF 6.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 October 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Canadian Star (British, 8239 GRT, built 1939), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Fort de France (French, 4279 GRT, built 1935), Inverdargle (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918) and Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, 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 to return to Halifax around 1730Q/24 in position 43°55'N, 61°52'W.

Around 1930O/30, in position 51°16'N, 24°40'W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0840A/2, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0900A/2, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN) and HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1400A/2, the Salacia, Manchester Division and Inverdargle parted company to proceed to West Coast ports escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Vimy. These two destroyers arrived at Liverpool early on the 4th.

The remaining ships formed the Channel / East Coast section escorted by HMS Wanderer and Wakeful. Around 1300A/3, these two destroyers parted company in position 49°25'N, 04°15'W, after the destroyer HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) had joined. HMS Wanderer and Wakeful then proceeded to Plymouth where they arrived later in the afternoon. From this section the two French ships parted company to proceed to Le Havre around 2000A/3. The remaining ship, the Canadian Star proceeded to the Downs escorted by HMS Antelop. (6)

25 Oct 1939

Convoy HX 6.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 October 1939.

It was made up of the following transport / tankers; Agnita (British (tanker), 3552 GRT, built 1931), Alaska (French, 5399 GRT, built 1922), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Atalantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Belhaven (British, 6591 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bengloe (British, 5318 GRT, built 1918), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Carbet (French, 3689 GRT, built 1920), Comedian (British, 5122 GRT, built 1929), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Coultarn (British, 3759 GRT, built 1938), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Dalryan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Deerpool (British, 5167 GRT, built 1930), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939) Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Franche Comte (British (tanker), 9314 GRT, built 1936), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Holmpark (British, 5780 GRT, built 1927), Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931), Inversuir (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Jersey City (British, 6322 GRT, built 1920), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Loreto (British, 6882 GRT, built 1913), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Manchester Regiment (British, 5989 GRT, built 1922), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Nailsea Court (British, 4946 GRT, built 1936), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Penelope (British (tanker), 6559 GRT, built 1925), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Calisto (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1937), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Trecarrell (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. C.H. Knox-Little, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

On 27 October 1939, the destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1000A/6, the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN), HMS Gipsy (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Crossley, RN), HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN) and HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1700A/6, HMS Resolution escorted by HMS Grenville and HMS Grenade detached from the convoy and arrived at Plymouth around 1430A/7.

At 1800A/6 the convoy split into two sections.

One section was escorted by HMS Glowworm which destroyer arrived at Milford Haven in the afternoon of 8 November.

The other section was escorted by HMS Gipsy which was later (0930A/8) reinforced by the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN). HMS Warwick and HMS Whirlwind should have joined earlier but could not find the convoy. These three destroyers arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 9 November.

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. (7)

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. (8)

10 Nov 1939

Convoy HX 8.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 November 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Barn Hill (British, 5439 GRT, built 1921), Baron Ailsa (British, 3656 GRT, built 1936), Benvorlich (British, 5193 GRT, built 1919), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Bradfyne (British, 4740 GRT, built 1928), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Counsellor (British, 5068 GRT, built 1926), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Cressington Court (British, 4971 GRT, built 1929), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Heinrich von Reidemann (Panamanian (tanker), 11020 GRT, built 1930), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Humber Arm (British, 5758 GRT, built 1925), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Luxor (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1930), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Persephone (Panamanian (tanker), 8426 GRT, built 1925), President Sergent (French (tanker), 5344 GRT, built 1923), Queen Victoria (British, 4937 GRT, built 1936), Ripley (British, 4997 GRT, built 1936), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Somme (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919), Totonto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Victolite (British (British), 11410 GRT, built 1928), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927) and Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

HMCS Fraser and HMCS St.Laurent parted company around 1700Q/11 and returned to Halifax.

On reaching latitude 20°W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy at 0245O/20 and set course to return to Halifax.

Around 0815Z/22, the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0930Z/22, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1500Z/22, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Vimy. HMS Mackay and HMS Vimy arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 24 November 1939. The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Ailsa, Cliftonhall, Counsellor, Cressington Court, Dakotian, Daldorch, Delilian, Manchester Brigade, Miralda, San Florentino, Sheaf Holme, Somme, Toronto City, Virgilia and Windsorwood.

The Channel / East Coast section was escorted by HMS Broke and HMS Antelope. Around 0845Z/24, HMS Antelope parted company with ships which had now been redirected to Liverpool.

Around 0100Z/23, the Adellen parted company with the Channel / East Coast section to proceed to Falmouth but she rejoined the convoy (Downs Section, see below) around 1500Z/24, her orders having changed.

At 0830Z/24, the merchant vessels; Cowrie, Heinrich von Reidemann, Hopemount, Kinross Luxor, Peliculla, Persephone, President Sergent, Ripley, San Conrado and Victolite proceeded towards the Downs escorted by HMS Broke which arrived at Dover in the morning of 25 November 1939. Some of these ships were detached to French ports though.

HMS Antelope put into Plymouth in the afternoon of 25 November 1939. She had been escorted the remaining merchant ships of the Channel / West Coast section part of their way to Liverpool as their destination had been changed. The merchant vessels in question were the following; Barn Hill, Benvorlich, Boltonhall, Bradfyne, Humber Arm, Langleetarn and Queen Victoria. Off these the Langleetarn was detached to Milford Haven around 0855Z/25. (9)

7 Dec 1939
HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) conducted exercises off Halifax. These included A/S exercises with HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. De Villiers, RN) and HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN). (10)

10 Dec 1939

Convoy TC 1.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax around 0510Q/10, for the Clyde where it arrived on 17 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / liners; Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, carrying 2638 troops), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928, carrying 1312 troops), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914, carrying 1235 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1303 troops) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931, carrying 961 troops),

Close escort was provided on leaving Halifax by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN) and the Canadian destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN). These Canadian destroyers remained with the convoy until 12 December 1939 when they set course to return to Halifax.

Cover for the convoy was provided by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN) and HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN). At dusk on the 10th both destroyers were detached to join the local escort. They returned to Halifax with the Canadian destroyers.

Early on the 15th, HMS Emerald was detached, HMS Newcastle (Capt. J. Figgins, RN) had joined the cover force in the afternoon of the 14th to take her place.

When the convoy approached the British isles, the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. P.V. McLaughlin, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSC, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) departed the Clyde on the 12th to sweep ahead of the convoy. HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) was also to have sailed but was unable to join. HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN) was sailed in her place and later joined the other destroyers at sea.

After German warships had been reported in the North Sea, and concerned for the safety of convoy TC.1, Admiral Forbes, departed the Clyde on the 13th to provide additional cover with the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. H.T.C. Walker, RN), battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. E.B.K. Stevens, RN), HMS Imperial, HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN). The destroyers HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN) and HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, RN) sailed from Loch Ewe and later joined this force at sea. Three cruisers from the Northern Patrol were ordered to patrol in position 53°55’N, 25°00’W to provide cover for the convoy. These were the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN).

The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Cdr. C. Wauchope, RN, temporary in command) departed Rosyth to patrol between the Shetlands and the Faroes.

The destroyers HMS Afridi (Capt. G.H. Creswell, DSC, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) departed Rosyth and proceeded north at high speed to try to cut of the enemy warhips if they were to enter the Atlantic.

The light cruisers HMS Cardiff (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN), HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN), HMS Delhi (Capt L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN), HMS Diomede (Commodore E.B.C. Dicken, OBE, DSC, RN) which were on the Northern Patrol were to concentrate near the Faroes where they were joined by HMS Colombo (Commodore R.J.R. Scott, RN) and HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN) which were on passage to their patrol stations.

Around 0430Z/17, in foggy conditions, the outward bound liner Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) collided with both HMS Furious and the Aquitania but no major damage was done to either one of the three ships.

The convoy arrived safely in the Clyde on 17 December 1939. (11)

22 Dec 1939

Convoy TC 2.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 22 December 1939 for the Clyde where it arrived on 30 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / liners; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914, carrying 1284 troops), Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, carrying 1358 troops), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936, carrying 806 troops), Chrobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939, carrying 1045 troops) Orama (British, 19840 GRT, built 1924, carrying 935 troops), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917, carrying 1269 troops) and Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1455 troops).

A/S escort was provided on leaving Halifax the Canadian destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the British destroyer HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. De Villiers, RN). These destroyers remained with the convoy until 24 December 1939 when they set course to return to Halifax.

Ocean Escort was provided by the British battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) [Rear-Admiral Holland had hoisted his flag shortly before departure], French battlecruiser Dunkerque (Capt. M.J.M. Seguin and the French light cruiser Gloire (Capt. F.H.R. de Belot).

On 26 December, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN), which was on passage from the Clyde to Halifax provided additional cover for the convoy. before she continued her passage to Halifax.

When the convoy approached the British isles, the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) departed Greenock on the 25th to join the convoy on the 28th. On the 26th two more destroyers departed Greenock, these were HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN). These destroyers also joined the convoy on the 28th.

On the 29th the French battlecruiser Dunkerque and the light cruiser Gloire parted company with the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Fearless, HMS Firedrake and HMS Fury until they were relieved by the French large destroyers Mogador (Cdr. P. Maerte), Volta (Cdr. C.V.E. Jacquinet), Le Triomphant (Cdr. M.M.P.L. Pothuau), Le Fantasque (Capt. P.A.B. Still), and Le Terrible (Cdr. A.E.R. Bonneau).

Four more escorts joined the convoy on the 29th. These were the minesweepers HMS Jason (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Fryer, RN), HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Price, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Puffin (Lt.Cdr. Hon. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN) and HMS Shearwater (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, RN).

The convoy arrived safely in the Clyde area in the morning of 30 December 1939. (11)

4 Jan 1940

Convoy HXF 15.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Cairnvalona (British, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Devon City (British, 4928 GRT, built 1933), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Inverdargle (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Napier Star (British, 10116 GRT, built 1927), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Planter (British, 5887 GRT, built 1927), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Letitia (Capt.(Retd.) W.R. Richardson, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

The two Canadian destroyers parted company on 6 January 1940 to return to Halifax.

On 5 January 1940, the Cairnvalona straggled from the convoy being unable to make sufficient speed due to bad coal.

During the night of 7/8 January 1940 the convoy encountered a full gale and got dispersed.

Around 1000Z/13, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Wivern (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Letitia then parted company to proceed to Greenock.

In the afternoon of 13 January 1940 all ships except the San Demetrio had rejoined the convoy.

Around 1700Z/13, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the Devon City, Inverdargle, Manchester Brigade, Orbita and Planter. They were escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Witherington which arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 16 January 1940. Off these ships the Inverdargle which was to proceed to Avonmouth was mined and sunk in the Bristol Channel on 16 January 1940. She had hit a mine laid the German submarine U-33 on 9 November 1939. There were no survivors from the tanker.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Wivern and HMS Whitehall. These destroyers arrived at Dover in the morning of 16 January 1940. The merchant ships of convoy continued on to the Downs. (12)

20 Jan 1940

Convoy HXF 17.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Rhexenor (British, 7957 GRT, built 1923), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939) and Westmoreland (British, 9001 GRT, built 1917).

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.N. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1700Q/20, the D.L. Harper fell out of the convoy as she was not under control. She returned to Halifax and later joined convoy HX 17.

Around 0900Q/21, the Beaverdale parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax as she had boiler trouble.

Around 1200Q/21, the two Canadian destroyers parted company on 6 January 1940 to return to Halifax.

Around 0845Z/29, in approximate position 50°35'N, 13°48'W, the destroyers HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) joined.

around 1400Z/29, the convoy split into two sections. HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to Greenock.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adviser, Inversuir, Newfoundland, Polarsol and Rhexenor. This section was escorted by HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool in the afternoon of 31 January 1940.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Verity. This destroyer arrived at Dover on 1 February 1940. The merchant vessels continued on towards the Downs except the De Grasse, Henri Desprez and San Ernesto which had been detached as their destinations were French ports. (13)

27 Jan 1940
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) returned to Halifax from escort duty. She was escorted in by the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN). (14)

30 Jan 1940

Convoy TC 3.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 30 January 1940 for the Clyde where it arrived on 7 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / liners; Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, carrying 2733 troops), Chobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939, number of troops unknown), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914, carrying 1577 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1588 troops) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1334 troops),

Close escort was provided on leaving Halifax by the battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN). These Canadian destroyers remained with the convoy until the afternoon of February 1st when they set course to return to Halifax. HMS Enterprise remained with the convoy until about 25°W when she parted company with the convoy in the afternoon 4 February to return to Halifax.

When the convoy approached the British isles, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) departed the Clyde on 2 February. HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) departed Portsmouth on the 3rd also to join the convoy. They joined the convoy in the morning of the 5th with the exception of HMS Delight which had been detached as she was unable to join on time. She was replaced by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 7th. (11)

12 Feb 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax after convoy escort duty. She was escorted in by Canadian destroyers [unable to find out which ones but HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) seemed to be the most likely ones]. (15)

12 Feb 1940

Convoy HXF 20.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Hallaren (Swedish, 2749 GRT, built 1929), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935) and Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

Around 1200Q/13, the merchant vessels Beignon (British, 5218 GRT, built 1939) and Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), which had sailed late from Halifax, overtook and joined the convoy.

Also on the 13th, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

At daybreak on 20 February 1940, after having encountered heavy weather during the night, it was seen that the Beignon and Emma Bakke as well as HMS Laconia were no longer with the convoy. Both merchant vessels never rejoined the convoy and HMS Laconia turned back to return to Halifax around 1950Z/21. Shortly afterwards she sighted the remaining ships of the convoy which were apparently astern of the stragglers.

Around 0730Z/22, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN) and HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 1610Z/22, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Commerce, Manchester Exporter, Salacia, San Adolfo and Tudor Star. They were escorted by HMS Venetia which arrived at Liverpool on 24 February 1940.

The remaining ships of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Acasta which arrived at Plymouth on 26 February 1940 after having doubled back from the vicinity of Portsmouth. (16)

1 May 1940

Convoy US 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 May 1940
HMS Caradoc (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) and HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) departed Kingston, Jamaica for Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands West Indies. They had on board troops and equipment for the Dutch Island. (17)

12 May 1940
HMS Caradoc (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) and HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) arrived at Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands West Indies. (17)

11 Jun 1940

Convoy TC 5.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 11 June 1940 for Liverpool where it arrived on 21 June 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928, carrying 1173 troops), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928, carrying 1792 troops), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921, carrying 787 troops),

With them was also the troopship Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914) which was to proceed to Iceland. [Number of troops on board not known.]

On departure from Iceland the escort was made up of the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

At 1830OP(+2.5)/12, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Saguenay parted company to return to Halifax.

On the 13th or the 14th the Empress of Australia parted company to proceed to Reykjavik, Iceland where she arrived on the 16th.

At 0430A/19, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) joined the convoy.

Around 0600A/20, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth escorted by HMCS Skeena, HMCS Fraser, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS St. Laurent.

The convoy proceeded to Liverpool with HMS Wanderer.

13 Jun 1940
HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) and her three escorting destroyers, HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) are joined around 1130 hours by another Canadian destroyer, HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), which came from Plymouth after effecting repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (18)

14 Jun 1940
Convoy US 3, made up of the troopships (liners) Andes (25689 GRT, built 1939), Aquitania (44786 GRT, built 1914), Empress of Britain (42348 GRT, built 1931), Empress of Canada (21517 GRT, built 1922), Mauretania (35739 GRT, built 1939) and Queen Mary (81235 GRT, built 1936) with troop from New Zealand and Australia on board and escorted by the British heavy cruisers HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) and HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) was joined around 0800 hours by HMS Argus (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN), which came from Gibraltar, and joined around 1000 hours by the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) escorted by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) which came from the U.K. Shortly afterwards HMS Dorsetshire left the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Later that day, around 1500 hours, the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) and around 1600 hours by two more destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). (19)

16 Jun 1940
HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) arrived in the Clyde with convoy US 3.

18 Jun 1940
Around 0400A/18, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) departed the Clyde for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and the British destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN). HMS Wanderer was however replaced by the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) shortly after sailing.

Around 1500A/18, rendez-vous was made with the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde the previous day but while on passage through the Minches had been ordered to make rendezvous with HMS Hood to proceed direct to Gibraltar. The destroyer HMS Foxhound had also been with HMS Ark Royal but she had been detached at 0520A/18 to fuel at Milford Haven and then rejoin.

The destroyers that had been escorting HMS Hood were detached at 1625A/18.

In the late afternoon and evening of the 20th, HMS Fearless, HMS Faulknor and then HMS Escapade fuelled from HMS Hood.

At 1830A/21, HMS Foxhound finally was able to join.

21 Jun 1940
The battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) arrived at Plymouth after convoy escort duty. (20)

23 Jun 1940
At 1343A/23, HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) anchored in the Bay of St.Jean de Luz. She had been joined by HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN).

At St.Jean de Luz she embarked the British Ambassador in France and his staff.

Around 2300A/23, Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, transferred his flag to HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN). (21)

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