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Notable events involving Jupiter include:

This page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Jupiter was created in March 2021.

This page was last updated in October 2024.

31 Aug 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) completed her work-up period at Portland and departed from there for Grimsby. (1)

1 Sep 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Grimsby from Portland. (2)

1 Sep 1939
Around 2015A/1, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Grimsby for a patrol off the coast of Norway. (3)

4 Sep 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to fuel. She departed Scapa early the next day to rejoin the 2nd cruiser squadron and her sister ships at sea. (2)

5 Sep 1939
Around 1430A/5, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) were detached from HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).

The destroyers that had been detached arrived at Invergordon 0715A/6.

6 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth around 0700A/6. (3)

8 Sep 1939

Operation GH.

Shortly after noon on the 8th, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for a patrol in the North Sea to intercept German shipping between Rotterdam and Hamburg.

Nothing of interest was sighted and the ships returned to Rosyth around 1800A/9. (3)

10 Sep 1939
Around 1800A/10, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Sheerness. (3)

11 Sep 1939
Around 1200A/11, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Sheerness from Rosyth. They had been sent to Sheerness to be in a position to provide cover for minelaying operations in the Dover Strait ('Operation GR'), if this was needed.

In the evening they all sailed for patrol returning to Sheerness the following morning. (3)

13 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Sheerness around 0345A/13 hours for a patrol off the Nore to provide cover for the minelaying operations in the Dover Strait ('Operation GR'). They returned to Sheerness around 1445A/13. (3)

14 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Sheerness around 0615A/14 for patrol to provide cover for minelaying operations in the Dover Strait ('Operation GR'). They arrived at Grimsby around 2330A/14. (4)

16 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Grimsby around 1200A/16 for Rosyth. They arrived at Rosyth around 0600A/17. (3)

18 Sep 1939
HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (2)

19 Sep 1939
HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (2)

20 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (2)

22 Sep 1939

Operation SK.

To conduct an operation against German shipping off the Norwegian coast the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.H.C. Hallifax, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. G.H. Warner, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St. J.A. Micklethwait, RN) and HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700A/22 as well as the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had departed Rosyth around 0415A/22. HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), coming from the Chatham Dockyard, joined at sea.

To provide cover for this operation two forces were deployed from Scapa Flow. One force was made up of the battlecruisers HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) and HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, RN). They had departed Scapa Flow around 1000A/22.

The other force was made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. E.N. Syfret, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSC, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN). Later the destroyers HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Esk (Lt.Cdr. R.J.H. Couch, RN) and HMS Express (Cdr. J.G. Bickford, RN) joined at sea. They had departed Scapa Flow around 1030A/22.

The raid was abandoned when HMS Javelin and HMS Jersey collided in position 57°09'N, 03°08'W at 2038A/22.

All forces returned to their port of departure on 23 September but not before HMS Hood reported an explosion at 1330A/23. The destroyers HMS Firedrake and HMS Fortune were detached to investigate but no contact was obtained. In fact this was indeed an attack by a German submarine; U-24 which reported to have made a failed torpedo attack at 1328A/23 on HMS Hood and two escorting destroyers.

23 Sep 1939
Shortly after noon, HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), parted company with HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). HMS Jersey then proceeded to Leith for repairs to her collision damage.

HMS Jersey was escorted to Leith by HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN).

HMS Jersey arrived at Leith around 1530 hours. (5)

24 Sep 1939
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) shifted from the Tyne to Rosyth. (2)

25 Sep 1939
At 0510A/25 a radio message was received from the submarine HMS Spearfish (Lt. J.H. Eaden, RN) that she had been badly damaged by enemy warships and that she was unable to dive and was proceeding along the Danish coast try to make it back to the U.K.

Around 0730A/25 the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) departed Rosyth and joined destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) near May Island shortly after 0900 hours. They were to operate off the Norwegian coast at 60°N to closely cover the retreat of the damaged submarine. with the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSC, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St. J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN) which were already on patrol in that area.

The light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.H.C. Hallifax, RN) and HMS Sheffield (Capt. E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow and were ordered to proceed well into the approaches of the Skagerrak with the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) which had been on the Fare Island patrol. These ships were to try to make contact with HMS Spearfish.

To provide more distant cover for the whole operation the battlecruisers HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.G.B. Wilson, DSO, RN) and the destroyers (Capt. A.G.B. Wilson, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

[It is often stated that the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. J. Figgins, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) also sailed with the 'Hood-Force' but this was not the case.]

Also from Scapa Flow sailed yet another cover force made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. E.N. Syfret, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. G.H. Warner, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN) and HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN).

Around 0100A/26 the destroyers HMS Somali and HMS Eskimo made contact with HMS Spearfish which was then safely escorted to Rosyth despite German air attacks during which HMS Ark Royal was near missed and HMS Hood struck by a bomb which did not explode.

All ships returned to port late on the 26th or on the 27th September minus HMS Norfolk which was detached earlier to join the Northern Patrol being ordered to patrol in the Iceland-Faeroer gap.

28 Sep 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).

The cruisers returned to port after a local patrol vessel obtained an A/S contact. The destroyers briefly joined the hunt for the supposed submarine but later also returned to port. (2)

29 Sep 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).

Again the cruisers returned to port after the A/S trawler HMS Amethyst (Ch.Skr. A. Liston, RNR) obtained an A/S contact. The destroyers joined the hunt for the supposed submarine but in the evening they returned to port. (2)

1 Oct 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (6)

2 Oct 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth during which they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (7)

2 Oct 1939
Around 1845A/2, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Loch Ewe where she was to join the Home Fleet. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Sturdy (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Cooper, RN). (8)

3 Oct 1939
Around 1700A/3, HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Sturdy (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Cooper, RN) arrived at Loch Ewe.

The 'J'-class destroyers departed later the same day to return to Rosyth. (8)

4 Oct 1939
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (7)

6 Oct 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth. (7)

8 Oct 1939
A force of German warships departed Kiel to operate off the south coast of Norway. They were to sink Allied shipping and lure the British Home Fleet into the range of Luftwaffe aircraft. This force was made up of the battlecruiser Gneisenau, light cruiser Köln and the destroyers Z 3 / Max Schultz, Z 5 / Paul Jacobi, Z 11 / Bernd von Arnim, Z/14 Friedrich Ihn, Z 15 / Erich Steinbrinck, Z 16 / Friedrich Eckholdt, Z 17 / Diether von Roeder, Z 20 / Karl Galster, Z 21 / Wilhelm Heidkamp. In addition, four submarines were deployed in a patrol line to attack the Home Fleet, these were U-10, U-18, U-20 and U-23.

The Admiralty took the bait and around 1600A/8 the battlecruisers HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.H.C. Hallifax, RN) and HMS Sheffield (Capt. E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSC, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. P.V. McLaughlin, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St. J.A. Micklethwait, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN) departed Scapa Flow for a position about 50 miles to the north-west of Stadlandet, Norway.

Around 1900A/8, the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. E.N. Syfret, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. J. Figgins, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN) departed Scapa Flow for a position north of Muckle Flugga. Both forces were to reach their positions by dawn the following day and then steam towards each other in a pincer movement to cut off the German ships from their home ports.

The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth around 0945A/8. They were joined at sea by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) which came from Grimsby. This force was ordered to operate off the western end of the Skagerrak and then sweep northwards.

At 0600A/9 HMS Jaguar was ordered to return to Rosyth to refuel. En-route there she was attacked by German aircraft but she was not hit.

HMS Jervis and HMS Jupiter were ordered to search for the small Danish merchant vessel Teddy (503 GRT, built 1907) which had reported that she had picked up the crew of a German flying boat whih was shot down on the 8th. They were attacked by German aircraft at 1518A/9, but neither destroyer was damaged. However, about 1.5 hours laters HMS Jupiter broke down and had to be taken in tow by her sister ship.

HMS Jaguar meanwhile had completed refuelling at Rosyth. She left that port together with HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) which just finished repairs to the damage sustained in her collision of 22 September.

The were ordered to screen the withdrawal of HMS Jervis and HMS Jupiter. But it was not to be as shorty after departing Rosyth, Jaguar struck a small islet above the Forth bridge and damaged her starboard propeller shaft and HMS Jersey struck the Rosyth boom defence. Both destroyers proceeded to Leith for repairs.

Between 1120A/9 and 1645A/9 the Luftwaffe heavily bombed the 'Humber force' made up at that time of HMS Southampton, HMS Glasgow, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Jackal and HMS Janus which had arrived off the western entrance to the Skagerrak by that time. HMS Southampton and HMS Glasgow were near missed but were not damaged.

The German force returned to Kiel shortlyafter midnight during the night of 9/10 October. This news reached the C-in-C, Home Fleet in the afternoon of the 10th after which all ships were ordered to return to port.

HMS Nelson, HMS Rodney, HMS Hood, HMS Faulknor, HMS Firedrake, HMS Forester, HMS Fury, HMS Bedouin and HMS Punjabi proceeded to Loch Ewe arriving in the early evening of the 11th.

HMS Repulse, HMS Furious, HMS Aurora, HMS Newcastle, HMS Southampton, HMS Glasgow, HMS Somali, HMS Mashona, HMS Eskimo, HMS Ashanti, HMS Fame, HMS Foresight, HMS Jervis, HMS Jackal, HMS Janus and HMS Jupiter (which by now as able to proceed under her own power) arrived at Scapa Flow on the 11th. They had been joined at sea before arrival by two more destroyers which came from Scapa Flow; HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN).

HMS Edinburgh had been detached and proceeded to Rosyth where she arrived on the 10th.

HMS Sheffield had already been detached on the 9th with orders to patrol in the Denmark Strait.

13 Oct 1939
The light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1030 hours for a patrol off Norway (near Bergen).

HMS Matabele was detached for escort duty at 1600 hours. (9)

14 Oct 1939

Convoy HN 0

This convoy was assembled in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 14 October 1939 and arrived at Methil on 16 October 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Chorzow (Polish, 845 GRT, built 1921), Kroman (Polish, 1864 GRT, built 1912), Limousin (French, 7619 GRT, built 1930), Manoula (Greek, 1966 GRT, built 1920), Narocz (Polish, 1795 GRT, built 1915), Robur IV (Polish, 1971 GRT, built 1930) and Wilno (Polish, 2018 GRT, built 1926).

The convoy was escorted by the The light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).

The destroyers HMS Jackal and HMS Janus parted company with the convoy around 1615/15 and proceeded to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1930/15.

HMS Southampton parted company with the convoy early on the 16th and proceeded to Rosyth arriving there around 0745/16.

HMS Jervis and HMS Jupiter remained with the convoy and arrived at Rosyth late in the evening of the 16th.

22 Oct 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Immingham.

En-route she was diverted to go to the assistance of her sister ship HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) which had collided with a merchant vessel.

HMS Jupiter took HMS Javelin in tow until she was relived by a tug after which she screened the tow proceeding to the Humber. (7)

23 Oct 1939
The destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. D. de Pass, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to search for a reported enemy submarine. They did not made contact with the supposed enemy and returned to Immingham later the same day. (7)

24 Oct 1939
During the night of 24/25 October 1939, HMS Adventure (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN), departed Immingham for a minelay off Flamborough Head, During the lay she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. D. de Pass, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). On completion of the lay all ships returned to Immingham.

27 Oct 1939
During the night of 27/28 October 1939, HMS Adventure (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN), departed Immingham for a minelay off Flamborough Head, During the lay she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. D. de Pass, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). On completion of the lay all ships returned to Immingham.

29 Oct 1939
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for operation AG, during which they were to patrol along the Dutch coast.

A German seaplane bombed HMS Jersey but no damage was done to her.

The destroyers returned to Immingham on 30 October. (7)

31 Oct 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for convoy escort duty for east coast coastal convoy (FS 29).

At 1330/31, HMS Jupiter was ordered to detach from the convoy she was escorting to search for a reported enemy submarine.

HMS Jupiter returned to Immingham on 1 November 1939. (10)

6 Nov 1939
HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to provide cover for a coastal convoy (FS 32) and to proceed towards Rosyth at the same time. (11)

7 Nov 1939
The minelaying cruiser HMS Adventure (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN) departed Rosyth for Immingham. Off the Firth of Forth she was joined by the destroyers HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which were to escort her.

HMS Adventure, HMS Juno and HMS Jupiter arrived at Immingham later the same day. (11)

8 Nov 1939
At 1700/8, HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned to Immingham at 1000/9. (11)

12 Nov 1939
HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol and to provide cover for convoy FN 35. They returned to Immingham later the same day. (11)

14 Nov 1939
Around 0530 hours, HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for convoy escort duty.

At sea they joined convoy FN 36 and escorted it until 1730 hours when they set course to return to Immingham arriving there around 2200 hours. (11)

16 Nov 1939
HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol and to provide cover for convoy FN 37. They returned to Immingham later the same day. (11)

19 Nov 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol and convoy cover (FS 39). (11)

20 Nov 1939
In the evening, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), returned to Immingham. (11)

25 Nov 1939
Around 1730/25, HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned around noon the following day. (11)

26 Nov 1939
Around 1500/25, HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned to Immingham around 1100/27. (11)

29 Nov 1939
Around 1515/29, HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned around 1100/30. In the evening of the 29th they had attacked an A/S contact but this appears to be a bogus contact. (11)

30 Nov 1939
Around 1500/30, HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol.

They returned to Immingham around 1815/1. (12)

1 Dec 1939
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) departed Immingham for patrol. At sea they joined HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which already had been on patrol.

HMS Jackal and HMS Jaguar returned to Immingham later the same day with HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter.

HMS Janus and HMS Juno returned to Immingham the following morning. (13)

3 Dec 1939
Between 1315 and 1350 hours, first HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and then HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol and east coast convoy cover (convoy FS 49).

They returned to Immingham around 1930/4. (14)

5 Dec 1939
Around 1500/5, HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned to Immingham around 0930/6. (14)

6 Dec 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to go to the assistance of her torpedoed sister-ship HMS Jersey. HMS Jupiter however returned to Immingham after three hours. (14)

7 Dec 1939
Around 1545/5, HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham. At sea they encountered the damaged HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and her sister ships HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN).

HMS Janus and HMS Jaguar then proceeded on patrol for the night. They returned to Immingham the following morning.

The damaged HMS Jersey then continued on to the Humber as did HMS Juno and HMS Jupiter.

8 Dec 1939
Around 1500/8, HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

They returned to Immingham around 1100/9. (14)

10 Dec 1939
Aroud 1600 hours, HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for an A/S sweep off the northern Dutch coast. They returned to Immingham shortly before noon on 12 December. (15)

13 Dec 1939
Aroud 1600 hours, HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for an A/S sweep near position 54°55'N, 03°10'E.

14 Dec 1939
Around 1400 hours, HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), were back off the Humber.

HMS Jaguar, HMS Janus, HMS Juno and HMS Jupiter then entered the harbour while HMS Jervis remained out for patrol.

15 Dec 1939
Around 0545 hours, HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to rejoin HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) at sea which they did around 0745 hours.

HMS Jervis and HMS Jupiter returned to Immingham around 1630 hours. HMS Janus remained on patrol during the night returning to Immingham the following morning.

16 Dec 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) shifted from Immingham to Hull where she was to be taken in hand for repairs and refit. (14)

17 Dec 1939
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) is docked at Hull. (14)

3 Jan 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) is undocked. (16)

4 Jan 1940
With her refit and repairs completed, HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), shifted from Hull to Immingham. (16)

8 Jan 1940
Around 1545/8, HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol. HMS Jupiter returned to Immingham around 1000/9. HMS Javelin remained at sea until around 1700/9 when she too returned to Immingham. (16)

9 Jan 1940
Around 1530/9, HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Immingham for a night patrol.

HMS Jaguar returned to Immingham around 0945/10.

HMS Jupiter returned to Immingham around 1700/10. (16)

11 Jan 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) is docked at Immingham for repairs to her feed water tanks. (16)

13 Jan 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) is undocked in the afternoon.

At 2230 hours, HMS Jupiter departed Immingham for Harwich where she arrived shortly before noon the following day. (16)

15 Jan 1940
Around 1100/15, the destroyers HMS Grafton (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) and Blyskawica (Lt. J. Umecki), departed Harwich to make a sweep off the Dutch coast (Operation ST 2) during the night of the 15th/16th.

During this operation cover was provided by the 7th Destroyer Flottilla; HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). These destroyers departed Harwich around 1500/15.

HMS Grafton, HMS Griffin and ORP Blyscawica returned to Harwich around 1500/16. During the operation one Latvian merchant vessel had been ordered to proceed to the U.K. for inspection.

The 7th Destroyer Flotilla had already returned to Harwich around 0915/16.

18 Jan 1940
Around 1530/18, HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Harwich for a sweep along the Dutch coast. They returned to Harwich shortly before noon the following day.

19 Jan 1940
Around 1600/19, HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Harwich for Immingham. She arrived at Immingham around 0815/20. (16)

26 Jan 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for a sweep of the south-west coast of Norway.

29 Jan 1940

Convoy HN 9B.

This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 29 January 1940. It arrived at Methill on 2 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agne (Swedish, 2468 GRT, built 1917), Anu (Estonian, 1421 GRT, built 1883), Aspen (Swedish, 1305 GRT, built 1918), Audun (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1925), Balticia (Swedish, 1966 GRT, built 1905), Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), Bifrost (Swedish, 1781 GRT, built 1923), Elgo (Swedish, 1888 GRT, built 1918), Falkvik (Swedish, 1216 GRT, built 1899), Finlandia (Finnish, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Frans (Swedish, 1169 GRT, built 1924), Fritz S. (Finnish, 1475 GRT, built 1907), Gundborg Segrell (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1914), Hague (British, 974 GRT, built 1919), Ibis (Norwegian, 1367 GRT, built 4*4/), Jernland (Norwegian, 1289 GRT, built 1905), Kis (Norwegian, 1249 GRT, built 1915), Log (Norwegian, 1560 GRT, built 1931), Marita (Finnish, 1869 GRT, built 1923), Mimona (Norwegian, 1147 GRT, built 1919), Nicke (Swedish, 1170 GRT, built 1918), Oddevold (Swedish, 1186 GRT, built 1883), Ostrobotnia (Finnish, 2335 GRT, built 1921), Pollux (Estonian, 931 GRT, built 1890), Thore Hafte (Norwegian, 626 GRT, built 1896), Uriana (Panamanian, 1953 GRT, built 1902), Vestra (British, 1141 GRT, built 1921) and Vina (British, 1021 GRT, built 1894).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN).

2 Feb 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy escort duty. (17)

4 Feb 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for patrol upon completion of which they were to proceed to Immingham.

5 Feb 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Immingham from patrol.

7 Feb 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) collided with HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) in the Humber. Damage to HMS Juno was not serious and took two days to repair.

HMS Jupiter departed the Humber to join a northbound coastal convoy as additional escort (FN 87).

9 Feb 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy escort duty. (18)

10 Feb 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for east coast convoy escort duty. (17)

13 Feb 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Rosyth after east coast convoy escort duty. (She had been part of the escort of two southbound convoy's and one northbound convoy.)

Apparently she departed later this day or early the next day for Immingham (Humber). (17)

15 Feb 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at the Humber for boiler cleaning and the fitting of degaussing equipment. (17)

2 Mar 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed the Humber for Rosyth.

En-route they performed escort duties with east coast convoy's. (18)

3 Mar 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) all arrived at Rosyth after convoy escort duties. (18)

4 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 17A.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 4 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 8 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Almora (Norwegian, 2433 GRT, built 1905), Ardanbhan (British, 4980 GRT, built 1929), Ardun (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1925), Balticia (Swedish, 1966 GRT, built 1905), Banian (Norwegian, 1581 GRT, built 1912), Bolette (Norwegian, 1167 GRT, built 1920), Bore (Swedish, 1216 GRT, built 1910), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Dagmar Bratt (Swedish, 1421 GRT, built 1920), Dahlia (Swedish, 1057 GRT, built 1907), Ena de Larrinaga (British, 5200 GRT, built 1925), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Frisia (Swedish, 1059 GRT, built 1909), Gottfird (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1899), Heilo (Norwegian, 989 GRT, built 1921), Helny (Finnish, 1506 GRT, built 1886), Julia (Estonian, 1892 GRT, built 1906), Kare (Swedish, 1202 GRT, built 1902), Karen (Norwegian, 750 GRT, built 1900), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), Komet (Norwegian, 1147 GRT, built 1912), Margareta (British, 3103 GRT, built 1904), Margareta (Finnish, 1860 GRT, built 1919), Nina (Norwegian, 1371 GRT, built 1917), Oinas (Finnish, 1423 GRT, built 1910), Ostrobotnia (Finnish, 2335 GRT, built 1921), Otto (Estonian, 1959 GRT, built 1918), Rex (Swedish, 1013 GRT, built 1877), Rigel (Norwegian, 3828 GRT, built 1924), Sedgepool (British, 5556 GRT, built 1918), Sjofna (Norwegian, 619 GRT, built 1918), Stargard (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1915), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Tilda (Finnish, 2768 GRT, built 1903), Tora (Norwegian, 851 GRT, built 1918), Toran (Norwegian, 3318 GRT, built 1918), Tyra Bratt (Swedish, 1301 GRT, built 1923), Uranus (Estonian, 1329 GRT, built 1906) and Vaga (Norwegian, 1612 GRT, built 1924).

Escort was provided by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). HMS Juno later had to be detached to return to Rosyth with defects.

Later, at sea, the convoy was joined by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

9 Mar 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) followed later by HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth after convoy escort duty. (19)

10 Mar 1940
Either late on 10 March or early on 11 March, HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Blyth. (19)

11 Mar 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Blyth. She departed again later the same day escorting the blockship Juniata (1139 GRT, built 1918) to Methil together with several A/S trawlers. The blockship was being towed by the tug Krooman and was on passage to Scapa Flow where it was to be sunk. (19)

12 Mar 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Rosyth from escort duties. (19)

18 Mar 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for escort duty with east coast coastal convoy TM 29. She returned to Rosyth the following day. (20)

19 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 21.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 19 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 23 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arnold Bratt (Swedish, 1430 GRT, built 1925), Aslaug (Danish, 1509 GRT, built 1927), Blaafjeld I (Norwegian, 1146 GRT, built 1918), Borgsten (Norwegian, 1569 GRT, built 1922), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), Consul Bratt (Swedish, 1117 GRT, built 1913), Cresco (Norwegian, 1270 GRT, built 1916), Cygnus (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1921), Cyril (Danish, 2116 GRT, built 1925), Dunvegan Head (British, 638 GRT, built 1920), Ella (Swedish, 690 GRT, built 1909), Erling Lindoe (Norwegian, 1281 GRT, built 1917), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Ferrum (Finnish, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Gol (Norwegian, 985 GRT, built 1920), Halse (Norwegian, 2136 GRT, built 1910), Havorn (Norwegian, 1527 GRT, built 1902), Homeside (British, 4617 GRT, built 1924), Island (Norwegian, 638 GRT, built 1918), Kronprins Olav (Danish, 2083 GRT, built 1937), Lake Lucerne (Estonian, 2317 GRT, built 1909), Log (Norwegian, 1560 GRT, built 1931), Narvik (Swedish, 4251 GRT, built 1914), Ophir (Norwegian, 1005 GRT, built 1906), Otterpool (British, 4876 GRT, built 1926), Peet (Estonian, 2111 GRT, built 1913), Porsanger (Norwegian, 4267 GRT, built 1918), Royal (Norwegian, 759 GRT, built 1918), Spica (Norwegian, 500 GRT, built 1915), Stig Gorthon (Swedish, 2241 GRT, built 1924), Svinta (Norwegian, 1267 GRT, built 1916), Thistlebrae (British, 4747 GRT, built 1928), Tora Elise (Norwegian, 721 GRT, built 1919), Ursa (Norwegian, 958 GRT, built 1911), Utklippan (Swedish, 1599 GRT, built 1883), Varegg (Norwegian, 943 GRT, built 1910), Varmido (Swedish, 2956 GRT, built 1901), Wanda (Finnish, 1902 GRT, built 1897) and Wiides (Finnish, 2324 GRT, built 1904).

Some of these ships sailed from Kirkwall and joined the convoy at sea.

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN). The destoyer HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) joined at sea coming with the Kirkwall section.

On 20 March the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy.

On 21 the destroyer HMS Jupiter was relieved by the destroyer HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) which had departed from Scapa Flow. HMS Jupiter then proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving later on 21 March. She had to be relieved due to defects.

21 Mar 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow with condensor trouble. She had been relieved from the escort of convoy ON 21 due to this. (17)

30 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa flow with HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. De Villiers, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (21)

31 Mar 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow to rendez-vous with HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) which is already on patrol in the Moray Firth.

The patrol was discontinued on 1 April due to heavy weather. HMS Jupiter then returned to Scapa Flow while HMS Griffin proceeded to Invergordon.

2 Apr 1940
Around 0100 hours the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow to search for a reported damaged enemy submarine in the Moray Firth. The A/S hunt was not succesful and the destroyers returned to Scapa Flow early in the evening.

3 Apr 1940
Around 2100/2, a report was received that a westbound German submarine had been sighted in position 59°10'N, 01°40'W a little over half an hour before.

To intercept this submarine the destroyer HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) was detached from convoy HN 23A and the destroyer HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) was sailed from Scapa Flow. They were to arrive in position 59°23'N, 04°55'W by 0600/3.

The submarine was not sighted and the destroyers were ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow around 1200/3 as they were required for other duties.

4 Apr 1940
HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), which was to proceed to the Mediterranean, departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). HMS Jupiter was however replaced soon after sailing by HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN). HMS Jupiter then returned to Scapa Flow.

5 Apr 1940

Convoy ON 25.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 5 April 1940. It was recalled on 8 April 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ascania (Finnish, 838 GRT, built 1901), Begonia (Estonian, 1591 GRT, built 1890), Bertha (Danish, 966 GRT, built 1915), Bullaren (Swedish, 5722 GRT, built 1918), Caledonia (Swedish, 1268 GRT, built 1913), Cree (British, 4791 GRT, built 1920), Dalveen (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Delaware (Finnish, 2441 GRT, built 1902), Diana (Norwegian, 1154 GRT, built 1904), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Forsvik (Norwegian, 1248 GRT, built 1919), Frey (Swedish, 1090 GRT, built 1911), Haga (Swedish, 1296 GRT, built 1918), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Ibis (Norwegian, 1367 GRT, built 1918), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Lotte (Danish, 1420 GRT, built 1906), Magdalena (Swedish, 1265 GRT, built 1882), Magrix (British, 454 GRT, built 1938), Mette (Danish, 1909 GRT, built 1926), Nordost (Swedish, 1035 GRT, built 1918), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Orangemoor (British, 5775 GRT, built 1923), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sjofna (Norwegian, 619 GRT, built 1918), Sophie (Danish, 945 GRT, built 1920), Swainby (British, 4935 GRT, built 1935), Vard (Norwegian, 681 GRT, built 1917), Veli Ragnar (Finnish, 2158 GRT, built 1914) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Methil the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Thistle (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Haselfoot, RN). The light cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H.H. Bousfield, RN), HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) and the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, RN) provided close cover.

On 6 April the following ships departed Kirkwall to join convoy ON 25 at sea;
Bullaren (Swedish, 5722 GRT, built 1918), C.F. Liljevalch (Swedish, 5492 GRT, built 1920), Elna E. (British, 1174 GRT, built 1925), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Ringulv (Norwegian, 5153 GRT, built 1903), Sarpfoss (Norwegian, 1493 GRT, built 1919), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918), Stanja (Norwegian, 1845 GRT, built 1915), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921) and Wappu (Finnish, 1513 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Kirkwall this part of the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had come from Scapa Flow.

On joining the main convoy, HMS Janus joined the escort but HMS Jupiter was detached to search for the drifter HMS Seabreeze which was in trouble due to heavy weather and had made an SOS. This was later cancelled when a trawler met the Seabreeze and HMS Jupiter proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving there on the 7th.

In the evening of the 7th the convoy was disbanded an the ships were ordered to return to the U.K. due to enemy activity in the North Sea. The escorts were detailed for other duty.

6 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow for escort duty.

[See the event ' Convoy ON 25 ' for 5 April 1940 for more info.]

7 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from escort duty.

She departed again later the same day escorting the French light cruiser Emile Bertin (Capt. R.M.J. Battet) and the large destroyers Maille Breze (Cdr. H.M.E.A. Glotin) and Tartu (Capt. J.M. Chomel) in.

7 Apr 1940
In the evening, ships from the Home Fleet; battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN), Emile Bertin (Capt. R.M.J. Battet), with destroyers HMS Codrington (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN), HMS Brazen (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) departed from Scapa Flow to patrol in Norwegian waters near position 61°00'N, 01°00'E.

10 Apr 1940
Around 1530 hours the destroyers HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Afridi (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Brazen (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN) and HMS Codrington (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN) arrived at Sullom Voe to fuel. (21)

13 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Sullom Voe for Scapa Flow where she arrived at 1100 hours the same day. (21)

15 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 1045 hours for Skjelfjord. She had on board pumps for the damaged light cruiser HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN). (21)

17 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived in the Skjelfjord where the pumps for the damaged light cruiser HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN) were unloaded. (22)

18 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed the Skjelfjord and proceeded to sea to patrol in the Vestfjord area. (22)

20 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Skjelfjord to fuel.

20 Apr 1940
The tanker British Lady (6098 GRT, built 1923) departed Skjelfjord for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (21)

23 Apr 1940
The tanker British Lady (6098 GRT, built 1923) and her escort, the destroyers HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (21)

24 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 0800 hours to search for a missing Walrus aircraft. The search was unsuccessful and HMS Jupiter returned to Scapa Flow around dusk. (21)

26 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 0600 for Lerwick with dynamo spares for the damaged destroyer HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN).

Later the dame day HMS Jupiter departed Kirkwall at 1800 hours escorting the merchant ship Manchester City (5600 GRT, built 1937) to the Tyne. (21)

27 Apr 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at the Tyne escorting the merchant vessel Manchester City (5600 GRT, built 1937).

HMS Jupiter was then taken in hand for refit. (17)

17 Jun 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) shifted from the Tyne to the Humber (Immingham). (23)

21 Jun 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol. (23)

23 Jun 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. They had been relieved by HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had departed Immingham earlier that day. (23)

29 Jun 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

1 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. They had been relieved by HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had departed Immingham earlier that day. (24)

3 Jul 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

5 Jul 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol. (23)

7 Jul 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

9 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U' and east coast convoy (FN 218) duty.

During the night of 9/10 July, they were reinforced on their patrol by the light cruiser HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) which had departed Immingham around 1945A/9 and returned there around 0630A/10. (23)

11 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol.

HMS Jupiter and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham later the same day to reinforce patrol 'U'. (23)

12 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

13 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'. (23)

14 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

15 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to relieve HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) on patrol 'U'. HMS Jackal then proceeded to Immingham. HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) thus remained on patrol but now with HMS Jupiter. (23)

16 Jul 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) departed Immingham to relieve HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) on patrol 'U'. HMS Jaguar then proceeded to Immingham. HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) thus remained on patrol but now with HMS Javelin. (23)

17 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham to relieve HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) on patrol 'U'. HMS Jupiter then proceeded to Immingham. HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) thus remained on patrol but now with HMS Kashmir. (23)

21 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U'. (23)

23 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

24 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'. (23)

25 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol.

Later the same day she departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U' once again. (23)

26 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

27 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U'. (23)

28 Jul 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) departed Immingham to join her sister ships HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which were already on patrol.

In the evening they briefly escorted the light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) during her passage from Sheerness to Scapa Flow. (23)

29 Jul 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (23)

30 Jul 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) which were already on patrol. (23)

2 Aug 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (17)

5 Aug 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U' relieving HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) which then proceeded to Immingham.

HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) remained on patrol now with HMS Jupiter but they were recalled to Immingham later the same day as patrol 'U' was discontinued. (17)

7 Aug 1940
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to hunt a reported enemy submarine.

The enemy submarine had been reported in positions 53°29'N, 00°54'E and 53°48'N, 00°31'E.

The destroyers returned later the same day.

[No German submarine was operating in the area though so the reports must have been bogus.] (23)

17 Aug 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber.

On their return to harbour HMS Kelvin commenced boiler cleaning. (23)

21 Aug 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. (23)

24 Aug 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. On completion of the exercises they returned to Immingham except HMS Kashmir which was to proceed to Scapa Flow. (23)

26 Aug 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for night exercises. They returned to Immingham the following day. (25)

29 Aug 1940
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. (23)

31 Aug 1940

Operation CBX 5.

On 31 August 1940, a group of destroyers sailed from Immingham on a mine laying mission to the north-west of the Dutch island of Vlieland.

The minelaying destroyers were from the 20th Destroyer Flotilla, these were; HMS Express (Capt. J.G. Bickford, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Esk (Lt.Cdr. R.J.H. Couch, DSC, RN), HMS Icarus (Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, RN) and HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN). The minelayers were escorted by three destroyers of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, these were; HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN).

The mines were to be laid within an area enclosed by lines joining positions;
A) 53°25.0'N, 04°45.0'E.
B) 53°22.6'N, 04°52.2'E.
C) 53°25.2'N, 04°54.4'E.
D) 53°27.6'N, 04°47.0'E.

At 2250A/31, aerial reconnaissance reported a large number of German ships to the north of the Dutch island of Terschelling proceeding westwards. The destroyers of the 20th Destroyer Flotilla were ordered to jettison their mines and intercept, believing wrongly that the German ships were part of an invasion force.

At 2307A/31, HMS Express struck a mine in position 53°25'N, 03°48'E. She was badly damaged but did not sink. HMS Esk went to her assistance and hit mine at 2325A/31, she sank immediately. HMS Ivanhoe also went to her assistance and hit a mine at 0051A/1. She was badly damaged, but she was able to proceed for a while.

HMS Jupiter, HMS Kelvin and HMS Vortiger were behind the minelaying destroyers providing cover for the operation. HMS Jupiter and HMS Kelvin went to the aid of the damaged destroyers while HMS Vortigern remained behind to mark the gap in the minefield for their return.

The escort destroyers, HMS Garth (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Dyke, RN) and HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN), which were on patrol off the coast near Harwich were also ordered to assist.

The minesweepers HMS Leda (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC, RN) and HMS Saltash (Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fowke, RN), motor torpedo boats HMS MTB 14, HMS MTB 15, HMS MTB 16, HMS MTB 17, HMS MTB 29, HMS MTB 30, HMS MTB 31 and the tugs HMS St. Cyrus, Irishman, Norman, Wheeldon were also ordered to go the assistance of the crippled ships.

Around 0800A/1, most of the crew of HMS Ivanhoe abandoned ship and boarded MTB 14, MTB 16, MTB 17. Thirty of the crew remained onboard trying to save the ship.

At 0941A/1, HMS Express was taken in tow by HMS Kelvin, but when the towing line fouled HMS Kelvin'spropeller the tow was taken over by HMS Jupiter until it was passed over to the tug HMS St. Cyrus. Close cover for the towing group was provided by HMS Vortigern and HMS Hambledon. HMS Jupiter and HMS Kelvin formed a strike group in case German warships would arrive on the scene. HMS Express was towed to Hull where she arrived on 2 September 1940 and was out of action for around a year.

At 1415A/1, the remaining crew of HMS Ivanhoe had to board MTB 15 as HMS Ivanhoe was rapidly sinking.

Later that afternoon a British aircraft reported that HMS Ivanhoe was still afloat. HMS Kelvin, HMS Garth and MTB 30 were ordered to search for her. At 1619A/1, HMS Garth spotted HMS Ivanhoe while it was being attacked by a German aircraft. HMS Kelvin also arrived on the scene and she sank the wreck of HMS Ivanhoe at 1700A/1 with a torpedo.

Meanwhile the light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN) and HMS Cardiff (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) had departed the Humber around 0130/1, to make rendez-vous with HMS Jupiter, HMS Kelvin and HMS Vortigern after the minelaying mission. As the minelaying mission was cancelled the cruisers returned to Immingham and while doing so HMS Galatea struck a mine off the Cleaner Shoal Buoy near the Humber light vessel. Damage was however only minor. The cruisers arrived at Immingham around 0800A/1.

31 Aug 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber.

HMS Jupiter, HMS Kelvin and HMS Vortigern departed the Humber later the same day with five minelaying destroyers of the 20th Destroyer Flotilla for a minelaying mission of the northern Dutch coast. [See the event ' Minelaying opertion CBX 5' for 31 August 1940 for more information.] (23)

2 Sep 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) returned to Immingham. (23)

4 Sep 1940
Around 1230A/4, HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) and HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for immingham. They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Holderness (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN).

The escort was reinforced around 2000A/4 by the destroyers HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) which had come from Immingham to rendez-vous with the cruisers and escort them in.

All ships, minus HMS Holderness which was detached shortly before arriving, arrived at Immingham, where they had been diverted to, shortly before midnight.

The cruisers were sent to Immingham for anti-invasion duty. (26)

6 Sep 1940
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham to hunt a reported enemy submarine. They returned later the same day.

[No German submarines were operating off the east coast of the U.K. so the report must have been bogus.] (23)

10 Sep 1940
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. (23)

28 Sep 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. (23)

29 Sep 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Immingham for Rosyth. (23)

30 Sep 1940
HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (17)

1 Oct 1940
At 0200 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Plymouth where they were to join the Western Approaches Command. (21)

2 Oct 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (24)

5 Oct 1940
Around 0805 hours, HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Plymouth, followed around 0950 hours by HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN).

They returned to harbour around 1500 hours. Most likely they went out for exercises. (27)

10 Oct 1940

Operation Medium.

Bombardment of Cherbourg.

10 October 1940.

The battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) departed Plymouth for a night bombardment of Cherbourg during the night of 10/11 October. She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN).

A cover force was also sailed from Plymouth on the same day. This force was to provide cover to the east of the bombardment force and was made up of the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), the British destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, DSC, RN and the Polish destroyers Garland (Cdr. K. Namiesniowski, ORP) and Burza (Cdr. A. Doroszkowski, ORP).

The light cruiser HMS Cardiff (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) departed Portsmouth to provide cover for the operation to the west of the bombardment force.

A flotilla of MA/SB boats was sailed from Plymouth to provide anti E-boat protection. These were HMS MA/SB 40, HMS MA/SB 42, HMS MA/SB 43, HMS MA/SB 44, HMS MA/SB 45, HMS MA/SB 46 and HMS MA/SB 51.

During the bombardment, which started around 0330A/11 and laster for about 20 minutes, HMS Revenge fired 120 rounds of 15” in eighteen minutes from range between 14000 and 16000 yards. Her escorting destroyers fired 801 rounds of 4.7” during the first four minutes of the bombardment and then formed a screen on the battleship.

Large fires were seen to erupt in the target area. Shore defences opened up as for being under air attack. The ships were fired on only after the bombardment had ceased. No ships were hit though despite the enemy fire being accurate.

The western cover group returned to Portsmouth at 0800A/11.

The bombardment force and the eastern cover group arrived at Portsmouth around the same time.

11 Oct 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1830/11 to carry out a high speed sweep along the French coast between Le Havre and Dieppe following which they were to return to Plymouth at 0800/12.

The same day the German torpedo boats Falke, Greif, Kondor, Seeadler and Wolf (5th torpedo boat flotilla) departed Cherbourg, France to conduct a raid off the Isle of Wight.

Shortly before midnight they encountered and sank two British armed trawlers HMS Warwick Deeping (Skr. J.R. Bruce, RNR) and Listrac (Lt. K.P. Kirkup, RNR) south of Bournemouth.

Shortly afterwards but on the 12th the Germans sank the (former French) chasseurs HMS CH 6 (Lt. W.B.G. Galbraith, RN) and HMS CH 7 (S/Lt. G.A. Gabbett-Mulhallen, DSC, RN).

At 0314/12, HMS Jackal had an engagement with two of the enemy torpedo boats. No damage was done to either side.

The Germans returned to Cherbourg in the morning of the 12th.

12 Oct 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

HMS Jaguar returned to Plymouth in need of repairs.

17 Oct 1940
After German destroyers proceeding westwards in position 48°24'N, 05°33'W had been reported at 0719 hours, the light cruisers, HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Plymouth at 1035A/17 to intercept them.

Contact with the enemy was made at 1600A/17 and seven minutes later HMS Newcastle was enganging the enemy at extreme range in position 49°29'N, 06°40'W. The enemy turned back at the British started to chase. Around 1810A/17 they broke off the action as they were ordered to return to Plymouth as adequate air protection could not be given.

The German destroyers had sortied from Brest to conduct a raid against shipping in the west entrance to the Bristol Channel. The destroyers were the Z 10 / Hans Lody, Z 14/Friedrich Ihn, Z 15 Erich Steinbrinck and Z 20 / Karl Galster. A fifth destroyers, the Z 6/Theodor Riedel had to return to Brest shortly after sailing due to problems with her boilers. (28)

18 Oct 1940
Around 0830 hours HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived back at Plymouth. (29)

4 Nov 1940
HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises (including night exercises). (17)

5 Nov 1940
In the evening, HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), returned to Plymouth from exercises. (17)

6 Nov 1940
Around 1415A/6, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN), departed Plymouth for the Clyde. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN).

Around 0815A/7, the original destroyer screen parted company to proceed on patrol in the western Channel area. They were replaced by [most likely] HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN).

HMS Revenge and her destroyer escort arrived in the Clyde around 2110A/7. (30)

8 Nov 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Dartmouth from patrol at 0900 hours. They had been unable to enter Plymouth due to enemy mining.

HMS Jackal departed for patrol later the same day. (29)

10 Nov 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Dartmouth to proceed to the south of Ireland to search for a reported damaged Italian submarine. (29)

12 Nov 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Dartmouth. No enemy submarine had been encountered. (29)

18 Nov 1940
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) shifted from Dartmouth to Plymouth. (29)

23 Nov 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 2052.

They were to intercept a German convoy but nothing was sighted. Speed had been limited by defects in HMS Jackal. The destroyers returned to Plymouth at 1025/24. (31)

24 Nov 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth at 2150 to patrol between the Lizard and the Scillies Islands as three German destroyers had been reported to have left Brest and were thought to be operating off the South coast between 06'W and 01.30'W. They were intially ordered to return to Plymouth at 0930/25 but his order was cancelled at 1925/24.

Around midnight a group of three German destroyers (Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 10 / Hans Lody and Z 20 / Karl Galster attacked a group of fishing trawlers near Wolf Rock. The Belgian trawler Marguetite Simonne was sunk and the British trawler Lent Lily was damaged.

Shortly afterwards they attacked a small convoy from which the Dutch merchant tanker Apollonia (2086 GRT, built 1931) was sunk and the Norwegian merchant vessel Stadion II (629 GRT, built 1914) was damaged.

The 5th destroyer flotilla however made no contact with the enemy despite that they swept towards Ushant to cut off the enemy when returning to Brest.

The destroyers were joined by HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) on the 25th. Jackal departed Plymouth at 1700/25. The Admiralty feared that German destroyers would carry out another raid during the night of 25/26 November.

During the night of 25/26 November Capt. D.5 swept with his 5 destroyers to a position to the west of Ushant.

The destroyers arrived back at Plymouth at 1030/26. (29)

27 Nov 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth at 1750/27 for patrol.

28 Nov 1940
At 1556 hours, HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), were ordered to patrol between Land's End and Start Point during the coming night. (29)

29 Nov 1940
At 0402 hours, Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) was informed that gunfire had been reported off Prawle Point.

At 0553 hours, HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), who was operating together with HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), reported sighting three unkown ships. One minute later another signal was received from HMS Jackal stating that HMS Javelin had been torpedoed.

At 0609 hours HMS Jackal engaged an enemy destroyer but she soon lost contact.

At 0637 hours HMS Jackal sent a signal asking for tugs and an air escort for her disabled sister-ship HMS Javelin

Three minutes before, at 0634 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), which was in company with HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), reported that they had a lost touch with the enemy after a short action.

At 0700 hours, HMS Kashmir reported that it was thought one of the enemy destroyers had been damaged.

At 0818 hours, HMS Jackal reported that HMS Javelin was still afloat but that her bow and stern had been blown off, two tugs were requested, one on either end.

At 0834 hours, HMS Kashmir, HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter were ordered to screen HMS Javelin.

At 0850 hours the tug HMS Caroline Moller departed Falmouth followed at 0855 by HMS Retort which sailed from Plymouth.

Also at 0850 hours three Blenheim aircraft took off as air escort.

At 1010 hours the destroyer HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Dartmouth.

At 1039 hours HMS Jackal left for Plymouth with survivors from ships attacked by the German destroyers. She arrived at Plymouth at 1347 hours.

At 1419 hours HMS Kashmir reported that enemy aircraft had attacked them.

HMS Javelin in tow of two tugs arrived at Plymouth at 0425/30.

HMS Jersey had already arrived at 0150/30 followed by HMS Jupiter at 0239 hours.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Kipling arrived at 1340/30.

The German destroyers encountered were once again the Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 10 / Hans Lody and Z 20 / Karl Galster. Before their encounter with the British destoyers they had sunk the British tug Aid (134 GRT, built 1914, five dead) and damaged the French tug Abeille XIV (126 GRT, built 1927. two dead). A barge that had been under tow by the Aid sank at 1145/29. Z 10 / Hans Lody was hit several times and all German destroyers had some splinter damage. (29)

1 Dec 1940
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1055 hours to join HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) at sea. Apparently she was to relieve HMS Jackal which was to proceed to Immingham with defects.

The destroyers then joined the minelayer HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) which had departed Milford Haven at 1000 hours to lay minefield GQ 1 off the Little Sole Bank early on 2 December.

2 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth from operations. (32)

4 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth at 1619 hours for an A/S sweep towards position 49°30'N, 07°00'W in which they were to arrive at 0900/5. (29)

5 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1345 hours.

8 Dec 1940
At 1255 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) were ordered to leave Plymouth at 1630 hours to patrol between Eddystone and Wolf Rock. They were ordered to return to Plymouth at 0945/9.

They actually departed Plymouth at 1650/8 and returned at 1035/9.

10 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth at 1650 hours with orders to arrive off the Nab (Portsmouth) at 0830/11.

12 Dec 1940
After a delay of 24 hours due to a reported enemy submarine the British battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) departed Portsmouth for Rosyth where she was to complete her reconstruction.

She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Cattistock (Lt.Cdr R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN) and HMS Holderness (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN).

Around 1600A/13 the original escort was relieved by the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Lampard, RN), HMS Pytchley (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC, RN) and HMS Southdown (Cdr. E.R. Condor, DSO, DSC, RN).

At 1630A/14 the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the AA cruiser HMS Curacoa (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) joined the escort coming from Scapa Flow.

The battleship and her escort arrived at Rosyth around 1330A/15. HMS Nigeria had parted company around 1115A/15 and arrived back at Scapa Flow later the same day.

13 Dec 1940
Having parted company with HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) around 1600/13, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) proceeded southwards to conduct an A/S hunt along the north coast of Cornwall and later between the coast of Cornwall and 07°00'W.

14 Dec 1940
At 1900 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), were ordered to patrol between The Lizard and Start Point during the night to cover westbound merchant shipping. They were ordered to arrive at Plymouth at 1030/15.

15 Dec 1940
At 1055 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), arrived at Plymouth.

17 Dec 1940
HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1035/17 to proceed to the Dartmouth area where they were to conduct A/S exercises with the submarine HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN).

On completion of the A/S exercises, HMS Jersey, HMS Jupiter and HMS Seawolf proceeded to Dartmouth.

18 Dec 1940
HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) departed Dartmouth for A/S exercises.

On completion of the A/S exercises HMS Seawolf proceeded to Dartmouth while HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter were to make rendez-vous with HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) off Rame Head at 1700 hours and then to proceed on patrol. HMS Punjabi had just departed from Plymouth.

They were to patrol on about 49°45'N between 04°00'W and 06°00W'. They were to arrive off Rame Head from patrol at 1030/19.

19 Dec 1940
HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth from patrol at 1100 hours.

20 Dec 1940
HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth for patrol at 1700 hours. During the night they were to proceed to position 49.15'N, 03.00'W and then sweep towards Ushant. They were to return to Plymouth at 1030/21.

21 Dec 1940
HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth from patrol at 1110 hours.

27 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1750/27 to intercept a convoy of four small enemy merchant vessels that were sighted near Ushant at 1530/27 if these would proceed up Channel.

The destroyers were at first ordered to proceed to position 49°10'N, 03°20'W and then sweep to the westward to intercept the enemy vessels. If no contact was made when off Ushant they were to return to Plymouth arriving at 1030/28.

later they were ordered to proceed with despatch to position 48°30'N, 05°45'W as it appeared the enemy ships were returning to Brest. They were to arrive in position 180°, Lizard, 20 nautical miles by 0830/28 and then return to Plymouth with fighter protection.

The destroyers returned to Plymouth at 1058/28 not having sighted the enemy ships.

28 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth in the afternoon intercept a convoy of German merchant vessels that were sighted near Ushant if these would proceed up Channel. The destroyers were ordered to return to Plymouth at 1030/29.

29 Dec 1940
At 1055 hours HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter departed again at 1523 hours to join the minelayer HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) which had departed Milford Haven at 1000 hours to lay minefield GQ 2.

HMS Kashmir also departed Plymouth later on the 29th to overtake the other destroyers before they joined the minelayer.

30 Dec 1940
At 1729 hours HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) returned to Milford Haven at 1700 hours.

The mines had been laid successfully.

1 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises at 0940 hours followed by HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) at 1010 hours. Both destroyers were to conduct exercises and then proceed to Dartmouth on completion where they arrived late in the afternoon or early in the evening.

2 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Dartmouth in the morning. Around 1500 hours they made rendez-vous with the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) and escort her to Portsmouth.

3 Jan 1941
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) and her escorting destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Portsmouth in the morning.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Jupiter departed Portsmouth for Plymouth at 1710 hours.

4 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth at 1040 hours.

6 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) were ordered to depart Plymouth at 2000/6 to intercept a large German transport that was spotted passing Cape Griz-Nez westwards at 1330/6. They were ordered to try to intercept this ship between Cape la Hague and Ushant.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Jupiter actually departed at 2050/6.

7 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1043 hours. They had not sighted the enemy transport.

HMS Kashmir departed again at 2039 hours together with HMS Jersey (Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) to patrol between the Lizard and Start Point during the night.

12 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 0627 hours.

At 0843/12 they were ordered to return to Plymouth at 1030/12 by the Vice-Admiral Western Approaches.

13 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth possibly for patrol. They were to conduct experimental A/S exercises off Dartmouth on the next two days.

14 Jan 1941
HMS Unbeaten (Lt. E.A. Woodward, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Dartmouth with HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and A/S trawlers. (33)

15 Jan 1941
HMS Unbeaten (Lt. E.A. Woodward, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Dartmouth with HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and A/S trawlers.

Following these exercises the destroyers proceeded to Plymouth where they arrived at 1452 hours. (33)

16 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth for a night patrol in the western Channel area to cover coastal shipping.

17 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1430 hours.

19 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1842 hours for a night patrol in the western Channel area.

20 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1000 hours.

22 Jan 1941
During the night of 22/23 January 1941 HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) conducted a patrol between Land's End and Start End.

They had departed Plymouth at 1630A/22 and were ordered to return around 1030/23 but they actually returned shortly before 1300A/23.

23 Jan 1941
Around 1640A/23, HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar where they were expected to arrive around 1300A/26. (17)

26 Jan 1941
HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. (17)

28 Jan 1941
At 1530/28, HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) and their destroyer escort made up of HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for exercises in the Alboran Sea.

Shorty afterwards the destroyer HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) also sailed. She had been unable to sail with the remainder of the force as she was repairing defects which were not fully completed at the time of the sailing.

Early in the evening another destroyer joined the force, this was HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN). She too had been repairing defects at the time of the sailing of the force and had been unable to sail with them at the intended time. (34)

29 Jan 1941
HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) all returned to Gibraltar in the afternoon upon completion of their exercises. (34)

31 Jan 1941

Operations Picket and Result.

Operations against the Lake Omodeo Dam in central Sardinia (Picket) and the bombardment of Genoa (Result).

31 January 1941.

'Force H' departed Gibraltar for these operations. It was diverted into four groups, these were;

Group 1 was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN).

Group 2 was made up of the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN).

Group 3 was made up of the destroyers HMS Duncan (A/Capt. A.D.B. James, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN).

And finally Group 4 was made up of the RFA tanker Orangeleaf (5927 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Arctic Ranger (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Young, RN) and HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. L.B. Merrick, RNR).

On leaving harbour HMS Ark Royal flew off one aircraft for A/S patrol. This patrol was maintained throughout the day.

At 1930/31, group 2 (six destroyers) were detached in position 36°25'N, 03°24'W and were ordered to proceed at economical speed to a position to the north of the Balearics where they were to rendez-vous with the remainder of the force (minus the tanker group) during the forenoon of 2 February.

1 February 1941.

At 0845/1, when in position 37°05'N, 00°32'E, groups 1 and 3 altered course to the north-east.

From 1130/1 onwards a section of fighters from HMS Ark Royal was maintained overhead until dusk.

At 1500/1 course was altered to 084°.

By 1810/1 all aircraft had returned to HMS Ark Royal.

At 1900/1, HMS Malaya escorted by HMS Encounter and HMS Jupiter were detached and ordered to rendez-vous with the remainder of 'Force H' at 0900/2 in position 40°55'N, 06°30'E. This was to economize fuel in HMS Malaya to enable to her to retreat after the bombardment of Genoa at a higher speed.

At 1910/1, HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield, HMS Duncan and HMS Isis, altered course to 062° and increased speed to 24 knots to arrive in the flying off position for Operation Picket.

2 February 1941.

At 0555/2, eight Swordfish were flown off from HMS Ark Royal in position 40°07'N, 06°54'E. They were armed with torpedoes to attack the dam.

At 0730/2, two more Swordfish were flown off to locate HMS Malaya and her two escorting destroyers and direct her to a rendez-vous position of 40°34'N, 06°38'E at 1000/2.

The first of seven Swordfish that returned from the raid on the dam landed on at 0830/2. The last aircraft landed on at 0848/2. One Swordfish failed to return.

The two Swordfish that had located HMS Malaya returned at 0900/2.

The striking force had encountered rain and hail showers over the land and severe icing conditions in a cloud level of 5000 feet. Ground defences were unduly alart and after the first five miles over the land, fire was encountered from Bofors and light automatic guns apparently posted along the roads leading to Tirso. throughout the final approach fire was heavy, becoming intense in the vicinity of the dam.

One aircraft becoming lost in the cloud, never located the target and finally returned to HMS Ark Royal with his torpedo. The remaining seven aircraft made individual approaches and all except one came under heavy fire. As a result of intense opposition and icing conditions in the clouds, two aircraft jettisoned their torpedoes. Of the remaining five, one was shot down, one made a high drop, nose down, two dropped approximately correctly, and one was able to take good, steady aim. No explosions were observed. The last pilot, after his attack, flew over the dam at a height of 60 feet, machine gunning the defences. He observed no damage on the south face of the dam. It is thought that if the torpedoes failed to reach the dam their run may have been stopped by a bank of silt. Information was later received from an Italian broadcast that the crew of the Swordfish that had been shot down had been taken prisoner.

The wind was by now force 6, with a rising sea, and HMS Duncan reported damage to the gun shield of 'A' gun. Visibility was moderate but improving.

At 1005/2 course was altered to 290° and eight minutes later HMS Malaya and her two escorting destroyers were sighted.

By 1115/2 HMS Malaya, HMS Encounter and HMS Jupiter had rejoined. At noon HMS Ark Royal reported that flying conditions were becoming hazardous so the A/S patrol was abandoned. Only a section of Fulmar fighters were maintained in the air as conditions were unsuitable for Skua's. At times HMS Ark Royal was dipping her flight deck into the sea. Speed had also to be reduced to 15 knots as this was the maximum speed the destroyers could proceed without sustaining damage.

At 1530/2 HMS Malaya requisted permission to turn down wind to make repairs as her cable lockers were flooding beyond the capacity of the pumps. Course was altered and speed was reduced to 10 knots at 1540/2. The original course and 15 knots speed were resumed at 1635/2.

Four Swordfish aircraft, which had been flown off to locate the six detached destroyers reported them as bearing 285°, distance 40 nautical miles at 1615/2. Course was altered to 000° at 1730/2 to ensure contact was made before dark and one hour later the destroyers joined the screen.

The northwesterly gale which had persisted all day had prevented 'Force H' from making the nesecssary ground to the west and north. Throughout the day various destroyers had reported damage at a speed of 15 knots and by the time the rendezvous with the six detached destroyers had been effected, Vice-Admiral Somerville was left with the choice of abanadoning operastion Result or making good a speed of 20 knots thoughout the night. This latter would have been impossible with the destroyers in company and problematical without them. Consideration was given to only attack Genoa with aircraft from HMS Ark Royal but in the end it was decided to abandon the operation.

3 February 1941.

At 0400/3 course was altered to 210°. The wind was still force 6, with a short sea. HMS Fearless reported at 0530/3 tht she was beginning to bump badly and speed was reduced to 13 knots.

HMS Ark Royal flew off three Swordfish at 0745/3 to seach for shipping between Cape Tortosa and Alicante up to fifty miles from the coast. A similar search was carried out in the afternoon between Cape San Antonio and Cape Palos. It was the intention to detach destroyers to close and investigate all ships reported by the aircraft but the only ship located was already in the approaches to Valencia and therefore could not be intercepted in time before it reached that port.

During the forenoon exercises were carried out during which HMS Jersey was serving as 'target'.

Course was altered to south at 1335/3 and speed was increased to 18 knots. The wind had veered to north-north-west and was still force 6. The wind eased a little towards the end of the afternoon but then increased to force 8 by 1700/3.

At 1715/3, dive bombing exercises were carried out on the fleet by four Skua's. After the first attack one aircraft force-landed in the sea on the starboard beam of the Fleet close to the destroyer screen. The crew was picked up by HMS Jupiter. The aircraft then sank.

All flying was completed by 1815/3. After dark course was reversed for twenty minutes in preparation for a night encounter exercises with HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter which had been detached from the screen at dusk. These two destroyers, attacking from leeward, were sighted at long range. Evasion, counter-attack, star-shell and searchlights were exercised and the practice was completed by 2038/3.

4 February 1941.

A speed of 17 knots was maintained during the night and at 0100/4 course was altered to the westward. The wind remained a steady force 6 from the north-north-west.

At 0630/4, HMS Ark Royal screened by three of the destroyers hauled out of the line and they proceeded independently for flying off Swordfish aircraft for a dawn light torpedo attack on the Fleet. This attack was well delivered.

At 0800/4 speed was increased to 18 knots and HMS Sheffield took station eleven miles on the starboard beam to act as a target for gunnery exercises by HMS Renown and HMS Malaya. On completion HMS Sheffield then carried out an exercise with the leading destroyer of the screen. Finally HMS Fearless and HMS Foresight then carried out an exercise on HMS Sheffield.

By noon the sea had moderated and the wind had dropped to force 5. During the afternoon destroyers of the screen carried out exercises.

The ships of 'Force H' entered harbour at Gibraltar between 1715 and 2000 hours. (34)

6 Feb 1941

Operation Grog.

Bombardment of Genoa.

6 February 1941.

'Force H' departed Gibraltar for this operation. It was diverted into three groups, these were;

Group 1 was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN).

Group 2 was made up of the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN).

Group 3 was made up of the destroyers HMS Duncan (A/Capt. A.D.B. James, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN).

Group 2 departed Gibraltar between 1200 and 1400 hours in pairs of two. They proceeded eastwards as to be on patrol or exerising. When out of sight from land they continued on to the eastwards at economical speed to rendez-vous with groups 1 and 3 later on.

Groups 1 and 3 were clear of the harbour by 1700 hours. They then proceeded westwards as to cover convoy HG 53 which was forming up in the Strait of Gibraltar at this time.

The force was cut up into small sections and one by one they passed the Strait of Gibraltar to the eastward.

7 February 1941.

At 0300/7 all ships of groups 1 and 3 had joined company again and continued their passage eastwards.

An A/S patrol was flown off by HMS Ark Royal at 0730/7 and maintained throughout the day. Visibility was good with wind force 3 from the west. Six Skua's were flown off at 0835/7 to carry out dummy dive bombing attacks on the Fleet. Opportunity was taken to exercises all forms of AA armament.

By 1100/7 the wind had dropped to light westerly airs and there was a slight haze over the horizon which limited visibility to 10/15 miles throughout the day.

At 1155/7, in position 36°37'N, 01°21'W, HMS Firedrake investigated a contact and fired two depth charges. This contact was most likely non-sub.

All flying was completed by 1815/7. No radar contacts had been obtained all day and it seems probable that the fleet was not detected.

At 1930/7 course was altered to 035° in order to pass between Ibiza and Majorca during the dark hours.

8 February 1941.

Course was altered to 340° at 0100/8 and to 035° at 0500/8 for the passage west of the Balearics. An A/S air patrol was flown off at 0730/8 and a fighter patrol at 0930/8. These were maintained throughout the day. The six destroyers of group 2 joined at 0830/8.

During the day six aircraft were sighted but none are thought to have been enemy, almost all could be identified as being French.

During the day, a Skua and a Fulmar crashed on the deck of HMS Ark Royal when landing but no one was injured. All flying was completed by 1800 hours and ten minutes later course was altered to 090° and speed to 18 knots. At 1900/8 speed was increased to 21 knots.

At 2330/8 course was altered to the final approach course towards Genoa.

9 February 1941.

At 0400/9 HMS Ark Royal parted company escorted by HMS Duncan, HMS Encounter and HMS Isis so as the carrier could act independently to carry out air attacks on Leghorn and La Spezia.

At 0505/9, when in position 43°19'N, 08°41'E, HMS Ark Royal flew off a striking force of 14 Swordfish, followed by four Swordfish carrying magnetic mines and later by three standby spotting aircraft with an escorting section of fighters.

At 0719/9 a section of Fulmars was flown off to patrol over HMS Ark Royal.

Meanwhile the bombardment force continued on towards Genoa. At 0635/9 some unidentifiable mountain tops were just visible above the haze, silhouetted against the sky to the north-east of Rapallo, but it was not until 0649 hours that the headland of Porto Fino could be identified. It was soon seen that the Fleet was almost exactly in the position they wanted to be in.

Between 0630 and 0707 hours, HMS Sheffield and HMS Malaya catapulted their aircraft for spotting duties. HMS Renown also launched her spotting aircraft [time is not noted in the report.]

Course was altered to 290° at 0655/9 and speed was reduced to 18 knots. 13 minutes later course was altered to 270° and at 0713 back to 290°.

At 0711/9 Renown's spotting aircraft reported that no battleships were present. By 0714 hours, when fire was opened, nothing could be seen of Genoa from the ships, so the firing was carried out under direction of the spotting aircraft.

The observers in the spotting aircraft were able to indentify their targets with the greatest ease as they had been trained by using a model that had been constructed by a Commissioned Gunner of HMS Renown.

The opening salvoes from HMS Renown fell as anicipated south of Malo Principe and were quickly spotted onto the Ansaldo Works, marshalling Yards and factories on both banks of the Torrente Polcevera. Numerous explosions and considerable fires were obsevered in this area. Target was then shifted to the vicinity of the commercial basin where a big fire was caused and a merchant ship was hit. A salvo in the vicinity of the power station caused a perticularly violent explosion and an oil tank was observed to be on fire. The smoke from this and various warehouses prevented the spotting of several salvoes but a little later rounds were observed to fall in the area west of Ponte Daglio Asscreto and Ponte Caracciolo. The last salvoes fired in this area fell on the latter causing an explosion followed by a considerable fire. Target was again shifted, and the electrical works appeared to recieve a direct hit. Fire was moved up the left bank of the Torrente Polcevera and having crossed it salvoes were spotted directly on to Ansaldo Works, but smoke by then rendered observation difficult. The secondary armament engaged the area along the water front.

HMS Malaya engaged the dry docks a d targets in their vicinity throughout. Big explosions were observed in the docks and among warehouses. Several salvoes could not be spotted owing to smoke, but the last four were seen to fall among houses just north-east of the docks.

Sheffield's opening salvoes were placed short in the sea and were readily spotted. Having found range, rapid salvoes were ordered and fire was directed at the industrial installations on the left bank at the mouth of the Torrente Polcevera. Many fires and two big explosions were caused in this area. Later, as smoke was obscuring the area, fire was shifted to a tanker under way off the port and although three salvoes straddled no actual hits were observed.

The only opposition encountered by the bombarding ships was from a shore battery mounting about two 6" guns, and by the spotting aircraft from long and close range AA weapons. In both cases the fire was quite inefficient. During the bombardment two of the destroyers were ordered to make smoke to hamper gun fire from the shore battery.

The following ammunition was expended; HMS Renown 125 rounds of 15" HE and 400 rounds of 4.5" HE, HMS Malaya 148 rounds of 15" CPC and HMS Sheffield 782 rounds of 6" HE.

Whilst the main force was approaching Genoa, HMS Ark Royal's striking force of fourteen Swordfish each armed with four 250lbs. G.P. bombs and sixteen incendiaries had proceeded to attack the Azienda Oil Refinery at Leghorn. Eleven aircraft dropped their bombs on the refinery but no clear estimate could be formed of the amount of damage inflicted except that one definite explosion was observed. Surprise was evidently achieved as only one or two HA guns opened fire when the attack started. About six minutes later however, the HA fire became severe.

Two of the striking force, having mistaken their landfall, attacked alternative targets, one attacks Pisa aerodrome and the other Pisa railway junction.

One of the aircraft that attacked the refinery failed to return.

Three of the minelaying Swordfishmade a gliding approach over the town of Spezzia, two laying in the western entrance of the harbour and one in the eastern entrance. The fourth aircraft approached from the opposite direction and laid in the western entrance. There was only a partial black out of the town. Short range AA weapons of the Bofors type engaged the aircraft during their final approach and these was also some AA fire from guns round the town, but these appeared to be firing blind into the air.

Balloon barrages were noticed at Leghorn over the town and west of the Azienda Refinery along the coast and also at Genoa by the Torrente Polcevera.

By 0848 all spotting, minelaying and striking force aircraft had landed on (with the exception of the one reported missing) and HMS Ark Royal proceeded to rendez-vous with the rest of 'Force H' in position 43°48'N, 08°50'E at 0900/9. By 0919/9 the whole force was steering 180° at 22 knots.

It was evident that both the ship and air bombardment had effected complete surprise, and that no precautions had been taken by the enemy to guard against an invasion into the Gulf by 'Force H'.

Throughout the day six fighters were kept patrolling over the Fleet. At 0934/9 two aircraft were detected by RD/F bearing 060° waiting at 27 miles. Ten minutes later a Cant. flying boat was sighted low down to the north-north-east. The aircraft withdrew before the fighters could get in touch. The other aircraft also withdrew on a bearing 070°. The visibility at this time was six miles at 3000 feet and 15 miles at 15000 feet. After this the RD/F sreen remained clear until 1047 hours when a raid was detected at 40 miles closing from 070°. This turned out to be a shadower, a Cant. 506B, which was located and shot down by fighters to the north of the fleet. Course was altered to 200° at 0955/9 and to 244° at 1035/9.

At 1120/9 a raid was detected at 30 miles closing on a bearing of 350°. This raid consisted of two aircraft which appeared to be Fiat BR.20 bombers. Four bombs were dropped well astern of HMS Ark Royal and the aircraft then retired to the northward. Fighters were unable to make contact with the enemy who were at about 12000 feet.

A convoy of seven merchant vessels was encountered at noon in position 43°07'N, 08°08'E, steering 090° and HMS Foresight was detached to investigate. The convoy consisted of six French and one Turkish merchant vessels outward bound and was allowed to proceed.

A formation of aircraft was detected at 1210/9 on a bearing of 160° but it dit not close and eventually faded.

At 1300/9 the weather became very favourable to a succesful withdrawal, the visibility having decreased and the sky overcast with low cloud. A shadower was detected at 1325/9 astern of the fleet. it was located by the fighters and proved to be a Cant. Z.1007B, it was shot down at 1355/9.

Several formations were detected by RD/F to the eastward at 1412/9 but they did not close to less than about 30 miles and finally faded. At 1500/9 the fighters chased a shadower but lost him in the clouds.

Between 1615 and 1700 hours several raids were again detected to the eastward but none materialised. Thereafter the RD/F screen remained clear until 'Force H' arrived at Gibraltar.

Two aircraft were launched at 1651/9 to search for the destroyers HMS Firedrake and HMS Jupiter which had been detached to carry out a W/T diversion east of Minorca at 2345/8 to cover the approach of the force to Genoa.

Course 232°, speed 17 knots was maintained during the night.

10 February 1941.

At 0740/10 HMS Ark Royal flew off two A/S patrols and five Swordfish to carry out a search for shipping in the area between lines joining Cape San Sebastian to Minorca and Cape San Antonio to Ibiza. Five French ships and the Spanish ships were reported.

Only one ship was within range and the Spanish ship Maria (347 GRT, built 1907) was boarded (by HMS Foresight). She was bound from Barcelona to Cartagena with a general cargo and was therefore allowed to proceed.

HMS Firedrake and HMS Jupiter rejoined at 0915/10. At 1300/10 course was altered to 184°. In the afternoon four aircraft searched an area 50 miles from territorial waters between Valencia and Cartagena but only a French merchant vessel was sighted steering northwards very close to the Spanish territorial waters.

Course was altered to 222° at 1804/10 and a few minutes later HMS Ark Royal was detached with three destroyers to act independently for the remainder of the passage to Gibraltar in order to facilitate training flights. HMS Fearless and HMS Fury were detached at dusk in order to shadow the Fleet from the port quarter and to deliver a dummy attack at dawn.

11 February 1941.

Course was altered to the westward at 0230/11. At 0735/11 HMS Fearless and HMS Fury carried out an attack from the port bow, ships in the line and on the screen were using searchlights.

It had been intended to exercise dive bombing on the fleet and smoke burst target practice for destroyers but low cloud prevented this. At 1100/11 six Swordfish aircraft carried out light torpedo attacks and nine Swordfish runner attacks on the fleet. HMS Fearless and HMS Fury were again detached but now to pick up torpedoes.

On approaching the Rock a range and inclination exercise was carried out for the benefit of the shore defences, destroyers were screening the heavy ships with smoke.

'Force H' entered the harbour between 1430 and 1615 hours. (34)

12 Feb 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) is docked at Gibraltar for inspection. It was found that there was damage to the rudder which would take about eight days to repair. (17)

23 Feb 1941
Around 1930A/23, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN), departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). (35)

27 Feb 1941
Shortly after 1100A/27, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN) and her destroyer escort of HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous in approximate position 42°45'N, 16°50'W with three relief destroyers coming from Plymouth. These were HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN). HMS Duncan and HMS Velox were then detached to return to Gibraltar. (35)

3 Mar 1941
Around 1000A/3, HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN), and her escorting destroyers / escort destroyers, HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, RN) arrived at Spithead / Portsmouth.

HMS Kelly, HMS Kashmir, HMS Kelvin, HMS Kipling, HMS Jackal and HMS Jupiter departed Portsmouth for exercises off Dartmouth. They were later ordered to patrol between Ushant and Land's End. HMS Jersey was also to have sailed with them but was unable to do so due to a damaged rudder. She remained at Portsmouth for repairs which were estimated to take two weeks to complete. (36)

4 Mar 1941
The destroyers of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla did not sight the enemy ships that had been reported. They all arrived at Plymouth in the afternoon.

HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at 1320 hours.

HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at 1516 hours.

HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN) arrived at 1545 hours.

And finally HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived at 1625 hours.

HMS Jupiter was then taken in hand for a refit at the Devonport Dockyard.

18 May 1941

Chase and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck,
18 to 27 May 1941.

Part I.

Departure of the Bismarck from the Baltic.

At 2130B/18 the German battleship Bismarck and the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen departed Gotenhafen for an anti-shipping raid in the North Atlantic. The following morning they were joined off Cape Arkona by the German destroyers Z 16 / Friedrich Eckhold and Z 23. They then proceeded through the Great Belt. The four ships were joined by a third destroyer, Z 10 / Hans Lody shortly before midnight on 19 May.

First reports of Bismarck and British dispositions 20-21 May 1941.

On 20 May 1941 two large warships with a strong escort were seen at 1500 hours northward out of the Kattegat. This information originated from the Swedish cruiser Gotland which had passed the Germans off the Swedish coast in the morning. The Naval Attaché at Stockholm received the news at 2100/20 and forwarded it to the Admiralty. At 0900/21 the Bismarck and her consorts entered Kors Fjord, near Bergen, Norway and anchored in nearby fiords. A reconnaissance aircraft flying over Bergen at 1330/21 reported having seen two Hipper class heavy cruisers there. One of these ships was later identified on a photograph as being the Bismarck. This intelligence went out at once to the Home Fleet.

The ships of the Home Fleet were at this time widely dispersed on convoy duties, patrols, etc. Some of the units were ranging as far as Gibraltar and Freetown. The Commander-in-Chief, A/Admiral Sir John Tovey, was at Scapa Flow in his flagship, HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN). With him were her newly commissioned sister ship HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN), the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, with Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN, onboard), the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN), the light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral K.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) and the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN). HMS Victorious was under orders to escort troop convoy WS 8B from the Clyde to the Middle East. HMS Neptune was working up for service with the Mediterranean Fleet and was to escort convoy WS 8X from the Clyde to the Middle East on completion. She did not sail to operate against the Bismarck having only just began her post-refit work-up programme.

Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker (commanding the first Cruiser Squadron), with the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) (flag) and HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN) was on patrol in the Denmark Straight. The light cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) and HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) were patrolling between Iceland and the Faeroes. The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) was at the Clyde to escort troop convoy WS 8B.

Action taken by the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet

Admiral Tovey took the following action when he received the news the Bismarck had been spotted at Bergen. Vice-Admiral Holland with the Hood, Prince of Wales, Achates, Antelope, Anthony, Echo, Electra and Icarus was ordered to cover Rear Admiral Wake-Walker's cruisers in the Denmark Straight. His force departed Scapa Flow around 0100/22.

HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), which was taking the Vice-Admiral, Orkneys and Shetlands, to Reykjavik on a visit of inspection, was ordered to remain at Hvalfiord and placed at Rear-Admiral Wake-Walkers disposal. HMS Manchester and HMS Birmingham were ordered to top off with fuel at Skaalefiord and them to resume their patrol. The other ships that remained at Scapa Flow were brought to short notice for steam.

The Free French submarine FFS Minerve (Lt. P.M. Sonneville), which was on patrol off south-west Norway was ordered to proceed to position 61°53'N, 03°15'E and HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) was ordered to proceed to position 62°08'N, 05°08'E which is to the west of Stadtlandet.

The sailing of HMS Repulse and HMS Victorious with troop convoy WS 8B was cancelled and the ships were placed at the disposal of Admiral Tovey.

A reconnaissance aircraft flying over Bergen reported that the German ships were gone. This information reached Admiral Tovey at 2000/22. HMS Suffolk which had been fuelling at Hvalfiord was ordered to rejoin HMS Norfolk in the Denmark Strait. HMS Arethusa was ordered to join HMS Manchester and HMS Birmingham to form a patrol line between Iceland and the Faeroes. Vice-Admiral Holland, on his way to Iceland was told to cover the patrols in Denmark Strait north of 62°N. Admiral Tovey would cover the patrols south of 62°N.

Commander-in-Chief leaves Scapa Flow on 22 May 1941

The King George V, with Admiral Tovey on board, departed Scapa Flow at 2245/22. With the King George V sailed, HMS Victorious, HMS Galatea, HMS Aurora, HMS Kenya, HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN), HMS Active, HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi, HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) and HMAS Nestor. HMS Lance however had to return to Scapa Flow due to defects.

At A.M. 23 May they were joined off the Butt of Lewis by HMS Repulse escorted by HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN) coming from the Clyde area which they departed on 22 May.

The Commander-in-Chief was 230 miles north-west of the Butt of Lewis in approximate position 60°20'N, 12°30'W when at 2032/23 a signal came in from HMS Norfolk that she had sighted the Bismarck in the Denmark Strait.

HMS Suffolk and HMS Norfolk made contact with the Bismarck in the Denmark Strait on 23 May 1941.

At 1922/23 HMS Suffolk sighted the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen in position 67°06'N, 24°50'W. They were proceeding to the south-west skirting the edge of the ice in Denmark Strait. HMS Suffolk immediately sent out an enemy report and made for the mist to the south-east. HMS Norfolk then commenced closing and sighted the enemy at 2030 hours. They were only some six nautical miles off and the Bismarck opened fire. HMS Norfolk immediately turned away, was not hit and also sent out an enemy report.

Although HMS Suffolk had sighted the enemy first and also sent the first contact report this was not received by the Commander-in-Chief. The enemy was 600 miles away to the north-westward.

Vice-Admiral Holland had picked up the signal from the Suffolk. He was at that moment about 300 nautical miles away. Course was changed to intercept and speed was increased by his force to 27 knots.

Dispositions, 23 May 1941.

At the Admiralty, when the Norfolk's signal came in, one of the first considerations was to safeguard the convoys at sea. At this time there were eleven crossing the North-Atlantic, six homeward and five outward bound. The most important convoy was troop convoy WS 8B of five ships which had left the Clyde the previous day for the Middle East. She was at this moment escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), light cruiser (AA cruiser) HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, DSC, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and the escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN). HMS Repulse was also intended to have sailed with this convoy but she had joined the Commander-in-Chief instead.

Force H was sailed around 0200/24 from Gibraltar to protect this important convoy on the passage southwards. Force H was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt Sir R.R. McGrigor, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN).

HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk shadowing Bismarck 23 / 24 May 1941.

During the night of 23 / 24 May 1941 HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk hung on to the enemy, The Norfolk on their port quarter, Suffolk on their starboard quarter. All through the night they sent signals with updates on the position, course and speed of the enemy. At 0516 hours HMS Norfolk sighted smoke on her port bow and soon HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales came in sight.

HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales 23 / 24 May 1941.

At 2054/23 the four remaining escorting destroyers were ordered to follow at best speed in the heavy seas if they were unable to keep up with the capital ships which were proceeding at 27 knots. Two destroyers, HMS Antelope and HMS Anthony had been ordered to proceed to Iceland to refuel at 1400/23. The destroyers all managed to keep up for now and at 2318 hours they were ordered to form a screen ahead of both capital ships. At 0008/24 speed was reduced to 25 knots and course was altered to due north at 0017 hours. It was expected that contact with the enemy would be made at any time after 0140/24. It was just now that the cruisers lost contact with the enemy in a snowstorm and for some time no reports were coming in. At 0031 hours the Vice-Admiral signalled to the Prince of Wales that if the enemy was not in sight by 0210 hours he would probably alter course to 180° until the cruisers regained touch. He also signalled that he intended to engage the Bismarck with both capital ships and leave the Prinz Eugen to Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Prince of Wales' Walrus aircraft was ready for catapulting and it was intended to fly it off, but visibility deteriorated and in the end it was defuelled and stowed away at 0140 hours. A signal was then passed to the destroyers that when the capital ships would turn to the south they were to continue northwards searching for the enemy. Course was altered to 200° at 0203/24. As there was now little chance of engaging the enemy before daylight the crews were allowed to rest.

At 0247/24 HMS Suffolk regained touch with the enemy and by 0300 hours reports were coming in again. At 0353 hours HMS Hood increased speed to 28 knots and at 0400/24 the enemy was estimated to be 20 nautical miles to the north-west. By 0430 hours visibility had increased to 12 nautical miles. At 0440 hours orders were given to refuel the Walrus of HMS Prince of Wales but due to delays due to water in the fuel it was not ready when the action began and it was damaged by splinters and eventuelly jettisoned into the sea.

At 0535/24 hours a vessel was seen looming on the horizon to the north-west, it was the Bismarck. She was some 17 nautical miles away bearing 330°. Prinz Eugen was ahead of her but this was not immediately realised and as the silhoutte of the German ships was almost similar the leading ship was most likely thought to be the Bismarck on board HMS Hood.

Battle of the Denmark Strait, action with the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen. Loss of HMS Hood.

At 0537/24 HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales were turned together 40° to starboard towards the enemy. At 0549 hours course was altered to 300° and the left hand ship was designated as the target. This was a mistake as this was the Prinz Eugen and not the Bismarck. This was changed to the Bismarck just before fire was opened at 0552 hours. At 0554 hours the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen also opened fire. In the meantime Prince of Wales had also opened fire at 0053 hours. Her first salvo was over. The sixth salvo was a straddle. The Norfolk and Suffolk were too far astern of the enemy to take part in the action.

At 0555 hours Hood and Prince of Wales turned two points to port. This opened up Prince of Wales' A arcs as her ninth salvo was fired.

Shortly before 0605 hours Hood signalled that another turn of two points to port had to be executed. Bismarck had just fired her fifth salvo when the Hood was rent in two by a huge explosion rising apparently between the after funnel and the mainmast. The fore part began to sink seperately, bows up, whilst the after part remained shrouded in a pall of smoke. Three or four minutes later, the Hood had vanished between the waves leaving a vast cloud of smoke drifting away to the leeward. She sank in position 63°20'N, 31°50'W (the wreck was found in 2001 in approximate position 63°22'N, 32°17'W, the exact position has not been released to the public.)

The Prince of Wales altered course to starboard to avoid the wreckage of the Hood. The Bismarck now shifted fire from her main and secondary armament to her. Range was now 18000 yards. Within a very short time she was hit by four 15" and three 6" shells. At 0602 hours a large projectile wrecked the bridge, killing or wounding most of the personnel and about the same time the ship was holed underwater aft. It was decided temporarily to discontinue the action and at 0613 hours HMS Prince of Wales turned away behind a smoke screen. The after turret continued to fire but it soon malfunctioned and was out of action until 0825 hours. When the Prince of Wales ceased firing the range was 14500 yards. She had fired 18 salvos from the main armament and five from the secondary. The Bismarck made no attempt to follow or continue the action. She had also not escaped unscatched and had sustained two severe hits.

Such was the end of the brief engagement. The loss by an unlucky hit of HMS Hood with Vice-Admiral Holland, Captain Kerr and almost her entire ships company was a grievous blow, but a great concentration of forces was gathering behind the Commander-in-Chief, and Admiral Somerville with Force H was speeding towards him from the south.

The chase

When the Hood blew up, HMS Norfolk was 15 nautical miles to the northward coming up at 28 knots. By 0630/24 she was approaching HMS Prince of Wales and Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, signalling his intention to keep in touch, told her to follow at best speed. The destroyers that had been with HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales were still to the northward. They were ordered to search for survivors but only HMS Electra found three. The Prince of Wales reported that she could do 27 knots and she was told to open out to 10 nautical miles on a bearing of 110° so that HMS Norfolk could fall back on her if she was attacked. Far off the Prinz Eugen could be seen working out to starboard of the Bismarck while the chase continued to the southward.

At 0757 hours, HMS Suffolk reported that the Bismarck had reduced speed and that she appeared to be damaged. Shortly afterwards a Sunderland that had taken off from Iceland reported that the Bismarck was leaving behind a broad track of oil. The Commander-in-Chief with HMS King George V was still a long way off, about 360 nautical miles to the eastward, and Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker on the bridge of HMS Norfolk had to make an important decision, was he to renew the action with the help of the Prince of Wales or was he to make it his business to ensure that the enemy could be intercepted and brought to action by the Commander-in-Chief. A dominant consideration in the matter was the state of the Prince of Wales. Her bridge had been wrecked, she had 400 tons of water in her stern compartments and two of her guns were unserverable and she could go no more then 27 knots. She had only been commissioned recently and barely a week had passed since Captain Leach had reported her ready for service. Her turrets were of a new and an untried model, liable for 'teething' problems and evidently suffering from them, for at the end of the morning her salvoes were falling short and wide. It was doubted if she was a match for the Bismarck in her current state and it was on these grounds that Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker decided that he would confine himself to shadowing and that he would not attempt to force on an action. Soon after 1100/24 visibility decreased and the Bismarck was lost out of sight in mist and rain.

Measures taken by the Admiralty, 24 May 1941.

After the loss of HMS Hood the following measures were taken by the Admiralty. To watch for an attempt by the enemy to return to Germany, HMS Manchester, HMS Birmingham and HMS Arethusa had been ordered at 0120/24 to patrol off the north-east point of Iceland. They were told to proceed to this location with all despatch.

HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), which with four destroyers was escorting the troopship Britannic (26943 GRT, built 1930) westward, was ordered at 1022/24 to steer west on a closing course and if the Britannic could not keep up she was to leave her with one of the destroyers. Rodney was about 550 nautical miles south-east of the Bismarck. At 1200/24 she left the Britannic in position 55°15'N, 22°25'W and left HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) with her. HMS Rodney then proceeded with HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) westwards on a closing course.

Two other capital ships were in the Atlantic; HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) and HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN). The Ramillies was escorting convoy HX 127 from Halifax and was some 900 nautical miles south of the Bismarck. She was ordered at 1144/24 to place herself to the westward of the enemy and leaving her convoy at 1212/24 in position 46°25'N, 35°24'W, she set course to the north. HMS Revenge was ordered to leave Halifax and close the enemy.

Light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) was patrolling in the Atlantic between 44°N and 46°N for German merchant shipping and was ordered at 1250/24 to close the enemy and take on relief shadower. At 1430/24 she reported her position as 44°17'N, 23°56'W and she was proceeding on course 320° at 25 knots.

Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker was ordered to continue shadowing even if he ran short of fuel so to bring the Commander-in-Chief into action.

The Bismack turns due south at 1320 hours on 24 May 1941.

In the low state of visibility, HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk had to be constantly on the alert against the enemy falling back and attacking them. At 1320/24 the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen altered course to the south and reduced speed. HMS Norfolk sighted them through the rain at a range of only 8 nautical miles. Norfolk had to quickly turn away under the cover of a smoke screen.

It was at 1530/24 when HMS Norfolk received a signal made by the Commander-in-Chief at 0800/24 from which it was estimated that the Commander-in-Chief would be near the enemy at 0100/25. This was later changed to 0900/25.

At 1545/24, Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker was asked by the Admiralty to answer four questions;
1) State the remaining percentage of the Bismarck's fighting efficiency.
2) What amout of ammunition had the Bismarck expended.
3) What are the reasons for the frequent alterations of course by the Bismarck.
4) What are your intentions as regards to the Prince of Wales' re-engaging the Bismarck.

The answers by Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker were as follows.
1) Uncertain but high.
2) About 100 rounds.
3) Unaccountable except as an effort to shake off HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk.
4) Consider it wisely for HMS Prince of Wales to not re-engage the Bismarck until other capital ships are in contact, unless interception failed. Doubtful if she has the speed to force an action.

The afternoon drew on towards evening. Still the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen held on to the south while the Norfolk, Suffolk and Prince of Wales were still keeping her in sight.

At 1711/24 in order to delay the enemy if possible, by attacking him from astern, the Prince of Wales was stationed ahead of the Norfolk. The enemy was not in sight from the Norfolk at that time, but the Suffolk was still in contact.

At 1841/24 the Bismarck opened fire on the Suffolk. Her salvoes fell short, but one or two shorts came near enough to cause some minor damage to her hull plating aft. HMS Suffolk replied with nine broadsides before turning away behind a smoke screen.

On seeing the Suffolk being attacked, HMS Norfolk turned towards and she and HMS Prince of Wales opened fire, the latter firing 12 salvoes. By 1856 hours the action was over. Two of the guns on the Prince of Wales malfuntioned again. After the action the cruisers started to zig-zag due to fear for German submarines.

British dispositions at 1800 hours on 24 May 1941.

From the Admiralty at 2025/24, there went out a signal summarising the situation at 1800/24. The position, course and speed of the Bismarck was given as 59°10'N, 36°00'W, 180°, 24 knots with HMS Norfolk, HMS Suffolk and HMS Prince of Wales still in touch. The Commander-in-Chiefs estimated position at 1800/24 was 58°N, 30°W, with HMS King George V and HMS Repulse. HMS Victorious was with the 2nd Cruiser Squadron (HMS Galatea, HMS Aurora, HMS Kenya). They had parted company with the Commander-in-Chief at 1509/24. Heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) was in position 42°45'N, 20°10'W and had been ordered to leave her convoy and close the enemy. HMS Ramillies was in estimated position 45°45'N, 35°40'W. She had been ordered to place herself to the west of the enemy. HMS Manchester, HMS Birmingham and HMS Arethusa were returning from their position off the north-east of Iceland to refuel. HMS Revenge had left Halifax and was closing convoy HX 128. HMS Edinburgh was in approximate position 45°15'N, 25°10'W. She had been ordered to close and take over stand by shadower.

Evening of 24 May 1941.

At 2031/24 HMS Norfolk received a signal sent by the Commander-in-Chief at 1455/24 stating that aircraft from HMS Victorious might make an attack at 2200/24 and Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker now waited for an air attack which he expected at 2300 hours. By that time Bismarck had been lost from sight but at 2330/24 HMS Norfolk briefly sighted her at a distance of 13 nautical miles. At 2343/24 aircraft from HMS Victorious were seen approaching. They circled round HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Norfolk and the latter was able to direct them to the enemy. At 0009/25 heavy anti-aircraft gunfire was seen and the Bismarck was just visible as the aircraft attacked.

HMS Victorious and the 2nd Cruiser Squadron detached by the Commander-in-Chief.

At 1440/24 the Commander-in-Chief ordered the 2nd Cruiser Squadron (HMS Galatea, HMS Aurora, HMS Kenya, HMS Hermione) and HMS Victorious to a position within 100 nautical miles from Bismarck and to launch a torpedo bombing attack and maintain contact as long as possible. The object of the torpedo bombing attack was to slow the enemy down. On board the Victorious were only 12 Swordfish torpedo bombers and 6 Fulmar fighters. Victorious was only recently commissioned and her crew was still rather green. She had on board a large consignment of crated Hurricane fighters for Malta which were to be delivered to Gibraltar.

At 2208/24 HMS Victorious commenced launching 9 Swordfish in position 58°58'N, 33°17'E. Two minutes later al were on their way to find the Bismarck. The Squadron was led by Lt.Cdr.(A) E. Esmonde, RN.

HMS Victorious aircraft attack the Bismarck.

When the Swordfish took off from HMS Victorious the Bismarck was estimated to be in position 57°09'N, 36°44'W and was steering 180°, speed 24 knots. At 2330/24 they sighted the Bismarck but contact was lost in the bad weater. Shortly afterwards the Swordfish sighted HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk. HMS Norfolk guided them to the enemy which was 14 nautical miles on her starboard bow. At 2350 hours a vessel was detected ahead and the squadron broke cloud to deliver an attack. To their surprise they found themselves over a United States Coastguard cutter. The Bismarck was 6 nautical miles to the southward and on sighting the aircraft opened up a heavy barrage fire. Lt.Cdr. Esmonde pressed home his attack, 8 of the Swordfish were able to attack, the other had lost contact in the clouds.

The 8 planes attacked with 18" torpedoes, fitted with Duplex pistols set for 31 feet. At midnight three Swordfish attacked simultaneously on the port beam. Three others made a longer approach low down attacking on the port bow a minute later. One took a longer course, attacking on the port quarter. One went round and attacked on the starboard bow a couple of minutes after midnight. At least one hit was claimed on the starboard side abreast the bridge. The Germans however state that no hit was scored but that the violent maneuvering of the ship to avoid the attack, together with the heavy firing by the Bismarck caused the leak in no.2 boiler room to open up. No.2 boiler room was already partially flooded and now had to be abandoned.

All Swordfish from the striking had returned to HMS Victorious by 0201/25. Two Fulmars launched at 2300/24 for shadowing failed to find their ship in the darkness due to the failure of Victorious' homing beacon. Their crews were in the end picked up from the chilly water.

HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk loose contact at 0306/25.

While the aircraft from HMS Victorious were making their attack, HMS Norfolk sighted a ship to the south-west and gave the order to open fire. HMS Prince of Wales was able to identify it in time as an American coast guard cutter, but in the movements prepartory to opening fire HMS Norfolk lost touch with the enemy for a time and it was not until 0116/25 that she suddenly sighted the Bismarck only 8 nautical miles away. There followed a brief exchange of fire. HMS Norfolk and HMS Prince of Wales turned to port to bring their guns to bear and the latter was ordered to engage. It was then 0130/25. The Prince of Wales fired two salvoes at 20000 yards by radar. The Bismarck answered with two salvoes which fell a long way short. The light was failing and the enemy was again lost to sight. HMS Suffolk, which had to most reliable RDF set was told to act independently so as to keep in touch.

Around 0306/25 the Suffolk lost touch with the Bismarck. At 0552/25 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker asked if HMS Victorious could launch aircraft for a search at dawn.

Search measures, 25 May 1941.

With the disappearance of the Bismarck at 0306/25 the first phase of the pursuit ended. The Commander-in-Chief, in HMS King George V with HMS Repulse in company was then about 115 nautical miles to the south-east. At 0616/25, Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker signalled that it was most probable that Bismarck and Prinz Eugen made a 90° turn to the west or turned back and 'cut away' to the eastward astern of the cruisers. Suffolk was already searching to the south-west and Norfolk was waiting for daylight to do the same. Prince of Wales was ordered to join the King George V and Repulse.

Force H was still on a course to intercept the Bismarck while steaming on at 24 knots. The Rear-Admiral commanding the 2nd Cruiser Squadron in HMS Galatea had altered course at 0558/25 to 180° for the position where the enemy was last seen and the Victorious was getting 8 aircraft ready to fly off at 0730/25 for a search to the eastward. This plan however was altered on orders being recieved from the Commander-in-Chief to take the cruisers and Victorious and carry out a search to the north-west of the Bismarck's last reported position. Five Fulmars had already been up during the night, two of them had not returned to the ship. The search therefore had to be undertaken by Swordfish, the only aircraft available. At 0810/25, seven Swordfish were flown off from position 56°18'N, 36°28'W to search between 280° and 040° up to 100 nautical miles. The search was supplemented by Victorious herself as well as the cruisers from the 2nd Cruiser Squadron (Galatea, Aurora, Kenya and Hermione) which were spread some miles apart.

DF position of the Bismarck of 0852/25.

HMS King George V was still proceeding to the south-west when at 1030/25 the Commander-in-Chief recieved a signal from the Admiralty that the Bismarck's position had been obtained by DF (direction finding) and that it indicated that the Bismarck was on a course for the North Sea by the Faeroes-Iceland passage. To counter this move by the enemy the Commander-in-Chief turned round at 1047/25 and made for the Faeroes-Iceland passage at 27 knots. HMS Repulse was no longer in company with HMS King George V, she had been detached at 0906/25 for Newfoundland to refuel. Suffolk also turned to the eastward to search, her search to the south-west had been fruitless. The search by HMS Victorious, her aircraft and the 2nd Cruiser Squadron to the north-west also had no result. Six Swordfish were landed on by 1107/25, one failed to return. HMS Galatea, HMS Aurora and HMS Kenya now turned towards the DF position of the Bismarck to search in that direction. HMS Hermione had to be detached to Hvalfiord, Iceland to refuel as she was by now down to 40%. The other cruisers slowed down to 20 knots to economise their remaining fuel supply wich was also getting low. At this moment HMS King George V had about 60% remaining.

Events during 25 May 1941.

At 1100/25, HMS King George V, HMS Suffolk and HMS Prince of Wales were proceeding to the north-east in the direction of the enemy's DF signal. HMS Rodney was in position 52°34'N, 29°23'W some 280 nautical miles to the south-eastward on the route towards the Bay of Biscay. On receiving the Commander-in-Chiefs signal of 1047/25 she too proceeded to the north-east.

Meanwhile to Admiralty had come to the conclusion that the Bismarck most likely was making for Brest, France. This was signalled to the Commander-in-Chief at 1023/25 to proceed together with Force H and the 1st Cruiser Squadron on that assumption.

In the absence however of definite reports it was difficult to be certain of the position of the enemy. The DF bearings in the morning had not been very definite. At 1100/25, HMS Renown (Force H), was in position 41°30'N, 17°10'W was ordered to act on the assumption the enemy was making for Brest, France. She shaped course accordingly and prepared a comprehensive sheme of air search. At 1108/25, HMS Rodney, was told to act on the assumption that the enemy was making for the Bay of Biscay. At 1244/25 the Flag Officer Submarines ordered six submarines to take up intercepting positions about 120 nautical miles west of Brest. The submarines involved were HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN), HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN), HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. D. St. Clair-Ford, RN) from the 5th Submarine Flottilla at Portsmouth, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), which was on passage to the U.K. from the Mediterranean to refit, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN), from the 3rd Submarine Flottilla at Holy Loch and HMS H 44 (Lt. W.N.R. Knox, DSC, RN), a training boat from the 7th Submarine Flotilla at Rothesay which happened to be at Holyhead. Seawolf, Sturgeon and Tigris were already on patrol in the Bay of Biscay, Sealion departed Portsmouth on the 25th as did H 44 but she sailed from Holyhead. Pandora was on passage to the U.K. to refit and was diverted.

At 1320/25 a good DF fix located an enemy unit within a 50 mile radius from position 55°15'N, 32°00'W. This was sent by the Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief at 1419/25 and it was received at 1530/25. It was only in the evening that it was finally clear to all involved that Bismarck was indeed making for a French port. Air searches had failed to find her during the day. (37)

18 May 1941

Chase and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck,
18 to 27 May 1941.

Part II.

26 May 1941.

By now the question of fuel was becoming acute. For four days ships had been steaming at high speeds and the Commander-in-Chief was faced with the reality of fuel limits. HMS Repulse had already left for Newfoundland, HMS Prince of Wales had by now been sent to Iceland to refuel. HMS Victorious and HMS Suffolk had been forced to reduce speed to economise their fuel.

Coastal Command started air searches along the route towards the Bay of Biscay by long range Catalina flying boats. Lack of fuel was effecting the destroyer screens of the capital ships. There was no screen available for HMS Victorious. The 4th Destroyer Flotilla, escorting troop convoy WS 8B, was ordered at 0159/26 to join the Commander-in-Chief in HMS King George V and HMS Rodney as was HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) which sailed from Londonderry. Leaving the convoy the 4th D.F. proceeded to the north-east. Force H in the meantime was also approaching the immediate area of operations. These forces were to play an important part in the final stages of the chase of the Bismarck.

Force H, 26 May 1941.

HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Sheffield were having a rough passage north in heavy seas, high wind, rain and mist. Their escorting destroyers had already turned back towards Gibraltar at 0900/25. At dawn on the 26th there was half a gale blowing from the north-west. At 0716/26 HMS Ark Royal launched a security patrol in position 48°26'N, 19°13'W to search to the north and to the west just in case the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau had departed Brest to come to the aid of the Bismarck. At 0835/26 there followed an A/S patrol of ten Swordfish. All planes had returned by 0930. None had seen anything.

Bismarck sighted at 1030/26.

It was at 1030/26 that one of the long range Catalina's of the Coastal Command sighted the Bismarck in position 49°30'N, 21°55'W. It was received in HMS King George V at 1043 hours and in HMS Renown in 1038 hours. It placed the enemy well to the westward of the Renown. It was confirmed within the hour when two Swordfish from the Ark Royal which reported the Bismarck in position 49°19'N, 20°52'W some 25 miles east of the position given by the Catalina. The Commander-in-Chief was at that moment about 130 miles to the north of the Bismarck but it was soon clear that the Bismarck had too great a lead to permit her being overtaken unless her speed could be reduced. Nor was the question one merely of distance and speed. The Bismarck was approaching a friendly coast and could run her fuel tanks nearly dry and was sure of air protection, while the British ships would have a long journey back to base in the face of air and submarine attack. HMS Renown was ahead of the Bismarck but it was important that she did not engage the Bismarck unless the latter was already heavily engaged by the better armoured HMS King George V and HMS Rodney.

When the Catalina found the Bismarck at 1030 hours, the 4th Destroyer Flotilla was steering east to join the Commander-in-Chief. They seem to have crossed astern of the enemy's track about 0800/26. The Catalina's report reached Capt. Vian in HMS Cossack at 1054/26 and 'knowing that the Commander-in-Chief would order him to intercept the enemy' Capt. Vian altered course to the south-east.

First attack by aircraft from the Ark Royal.

At 1315/26 HMS Sheffield was detached to the southward with orders to close and shadow the enemy, who was estimated to be 40 nautical miles south-west of the Renown. The visual signal ordering this movement was not repeated to HMS Ark Royal, an omission which had serious consequenses for the aircraft that were to take off did not know that HMS Sheffield had parted company.

At 1450/26 HMS Ark Royal launched a striking force of 14 Swordfish aircraft with the orders to proceed to the south and attack the Bismarck with torpedoes. Weather and cloud conditions were bad and a radar contact was obtained on a ship some 20 nautical miles from the estimated position of the enemy that had been given to the leader shortly before takeoff. At 1550 hours they broke through the clouds and fired 11 torpedoes. Unfortunately the supposed enemy was HMS Sheffield which managed to avoid all torpedoes. The Bismarck at that time was some 15 nautical miles to the southward. The striking force then returned an all aircraft had landed on by 1720/26.

At 1740/26, HMS Sheffield, sighted the Bismarck in position 48°30'N, 17°20'W and took station about 10 nautical miles astern and commenced shadowing the enemy.

Ark Royal's second attack, 2047/26.

The first striking force on its way back sighted the 4th Destroyer Flotilla 20 nautical miles west of Force H. As soon as the aircraft from the first strike had landed they were refuelled and rearmed as fast as possible. Take off started at 1910/26, a total of 15 Swordfish were launched. Reports coming in from HMS Sheffield placed the Bismarck at 167°, 38 nautical miles from the Ark Royal. The striking force was ordered to contact HMS Sheffield who was told to use DF to guide them in.

At 1955/26 HMS Sheffield was sighted but soon lost in the bad weather conditions. She was found again at 2035 hours, she guided the Swordfish in and directed them by visual signal on the enemy bearing 110°, 12 nautical miles. The force took departure for the target in subflights in line astern at 2040/26.

At 2047/26 no.1 subflight of three Swordfish dived through the clouds and sighted the Bismarck 4 nautical miles off to the south-east. One Swordfish of no.3 subflight was with them. Approaching again just inside the cloud they made their final dive at 2053/26 on the port beam under a very intense and accurate fire from the enemy. They dropped four torpedoes of which one was seen to hit. No.2 subflight, made up of two Swordfish, lost touch with no.1 subflight in the clouds, climed to 9000 feet, then dived on a bearing obtained by radar and then attacked from the starboard beam, again under heavy and intense fire. They dropped two torpedoes for one possible hit. The third plane of this subflight had lost touch with the other two and had returned to HMS Sheffield to obtained another range and bearing to the enemy. It then flew ahead of the enemy and carried out a determined attack from his port bow under heavy fire and obtained a torpedo hit on the port side amidships.

Subflight no.4 followed subflight no.3 into the clouds but got iced up at 6600 feet. It then dived through the clouds and was joined by no.2 aircraft from subflight no.3. The Bismarck was then sighted engaging subflight no.2 to starboard. The four aircraft then went into the clouds and cicled the German battleships stern and then dived out of the clouds again and attack simultaneously from the port side firing four torpedoes. All however missed the Bismarck. They came under a very heavy and fierce fire from the enemy and one of the aircraft was heavily damaged, the pilot and air gunner being wounded.

The two aircraft of subflight no.5 lost contact with the other subflights and then with each other in the cloud. They climbed to 7000 feet where ice began to form. When coming out of the cloud at 1000 feet aircraft 4K sighted the Bismarck down wind, she then went back into the cloud under fire from the enemy. She saw a torpedo hit on the enemy's starboard side, reached a position on the starboard bow, withdrew to 5 miles, then came in just above the sea and just outside 1000 yards fired a torpedo which did not hit. The second plane of this flight lost his leader diving through the cloud, found himself on the starboard quarter and after two attempts to attack under heavy fire was forced to jettison his torpedo.

Of the two Swordfish of subflight no.6 one attacked the Bismarck on the starboard beam and dropped his torpedo at 2000 yards without success. The second plane lost the enemy, returned to the Sheffield for a new range and bearing and after searching at sea level attacked on the starboard beam but was driven off by intense fire. The attack was over by 2125/26. Thirteen torpedoes had been fired and it was thought two hits and one probable hit had been obtained. Two torpedoes were jettisoned. The severe nature and full effect of the damage done was at first not fully realised. Actually the Bismarck had received a deadly blow. The last of the shadowing aircraft to return had seen her make two complete circles. One torpedo had struck her on the port side amidships doing little damage but th other torpedo that hit was on the starboard quarter damaging her propellors, wrecking her steering gear and jambing her rudders, it was this torpedo hit that sealed her fate.

HMS Sheffield was still shadowing astern when at 2140/26 the Bismarck turned to port and fired six accurate salvoes of 15". None actually hit Sheffield but a near miss killed three men and seriously injured two. HMS Sheffield turned away and while doing so she sighted HMS Cossack and the other destroyers from the 4th DF approaching from the westward. She then gave them the approximate position of the Bismarck. At 2155/26, HMS Sheffield lost touch with the Bismarck. The destroyers continued to shadow and eventually attack. Meanwhile HMS Renown and HMS Ark Royal shaped course for the southward to keep the road clear for the Commander-in-Chief in HMS King George V and for HMS Rodney. Also in the Ark Royal aircraft were being got ready for an attack on the Bismarck at dawn.

Bismarck, 26 May 1941.

The Bismarck could no longer steer after the torpedo hit aft. The steering motor room was flooded up to the main deck and the rudders were jambed. Divers went down to the steering room and managed to centre one rudder but the other remained immovable. She was by this time urgently in need of fuel. It was hoped by the Germans that while she was nearing the French coast strong forces of aircraft and submarines would come to her assistance.

At 2242/26, Bismarck sighted the British destroyers. A heavy fire was opened on them. Their appearence greatly complicated the situation. Before their arrival however, Admiral Lütjens seems to have made up his mind as one hour earlier he had signalled to Berlin 'ship out of control. We shall fight to the last shell. Long live the Führer.'

The fourth Destroyer Flotilla makes contact, 26 May 1941.

Just as the sun was setting, Captain Vian (D.4) in HMS Cossack with HMS Maori, HMS Sikh, HMS Zulu and the Polish destroyer ORP Piorun arrived on the scene.

Shortly after 1900/26 HMS Renown and HMS Ark Royal were sighted to the northward. Ark Royal was just about to fly off the second striking force. The destroyers continued on the the south-east. At 2152/26 HMS Sheffield was sighted and from her Captain Vian obtained the approximate position of the enemy.

The destroyers were spread 2.5 nautical miles apart on a line bearing 250° - 070° in the order from north-east to south-west, Piorun, Maori, Cossack, Sikh, Zulu. During the latter stages of the approach speed was reduced and the flotilla manoeuvred so as to avoid making a high speed end-on contact.

At 2238/26, ORP Piorun on the port wing reported the Bismarck 9 nautical miles distant, bearing 145° and steering to the south-eastward.

Destroyers shadowing, late on 26 May 1941.

At the time the Piorun reported being in contact with the Bismarck the destroyers were steering 120°. All were at once ordered to take up shadowing positions. Four minutes later the Bismarck opened a heavy fire with her main and secondary armaments on the Piorun and Maori. Two attempts were made by these ships to work round to the northward of the enemy but they were silhouetted against the north-western horizon making them easy to spot. The Bismarck's fire was unpleasantly accurate, through neither destroyer was actually hit. The Commanding Officer of the Maori then decided to work round to the southward and altered course accordingly.

The Piorun closed the range and herself opened fire from 13500 yards but after firing three salvoes, she was straddled by a salvo which fell about 20 yards from the ships side. She then ceased fire and turned away to port while making smoke. During this engagement she lost touch with the other destroyers and later also with the Bismarck. She remained under fire for about one hour but was not hit. She worked round to the north-east of the Bismarck but eventually lost touch with her prey at 2355/26.

The other destroyers, meanwhile, had been working round to the southward of the enemy to take up shadowing positions to the eastward of him. Soon after the initial contact it was evident the the Bismarck's speed had been so seriously reduced that interception by the battlefleet was certain, provided that contact could be held. In these circumstances Captain Vian defined his object at firstly, to deliver the enemy to the Commander-in-Chief at the time he desired, and secondly, to sink or immoblise her with torpedoes during the night but not with to great a risk for the destroyers. Accordingly at 2248/26 as signal was made to all ordering them to shadow and this operation was carried out through the night, though torpedo attacks were carried out later under the cover of darkness.

As darkness came on, the weather deteriorated and heavy rain squalls became frequent. Visibility varied between 2.5 nautical miles and half a mile but the Bismarck, presumably using radar, frequently opened up accurate fire outside these ranges.

About half an hour after sunset, the destroyers were ordered at 2324/26 to take up stations prepartory to carrying out a synchronised torpedo attack. This was subsequently cancelled on account of the adverse weather conditions and they were ordered to attack independently as opportunity offered. At about 2300 hours the Bismarck altered course to the north-westward.

At this time HMS Zulu was in touch with her and kept her under observation from the southward. At 2342 hours the Bismarck opened fire on HMS Cossack, then about 4 miles to the south-south-west and shot away her aerials. The Cossack turned away under the cover of smoke, shortly afterwards resuming her course to the eastward.

A few minutes later, at 2350 hours, HMS Zulu came under heavy fire from the Bismarck's 15" guns. The first three salvoes straddled wounding an officer and two ratings. Drastic avoiding action was taken as a result of which Zulu lost touch. HMS Sikh, however, who had lost sight of the enemy half an hour previously, had observed her firing at HMS Cossack and now succeeded in shadowing from astern until 0020/27 when the enemy made a large alteration to port and commenced firing at her. HMS Sikh altered course to port, intending to fire torpedoes, but the view of the Torpedo Control Officer was obscured by shell splashes and Sikh then withdrew to the southward.

Destroyer night torpedo attacks, 26/27 May 1941.

HMS Zulu, after her escape at 2345/26, had steered to the northward and at 0030/27 fell in with HMS Cossack. Shortly afterwards she sighted ORP Piorun. On receipt of a signal from Captain Vian, timed 0040/27, to take any opporunity to fire torpedoes, HMS Zulu altered course to the westward,and at 0100/27 sighted the Bismarck steering 340°.

Positions of the destroyers was now as follows; to the north-eastward of the enemy, HMS Cossack was working round to the north and west. HMS Maori, since losing touch, had been making to the westward. She was now to the south-west of the Bismarck. HMS Sikh was some distance to the southward, not having received any information regarding the position of the Bismarck since 0025/27. HMS Zulu was astern of the enemy and in contact. Range was only 5000 yards. Bismarck finally spotted Zulu and at once opened fire with her main and secondary armament and straddled Zulu. She fired four torpedoes at 0121/27 but no hits were observed and they are believed to have missed ahead. Zulu then ran out to the northward in order to be clear of the other destroyers. Shortly afterwards they widnessed a successful attack by HMS Maori.

HMS Maori had seen the Bismarck opening fire on the Zulu at 0107/27. Maori then closed to 4000 yards on Bismarck's port quarter apparently undetected. When abeam of the enemy, who then appeared to be altering course to starboard Maori fired a star shell to see what he was about. Two minutes later, at 0137/27, two torpedoes were fired and course was altered towards the Bismarck with the intention of attacking again from her starboard bow once the enemy had steadied on her new course. Whilst Maori was turning a torpedo hit was observed on the enemy. A bright glow illuminated the waterline of the enemy battleship from stem to stern. Shortly afterwards there appeared between the bridge and the stem a glare that might have been a second hit. The enemy immediately opened up a very heavy fire with both main and secondairy armaments and quick firing guns. As the Maori was being straddled, she turned away, and increased to full speed. Shots continued to fall on both sides of the ship until the range had been opened up to 10000 yards. Maori was not actually hit. Meanwhile HMS Cossack had been creeping up from the north-eastward and at 0140/27, only three minutes after Maori had fired two torpedoes, Cossack launched three torpedoes from 6000 yards. Bismarck stood out plainly, silhoutted by the broadsides she was firing at the Maori. One torpedo was seen to hit. Flames blazed on the forecastle of the Bismarck after this hit but they were quickly extinguished. Probably as a consequence of the torpedo hits the Bismarck stopped dead in the water, this was reported by HMS Zulu at 0148/27. After about one hour the Bismarck got underway again. On receipt of this report, HMS Sikh, who was closing the scene of the action from the southward, made an attack. Four torpedoes were fired at 0218/27 at the stopped battleship. It is believed that one hit was obtained. After this attack Sikh remained in radar contact with the enemy until 0359/27 when contact was lost.

Around 0240/27 the Bismarck was underway again, proceeding very slowly to the north-westward. At 0335/27, HMS Cossack made another attack firing her last remaining torpedo from a range of 4000 yards. It missed. HMS Cossack then came under a heavy fire. She withdrew to the northward under the cover of smoke, altering to a westerly course shortly afterwards.

At 0400/27 all destroyers had lost touch with the enemy. HMS Cossack was then to the north-west and HMS Sikh, HMS Zulu and HMS Maori were between the south-west and south-east of the Bismarck. All destroyers now endeavoured to regain contact.

Touch with the enemy was not regained until shortly before 0600 hours. By that time ORP Piorun, which was running short of fuel, had been ordered to proceed to Plymouth.

Destroyers shadowing, morning twilight, 27 May 1941, final attack.

Touch was regained by HMS Maori at 0550/27 when she sighted the Bismarck zigzagging slowly on a base course of 340° at about 7 knots. Maori commenced shadowing until daylight. At 0625 hours, HMS Sikh was also in contact when the Bismarck emerged from a rain squal 7000 yards on her starboard bow. By then it was nearly full daylight but to the surprise of the crew of the Sikh she got away with it without being fired at.

Shortly before sunrise a final torpedo attack was carried out by HMS Maori, which fired two torpedoes at 0656/27 from 9000 yards. Both missed. The Bismarck opened fire and straddled Maori which escaped at 28 knots.

At daylight the destroyers were stationed in four sectors from which they were able to keep the enemy under continuous observation until the arrival of the Battle Fleet at 0845 hours.

Force H, 26/27 May 1941.

While the destroyers were shadowing the Bismarck, the pursuing forces were drawing steadily closer. To the north was the Commander-in-Chief with the King George V and the Rodney with the Norfolk closing on them. In the south HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) was coming up, while Force H was waiting for the dawn. When Captain Vian's destroyers got in touch at 2251/26 the Renown and Ark Royal were north-west of the enemy. It was not possible to attack with aircraft during the night but all preparations were made to attack at dawn with 12 Swordfish. Course was shaped to the northward and then to the west for a time and at 0115/27 Force H turned south. Shortly afterwards instructions were received from the Commander-in-Chief to keep not less then 20 miles to the southward of the Bismarck so as to leave a clear approach for the Battle Fleet. Force H accordingly continued to the southward during the night. Bursts of starshell and gunfire could be seen during the night while the destroyers attacked. At 0509/27 an aircraft was flown off from HMS Ark Royal to act as a spotter for HMS King George V but it failed to find the Bismarck in the bad weather. The striking of force of 12 Swordfish was ready but due to the bad weather to strike was cancelled.

At 0810/27, HMS Maori was sighted. She reported the Bismarck 11 miles to the north of her. The made the enemy 17 miles to the north of HMS Renown so course was shaped to the south-west. At 0915/27 heavy gunfire could be heard and the striking force was flown off. They found the Bismarck at 1016/27. By then the battle was almost over, her guns were silenced and she was on fire. They saw her sink. At 1115/27 they had all landed back on HMS Ark Royal. A German Heinkel aircraft dropped a couple of bombs near HMS Ark Royal when they were landing on.

HMS Norfolk, 26/27 May 1941.

When the Catalina report (1030/26) came in, HMS Norfolk altered course to the south-west and increased speed to 27 knots. At 2130/26 the Bismarck was still some 160 nautical miles to the southward and speed was increased to 30 knots. At 2228/26 the report on the torpedo hit by the aircraft from Ark Royal came in and the Norfolk turned to the southward, continuing to close the enemy. At 0753/27 Norfolk sighted the Bismarck. She did not open fire and was lost to sight after ten minutes. At 0821/27, HMS King George V, was sighted to the westward, 12 nautical miles away. The position of the enemy was passed to the Commander-in-Chief. The action opened at 0847/27 at which time HMS Norfolk was then some 10 nautical miles from the Commander-in-Chief and due north of the Bismarck. HMS Norfolk had seen the beginning and was now to see the end.

HMS Dorsetshire, 26/27 May 1941.

On 26 May 1941, HMS Dorsetshire, was with convoy SL 74 proceeding from Freetown to the U.K. When she received the sighting report from the Catalina at 1056/26 she was some 360 nautical miles to the south of the Bismarck. She then left the protection of the convoy to the Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) and set course for the northward to take up the possible task of shadowing. By 2343/26 it became clear from reports that the Bismarck was making no ground to the eastward and that at 0230/27 she appeared to be laying stopped. Due to the heavy seas HMS Dorsetshire was forced to reduce speed to 25 knots and later even to 20 knots. At 0833/27 a destroyer was sighted ahead at a range of 8 nautical miles, it was HMS Cossack which reported the enemy at a range of 6 nautical miles. At 0850/27 the flashes of the Bismarck's guns could be seen to the westward. HMS Dorsetshire arrived at the scene of the action in the nick of time.

HMS King George V and HMS Rodney, 26/27 May 1941.

During 26 May 1941 the Commander-in-Chief in HMS King George V had been making hard to the south-east at 25 knots. He had been joined by HMS Rodney at 1806/26. They were then some 90 nautical miles north of the Bismarck. Fuel was a matter of grave anxiety. At noon on the 26th, HMS King George V, had only 32% remaining and HMS Rodney reported that she had to return at 0800/27. Speed had to be reduced on this account to 22 knots at 1705/26. In these circumstances it was no longer possible to hope to intercept the enemy, and the Commander-in-Chief decided that unless the enemy's speed had been reduced by 2400/26, he must turn at that hour. The only hope lay in the Bismarck being slowed up by the Swordfish attacking from HMS Ark Royal. A report came in that the striking force had left. Then at 2132/26, HMS Sheffield, reported that the enemy was steering 340° followed by 000° four minutes later. These reports indicated that the Bismarck was not able to hold her course and that her steering gear must have been damaged. It might still be possible to intercept her.

The Commander-in-Chief turned to the south at once hoping to make contact from the eastward in the failing light. Due to the bad weather conditions and visibility the Commander-in-Chief decided to haul off the the eastward and northward and then work round to engage from the westward at dawn. He turned eastward at 2306/26. During the night reports from Captain Vian's destroyers came in confirming the northerly course of the Bismarck. At 0236/27 the Commander-in-Chief ordered Captain Vian that the destroyers were to fire star-shell every half hour, but frequent rain squalls prevented these from being seen and they tended to attrack the enemy's fire. The Bismarck was still a formidable opponent for at 0353/27 Captain Vian reported that during the last hour she had done 8 nautical miles and that she was still capable of heavy and accurate fire. The Commander-in-Chief decided not to make a dawn approach but to wait until daylight while approaching from the west taking advantage of wind, sea and light. At 0529/27 HMS Rodney reported sighting HMS Norfolk to the eastward by DF. It was light at 0600 hours. At 0820 hours HMS Norfolk was sighted on the port bow of HMS King George V. She signalled 'enemy 130°, 16 nautical miles'. At 0843/27 looming on the starboard bow there emerges out of a rain squall the dark grey blot of a large ship. 'Enemy in sight'.

Bismarck 26/27 May 1941.

The Bismarck after altering course to the north-west had been labouring along with a jambed rudder, steering an erratic course at 8 knots. During the night the attacking destroyers were met with heavy and accurate salvoes. Sixteen torpedoes were fired at her. Early in the morning a glare of star-shell burst over her, lighting her up. Three torpedoes followed from a destroyer on the port bow (HMS Maori) of which one hit on the port side amidships. Three minutes later three more came from the starboard side (these were fired by HMS Cossack) of which one hit on the starboard bow. The damage that was sustained from these torpedo hits is not known. The Bismarck lay stopped for over one hour. At 0140/27 a message was received that a large number of Junkers bombers were coming to her aid as were U-boats but the Bismarck was beyond their help besides that the aircraft did not find her. One U-boat (U-556, which was out of torpedoes) on its way back from the Atlantic joined her and was within sight during the night. Another (U-74) arrived at 0600/27 but had been damaged in a depth charge attack and could do nothing as well. In the Bismarck the crew was exhausted and men were falling asleep at their posts. It was under these conditions that at 0840/27 two British battleships were seen to approach from the westward.

Situation before the action, 27 May 1941.

A north-westerly gale was blowing when dawn broke with a good light and clear horizon to the north-eastward. Reports received during the night indicated that, despite reduced speed and damaged rudders, Bismarck's armament was functioning effectively. Given the weather conditions the Commander-in-Chief decided to approach on a west-north-westerly bearing and, if the enemy continued his northerly course, to deploy to the southward on opposite course at a range of about 15000 yards. Further action was to be dictated by events.

Between 0600 and 0700 hours a series of enemy reports from HMS Maori which was herself located by DF bearings. This enabled HMS King George V to plot her position relatively to the Bismarck which had apparently settled down on a course of 330° at 10 knots. At 0708/27, HMS Rodney, was ordered to keep station 010° from the flagship. HMS Norfolk came in sight to the eastward at 0820/27 and provided a visual link between the Commander-in-Chief and the enemy. After the line of approach had been adjusted by two alterations of course, the Bismarck was sighted at 0843/27 bearing 118°, range about 25000 yards. Both British battleships was then steering 110° almost directly towards the enemy in line abreast formation, 8 cables apart.

Commencement of action 0847/27.

HMS Rodney opened fire at 0847/27, her first salvo sending a column of water 150 feet into the air. HMS King George V opened fire one minute later. Bismarck opened fire at 0850 hours after turning to open up A arcs. The first German salvo was short. The third and fourth salvoes straddled and nearly hit, but the Rodney manoeuvered succesfully to avoid them and the nearest fell 20 yards short. At 0854/27, HMS Norfolk joined in, but the target was not clearly visible and she opened fire without obtaining a range.

Observers state that the German gunnery was accurate at first, but commenced to deteriorate after 8 to 10 salvoes. The first hit on the Bismarck was believed to be scored by the Rodney at 0854 hours with her third salvo. Both British battleships made small alterations of course away from the enemy shortly after opening fire, the King George V to increase her distance from the Rodney and the latter to open her A arcs. From then onwards they manoeuvered independently although HMS Rodney conformed to the Flagship's general movements. The Bismarck's secondary armament came into action during this phase. HMS Rodney opened fire with her secondary armament at 0858 hours.

Run to the southward.

HMS King George V deployed to the southward at 0859/27 when the Bismarck was 16000 yards distant. HMS Rodney, 2.5 nautical miles to the northward, followed suit a minute or two later. Cordite smoke was hanging badly with the following wind and spotting was most difficult. Considerable smoke interference was therefore experienced on the southerly course which was partly overcome by radar. The Bismarck had transferred her fire to the King George V shortly after the turn but except for an occasional splash the latter hardly knew that she was under fire. At 0902/27, HMS Rodney saw a 16” shell hit the Bismarck on the upper deck forward, apparently putting the forward turrets out of action. At 0904 hours, HMS Dorsetshire joined in the firing from the eastwards from a range of 20000 yards but observation of the target was difficult and she had to check fire from 0913 to 0920 hours. Between 0910 and 0915 hours the range in King George V was more or less steady at 12000 yards.

The fate of the Bismarck was decided during this phase of the action although she did not sink until later. Around 0912 hours, the Bismarck was hit on her forward control position. During the run to the south HMS Rodney fired six torpedoes from 11000 yards and HMS Norfolk four from 16000 yards. No hits were obtained. The King George V’s secondary battery came into action at 0905 hours but this increased the smoke interference and was accordingly ordered to cease fire after two or three minutes.

Run to the northward.

At 0916/27 the Bismarck’s bearing was drawing rapidly aft and HMS Rodney turned 16 points to close and head her off. The King George V followed a minute or so later and both ships re-opened fire at ranges from 8600 and 12000 yards respectively. The Bismarck shifted her target to the Rodney about this time. A near miss damaged the sluice of her starboard torpedo tube. Most of the enemy’s guns had however been silenced at this time. Only one turret from her main armament was firing at this time as was part of her secondary armament. A fire was blazing amidships and she had a heavy list to port. During the run to the north HMS Rodney obtained a very favourable position on the Bismarck’s bow from which she poured in a heavy fire from close range. She also fired two torpedoes from 7500 yards but no hits were obtained.

HMS King George V’s position, further to leeward, was less favourable. Her view was obscured by smoke and splashes surrounding the target and her radar had temporarily broken down. Mechanical failures in the 14” turrets constituted, however, a more serious handicap at this stage. ‘A’, ‘X’ and ‘Y’ turrets were out of action for 30, 7 and a unspecified short period, respectively. This resulted in reduction of firepower of 80% for 7 minutes and 40% for 23 minutes which might have had serious effects under less favourable conditions. There were also several defects of individual guns in addition to those effecting the turrets.

At 0925/27, HMS King George V, altered outwards to 150° and reduced speed to avoid getting too far ahead of the Bismarck. She closed in again at 1005 hours, fired several salvoes from a range of only 3000 yards and then resumed her northerly course. Meanwhile HMS Rodney was zigzagging across the Bismarck’s line of advance at a range of about 4000 yards firing her main and secondary armaments. She also fired four torpedoes, one of which is thought to have hit. By 1015 hours the Bismarck was no more than a wreck. All her guns were silenced, her mast had been blown away, she was a black ruin, pouring high into the air a great cloud of smoke and flame. Men were seen jumping overboard at this time and the Captain of the King George V later remarked had he known it he would have ceased fire.

End of the action.

The Commander-in-Chief was confident that the enemy could never get back to harbour, and as both battleships were running short of fuel and as further gunfire was unlikely to hasten the Bismarck’s end, the Commander-in-Chief signalled the King George V and Rodney to steer 027° at 1015/27 in order to break off the action and return to base. At 1036/27 the Commander-in-Chief ordered HMS Dorsetshire to use her torpedoes, if she had any, on the enemy. In the meantime HMS Norfolk had been closing the target but due to the movements of the King George V and Rodney, had not fired her torpedoes until 1010 hours when she fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards and two possible hits were reported. The Dorsetshire was then approaching a mile or so to the southward, and anticipating the Commander-in-Chief’s signal at 1025 hours fired two torpedoes from 3600 yards into the enemy’s starboard side. She then steamed round the Bismarck’s bow and at 1036 hours fired another torpedo but now into her port side from 2600 yards. This was the final blow, the Bismarck heeled over quickly to port and commenced to sink by the stern. The hull turned over keel up and disappeared beneath the waves at 1040/27.

The Dorsetshire then closed and signalled to one of HMS Ark Royal’s aircraft to carry out a close A/S patrol while she was to pick up survivors assisted by HMS Maori. After 110 men had been picked up by both ships from the water both ships got underway again as a submarine was suspected to be in the area.

Damage to the Bismarck.

Survivors have told the story of terrible damage inflicted on her. The fore turrets seem to have been knocked out at 0902 hours. The fore control position was knocked out around 0912 hours. The after control position followed about 0915 hours. The after turrets were at that moment still in action. Then the aftermost gun turret was disabled by a direct hit on the left gun which burst sending a flash right through the turret. ‘C’ turret was the last one in action.

One survivor stated that around 0930 hours a shell penetrated the turbine room and another one entered a boiler room. A hit in the after dressing station killed all the medical staff and wounded that were in there at that moment. The upper deck was crowded with killed and wounded men and the seas surging in washed them overboard. Conditions below were even more terrible. Hatches and doors were jammed by concussion and blocked with wreckage. The air was thick with smoke and even more smoke was coming in from great holes in the upper deck. By 1000 hours all heavy guns were out of action and 10 minutes later the all secondary guns were also silent.

Commander-in-Chief returns.

As HMS King George V and HMS Rodney turned northwards they were joined by HMS Cossack, HMS Sikh and HMS Zulu at by 1600/28 more detroyers had joined the screen (HMS Maori, HMS Jupiter, HMS Somali, HMS Eskimo, HMS Punjabi, HMAS Nestor, HMS Inglefield, HMS Lance, HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMCS St. Clair (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Wallace, RCNR), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) and HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN). Heavy air attacks were expected that day, but only four enemy aircraft appeared, one of which bombed the screen while another one jettisoned her bombs on being attacked by a Blenheim fighter. The destroyers HMS Mashona and HMS Tartar, 100 nautical miles to the southward, were not so furtunate. They were attacked in position 52°58’N, 11°36’W at 0955/28 by German aircraft. HMS Mashona was hit and sank at noon with the loss of 1 officer and 45 men. The Commander-in-Chief reached Loch Ewe at 1230/29. Vice-Admiral Somerville with Force H was on his way back to Gibraltar. HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield made rendezvous at 0800/29 with the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN). At 1605/29, HMS Forester and HMS Fury were detached to hunt a submarine further to the west. Force H, minus the two destroyers that had been detached, arrived at Gibraltar around 2030/29.

End of ‘Operation Rheinübung’.

The Bismarck’s consort, heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, was not heard off until 4 June 1941 when aircraft reported her having arrived at Brest. After leaving the Bismarck at 1914/24, the Prinz Eugen’s primary need was to replenish her fuel stock. She set course for a rendez-vous with two tankers, the Spichern (9323 GRT, built 1935, former Norwegian Krossfonn) and the Esso Hamburg (9849 GRT, built 1939) which were position to the north-west of the Azores. All next day the German cruiser made her way southwards, and at 0906/26 , some 600 nautical miles west-north-west of the Azores she sighted the Spichern and refuelled. Two reconnaissance ships had also been ordered into this area, the Gonzenheim and the Kota Pinang. On the 28th Prinz Eugen fuelled from the Esso Hamburg. She then proceeded southwards to carry out cruiser warfare against independently routed ships in the area to the north and west of the Cape Verde Islands but an inspection of her engines the next day showed that an extensive overhaul was needed. Her Commanding Officer then decided to break off the action and course was set for Brest, France where she arrived at 2030/1 June.

A German reconnaissance ship, a supply vessel and two tankers were intercepted by Royal Navy warships and sunk by their own crew or sunk with gunfire. Also two tankers were captured. These were in chronological order; tanker Belchen (6367 GRT, built 1932, former Norwegian Sysla) by gunfire from HMS Kenya and HMS Aurora on 3 June 1941 in the Greenland area in approximate position 59°00'N, 47°00'W.
On 4 June the tanker Esso Hamburg by HMS London and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) in position 07°35'N, 31°25'W,
tanker Gedania (8966 GRT, built 1920) was captured in the North Atlantic in position 43°38'N, 28°15'W by naval auxiliary (Ocean Boarding Vessel) HMS Marsdale (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Armstrong, RNR), she was put into service with the MOWT as Empire Garden, reconnaissance vessel Gonzenheim (4000 GRT, built 1937, former Norwegian Kongsfjord) was scuttled by her own crew after being sighted by HMS Esperance Bay ((Capt.(ret) G.S. Holden, RN) and intercepted by HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) and finally ordered to be boarded by HMS Neptune in position 43°29'N, 24°04'W. The next day (5 June) supply vessel Egerland (10040 GRT, built 1940) was intercepted by HMS London and HMS Brilliant in approximate position 07°00'N, 31°00'W. On 12 June, HMS Sheffield, intercepted tanker Friedrich Breme (10397 GRT, built 1936) in position 49°48'N, 22°20'W and finally on 15 June, HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), captured the tanker Lothringen (10746 GRT, built 1940, former Dutch Papendrecht) in position 19°49'N, 38°30'W which had first been sighted by an aircraft from HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN). The Lothringen was sent to Bermuda and was put into service by the MOWT as Empire Salvage. (37)

24 May 1941
With her refit completed, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow where she was to work-up. (17)

26 May 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) is ordered to proceed to Londonderry, refuel and then proceed into the North-Atlantic to join the destroyer screen of the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN).

HMS Jupiter arrived at Londonderry later the same day. She quickly fuelled and then immediately departed again. (17)

27 May 1941
Shortly after 1700 hours, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), joined the Home Fleet at sea. (38)

29 May 1941
Around 1230 hours, HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) and HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) arrived at Loch Ewe.

30 May 1941
HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) and HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) departed Loch Ewe for Scapa Flow around 0600 hours. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1300 hours.

The destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) had sailed with them but parted company soon after departure to proceed to Scapa Flow ahead of the other ships. (39)

2 Jun 1941
Around 2140B/2, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) departed Scapa Flow, most likely for night exercises. They returned to following morning. (40)

4 Jun 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN).

Following these A/S exercises the destroyers conducted other exercises as well. HMAS Nestor returned to Scapa Flow around 2100B/4 and HMS Jupiter around 0300B/5. (41)

6 Jun 1941
Around 0900B/6, HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) departed Scapa Flow, presumably for exercises. They returned later the same day. (40)

7 Jun 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HNoMS Bath (Lt.Cdr. C.F.T. Melsom), HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) and HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN). (42)

16 Jun 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with ORP Krakowiak (Cdr. T. Gorazdowski, ORP), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN). (42)

20 Jun 1941
In the afternoon, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), most likely, conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (40)

24 Jun 1941
The destroyer tender Tyne (Capt. G.A. Scott, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (40)

25 Jun 1941
The light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Scapa Flow to intercept a German weather reporting ship that was operating near Jan Mayen Island. (39)

26 Jun 1941
HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) fuelled at Skaalefjord before proceeding towards the vicinity of Jan Mayen Island. (43)

28 Jun 1941
The British light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the British destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), in thick fog, intercept the German weather ship Lauenburg north-east of Jan Mayen Island in position 73°02'N, 03°13'W. The German ship was detected due to HF/DF. Her crew abandoned ship after they were fired upon. Valuable codebooks and the Enigma machine were found aboard the German weather ship.

30 Jun 1941
HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow at 1630 hours followed by HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) at 2200 hours. (39)

2 Jul 1941
The aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN). (44)

4 Jul 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Scapa Flow. (45)

5 Jul 1941
With her work-up programme complete and after being undocked from the floating dock, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she is to undergo some repairs before being sent to the Mediterranean. (39)

6 Jul 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at the Scott's shipyard at Greenock. (17)

12 Jul 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Greenock for Liverpool where more repairs would be undertaken. (17)

13 Jul 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Liverpool. (17)

31 Jul 1941
With her repairs now completed, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), departed Liverpool for the Clyde. (17)

1 Aug 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived in the Clyde. (17)

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.]

9 Aug 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Ponta Delgada to fuel after which she immediately departed again to rejoin convoy WS 10. (17)

26 Aug 1941
Around 0900Z/26, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at St. Helena to fuel. After doing so she departed around 1700Z/26 for Simonstown. (46)

30 Aug 1941
Around 0930B/30, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Simonstown from St. Helena. (46)

2 Sep 1941
Around 1945B/2, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Simonstown for Durban. (46)

5 Sep 1941
Around 0640B/5, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Durban from Simonstown. (46)

12 Sep 1941
Around 1720B/12, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Durban for Kilindini. (46)

16 Sep 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Kilindini from Durban. (17)

17 Sep 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Kilindini for Aden. (17)

21 Sep 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Aden from Kilindini. After fuelling she departed later the same day for Suez. (17)

24 Sep 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Port Said from Aden having passed the Suez Canal northbound this day.

She departed Port Said for Alexandria later the same day. (17)

25 Sep 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Fleet. (17)

26 Sep 1941
Around 0900B/26, the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Alexandria for a diversion in the Eastern Mediterranean during 'Operation Halberd' in the Western Mediterranean.

They returned to Alexandria in the afternoon of the 27th. (47)

1 Oct 1941
The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (48)

2 Oct 1941
The destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) were sent out from Alexandria at 0615 hours for an A/S search after the A/S whaler HMS Klo had reported being attacked by an enemy submarine.

They sailed together with HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) but these two apparently did not go to the assistance of HMS Klo.

At 0947 hours, the destroyers HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) also departed Alexandria for exercises followed by the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN) and HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN) at 1015 hours. It had been intedend to sail earlier but the submarine-report from HMS Klo delayed the start of the exercises. Light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) sailed around noon to join the exercises.

The ships (minus HMAS Hobart) remained out for exercises during the night and they returned to Alexandria as follows;

0820B/3; HMS Kandahar, HMS Hero and HMS Decoy.

0855B/3; HMS Barham, HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Valiant, HMS Kipling, HMS Kimberley, HMS Jupiter, HMS Hotspur and HMS Griffin.

0925B/3; HMS Kingston and HMS Jaguar. These last two destroyers entered Alexandria with the submarine HMS Triumph (Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) which returned from patrol.

HMAS Hobart had already returned at 2345B/2. (49)

5 Oct 1941
A submarine steering towards Alexandria had been reported by aircraft at 1245/4 in position 33°00'N, 25°30'E (north of Bardia).

In the morning of the 5th, the destroyers HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN), departed Alexandria to search the area.

They returned to Alexandria on the 7th having found nothing. (47)

8 Oct 1941
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Neptune returned to Alexandria in the afternoon. The destroyers only returned early in the afternoon of the following day.

10 Oct 1941
Shortly after 0900B/10, the battleships HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) departed Alexandria for a sweep to the westwards.

The destroyers HMS Jupiter, HMS Kandahar, HMS Griffin, HMS Decoy and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge were detached for a sweep towards Bardia. The destroyers HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) had sailed from Alexandria to join the fleet to take their place in the screen.

The fleet turned back to the east around 1800B/10. They returned to Alexandria around 0830B/11.

The destroyers that had been detached returned to Alexandria around 1500B/11. (47)

12 Oct 1941

Operation 'Cultivate'.

Replacement of Australian troops at Tobruk with 'fresh' troops.

At 0700B/12 the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk. This was 'Serial 1' of 'Operation Cultivate'.

A cover force also sailed from Alexandria. It was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN).

The cruisers with three of the destroyers were detached during the night. They rejoined at daylight when the fleet set course to return to Alexandria.

Meanwhile Abdiel with her destroyers had landed the stores and troops at Tobruk and taken on board troops that were being relieved and set course to return to Alexandria.

Early in the afternoon a report was received of Italian cruisers and destroyers and the fleet was turned westwards again. Shortly afterwards the fleet was attacked by three enemy torpedo bombers but no damage was done. During the night the cruisers and three of the destroyers were again detached.

At daylight on the 14th the detached ships again rejoined and course was set to return to Alexandria. The fleet arrived at Alexandria around 1300B/13. The ships that had been on the transport run to tobruk returned to Alexandria around 1745B/14.

Operation 'Cultivate' continued for a while sending 'fresh' troops to Tobruk. (47)

18 Oct 1941
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said to pick up HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) Sir J.F. Paget, RN) and escort her to Alexandria. (47)

19 Oct 1941
HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) Sir J.F. Paget, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (47)

21 Oct 1941
The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria at 0830B/21 to bombard an enemy gun battery near Tobruk which they did durning the night of 21/22 October.

An enemy submarine was reported by aircraft at 1052B/22 in position 32°07'N, 29°44'E and HMS Jupiter and HMS Kandahar were ordered to proceed to that location (north of Alexandria) to hunt the submarine.

HMS Jupiter however ran short on fuel and returned to Alexandria. HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN), which had just returned from a supply run to Tobruk, departed Alexandria to take over.

The sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN), which was en-route from Alexandria to Port Said, was diverted to assist in the hunt for the submarine but it was not found.

HMS Decoy and HMS Kandahar arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon of 23 October. HMS Flamingo continued her passage to Port Said. (48)

23 Oct 1941
The light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) departed Alexandria around 0845B/23 on a bombardment operation.

During the night of 23/24 October the light cruisers and the escort destroyers bombarded the Bardia area. Petrol dumps and a building, thought to be the Army headquarters were the main targets.

The four fleet destroyers had been detached and bombarded the Sollum area.

All ships then returned to Alexandria. The cruisers arrived around 1145B/24. (47)

25 Oct 1941
The light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria around 1400B/25 for further bombardment operations.

The light cruisers and the destroyers HMAS Napier, HMAS Nizam and HMS Hasty bombarded the Bardia area during the night of 25/26 October.

The destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar, HMS Jupiter and HMS Kimberley were detached to go to the assistance of the fast minelayer HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) which had been bombed and later sank as result of the damage.

All ships returned to Alexandria very late in the morning or in the first half of the afternoon of the 26th. (47)

25 Oct 1941
Around 0545B/25, the fast minelayer HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for a supply run to Tobruk.

Around mid afternoon they came under air attack from German and Italian aircraft but escaped damage until around 2000B/25, when HMS Latona was hit by a bomb. HMS Encounter and HMS Hero then took off the crew and soldiers which was completed around 2050B/25. There were 20 casualties amongs the crew of the Latona. Also 7 soldiers lost their live. The destroyers then searched the water nearby. During the process of taking of the crew and soldiers, HMS Hero was damaged aft and was only able to proceed at 10 knots later speed could be increased to around 20 knots. The buring wreck of HMS Latona was scuttled with a torpedo fired by HMS Encounter.

HMS Encounter and HMS Hotspur returned to Alexandria around 0935B/26. The damaged HMS Hero only around 1545B/26. The damaged destroyer had been joined by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) which had been detached from another force. (48)

2 Nov 1941

Operation Glencoe.

Relief of troops at Famagusta.

The British troops on Cyprus were to be relieved by fresh British Indian and British troops.

Group A, made up of the minelaying cruiser HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1500B/2. HMS Abdiel had on board about 300 troops as well as 70 tons of stores. The destroyers carried around 250 troops.

Group B, made up of the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1700B/2. Like the destroyers of Group A these destroyers also carried about 250 troops each.

Group C, departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1900B/2 , it was made up of the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN). Like all the other destroyers these also carried around 250 troops each.

At 2300B/2, HMS Kipling, on of the destroyers in Group C, broke down in position 31°46'N, 30°22'E. Her troops were taken over by HMS Jackal which then took the stricken destroyer in tow towards Alexandria. HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) departed Alexandria at 0230B/3 and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Alexandria at 1000B/3. HMS Jupiter took over the place of HMS Kipling in Force C while HMS Decoy took over the tow from HMS Jackal at daylight on November 3rd. HMS Kipling and HMS Decoy arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon.

Group A arrived at Famagusta at 0730B/3, Group B at 1230B/3 and Group C at 1630B/3.

The ships then disembarked the troops and embarked a similar number of troops that were replaced. The ships then departed for Haifa.

Groups A and B arrived at Haifa durnig the night of 3/4 November 1941 while Group C arrived early in the afternoon of November 4th.

At Haifa they embarked more troops for Cyprus. Group A sailed at 0730B/4, Group B at 1230B/4 and finally Group C at 1630B/4.

All groups arrived at Famagusta during the night of 4/5 November. After disembarking the troops they sailed for Haifa at invervals of about 4 hours.

Group A arrived at Haifa at 0400B/5, Group B at 0830B/5 and Group C at 1200B/5.

At Haifa they loaded Indian troops and departed for Famagusta at 0700B/5 (Group A), 1200B/5 (Group B) and 1630B/5 (Group C).

All groups arrived at Famagusta on the 5th and sailed again with further troops that were being relieved, arriving at Haifa at 0300B/6 (Group A), 0800B/6 (Group B) and 1200B/6 (Group C).

After embarking more troops and fuelling the groups departed Haifa again for Famagusta later on the 6th.

All groups arrived at Famagusta during the night of 6/7 November 1941 where they disembaked the new troops and tok on board troops that were relieved after which they departed again for Haifa where they arrived on the 7th.

There all groups embarked their final contingents of troops and departed for Famagusta for the final time. HMS Kingston from Group B was however to depart due to defects and her troops were spread on the other destroyers of her group.

After having disembarked the last of the fresh troops at Famagusta and embarked the last of the troops that had been relieved Group A arrived at Haifa 0300B/8, Group B at 0500B/8 and Group C at 1200B/8.

At 1400B/8, all ships (from all the groups) departed Haifa for Alexandria where they arrived on the 9th after they had carried out an A/S sweep en-route. (47)

10 Nov 1941
HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (47)

11 Nov 1941
HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. These included night exercises. During these exercises they were escorted by four destroyers, these were; HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN).

Four destroyers from the 7th Destroyer Flotilla were also exercising in the area, these were; HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN).

All ships involved returned to Alexandria late in the evening. (50)

15 Nov 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) departed Alexandria to proceed to the Far East. (47)

16 Nov 1941
Having transited the Suez Canal southbound, HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), departed Suez for Aden. (17)

19 Nov 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) arrived at Aden. (17)

20 Nov 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (17)

26 Nov 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) arrived at Colombo. (17)

28 Nov 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee but they returned to Colombo later the same day due to defects in HMS Encounter. (51)

29 Nov 1941
HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN), and her escorting destroyers, HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Express (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Cartwright, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), departed Colombo for Singapore. At sea they made rendez-vous with HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) which had departed Trincomalee also on that day. (52)

2 Dec 1941
HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and their escorting destroyers, HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Express and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrive at Singapore.

At Singapore HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Encounter and HMS Jupiter were immediately taken in hand for some much needed repairs. (53)

5 Dec 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) and HMS Tenedos (Lt. R. Dyer, RN) departed Singapore for Darwin, Australia. This was to 'show the flag' in Australian waters. HMAS Vampire had still been repairing some post-refit defects but the repairs were cut short as she was required for escort duty.

The destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) sailed with them for the first part of the voyage. They returned to Singapore on the 6th.

6 Dec 1941
HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) returned to Singapore.

HMS Jupiter was then taken in hand for repairs which were thought to take about three weeks. (54)

21 Dec 1941

Convoy BM 9A.

This convoy departed Bombay on 21 December 1941 and arrived at Singapore on 3 January 1942.

It was was made up of the following ships; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Lancashire (British, 9445 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Ethiopia (British 5575 GRT, built 1922) and Varsova (British, 4691 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Bombay it was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) and the patrol vessel HMIS Sonavati (T/Lt. G.W. Barnes, RINR).

At 1340/22, in position 14°03'N, 73°02'E, HMIS Sonavati obtained a strong A/S contact and attacked with six depth charges but the contact appeared to be non-sub.

On 24 December the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and sloop HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) departed Colombo and they joined the convoy around 0800EF/25 in position 05°20'N, 80°00'E. HMS Glasgow then parted company with the convoy.

On 27 December HMS Falmouth and HMIS Sonavati parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Colombo.

Around 1200GH/30, in position 02°22'S, 98°00'E, the light cruisers HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Dragon (A/Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) joined the convoy.

Around 1530GH/31, in position 06°10'S, 101°52'E the destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) joined the convoy.

The Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed Batavia on 1 January 1942 to reinforce the convoy escort. The Dutch ships joined the convoy at 1345GH/1 and remained with the convoy until 2000GH/2.

The convoy arrived safely at Singapore on 3 January 1942. (51)

24 Dec 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Singapore (presumably for patrol). (55)

26 Dec 1941
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) returned to Singapore. (55)

28 Dec 1941
HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Singapore. (56)

30 Dec 1941

Convoy DM 1

This convoy was formed at sea near Mombasa on 30 December 1941.

It arrived at Addu Atoll (Port T) on 4 January 1942 and departed from there for Singapore on 5 January 1942. The convoy arrived at Singapore on 13 January 1942.

This convoy was made up of the following ships;
American liner (troopship) Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1933), British liners (troopships) Narkunda (16227 GRT, built 1920), Aorangi (17491 GRT, built 1924), British cargo vessel Sussex (11062 GRT, built 1937), Dutch passerger / cargo ship Abbekerk (7906 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy was escorted by British light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) until Addu Attol. From Addu Atoll onwards HMS Emerald was reinforced by the British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) and the Indian sloop HMIS Jumna (Cdr. W.R. Shewring, RIN).

On 9 January, the British light cruiser HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), joined the escort in position 04°27'N, 94°47'E.

On 10 January, the Dutch light cruiser HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) joined the escort for three hours in position 05°22'N, 100°34'E. Rear-Admiral Doorman then boarded HMS Emerald to discuss the route and policy with the commanding officer. After Rear-Admiral Doorman returned to his flagship HrMs De Ruyter parted company with the convoy.

Later on 10 January 1940 the British destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and the Australian destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) joined the escort in position 05°30'S, 100°55'E.

Shortly before 1800 hours on 11 January the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) bolstered the escort of convoy DM 1. The Dutch ships remained with the convoy until 0745/13. (57)

31 Dec 1941
HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) joined the escort of convoy BM 9A. Earlier (most likely on 30 December) they had made a short stop at Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies, presumably to fuel.

[See the event ' Convoy BM 9A ' for 21 December 1941 for more information on this convoy.]

3 Jan 1942
HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Singapore with convoy BM 9A. (58)

9 Jan 1942
The auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Singapore for Trincomalee. She was escorted through the Sunda Strait by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) which had joined her from Batavia. The destroyers parted company in the evening and then set course to join convoy DM 1.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy DM 1 ' for 30 December 1941.] (54)

10 Jan 1942
Having parted company with the auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) joined convoy DM 1 in position 05°30'S, 100°55'E around 1330 hours.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy DM 1 ' for 30 December 1941.]

12 Jan 1942
HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Pretor-Pinney, RN) departed Singapore for Batavia. They had on board a party of naval ratings and Army personnel no longer required at Singapore.

En-route HMS Jupiter was ordered to the Palembang area to escort tankers from there to Batavia.

13 Jan 1942
HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMIS Jumna (Cdr. W.R. Shewring, RIN) arrived at Singapore escorting convoy DM 1. (54)

17 Jan 1942
The Japanese submarine I-60 (built 1929) (offsite link) is sunk by HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) about 25 miles North-North-West of Krakatoa Island in position 06°00'N, 105°00'W.

HMS Jupiter had just parted company with the American troop transport Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1932) which she had escorted westwards through the Sunda Strait.

HMS Jupiter is damaged in the action with her 'A' twin 4.7" gun mounting out of action due to an enemy shell hit. Three of the crew of HMS Jupiter were killed while 9 were wounded.

Later the damaged gun mounting was replaced for which she went to Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies by a single 4.7" gun mounting.

[We have seen a signal that HMS Jupiter was at Surabaya on 24 January (probably alread arrived before that date) and that it was estimated that she would be ready for service again on January, 27th.]

23 Jan 1942

Convoy BM 12.

This convoy departed Bombay on 23 January 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Empress of Asia (British 16909 GRT, built 1913), Felix Roussel (British (former French, 17083 GRT, built 1930) and Plancius (5955 GRT, built 1923).

The convoy initially proceeded unescorted.

On 26 January, the sloop HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) joined the convoy in position 07°53'N, 76°23'E.

On 27 January, the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) joined the convoy in position 04°30'N, 78°15'E. HMS Falmouth parted company with the convoy at dusk.

On 28 January, the convoy made rendezvous with convoy DM 2 which was made up of the following (troop) transports; City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), City of Pretoria (British, 8049 GRT, built 1937), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930).

This convoy had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) which then parted company.

Around 1630GH/31, the light cruisers HMS Danae (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) and HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN) joined the convoy in position 05°05'S, 94°00'E after which HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy.

Around 1600GH/1, the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and HMAS Yarra (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800GH/2, the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1020GH/2, the destroyers HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) joined the convoy.

Around 0645GH/3, the destroyer HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) joined.

Around 1330GH/3, HMAS Vampire split off from the convoy with the part of the convoy that was to proceed to Batavia. These were all the ships that had been in convoy DM 2 except the City of Canterbury which went to Singapore. The Batavia section arrived there shortly after noon on 3 February.

Around 0200GH/4, HrMs Java parted company with the convoy.

Shortly before noon, at the northern end of the Banka Strait, the convoy was attacked by Japanese aircraft (high level bombers) and the Empress of Asia was straddled sustaining some minor damage.

Around 2200GH/4, HMS Exeter, HMS Jupiter and HMS Encounter parted company to intercept Japanese warships that were reported to the north of Banka Strait. HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), coming from Batavia, was ordered to join them there. They did not find any Japanese ships and proceeded to Batavia where they arrived on 6 February.

The convoy arrived at Singapore shortly after noon on 5 February 1942 but not before a heavy enemy air attack was carried out. The Empress of Asia was set on fire, the Felix Roussel was also hit and the City of Canterbury had her steering gear damaged. (59)

30 Jan 1942

Convoy MS 3.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 30 January 1942 and part of the convoy arrived at Batavia on 8 February 1942 the other part of the arrived at Palembang on 9 February 1942.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Charon (British, 3703 GRT, built 1936), Elsa (Norwegian (tanker), 5381 GRT, built 1928), Erling Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9970 GRT, built 1937), Herborg (Norwegian (tanker), 7892 GRT, built 1931), Mangola (British, 3352 GRT, built 1931), Manvantara (Dutch (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Marella (British, 7475 GRT, built 1914), Marpessa (Dutch (tanker), 7408 GRT, built 1927), Merula (Dutch (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1932) and Seirstad (Norwegian (tanker), 9916 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN) until near Christmas Island where on 6 February the British light cruisers HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) took over. These cruisers had departed Batavia on 5 February 1942.

In the morning of 7 February 1942 the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) which had departed Batavia on 6 February.

The merchant vessels Antilochus, Charon, Mangola and Marella split off from the convoy and arrived at Batavia on 8 February. The tankers continued on to the Palembang area where the arrived on the 9th.

The escorts then proceeded to Batavia where they arrived on the 10th.

1 Feb 1942
Around 1500GH/1, HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) departed Batavia escorting the US troop ships Wakefield (24289 GRT, built 1931) and West Point (26454 GRT, built 1940) westwards through the Sunda Strait.

After the US ships had been released the warships joined the escort of convoy BM 12.

[For more info on convoy BM 12 see the event ' Convoy BM 12 ' for 23 January 1942.] (60)

4 Feb 1942
Around 1815GH/4, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) departed Batavia to make rendezvous with HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) which had been detached as a striking force from convoy BM 12. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BM 12 ' for 23 January 1942.]

Rendezvous was effected around 0745GH/5 and they then proceeded to sweep to the north and east of Banka Island to search for report Japanese warships.

They are sighted to the north-east of the Sunda Strait by the Japanese submarine RO-34 which fired four torpedoes at HMS Encounter but no hits were obtained.

Around 1155GH/5, HMAS Hobart was attacked by a single aircraft. Three bombs fell close ahead.

Around 1215GH/5, a single aircraft attacked HMS Jupiter, the bombs fell astern.

Around 1320GH/5, a single aircraft attacks HMAS Hobart, four bombs fell 100 yards on the starboard beam.

Around 1700GH/5, the force passed southwards through the Gaspar Straits on their return. Later they are sighted to the north-east of the Sunda Strait by the Japanese submarine RO-34 which fired four torpedoes at HMS Encounter but no hits were obtained.

They arrived at Batavia around 0700GH/6. (61)

6 Feb 1942
Around 0700GH/6, HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) arrived at Batavia from operations.

After fuelling HMS Jupiter and HMS Encounter departed again to make rendezvous in the Indian Ocean with convoy MS 3. (60)

7 Feb 1942
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) joined the escort of convoy MS 3.

[see the event ' Convoy MS 3 ' for 30 January 1942 for more information on this convoy.]

10 Feb 1942
Around 0640FG/10, HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) arrived at Batavia from convoy escort duty.

10 Feb 1942
Around 1635GH/10, the light cruiser HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), destroyer HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and the auxiliary patrol ship HMS Kedah (Cdr.(Retd.) J.L. Sinclair, DSO, RD, RNR) departed Batavia for Singapore.

They were joined at sea in the early hours of the next day (the 11th) by the destroyer HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Pretor-Pinney, RN).

Around 1145 hours on the 11th, HMS Durban was hit by a bomb during an air attack. Eight ratings were killed and several were wounded. Also the forward 6" gun was out of action due to the damage sustained. She was able to continue to Singapore though but it was no longer possible to undertake repairs there.

12 Feb 1942
HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Pretor-Pinney, RN) and HMS Kedah (Cdr.(Retd.) J.L. Sinclair, DSO, RD, RNR) arrived at Singapore around 0300 hours. They departed again before daylight having embarked shore based naval personnel. They took the merchant vessels Empire Star (13479 GRT, built 1935) and Gorgon (British, 3533 GRT, built 1933) with them.

During air attacks the merchant vessel Empire Star was hit three three times but was able to continue.

All ships, except HMS Jupiter, non the less arrived at Batavia on the 13th . En-route HMS Jupiter and HMS Stronghold had been ordered to give as much escort to merchant vessels as possible that were fleeing from Singapore to Batavia.

HMS Jupiter, with the Australian minesweeper HMAS Toowoomba (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) P.H. Hirst, RAN) also provided escort for tankers leaving Palembang to the southwards.

14 Feb 1942
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Batavia with the merchant vessels Elsa (Norwegian (tanker), 5381 GRT, built 1928), Erling Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9970 GRT, built 1937), Herborg (Norwegian (tanker), 7892 GRT, built 1931) and Seirstad (Norwegian (tanker), 9916 GRT, built 1937) in company. (60)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Batavia in the late afternoon escorting the small convoy SJ 1 made up of the merchant vessel Empire Star (British, 13479 GRT, built 1935) and Plancius (Dutch, 5955 GRT, built 1924) westwards through the Sunda Stait.

Admiral Hart, USN, late Naval Commander in the ABDA area, was on board HMS Durban.

Around 2000/17 the Empire Star and HMS Jupiter parted company from HMS Durban and Plancius. These last two ships proceeded in company towards Colombo where they arrived on 22 February while the Empire Star proceeded independently to Fremantle. HMS Jupiter returned to Batavia on the 17th. (60)

18 Feb 1942
HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Batavia for Oosthaven, Sumatra.

There she joined the merchant vessels Armilla (Dutch (tanker), 3008 GRT, built 1931), Benakat (Dutch (tanker), 4763 GRT, built 1935) and another vessel (Crocus ???) and escorted them part of the way to Tjilatjap.

After having parted company with the merchant vessels, HMS Jupiter set course to return to Batavia where she arrived on the 19th. (60)

23 Feb 1942
As enemy submarines had been reported HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) left Batavia around 0700GH/23 to conduct an A/S patrol to the north of Batavia but northing was found. She returned to Batavia in the evening. (60)

25 Feb 1942
Around 1500GH/25, HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) departed Batavia for Surabaya where they were to join Dutch Rear-Admiral Doorman's Eastern Striking Force.

HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) was also ordered to sail with these ships but she had not completed fuelling yet as the oiler RFA War Sirdar (5542 GRT, built 1920, (master) Cdr. M.W. Westlake, RNR) had been damaged by a bomb in a Japanese air attack that morning. She was to overtake and join the other ships later but this never materialised. (62)

26 Feb 1942
At 1600GH/26, HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) arrive at Surabaya from Batavia where they joined Dutch Rear-Admiral Doorman's Eastern Striking Force. (63)

27 Feb 1942

Battle of the Java Sea.

Prelude to the battle.

Japan had opened the war in the Far East on 7 December 1941 with their surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbour. At the same time they launched attacks on the Philippines and Malaya. These attacks were followed by attacks on the Dutch East Indies.

By the end of December 1941 the Americans decided to abandon the Philippines as a naval base and on 30 January 1942, Singapore Dockyard was closed down by the British. This was followed by the British Army retiring from the Malayan penisula towards that base.

On 3 February 1942, Surabaya and Malang on the main Dutch Island of Java were bombed for the first time. By mid-February the Japanese had conquered British and Dutch Borneo and the Dutch islands of Celebes, Ceram and Ambon. These conquests gave them sea and air control over the Makassar Strait and the Molucca Passage.

The Allies soon realised that the forces at their disposal were not able to stop the Japanese advance. The only thing they could do was to delay the Japanese advance as long as possible.

Singapore and it’s naval base fell to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. That very day the Japanese landed on Sumatra and they soon also controlled the Karimata Channel and Gaspar Strait. Later they also had more or less the control over the important Sunda Strait, the main entry channel to the Java Sea.

On 25 February 1942 the Japanese captured Bali Island, to the east of Java and this gave them also control over the eastern exits of the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean. On this day also reports were received of massive Japanese shipping movements in the Celebes Sea with the apparent objective to invade Java. Also on the 25th the Japanese landed on Bawean Island, just 85 miles north of Surabaya.

Formation of the Combined Striking Force.

Given the reports of the Japanese shipping movements and their expected arrival off Java on 27 February, the Dutch Vice-Admiral Helfrich ordered that the Eastern Striking Force at Surabaya was to be reinforced by all available cruisers and destroyers that were then at Tandjong Priok (Batavia).

At that moment the Eastern Striking Force was made up of the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN), the Dutch destroyers HrMs Witte de With (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN), HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN) and the US destroyers USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN), USS Parrott (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hughes, USN) and USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Pound, USN). The force had been reinforced on the 24th by the US heavy cruiser USS Houston (Capt. A.H. Rooks, USN) and the US destroyers USS Paul Jones (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Hourihan, USN), USS Alden (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Coley, USN), USS John D. Ford (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Cooper, USN) and USS Pope (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Blinn, USN) which came from Tjilatjap on Java’s south coast.

The following ships arrived at Surabaya from Tandjong Priok (Batavia) on the 26th. The British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN) and the British destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN). From this date the Eastern Striking Force was now called the Combined Striking Force.

Formation of the Western Striking Force.

Some ships remained in Batavia and these were formed into the Western Striking Force which comprised the Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), the British light cruisers HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) as well as the British destroyers HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and HMS Tenedos (Lt. R. Dyer, RN).

HMAS Hobart had been originally intended to join the Combined Striking Force but her fuelling was delayed owning to the tanker being damaged in an air attack and she was unable to sail with HMS Exeter and the destroyers in time and was left behind.

Orders for the Combined Stiking Force

Late in the afternoon of the 26th, Rear-Admiral Doorman, was in the operations room of the naval base at Surabaya when a signal was received from Vice-Admiral Helfrich which reported 30 enemy transports in position 04°50’S, 114°20’E, this was about 18 miles north-east of Surabaya. Enemy course was 245°, speed 10 knots. Two cruisers and four destroyers were reported to be escorting these transports. The Combined Striking Force was ordered to proceed to sea to attack the enemy after dark.

Rear-Admiral Doorman then considered to possible routes to make contact with the enemy convoy;
1) By a sweep east, along the north coast of Madura, followed by a sweep west, as far as Toeban.
2) By a sweep north, to the west of Bawean, continuing north-east wards towards the Arends Islands.

Later in the afternoon of February 26th, Rear-Admiral Doorman, called a conference of all his commanding officers, where the following decisions were taken;
1) The Combined Striking Force was to prevent, at all costs, a Japanese landing on Java or Madura.
2) The Japanese transports were to be attacked, preferably by night.
3) After the attack the Combined Trask Force was to proceed to Tandjong Priok (Batavia).
4) A formation for the night was ordered as follows; A screen of British and Dutch destroyers ahead, the five cruisers in line and four US destroyers in rear.

Also a plan for a night attack was made;
1) The British and Dutch destroyers were to carry out a torpedo attack as soon as the enemy was sighted and were to follow up their torpedo attack by an attempt to run straight into the enemy convoy and to cause as much damage as possible. The cruisers were to remain out of the convoy and were to fire on it. Finally the US destroyers were then to also make a torpedo attack.
2) If contact was made near the coast, special precautions were to be taken because Dutch mines had been laid off the north coast of Madura and also in the Toeban bight. After an attack in coastal waters the Allied ships therefore had to turn north.
3) After a possible night action the formation would be broken up and it was not considered possible to make definite plans for any subsequent action.

Departure from Surabaya.

The Combined Striking Force put to sea from Surabaya at 1830 hours. It had been decided to make a sweep to the east along the coast of Madura as far as the Sapoedi Strait and if the enemy were not sighted to sweep west and search the bight of Toeban. The Force sailed throught the western channel towards the Java Sea. The ships of the force were disposed in line ahead as follows;
1) Two Dutch destroyers, HrMs Witte de With and HrMs Kortenaer. This last ship had a speed limitation of 25 knots, due to one boiler being out of service.
2) Three British destroyers HMS Electra, HMS Encounter and HMS Jupiter.
3) The five Allied cruisers, HrMS de Ruyter, HMS Exeter, USS Houston, HMAS Perth and HrMs Java.
4) Four US destroyers, USS John D. Edwards, USS Alden, USS John D. Ford and USS Paul Jones.

Around the time the Combined Task Force sailed from Surabaya, US Army bombers found and attacked the enemy convoy in position 05°30’S, 113°00’E, which is about 25 miles north-east of Bawean Island. No report was however made to Rear-Admiral Doorman until nearly four hours later. And four hours after that another report was sent regarding this convoy. It is not known if Rear-Admiral Doorman actually received these reports.

At about 2200/26 the whole Combined Strike Force was clear of the Dutch minefields in the approaches to Surabaya and after proceeding 8 nautical miles to the north course was changed to the east, They were now in night formation and proceeding at 20 knots. They continued eastward as planned towards Sapoedi Strait as planned which they reached shortly after 0100/27. Rear-Admiral Doorman then altered course to 284° and maintained a westerly course throughout the remainder of the night.

Japanese air attack on the Combined Task Force.

At dawn on 27 February 1942, the Combined Task Force, was approximately 10 nautical miles north-west of Surabaya. They had not sighted the enemy during the night so day formation was assumed.

At 0700 hours, HMS Exeter, reported RDF contact on a group of aircraft in a south-westerly direction. Rear-Admiral Doorman hoped they were Allied aircraft but around 0800 hours he had to report to the ships in his force that the promised fighter cover would not be forthcoming. At 0855/27 aircraft were heard overhead and shortly afterwards three 100-lb bombs fell close to HMS Jupiter. Five minutes later a stick of four bombs fell about three cables on her starboard quarter. All these bombs were tumbling and at least three failed to explode. USS Houston opened fire on these aircraft which retreated behind clouds. From this time on, enemy aircraft continued to shadow the Allied force but they remained out of range.

Rear-Admiral Doorman reported this incident to Vice-Admiral Helfrich, and at 0930 hours he altered course from 270° to 115°. At 1000 hours, Vice-Admiral Helfrich signaled that Rear-Admiral Doorman had to proceed eastwards to search for and attack the enemy to which Rear-Admiral Doorman replied at 1200 hours with ‘proceeding eastwards after search from Sapoedi to Rembang. Success of action depends absolutely on receiving good reconnaissance information in time which last night failed me. Destroyers will have to refuel tomorrow.’

A Japanese force located.

At 1400/27 the Allied force was proceeding towards the Westervaarwater (northern entrance to Surabaya). The force passed through the swept channel in the minefields in the following order; the Dutch destroyers, the British destroyers, the US destroyers and then the cruisers. At 1427 hours the force was entering the harbour when Rear-Admiral Doorman received the following important information from Vice-Admiral Helfrich.
1) At 1340/27 (GH), Twenty ships with an unkown number of destroyers were in position 04.45’S, 112.15’E (approx. 65 miles north-west of Bawean), course 180°.
2) At 1345/27 (GH), one cruiser was reported in position 04°40’S, 111°07’E (approx.. 135 miles north-west of Bawean), course 220°.
3) At 1350/27 (GH), two cruisers, six destroyers and twenty-five transports were reported 20 miles west of Bawean, course south. Of this force one cruiser and four destroyers proceeded south at full speed The transports, one cruiser and two destroyers stayed behind.

The combined striking force proceeded to intercept.

Rear-Admiral Doorman immediately proceeded back to sea again with the intention to intercept the enemy force that was reported 20 miles west of Bawean. After leaving the minefield the British destroyers were ordered to proceed at full speed. The Dutch destroyers were on the port quarter of the cruiser line. The US destroyers were astern. Course was set to 315°, speed 20 knots but this was later increased to 25 knots, the maximum speed of HrMs Kortenaer.

At 1529 hours enemy aircraft appeared, they dropped a few bombs at random. USS Houston fired on the planes. Meanwhile the Allied force scrattered. By 1550 hours the force had reformed and was again on course 315°, speed was now 24 knots.

At 1600 hours, Rear-Admiral Doorman asked for fighter protection but the commander Air Defence Surabaya did not comply because he needed his eight remaining Brewster Buffalo fighters to protect the four dive-bombers in a projected dive-bombing attack on the Japanese transports.

Contact with the enemy.

Shortly after 1600/27, three float planes were sighted to the northward. Some minutes later smoke was sighted, bearing 358°. At 1612 hours, in approximate position 06°28’S, 112°26’E. The Combined Striking Force was still on course 315°. The first report, which came from HMS Electra was ‘one cruiser, unknown number of large destroyers, bearing 330°, speed 18 knots, enemy course 220°. At 1614 hours the Allied fleet, then about 30 miles north-west of Surabaya, increased speed to 26 knots and HMAS Perth reported seeing a cruiser on the starboard bow. At 1616 hours, HMS Exeter reported a cruiser and four destroyers bearing 330°, range 14 nautical miles.

At 1616 hours, the Japanese heavy cruisers Nachi and Haguro opened fire from 30000 yards. Their main targets were HMS Exeter and USS Houston. Around the same time the Japanese light cruiser Naka opened fire on the British destroyer HMS Electra which was immediately straddled. Later salvoes fell astern, short and over. She was not hit. HMS Electra and HMS Jupiter fired ranging salvoes at the western (leading) enemy force at a maximum range of 15700 yards but all fell short.

The Allied force was still on course 315° and closing the enemy when HrMs De Ruyter altered course 20° to port (to 295°) to bring the starboard broadsides to bear. This brought the Allied fleet on an almost parallel course with the enemy heavy cruisers. The Allied cruisers were still in line ahead with HMS Electra and HMS Jupiter bearing 280°, four nautical miles from HrMs De Ruyter. The US destroyers were astern of the cruiser line and the two Dutch destroyers were about two nautical miles to port of the cruiser line. The position of HMS Encounter at that moment is not mentioned in any of the reports but she appeared to have been ahead of the Dutch destoyers and abeam of HMAS Perth.

HMS Exeter opened fire at 1617 hours followed by USS Houston one minute later. Range was 26000 to 28000 yards. This range was maintained for some time so the enemy was only under fire from the two heavy cruisers in the Allied cruiser line. Shortly after the action commenced the US destroyers took station about 3000 yards on the disengaged side of HrMs Java and maintained this relative position throughout most of the action. Enemy salvoes almost continuously straddled HrMs De Ruyter and HMS Exeter. All the time three float planes were spotting for the enemy.

First Japanese torpedo attack, 1633 to 1652 hours.

At about 1625 hours, the rear enemy destroyer flotilla appeared from the Allied line to prepare to attack. HMAS Perth opened fire on the right-hand destroyer (this was the Asagumo. She was hit by the second salvo just before she launched torpedoes. Her steering was affected and she was able to fire only three torpedoes.

The first enemy torpedo attack was a coordinated attack made by the two heavy cruisers, two flotilla leaders (light cruiser) and the six destroyers from the 4th destroyer flotilla. As the attack was developing, the Allied fleet, at 1629 hours, altered course from 295° to 248°, speed 25 knots and at 1631 hours, HrMs De Ruyter was hit in the auxiliary motor room on the starboard side by an 8” shell. A petrol fire was started but it was quickly extinguished. One of the crew was killed and six were wounded.

The enemy account of the torpedo attack is as follows; About 18 minutes after starting the gun engagement, the Naka followed by the Jintsu fired torpedoes. The 9th and 2nd destroyer flotilla’s then fired in succession. About 40 minutes after the start of the engagement the Haguro fired torpedoes. The Nachi also intended to fire torpedoes but due to a failure in drill did not do so. In 19 minutes, 43 torpedoes were fired at the Allied ships but none hit.

The Japanese 4th destroyer flotilla made smoke immediately following after the torpedo attack, and after the Perth’s second salvo hit, retired behind the smoke, which also concealed the enemy heavy cruisers from view. The Perth fired several follow up salvoes into the smoke screen which became so dense that the Japanese temporarily lost sight of the Allied fleet. The Electra and Jupiter had by this time closed the US destroyers and took op a position abeam the cruiser line on the disengaged side.

At 1635 hours, HrMs De Ruyter led in again towards the enemy on course 267°. Also about this time the rear enemy heavy cruiser, the Haguro was hit, apparently in the boiler room, as she emitted billowing clouds of black smoke, though continuing to fire her guns.

As the enemy smoke screen cleared, a Japanese destroyer was seen to be on fire. This may have been the Minegumo. By then the Nachi was firing at HMS Exeter and the Haguro at the and HMAS Perth.

Allied air attack

Around 1645 hours, splashes of heavy bombs were seen near the enemy ships, though no hits were observed. The Nachi and Haguro were still in line ahead about half a mile apart at a range of over 26000 yards. At this range they could only be engaged by the two Allied heavy cruisers. At this time the Haguro was seen to be on fire.

Second Japanese torpedo attack, 1700 to 1714 hours.

Shortly after 1700 hours, the Japanese delivered a second torpedo attack. It was made by the two heavy cruisers, the flotilla leader (light cruiser) Jintsu and six of the eight destroyers from the 2nd destroyer flotilla.

Between 1700 and 1706 hours, the enemy heavy cruisers commenced, unobserved by the Allied ships, a second torpedo attack. At 1707 hours, the foremost enemy destroyer flotilla, the 2nd, led by the Jintsu was seen to launch a long range torpedo attack and the Allied cruisers turned away to avoid the torpedoes and no torpedoes hit.

HMS Exeter hit by enemy gunfire

The Allied cruisers had ceased firing at 1707 hours, when they had turned away to avoid the torpedoes. The enemy was still firing but his shots fell short but at 1708 hours HMS Exeter was hit by an 8” shell from the Nachi and her speed rapidly decreased. She turned away to port, hauling out of the line and the cruisers astern of her turned with her. HrMs De Ruyter continued on her course for a short time but then turned to port as well. The Dutch and US destroyers also turned to port thus taking up a position ahead of the cruisers. The new mean course of the fleet then was about 180°.

As a result of this manoeuvre the Allied fleet was in disorder. At 1714 hours, HMS Exeter came to a stop and signaled that she had been hit in the boiler rooms.

HrMs Kortenaer torpedoed.

By this time the torpedoes that had been fired during the second Japanese torpedo attack reached the area the Allied ships were in and at 1715 hours, the Dutch destroyer HrMs Kortenaer was hit and blew up in approximate position 06°25’S, 112°08’E. She was hit amidships on the starboard side and broke in two. The forepart remained afloat for about five minutes but the stern part sank immediately. Five hours later HMS Encounter came across survivors and picked up 113 of them from the water and took them to Surabaya following the battle.

Also at 1715 hours, a torpedo track passed closely by HMS Jupiter and a moment later one was seen to pass astern of HMS Exeter. The US destroyers John D. Ford and John D. Edwards both had to use helm to avoid torpedoes.

HMS Exeter ordered to Surabaya.

Shortly after having come to a halt, HMS Exeter was underway again but her speed was limited to 15 knots. Rear-Admiral Doorman ordered her to proceed to Surabaya at 1740 hours and ordered the sole remaining Dutch destroyer HrMs Witte de With to escort her to there. HMAS Perth had also closed the Exeter and covered her with smoke from her funnel and smoke floats. She soon however rejoined the cruiser line when Rear-Admiral Doorman signaled ‘All ships follow me’.

The Allied fleet reforms.

At 1720 hours, in accordance with the above mentioned signal, and under cover of smoke which the US destroyers had started to lay, the De Ruyter proceeded on a course to the south-east. Altering almost immediately to north-east, at 1725 hours, the De Ruyter led the Allied cruisers between the enemy and the Exeter presumably to cover the latter and draw the enemy’s fire, for that in effect was the result of the manoeuvre. About this time an air attack developed and bombs fell 1000 yards to port of the US destroyers and two more sticks of bombs were dropped near them a few minutes later. No damage was caused by these air attacks. The Allied cruisers then proceeded on a course to the east.

British destroyers attack the enemy, 1725 hours and subsequent sinking of HMS Electra.

It was just about 1725 hours when Rear-Admiral Doorman signaled ‘British destroyers counter-attack’, whereupon Cdr. May, RN in the Electra ordered the Jupiter and the Encounter to follow. Circumstances were not favourable, for the smoke was very thick, and visibility over the battle area was not more then half a mile. Moreover, as the British destroyers were too far apart to make a divisional attack they attacked independently. The Encounter attacked through a clearing in the smoke. It is not known if she fired torpedoes or not. The Jupiter found no suitable target for torpedoes and therefore remained in the vicinity of HMS Exeter. She was able to drive off two enemy destroyers with gunfire near her which had come out of the smoke screen with the intention of making a torpedo attack on the Exeter. When the Encounter retired from her attack she was ordered to take up a position astern of HMS Jupiter and both destroyers remained near the Exeter as a covering force. The Dutch destroyer HrMs Witte de With was also near the damaged Exeter, she exchanged gunfire with an enemy destroyer around 1745 hours at a range of 9300 yards. The enemy replied and both ships fired around eight or nine rounds. The enemy was thought to have been hit twice. The Witte de With was hit once but the only damage sustained was that it destroyed her aerial. HMS Exeter and HrMs Witte de With arrived off the Surabaya defensive minefields at 2000/27.

Meanwhile HMS Electra had attacked through the smoke astern of the Exeter. As she cleared the smoke a formation of three enemy destroyers from the 4th Destroyer Flotilla was sighted on an opposite course entering the smoke at a range of 6000 yards. HMS Electra immediately engaged them and claimed hits with four salvoes on the leading ship. She did not fire torpedoes. As the three enemy destroyers disappeared into the smoke a shell hit the Electra Two of these enemy destroyers went on through the smoke to attack the Exeter with torpedoes and must have been the ships driven off later by HMS Jupiter. The third destroyer returned to engage the Electra which had been hit on the port side in No.2 boiler room. This hit brought the Electra to a stop. When the enemy destroyer came put of the smoke she was immediately engaged b all 4.7” guns in local control as communication with the bridge was dead. The enemy hit the Electra with it’s second salvo silencing the Electra’s guns one by one and causing a fire forward and a list to port. With only ‘Y’ gun still firing the order was given to abandon ship. The enemy continued to fire and closed so that he could use his machine guns. The Electra listed heavily to port and started to settle by the bows. She then turned over and started to sink slowly until about only 6 feet of her quarter deck was out of the water. She finally sank completely around 1800 hours. At 0315/28, 54 survivors were picked up out of the water by the US submarine S 38. One of these survivors subsequently died aboard the submarine.

Allied fleet reformed and a third Japanese torpedo attack.

By 1745/27 the Allied cruisers, less HMS Exeter, had reformed in single line ahead in the order HrMs De Ruyter, HMAS Perth, USS Houston and HrMs Java and had emerged from the smoke screen on an opposite course to the Nachi and Haguro which were about 19500 yards distant.

Also in sight, having emerged from the north-west out of the smoke, on approximately a parallel course, was the Naka leading five destroyers from the 4th Destroyer Flotilla. At 1750 hours the retiring HMS Exeter fired a salvo at the Naka. At 1752 hours the five enemy destroyers were seen to move in for a torpedo attack. HMAS Perth opened fire on them as they came into view in gaps -through the smoke. They returned the gunfire and then retired through the smoke. They had fired 24 torpedoes but all missed the Allied ships.

Around this time Rear-Admiral Doorman signaled to Vice-Admiral Helfrich that HrMs Kortenaer had been sunk and that HMS Exeter was damaged and ordered to return to Surabaya under escort by HrMs Witte de With. That the fight with the Japanese was ongoing and that his position was 06°15’S, 112°17’E.

US destroyers attack.

About 1758 hours, when the Allied fleet was on course 190°, Rear-Admiral Doorman ordered the four US destroyers to counter-attack but almost immediately this ordered was cancelled and ordered the US destroyers to make smoke. While the US destroyers were doing so Rear-Admiral Doorman altered course to 090° and then signaled to the US destroyers ‘cover my retirement’. When they received this order the four US destroyers were between the Allied cruiser line and the enemy. It was getting dark and visibility was now 15 nautical miles. Commander Binford, the commander of the 58th Destroyer Division decided that the most effective way to do so was a torpedo attack. Thereupon the US destroyers altered course to starboard, in order to break clear of the smoke that they had just laid. The enemy heavy cruisers were about 20000 yards away to the north-west on a westerly course. The US destroyers closed the range to about 14000 yards and then fired their starboard torpedoes at 1814 hours. The destroyers then turned around and fired their port torpedoes five minutes later. The enemy heavy cruisers were seen to turn to the north shortly afterwards.

At 1831 hours Rear-Admiral Doorman signaled to the US destroyers ‘follow me’. The US destroyers then turned under the cover of smoke, crossed under the stern of the Allied cruiser column and took up a position on its disengaged quarter on a course between east and north-east. Commander Binford then reported to Rear-Admiral Doorman that all his destroyers torpedoes had been fired.

Around 1815 hours gunfire between the Allied cruisers and the Japanese heavy cruisers was again exchanged. It was around this time that a hit was observed on the Haguro. Shortly afterwards the enemy heavy cruisers were seen to retire westwards. This information was signaled to Vice-Admiral Helfrich. Rear-Admiral Doorman also requested information about the position of the enemy convoy of transports.

The enemy was now no longer in sight and Rear-Admiral Doorman led his force to the north-east presumably to work round the enemy escort and find the enemy convoy of transports. Speed was set to 22 knots.

By 1856 hours, the Allied fleet was on course 290° altering gradually to the north. It was a bright moonlight night.

Night action, 1927 hours.

After dark, the enemy force was augumented by two other heavy cruisers, the Mogami and Mikuma. Also the light cruiser Natori leading three destroyers of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla. The Naka and the 4th Destroyer Flotilla appears the have retired from the battle area.

At 1927 hours the Allies sighted four ships on the port beam. These were the light cruiser Jintsu and three destroyers of the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla. About the same time an enemy aircraft dropped a flare on the disengaged side of the Allied ships. Both British destroyers (HMS Jupiter and HMS Encounter) were now ahead of the cruiser line.

Fourth Japanese torpedo attack, 1936 hours.

Shortly afterwards the Japanese launched yet another torpedo attack. At 1933 hours, HMAS Perth opened fire on them with her main armament. He then fired starshell but these fell short. USS Houston also opened fire. At 1936 hours a row of explosions was seen on one of the enemy’s ships which were thought to be torpedoes being launched and HMAS Perth turned away to evade and the other ships followed. Japanese records confirmed that at this time the Jintsu indeed fired torpedoes and that the turn by HMAS Perth most likely saved Allied ships from being hit.

The Allied cruiser then again formed up in line ahead and were lead on various course by HrMs De Ruyter to intercept the enemy. Around 1945 hours the course of the Allied fleet was 170°.

Night action, 2000 hours.

The Allied cruisers continued on course 170° and at 2000 hours, Rear-Admiral Doorman, evidently unaware that HMS Electra had been sunk signalled to her, HMS Jupiter and HMS Encounter, ‘Report your position, course and speed’. At 2023 hours, what appeared to be four enemy destroyers were observed on the port bow attempting a torpedo attack and the Allied cruisers altered course to port. At 2043 hours it was again thought that destroyers had delivered another torpedo attack, this time from starboard and course was altered to 175°. Neither time torpedoes or their tracks were observed and Japanese records does not mention torpedoes being fired by destroyers around this time. Around 2100 hours the Allied ships turned west to a course of about 280°.

Shortly after 2100 hours, the US destroyer, now out of torpedoes and with fuel getting low retired towards Surabaya. They were off Surabaya when they received a signal from Admiral Doorman that they were to proceed to Batavia to fuel and receive orders where to obtain new torpedoes. Course was then set for Batavia. Off Surbaya they had ben joined by the USS Pope which had been repairing there. However it was soon decided that it would be impossible to proceed to Batavia and the five destroyers entered Sourabaya instead.

After the departure of the US destroyers the remaining ships of the Allied fleet proceeded westwards along the north coast of Java. They were in single column in the order HMS Encounter, HrMs De Ruyter, HMAS Perth, USS Houston, HrMs Java and HMS Jupiter.

HMS Jupiter sunk, 2125 hours.

At 2125 hours HMS Jupiter is reported to have been torpedoed in position 06°45.2’S, 112°05.5’E. She stopped immediately and sank in 8 fathoms of water at 0130/28 approximately in the position she was hit. The explosion killed twelve ratings and wounded seven of whom two subsequently died. Five officers and seventy-eight rating managed to land on the coast of Java. The ships Commanding Officer, one other officer and ninety-five ratings were captured by the Japanese. Four officers and sixty-six ratings were missing.

It is now known that HMS Jupiter was not hit by a torpedo but hit a mine of a Dutch minefield.

After the Jupiter had been mined the fleet proceeded more or less northwards. They were shadowed by enemy aircraft which dropped flares every time the Allied ships went on a new course.

Around this time the sole remaining destroyer, HMS Encounter lost contact with the Allied cruisers. She later, around 2330 hours, picked up 113 survivors from the water from the Dutch destroyer HrMs Kortenaer that had been torpedoed earlier in the battle. HMS Encounter then proceeded towards the west to make for Batavia but this was soon changed for Surabaya.

Fifth Japanese torpedo attack, 2245 hours.

Contact was now made again with the Japanese heavy cruisers Nachi and Haguro. These ships had not been seen after 1830 hours but the Japanese were apparently well aware of the position of the Allied ships and had been laying an ambush. Fire was now opened from both sides. Unknown to the Allies the Japanese had already launched their deadly torpedoes against the Allied cruiser line. The De Ruyter was hit by an enemy shell on the quarter deck and turned away. HMAS Perth followed as her Commanding Officer thought that the flagship was turning away to avoid torpedoes that she might have sighted. While the Allied cruiser line was halfway through the turn, at 2250 hours, the whole after part of HrMs Java, the last cruiser in the line, was seen the blew up and she stopped, heavily on fire. Shortly afterwards HrMs De Ruyter also blew up with an appalling explosion and settled aft, also heavily on fire. The two Dutch light cruisers had been torpedoed by the Japanese 5th Cruiser Division. HMAS Perth just managed to avoid the heavily damaged De Ruyter. USS Houston hauled out to starboard. The crew of the De Ruyter was seen to assemble forwards as the after part of the ship, as far as the catapult was a mass of flames. Ammunition began to explode and the ship had to be abandoned and she sank in a few minutes. The position in which the Dutch cruisers were hit was approximately 06°11’S, 112°08’E.

HMAS Perth now took the USS Houston under her orders and both cruisers now turned for Batavia, some 300 nautical miles distant, at high speed. Both cruisers were running low on ammunition. The Perth reported the sinking of both Dutch cruisers by W/T. From Surabaya the Dutch sent out the hospital ship Op ten Noord to sea to search for survivors. The Japanese however soon intercepted this ship and captured her.

After the battle.

HMAS Perth and USS Houston arrived at Batavia at 1400/28 and quickly commenced fuelling. They left at 2120 hours to try to escape through the Sunda Strait. The Dutch destroyer HrMs Evertsen was ordered to sail with them but was not ready in time and sailed about two hours later. Around midnight the Evertsen reported a sea battle going on in the Sunda Strait. Shortly afterwards she reported that she herself had been intercepted by the Japanese as well and that she had beached herself off the south coast of Sumatra.

The sea battle reported by the Evertsen was between the Perth and the Houston that had come across a Japanese landing force that were landing troops on the coast of Java in the Sunda Straits. The Allied cruisers had no chance against the Japanese forces and were soon sunk after being hit by multiple torpedoes each.

In the evening of 28 February 1942, the damaged British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter and two destroyers, the British HMS Encounter and the American USS Pope departed Surabaya to try to escape to Colombo through the Sunda Strait. After they cleared harbour they proceeded to the east along the coast of Madura for about 20 miles and then they proceeded northwards passing to the east of Bawean Island. They were then to steer north-east before making a run for the Sunda Strait. Soon after leaving Surabaya though the ships were discovered by a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft. At about 1000 hours on March 1st, HMS Exeter reported that three enemy heavy cruisers were approaching her. In fact four of them were closing her to finish her off. After about 1,5 hours the Exeter had been hit many times. She was then finished off by a torpedo from the Japanese destroyer Inazuma. HMS Encounter was also sunk by gunfire while USS Pope was brought to a stop by damage received from aircraft bomb near misses.

The only ships that had participated in the Battle of the Java Sea that managed to escape were the four US destroyer. The USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford, USS Alden and USS Paul Jones left Surabaya in the late afternoon of the 28th. They went out through Madura Strait and the proceeded to the Indian Ocean though the Bali Strait. They encountered and were engaged by patrolling Japanese destroyers but managed to escape. They arrived safely at Fremantle, Australia in the afternoon of March 4th.

Two Dutch destroyers at Surabaya, HrMs Witte de With and HrMs Banckert were damaged and unable to escape. Both were scuttled by their crews.

Japanese ships involved in the battle..

In late February 1942 the Japanese set in motion movements to land troops on the island of Java, the main island of the Dutch colony of the Dutch East Indies. two landing forces went to sea, the Western invasion force and the eastern invasion force.

The western invasion force was made up of 56 transports. These ships were escorted by the 5th Japanese Destroyer Flotilla. This was made up of the light cruiser Natori (Flotilla leader) and the destroyers Asakaze, Harukaze, Hatakaze, Matsukaze (5th Destroyer Division), Satsuki, Minazuki, Fumizuki, Nagatsuki (22th Destroyer Division) and the 3th Japanese Destroyer Flotilla which was made up of the Japanese light cruiser Sendai (Flotilla leader) and the destroyers Fubuki, Hatsuyuki and Shirayuki (11th Destroyer Division), Murakumo and Shirakumo (12th Destroyer Division). Furter ships that were part of the escort force were the light cruiser Yura, the minelayer Shirataka, mineweepers W-1, W-2, W-3 and W-4 and several submarine chasers.

Cover for the western invasion force was provided by the 7th Cruiser Squadron (Rear Admiral Kurita) which was made up of the heavy cruisers Kumano, Mikuma, Mogami, Suzuya and the destroyers Isonami, Shikinami and Uranami (19th Destroyer Division). Air cover was provided by the aircraft carrier Ryujo, seaplane tender Chiyoda, auxiliary seaplane tender Kamikawa Maru and the destroyers Amagiri, Asagiri and Yugiri (20th Destroyer Division).

The eastern invasion force was made up of 41 transports. These ships were escorted by the 4th Japanese Desroyer Flotilla. This was made up of the light cruiser Naka (Flotilla leader) and the destroyers Asagumo, Minegumo, Natsugumo (9th Destroyer Division), Murasame, Harusame, Samidare, Yudachi (2nd Destroyer Division) and the Umikaze. The light cruiser Jintsu (Flotilla leader), destroyers Yukikaze, Tokitsukaze, Amatsukaze and Hatsukaze (16th Destroyer Division). Further ships that were part of the escort force were the light cruiser Kinu, minelayer Wakataka, minesweepers W 15 and W 16, submarine chasers Ch-4, Ch-5, Ch-6, Ch-16, Ch-17 and Ch-18.

Cover for the eastern invasion force was provided by the 5th Cruiser Squadron (Rear Admiral Takagi) with the heavy cruisers Nachi and Haguro and the destroyers Sazanami, Ushio, Kawakaze and Yamakaze. The 16th Cruiser Squadron with the heavy cruisers Ashigara and Myoko and the destroyers Akebono and Inazuma. Air cover was provided by land based aircraft and the seaplane tender Mizuho and the auxiliary seaplane tender Sanyo Maru.

South of Java operated the Japanese 1st Carrier fleet that had left Kendari (Celebes) and proceeded south through Stait Sape. This force consisted of the aircraft carriers Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu, battlecruisers Kongo, Haruna, Hiei, Kirishima, heavy cruisers Chikuma, Tone, Atago, Maya, Takao, light cruiser Abukuma, destroyers Tanikaze, Isokaze, Hamakaze, Urakaze (17th Destroyer Division), Shiranuhi, Kasumi, Airake, Yugure (18th Destroyer Division), Arashi, Hayashio and Nowaki (4th Destroyer Division). (64)

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