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Notable events involving Zealous include:

17 Oct 1944
Around 1630A/17, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where they arrived around 1800A/18.

The berth of HMS Fencer was however not yet available and she was ordered to proceed to the Clyde for the night. She returned to Greenock around 0830A/19. (1)

26 Oct 1944
HMS Virulent (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bute (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T. Costley, RNVR) and HMS Macbeth (A/Skr.Lt. R.C. Green, DSC, RNR). (2)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Virulent (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN). (2)

16 Nov 1944
During the morning HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts A/S exercises with HMS Onslaught (Cdr. The Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN). During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with ships from the local defence. (3)

17 Nov 1944
During the morning HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts A/S exercises with HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN). (3)

19 Nov 1944

Operation Handfast.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the Salhusstrommen, to the south of Haugesund and to attack enemy shipping if encountered.

Around 1700A/19, ' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, Senior Officer), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. The Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

The force passed west of the Orkneys and south of the Shetlands before heading towards position 59°15'N, 01°10'E which was reached at 0849A/20. The strike was flown off at that time and consisted of 9 Avengers of 856 Squadron and also 16 Wildcats, 8 of each of the escort carriers. One Avenger however returned with ignition trouble. The strike sighted land at 1015A/20. This was believed to be Utsira Island but it later proved to be Stord Island which was well to the north so the strike had to alter course to the southward coming up of Rovaer Island and Karmo before altering up Karm Sund for the minelay. The defences were thus alterted and one Avenger received a hit from AA fire on the windscreen, injuring the eyes of the pilot and forcing him to break off and return to HMS Premier, jettisoning his mine set at 'safe' en route.

The remainder of the strike turned north over Avaldsnes and proceeded up the Sund in mining formation, laying their seven mines in approximately the pre-arranged position. The close escort fighters engaged shore batteries in the area of the lay, silencing them, and on completion rejoined the Avengers for return to Force 3. All aircraft were landed on by 1128A/20. In addition to the AA damage to the Avenger, 3 Wildcats from HMS Premier had received minor bullet damage from light AA fire.

Force 3 arrived back at Scapa Flow around 2205A/20. (4)

22 Nov 1944

Operation Provident.

The object of this operation was to achieve any of the following objectives;
a) Bomb and destroyer U-boat depot ships,
b) Mining of Stoff, Meloysund or Ramsoyund,
c) A fighter attack on Bardenfoss airfield,
d) Bombing of the ferry service between Banaasjoen and Rorvik,
e) Attack shipping along the coast between Lodingen and Rorvik.

Forces Taking Part:

Around 1600A/22, two forces departed Scapa Flow for operation Provident. These were;
Force 7: made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN).

And Force 8 made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Saumarez (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. H.G.D. De Chair, DSC with Bar, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN).

Heavy weather was encountered and ' Force 8 ' abandoned the operation and returned to Scapa Flow on 25 November 1944.

On 27 November 1944 shipping was attacked successfully by aircraft from HMS Indefatigable, the German transports Rigel (3828 GRT, built 1924, former Norwegian) and Korsnes (1795 GRT, built 1936) were sunk between Rosoya and Tjotta. Heavy loss of live occured on board the Rigel was was transporting troops and POW's (mostly Soviet). Over 2500 men lost their lives in this sinking. These ships had been in convoy and had departed Bodo on 26 November. They were escorted by the patrol vessels V 6308 and NT 04 off which the former was heavily damaged.

' Force 7 ' returned to Scapa Flow on 29 November 1944. (5)

6 Dec 1944

Operation Urbane.

The object of this operation was to conduct an anti-shipping raid in the area between Bergen and Stavanger and also lay air laid mines in this area.

Around 1605A/6, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, hoised his flag in the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) after having struck his flag in HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN).

Around 2300A/6, the force for this operation, made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (with Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN on board), escort carriers HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

The force then proceeded towards temporary position NN (59°15'N, 01°10'E) which was reached around 1030A/7. A dawn Mosquito reconnaissance along the coast between Bergen and Stavanger had found no suitable shipping targets for Implacable's strike aircraft, so it was decided to postpone that part of the operation and to continue with the minelaying mission on its own.

The mining strike, consisting of 12 Avengers of 856 and 846 Squadrons from HMS Premier and 14 Wildcats from HMS Trumpeter was flown off around 1230A/7. They were able to make a good landfall near Utsira Island and the strike split into various sections around 1345A/7. All 12 mines from the Avengers were seen to fall in their assigned positions close south of the Salhus lighthouse, but one mine was dropped at 'safe' and the parachute of another failed to open fully. During the lay the Wildcats attacked flak batteries and shore installations in the vicinity. On completion of the strike the aircraft set course to return to the escort carriers. During the return passage a Wildcat was seen to ditch in position 59°18'N, 03°20'E and the pilot was sighted in his dinghy, apparently unharmed. The ASR aircraft had already returned to its base with engine trouble and as the dinghy lay in a German minefield a destroyer could not be sent. Prolonged searches during the night and the following day proved fruitless and the pilot (T/Lt.(A) W.S. Vittle RNVR) was lost in unfortunate circumstances. The remaining aircraft were all flown in by 1510A/7. Four Wilcats and one Avenger were found to have been damaged by enemy AA fire.

The next day, 8 December 1944, after again receiving a negative report from the Mosquito reconnaissance, two reconnaissance strikes were flown off by HMS Indefatigable in an endeavour to locate and attack targets between Bergen and Stavanger. Two R-boats were attacked and set on fire during the second strike in the Bomlafjorden, R-59 was heavily damaged while R-56 later foundered after having burt out. After the aircraft had landed on the force set course to return to Scapa Flow where it arrived around 1050A/9. HMS Diadem had already arrived at Scapa Flow around 2045A/8 after having parted company with the force around 1555A/8.

On their return, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, transferred his flag back to HMS Diadem striking it in HMS Implacable. (6)

12 Dec 1944

Operation Lacerate.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in either;
a) Ramsoyund,
b) Aaramsund or
c) Skatestrommen.

Ships taking part in the operation were the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN).

The mines were laid in Ramsoyund on 14 December 1944. Also a number of targets in the area were strafed. Three night counter attacks were made on the force by JU 88 torpedo bombers, one of which was shot down.

The Force returned to Scapa Flow on 16 December 1944. (7)

20 Dec 1944

Operation Fretsaw.

The object of this operation was to destroy enemy shipping in the Stadlandet area and to disturb enemy convoy arrangements.

Two Force's were deployed for this operation; ' Force 3 ' was to conduct the actual raid and cover was provided by ' Force 4 '.

Around 1500A/20, ' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) departed Scapa Flow.

Around 1100A/21, ' Force 4 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort carrier HMS Trumpeter (Cdr. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

' Force 3 ' conducted an anti-shipping sweep through the Stadlandet area during the night of 22/23 December but no enemy shipping was encountered.

' Force 3 ' returned to Scapa Flow around 1545A/23.

' Force 4 ' returned to Scapa Flow around 1900A/23. (8)

9 Jan 1945
During the afternoon and evening, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN), fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and some destroyers (most likely HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (9)

10 Jan 1945

Operations Spellbinder and Gratis

Operation Spellbinder was carried out in two parts, part I was an anti-shipping raid in the Egersund area and part II was a minelay near Utsira Island.

Operation Gratis was the laying of an air laid minefield in Karm Sund.

Around 2200A/10, ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and ' Force 2 ', made up of the fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Spellbinder.

They proceeded in company until 1100A/11 when they split up to the north of the Shetlands. ' Force 2 ' remained in that vicinity until 1508A/11 when course and speed were adjusted so as to arrive in the laying position at midnight. ' Force 1 ' set course for the Egersund area, aiming to arrive off the coast at about 2215A/11.

HMS Apollo, HMS Zealous and HMS Carron approached the Norwegian coast from the north-westward at 30 knots, in fine clear weather, making use of the beam of the enemy consol beacon situated in position 58°37'5"N, 05°37'8"E. Course was altered to 090° at 2336A/11 and Utsira light was seen shortly afterwards.

Starshell from ' Force 1 ', engaged 100 miles to the southward, was observed at 2343A/11. Five minutes later ' Force 2 ' reduced speed to 20 knots and HMS Zealous and HMS Carron proceeded ahead to make a smokescreen between the laying position and them mainland.

Between 2357A/11 and 0020A/12, HMS Apollo laid 156 mines in three lines as follows;
Line 1 of 52 mines - Between 59°15'00"N, 05°01'06"E and 59°15'00"N, 05°04'21"E.
Line 2 of 55 mines - Between 59°14'51"N, 05°06'06"E and 59°13'39"N, 05°00'00"E.
Line 3 of 49 mines - Between 59°13'15"N, 05°07'54"E and 59°12'51"N, 05°04'48"E.
The mines were laid at a depth of 30 feet and flooders were set to operate on 19 February 1945.

On completion of this unobserved lay ' Force 2 ' retired at high speed to the northward and then set course to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1450A/12.

' Force 1 ' had picked up Utsira Island by radar at 1940A/11 and an hour later course was altered to close the convoy route south of Stavanger. The ships were positioned in line ahead.

At 2215A/11, ' Force 1 ' altered course to starboard to run down the coast, keeping 10 miles to seaward and parallel to the shipping route. At the same time they were picked up and held by enemy shore radar.

At 2312A/11, when opposite Egersund, radar contact was made with a convoy close inshore and apparently making for Egersund. Course was altered towards the target and fire was opened with starshell at 2341A/11. The appearance of a radar echo on the starboard bow, which was classified as a U-boat, somewhat complicated the movements of ' Force 1 '.

During the ensuing engagement the enemy shore batteries joined in, but although they registered several straddles and near misses they achieved no hits. Rear-Admiral McGrigor reported that out of eight ships which made up the convoy, including escorts, one, probably an escort, escaped into Egersund after being hit. Of the remaining seven, one large merchant vessel was sunk and another one was left blazing to the waterline. One small merchant vessel, or escort, was seen to turn turtle. One M-class minesweeper blew up after running itself ashore in flames. The other three ships were left on fire of which one was seen to blow up when ' Force 1 ' was retiring.

' Force 1 ' withdrew to the west at 0027A/12, altering to the northward when well clear of enemy radar. They made rendezvous with ' Force 3 ' at 0800A/12. At 0910A/12, a shadowing JU 88 was shot down by fighters from HMS Trumpeter. One of the fighters was damaged and had to ditch the pilot being recovered by HMS Zodiac. The Combat Air Patrol was kept busy during the forenoon investigating bogeys, but no enemy attack developed and at 1400A/12, ' Force 3 ' was detached for operation Gratis. ' Force 1 ' then headed for Scapa Flow, passing east of the Shetlands, and arrived at 2205A/12.

' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Trumpeter (Cdr. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN) had departed Scapa Flow at 1130A/11, to rendezvous with ' Force 1 ', and, having been detached on the 12th, proceeded west-about round the Shetlands and through Fair Isle Channel for the flying off position in 59°15'N, 01°10'E.

Two MTB's from Lerwick had been detailed to rendezvous with ' Force 3 ', to act as Air Sea Rescue craft in the event of a ditching to the east the flying off position. They made rendezvous at 0915A/13, just short of the flying off position. In view of the good weather conditions, flying off commenced immediately and by 0930A/13, the strike, made up of six Avengers from 846 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Trumpeter and six Avengers from 856 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Premier, was airborne. Departure was taken at 0938A/13 and a good landfall was made on Utsira Island. At about 1130A/13 the 12 Avengers laid their mines in the channel between Salhus light and a position 500 yards to the northward. Only light flack was encountered and all aircraft returned safely to the carriers being landed on by 1150A/13. ' Force 3 ' then returned to Scapa Flow arriving there at 2100A/13.

The German convoy attacked by ' Force 1 ' was made up of the transports Bahia Camarones (8551 GRT, built 1918), Charlotte (4404 GRT, built 1908) and Wesermarsch (1923 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the minesweepers M-456, M-436, M-306, M-273 and M-253. The submarine U-427 was also with the convoy and she fired torpedoes at ' Force 1 ' but all mised. The Bahia Camarones, Charlotte and M-273 were sunk. (10)

26 Jan 1945
During 26/27 January 1945, the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (11)

3 Feb 1945

Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 64.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 3 February 1945 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Edwin L. Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941), F.T. Frelinghysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Crevecoeur (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (American, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), George Steers (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On 3 February 1945, the M/S trawler HNoMS Oksoy departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy. The destroyer HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) was with her and she too joined the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) joined the convoy as escort oiler. She had departed Scapa Flow on 4 February 1945 escorted by the destroyer HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G. Butcher, DSC, RNVR) which both also joined the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt. J. Monroe, RN) departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, HMS Zebra arrived at Skaalefjord with defects. She departed the following day to overtake and rejoin the convoy but she was unable to do so and proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving on the 8th.

Around 1500A/12, the White Sea section of the convoy parted company. They were escorted by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Zivuchij, Zostkij and several smaller vessels.

At 0012A/13, the German submarine U-992 attacked with three torpedoes hitting and damaging the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle. The damaged corvette was towed to the Kola Inlet where she later capsized and was declared a total loss.

The kola Inlet section of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 13 December 1945.

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Convoy RA 64.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 17 February 1945 for Loch Ewe.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alanson B. Houghton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noves (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis C. Harrington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.D. Yeager (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John la Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lebaron Russell Briggs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American, 6610 GRT, built 1918), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R. Ney McNeely (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall, sloops HMS Cygnet, HMS Lapwing, HMS Lark and the corvettes HMS Bluebell, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Bamborough Castle.

Before the convoy departed the escorts conducted an A/S sweep of the area during which the German submarine U-425 was sunk around 0136A/17 by HMS Lark and HMS Alnwick Castle.

Around 1125A/17, the German submarine U-968 torpedoed and damaged HMS Lark. The damaged sloop was towed back to the Kola Inlet but was later declared a total loss.

Around 1148A/17, the Thomas Scott was hit and sunk, also by U-968. All crew and passengers could be picked up.

Around 1528A/17, HMS Bluebell was hit and sunk, by the German submarine U-711. There was only one survivor.

Late on the 18th and on the 19th the convoy was in very heavy weather and the convoy got scattered but was mostly reassembled the following day.

On 23 February 1945, the Henry Bacon, which had not rejoined the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by German aircraft in position 67°40'N, 05°19'E.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 28 February 1945.

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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN). These ships departed Scapa Flow around 1200A/5. They joined the convoy around 1100A/6. The destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) also joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord.

Shortly after 2100A/12, the cover force parted company with the convoy and proceeded ahead of it to the Kola Inlet where they arrived around 0200A/13.

The cover force departed the Kola Inlet with the convoy on 17 February 1945.

Also on the 17th, the destroyers HMS Zebra, HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.

On 23 February 1945, the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.

On 25 February 1945, HMS Zealous, HMS Zebra, HMS Opportune arrived at Thorshavn, Faeroer Islands after having parted company with the convoy. HMS Orwell, HMS Savage, HMS Scourge and HMS Serapis arrived there on the 26th. HMS Myngs and HMS Scorpion arrived there on the 27th.

Around 1830A/26, HMS Campania, HMS Nairana, HMS Bellona, HMS Zambesi, Zest, HMS Onslow and HMCS Sioux parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1000A/27. HMS Cavalier also arrived at Scapa Flow on the 27th.

HMS Onslaught arrived in the Clyde on the 27th. (12)

5 Feb 1945
Around 1200A/5, the escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for escort / cover duty with convoys JW 64 and RA 64.

[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 3 February 1945] (13)

21 Mar 1945
Around 1340A/21, the aircraft maintenance carrier HMS Pioneer (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Belfast where she arrived around 1330A/22. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN). The destroyer then immediately returned to Scapa Flow. (14)

24 Mar 1945

Operations Muscular and Prefix.

Object of these operations was to destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast.

Operation Prefix was a daylight strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.

Operation Muscular was a night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund.

Operation Prefix 2 was a daylight strike in an area which was to be decided upon while the operations were ongoing.

The force taking part in these operations was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN). This force departed Scapa Flow around 2000A/24.

No sizeable shipping was encountered during these operations. Two fighters attacks some merchant vessels and minesweepers. An attack by six to nine ME 109's was prevented and three were shot down by Wildcats and two more were damaged. During operation Prefix 2, two ships and flak position at Alesund and a W/T station at Vigra were attacked.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1015A/29. (12)

2 Apr 1945
In the evening HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) conducted excercises off Scapa Flow. (15)

3 Apr 1945

Operation Foxchase.

Anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between Lister and Stavanger.

Around 1000B/3, ' Force 3 ' made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Foxchase, an anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between the Lister Lighthouse and Stavanger.

Around 1640B/3, they reached the western end of the searched channel where speed was reduced. They then proceeded through the searched channel and turned south until 2115B/4 when course was altered to 090° to make Lister Light.

Around 2200B/3, an enemy aircraft approached and continued to shadow and orbit the force until about midnight. Lister Light was sighted around 2330B/3 and at 2345B/3 course was altered to 045°. At midnight course was altered to 000° and the sweep commenced.

Shortly before, HMS Zealous, which ship was responsible for plotting as the equipment in HMS Onslow was out of date, reported an echo bearing 059° at 25000 yards. This was plotted and it became obvious that a convoy was proceeding on a course of approximately 310° along the eastern edge of the minefield between Lister and Josing Fjord.

As the force had been shadowed for the last two hours, Capt. Browning thought that the convoy would most likely return to Lister or one of the numerous fjords in that area. But after plotting for about a quarter of an hour it became obvious that the convoy would emerge from the minefield around 0030B/3. Capt. Browning decided to attack the convoy at that time.

To attack Capt. Browning decided to bring ' Force 3 ' up the western edge of the minefield and then turn east along the northern edge. This would mean that the action would have to be fought in the narrow bit of water between the Siregrunden Shallows and the northern edge of the minefield.

Capt. Browning had reckoned that the convoy's course was 310°, speed 7 knots and it was his intention to get inshore of the convoy and do an attack on opposite courses, then leading round the stern of the convoy and attacking again from the seaward on similar courses.

At 0027, when the range had closed to 4000 yards the convoy was illuminated by HMCS Iroquois. This revealed four ships. The leading ship was a good sized motor vessel of about 3000 to 4000 tons. The second ship was about 1500 tons. The third ship was a tanker of about 5000 tons and the rear ships was about 1000 tons. Fire was opened and HMS Onslow soon hit the leading ship and HMCS Iroquois was seen to be hitting the 'tanker' with her fist salvo. The tanker immediately caught fire and HMCS Iroquois continued to hit it. HMS Zest was meanwhile engaging the rear ship and four straddles and three hits were observed from onboard HMS Onslow. HMS Zealous was engaging a trawler or M-class minesweeper. This was not observed from onboard HMS Onslow.

Shortly afterwards Capt. Browning realised that ' Force 3 ' had got inside the port screen of the convoy as they were now being fired upon. Also enemy shore batteries had joined in and enemy aircraft were dropping flares overhead. Things were getting 'warmer' and then two echoes were picked up close on the port side. These were thought to be enemy motor torpedo boats. At 0029B/4, Capt. Browning then turned to port and fired torpedoes at the convoy. HMS Zealous did not fire as she had no target in sight at that moment.HMS Zest and HMCS Iroquois also did not fire at that moment and when they realised that they could do so it was too late. From the torpedoes fired by HMS Onslow it was thought two had hit.

It was then the intention to open the range and then come in for another run against the convoy. However, at 0035B/4, HMCS Iroquois reported two U-boats 1500 yards on her starboard beam. Capt. Browning then decided to break off the action and it was hoped to catch another enemy convoy further to the west as before sailing Capt. Browning had been told that up to three convoys ran each way in a night.

' Force 3 ' then commenced a sweep to the north-west along the coast at 28 knots while keeping 5 miles from the shore.

At 0048B/4, off Egersund an echo was picked up which subsequently proceeded into Egersund harbour.

At 0107B/4, another echo was plotted and was shown to turn as if it was proceeding out between the known German deep minefields. This echo was visually seen to blow up with a tremendous splash and a very heavy explosion was reported from the engine rooms of all four destroyers. Immediately after this explosion the echo faded out. Shortly afterwards the big searchlight on Egero Point was switched on and commenced sweeping for ' Force 3 ' but it picked up and held two German motor torpedo boats which were running parallel to ' Force 3 ' about 7000 yards away. Unfortunately before fire could be opened the searchlight was switched off and the radar could not pick up the echoes as they were close under the land. From then on the sweep did not pick up further echoes.

The withdrawal was done so as not to give away the searched channel. A course of 300° was steered until 50 miles from the coast and then course was altered to pass through the searched channel.

Around 0630B/4, ' Force 3 ' was joined by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and course was set for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1300B/4. Also Mosquito's joined as fighter escort. HMS Dido had departed Scapa Flow around 2100B/3 to provide AA cover for ' Force 3 ' during the return trip.

The convoy attacked was made up of the merchant vessels Diana (1359 GRT, built 1922), Elmshorn (819 GRT, built 1940) and Eschenburg (976 GRT, built 1910). The were escorted by the minesweeper M 407, auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1706, UJ 1755, UJ 1756, auxiliary patrol vessel V 1812 and motor minesweeper R 404. The submarines U-299 and U-1163 were also operating in the area covering the convoy. At 0106B/4, (in Grid AN 3196, which is off Egersund), U-299 fired three torpedoes at two destroyers hearing two explosions. It was thought that a destroyer had been sunk but this was not the case. (16)

6 Apr 1945

Operation Newmarket.

Air attacks on German submarine tenders at Kilbotn, Norway.

The escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700B/6, to conduct air strikes against German submarine tenders off Kilbotn, Norway.

The operation however had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions rendering flying impossible. The ships remained in the area for about three days but weather did not improve.

The ships returned to Scapa Flow around 2130B/12. (12)

16 Apr 1945

Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 66.

This convoy departed the Clyde around midnight during the night of 16/17 April 1945.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Kronprinsen (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by three groups;
Group I was made up of the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus (T/Lt. T.S. Cox, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR).

Group II was made up of the destroyer HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR).

Group III was made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi).

Around 1000B/17, the Flower-class corvettes of Group I proceeded ahead to the Faeroer Islands to fuel.

Around 1915B/17, HMS Allington Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow with steering defects. It was hoped that temporary repairs could be made quickly and that she could rejoin the convoy later but in the end this did not materialise.

Around 1130B/18, the escort carriers HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN) and destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN) joined coming from Greenock which they had departed around 1500B/17

Around 0745B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa were was detached to the Faeroer Islands to refuel as the weather conditions was considered unsuitable to refuel at sea.

Around 2040B/19, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) joined coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed around 1200B/18. On departure from Scapa Flow she had carried out exercises first on completion of which course was set to join the convoy.

Around 1310B/19, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron rejoined having completed fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

Also joining around the same time, coming from the Faeroer Islands, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) with them were sixteen Russian submarine chasers which now joined the convoy as well.

Around 2230B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa rejoined on completion of fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

In the early afternoon of 20 April, HNoMS Stord and HMS Zealous fuelled at sea from the Laurelwood and Black Ranger.

Around 0950B/21, the refuelling of the Russian submarine chasers by the Laurelwood and Black Ranger began. This was completed, except for two remaining, by 0100B/22. During refuelling operations HMCS Haida provided a lee.

Between 0500B/22 and 1300B/22, the two remaining Russian submarine chaser were refuelled by the Black Ranger.

During 22 April, HMS Zephyr, HMS Oxlip and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Laurelwood and HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois from the Black Ranger.

Around 0515B/25, the Russian local escort was detected ahead by radar and around 0640B/25, the White Sea (Archangelsk) section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Respect, Cecil N. Bean, David B. Johnson, Empire Garrick, John Gibbon, Keith Palmer, Lord Delaware, Nelson W. Aldrich, Relald Fernald, William D. Byron and William Tyler Page. This section was joined by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Valerian Kyubishev, Zarkij, Zostkij, Derzkij, Dostojnyj and a number of small craft. The White sea section arrived at Archangelsk on the 28th.

Around 0605B/25, the two Norwegian ships, Kong Haakon VII and Kronprinsen were detached to Kirkenes under the escort of the corvette HNoMS Eglantine which had just joined. They arrived at Kirkenes the following day.

Around 0655B/25, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest and HMS Zealous parted company to proceed to the ' flying off area ' in position 70°10'N, 36°10'E.

Meanwhile the 19th Escort Group, made up of the HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) were also sweeping in the approaches to the Kola Inlet to support the convoy. They had departed Scapa Flow around 2000B/17 and had proceeded direct to entrance of the Kola Inlet to patrol there in advance of the arrival of the convoy. They arrived in their patrol area around 1530B/22 and commenced patrolling.

The Murmansk section of the convoy, made up of the remaining merchant vessels, commenced entering the Kola Inlet in the afternoon of the 25th. The last ships of the escort entered the Kola Inlet in the second half of the evening of the 25th.

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Convoy RA 66.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet around 2300B/29.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonough (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron.

The 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton, HMS Goodall and HMS Anguilla had departed the Kola Inlet around 1900B/29 to sweep ahead of the convoy.

The 7th Escort Group, HMS Cygnet and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnwick Castle, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Lotus (this last one was temporary attached to the 7th Escort Group) departed around 1815B/29 also to sweep ahead of the convoy and then join it around 2300B/29 on leaving the Kola Inlet.

A 1856B/29, in position 065° - Syet Navalok - 3.7 nautical miles, HMS Loch Insh obtained a contact and two minutes later she attacked with Squid. An enemy submarine then surfaced which was engaged with gunfire by HMS Loch Insh, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Cotton and HMS Cygnet until it sank at 1904B/29. HMS Loch Insh then picked up 14 survivors from U-307 while being covered by HMS Cygnet and HMS Lotus. The remainder of the 19th Escort Group meanwhile proceeded to continue the A/S patrol ahead of the convoy.

At 1926B/29, in position 015° - Syet Navalok - 4 nautical miles, HMS Goodall obtained a good contact and three minutes later, while adjusting speed to attack with Hedgehog, she was hit by a torpedo abreast the bridge. HMS Loch Shin immediately turned towards, obtained a contact and attacked with Squid at 1943B/29 followed immediately by HMS Anguilla which attacked with depth charges. HMS Cotton then obtained contact and attacked with depth charges forcing the enemy submarine to bottom. Diesel oil and wreckage were then observed and another pattern of depth charges were dropped on the oil slick. It is considered that this U-boat was destroyed. This was indeed the case as U-287 is considered to have been sunk in these attacks. It is thought that this U-boat had attacked and sunk HMS Goodall.

HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle meanwhile took off the survivors of HMS Goodall and landed then at Vaenga. Some of them, which were fit to travel, were then embarked in HMS Vindex before departure.

At 2056B/29, in position 69°32'N, 34°00'E, a torpedo was seen to miss HMS Alnwick Castle which subsequently obtained a definite submarine contact and carried out two Squid attacks before contact was lost. This was most likely an attack by U-968 which reported attacking an escort vessel with two torpedoes around this time. HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Rhodondendron remained patrolling in the area but contact was not regained. It is not considered this U-boat was destroyed.

The convoy, escorted by the destroyers listed above, passed Toros Island around midnight during the night of 29/30 April having been delayed for an hour. The 7th Escort Group, less HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle joined the screen around 0023B/30. The 19th escort group joined the screen around 0241B/30.

At 0148B/30, HMS Zealous and HMS Zodiac were detached to follow up on a U-boat sighting by a Russian aircraft about 6 nautical miles to the north-eastward of the convoy and at 0253B/30, HMS Zodiac sighted the enemy which dived and was immdiately attacked. Contact was not regained following the attack but HMS Cotton and HMS Loch Shin were ordered to remain in the vicinity until HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona had passed.

Around 0300B/30, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona proceeded to overtake and join the convoy. They were met around 0440B/30 off Toros Island by all eight destroyers which had doubled back at high speed to escort them to the convoy.

Around 0800B/30, the convoy was detected by the radar on board HMS Vindex bearing 015° at a range of 32 miles. HMS Zest and HMCS Iroquois were then detached to proceed ahead and join the convoy which they did around 0935B/30. The other ships joined the convoy around 1345B/30.

On 1 May, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus and HMS Offa fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 1700B/2, in position 73°57'N, 12°39'E, the 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton and HMS Anguilla were detached with instructions to search for the destroyers HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) which were escorting the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941).

Also on 2 May, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Black Ranger.

While refuelling HMCS Huron, the Black Ranger switched over tanks and passed over 20 tons of water which put out the boiler fires on board HMCS Huron which then came to a halt at 2140B/2. HNoMS Stord and HMS Offa went to her assistance and carried out an A/S patrol around the stricken destroyer until she was able to get underway around 2214B/2.

Around 1755B/3, when in position 72°22'N, 01°27'E, HMS Bellona reported an unidenified aircraft bearing 165° at a range of 18 nautical miles. Fighters were scrambled and the aircraft turned out to be a JU 88 which was heavily damaged before it was able to retire into the clouds at 1845B/3.

Also on 3 May, HNoMS Stord, HMS Zealous, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Oxlip fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 0900B/4, in position 69°48'N, 00°12'W, HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell and the Blue Ranger joined the convoy.

At 1347B/4, HMS Bellona, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa and HMS Obedient were ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow at best speed. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1600B/5. Due to a decyphering error HMS Bellona was not detached but she followed at 1724B/4. She arrived at Scapa Flow, actually just ahead of the destroyers, around 1545B/5.

Also during 4 May, HMCS Huron fuelled from the Blue Ranger.

Around 1500B/6, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Orwell parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they (except for HMS Orwell, see below) arrived around 2330B/6. Around 1945B/6, HMS Orwell was detached to rejoin the convoy and then escort the Black Ranger and Blue Ranger to Scapa Flow together with the A/S trawler HMS Preston North End (T/Lt. E. Winebloom, RNVR). These ships parted company with the convoy around 2030B/6.

Around 0650B/7, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Stalwart, Fort Boise, Fort Massac and Fort Yukon. They were escorted by HMS Lotus.

Around 1240B/7, HMS Lotus rejoined the convoy.

Around 1855B/7, the 30th Escort Group joined. This Escort Group was made up of the frigate HMS Byron (Lt. J. Burfield, RN) and the corvettes HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR).

Around 2125B/7, HMS Lotus was detached to Londonderry where she arrived on the 8th.

Around 0340B/8, the 30th Escort Group parted company.

Around 1130B/8, the convoy arrived in the Clyde.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 8 May 1945. (17)

6 May 1945

Operation Cleaver.

Entry of a naval surface force into the Skagerrak and Kattegat.

The following forces took part in this operation;
' Force 5 ' which was made up of the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN).
This force departed Rosyth in the evening of the 6th.

' Force 6 ' which was made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN, with Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN on board), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN). This force departed Scapa flow early the 7th except to joined the escort carriers HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) which had still been at sea after operation Judgement together with the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) and ORP Piorun (Lt.Cdr. J. Tchorznicki, ORP). The cruisers and the destroyers joined the escort carriers around 1000B/7.

HMS Campania, HMS Obdurate, HNoMS Stord and ORP Piorun then parted company.

And the 40th Minesweeping Flotilla made up of HMS Catherine (Cdr. K.H. Fraser, RN), 6541 HMS Cynthia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.L. Chatwin, RNVR), HMS Elfreda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L. Jolly, RNVR), HMS Grecian (T/A/Cdr. C.R. Fraser, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Gazelle (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN), HMS Maenad (Cdr. C.E. Duggan, RD, RNR), HMS Steadfast (T/A/Lt. A.H. Hall, RNVR) and HMS Tattoo (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR). They departed Rosyth of the 6th.

Force 5 and the 40th M/S Flotilla arrived at Copenhagen, Denmark on 9 May. The 40th M/S Flotilla swept Force 5 through the minefields.

Force 6 returned to Scapa Flow on 10 May. (12)

14 Jul 1945
The light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the US Heavy cruiser USS Augusta (T/Capt. J.H. Foskett, USN) and the light cruiser USS Philadelphia (T/Capt. R.L. Boller, USN). On board the USS Augusta was President Truman which was en-route to Antwerp, Belgium.

Rendezvous was made in the morning and the ships then proceeded in company westwards through the English Channel.

In the early evening the British ships parted company near the North Goodwin Buoy. Shortly aftewards the escort destroyers HMS Garth (Capt. W.G. Davis, DSC, RN), HMS Hambledon (Lt. C.G.deL. Bush, RN) and HMS Holderness (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Cole, DSC, RN) joined the US ships to escort them to Antwerp where they arrived in the morning of the 15th. (18)

19 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

HrMs Van Galen then conducted rangefinding and inclination exercise (RIX) using HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) as target. HMS Bellona was at anchor though.

In the afternoon, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR). (19)

20 Jul 1945
In the morning, HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Hopper, DSC, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess) departed Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth. Due to fog the exercises were however cancelled and the destroyers returned to Scapa Flow. (19)

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