Allied Warships

HMS Atherstone (L 05)

Escort destroyer of the Hunt (Type I) class

Navy	The Royal Navy
Type	Escort destroyer
Class	Hunt (Type I)
Pennant	L 05
Built by	Cammell Laird Shipyard (Birkenhead, U.K.)
Ordered	21 Mar 1939
Laid down	8 Jun 1939
Launched	12 Dec 1939
Commissioned	23 Mar 1940
End service
History	Sold to be broken up for scrap on 23 November 1957. Scrapped at post Glasgow on 25 November 1957. Battle Honours; English Channel 1940 – 1942 St Nazaire 1942 North Sea 1942 – 1943 Atlantic 1943 Sicily 1943 Salerno 1943 Mediterranean 1943 South of France 1944 Adriatic 1944

Commands listed for HMS Atherstone (L 05)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

	Commander	From	To
1	Cdr. Hugh Waters Shelley Browning, RN	12 Feb 1940	late 1940

2	Lt.Cdr. Robert Fergus Jenks, RN	2 Dec 1940	Apr 1942
3	Lt. Ernest Norman Wood, DSC, RNVR	Apr 1942	20 Mar 1944
4	Lt. Eric Ian Pilditch, DSC, RN	20 Mar 1944	15 Feb 1946

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Notable events involving Atherstone include:

1 Jun 1940

Sinking of the transport Astronomer.

The transport Astronomer (8401 GRT, built 1917) was en-route from Rosyth to Scapa Flow with naval stores escorted by the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Leicester City (T/Lt. A.R. Cornish, RNR) and HMS Stoke City (Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR).

Late in the evening of June, 1st, the Astronomer was hit by one torpedo from the German submarine U-58 but she did not sink.

Early the next day two more torpedoes single torpedoes were fired by the German submarine and one hour after the last hit. The trawlers then picked up the survivors.

A report of the damage to the transport was received at 0100/2 and in response the destroyer HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) was sent out from Scapa Flow.

At 0215/2 the destroyer HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) departed Scapa Flow to assist HMS Kelvin in the A/S hunt.

The auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Paul Rykens (Skr. G.C. Lawrence, RNR) HMS Peter Hendricks (Skr. G. Bryan, RNR), which were on patrol, were ordered to proceed to the area to assist.

The rescue tug St. Mellons departed Scapa Flow but returned after it became apparent that the transport had sunk.

A/S trawler HMS Leicester City obtained an A/S contact in the vicinity at about the time the transport was hit for the last time but she was also busy picking up survivors with together with HMS Stoke City. A total of 104 were picked up by the trawlers which then took them to Aberdeen. HMS Stoke City made a depth charge on a contact she obtained but without result. Apparently this was indeed an attack on U-58

At 0640/2, an aircraft attacked a submarine in position 57°25'N, 00°56'W, twenty five miles south of of the attack position. Destroyers HMS Mashona and HMS Kelvin were ordered to search the area of the aircraft attack but no contact was obtained.

At 1100/2, the destroyer HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and escort destoyer HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) departed Rosyth. HMS Atherstone arrived at Scapa Flow at 2200/2. HMS Encounter was was to join the search for the submarine.

At 1800/2, HMS Atherstone. while en-route to Scapa Flow, reported a line of mines near the sinking position of the Astronomer.

The boom defense vessel HMS Barbican (T/Boom Skr. J.F. Rendall, RNR), escorted by M/S trawler HMS Elm (T/Lt. J. Hutchinson, RNR), was ordered to the area. Barbican recovered the mooring buoys, covered by HMS Encounter and HMS Mashona.

HMS Kelvin returned to Scapa Flow at 0315/3.

HMS Encounter and HMS Mashona arrived at Scapa Flow at 1130/3. (1)

6 Jun 1940

Evacuation of the 'Narvik / Harstad / Tromso area'.

1st troop evacuation convoy from Harstad.

From 4 to 6 June 1940 the troopships Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932), Lancastria (British, 16243 GRT, built 1922), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) embarked almost 15000 troops in the Andfiord, near Harstad, Norway. They did this one by one and they were then escorted out to sea by the destroyer HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) and sloop HMS Stork (Cdr. A.C. Behague, RN).

On completion of the embarkation of the troops of the last ships they departed on 6 June 1940 from the assembly point escorted by the repair ship HMS Vindictive (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN).

They were joined shortly after midnight on the 8th by the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN). These additional escorts parted company with the convoy late in the evening of the 8th after the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) had joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which they had departed around 2300/7.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 10 June 1940. (2)

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

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

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

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

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

1 Jul 1940
Heaving completed her repairs at Liverpool HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) departed that place for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN). (3)

2 Jul 1940
HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) and her escorts; HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN), arrived at Scapa Flow. (3)

13 Jul 1940
Around 1730A/13, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) departed Liverpool for Scapa Flow. En-route, in the Clyde area near Prestwick, aircraft were to be flown on.

The carrier was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN), HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 0615A/15. (4)

22 Jul 1940
The aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Scapa Flow. She was, most likely, escorted by the destroyer HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) and HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN). (5)

31 Jul 1940
The aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Scapa Flow. She was, most likely, escorted by the destroyer HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) and HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN). (5)

8 Sep 1940
Around 2130A/8, the light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) and HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Campbell (Capt. C.R.L. Parry, RN), HMS Venetia (Lt.Cdr. D.L.C. Craig, RN), HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.E.F. Hussey, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Garth (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Dyke, RN), HMS Hambledon (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) and HMS Holderness (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness to bombard enemy shipping concentrations at Calais and Boulogne.

HMS Galatea with HMS Campbell, HMS Vesper and HMS Garth were to bombard Calais while HMS Aurora, HMS Venetia, HMS Hambledon and HMS Holderness bombarded Boulogne.

Between 0225A/9 and 0245A/9, British aircraft dropped flares over both ports. No shipping was however found to be present in Calais Roads so HMS Galatea and her escorts did not conduct a bombardment. HMS Aurora and her escorts however did bombarded the Boulogne harbour area.

They returned to Sheerness around 0700A/9. HMS Galatea had detonated a mine around 0525A/9 and was again damaged [see 1 September] damage was again minor. As Galatea was due for refit it was decided not to undertake repairs. HMS Galatea was to commence refit and repairs at the Chatham Dockyard upon completion of the refit of HMS Arethusa. For the moment HMS Galatea remained at Sheerness.

During the same night the destroyers HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN), HMS Berkeley (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Walters, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN) departed Portsmouth to conducted a sweep along the French coast just south of Boulogne up to Cape Antifer (near Le Havre). On completion of the sweep they returned to Portsmouth. (6)

5 Feb 1941
Around 1115A/5, the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock.

At the same time the destroyer HMS Keppel (?) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) and HMS Cottesmore (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Londonderry. (7)

9 Feb 1941

Convoy WS 6A.

This convoy departed U.K. waters on 9 February 1941 and arrived at Freetown on 1 March 1941.

The convoy was formed at in position from three sections of troopships / transports coming from Avonmouth, Liverpool and the Clyde.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Ascanius (British, 10048 GRT, built 1910), Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Burdwan (British, 6069 GRT, built 1928), Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929), City of Athens (British, 6558 GRT, built 1923), City of Corinth (British, 5318 GRT, built 1918), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), City of Pittsburg (British, 7377 GRT, built 1922), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Dalesman (British, 6343 GRT, built 1940), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Kina II (British, 9823 GRT, built 1939), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Llandaff Castle (British, 10799 GRT, built 1926), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Masheer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Opawa (British, 10354 GRT, built 1931), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909), Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) and Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922).

Escort was initially provided by the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP), HMS Keppel (?), HMS Broadwater (Lt.Cdr. C.L.de H. Bell, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) and HMS Cottesmore (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, RN).

Information on this convoy is difficult to find but it appears that most of the A/S escort parted company with the convoy in the early evening of 12 February (according to the logbook of HMS Birmingham) and then proceeded as follows; HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam to Scapa Flow passing north of Rockall, HMS Keppel, HMS Atherstone and HMS Cottesmore to Londonderry, HMCS Ottawa, HMS Restigouche, HMCS St. Laurent and HMCS Skeena through area 52°N to 53°N, 23°W to 20°W and then to Greenock through position 55°N, 15°W, HMS Legion, HMS Broadwater, ORP Piorun and ORP Garland through position 57°N, 19°W and then to Greenock while passing north of Rockall. All groups were to conduct A/S sweeps on their way back.

Shortly before noon on the 15th the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) was sighted which was to join the convoy.

Shortly after Rodney joined HMS Phoebe parted company with the convoy to fuel at Gibraltar.

HMS Rodney remained with the convoy until 1700/16. She then set course to join convoy HX 108.

The battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) joined the convoy at 1000/17. They remained with the convoy until 1030/21 when they were relieved by HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN).

HMS Phoebe rejoined the convoy shortly before noon on 23 February 1941.

Shortly after noon on 25 February 1941 the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

At 2030/25 the armed yacht HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) also joined.

Around 0900/27 the sloop HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) joined the escort of the convoy.

On February 28th, HMS Malaya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown taking the destroyers HMS Faulknor and HMS Forester with her. Also on this day the destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) joined the escort of the convoy.

At 1226A/1, a Walrus aircraft from HMS Birmingham force landed on the water 95° from position 09°25'N, 16°39'W. Birmingham searched for the aircraft rejoining the convoy for the night not having found the aircraft. A new search was not possible without first fuelling at Freetown.

Shortly before arrival at Freetown on 2 March 1941 the corvettes HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR) and HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR) joined. (8)

2 Apr 1941
Around 1900A/2, HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN) departed Portsmouth for Greenock. She was escorted by the 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) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN), HMS Blencathra (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, RN). HMS Tynedale was an additional escort for the night, she was to part company at dawn the next day.

It had originally been intended to repair the damaged battleship HMS Resolution at the Portsmouth Dockyard but due to the threat of air attacks it had been decided to sent her to the USA for repairs. (9)

4 Apr 1941
Around 1900A/4, HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN), (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) and HMS Blencathra (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) arrived at Greenock. (10)

26 May 1942
HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) proceeded from Portsmouth to Plymouth. She was escorted, part of the way, by HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR). (11)

4 Apr 1943
Around 1430A/4, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Brocklesby (Lt.Cdr. G. Blackler, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 0900A/5. (12)

5 Apr 1943
Around 1630A/5, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Brocklesby (Lt.Cdr. G. Blackler, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Algiers where they arrived around 0830A/6 minus HMS Brocklesby which had to return to Oran with a defective feet pump. (12)

6 Apr 1943
Around 2100A/6, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 1330A/7. (12)

16 Apr 1943

Combined convoy WS 29 / KMS 13.

This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 April 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 29 and KMS 13 at sea on 20 April 1943.

The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, built 1923), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Empire Kamal (British, 7862 GRT, built 1938), Empire Prime (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Gloucester (British, 8532 GRT, built 1941), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Índrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Pardo (British, 5400 GRT, built 1940), Silverwalnut (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Straat Malakka (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939) and Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921).

When the convoy was formed up off Oversay the escort for the combined convoy was made up of the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN), escort destroyer HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), cutters HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

Around 1530B/18, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined the convoy having sailed from Plymouth around 1415B/17. She parted company with the convoy after dark on the 20th.

Around 1600A/20, HMS Rapid parted company with the convoy to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2100A/20, the Nea Hellas parted company to proceed to New York unescorted. Also around the same time HMS Charybdis parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived the following day.

Around 1030A/21, the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) and HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) joined coming from Casablanca. The combined convoy then split up.

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Convoy KMF 13, made up of the Banfora, Boissevai, Cuba, Duchess of York, Dunnottar Castle, Empire Pride, Franconia, Indrapoera, Nieuw Holland, Ormonde and Staffordshire escorted by HMS Weston, HMS Wellington, HMS Gorleston, HMS Totland, HMS Exe and HMS Ness set course to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar. All the merchant vessels were to proceed to Algiers, except the Dunnottar Castle which was to proceed to Gibraltar and the Boissevain and Nieuw Holland which were to proceed to Oran.

On 22 April the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

Also the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Algiers on 23 April 1943.

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Convoy WS 29, made up of the Athlone Castle, City of Edinburgh, Empire Kamal, Gloucester, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Highland Princess, Orion, Pardo, Silverwalnut, Straat Malakka and Troilus escorted by HMS Newcastle, HMS Venomous, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Lauderdale.

At 2020A/21, HMS Rapid rejoined from fuelling at Casablanca. HMS Venomous and HMS Lauderdale were then detached to proceed to Gibraltar.

On 24 April the Gloucester was detached.

On 26 April the transport China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Dakar.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 28 April 1943.

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Convoy WS 29 departed Freetown for South Africa on 5 May 1943, it was now made up of the transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Athlone Castle, City of Edinburgh, Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1935), Empire Kamal, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Highland Princess, Orion, Pardo, Silverwalnut, Straat Malakka and Troilus.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Newcastle, destroyers HMS Rapid, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Lewes (Lt.Cdr. M.V. Thorburn, DSC, RNVR) and the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza.

At 0930Z/6, Savorgnan de Brazza was detached.

At 1800Z/7, the City of Edinburgh, Highland Princess and Troilus split off from the convoy to proceed to Takoradi. The destroyers HMS Boreas and HMS Witch were their escorts.

At 2359B/11, HMS Rapid, HMS Malcolm and HMS Wolverine, were detached at 2359B/11 to Pointe Noire.

At 0700B/12, the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) joined coming from Pointe Noire.

In the afternoon of the 12th HMS Lewes fuelled from HMS Newcastle.

HMS Lewes was again fuelled by HMS Newcastle in the afternoon of the 14th.

In the afternoon of the 15th, HMS Relentless fuelled from HMS Newcastle.

On the 16th the Capetown section of the convoy split off, it was made up of the Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Empire Kamal, Pardo and Silverwalnut. They were escorted by HMS Newcastle, HMS Rotherham and HMS Lewes. They arrived at Capetown on the 17th. HMS Lewes then proceeded to Simonstown arriving there on the 18th.

The remaining ships, Aorangi, Clan Lamont, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Orion and Straat Malakka made up the Durban section. They were escorted by HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN). This last destroyer having joined on the 16th coming from Salanha Bay. HMS Racehorse and HMS Relentless were relieved on the 18th by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) which had departed Simonstown at 0815B/18. HMS Racehorse and HMS Relentless then proceeded to Capetown arriving later on the 18th. The Durban section of the convoy arrived there on 21 May 1943.

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On 22 May 1943, the Capetown section of convoy WS 29 departed there, it was now made up of the following transports; Alcoa Pioneer, (American, 6761 GRT, built 1941), Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Empire Kamal, Llanstephan Castle (British, 11348 GRT, built 1914), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Pardo and Silverwalnut. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and HMS Rotherham.

On 25 May 1943, HMS Racehorse arrived at Durban to fuel.

On 25 May 1943, the Durban section of the convoy departed there, it was now made up of the following transports; Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Clan Lamont, Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Selandia (South African, 8482 GRT, built 1938), Straat Malakka, Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman, HMS Quadrant, HMS Racehorse and HMS Redoubt. The Silverwalnut had to return to Durban due to defects.

The Capetown and the Durban section made rendezvous on 26 May and then merged minus the transports Empire Kamal and Llanstephan Castle which proceeded to Durban escorted by HMS Relentless and HMS Rotherham. They arrived at Durban on 26 May 1943. HMS Racehorse joined the three destroyers that came with the Durban section.

Around 1700C/27, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN) which had departed Durban at 1645C/26 to overtake the convoy.

At 1650C/28, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy.

At 2359C/28, HMS Quadrant and HMS Redoubt parted company.

At 1100C/29, HMS Racehorse parted company.

At 0810D/2, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1300D/2, HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini where she arrived around 1700C/4.

At 0800D/3, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1230D/5, the convoy was split up in the Aden section and the Bombay section.

The Aden section was made up of; Alcoa Pioneer, Bergensfjord, Clan Lamond, Leopoldville, Pardo, Ruys and Selandia. It was escorted by HMS Chitral and arrived at Aden on 8 June 1943.

The Bombay section was made up of; Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Orbita, Straat Malakka, Strathaird and Strathmore. It was escorted by HMS Alaunia and arrived at Bombay on 10 June 1943, minus the Straat Malakka which had been detached on 9 June 1943 for Karachi where she also arrived on 10 June 1943.

5 Jun 1943

Combined convoy OS 49 / KMS 16G.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 5 June 1943.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Belgian Airman (Belgian, 6960 GRT, built 1942), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927), Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Crackshot (British, 2379 GRT, built 1924), Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), De la Salle (French, 8400 GRT, built 1921), Dunster Grange (British, 9494 GRT, built 1928), Eastern City (British, 5185 GRT, built 1941), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Elg (Norwegian, 4014 GRT, built 1930), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Gat (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), Empire Moon (British, 7472 GRT, built 1941), Empire Ortolan (British, 4970 GRT, built 1919), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Valour (British, 1906 GRT, built 1943), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Fort Chipewyan (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), Fort Louisbourg (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), Jan (Norwegain, 1946 GRT, built 1920), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lesto (British, 1893 GRT, 1918), Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913), Makedonia (Greek, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Makefjell (Norwegian, 1567 GRT, built 1932), Mathurda (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Princ Andrej (Yugoslavian, 5041 GRT, built 193), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Salland (Dutch, 6447 GRT, built 1920), Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921), Schiaffino (French, 3236 GRT, built 1920), Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927), Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929), Speedfast (British, 1898 GRT, built 1924), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), Sydland (Swedish, 5134 GRT, built 1920), Tahsinia (British, 7267 GRT, 1942), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929), Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

The salvage vessel Salveda was also with the convoy as was the escort oiler / RFA tanker Oligargh (6897 GRT, built 1918).

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko, ORP), sloop HMS Flores (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Bax, RNN), corvettes HMS Orchis (T/Lt. E.D.A. Dyer, RCNVR), HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Renoncule, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawler HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR).

The destroyer HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) (Cdr. Evans was the Senior Officer of the escort) was unable to join on assembly due to water in her fuel oil, joined at 2030Z/5 in position 55°24'N, 08°12'W.

At 0400Z6, in position 55°07'N, 09°43'W, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) joined coming from Bangor Bay (Belfast).

At 2000Z/7, the Makefjell straggled from the convoy but she was soon able to rejoin.

On 8 June 1943, HMS Keppel, ORP Burza and HMS Tumult refuelled from the Oligargh taking 134, 61 and 120 tons respectively. At daylight on the 9th, HMS Tyrian also refuelled also taking 120 tons just like her sister ship had done the previous day.

At 1300Z/9, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) was sighted which subsequently took up a position 35 miles to the eastward of the convoy.

At 0949Z/10, HMS Gambia reported that an enemy flying boat was approaching the convoy. This aircraft almost certainly sighted and reported the convoy. HMS Battler then launched two Seafires but unfortunately they hunted a friendly Whitley aircraft and the German aircraft was able to get away unmolested.

The following day, two seafires from HMS Battler almost attacked an aircraft that did not show IFF but was at the last moment seen to be a Catalina that had been sent for convoy protection from Gibraltar without the convoy being aware of this.

During 11 and 12 June 1943, all escorts, except FFS Renoncule and FFS Roselys were topped off with fuel by the Oligargh.

At 1910Z/12, in position 37°58'N, 12°02'W, the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) joined as additional escort.

At 2000Z/12, the merchant vessels Baron Forbes and Clearpool parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lisbon. They took HrMs Flores and FFS Roselys with them as escorts.

At 1300Z/13, in position 36°21'N, 10°26'W, the convoy split up into convoy OS 49 which was to proceed to Freetown and convoy KMS 16G which was to proceed to Gibraltar / enter the Meditteranean.

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Convoy OS 49 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bactria, Briarwood, Celtic Monarch, Congonian, Dan-Y-Bryn, De la Salle, Dunster Grange, Elg, Empire Simba, Fort Louisbourg, Ingleton, Lycaon, Makedonia, Meerkerk, Nebraska, Penrith Castle, Princ Andrej, Princesa, Salland, Sandown Castle, Schiaffino, Silverguard, Sydland, Theseus, Urbino, Vernon City and Wearwood.

Of the escorts HMS Keppel, ORP Burza, HMS Orchis, HMS Narcissus, FFS Aconit and FFS Lobelia remained with convoy OS 49.

At 2125Z/13, in position 34°26'N, 10°10'W, the Silverguava was forced to stop to make engine repairs. She rejoined the convoy around noon on the 15th.

At 0800Z/14, in position 33°26'N, 9°49'W, the Gibraltar and Casablanca sections joined convoy OS 49.

The Gibraltar section, made up of the merchant vessels City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925) and Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) had departed Gibraltar on 12 June and was escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR).

The Casablanca section, made up of the merchant vessels Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) had departed Casablanca on 13 June 1943 escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.R. Stoneleigh, USNR).

These patrol vessels then returned to Casablanca arriving on the 14th, taking the merchant vessels Dan-Y-Bryn and Ingleton with them.

On 19 June 1943, in position 19°15'N, 18°00'W, the merchant vessel Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927) and two ML's (unidentified) joined the convoy coming from Port Etienne.

At 2330Z/19, ORP Burza was detached to fuel at Dakar. She rejoined at 1300Z/20. HMS Keppel then left the convoy to also fuel at Dakar. The commanding officer of ORP Burza was then temporary the senior officer of the escort. HMS Keppel rejoined around 2100Z/20.

Around 1630Z/20, the following merchant vessels parted company to proceed to Dakar; Chelma, Fort Jemseg, Fort Steele, Grand Quevilly, Medie II and Palacio. They were escorted by the two (unidentified) ML's.

At 2000Z/20, in position 14°15'N, 17°53'W, with some delay, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) and Santa Margarita (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. W.A. Burnett, RNVR) and Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves which also joined the convoy.

At 0700Z/21, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1000Z/21, in position 12°25'N, 17°38'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bathurst; Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942) and Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919). They were escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Inkpen (T/Lt. H. Vernon, RNR) and three (unidentified) ML's. The Bactria was detached to Bathurst.

Starting at daylight on the 21st, some merchant vessels of the convoy were detached to proceed independently to their destinations.

On 23 June 1943 the remaining 16 ships of the convoy and the escort arrived at Freetown.

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Convoy KMS 16G was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford, Antonio, Armadale, Beaconsfield, Belgian Airman, Biafra, Bruce M., Canara, Cape Wrath, Charlton Hall, Clan Cameron, Clan Campbell, Corvus, Crackshot, Dago, Eastern City, Eastgate, Empire Baxter, Empire Friendship, Empire Gat, Empire Moon, Empire Ortolan, Empire Spinney, Empire Stalwart, Empire Thackeray, Empire Valour, Empire Wolfe, Fort Chipewyan, Gerard Dou, Helmwood, Iddesleigh, Jan, King Stephen, Lesto, Makefjell, Mathurda, Nyanza, Peebles, Rancher, Somerville, Speedfast, St. Clears, Tahsinia, Testbank and Vinriver.

The Salveda and Oligrargh were also part of convoy KMS 16G.

Of the escorts HMS Battler, HMS Tyrian, HMS Tuscan, HMS Atherstone, FFS Renoncule and HMS Sapper remained with convoy KMS 16G.

At 1930Z/13, the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar followed at 2130Z/13 by the escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN).

At 1000Z/14, HMS Battler parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar. She took HMS Tyrian and HMS Tumult with her as escorts. HMS Battler arrived at Gibraltar around 1730Z/14. Both destroyers then rejoined the convoy which arrived at Gibraltar around midnight during the night of 14/15 June. (13)

14 Jul 1943

Convoy MKF 19.

This convoy departed Malta on 14 July 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921) and Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN).

On the 16th, off Algiers the following (troop) transports joined the convoy; Evangeline (American, 5043 GRT, built 1927), Mexico (American, 5236 GRT, built 1932) and Shawnee (American, 6209 GRT, built 1927).

With these ships also the auxiliary minesweepers USS Salem (T/Cdr. H.G. Williams, USN) and USS Weehawken (Cdr. R.E. Mills, USNR) joined the convoy.

The ship from Algiers were escorted to the rendezvous position with the convoy by HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN).

On the 17th, off Oran the (troop) transport Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 18 July 1943.

The convoy departed Gibraltar on 24 July 1943.

The following ships had joined the convoy at Gibraltar; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

The convoy was now escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and the frigates HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR).

Around 2100B/27, HMS Scylla parted company in position 44°00'N, 18°30'W to join convoy SL 133 / MKS 18.

Around 2345B/28, the Arundel Castle parted company in position 49°42'N, 16°00'W to proceed to Avonmouth via the south of Ireland. HMS Test and

The remainder of the convoy proceeded to the North Channel and arrived in U.K. waters on 29 July 1943.

29 Jul 1943

Combined convoy OG 91 / KMS 22.

This convoy assembled off Oversay on 29 July 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heywood (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fort Grouard (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942), Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Flyingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Mont Everest (French, 5210 GRT, built 1918), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Courier (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), P.L.M. 13 (British (former French), 3754 GRT, built 1921), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Suncrest (Britih, 5117 GRT, built 1940) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).

Also part of the convoy was the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR).

P.L.M. 13 soon parted company and proceeded to Belfast with engine trouble.

Around 1200Z/2, in position 46°05'N, 16°49'W, the rescue ship Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) joined.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 38°15'N, 18°57'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined.

Around 1200B/8, in position 35°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar.

Around 0400B/9, in position 35°17'N, 10°27'W, the Marrakech and Martand parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar at 12.5 knots. HMS Walker went with them as escort.

At 1830B/9, the convoy was south of Europa Point. The remaining escort then parted company and entered Gibraltar as did the ships of Convoy OG 91, the Copeland and HMS Barbette. The ships that parted company (OG 91) were the following; Ashbury, Blairdevon, Cydonia, Fort Rupert, Fylingdale, Pencarrow and Porjus.

The remaining ships made up convoy KMS 22 and entered the Mediterranean now escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR) and HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).

Also the Marrakech and Martand rejoined the convoy. There was also the merchant vessels Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Tivives (American, 5017 GRT, built 1911) which joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1900B/10, in position 35°56'N, 00°50'W, the Charles R. McCormick and Grand Quevilly parted company to enter Oran. From Oran the merchant vessel La Drome (French, ????, GRT, built ????) joined the convoy.

Around 2000B/11, in position 36°56'N, 03°11'E, the Cape Sable, Dalemoor, Empire Foam, Empire Mallory, Fort Grouard, Kingborough, Lublin, Marrakech, Ravens Point and Suncrest were detached to enter Algiers. From Algiers the merchant vessels Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925)), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy as did the cable laying vessel HMS Retriever.

In the evening of the 12th the merchant vessels Lysaker V (Norwegian, 1571 GRT, built 1936), Roman (????, ???? GRT, built ????) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 2350B/12, in position 37°17'N, 07°32'E, the Fort Slave, Gudvin, Lysaker V, Ocean Couries, Ocean Stranger and Roman were detached to enter Bone. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943) and ???? (French, ???? GRT, built ????) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 1330B/13, in position 37°20'N, 09°59'E, the Charles Goodyear, La Drone, Mont Everest, Nordeflinge, Paine Wingate, Tivives and the unidentified French vessel which had joined from Bone left the convoy to enter Bizerta. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta as did three LST's; LST 303 (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Parker, RD, RNR), LST LST 323 (T/Lt. F.H.W. Graybrook, RNR) and LST 366 (A/Lt.Cdr. N. Hall, RNR).

Around 1615B/13, in position 37°14'N, 10°26'E, the Empire Candida, Ulla left the convoy to enter Tunis.

Around 1800B/14, in position 35°35'N, 14°00'E, the Good Gulf and Harpalycus as well as HMS Retriever and the three LST's were detached from the convoy to proceed to Malta. Also detached to Malta was HMS Jonquil from the escort. Around the same time the merchant vessels Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and the RFA tanker War Krishna (5760 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Malta. Also the merchant vessel Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939) joined coming from Tripoli.

Around 0600B/19, in position 31°16'N, 29°34'E, the Crista, Edam, Empire Austen, Empire Heywood, Empire Newton, Fort Grahame, Fort Meductic and Talma were detached to Alexandria as were HMS Holcombe, HMS Atherstone, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Coltsfoot and HMS Hyderabad while the merchant vessels Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926) and Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) joined coming from Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Port Said on 20 August 1943 escorted by HMS Rhododendron. (14)

25 Aug 1943

Convoy MKS 23.

This convoy departed Port Said on 25 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), City of Newcastle (British, 6921 GRT, built 1915), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Fernplant (British, 5274 GRT, built 1939), Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort McMurray (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Forthbank (British, 5057 GRT, 1929), Henry St. G. Tucker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Indian Prince (British, 8587 GRT, built 1926), James Fenimore Cooper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Kaituna (British, 4914 GRT, built 1938), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Miranda (Greek, 278 GRT, built 1919), Ocean Viking (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Peter J. Maguire (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Prince de Liege (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937), William H. Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Yenangyaung (British, 5447 GRT, 1937).

The landing ship Derwentdale (Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), 8390 GRT, built 1941) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR).

Around 1440C/28, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi which she had departed around 1230C/27.

On 29 August 1943, the City of Newcastle, Custodiands, Defender, Fort Chambly, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Grahame, Forthbank, Indian Prince, Macoma, Ocean Viking, President de Vogue, Prince de Liege, Yenangyaung arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Malta; Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Empire Charmian (British, 7519 GRT, built 1943), Empire Moorhen (British, 5617 GRT, built 1919), Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Joseph G. Cannon (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Kheti (British, 2734 GRT, built 1927), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Marigot (French, 4047 GRT, built 1932), Nirvana (British, 6044 GRT, built 1914), Octane (British (tanker) (former French), 2034 GRT, built 1939), Orna (British, 6779 GRT, built 1938) and South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931).

The Yenangyaung apparently also rejoined the convoy after a short stop at Malta.

Also the salvage vessels HMS Salveda and HMS Salvestor joined the convoy off Malta.

The Belnor however had to return to Malta where she arrived on the 30th.

On 30 August 1943, the Alexandre Andre, Fort McMurray, Miranda, Octane, Orna and Sofala arrived at Tripoli after having been detached from the convoy.

On 31 August 1943, the Nirvana arrived at La Goulette (Tunis) after having been detached from the convoy.

On the Empire Charmian, Empire Garrick, James J. Maguire, Kheti and South America as well as the Derwentdale, HMS Salveda and HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Alexander White (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Eleazar Wheelock (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), George Vancouver (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Robert M. la Follette (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

On 31 August 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Bone; Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Buffalo (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Kofresi (British, 4934 GRT, built 1920) and Ocean Volga (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).

On 31 August 1943, the Chertsey and Empire Farmer arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined from Philippeville; Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) and Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920).

On 2 September 1943, the Marigot and Tautra as well as HMS Salvestor arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined from Algiers; Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920) and Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915).

On 2 September 1943, the Alexander White, Charles R. McCormick, Eleazar Wheelock, Empire Trooper, Fort Slave, George Vancouver, Harpalycus, Henry Middleton, Joseph G. Cannon, Karoa, Kofrisi, Kosciuszko, Lucretia Mott and Robert M. la Follette arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy.

On 4 September 1943 the convoy arrived at Gibraltar.

4 Sep 1943
Around 1600B/4, the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Holcombe (Lt. F.M. Graves, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

They were joined around 0730B/5 by the escort carrier HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) coming from Oran.

More ships joined around 1940B/5. These were the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz). These ships had departed Algiers around 1845B/5.

These ships were to join forces at Malta with a few more ships which had already left earlier escorting an eastbound convoy. These ships were to form ' Force V ' for the upcoming landings at Salerno.

All ships listed above arrived at Malta in the morning of September, 7th except for HMS Euryalus which proceeded ahead already arriving late on the 6th. (15)

8 Sep 1943

Operations of ' Force V ' during operation Avalanche.

Around 1100B/8, ' Force V ' departed Malta for the Tyrrhenian sea. ' Force V ' was made up of the HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker ( Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt. F.M. Graves, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz).

They passed through the Messina Strait during the night of 8/9 September. At dawn on the 9th ' Force V ' arrived in the assault area. The first sortie was flown off at 0615B/9 and subsequently at hourly intervals. The aircraft maintained patrols of 80 minutes until 1930B/9 when the last aircraft landed on.

' Force V ' operated in an area 30 miles square, to the southward of the assault area, approaching the island of Capri from time to time in order to obtain accurate fixes. Three types of patrol were flown;
a) A standing patrol south and east of Capri by seafires from the escort carriers.
b) A high patrol over the beaches from about sunrise until 0745 hours and from 1810 hours until just before sunset by seafires from HMS Unicorn. This was during the period that fighter cover was not provided from Sicilian airfields.
c) A standing high patrol over the low patrol in the Capri area during the remainder of the day by Seafires from HMS Unicorn.

A total of 265 sorties were flown on the first day. Cover over ' Force V ' was maintained by aircraft from the fleet carriers of ' Force H '. During the dark hours the force was withdrawn to the southward and operated to the east of a line joining Salerno and Palermo so as to keep clear of the convoy routes, returning to the flying-off area at dawn.

During 10 September the flying programme was repeated and 232 sorties were flown.

It had been hoped that ' Force V ' could be withdrawn on the 10th and that Montecorvino airfield could be used. The airfield had indeed been captured as planned but it remained under heavy enemy artillery fire and could only be used for forced landings. ' Force V ' therefore had to remain in the assault area, though its flying efficieny had decreased and the fuel situation of the escort destroyers was becoming difficult.

On 11 September the number of sorties flown decreased to 160. At 1900B/11, ' Force H ' on leaving for Malta flew 17 aircraft over to join ' Force V ', which now had to provide its own fighter cover. Montecorvino was still under fire and patrols were again flows off at dawn on 12 September. The total number of sorties flown on 12 September was 56.

A landing strip had been laid out at Paestrum and orders were received that all available fighters should land ashore and that ' Force V ' could then withdraw. This signal, though sent at 0909 hours was not received until 1230 hours. 26 Seafires were then flown off and ' Force V ' then withdrew arriving at Palermo around 1930B/12.

' Force V ' departed from Palermo around 0600B/13 for Bizerta arriving there around 1830B/13. (16)

16 Sep 1943
Around 0530 hours, HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), returned to the assault area.

HMS Valiant took up a bombarding position off the northern beaches while HMS Warspite went to the same position as on the previous day. Once again HMS Valiant had great difficulty in obtaining contact with her forward observer and it was not until 1648 hours that she was able to open fire on the Nocera area. She ceased fire at 1728 hours having fired 19 rounds. She retired from the area at dusk screened by the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN). They eventually went to Augusta arriving there on the 17th.

Meanwhile HMS Warpite had sustained a heavy air attack. She had difficulty owing to enemy jamming in communicating with her F.O. but eventually opened fire at 1309 hours on ammunition dumps and traffic concentration near Altaville. 32 rounds were fired of which half landed dead on the target and 8 within 100 yards of it.

At 1410 hours, HMS Warspite was proceeding towards the northern area for further bombardment when she was attacked by about 10 FW 190's one of which was shot down. Immediately afterwards, three remote-controlled bombs were sighted almost overhead at 6000 to 8000 feet, their parent aircraft being at 20000 feet. No radar report of their presence had been received. The bombs dived vertically on to the ship which could take no avoiding action in this congested area. Two of the bombs near missed the ship but one hit the ship penetrating into No.4 boiler room where it burst. The concussion was terrific, five of the ships boiler rooms were flooded almost at once, though the ship was able to proceed at slow speed on the starboard engines until about 1500 hours when the last boiler room filled with water and all steam failed.

The USN tugs USS Hopi and USS Moreno arrived quickly on the spot and had the ship in tow by 1700 hours. Speed was 4 knots. Escort was now provided by the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and the destroyers HMS Panther, HMS Pathfinder and escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski).

At 1930 hours the light cruisers HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined them with HMS Euryalus taking over the tow with the intention to leave the area at a higher speed. However the cable parted and the USN again took the damaged battleship in tow. To everyone's surprise, in spite of a night of full moonlight, no air attacks were made by the enemy. In the morning, Spitfires arrived to give fighter cover, followed by two more tugs, HMS Nimble, HMS Oriana and the salvage vessel HMS Salveda. Around 2300 hours, another tug, USS Narragansett joined just as HMS Warspite was to enter the straits of Messina. It took the Warspite five hours to negotiate the Straits due to the strong current. She finally arrived safely at Malta around 0800 hours on 19 September. HMS Euryalus, HMS Scylla had parted company around 1030B/18 and arrived at Bizerta around 0145B/19. (17)

20 Sep 1943
Around 1700B/20, the light carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) and the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) departed Bizerta for Gibraltar via Algiers.

They made a short stop at Algiers in the evening of 21 September (between around 1830B/21 and 2100B/21) before continuing their passage to Gibraltar. At Algiers they were joined by the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR).

They arrived at Gibraltar around 0430B/23. (18)

9 Nov 1943

Convoy MKF 25A.

The Naples section of this convoy departed that place on 9 November 1943. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Monterey (American, 148017 GRT, built 1932) and Thurston (American, 6509 GRT, 1942). They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), destroyers USS Davison (T/Cdr. J.D. Collett, USN, with COMDESRON 15, T/Capt. C.C. Hartman, USN on board), USS McLanahan (T/Lt.Cdr. N.C. Johnson, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN).

They all arrived at Palermo later the same day.

On 11 November 1943, the Palermo section of the convoy departed that place. It was made up of the three (troop) transports that had earlier made up the Naples section as well as the Hawaiian Shipper (American, 7775 GRT, built 1941), Henry Gibbons (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943), James Parker (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Santa Paula (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932), Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932) and Sloterdijk (Dutch, 9230 GRT, built 1940). Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo, destroyers USS Davison, USS Parker (T/Cdr. J.W. Bays, USN, with COMDESRON 16, T/Capt. C.J. Cater, USN on board), USS Mervine (T/Cdr. D.R. Frakes, USN), USS Laub (T/Lt.Cdr. A.G. Hay, USN), USS McLanahan, USS Tillman (T/Cdr. C.S. Hutchings, USN), USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN) and USS Wainwright (T/Cdr. W.W. Strohbehn, USN).

Also on 11 November 1943, the Augusta section departed that place. It was made up of the (troop) transports Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 21329 GRT, built 1905), Leopoldville (11509 GRT, built 1929), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) and Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN).

The two sections joined company around 1100A/12.

At 0120A/13, the Derbyshire parted company to proceed to Philippeville escorted by USS Laub. The destroyer rejoined around 0800A/13, having taken with her the Thomas H. Barry (American (tanker), 11250 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0900A/13, USS Parker and USS McLanahan parted company to proceed ahead to Algiers to fuel.

Around 1200A/13, USS Mervine and USS Laub parted company to proceed to Algiers.

Around 1530A/13, USS Tillman parted company to proceed to Algiers.

Around 1615A/13, the (troop) transports Ancon (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Anne Arundel (American, 7796 GRT, built 1941) and Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929). Also joining the convoy were the destroyers USS Nields (T/Cdr. A.R. Heckey, USN), USS Ordronaux (T/Cdr. R. Brodie, Jr., USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones.

Around the same time the Aronda and Ville d'Oran parted company and proceeded to Algiers.

Around 1645A/13, USS Parker rejoined the convoy.

Around 2020A/13, USS Mervine and USS Tillman rejoined the convoy. ORP Slazak and HMS Cleveland then parted company to proceed to Algiers.

Around 2045A/13, HMS Atherstone and HMS Cattistock parted company to proceed to Algiers.

Around 2315A/13, USS Laub rejoined the convoy.

Around 0820A/14, the Oran section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Dorothea L. Dix (American, 6736 GRT, built 1940) and Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929). Also the destroyers USS Boyle (T/Cdr. B.P. Field, Jr., USN) and USS Champlin (T/Cdr. C.L. Melson, USN) joined. USS Wainwright, USS Edison, USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones were then detached and proceeded to Oran.

Around 2010A/14, USS Davison parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar to fuel.

Around 0500A/15, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and the troop transport Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy which they did around 0600A/15.

Around 0615A/15, USS Davison departed Gibraltar to rejoin the convoy which she did around 0745A/15.

Around 0645A/15, HMS Colombo arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 23 November 1943.

15 Nov 1943

Convoy KMF 26.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 15 November 1943 and arrived at Alexandria / Port Said on 30 November 1943 / 1 December 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Chinese Prince (British, 9485 GRT, built 1943), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Dempo (British, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Samanco (British, 8336 GRT, built 1943), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sarmiento (British, 8335 GRT, built 1943) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) (actually joined on the 16th), sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN, S.O. of A/S escort), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

In the afternoon of 19 November, HMS Birmingham fuelled HMS Spey as the frigate had two out of four fuel tanks contaminated with seawater drastically effecting her range. With this underway refuelling she was able to continue on to Algiers.

During the morning of 20 November, the frigate HMS Rother also received some fuel from HMS Birmingham.

On passing the Straits of Gibraltar, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar harbour. The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also the submarine HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy for passage to Alexandria.

On the 25th, HMS Anthony and HMS Spey parted company with the convoy.

Off Oran / Mers-el-Kebir the transports Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR), USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) and the minesweepers USS Pioneer (Lt. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR) and USS Portent (Lt. H.C. Plummer, USNR).

Off Algiers transport Monarch of Bermuda and the escorts HMS Brilliant, HMS Pelican, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother parted company with the convoy while the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN), RHS Miaoulis and ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of 26 November the convoy was attacked by German aircraft and the transport Rohna was sunk by a glider bomb in position 36°56'N, 05°20'E. 1149 crew and passengers (mostly US troops) were killed in this attack.

Off Philipeville the transports Cameronia, Clan Campbell and Duchess of Bedford parted company with the convoy to proceed to that place while the transport Derbyshire joined the convoy coming from there.

On 27 November first HMS Colombo and later USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded towards Alexandria / Port Said arriving there on 30 November / 1 December 1943.

17 Dec 1943

Combined Convoy MKF 27 / XIF 6.

This combined convoy sailed from Port Said on 17 December 1943.

On departure from Port Said the combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Volendam (British, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Cdr. J. Jefferis, RN) and RHS Themistocles.

Two more (troop) transports sailed from Alexandria and joined the convoy, these were the; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941) and Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and RHS Miaoulis. These also joined the convoy.

On 17 December 1943, the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP), ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.. J.K. Hamilton, RN) departed Tobruk to join the convoy which they did the following day. They later split off with convoy the ships for Taranto (Convoy XIF 6).

The ships that were in convoy XIF 6 were the following; Aronda, Bergensfjord, Highland Princess, Indrapoera, Princess Kathleen, Ruys, Takliwa and Volendam.

Convoy XIF 6 arrived at Taranto on 21 December 1943.

Meanwhile the Orion and Strathmore had continued on to Augusta where they arrived on 20 December 1943 escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Tetcott, Exmoor, HMS Croome, RHS Miaoules and RHS Themistocles.

The Orion and Strathnmore remained at Augusta until 24 December 1943 when they departed for the U.K. They had been joined by the ships from convoy XIF 6A which had arrived on 23 December 1943 after having departed Taranto on 22 December 1943. The ships in convoy XIF 6A were the same ships that had been in convoy XIF 6 except for the Aronda which remained at Taranto. Also the escort had been the same.

On the convoys departure from Augusta it was escorted by ORP Slazak, ORP Krakowiak, HMS Atherstone and HMS Cleveland.

Around 1415A/25, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined off Bizerta.

Also on 25 December 1943, the escort destroyers HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN) and HMS Hambledon (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) joined.

Off Algiers, on the 26/27th, the escort destroyers were relieved by the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Calder (Lt.Cdr. A.D. White, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).

Also the (troop) transports Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923) and Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) joined.

Off Oran on the 27th, more (troop) transports joined, these were the Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

Off Gibraltar, HMS Spartan was detached which then entered harbour while the (troop) transport Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in the U.K. on 4 January 1944.

3 Mar 1944
Around 0430A/3, HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) departed Naples for the operation zone off Anzio.

At 0535A/3, HMS Mauritius was joined by HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.D. Howson, RN) and formed a screen.

At 0630A/3, USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) joined the screen.

At 1045A/3, HMS Mauritius commenced a bombardment of an enemy ammunition dump. USS Hilary P. Jones and HMS Atherstone covered the cruiser with smoke while HMS Exmoor conducted A/S patrol on the seaward side.

At 1110A/3, HMS Mauritius ceased fire.

At 1120A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on enemy gun positions. Fire was ceased after 12 minutes.

At 1140A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on other enemy gun positions. Fire was ceased after 8 minutes.

At 1158A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Fire was ceased after 12 minutes.

At 1414A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on enemy gun positions. Fire was ceased after 14 minutes.

At 1437A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Fire was ceased after 16 minutes.

At 1500A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on the town of Ardea. Fire was ceased after 18 minutes.

At 1526A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on an enemy troop concentration. Fire was ceased after 22 minutes.

At 1555A/3, HMS Mauritius opened fire on an enemy gun position. Fire was ceased after 10 minutes.

At 1609A/3, HMS Mauritius came under inaccurate enemy fire from the shore.

At 1622A/3, HMS Mauritius and her screening destroyers retired to seaward after which course was set for Naples where they arrived shortly before 2230A/3. (19)

15 Apr 1944

Convoy XIF 13.

This convoy departed Port Said at 1600C on 15 April 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Alcantara (British, 22209 GRT, built 1922), Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. A.T. Morgan, RNVR), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN).

At 0945C/16, the following (troop) transports joined coming from Alexandria; Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

The were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN) which also joined the convoy.

Around 1430C/17, the light cruiser HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.

Around 0130C/18, HMS Danae parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Taranto at 0700B on 20 April 1944. (20)

23 May 1944
Around 1815B/23, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 0915B/24. (21)

24 May 1944

Convoy NSF 23.

This convoy departed Oran Bay on 24 May 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).

Around 0730B/25, the (troop) transports; Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming off Algiers.

Around 0800B/26, the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming off Benghazi.

The convoy arrived at Naples on 27 May 1944.

The Ville d'Oran had been detached to Taranto where she too arrived on 27 May 1944 escorted by HMS Atherstone

28 May 1944

Convoy SNF 23.

This convoy departed Naples on 28 May 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Naples the convoy was escorted by AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).

On the same day the (troop) transport Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) departed Taranto escorted by HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN). They joined the convoy the following day.

On 29 May 1944, the Hai Lee arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 30 May 1944, the Champollion and HMS Atherstone arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy.

The remaining (troop) transports of the convoy arrived at Oran / Mers-el-Kebir on 31 May 1944 escorted by HMS Aldenham, HMS Cleveland and HMS Brecon.

HMS Caledon and HMS Haydon continued on to Gibraltar arriving there on 31 May 1944.

Media links

The Rohna Disaster
Bennett, James Gordon

amazon.co.uk
(£ 23.00)

Sources

ADM 199/376
ADM 199/361 + ADM 199/376
ADM 53/111548
ADM 53/112271 + ADM 199/376
ADM 53/112271 + ADM 53/113477
ADM 53/112284 + ADM 199/375 + ADM 199/379
ADM 199/399 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for February 1941
ADM 199/1136
ADM 53/114987
ADM 187/12
ADM 53/116039
ADM 199/638
ADM 199/963 + ADM 199/2101
ADM 199/585 + ADM 199/975 + ADM 199/2101
ADM 53/117495 + ADM 53/118664 + ADM 199/641
ADM 53/117495 + ADM 53/118664 + ADM 199/641 + ADM 234/358
ADM 234/358
ADM 53/118574 + ADM 53/118664 + ADM 199/641 + ADM 199/767
ADM 53/119859
ADM 53/119195 + ADM 199/611 + ADM 199/1428
ADM 53/119062

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.

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HMS Atherstone (L 05)

Escort destroyer of the Hunt (Type I) class

Commands listed for HMS Atherstone (L 05)

Notable events involving Atherstone include:

Sinking of the transport Astronomer.

Evacuation of the 'Narvik / Harstad / Tromso area'.

Convoy WS 6A.

Combined convoy WS 29 / KMS 13.

Combined convoy OS 49 / KMS 16G.

Convoy MKF 19.

Combined convoy OG 91 / KMS 22.

Convoy MKS 23.

Operations of ' Force V ' during operation Avalanche.

Convoy MKF 25A.

Convoy KMF 26.

Combined Convoy MKF 27 / XIF 6.

Convoy XIF 13.

Convoy NSF 23.

Convoy SNF 23.

Media links

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