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Notable events involving Liddesdale include:

24 Mar 1941
Late in the afternoon HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN) departed Rosyth for a trial run and to proceed to Scapa Flow upon completion. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Liddesdale (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Quantock (Lt.Cdr. D.J.A. Heber-Percy, RN).

At 0550/25 the three destoyers of the screen were replaced by HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN).

At 1050/25 this destoyer screen was replaced by the original three destroyers that had escorted Prince of Wales out of Rosyth.

Early in the evening of the 25th Prince of Wales entered Scapa Flow.

For the daily positions of HMS Prince of Wales during these trials see the map below.

(1)

3 Apr 1941
HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN) and HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN)conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. These included night exercises with HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Liddesdale (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) (2)

4 Apr 1941
HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Liddesdale (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth, these included night gunnery exercises in the evening. (3)

5 Apr 1941
HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) and HMS Liddesdale (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. (3)

16 Apr 1941
HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) departed the Tyne for Scapa Flow.

At the same time the new aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN) departed the Tyne for Rosyth escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Liddesdale (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Quantock (Lt.Cdr. D.J.A. Heber-Percy, RN) and HMS Southdown (Cdr. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). HMS Naiad proceeded with them until the Firth of Forth when she was detached to continue her passage to Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day. (4)

14 Apr 1943
Around 0800A/14, ' Force H ', which was made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, 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), light cruiser HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and RHS Adrias (Cdr. I. Toumbas) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Gibraltar.

They arrived at Gibraltar around 0900A/15. En-route, various exercises had been carried out. (5)

21 Apr 1943

Convoy GUS 6A.

This convoy departed Algiers on 21 April 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Harry Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Matthew Maury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Rufus W. Peckham (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), William A. Richardson (American, 7258 GRT, built 1942), William C. Endicott (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William Cullen Bryant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon Pike (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The damaged submarine HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) in tow of the tug Hengist was also part of the convoy as was the RFA tanker Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941).

On departure from Algiers the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), corvette HMS Pentstemon (T/Lt. D.C. Williams, RNVR) and the minesweepers HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN) and HMS Fantome (Capt. J.W. Boutwood, RN).

On 22 April 1943, following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir; Exchange (American, 6737 GRT, built 1940), Fluor Spar (American, 5562 GRT, built 1919), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining was the motor minesweeper HMS MMS 20 (T/Lt. H.A. Ledeboer, RNR) for passage to Gibraltar.

The escort was reinforced by the destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR).

On 23 April 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Artemis Ward (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Esso Bayonne (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1937), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928) and Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930).

Also joining from Gibraltar were the fleet tanker USS Enoree (T/Cdr. W.S. Campbell, USN) and the destroyers USS Charles Ausburne (T/Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN) and USS Spence (T/Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN).

HMS Torbay, still being towed by the Hengist, and MMS 20 then parted company and entered Gibraltar.

On the 24th the Casablanca section of the convoy joined, it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930), Empire Cobbett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John M. Schofield (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

They were escorted by the destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. J. Connor, USN, on board), USS Stockton ( T/Cdr. R.E. Braddy, Jr., USN), USS Ringgold (T/Cdr. T.F. Conley, Jr., USN), USS Schroeder (T/Cdr. B.L. Austin, USN), USS Foote () and USS Claxton (T/Cdr. H.F. Stout, USN) which then joined the convoy relieving the British escorts which then proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on the 25th, except HMS Boreas which arrived at Casablanca on the 24th.

During 1 May 1943, USS Enoree fuelled all eight destroyers.

The convoy arrived in Hampton Roads on 8 May 1943.

24 May 1943

Convoy ET 21.

This convoy departed Bone / Philippeville on 24 May 1943 for Gibraltar where it arrived on 28 May 1943.

No full info on the composition of this convoy is currently known to us.

On departure from Bone / Philippeville the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR).

HMS Javelin and HM Kelvin were detached on the 26th to conduct an A/S hunt but rejoined later the same day.

The convoy made a short call at Algiers on 26 May and various ships were detached and other ships joined and the escort was reinforced with other vessels. On arrival at Gibraltar the following escorts had joined the convoy additional to the ones listed above; corvette HMS Pentstemon (T/Lt. D.C. Williams, RNVR), A/S trawlers HMS Gavotte (T/Lt. D. Bates, RNR), HMS Tango (T/Lt. J. Hunter, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS King Sol (Lt. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Reighton Wyke (Skr. G.M. Sutherland, RNR).

Also the rescue tug HMRT Restive had joined the convoy (6)

30 May 1943
Around 1100B/30, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (7)

1 Jun 1943
Around 0830B/1, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (8)

2 Jun 1943
Around 1930B/2, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) departed Algiers for Mers-el-Kebir. (8)

3 Jun 1943
Around 1130B/3, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir from Algiers. (8)

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. (9)

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, built 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.

3 Sep 1943
Around 0915B/3, the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers where she arrived around 1145B/4. She was escorted by 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). (10)

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. (11)

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. (12)

23 Mar 1944

Convoy XIF 12.

This convoy departed Port Said on 23 March 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN) and HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN).

On 24 March 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Croome (A/Lt.Cdr. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and RHS Miaoulis departed Alexandria to join the convoy which they did later on the 24th.

Also joining from Alexandria were the (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

Around 0745A/25, the escort destroyer RHS Pindos joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.

Around 2230A/26, HMS Frobisher parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Taranto on 28 March 1944 minus the Circassia and Volendam which had been detached to Augusta and Naples respectively. They had been detached around 0600A/27. HMS Croome and HMS Liddesdale went with the Volendam to Napels where they arrived on the 28th.

29 Mar 1944

Combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.

Convoy KMF 30.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 29 March 1944.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Alcantara (British, 22209 GRT, built 1922), Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

The naval transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN) and USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Cepheus (Capt. R.B. Hall, USCG) and USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR).

On 30 March 1944, the troop transport Queen of Bermuda (British, 22575 GRT, built 1932) departed Plymouth to join the convoy. She was escorted by the frigate HMS Wear (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G.L. Hone, RNVR) which had departed Swansea also on 30 March 1944.

When approaching Gibraltar several ships of the convoy were detached for destination not in the Mediterreanean, these were the following; Antenor, Boissevain, Clan Campbell, Duchess of Richmond and Silversandal.

On 5 April 1944, the destroyers ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) and HMS Isis (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy which they did later the same day. Black Swan On 6 April 1944, the Nieuw Holland and Ormonde arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy while the troop transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar as did the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN).

On 6 April 1944, HMCS Prince Robert parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar later the same day. HMS Byard also made a short stop at Gibraltar but rejoined the convoy.

Convoy NSF 19.

This convoy departed Oran Bay on 6 April 1944.

It was made up of the following naval transports; USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (Cdr. W.A. Wiedman, USNR), USS Florence Nightingale (T/Cdr. F.J. Nelson, USN), USS Lyon (Capt. T.C. Sorensen, USNR) and the troop transports Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. A.T. Morgan, RNVR) and the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR).

Around 2000B/6, convoy NSF 19 merged with convoy KMS 30 in position 35°53'N, 00°38'W.

On convoy NSF 19 merging with convoy KMF 30 the four USN transports; USS Andromeda, USS Arcturus, USS Cepheus, USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) and the troop transports Highland Princess and Orduna parted company and proceeded to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

On 7 April 1944, HMS Nadder and HMS Wear arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy.

Around 0900B/7, the 'Algiers' section of the now combined convoy joined in position 36°54'N, 03°12'E. It was made up of the troop transports Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939). With them the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN) which also joined the convoy.

Around 0230B/8, the 'Bone' section joined in position 37°08'N, 07°49'E. It was made up of the troop transport Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914).

At 1200B/8, the 'Naples' section of the convoy split off. It was made up of the Almanzora, Capetown Castle, Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle, Leopoldville, Ranchi, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale and USS Lyon.

The 'Naples' section was escorted by HMS Caledon, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder, HMS Drury, HMS Lochy and USS Seer.

The Naples' section of the convoy arrived at it's destinsation on 9 April 1944.

The remaining ships continued on to Port Said where they arrived on 12 April 1944. HMS Catterick remained with the convoy until Port Said. The Tegelberg had been detached to Alexandria where she also arrived on the 12th as did HMS Farndale, HMS Calpe and HMS Cleveland.

9 Apr 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) arrived at Naples with the 'Naples' section of the combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.

21 May 1944
German U-boat U-453 was sunk in the Ionian Sea north-east of Cape Spartivento, in position 38°13'N, 16°36'E, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) and HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and the British escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN).

29 Nov 1944
During 29/30 November 1944, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria / Ras-el-Tin.

The escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.D. Howson, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN) were with the battleship in the evening and possibly during the entire time she was out exercising. (13)