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Notable events involving Melbreak include:

23 Oct 1942
HMS Renown (Capt. C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). (1)

29 Oct 1942
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, second in Command Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by eight destroyers which were, most likely, HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. N.H.G. Austen, DSO, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). (2)

30 Oct 1942
During 30/31 October 1942, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, second in Command Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. They were, most likely, escorted by HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. N.H.G. Austen, DSO, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). (2)

13 Nov 1942
HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) departed Loch Cairnbawn (Port H.H.Z.) around 1145A/13 to proceed to Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow around 0530A/13 for Loch Cairnbawn earlier that morning.

HMS Howe and her escort arrived at Scapa Flow around 1850A/13. (3)

31 Jan 1943
The battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) departed Gibraltar for the UK. On departure they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. John Henry Wallace, DSC, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) and HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN).

At 1230A/31, they were joined by the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN) which was en-route from the Far East to the UK. She was at that moment escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

These two escort destroyers were detached to Gibraltar at 1930A/31 after Illustrious original destroyer screen, HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), returned at 1900A/31 from fuelling in Casablanca.

At 1900A/2, HMS Velox, HMS Wishart and HMS Wivern were detached to Plymouth.

At 1500A/3, HMS Brilliant was detached to Plymouth.

At 1615A/3, the destroyer HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) joined from Falmouth.

Around 1930A/3, HMS Boreas and HMS Anthony parted company for Plymouth.

In the afternoon of 4 February 1943, HMS Renown, HMS Furious, HMS Illustrious, HMS Pathfinder, HMS Panther, HMS Penn, HMS Escapade, HMS Melbreak and HMS Tanatside, arrived in the Clyde after which they proceeded to Greenock. (4)

28 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and later with HMS St. Kilda (A/Skr.Lt. R.G. Utting, RNR), HMS Sheppey (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D. McNeil, RNVR), HMS Ensay (T/Lt. K.J. Reece, RNVR) and HMS La Nantaise (Skr. S.J. Cory, RNR). (5)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Ambrose Pare (Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR), HMS Cape Comorin (T/Lt. N.L. Brown, RNVR), HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Melbreak. (6)

21 May 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with The escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) in the morning and with HMS Wensleydale (Lt. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) in the afternoon. Upon completion of the A/S exercise in the afternoon Thrasher made a pracice attack on HMS Wensleydale. (7)

28 May 1943

Towage of AFD 18 from Oban to Oran.

In the late evening of 28 May 1943 the Floating Dock AFD 18 departed Oban for Oran. The dock was being towed by the tug HMS Bustler.

Escort was provided by the sloop HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Hall, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, DSC, RNR).

Cover during part of the passage was to be provided by the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) which departed Plymouth on 31 May.

The tow experienced difficulties and much delay.

This resulted in that some of the escorts had not enough fuel to reach Gibraltar and on 7 June they were all relieved by the destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) which had departed Gibraltar on 5 June. Later the corvette HMS Cyclamen (?) and the A/S trawlers HMS Huddersfield Town (A/Skr.Lt. J.H. Consadine, DSC, RNR) and HNoMS Molde also joined. These too had departed Gibraltar on 5 June.

AFD 18 towed by HMS Bustler and escorted by HMS Bulldog, HMS Cyclamen, HMS Huddersfield Town and HNoMS Molde finally arrived at Oran on 12 June 1943. HMS Melbreak meanwhile had parted company arriving at Gibraltar on 13 June.

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. (8)

22 Jun 1943

Convoy XK 9.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 22 June 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following transports; Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

The convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, DSC, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). The destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) was local escort, she was detached at 2000B/25 and returned to Gibraltar on 28 June.

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) provided cover for part of the voyage.

The convoy arrived in the U.K. on 28 June 1943.

11 Jul 1943
The British escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN), HMS Wensleydale (Lt. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR) and the Norwegian escort destroyer HNoMS Glaisdale (Lt. D.E. Kjeholt, RNN) intercept a German convoy off Quessant, France. In the resulting battle the German minesweeper M-153 (874 tons) is sunk by the Glaisdale but Melbreak in turn is heavily damaged by the German torpedo boats T-24 and T-25.

4 Oct 1943
The battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Plymouth. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Skate (Lt. J.C. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and the frigate HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN) until 1530/4 when the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) took over.

At 0645/5, the escort destoyer HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) joined.

HMS Malaya and her escorts arrived at Plymouth around 1000/5. (9)

20 Oct 1943
Around 0500A/20, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. St.J. Cronyn, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Southampton. She is escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN).

Around 1110A/20, HMS Saladin is detached.

Around 0715A/21, the escort destroyers HMS Limbourne (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, MVO, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Stevenstone (Lt.Cdr. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) joined coming from Plymouth and HMCS Prince Robert was detached.

HMS Revenge arrived at Portsmouth around 1615A/21. The escort destroyers then set course to return to Plymouth. (10)

22 Oct 1943
Around 1900A/22, ' Force 28 ', made up of the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), destroyers HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Limbourne (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, MVO, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Wensleydale (Lt. J.A. McClure, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for a sweep along the north coast of Brittany. (11)

23 Oct 1943

Sinking of HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne.

Around 0135A/23, ' Force 28, made up of HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Limbourne (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, MVO, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Wensleydale (Lt. J.A. McClure, DSC, RN) encountered the German 4. Torpedo Boat Flotilla made up of T 22, T 23, T 25, T 26 and T 27.

In the resulting action HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne were hit by torpedoes and both sank as a result. HMS Charybdis was hit by the T 23 and T 27 while HMS Limbourne was hit by T 22.

' Force 28 ' was proceeding to the west at 14 knots when HMS Charybdis obtained a contact about 7 miles north of Triagoz Island. Two units were contacted about 9000 yards almost right ahead. HMS Charybdis opened fire with star shell but before these burst she was torpedoed amidships on the port side.

A number of torpedoes were observed by the other ships. HMS Charybdis was then hit by a second torpedo. HMS Limbourne was shortly afterwards also hit by one torpedo on the port side forward and the bow was blown off.

The enemy was not seen by the remaining ships and they soon became scattered in a heavy rain squall. HMS Grenville, which was now the ' Senior ' ship, reformed the surviving the ships and they returned to the scene of the action. The three remaining Hunt-class destroyers where then ordered to search for survivors while HMS Grenville and HMS Rocket searched for the enemy to the westward. They rejoined with the Hunt-class destroyers around 0500A/23. After picking up the survivors the force departed the scene of the action around 0630A/23. 4 Officers and 103 ratings were picked up from HMS Charybdis while from HMS Limbourne 11 Officers, including the Commanding Officer, and 92 ratings were picked up. (12)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) and HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) both conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. These were followed by tactical exercises off Eddystone upon completion of which they returned to Plymouth. HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Wensleydale (Lt. J.A. McClure, DSC, RN) were also present though possibly not the entire time. (13)

8 Nov 1943
Around 1230/8, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN), departed Scapa Flow for Portland and Plymouth respectively. On departure from Scapa Flow they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN).

At 1730/8, HMS Urchin parted company to return to Scapa Flow.

On 9 November, HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) joined. [time unknown to us for the moment.]

At 0845/10, HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.

At 1225/10, HMS Renown and HMS Rocket parted company with HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Oribi and HMS Melbreak.

Around 1330/10, HMS Renown and HMS Rocket arrived at Plymouth.

Around 1715/10, HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Oribi and HMS Melbreak arrived at Portland. (14)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Malaya (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN) departed Plymouth for Greenock. She was escorted until about Milford Haven by the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). (15)

14 Dec 1943
Around 1000A/14, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), after having first carried out D/G trials, departed Portsmouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Stevenstone (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.M. Duff-Still, DSO, RNVR) and La Combattante (Lt.Cdr. A. Patou).

Around 1515A/14, the original destroyer escort parted company upon them being replaced by the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). They remained in company until around 2000A/14.

At 0940A/15, the destroyers HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN) and HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) joined and HMS Queen Elizabeth started a bombardment exercise.

At 1130A/15, HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined and more exercises were carried out.

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived at Scapa Flow around mid-afternoon. (16)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Peterhead (Lt. D.P. Croom-Johnson, RNVR), HMS Blyth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.S. Smith, RNVR), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). (17)

3 Mar 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with ML 159 (T/Lt. B.D. Gerrans, RNVR), ML 183 (T/Lt. A.J. Wright, RNVR) and ML 184 (T/Lt. R.W.A. Winter, RNVR) and later with HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (18)

4 Mar 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with ML 159 (T/Lt. B.D. Gerrans, RNVR), ML 183 (T/Lt. A.J. Wright, RNVR) and ML 184 (T/Lt. R.W.A. Winter, RNVR), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN), HMIS Godavari (A/Capt. J.W. Jefford, OBE, RIN), HMS Neave (T/Lt. T. Ross, RNVR) and HMS Skomer (A/Skr.Lt. D.E.S. Mair, DSO, RNR). (18)

15 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (19)

4 May 1944
USS Augusta (Capt. E.H. Jones, USN, flying the flag of Admiral H.R. Stark, USN. COMTASKFOR 122, T/R.Adm. A.G. Kirk, USN was also on board), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Plymouth - Start Point area. (20)

3 Jun 1944

Passage of the bulk of ' Bombardment Group O ' from Belfast to the operations area.

Shortly after 0200B/3, the battleships USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN), USS Arkansas (Capt. F.G. Richards, USN), USS Nevada (Capt. P.M. Rhea, USN), light cruisers Georges Leygues (Capt. J.E.A. Laurin), Montcalm (Capt. L.M.J.A. Deprez). These ships were, with the exception off USS Nevada, part of ' Bombardment Group O ' (Task Group 124.8).

They were escorted by the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Plunkett (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) and the escort destroyers Amesbury (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Wilbor, USNR) and Blessman (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Gillis, USNR). The escort vessels were not part of the actual bombardment group but of an escort group (Task Group 124.7).

Around 0730B/4, when near Plymouth, the force turned around after a signal was received that the invastion was postponed for 24 hours. Course was set to return to the northwards along the same track.

Around 2200B/4, course was reversed again to return to the southwards.

Around 0730B/5, USS Nevada was detached to join ' Bombardment Group U '. Around the same time the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined the group.

Around 1215B/5, the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN), HMS Talybont (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.

Around 0300B/6, the group began to arrive in the operations area.

29 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/29, the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. A.D. Torlesse, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the frigate FFS L'Aventure (?) and HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN).

Around 2130A/29, the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. G.F. Renwick, RN) and HMS Stalker (Capt. L.C. Sinker, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN).

Around 2250A/29, HMS Hunter joined the group coming from Plymouth. Her original escort then parted company.

Around 1000A/1, HrMs Van Galen HMS Impulsive and HMS Melbreak parted company to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1230A/2. They had been relieved by the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. H. Lloyd-Williams, DSO, RNVR), HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN) and the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR).

HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Malcolm, HMS Verity and HMS Ballinderry arrived at Gibraltar around 0745A/3. (21)

18 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 55.

This convoy departed New York on 18 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Aiken Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Briar Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), California Express (Norwegian, 3649 GRT, built 1934), Camp Defiance (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Cape Mohican (American, 5094 GRT, built 1942), Chadd's Ford (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Darro (British, 9733 GRT, built 1943), De Soto (American, 6165 GRT, built 1944), Delaires (American, 6509 GRT, built 1942), Drewrys Bluff (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Edge Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Empire Paladin (British (tanker), 8141 GRT, built 1944), Empire Salisbury (British (tanker), 8199 GRT, built 1944), Esso Hartford (American (tanker), 9887 GRT, built 1942), Eufaula Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Fisher's Hill (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Golden Fleece (American), 8258 GRT, built 1944), Marine Devil (American, 11757 GRT, built 1944), Marine Dragon (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Martin Bakke (Norwegian, 5484 GRT, built 1936), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1940), Mormacmoon (American, 7939 GRT, built 1940), Paulus Hook (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Pine Bluff (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Queenston Heights (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Rich Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), San Pasqual (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Santa Maria (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Sea Quail (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Seatrain Lakehurst (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Seatrain Texas (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Stanvac Calcutta (American (tanker), 9933 GRT, built 1944), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943).

The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. C. Caslon, CBE, RN) was also taking passage to the U.K. in this convoy having completed her refit in the U.S.A.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Mayo ( T/Cdr. A.D. Kaplan, USN, with COMTASKGROUP 61.3, T/Capt. H.H. Connelley, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Eisner (Lt. D.H. Lay, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, Cdr. W.A. Sessions, USNR on board), USS Garfield Thomas (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Werner, USN), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Jeorg, Jr., USNR), USS Rinehart (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN) and USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Laidley, USNR).

Around 0915Q/19, the Boston Section of four ships joined. [We have been unable to find out which ships sailed from Boston, the four ships in question are therefore included in the New York Section.]

The Boston Section was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Cates (Lt. T.N. Broaddus, USNR), USS Gandy (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Brooke, Jr., USNR), USS Earl K. Olsen (Lt.Cdr. W.F. DeLong, USNR) and USS Thornhill (Lt. E.T. Mckeithen, Jr., USNR).

At 0818Q/20, the Marine Devil parted company with the convoy with engine trouble. She returned to the U.S.A. escorted by USS Rhinehart. They arrived off New York on 23 January. USS Rhinehart then proceeded to the U.K. independently arriving at Liverpool on 31 January 1945.

Around 1015N/25, the convoy was divided into two sections in approximate position 47°00'N, 26°00'W. This was earlier then scheduled due to reported enemy submarine activity in U.K. waters.

English Channel Section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Aiken Victory, Argentina, Cape Mohican, De Soto, Edge Hill, Empire Salisbury, Eufaula Victory, Exanthia, Exceller, Golden Fleece, Marine Dragon, Marine Raven, Midnight, Mormacmoon, Pine Bluff, Rich Mountain, Santa Maria, Sea Quail and Seatrain Texas.

HMS Nelson was also with this section.

The English Channel section was escorted by USS Eisner, USS Garfield Thomas, USS Roche and USS Earl K. Olsen.

Around 1305A/27, 'Force 26' joined, which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN).

Around 0945A/28, ' Force 26 ' parted company after ships from the 26th Escort Group had joined, these were the frigates HMCS Beacon Hill (T/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSO, RCNVR), HMCS Montreal (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.L. Campbell, RCNVR) and HMCS New Glasgow (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Hanbury, RCNVR). The frigate HMS Spragge (Lt. W.W. Muir, RN) and HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN) also joined.

The straggling Fisher's Hill and her escort, USS Thornhill was to overtake the English Channel Section.

Around 1315A/28, HMS Nelson was detached to proceed to Portsmouth escorted by HMS Spragge.

Around 1340A/28, the Southend Section was detached. These were the , , and . They were escorted by USS Garfield Thomas and USS Earl K. Olsen.

Around 1600A/28, the convoy arrived in the Solent.

Irish Sea Section

The other section proceeded towards the Irish Sea and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 0915A/28, the Clyde Section was detached escorted by USS Cates.

Around 1300A/28, the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Rowley (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined.

Around 1445A/28, the Bristol Channel Section was detached escorted by USS Wingfield and USS Gandy.

Around 1620A/28, HMS Duckworth and USS Rowley parted company.

Around 2000A/28, the remaining ships arrived off the Bar Light Vessel near Liverpool.

26 Jan 1945

LST return convoy No.3

This convoy departed Cawsand Bay (Plymouth) around 0930A on 26 January 1945.

It was made up of ten LST's, seven YMS's and a tanker.

The ten LST's were the following; USS LST-1 (Lt. l. Emley, USNR), USS LST-16 (Lt.(jg) W.J. Kenneally, USCGR), USS LST-72 (Lt. C.B. Huber, USNR), USS LST-73 (Lt. H.M. Crossan, USN), USS LST-309 (Lt. Wm.H.A. Hauser, USNR), USS LST-377 (Lt. J.P. Cunningham, USNR), USS LST-378 (Lt. E.C. Anderson, USNR), USS LST-379 (Lt. J.B. Chase, USNR), USS LST-522 (Lt. S.W.W. Ravel, USNR) and USS LST 980 (Lt. W.F. Westfall, USN).

The seven YMS's were the following, USS YMS-346 (Lt. J.W. Wilke, USNR), USS YMS-348 (Lt. H.C. Lavine, USNR), USS YMS-349 (Lt. R.L. Neal, USNR), USS YMS 351 (Lt. J.J. McDonald, USNR), USS YMS-352 (Lt. N.C. Tomson, USNR), USS YMS-356 (Lt. J.C. Buckley, USNR) and USS YMS-375 (Lt. E.C. Darnell, USNR).

The tanker was the Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian, 6192 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Cawsand Bay the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Gillette (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Daniel, Jr. USNR, with COMCORTDIV 56, T/Cdr. W.L. Harmon, USN on board) and USS Henry R. Kenyon (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Stearns, USNR).

Around 1200A/26, ' Force 26 ' joined, which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN). ' Force 26 ' had departed Plymouth around 1030A/26.

Around 1000A/27, ORP Blyscawica, HrMs Van Galen, HMS Melbreak and HMS Tanatside parted company to join westbound convoy CU 55.

On 4 February, USS Gillette fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe.

On 6 February and 7 February, USS Henry R. Kenyon fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe. The attempt on 6 February had to be broken off.

On 9 February, all seven YMS's fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe. Around 1600?/9, [time zone not known but probably P or O] the tanker parted company to proceed to Curacao.

Around 0430Q/17, the Norfolk section of the convoy (all LST's, YMS-349 and USS-YMS 375) parted company and entered the Norfolk swept channel.

The remainder of the convoy, the New York Section, arrived at New York on the 18th.

28 Jan 1945
Around 1515A/28, 'Force 26', which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN), returned to Plymouth after escort duties.

They had first escorted ' LST return convoy No.3 ' and after having been detached from this convoy they had joined the English Channel Section of convoy CU 55.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' LST return convoy No.3 ' for 26 January 1945 and ' Convoy CU 55 ' for 18 January 1945.] (22)