uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Walpole include:

16 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 1.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Carimare (French, 4459 GRT, built 1920), City of Eastbourne (British, 5563 GRT, built 1923), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hartismere (British, 5498 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Mansepool (British, 4894 GRT, built 1928), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Springdale (British, 1579 GRT, built 1937) and Vermont (French, 5186 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN).

The Kirnwood had to return to Halifax where she arrived back on 17 September.

At 1530P/17 HMCS St. Laurent parted company with the convoy.

At 0545P/18, the destroyer HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) joined the convoy.

At 1845P/18, HMS Berwick, HMS York, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax where all four arrived on 20 September.

Around 1530A/29, to the southwest of Ireland, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1045A/30, the convoy split into the Channel / East coast section and Irish Sea / West coast section.

HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent escorted the Channel / East coast section towards the Downs and then proceeded to Dover where they arrived around 1700A/2.

HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole escorted the Irish Sea / West coast section and arrived at Liverpool around 0500A/2. (1)

30 Oct 1939
HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) and HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. M.B. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) scuttle the British merchant Bronte with gunfire in position 50°07'N, 10°36'W. HMS Walpole takes on board the 42 crewmembers of the Bronte.

The Bronte was torpedoed and damaged on 27 October 1939 by German U-boat U-34 180 nautical miles west of Lands End in position 49°30'N, 12°15'W.

8 Nov 1939

Convoy HXF 8.

This convoy departed Halifax on 8 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Devon City (British, 4928 GRT, built 1933), Fort Royal (French, 3485 GRT, built 1935), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Maurienne (French, 3259 GRT, built 1938), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company around 1500Q/9 to return to Halifax.

Around 0945Z/19, in position 50°09'N, 08°50'W, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy was then split up into two sections and shortly afterwards HMS Ascania parted company to proceed to return to Halifax.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur F. Corwin, Devon City and Tornus. They were escorted by HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole. They arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 20 November 1939.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. The Clea and the two French ships were detached to French ports. The remainder of the merchant vessels proceeded to the Downs. HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent arrived at Dover in the morning of 21 November 1939. (2)

25 Nov 1939

Convoy SLF 10.

This convoy departed Freetown on 25 November 1939.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Apapa (British, 9332 GRT, built 1927), Canonesa (British, 8286 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), John Holt (British, 4975 GRT, built 1938), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN).

Around 1645N/5, HMS Carnarvon Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 0800Z/7, in position 47°40'N, 11°05'W the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) joined the convoy.

HMS Escapade however left the convoy to hunt a reported submarine a little over an hour later.

Around 1500Z/7, HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1630Z/7, in position 48°20'N, 09°00'W the Channel section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the Canonesa, Hopecrest and Sobo. HMS Veteran and HMS Broke went with them as escorts. The remaining ships and escorts formed the Irish Sea section which all arrived at Liverpool on 9 December 1939.

Of the Channel section HMS Broke parted company around 0230Z/8. The Canonesa arrived at Southampton on 9 December 1939. HMS Veteran arrived at Dover on 9 December 1939. The remaining ships, most likely, proceeded to the Downs. (3)

4 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arizona (French, 5457 GRT, built 1925), Armanistan (British, 6805 GRT, built 1937), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), British Fusilier (British (tanker), 6943 GRT, built 1923), British Union (British (tanker), 6987 GRT, built 1927), Broompark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Caspia (British (tanker), 6018 GRT, built 1928), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), El Grillo (British (tanker), 7264 GRT, built 1922), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Hannington Court (British, 5449 GRT, built 1939), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Hartlepool (British, 5500 GRT, built 1932), Haxby (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Lady Glanely (British, 5497 GRT, built 1938), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938), Shekatika (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Shirvan (British (tanker), 6017 GRT, built 1925), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Tregarthen (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928). The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Aldersdale (British (tanker), 8402 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN), destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarines Casabianca (Capitaine de corvette (Lt.Cdr.) R.L.B. Sacaze) and Sfax (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) M.J.M. Groix).

HMCS St.Laurent and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy at 1610Q/5 and returned to Halifax.

HMS Hyperion parted company with the convoy on the 6th and also returned to Halifax.

During a gale on the 9th, the Carslogie straggled from the convoy. She never rejoined and proceeded independenly to the Clyde arriving on 21 December. Also the Sfax lost touch with the convoy. She rejoined around dawn on the 14th.

On the 10th, around 1400P/10, was seen to heave to. HMS Revenge investigated and reported that water was entering the submarine aft and that repairs were being made. The submarine was able to rejoin the convoy around dawn on the 15th.

Around 1500OP(+2.5)/13, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

In the moring of the 16th, around 0800Z/16, the convoy was joined in position 50°35'N, 13°30'W, by the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN). In the afternoon, around 1600Z/16, the destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) and HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN) also joined.

Around 1630Z/16, the convoy split into two sections, the Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arizona (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Athelfoam (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Caspia (arrived at Liverpool on 19 / 20 December), Clearpool (arrived at Cardiff on 19 December), Clunepark (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Comanchee (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Dorelian (arrived at Avonmouth on 18 / 19 December), Embassage (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 (?) December), Gogovale (arrived at Cardiff on 19 December), Hartlepool (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Haxby (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Lady Glanely (arrived in the Clyde on 25 (?) December), Llanishen (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Manchester Spinner (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Nailsea Manor (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Parracombe (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Parthenia (arrived in the Clyde on 20 (?) December), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Manchester on 20 December), Saganaga (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Scottish Monarch (arrived in the Clyde on 20 (?) December), Shekatika (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Tilsington Court (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Tower Field (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December and at Manchester on 22 December), Tregarthen (arrived at Manchester on 20 December), Varand (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December) and Wanstead (arrived at Barry on 18 December). They took HMS Walpole and HMS Wanderer with them. These destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 19 December.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East coast section.

Around 1800Z/17, Casabianca, Sfax and the merchant vessel Scottish Maiden (arrived at Donges, France on 19 December) parted company with the Channel / East coast section of the convoy to proceed to Brest. The minesweeping sloop Commandant Riviere (Lt.Cdr. J.F.U.M. De Gantes) had joined to escort them.

Around 0910Z/18, the RFA tanker Aldersdale and merchant vessels Athelviscount and Shirvan parted company to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived later that day.

Later the British Fusilier was detached to Portsmouth and the El Grillo to Le Havre.

HMS Ardent and HMS Wolverine arrived at Dover around 1600Z/19.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in the Downs on 20 December and from there the ships went to their respective destinations. (4)

12 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 12.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Box Hill (British, 5677 GRT, built 1920), British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Christoph v. Doornum (British (former German), 3845 GRT, built 1928), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Montrolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Diego (French, 6013 GRT, built 1930), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), Scholar (British, 3940 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936) and Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine Pasteur (Lt. P.E.A.E. Mertz).

Due to the bad weather conditions on leaving harbour the Merchant Royal (arrived Liverpool on 29 December) and Sirikishna (returned Halifax with weather damage on 13 December) never joined the convoy.

The two Canadian destroyers arrived back at Halifax on the 15th, having parted company with the convoy, most likely, around dusk on the 13th.

From the afternoon of the 14th until dawn on the 15th bad weather conditions and fog were encountered and the following merchant vessels straggled from the convoy;
Athelprincess, Baron Maclay, Botwey, Californian Monarch, Domby, King James, Nailsea Moor, San Felix and Scottish Star.

At daylight on the 17th, when the convoy was in position 45°38'N, 46°12'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Mactra and Sandsend.

On 19 December, in position 48°36'N, 40°20'W, the Baron Maclay caught up with the convoy coming from astern.

On 20 December, the Pasteur had to stop to make engine repairs. The Elona was detailed to stand by and this merchant vessel did not rejoin the convoy. She later arrived independently at Liverpool.

At daylight on the 21st, when the convoy was in position 50°01'N, 32°16'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Baron Maclay, Box Hill, Christoph v. Doornum, Medon and Temple Yard.

On 22 December the Temple Yard managed to rejoin the convoy from astern.

Around 0900Z/25, in position 50°51'N, 14°22'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined. HMS Ausonia then parted company to return to Halifax. Around this time also the merchant vessels Baron Maclay and Domby rejoined the convoy.

Around 1600Z/25, the convoy split.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arndale (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Baron Maclay (arrived in the Clyde 29 December), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 December), Corabella (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Domby (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Dunaff Head (arrived at Dublin on 27 December), Riley (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Scholar (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December) and Temple Yard (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Walpole and Wessex.

Around 1010Z/27, HMS Wessex parted company and arrived at Milford Haven around 1300A/27.

HMS Walpole arrived at Liverpool around 0200Z/28.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Barrgrove (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), British Science (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), James McGree (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Montrolite (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Pacific Exporter (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Rockpool (arrived in the Downs on 28 December) and San Diego (arrived in the Downs on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Windsor and HMS Enchantress which both arrived in the Downs on 28 December. HMS Windsor had refuelled at Plymouth on the 27th though before rejoining the convoy.

All ships that had straggled from the convoy and that had not managed to rejoin arrived safely at their destinations. (5)

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 22.

This convoy departed Halifax on 22 February 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Counsellor (British, 5068 GRT, built 1926), Darcoila (British, 4084 GRT, built 1926), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gracefield (British, 4631 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Hoperidge (British, 5222 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Humber Arm (British, 5758 GRT, built 1925), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newton Moore (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Reginolite (British (tanker), 9069 GRT, built 1926), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Yang-Tse (French, 8150 GRT, built 1915).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1815Q/23, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0700N/2, in approximate position 47°00'N, 30°00'W, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy then continued eastwards without escort.

Around 2020Z/5, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

Around 0830Z/6, the destroyer HMS Wren (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) joined followed at 1045Z/6 by HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN).

Around 1730Z/6, in position 50°12'N, 10°16'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Athelprincess (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Athelsultan (arrived at Scapa Flow on 10 March), Counsellor (mined and sunk off Liverpool on 8 March. The mine was laid by the German submarine U-32 on 7 March), Director (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Erodona (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Hopestar (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 March), Laguna (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Nailsea Moor (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 March), Newton Moor (arrived at Swansea on 9 March), Norman Monarch (arrived at Manchester on 9 March), Orduna (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), San Ambrosio (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), San Francisco (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March) and Stratigist (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March). They were escorted by HMS Vanoc and HMS Walpole which both arrived at Liverpool on 8 March.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Anthea (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Bradford City (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Carras (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), Chama (arrived at Pauilliac on 10 March), Chesapeake (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), Darcoila (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Elona (arrived at Southampton on 9 March), Gracefield (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Hanseat (arrived at Le Havre on 9 March), Hoperidge (arrived at Falmouth on 8 March), Humber Arm (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), James McGee (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), King Neptune (arrived at Plymouth on 8 March), Lindenhall (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Nyanza (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Reginolite (arrived at Le Havre on 11 March), Scherazade (arrived at Le Havre on ?? March) and Yang-Tse (arrived at Bordeaux on 12 March). They were escorted by HMS Veteran which arrived at Plymouth on 7 March and HMS Wren which arrived at Dover on 9 March. (6)

2 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 24.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Amerika (Danish, 10218 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Aun (Norwegian, 1908 GRT, built 1930), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Delawarean (British, 5705 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Elisha Walker (Panamanian (tanker), 7007 GRT, built 1920), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Grey County (British, 5194 GRT, built 1918), H.H. Rogers (British (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Halcyon (British, 3531 GRT, built 1917), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Haxby (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kajak (Estonian, 3234 GRT, built 1902), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mount Taygetus (British, 3286 GRT, built 1921), Nidarholm (British, 2588 GRT, built 1920), Oakwood (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Pierre L.D. (French, 5705 GRT, built 1935), Roussillon (British (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Temple Moat (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Thalia (British, 8329 GRT, built 1926), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924), W.C. Teagle (British (tanker), 9552 GRT, built 1917), Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Delawarean apparently never joined the convoy when it departed Halifax and if she did it was only briefly. She arrived at Le Havre, France on 18 March. The Oakwood returned to Halifax on 4 March after having parted company with the convoy.

The Canadian destroyers were detached to return to Halifax in the morning of 3 March. They were detached 12 hours early due to the heavy weather conditions.

During the night of 2/3 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to gale weather and bad visibility;
Halcyon (arrived at Le Havre on 19 March), Kajak (arrived at Liverpool on 20 March), Mount Taygetus (arrived at Dublin on 23 March), Nidarholm (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March), Rushpool (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Thalia (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and Wendover (arrived at Newport on 16 March).

During the night of 3/4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to poor weather and bad visibility;
Aun (arrived at Falmouth on 16 March), Brynymor (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Haxby (arrived in the Clyde on 19 March), Thistleford (arrived in the Downs on 19 March), Toorak (arrived at Pauilliac, France on 14 March) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

On 4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to bad weather and thick fog;
Alexia (rejoined the convoy on 5 March), Elisha Walker (arrived at Southampton on 17 march), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Jersey (rejoined the convoy on 10 March), Uganda (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Urla (arrived at Cardiff on 18 March) and W.C. Teagle (rejoined the convoy on 13 March).

On 5 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to the rough sea conditions and thick fog;
Everleigh (rejoined the convoy on 12 March), Harpagon (arrived at Plymouth on 16 March) and Templemoat (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

During the night of 6/7 March the Pierre L.D. straggled from the convoy in thick fog. She rejoined the convoy on 14 March.

HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy around 1400O/11 in position 50°20'N, 25°00'W, to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/13, in position 50°13'N, 15°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

Around 0715Z/14, in position 50°08'N, 13°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN).

Around 1700Z/14, in position 50°04'N, 10°20'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amerika (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Botwey (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Daronia (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March) and Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March). HMS Versatile and HMS Walpole escorted this section. They both arrived at Liverpool on 16 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (arrived at Pauillac on 17 March), Dolabella (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Everleigh (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March), Geraldine Mary (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Grey County (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), H.H. Rogers (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Jersey (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Loch Don (arrived at Weymouth on 16 March), Pierre L.D. (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Roussillon (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Sovac (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Tredinnick (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and W.C. Teagle (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March). They were escorted by HMS Wakeful (arrived at Plymouth on 17 March after having escorted the ships of the convoy destined for Le Havre) and HMS Wolverine (arrived at Dover on 17 March). (7)

8 Mar 1940
HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) picks up 78 survivors from the British merchant Counsellor that was sunk 6 nautical miles bearing 280 from Liverpool Bar Lightship in position 53°38'N, 03°23'W after hitting a mine laid on 6 January 1940 by German U-boat U-30

25 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 30.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Anadara (British (tanker), 8009 GRT, built 1935), Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Athelchief (British, 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelmonarch (British, 8995 GRT, built 1928), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Cairnglen (British, 5019 GRT, built 1926), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dean Emery (British (tanker), 6664 GRT, built 1919), Derry More (British, 4799 GRT, built 1938), Dimitrios Inglessis (British, 5275 GRT, built 1918), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Ethel Radcliffe (British, 5673 GRT, built 1920), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), King Edward (British, 5224 GRT, built 1919), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Losada (British, 6520 GRT, built 1921), Lowther Castle (British, 5171 GRT, built 1937), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Port Hardy (British, 8897 GRT, built 1923), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), South Gate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937), Victor Ross (British, 12247 GRT, built 1933) and Welcombe (British, 5122 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1850P/26, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

In the morning of 30 March 1940, in position 43°29'N, 43°15'W, the Dimitrios Inglessis and the King Edward collided. The King Edward was unable to continue and was towed to St. Johns where she arrived on 16 April. The Port Hardy stood by her for a while but subsequently continued her passage to the U.K. and she arrived in the Downs on 9 April. The Dimitrios Inglessis had only some minor damage and rejoined the convoy.

Around 1325N/3, in position 48°57'N, 22°45'W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0545Z/6, in position 49°53'N, 12°30'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN).

Around 1700Z/6, in position 49°55'N, 10°30'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Araby (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Conus (arrived at Scapa Flow on 10 April), Davila (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), El Aleto (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Ethel Radcliffe (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 April), Governor (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Lochkatrine (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Losada (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Lowther Castle (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 April), Modavia (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), New Westminster City (arrived at Port Talbot on 8 April), Nolisement (arrived at Belfast on 9 April), Northleigh (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Rowanbank (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), San Gerardo (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April) and Southgate (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April). They were escorted by HMS Viscount and HMS Witch but later [not known exactly when] the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN) took over as these destroyers arrived with the convoy at Liverpool on 8 April. HMS Viscount arrived at Dover on 11 April. HMS Witch arrived at Plymouth on 9 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anadara (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Appalachee (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Athelchief (arrived at Le Havre on 9 April), Athelmonarch (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Barrdale (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Cairnglenn (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Dean Emery (arrived at Le Havre on 9 April), Derrymore (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Dimitrios Inglessis (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 8 April), Filleigh (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Luculus (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Penrose (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Regent Panther (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Remuera (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Sandsend (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Taxiarchis (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 9 April), Testbank (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Victor Ross (arrived in Spithead (for Southampton) on 8 April) and Welcombe (arrived in the Downs on 9 April). They were escorted by HMS Whitehall (arrived at Dover on 9 April) and HMS Acasta (arrived at Plymouth on 8 April). (8)

26 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 38.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Anglo-Saxon (British, 5596 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), British Grenadier (British (tanker), 6857 GRT, built 1922), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Europa (British, 10224 GRT, built 1931), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Gretavale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Ile de Ré (French, 5104 GRT, built 1920), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Llanwern (British, 4966 GRT, built 1928), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Mytilus (Norwegian (tanker), 5716 GRT, built 1916), Norfolk (British, 10948 GRT, built 1918), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935), San Angelo (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Texas Banker (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917), Vestfold (Panamanian (whale factory ship), 14547 GRT, built 1931), Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924) and White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928).

The RFA tankers Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937) and Olwen (6470 GRT, built 1917) are also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1800Q/27, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1900Q/27, the merchant vessel Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914) overtook and joined the convoy. She had departed late from Halifax.

During the night of 28/29 April 1940, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Bourgogne (arrived at Le Verdon on 11 May), Brazil (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Drupa (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Gretavale (rejoined the convoy on 1 May), Hanseat (arrived at Le Havre on 12 May), Ile de Ré (arrived at Le Havre on 11 May), Merchant Royal (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Scottish Maiden (arrived at Brest on 10 May) and Simonburn (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 1 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Abbeydale (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Akaroa (arrived at Portland on 10 May), Ancylus (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Athelsultan (arrived at Belfast on 12 May), Athelviking (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), British Grenadier (arrived at Milford Haven on 10 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Europa (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Kaia Knudsen (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Magician (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Mytilus (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Quebec City (arrived at Newport on 10 May), San Amado (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), San Gaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Stigstad (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Texas Banker (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Valparaiso (rejoined the convoy on 6 May), Vestfold (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Waziristan (rejoined the convoy later the same day) and White Crest (arrived at Ardrossan on 14 May).

On 3 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in bad weather conditions;
Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy on 9 May), Anglo-Saxon (arrived at Portland on 11 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 4 May), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy on 4 May) and San Angelo (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 5 May, the Vimiera straggled from the convoy but she rejoined the following day.

Around 0630O/8, in position 49°50'N, 22°35'W, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0600A/10, in position 50°04'N, 13°30'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN) joined the convoy.

Later that day, around 1700A/10 [???, time difficult to read on the Commodore's report] in position 50°05'N, 10°45'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abbeydale (arrived in the Clyde on 12 May), Drupa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Magician (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), San Amado (arrived at Swansea on 12 May), Sovac (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Texas Banker (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Valparaiso (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May) and Waziristan (arrived at Swansea on 12 May). They were escorted until 2200A/10 by HMS Walpole. HMS Walpole then parted company to join the Nore Command as a result of the German attack of The Netherlands, Belgium and France. She was to proceed to Plymouth first to fuel. The Irish Sea / west coast section then proceeded apparently unescorted.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-African (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Brasil (arrived at Le Verdon on 13 May), Delhi (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Gretavale (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Kaia Knudsen (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Llanwern (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Norfolk (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Olwen (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May), Queen City (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Skeldergate (arrived at Portland on 12 May) and Vimeira (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May). They were escorted by HMS Wessex. Like HMS Walpole, HMS Wessex was also ordered to part company with the convoy, proceed to Plymouth to fuel and then join the Nore Command. It looks like the Channel / east coast section also proceeded unescorted. (9)

13 May 1940
HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) evacuated from IJmuiden, Holland leading members of the Netherlands bank and industrial diamonds. (10)

27 Jul 1940
HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) was damaged by bombs from German aircraft while escorting a convoy off Dover.

28 Oct 1940
HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) detonates a magnetic mine. She is damaged and towed to Sheerness by HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Huddart, RN). Repairs at Green R & H Green and Silley Weir Ltd., London last to April 1941.

6 May 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN). (11)

16 May 1941
HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for exercises. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN). The exercises included a full calibre 5.25" shoot at the cruiser HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) which was also out conducting gunnery exercises herself during the afternoon and early evening.

Early the next day the screening destroyers HMS Bedouin and HMS Eskimo were relieved by HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) and HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN). (12)

5 Aug 1942
After temporary repairs at Gibraltar around 2300 hours, HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) departed that port for Rosyth where full repairs were to be made. She was escorted by HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) and HMS Mansfield (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Hill, OBE, RNR).

HMS Georgetown was detached to Londonderry around 1800/9.

HMS Mansfield was detached to Liverpool around 1800/10. HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN) had been sailed from Londonderry on the 10th to join HMS Liverpool. Most likely she joined before HMS Mansfield was detached but there is no mention in the log of Liverpool of Sennen joining the escort.

At 1552/11 HMS Liverpool was joined by HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) but at 1831 hours, HMS Walpole, took over from Avon Vale. (13)

5 Aug 1942
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and her destroyer screen made up of the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) which were out exercising. The battleship and her destroyers remained out exercising during the night. (14)

6 Aug 1942
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and her destroyer screen which was made up of HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN), HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) and HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN). This last destroyer had joined HMS Anson and the other three destroyers in the afternoon. (15)

12 Aug 1942
At 0700 hours, HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN), arrived at Rosyth where she was taken in hand for full repairs.

At 0400/12, HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Walpole were detached and proceeded to Scapa Flow. (13)

14 Aug 1942
HMS Renown (Capt. C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Montrose (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN), HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN). (16)

2 Sep 1942

Operation EV, convoy operations to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 18 and QP 14.

Convoy PQ 18 from Loch Ewe to the Kola Inlet and convoy QP 14 from the Kola Inlet to Loch Ewe.

Convoy PQ 18 departed Loch Ewe on 2 September 1942 and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 21 September 1942.

On departure from Loch Ewe it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Africander (Panamanian, 5441 GRT, built 1921), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Campfire (American, 5671 GRT, built 1919), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Beaumont (British, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Empire Morn (British, 7092 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Stevenson (British, 6209 GRT, built 1941), Empire Trinstram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gateway City (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Hollywood (American, 5498 GRT, built 1920), John Penn II (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kentucky (American, 5446 GRT, built 1921), Lafayette (Russian, 5887 GRT, built 1919), Macbeth (Panamanian, 4941 GRT, built 1920), Mary Luckenbach (American, 5049 GRT, built 1919), Meanticut (American, 6061 GRT, built 1921), Nathaniel Greene (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Oliver Ellsworth (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Oregonian (American, 4862 GRT, built 1917), Oremar (American, 6854 GRT, built 1919), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Sahale (American, 5028 GRT, built 1919), San Zotico (British (tanker), 5582 GRT, built 1919), Schoharie (American, 4971 GRT, built 1919), St. Olaf (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Virginia Dare (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Wacosta (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), White Clover (Panamanian, 5462 GRT, built 1920) and William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Grey Ranger (3313 GRT, built 1941) were also part of the convoy. These ships were known as ' Force Q '.

As was the rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923).

The merchant vessel Beauregard (American, 5976 GRT, built 1920) had also sailed with the convoy but soon returned to Loch Ewe with engine trouble.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Campbell (A/Cdr. E.C. Coats, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Mackay ( Lt. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), escort destroyers HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. F.M. Procter, RCNVR), HMS Duncton (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR), HMS Hugh Walpole (T/Lt. J. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS King Sol (Lt. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Paynter (Lt. R.H. Nossiter, RANVR).

On 6 September 1942 the escort was reinforced by the destroyers HMS Montrose (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) which came from Hvalfjord.

On 7 September 1942 three ships which had taken passage in this convoy arrived at Reykjavik, Iceland, these were the Gateway City, Oremar and San Zotico. Also the five A/S trawlers had parted company with the convoy.

Also on this day eight more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Reykjavik, these were the; Andre Marti (Russian, 2352 GRT, built 1918), Exford (American, 4969 GRT, built 1919), Komiles (Russian, 3962 GRT, built 1932), Petrovski (Russian, 3771 GRT, built 1921), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Stalingrad (Russian, 3559 GRT, built 1931), Sukhona (Russian, 3124 GRT, built 1918) and Tblisi (Russian, 7169 GRT, built 1912).

The Richard Bassett however soon returned to Reykjavik.

Also with this section were three motor minesweepers which were to be transferred to the Russian Navy, these were MMS 90 (Skr. J. Dinwoodie, RNR), MMS 203 ( Skr. J.H. Petherbridge, DSC, RNR) and MMS 212 ( T/Lt. W.J. Walker, RNVR).

These ships were escorted by the destroyers HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), minesweepers HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC, RN), HMS Harrier (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR), HMS Bryony (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR), A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Pate, RNR), HMS Cape Mariato (T/Lt. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Daneman (T/Lt. G.O.T.D. Henderson, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (Lt. J. Mackay, RNR) and the AA ships HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN) and HMS Ulster Queen (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.K. Adam, RN).

When the Reykjavik section joined the convoy the escort destroyers HNoMS Eskdale and HMS Farndale parted company and proceeded to Hvalfjord. HMS Walpole also returned to Hvalfjord with defects as did HMS Amazon. After repairs, HMS Amazon proceeded to Akureyri.

HMS Campbell and HMS Mackay arrived at Hvalfjord on the 9th, having been detached from the convoy escort. They later went on to Akureyri.

Around 0615A/8 the minesweepers HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN) departed Seidisfjord escorting the submarines HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). All three ships joined the convoy shortly after noon on the 9th.

Around 2100A/8, ' Force A ', made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. M.L. Power, OBE, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Somali (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Akureyri for Spitsbergen where they were to refuel from ' Force P ' (see below).

Around 2145A/8, ' Force B ', made up of the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) and the ' Carrier Force ' made up of the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord to join the convoy which they did around 2200A/9.

Around 2230A/9, HMS Echo parted company with the convoy to return to Hvalfjord as did HMS Montrose which proceeded to Akureyri. Both destroyers arrived at their destinations on the 10th.

' Force A ', made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali and HMS Tartar, arrived at Spitsbergen on the 11th, fuelled from ' Force P ' and departed P.M. to join convoy PQ 18 which they did in the morning of the 13th.

Meanwhile HMS Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Martin, HMS Meteor and HMS Intrepid parted company with the convoy at 1130A/11 to proceed to Spitsbergen to fuel from ' Force P '. The other destroyers / escort destroyers with the convoy fuelled from ' Force Q '.

HMS Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Martin, HMS Meteor and HMS Intrepid completed fuelling in the morning of the 13th and they rejoined the convoy around 1400A/13. The escort was complete then.

Meanwhile the convoy, had been picked up again by German aircraft on the 12th. Also at 2109A/12, the destroyer HMS Faulknor attacked a contact ahead of the convoy with depth charges in position 75°04'N, 04°49'E, this meant the end of the German submarine U-88.

On 13 September the convoy was heavily attacked by the enemy resulting in the loss of ten of the merchant vessels; by U-boat (U-408) Stalingrad and the Oliver Ellsworth and by German aircraft the Wacosta, Oregonian, Macbeth, Africander, Empire Stevenson, Empire Beaumont, John Penn and Sukhona.

On 14 September the German submarine U-457 hit the tanker Atheltemplar. The tanker burst into flames and was abandoned by her crew. HMS Harrier tried to scuttle the tanker with gunfire but failed to do so and she was last seen heavily on fire but still afloat. The capsized wreck was sunk by the German submarine U-408 in the afternoon.

Early in the afternoon the German submarine U-589 was hunted by Swordfish aircraft from HMS Avenger and she was sunk in position 75°40'N, 20°32'E with depth charges by HMS Onslow.

The German airforce also attacked the convoy on this day but concentrated initially on attacking the escort instead of the merchant ships. The HMS Avenger was heavily attacked but she was not hit though she had a lucky escape during a dive bomb attack. Torpedoes fired at her were dropped from long range due to effecive fire from her close escort, the escort destroyers HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton and the AA ship HMS Ulster Queen which had also come to her aid.

In the afternoon the merchant vessel Mary Luckenbach was torpedoed. She exploded and completely vaporised due to her cargo of 1000 tons of TNT. There were no survivors.

On September 15th, German aircraft could not inflict damage to the convoy though some ships had narrow escapes. The U-boats could be kept at bay by the escorts.

In the early hours of the 16th, the German submarine U-457 tried to attack the convoy but she was depth charged and sunk by HMS Impulsive in position 75°05'N, 43°15'E.

Shortly before noon the destroyers HMS Offa and HMS Opportune conducted depth charge attacks on the German submarines U-255 and U-378 during which the former sustained some damage.

Around 1530A/16, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, Milne, Marne, Martin, Meteor, Faulknor, Fury, Impulsive, Intrepid, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali, HMS Tartar, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, HMS Alynbank, HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 parted company with PQ 18 to join the westbound convoy QP 14 (see below) which they did the following morning. The two RFA tankers from ' Force Q ' were also with them.

On September 17th, the Russian destroyers Gremyashchiy, and Sokrushitelny joined the convoy escort.

On September 18th, the Russian destroyers Valerian Kyubishev and Uritsky joined the convoy as did the British minesweepers HMS Britomart (Lt.Cdr. S.S. Stammwitz, RN), HMS Halcyon (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.(Retd.) G.C. Hocart, RNR), HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN) joined the convoy escort. Also on this day the merchant vessel Kentucky was lost due to a German air attack.

The convoy arrived at Archangelsk on 21 September 1941. Some delay having been experienced due to heavy weather on the 19th.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy QP 14 departed Archangelsk on 13 September 1942 and arrived at Loch Ewe on 26 September 1942.

On departure from Archangelsk it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alcoa Banner (American, 5035 GRT, built 1919), Bellingham (American, 5345 GRT, built 1920), Benjamin Harrison (American, 2191 GRT, built 1942), Deer Lodge (American, 6187 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Minotaur (American, 4554 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Freedom (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Voice (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Samuel Chase (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Silver Sword (British, 4937 GRT, built 1919), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942), Troubadour (Panamanian, 6428 GRT, built 1920), West Nilus (American, 5495 GRT, built 1920) and Winston Salem (American, 6223 GRT, built 1920).

The rescue vessels Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) and Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Archangelsk the convoy was escorted by the (Russian) destroyer Kuibyshev, Uritski, escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), minesweepers Britomart, HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, DSO, RN), Halcyon, Hazard, HMS Leda (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.H. Wynne-Edwards, RN), Salamander, HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN), corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt. H.J. Hall, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR), HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. O.B. Egjar, RNR), HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. R.H. Jameson, RNR), HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RD, RNR), and the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(rtd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) and HMS Pozarica (A/Capt.(rtd.) E.D.W. Lawford, RN).

In the morning of the 17th, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, Milne, Marne, Martin, Meteor, Faulknor, Fury, Impulsive, Intrepid, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali, HMS Tartar, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, HMS Alynbank, HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 joined the convoy. The two RFA tankers from ' Force Q ' were also with them.

Also on the 17th, the Kuibyshev, Uritski, Britomart, Halcyon, Hazard and Salamander parted company with the convoy to join the escort of convoy PQ 18 (see above).

On the 18th (or early on the 19th ?) the destroyers HMS Fury and HMS Impulsive were detached from the convoy for Spitsbergen. They rejoined the convoy around 1700A/19 having escorted the RFA tanker Oligarch from Spitsbergen to the convoy. The destroyer HMS Worcester was also with them.

On 20 September U-boats began to attack the convoy and the minesweeper HMS Leda was torpedoed and sunk around 0530A/20 by U-435 in position 76°30'N, 05°00'E. She sank around 0700A/20.

Shortly after noon, the submarines HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lerwick but they first swept astern of the convoy to try to attack shadowing enemy submarines. HMS P 614 attacked U-408 with four torpedoes thinking to have sunk the enemy but this was not the case.

Later that day the merchant vessel Silver Sword was torpedoed and sunk by U-255. The Silver Sword did not sink immediately, her wreck was scuttled by gunfire from the destroyer HMS Worcester.

And finally on the 20th, the destroyer HMS Somali was torpedoed and damaged around 1850A/20 by the U-703. The ship was taken in tow towards Akureyri or Seidisfjord by her sistership HMS Ashanti and screened by HMS Opportune, HMS Eskimo and HMS Intrepid but HMS Somali finally breaking in two around 0230A/24 when the weather conditions had worsened. Both halves sank quickly.

Also on this day, Rear-Admiral Burnett transferred his flag from HMS Scylla to HMS Milne. HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, HMS Fury, HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton parted company to proceed to Seidisfjord where they arrived on 22 September. The destroyer HMS Onslaught was detached to escort the staggler Troubadour. They later joined the remainder of ' Force P ' (RFA tanker Blue Ranger, destroyer HMS Windsor and the escort destroyers HMS Cowdray and HMS Oakley) which had departed Spitsbergen. On 22 September they joined HMS Somali under tow by HMS Ashanti and the escorting destroyers HMS Opportune, HMS Eskimo and HMS Intrepid.

Three German submarines were attacked by the A/S escort on 20 September, these were U-378 by a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Avenger, U-212 by HMS Ashanti and finally U-255 by HMS Eskimo. All submarines managed to escape without damage.

On 21 September a Catalina (RAF(Norwegian) 330Sq./Z) attacked the German submarine U-606 but the aircraft is shot down by the enemy.

Early on 22 September, HMS Milne detached from the convoy to proceed to Seidisfjord where she arrived in the evening.

On 22 September the German submarine U-435 again attacked the convoy and managed to sink the merchant vessels Bellingham, Ocean Voyce and the RFA tanker Grey Ranger.

On 23 September, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Worcester and the two rescue ships, were detached to Seidisfjord arriving there later on the same day.

Also on 23 September, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, HMS Milne, HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton departed Seidisfjord for Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 24th.

The staggler Troubadour was detached from ' Force P ' on the 24th to proceed to Akureyri.

On 24 September, HMS Marne was detached to proceed to Seidisfjord to land the survivors that she had picked up from the Catalina aircraft that had been shot down on 21 September by U-606. She rejoined the convoy later the same day. HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Worcester and the two rescue ship left Seidisfjord to rejoin the convoy which they did on the 25th.

On the 25th, HMS Martin was detached to escort the staggler Winston Salem while HMS Ayrshire was detached to Seidisfjord with defects.

Around 2115A/25, HMS Ashanti, HMS Intrepid, HMS Onslaught and HMS Opportune arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Eskimo arrived around 0700A/26. Following the sinking of Somali they had detached from ' Force P ' on the 24th.

On the 26th, HMS Faulknor, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Tartar, HMS Impulsive, HMS Worcester, HMS Blankney, HMS Middleton, HMS Bramble, HMS Seagull and the tankers Oligarch and Black Ranger were detached to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the same day.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on the 26th.

The staggler Winston Salem arrived at Loch Ewe the following day after which HMS Martin proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving around 1930A/27.

' Force P ', Blue Ranger escorted by HMS Windsor, HMS Cowdray and HMS Oakley arrived at Scapa Flow on the 27th.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To provide cover and support for this convoy four forces were deployed.

' Force P ' was the Spitsbergen refueling force. It was made up of the RFA tankers Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) and departed Scapa Flow on 3 September escorted by the destroyer HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), and Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN).

On 4 September the destroyer HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Juniper, RN), coming from Seidisfjord, Iceland, relieved HMS Bramham which then proceeded to Seidisfjord. She later went on to Akureyri.

' Force P ' arrived at Spitsbergen (Lowe Sound) on 10 September. [For futher movements of ' Force P ' see the text above and below.]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was also the ' Cruiser Force ' was was to provide close cover for the convoys during their passage through the most dangerous area. Also two ships of the force were to land stores, personnel and dogs on Spitsbergen (Operation Gearbox II). It was made up of the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CB, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) and the destroyers HMS Echo, HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN). They departed Hvalfjord around 1145Z/14.

Around 1330A/15, they were joined in position 67°40'N, 19°55'W by HMS Amazon coming from Akureyri.

Around 1200A/16, HMS Cumberland and HMS Eclipse were detached for operation Gearbox II.

In the evening of the 16th the destroyers were fuelled by the cruisers. Due to these ships having to be available to intercept and engage German surface forces in case these would come out to attack the convoys the fuel levels in the destroyers were kept as high as possible. HMS Bulldog was fuelled by HMS Norfolk, HMS Echo was fuelled by HMS London, HMS Amazon was fuelled by HMS Suffolk.

At 0600A/17, HMS Eclipse was detached by HMS Cumberland to patrol to seaward while HMS Cumberland went on to Barentsburg. She anchored there around 1420A/17 and the first boat with stores was underway at 1445A/17. At 1900A/17, HMS Eclipse came alongside to fuel. This was completed at 2110A/17 and she got underway. At 2145A/17 weighed and departed Barentsburg to rejoin the other cruisers which she did around 0600A/18.

At 2200A/17, HMS Sheffield parted company with the other cruisers for her part in Operation Gearbox II. She anchored off Barentsburg around 1530A/18 and commenced disembarking. At 1930A/18, HMS Eclipse went alongside to fuel which was completed at 2105A/18. HMS Sheffield and HMS Eclipse departed the fjord around 2130A/18. They rejoined the other ships around 1050A/19.

Meanwhile in the late afternoon / early evening of the 17th, HMS Amazon, HMS Bulldog and HMS Echo were fuelled by ' Force P ' which had come out of the fjords. The destroyers were again topped off by ' Force P ' in the later morning / afternoon of the 18th.

The ' Cruiser Force ' returned to Hvalfjord around 1730Z/22.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally there was the ' Distant Cover / Battlefleet Force '. This force was made up of the battleships HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, 2nd in Command, Home Fleet), HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN), destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Campbell, HMS Mackay, HMS Montrose and the escort destroyer HMS Bramham. They departed from Akureyri around 1700Z/11 to provide cover for convoy PQ 18. The destroyers had sailed a little earlier presumably to conduct an A/S sweep off the fjord first.

They returned to Akureyri around 0900Z/14 except for HMS Bramham which had been detached to proceed to Hvalfjord.

HMS Anson, HMS Duke of York, HMS Jamaica, HMS Keppel, HMS Campbell, HMS Mackay and HMS Montrose departed again around 0630Z/19 to provide cover for convoy QP 14. The destroyer HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN) had meanwhile joined them at Akureyri and sailed with them. Once again the destroyers joined off the fjord presumable having conducted an A/S sweep of the fjord first.

The ' Battlefleet Force ' arrived at Hvalfjord around 2100Z/22.

23 Dec 1942
The battleship HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Mackay (Capt. S.V. Jephson, RN), HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN), HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN) and HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Juniper, RN). (17)

26 Dec 1942
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN).

[According to the log of HrMs O 15, HMCS Iroquois participated in these exercises. This is however impossible as according to her own log, HMCS Iroquois was in the floating dock at Scapa Flow undergoing repairs to her hull.] (18)

13 Jan 1943
HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, 2nd in Command, Home Fleet) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow which included an underway refuelling exercise with HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

It had also been intended for HMS Anson to conduct exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was to be screened by ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN). These exercises were however cancelled. (19)

14 Jan 1943
In the second half of the morning, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), conducted radar calibration exercises off Scapa Flow.

The were followed by a rangefinding and inclination exercises with HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) which was being escorted by three destroyers, two of which were HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN) [We are unable to read the name of the third destroyer in the logbook of HMS Howe]. Later in the afternoon HMS Howe had three other destroyers with her during an rangefinding and inclination exercise with HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN). These destroyers were HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

And finally HMS Penelope conducted gunnery exercises for the 6" armamant.

HMS Belfast had first concucted RDF exercises in the morning and then had conducted throw off gunnery exercises with HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN). (20)

As an Amazon Associate uboat.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases.