Allied Warships

HMS Alisma (K 185)

Corvette of the Flower class

Navy	The Royal Navy
Type	Corvette
Class	Flower
Pennant	K 185
Built by	Harland & Wolff Ltd. (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
Ordered	8 Apr 1940
Laid down	19 Aug 1940
Launched	17 Dec 1940
Commissioned	13 Feb 1941
End service
History	HMS Alisma is not listed as active unit in the July 1945 Navy List Sold in 1947. Became the merchant Laconia in 1949. Renamed Constantinos S in 1950. Renamed Parnon in 1952. Sunk on 16 July 1954.

Commands listed for HMS Alisma (K 185)

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

	Commander	From	To
1	A/Lt.Cdr. Maurice George Rose, RANVR	2 Jan 1941	1 May 1943
2	Lt. George Lanning, RANVR	1 May 1943	11 Jun 1945

You can help improve our commands section
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this vessel.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve this ships page.

Notable events involving Alisma include:

2 Mar 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (1)

3 Mar 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (1)

6 Mar 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) and HMCS Trillium (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Harris, RCNR). (1)

17 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 115.

This convoy departed Halifax on 17 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arabian Prince (British, 1960 GRT, built 1936), Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), British Reliance (British (tanker), 7000 GRT, built 1928), British Statesman (British (tanker), 6991 GRT, built 1923), British Valour (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1927), British Viscount (British (tanker), 6895 GRT, built 1921), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Cape Verde (British, 6914 GRT, built 1941), City of Johannesburg (British, 5669 GRT, built 1920), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Eulima (British, 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gand (Belgian, 5086 GRT, built 1919), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Hylton (British, 5197 GRT, built 1937), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), Limbourg (Belgium, 2396 GRT, built 1938), Malaya II (British, 8651 GRT, built 1921), Masunda (British, 5250 GRT, built 1929), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1925), Norman Prince (British, 1913 GRT, built 1940), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oakworth (British, 4968 GRT, built 1925), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Prins Willem III (Dutch, 1524 GRT, built 1939), Ringstad (Norwegian, 6366 GRT, built 1921), San Cirilo (British (tanker), GRT, built 1937), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Treverbyn (British, 5281 GRT, built 1920) and Willesden (British, 4653 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN), destroyer HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN) and the corvette HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The destroyer and the corvette were detached on the 18th to return to Halifax.

Battleship HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) and submarine HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, DSO, RN) joined the escort in the morning of the 20th.

Around 1450Z/28, in position 60°49'N, 26°00'W, the tanker Cowrie parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Around 1840Z/28, in position 60°55'N, 24°57'W, HMS California and HMS Thunderbolt parted company to proceed to Reykjavik.

Around 2130Z/28, in position 60°56'N, 24°00'W, HMS King George V parted company with the convoy.

Destroyers HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN), sloop HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR) and HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR) joined on the 29th in approximate position 61°15'N, 21°31'W.

Also on the 29th the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN) joined. They remained with the convoy until 1 April 1941 when they were detached to Scapa Flow arriving there later the same day.

Also on the 29th the German submarine U-48 attacked the convoy and managed to torpedo and sink three of the merchant vessels; Hylton, Germaninc and Limbourg.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 April 1941.

8 Apr 1941

Convoy SL 71.

This convoy departed Freetown on 8 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Afrika (British, 8597 GRT, built 1920), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Hussar (British (tanker), 6944 GRT, built 1923), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Dagfred (Norwegian, 4434 GRT, built 1930), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Progress (British, 5249 GRT, built 1918), Evinos (Greek, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jedmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Leonidas N. Condylis (Greek, 3923 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Lise (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, built 1931), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916), Mount Mycale (British, 3556 GRT, built 1907), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Newton Ash (British, 4625 GRT, built 1925), Nigerian (British, 5423 GRT, built 1936), Peribonk (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Ravnefjell (British, 1339 GRT, built 1938), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921), Santiago (Panamanian, 3864 GRT, built 1908), St. Lindsay (British, 5370 GRT, built 1921), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938) and Veerhaven (Dutch, 5291 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) and HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

Around 1515N/10, in approximate position 07°38'N, 18°30'W, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 0630N/17, in approximate position 20°40'N, 28°00'W, the four corvettes parted company with the convoy. They were to proceed to Bathurst to fuel.

Around 1000NZ(+0.5)/23, in position 36°20'N, 23°00'W, the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) joined the convoy escort and shortly afterwards HMS Mauritius parted company with the convoy.

Around 0530N/29, the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) joined the convoy in position 49°48'N, 23°03'W and shortly afterwards the armed boarding vessel HMS Malvernian (Cdr. J.W.B. Robertson, RNR) also joined the convoy.

Around 0810A/29, HMS London parted company with the convoy and set course for Scapa Flow.

Around 0430A/30, the destroyer HMS Beagle, (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0645A/30, the corvette HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0715A/30, the corvette HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0930A/30, HMS Cilicia parted company with the convoy in position 52°42'N, 20°32'W.

After the departure of HMS Cilicia more local A/S escorts arrived early in the afternoon, these were the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN), corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and the A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

The convoy was then split up into a fast and slow section.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 May 1941.

17 Apr 1941

Convoy SL 72

This convoy departed Freetown on 17 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 13 May 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following merchants; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Bangalore (British, 6067 GRT, built 1928), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Coracero (British, 7252 GRT, built 1923), Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Dixcove (British, 3790 GRT, built 1927), Empire Lotus (British, 3696 GRT, built 1920), Gaelic Star (British, 5596 GRT, built 1917), Garoet (Dutch, 7118 GRT, built 1917), Hainaut (Belgian, 4312 GRT, built 1905), Hazelside II (British, 5297 GRT, built 1940), Inverbank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Jeypore (British, 5318 GRT, built 1920), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Moanda (Belgian, 4621 GRT, built 1937), Mokambo (Belgian, 4996 GRT, built 1938), Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912), Muneric (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Perth (British, 2259 GRT, built 1915), Prinses Maria-Pia (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Saint Bernard (British, 5183 GRT, built 1939), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Somerset (British, 8790 GRT, built 1918), St. Helena (British, 4313 GRT, built 1936), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937), Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916), Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913), Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930), Winkfield (British, 5279 GRT, built 1919) and Yorkwood (British, 5401 GRT, built 1936).

The merchant vessel Empire Advocate (British, 5787 GRT, built 1913) joined at sea on 25 April near the Azores.

A/S Escort was provided on the day of departure when the convoy was near Freetown by the destroyers HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and the corvettes HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR).

Ocean escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) until being relieved around noon on the 19th by HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) which then remained with the convoy until May 1st.

On 20 April the Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) joined the convoy and she remained with it until May 11th.

Local escort in British home waters was provided from 10 to 13 May by the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. Sir P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN) (to 12 May only), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR), HMS St. Loman (T/Lt. R.C. Warwick, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR).

6 May 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Sabre (Lt. Sir P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN) and HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN). (2)

6 May 1941

Convoy OG 61.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 6 May 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 4 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Berto (Norwegian, 1493 GRT, built 1918), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Michalios (Greek, 3742 GRT, built 1908), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918) and Willodale (British, 1777 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Milford Haven this section was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Viceroy (Lt.Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Huddersfield Town (Skr. J.H. Consadine, RNR).

The Liverpool section (sailed 5 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Daleby (British, 4640 GRT, built 1929), Parthenon (Greek, 3189 GRT, built 1908) and Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN).

The British Coast (British, 889 GRT, built 1934) joined coming from Preston.

Around 0900B/6, the Milford Haven and Liverpool sections joined company after which HMS Viceroy and HMS Huddersfield Town were detached to Belfast Lough.

Around 1500B/6, the Clyde section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alberte le Borgne (British, 3921 GRT, built 1914), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Garm (Swedish, 1231 GRT, built 1912), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Maaskerk (Dutch, 4343 GRT, built 1929), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Perth (British, 2259 GRT, built 1915) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1800B/6, the Oban section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Cervantes (British, 1810 GRT, built 1916), Empire Steelhead (British, 7744 GRT, built 1920), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Hawkinge (British, 2475 GRT, built 1924), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 1927), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Rhineland (British, 1381 GRT, built 1922), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

Around 2000B/6, the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. Sir P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR) joined.

Between 0700B/9 and 0745B/9, a German Focke Wulf Condor aircraft was seen circling the convoy. HMS Fleetwood and HMS Sabre both opened fire on it.

At 2230B/9, in position 52°24'N, 19°00'W, HMS Fleetwood, HMS Alisma, HMS Dianella, HMS Kingcup, HMS Man o' War and HMS Wellard parted company to make rendezvous with and join convoy SL 72. They also took rescue ship Perth with them.

Around 0900B/10, in position 51°07'N, 19°00'W, HMS Keppel, HMS Lincoln and HMS Sabre parted company. These were also to join convoy SL 72. HMS Scarborough was now the sole escort of the convoy.

Around 0730B/11, in position 48°20'N, 19°20'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy;
Baron Ruthven (arrived at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 21 May 1941), Berto (arrived at Halifax on 21 May 1941), Bonde (arrived at Montreal on 24 May 1941), Cliona (arrived at Bermuda on 20 May 1941), Empire Steelhead (arrived at Baltimore on 27 May 1941), Gard (arrived at Trinidad on 27 May 1941), Hindsholm (arrived at Halifax on 19 May 1941), Jobshaven (arrived at Manzanillo (Cuba) on 27 May 1941), Maaskerk (arrived at Barbados on 25 May 1941), Michalios (arrived at Halifax on 21 May 1941), Miralda (arrived at New York on 22 May 1941), Nicolas (arrived at Montreal on ?? May 1941), Peleus (arrived at Montreal on 22 May 1941), Pennington Court (arrived at Montreal on 23 May 1941), Taygetos (arrived at Montreal on 24 May 1941), Umberleigh (arrived New York at on 24 May 1941) and Vestland (arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland on 17 May 1941).

Around 2130B/12, in position 45°00'N, 21°18'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy;
Albert le Borgne (arrived at Freetown on 30 May 1941), Daleby (arrived at Lagos on 4 June 1941), Helder (arrived at Capetown on 10 June 1941), Lewant (arrived at Freetown on 26 May 1941), Sire (arrived at Las Palmas on 17 May 1941) and Urbino (arrived at Capetown on 7 June 1941).

Around 1100B/13, in position 43°36'N, 21°03'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800B/14, in position 41°07'N, 20°26'W, the corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Joinquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0900B/14, in position 41°00'N, 20°25'W, the Parthenon was detached to Takoradi where she arrived on 31 May 1941.

Around 1400B/16, in position 35°08'N, 14°55'W, HMS Geranium and HMS Joinquil parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 0600B/18, in position 35°16'N, 8°23'W, HMS Azalea parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 1900B/18, in position 35°51'N, 06°15'W, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lisbon where all arrived on 20 May 1941;
Garm, Gothland, Lapland, Rhineland, Scania and Willowdale.

At the same time also the following ships were detached to Huelva where all arrived on 19 May 1941.
Hawkinge, Kellwyn, Leadgate, Leka and Phillip M..

Around 0100B/20, the remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar, these were the following ships;
Baron Kelvin, British Coast, Cervantes, Lissa, Runa and Wallsend. On arrival at Gibraltar they were escorted by HMS Scarborough and HrMs O 21. (3)

27 May 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR). (4)

27 May 1941

Convoy HX 129.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 May 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941.

On departure from Halifax this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agra (Swedish, 4569 GRT, built 1925), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Braganza (Norwegian, 6327 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Empire Albatross (British, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Empire Dawn (British, 7241 GRT, built 1941), Empire Ibex (British, 6990 GRT, built 1918), Empire Impala (British, 6116 GRT, built 1920), Empire Lapwing (British, 5403 GRT, built 1921), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Empire Panter (British, 5600 GRT, built 1919), Empire Ptarmigan (British, 6013 GRT, built 1920), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Erna III (British, 1590 GRT, built 1930), Evanger (Norwegian, 3869 GRT, built 1920), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Koenjit (Dutch, 4551 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas M. (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), Salando (Dutch, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924), Saluta (British, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Suderoy (Norwegian (whale factory ship), 7562 GRT, built 1913), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Zaglobia (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

The rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Earl Beattie, RN) and HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN).

On 28 May 1941, HMS Buxton and HMCS St. Croix were detached.

This convoy merged at sea on 31 May 1941 with convoy BHX 129 which had departed Bermuda on 25 May 1941 and was made up of the following ships; Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), British Princess (British (tanker), 7019 GRT, built 1917), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), El Grillo (British (tanker), 7264 GRT, built 1922), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Ferncastle (Norwegian (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Geisha (British, 5113 GRT, built 1921), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Malmanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7078 GRT, built 1920), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Solsten (Norwegian (tanker), 5379 GRT, built 1929), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930) and Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Bermuda convoy BHX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) which was then detached.

Also on 31 May 1941 the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) joined the convoy to provide cover against attack by enemy surface ships (the German light cruiser Prinz Eugen was still at sea).

On 3 June 1941 the corvettes HMCS Chambly (A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR) joined the convoy.

On 4 June 1941, HMS Repulse parted company with the convoy having been relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN).

On 6 June 1941, HMS Suffolk was detached after the destroyers HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) and HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.S. Connell, RNR) had joined the convoy.

On 7 June the corvettes HMCS Chambly, HMCS Collingwood and HMCS Orillia were detached.

On 8 June the destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR) and the MAC-ship Springbank joined.

On 10 June HMS Alisma was detached.

On 11 June HMS Chelsea, HMS Lincoln, HMS Mansfield, HMS Veteran, HMS Wolverine and HMS Sunflower were detached.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941 escorted by HMS Chitral, HMS Sabre, HMS Venomous, HMS Begonia, HMS Convolvulus, HMS Kincup and HMS Wellard.

10 Jun 1941

Convoy HX 132.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Avra (Greek, 4652 GRT, built 1912), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Belita (British (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), Circe Shell (British (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1931), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), James Hawson (British (tanker), 6074 GRT, built 1930), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Marchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Ornefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 1334 GRT, built 1937), Sama (Norwegian, 1799 GRT, built 1937), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Annapolis (A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Smith, RCNR).

The battleships HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) also departed Halifax late on the 10th and joined the convoy at sea early on the 11th after which HMCS Annapolis parted company to return to Halifax.

On the morning of 13 June 1941, Convoy BHX 132 joined, which had departed Bermuda on 8 June 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belinda (British (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Cistula (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Eknaren (Swedish, 5243 GRT, built 1922), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Hopemount (British (tanker), 7434 GRT, built 1929), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938) and Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).

They had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) which then parted company.

Around 0800O/16, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

Around 1530O/16, the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) also joined. she had first directed convoy SC 34 towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 and it's escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN), took station astern of convoy HX 132.

Around 1200O/18, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Columbia parted company with the convoy.

Around 2000O/18, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to join westbound convoy OB 334.

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

The relief A/S escorts most likely involved in escorting HX 132 and / or SC 34 were; destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), mineweeepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). The catapult ship Pegasus apparently also joined the convoys.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

10 Jun 1941

Convoy SC 34.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aaro (British (former Danish), 1426 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Baron Vernon (British, 3642 GRT, built 1929), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Borgfred (Norwegian, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dinaric (British, 2555 GRT, built 1919), Eastmoor (British, 5812 GRT, built 1922), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Empire Buffalo (British, 6404 GRT, built 1919), Fido (Norwegian, 1857 GRT, built 1919), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Gunvor Maersk (British, 1977 GRT, built 1931), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (British, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Margit (British, 1735 GRT, built 1924), Mariston (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Michalios (Greek, 3742 GRT, built 1908), Milcrest (British, 5283 GRT, built 1919), Nicolaos Piangos (Greek, 4499 GRT, built 1912), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Redpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) and auxiliary patrol boats HMCS Raccoon (T/Lt. N.G. Bennett, RCNR) and HMCS Reindeer (Lt. L.G. Cumming, RCNVR). Both patrol vessels returned to Halifax on the 11th.

In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) joined to guide the convoy towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 took station astern of convoy HX 132.

The combined convoy was then escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura, destroyers HMCS Restigouche, HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

4 Nov 1941
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Campbeltown (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN). (5)

9 Nov 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR). (6)

10 Nov 1941
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Kingcup (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RNR), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN) and HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN). (5)

1 Dec 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) and HMS Kingcup (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR). (7)

14 Jan 1942
HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Empire Surf that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-43 south of Iceland in position 58°42'N, 19°16'W.

29 Jan 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Loosestrife (T/Lt. A.A. Campbell, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, DSC, RNR) and HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR). (8)

30 Jan 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, DSC, RN), HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR). (9)

31 Jan 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, DSC, RNR), HMS Loosestrife (T/Lt. A.A. Campbell, RNR) and HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR). (9)

1 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR), HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSC, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR). (10)

3 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR), HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR), HMS Cape Comorin (T/Lt. W.R. Blower, RANVR), HNoMS Molde and HNoMS Narvik. (11)

10 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN), HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR). (11)

11 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN). (11)

24 Sep 1943

Convoy MKS 26.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 24 September 1943.

It was made up of the following ships; Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Diplodon (British (tanker), 8149 GRT, built 1941), Drammensfjord (Norwegian, 5339 GRT, built 1920), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 194), Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), George Gipp (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920), Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), R.C. Brennan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942).

The convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR), HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR), HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) and the minesweeper HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN). The corvettes HMS Oxlip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR) were unable to depart on time due to defects. HMS Delphinium and HMAS Gawler were sailed in their place. Both corvettes were able to proceed after repairs to overtake and join the convoy relieving their substitutes which then returned to Alexandria.

On 28 September 1943, the following ships departed Malta to join the convoy; African Prince (British, 4653 GRT, built 1939), Benreoch (British, 5818 GRT, built 1921), Coxwold (British, 1124 GRT, built 1938), Derwenthall (British, 4934 GRT, built 1940), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Fort Augustus (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Howe (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. James (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Harpagus (British, 7172 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valley (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) and Vittorino Zanibon (Italian (tanker), 1622 GRT, built 1943).

With them was also the damaged light cruiser HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN).

The Malta section was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. T.M. Dorrien-Smith, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and HMS Vetch (Lt. K.M.B. Menzies, RNR).

On these ships joining the convoy both escort destroyers returned to Malta taking the following ships of the convoy with them; Badarpur, Clan Murdoch, Diplodon, Empire Capulet, Fort Cadotte, Fort Frederick, Fort George, Fort Glenlyon, Fort Lawrence, Glenogle, Highland Prince and Talma.

HMS Jonquil and HMS Vetch proceeded to Tripoli taking the Thistlemuir with them.

HMS Alisma joined the main body of the convoy as additional escort towards Gibraltar.

On 29 September 1943, the Fanad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.

On 29 September 1943, the following ships parted company with the convoy and arrived at Bizerta; Empire Rosalind, Fort Walsh, Gudrun Maersk, John Howland and Ulla while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Marigot (French, 4047 GRT, built 1932), Miriam (British, 1903 GRT, built 1912) and Richard Henry Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941).

On 30 September 1943, the Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy from Bone.

On 30 September 1943, the following ships were detached to Philippeville; Crista, Derwenthall, Empire Perdita and Fort Charnisay while the Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around midnight during the night of 30 September / 1 October 1943, the German submarine U-410 attacked the convoy sinking the Fort Howe and heavily damaging the Empire Commerce. The aft part of the latter ship sank while the front part was towed to Bone.

On 2 October 1943, the following ships of the convoy were detached to Algiers; Coxwold, Fort Stager, Marigot, Miriam, Vittorino Zanibon and HMS Alisma while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Franka (Yugoslavian, 5273 GRT, built 1918) and Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934). Also joining were the motor minesweepers HMS MMS 13 (T/Lt. A.E. Durham, RNVR) and HMS MMS 118 (A/Skr.Lt. J. Smith, DSC, RNR).

On 3 October 1943, the following ships of the convoy were detached to Oran; Abangarez, Charles Goodyear, George Gipp, Henry Wynkoop, John Howland, R.C. Brennan and Richard Henry Lee while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 4 October 1943.

1 Oct 1943
HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) and HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) together pick up 68 survivors from the British merchant Fort Howe that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-410 east of Bougie in position 37°19'N, 06°40'E.

HMS Alisma also picks up 51 survivors from the British merchant Empire Commerce that was torpedoed and sunk in the same attack by German U-boat U-410 east of Bougie, Algeria in position 37°19'N, 06°40'E.

30 Mar 1944

Convoy MKS 45.

This convoy departed Port Said on 30 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Brajara (Norwegian (tanker), 8116 GRT, built 1934), British Ambassador (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), British Soldier (British (tanker), 5564 GRT, built 1918), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), George D. Prentice (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Mirror (British (cable ship), 1850 GRT, built 1923), Mooncrest (British, 5173 GRT, built 1941), Nathan Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Niobe (Panamanian (tanker), 7299 GRT, built 1915), Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920), Samnesse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930), Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942), William Dunbar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR).

On 31 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samyork (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 4 April 1944, the transport Pronto arrived at Benghazi after having parted company with the convoy.5

Also on 4 April 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), Edward N. Hurly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Ezilda Croce (Italian, 1230 GRT, built 1900), Fanad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Felipe de Neve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort Maurepas (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Henry Jocelyn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jesse Billingsley (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Quincy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), M.M. Guhin (American, 7180 GRT, 1943), Morrison R. Waite (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nyhorn (Norwegian, 4494 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Robert Jordan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samearn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Sully (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907), W.H. Libby (Panamanian (tanker), 7992 GRT, built 1921), William Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Brajara, British Soldier, Empire Noble, Empire Stronghold, Empire Wyclif, Fort Clatsop, Fort St.Regis, Macharda, Marit Maersk, Nathan Hale, Ocean Vulcan, Samnebra, Thorshavn, Tide Water Associated, Tobruk and William Eaton.

On 5 April 1944, the transport Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921) departed Malta to join the convoy.

On 6 April 1944, the transports Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921) departed Tunis to join the convoy.

On 6 April 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta; British Ambassador, Ezilda Croce, Thomas Sully, William Dunbar and William Kent while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Adjutant (British, 1931 GRT, built 1922), Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921) and John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 7 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone; Empire Trent, Henry Jocelyn, Ocean Rider, Pencarrow, Ponce de Leon, Theodore Foster and William W. Campbell while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Bairn (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941) and Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914).

On 8 April 1944, the transport Ingertre arrived at Philippeville.

On 8 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers; Adjutant, Alexandre Andre, Edward N. Hurley, Empire Bairn, Empire Shearwater, Fort Maurepas, Jesse Billingsley, Joseph Alston, Josiah Quincy, Morrison R. Waite, Narwick, Nyhorn, Prosper Schiaffino, Robert Jordan, Samearn, Samuel V. Shreve, Ville de Bougie, W.H. Libby and William Johnson while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929) and Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910).

On 9 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Oran; Ezra Cornell, Fanad Head, Felipe de Neve, Fort de Douaumont, George B. McClellan, George D. Prentice, Harmatris, John B. Gordon, M.M. Guhin, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Radmanso, Samson, Tanafjord and Theomitor while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921) and Peribonka (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937).

On 10 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Balfe, Chateauroux, Empire Capulet, Janeta, Mirror, Mooncrest, Peribonka and William J. Bryan. The current escort also arrived at Gibraltar.

The following transports proceeded directly into the Atlantic where the convoy merged with convoy SL 154 coming from Freetown; Adviser, Ary Lensen, Castalia, City of Agra, City of Delhi, Clan Matheson, Historian, Samnesse and Samyork. They were joined by the following transports / tankers; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Baron Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Jacinth (British, 650 GRT, built 1937), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7046 GRT, built 1918), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929) and Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919). With these ships a new escort also joined coming from Gibraltar, this was made up of the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) frigates HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (T/Lt. A.W. James, RNR).

10 Apr 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) arrived at Gibraltar from escort duty with convoy MKS 45. (12)

23 Apr 1944

Convoy UGS 40.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 23 April 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Abraham Lincoln (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Albino Perez (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dickson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Braxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. Dana (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Wickliffe (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Clement Clay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Elijah White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Fernbrook (Norwegian, 4633 GRT, built 1932), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Francis M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Watterson (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James J. Pettigrew (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), James Whitcomb Riley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Janet Lord Roper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John F. Myers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John W. Griffiths (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Hooker (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Laurentide Park (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Neocardia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1943), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Peter Minuit (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Peter Zenger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Samdaring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samderry (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samdonard (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samfairy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samfield (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samharle (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samkansa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samlea (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sampenn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspelga (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Stephen A. Douglas (American, 7219 GRT, built 1942), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nuttall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas W. Bickett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Laer Black (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), William B. Giles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Aspinwall (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), William H. Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zachery Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 61 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. J.C. Sowell, USN on board), destroyers USS Dallas ( Lt.Cdr. J.W. Coolidge, USNR, with COMDESDIV 60, T/Cdr. N.C. Barker, USN, on board), USS Ellis (Lt. P. Cutler, USNR), escort destroyers USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. S.N. Gleis, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Cody, Jr., USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. E.F. Butler, USNR), USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR), USS Wilhoite (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Roth, USN), USS Cockrill (Lt.Cdr. S. Farnham, USNR), Tunesien and patrol vessel Cimeterre.

The naval tanker USS Chicopee (Cdr. C.O. Peak, USNR) was also with the convoy.

Around 1030Q/23, the escort destroyer USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR) joined.

Around 2000Q/23, the transport Eastgate suffered engine failure. She was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.

Around 2302Q/23, the transport Timothy Dwight and USS Cockrill collided. Both sustained damage and were detached to return to Hampton Roads escorted by USS Dobler. USS Dobler was ordered to rejoin the convoy later.

Around 1900Q/24, the destroyer Bernadou (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meredith, USNR) joined the convoy having been sent to replace USS Cockrill.

Around 2000Q/24, the transport Fort Venago developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.

Around 1930Q/25, USS Dobler rejoined the convoy.

On 29 April 1944, USS Chicopee fuelled the following escort vessels; USCGC Campbell, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Dobler, USS Decker, USS Ellis, USS Dallas, USS Bernadou, USS Wilhoite and the Cimeterre.

On 1 May 1944, USS Chicopee fuelled the following escort vessels; USS Evarts, USS Wyfels, USS Smartt, USS Inch (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Frey, USN), USS Snowden (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Swanson, USNR), USS Frost (J.H. McWhorter, USNR), USS Huse (R.H. Wanless, USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USN). The last five of these destroyer escorts were not escorts of the convoy but members of hunter-killer group (Task Group 21.15) operating in the area.

Around 0530O/2, the transport Samdonard broke down. Repairs were expected to take four hours. USS Decker was ordered to standby the stricken ship. They rejoined around 0800N/3.

Around 1200N/3, the transports Charles A. Wickliffe and George Matthews were detached to the Azores escorted by USS Walter S. Brown until position 36°20'N, 28°37'W after which USS Walter S. Brown rejoined the convoy around 2000N/5.

Between 1515Z/7 and 1800Z/7, USS Dallas and USS Bernadou were fuelled by USS Chicopee

Around 1900Z/7, the transports George H. Dern, James Whitcomb Riley, John Stevens, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, William B. Giles and William Mulholland were detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran / Mers-el-kebir where they were to discharge personnel and then to rejoin the convoy. They were escorted by USS Dallas, USS Ellis and USS Bernadou. They arrived at their destination on 10 May 1944.

Around 1015A/8, the tanker Esso Concord and the transports Alexander Lillington, Elijah White, Henry Watterson, Irvin MacDowell and Joseph Hooker were detached to Casablanca. They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). They arrived at Casablanca the following day.

At 0800B/9, USS Dobler was detached to Gibraltar with a medical case she had taken off from James W. Fannin. She rejoined the convoy later the same day.

Also in the moning of the 9th, USS Chicopee refuelled the Cimeterre.

Around 1300B/9, the tanker Kobad was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived later the same day.

Around 1500B/9, Hengist joined the convoy as rescue tug.

Around 1515B/9, the transport Joseph N. Teal was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived later the same day. The reason was engine trouble and she was no longer able to keep up with the convoy.

At 0220B/10, the destroyer USS Benson (T/Cdr. J.B. Williams, USN) and the minesweepers USS Steady (Lt.Cdr. B. Orella, USNR) and USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1615B/10, the transports / tankers Alfred Moore, Dwight W. Morrow, James Barbour, John Fiske, John Jay, Joseph Leidy, Noah Webster, Pan-Rhode Island, Peter Minuit, Reverdy Johnson, Robert H. Harrison and the naval tanker USS Chicopee were detached to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

Around the same time the transports George H. Dern, Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Grenville M. Dodge (American, 7194 GRT, built 1942), James Whitcomb Riley, John Stevens, Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, William B. Giles and William Mulholland joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 1630B/10, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

Aroud 1800B/10, USS Dallas, USS Ellis and USS Bernadou rejoined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 1900B/10, the destroyers USS Champlin (T/Cdr. F.E. Fleck, Jr., USN) and USS Laub (T/Cdr. A.C. Roessler, USN) joined the convoy temporarily.

Around 0200B/11, USS Champlin and USS Laub parted company with the convoy.

At 1500B/11, the transports Charles A. Dana, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Louisa M. Alcott, Samderry, Samdonard and Samfield were detached to Algiers and the transports Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914) and Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from Algiers.

Between 2100B/11 and 2144B/11, the convoy was attacked by between 40 to 60 German aircraft but no damage was done.

Around 1730B/12, the transports Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort La Baye (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943) and Ocean Gypsy (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

The transport Cap-Pinede (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938) had joined the convoy already earlier coming from Philippeville.

Around 1800B/12, HMS Hengist was detached to Bone.

Around 2200B/12, USS Benson and USS Sustain were detached to return to Oran.

Around 0157B/13, USS Evarts, USS Dobler, USS Walter S. Brown< and USS Bernadou were detached to hunt a reported submarine.

Around 0533B/13, USS Steady was detached to Bizerta.

Around 0600B/13, the U.S. escort was relieved by a British escort. The U.S. escort then proceeded to Bizerta taking the transports Empire Stalwart, Fort La Baye, Gezina, Magdala and Srbin with them to Bizerta. HMS Caledon also proceeded to Bizerta. The four escorts that had been detached earlier for the U-Boat hunt arrived at Bizerta later the same day after the hunt had been called off.

The British escort that joined was made up of the sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR). They had the transports Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929) and Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920) with them which also joined the convoy.

On 13 May 1944, the transport Cap-Pinede arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 14 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; James W. Fannin and Port Melbourne.

The James W. Fannin was only briefly at Malta as she later rejoined the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Abangarez, Abraham Lincoln, Ben H. Miller, Benjamin Huntington, Carter Braxton, Chloris, Conrad Weiser, Cornelius Gilliam, Djebel Aures, Empire Alliance, Essex Trader, Fort Astoria, Fort Michipicoten, George H. Dern, Grenville M. Dodge, James W. Fannin, James Whitcomb Riley, Janet Lord Roper, John Banvard, John Dickinson, John Stevens, Norman Monarch, Ocean Gipsy, Odysseus, Salamis, Samgallion, Samkansa, Samuel Moody, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, Van Laer Black, William B. Giles, William Mulholland and Zachery Taylor.

From Augusta the transports Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy.

On 18 May 1945, the Neocardia, Norelg, Ocean Messenger, Pronto, Samfairy and William H. Moody arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. HMS Pheasant, HMS Alisma and HMS Spiraea also arrived at Alexandria.

On 19 May 1945, the Albino Perez, Ben F. Dixon, Clement Clay, Cornelius Harnett, Fernbrook, Francis M. Smith, James J. Pettigrew, James M. Gillis, John F. Myers, John W. Griffiths, Junecrest, Laurentide Park, Peter Zenger, Samdaring, Samharle, Samlea, Sampenn, Samspelga, Thomas L. Clingman, Thomas Nuttall, William H. Aspinwall and William Patterson arrived at Port Said escorted by HMS Bideford and HMS Saxifrage.

4 May 1944

Convoy GUS 39.

This convoy departed Port Said on 4 May 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Bourn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), British Aviator (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1924), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Edmund F. Dickins (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Fort St.Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Frank A. Vanderlip (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Geronimo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gulf of Mexico (American (tanker), 7807 GRT, built 1917), Gulfpoint (American (tanker), 6972 GRT, built 1920), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Peter Donahue (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930), Trevince (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943), Tweedsmuir Park (Canadian, 7143 GRT, built 1943), Ville de Majunga (British (former French), 6174 GRT, built 1931), W.H. Libby (Panamanian (tanker), 7992 GRT, built 1921) and William S. Halsted (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR).

On 5 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Uhler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ida Bakke (Norwegian, 5455 GRT, built 1938), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James L. Breck (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Pete Marquette (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Philip Schuyler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert G. Ingersoll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Byrd (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943).

On 9 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander H. Stephens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), E.A. Peden (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Empire Crown (British, 7070 GRT, built 1944), Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Frank Springer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Gorrie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Mason (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John N. Maffitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943), William Ellery (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William J. Worth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William P. Fessenden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 10 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; British Aviator, Cape Hawke, Crista, Dallington Court, Empire Lionel, Finley Peter Dunne, Fort St.Francois, Frank C. Emerson, Gulf of Mexico, Ittersum, Liss, Meline and Thorshavn.

On 10 May 1944, the transports Eridan and Stanlodge arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while transports / tankers departed Malta to join the convoy; Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920) and William Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 11 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Ethan Allen, George M. Bibb, Gulfpoint, John C. Breckinridge, John Trumbull, Kemp P. Battle, Luther Martin, Norelg, Tarleton Brown and William F. Cody. Also the current escort entered Bizerta as the escort of the convoy was now taken over by an American Task Force.

The following transports / tankers departed Bizerta to join the convoy; Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Gipp (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Tijuca (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926) and William Dunbar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the new escort departed Bizerta to join the convoy. This was Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. C.A. Anderson, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance ( Cdr. E.A. Anderson, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, 2nd, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Lansing (Cdr. S.R. Sands, Jr., USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Thomas (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kellogg, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 48, Cdr. G.A. Parkinson, USNR, on board), USS Baker (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Lockwood, USNR), USS Bostwick (Lt. C.G. Hall, USNR), USS Breeman (Lt.Cdr. E.N.W. Hunter, USNR), USS Bronstein (T/Lt.Cdr. S.H. Kinney, USN) and USS Coffman (Cdr. W.H. Putnam, USNR). Additional escorts were AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) which was fitted for jamming the signals of German guided bombs. The rescue tug HMRT Nimble also joined the convoy.

On 12 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Coulgorm, Fort Grahame, Fort Pembina, Jan Lievens and Tijuca while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942) and Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919).

On 13 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy; Campidoglio, Empire Damsel, Empire Tern, Empire Unicorn, Fort Carlton, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Marin, Ocean Rider, Polarsol, Samsteel, Silverelm, Tweedsmuir Park, Van Honthorst, Ville de Majunga, W.H. Libby, William Ellery and William J. Worth while the following ships joined the convoy of Algiers; Amos Kendall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hamlin Garland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James H. Couper (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922), Robert Y. Hayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampler (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Wilson P. Hunt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

On 14 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Benjamin Tay, Bret Harte, British Respect, Dux, Empire Crown, Frank Springer, Howell E. Jackson, King S. Wolsey and Laurent Meeus while the following ships joined the convoy of Oran; Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Arthur M. Huddell (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John W. Hoyt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942). The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and naval stores ship USS Yukon (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Barnhart, USNR) also joined the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; Empire Glen, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Helmwood, Trevince, Van Ostade and Zuypenberg. Also HMS Colombo and HMRT Nimble were detached to Gibraltar. USS Hilary P. Jones was also detached.

On 15 May 1944, the following ships departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Henry Watterson (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the patrol vesselsUSS PC-471 (G B Calkins, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). These ships joined the convoy around 0915A/16. The escort vessels then returned to Casablanca on the 17th having taken the following ships with them; Empire Duchess, Finistere, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Medie II, Newbrough and Samtucky.

Around 1215Z/20, two ships joined the convoy coming from the Azores, these were the George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Gulfcoast (American, 7140 GRT, built 1937). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

On 22 May 1944, USCGC Bibb fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Around 1625P/28, the convoy split up into two sections. One section was bound for Chesapeake Bay. This was made up of 37 ships, inluding USS Cossatot and USS Yukon. It was escorted by USS Thomas, USS Baker, USS Bostwick, USS Breeman and USS Bronstein. The Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the evening of 29 May 1944.

The remaining ships, 48 in total, proceeded to New York with the remainder of the escort. The New York section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the morning of 30 May 1944.

4 Jul 1944

Convoy GUS 45.

This convoy departed Port Said on 4 July 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Gulf of Mexico (American (tanker), 7807 GRT, built 1917), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Horatio Allen (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dockweiler (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samyale (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sonnavind (Norwegian, 4965 GRT, built 1935), Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944) and William Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR).

On 5 July 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; David G. Burnet (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Henry Durant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and William Harper (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (Lt. D.K.H. Kinloch, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Empire Peak, John Dockweiler, Malancha, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Messenger, Ocean Traveller, Ocean Vesper, Samoa and Sampan while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elias Boudinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George P. McKay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Armstrong (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Pierre L'Enfant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Sherwood D. Anderson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Theodore C. Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

On 9 July 1944, the James M. Gillis was detached to Augusta.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; British Endurance, Chateau Latour and Trevanion while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and Van Lear Black (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also the British escort parted company while an American escort joined the convoy. This escort was made up of the following ships; cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.G. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG), USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), ,USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR) and USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR). With this American escort the escort tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) also joined the convoy. Also joining was the minesweeper USS YMS-303 (Lt. S. Emien, 3rd, USNR).

On 11 July 1944, the tanker Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 11 July 1944, USS YMS-303 is detached to Bougie.

On 12 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Damsel, Fort Carlton, Fort Kootenay, Fort Lennox, Gulf of Mexico and Orpheus while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gasden (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941) and John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Hamilton, Benjamin Goodhue, Bernard N. Baker, Bret Harte, Christopher Gadsden, Egbert Benson, Elias Boudinot, Ezra Cornell, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClellan, George P. McKay, John Armstrong, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Robert Treat Paine, Sherwood Anderson, Theodoric Bland and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Harvey C. Miller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hippopotame (French, 970 GRT, built 1918) and Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Beckenham, Empire Wyclif and Samyale while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Athelchief Fort George and Hippopotame while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Alexander R. Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939) and Wood Lake (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943). The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy. The ships that joined the convoy coming from Casablanca had been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the minesweeping sloop La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels Le Ruse, Le Resolu and L'Effronte which then returned to Casablanca with the ships that had been detached.

On 16 July 1944, the transport Empire Garrick developed engine trouble. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS Burrows which subsequently rejoined the convoy on the 19th.

During 16 July, USCGC Taney, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 19 July, USS Burrows, USS Pride, USS Mosley, USS Newell, USS Falgout and USS Lowe fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 22 July, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At midnight during the night of 27/28 July the convoy split in the Hampton Roads and New York sections. The Hampton Roads section was made up of 18 merchant vessels, HMS Trouncer and USS Cossatot. They were escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber.

2.5 hours later the Delaware section split off from the New York section. The Delaware section was made up of 4 merchant vessels and was escorted by USS Pride and USS Newell. The remaining ships and the remaining escorts made up the New York section. All sections arrived at their destinations later on the 28th.

Sources

ADM 173/16791
File 2.12.03.6376 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
ADM 199/1142
ADM 173/16760
File 2.12.03.6368 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
ADM 173/16787
ADM 173/16796
ADM 173/17778
ADM 173/17812
ADM 173/17813
ADM 173/17773
ADM 199/2494

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

uboat.net

Allies in WWII

Warship finder

Allied events