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Notable events involving Begonia include:

25 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 123.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 April 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Barbro (Norwegian (tanker), 6325 GRT, built 1934), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Cocle (Panamanian, 5630 GRT, built 1920), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Dalmore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Oryx (British, 5756 GRT, built 1919), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Empire Swan (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Helgoy (Norwegian, 7116 GRT, built 1920), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935), Kirkpool (British, 4840 GRT, built 1928), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), Kongsgaard (Norwegian (tanker), 9467 GRT, built 1937), Kristianiafjord (Norwegian, 6759 GRT, built 1921), Lechistan (Polish, 1937 GRT, built 1929), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Ostende (Belgian, 4528 GRT, built 1903), Pachesham (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Southern Princess (British (whale factory ship / tanker), 12156 GRT, built 1915), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940) and Winona County (British, 6049 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Around 2100Q/25, both Canadian corvettes parted company.

Between 1700Q/26 and 1930Q/26 three merchant vessels which were unable to keep up with the convoy were detached from the convoy to return to Halifax. These were the following; Cocle, Imperial Monarch and Ostende.

At dawn on 27 April 1941 it was seen that the Amberton was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.

At dawn on 28 April 1941 it was seen that the Winona County was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.

Around 0800P/30, in position 42°54'N, 46°17'W, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) joined the convoy.

During the night of 30 April 1941 / 1 May 1941 and during the whole of 1 May 1941 the convoy had to hove to due to a heavy gale.

During the morning of 2 May 1941 the convoy was re-formed. It was seen that the Stad Vlaardingen was no longer in company. She eventually returned to Halifax.

Around 0430P/4, in position 49°37'N, 43°07'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy.

At dawn on 4 May 1941 it was seen that the Welsh Prince was no longer in company with the convoy. She arrived back at Halifax on 10 May 1941.

Around 0830P/5, the Empire Swan dropped astern and straggled from the convoy. She rejoined around 1730O/7.

Around 1630O/6, in position 58°00'N, 37°50'W, the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvette HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000O/8, in position 60°32'N, 27°48'W, the destroyer HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0100O/9, in position 60°16'N, 26°30'W, the destroyers Chelsea and Mansfield joined the convoy.

Around 0515O/9, in position 60°26'N, 25°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0845O/9, HMS Begonia parted company.

Around 1710O/9, the rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy. She had been escorted from Iceland to the rendezvous by the HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. R. Edwards, RNVR) which did not join the convoy.

Around 1815O/9, in position 60°05'N, 22°00'W, the destroyers HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN), HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B.O'B. Harding, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Derbyshire then parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord taking HMS Verity, HMS Wolverine, HMS Chelsea and HMS Mansfield with her.

Ships of the convoy arrived in the U.K. as follows;

On 12 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Athelvictor, British Ardour, British Power, Cairnesk, Dalmore, Donacilla, Empire Oryx, Jaarstroom, Kinross, Kirkpool, Kristianiafjord, Loch Don, Mactra, Manaqui and Virgilia.

On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in the Clyde; Empire Pinguin, Empire Swan, Kongsgaard and Southern Princess.

Also the Copeland arrived in the Clyde on 12 May 1941.

On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in Belfast Lough; Socony and Tiba.

On 13 May 1941 the following ships arrived at Liverpool; Barbro (for Manchester), Corner Brook (for Manchester), Dromore (for Manchester), Gdynia, Heina, Hektoria, Helgoy, Kolsnaren, Lechistan (for Manchester), Newbrough, Pachesham (for Manchester), Valldemosa (for Manchester) and Wellpark (for Manchester).

The escorts arrived in the U.K. as follows;

HMS Newmarket, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Londonderry on 12 May 1941. HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium later departed again for Liverpool.

HMS Westcott, HrMs Campbeltown and HMS Marigold arrived at Greenock on 12 May 1941.

HMS Primrose arrived at Londonderry on 13 May 1941.

HMS Rochester arrived at Greenock on 13 May 1941.

HMS Auricula, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Liverpool on 13 May 1941.

4 May 1941
HMS Begonia (Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) picks up survivors from the Norwegian merchant Taranger that was torpedoed and sunk the previous day by German U-boat U-95 south-west of Reykjavik, Iceland in position 61°07'N, 25°20'W.

6 May 1941

Convoy HX 125

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 May 1941 in two sections, convoy HX 125A and convoy HX 125B. They merged in the afternoon of May 16th.

Convoy HX 125A was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Bic Island (British, 4000 GRT, built 1917), British Cinfidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Fortitude (British (tanker), 8482 GRT, built 1937), British Sincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1935), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fjordheim (British, 4115 GRT, built 1930), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1921), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Ingerfem (British, 3987 GRT, built 1912), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Luxor (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1930), O.A. Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 11007 GRT, built 1938), Port Nicholson (British, 8402 GRT, built 1919), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Trevilley (British, 5296 GRT, built 1940), Troubadour (Norwegian, 5808 GRT, built 1920) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 125A was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN). The corvettes however soon returned to Halifax.

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Convoy HX 125B was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Breedijk (Dutch, 6861 GRT, built 1922), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), British Prestige (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Christian Holm (British (tanker), 9119 GRT, built 1927), City of Adelaide (British, 6589 GRT, built 1920), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Cockaponset (British, 5995 GRT, built 1919), Corrales (British, 5363 GRT, built 1930), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Barracuda (British, 4972 GRT, built 1919), Empire Hail (British, 7005 GRT, built 1941), Evgenia Chandris (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920), Frontenac (Norwegian (tanker), 7350 GRT, built 1928), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Hellen (Norwegian, 5289 GRT, built 1921), Ida Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8913 GRT, built 1925), Invincible (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Kelso (British, 3956 GRT, built 1924), Kent (British, 8697 GRT, built 1918), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Masunda (British, 5250 GRT, built 1929), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Norfolk (British, 10948 GRT, built 1918) and Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 125B was escorted by the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Lt. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN).

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On 7 May 1941, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) departed Halifax to provide cover for both sections of the convoy. She set course to return to Halifax around midnight during the night of 13/14 May 1941.

Four recently transferred US Coast Guard Cutters were also with the convoy, though these had not been rearmed and worked up. These were; HMS Banff (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN), HMS Culver (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and HMS Hartland ( A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN).

On the 16th the destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.S. Connell, RNR) and HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Iceland. They remained with the convoy until the 18th.

In the afternoon of the 16th, Convoys HX 125A and HX 125B merged into one big convoy.

Around 1330Z/18, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik.

On the 18th the destroyers HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN), HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR), HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR), HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and HMS Wallflower (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Tyson, RN), and the minesweeper HMS Salamander (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th the destroyer HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) joined on the 19th as did the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN), HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Seagull ( Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN) and HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, RN) but apparently only for a short while.

The destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined the convoy on the 20th.

also on the 20th the corvettes HMS Tulip and HMS Wallflower were detached.

The destroyers HMS Inglefield and HMS Escapade were destached on the 21st as was the corvette HMS Honeysuckle.

The convoy arrived in British waters on 22 May 1941.

16 May 1941

Convoy HX 127.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 May 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Aircrest (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), British Integrity (British (tanker), 8412 GRT, built 1927), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Coimbra (British (tanker), 6768 GRT, built 1937), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Cristales (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Dalcroy (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Elmdale (British, 4872 GRT, built 1941), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Empire Hartebeeste (British, 5579 GRT, built 1918), Empire Hawksbill (British, 5652 GRT, built 1920), Empire Seal (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Gravelines (British (former French), 2477 GRT, built 1925), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Inverness (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), Kheti (British, 2734 GRT, built 1927), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Leiv Eiriksson (Norwegian (tanker), 9952 GRT, built 1936), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Ondina (Dutch, 6341 GRT, built 1939), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Rotterdam (Dutch, 8968 GRT, built 1925), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Spind (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1917), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Teddington (British, 4762 GRT, built 1941), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919), Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930), Winona County (British, 6049 GRT, built 191),

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN) and HMCS Agassiz (Lt. B.D.L. Johnson, RCNR).

Around 2110P/16, both Canadian corvettes parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0500P/17, the Leiv Eiriksson dropped out of the convoy. She subsequently returned to Halifax.

Thick fog was encountered on the 18th and not all ships were in company at dawn on the 19th but all rejoined rather quickly.

Around 1940P/19, in approximate position 43°27'N, 50°05'W, the Trefusis parted company due to condenser trouble. She returned to Halifax where she arrived on 22 May 1941. On the same day the Spind also returned to Halifax with defects. [It is currently not know to us when she parted company with the convoy].

Around 2000P/20, in approximate position 45°21'N, 46°48'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (BHX 127) joined. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1930), Laristan (British (tanker), 6401 GRT, built 1927), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Ranja (Norwegian (tanker), 6355 GRT, built 1928), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939) and Vardefjell (Norwegian (tanker), GRT, built 1940).

Convoy BHX 127 was escorted from Bermuda to the rendezvous by the the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN) which did not join the convoy but set course for Halifax.

Around 1100N/24, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to join the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck and Prinz Eugen.

Around 1800N/26, the corvettes HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR) and HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1645N/28, the destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) joined the convoy. Later (times / dates unknown) more A/S escorts joined the convoy, these were the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN), A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN), minesweeper HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) also joined [date and times of joining not known].

The escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN), HMS Hambledon (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and sloops HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) and HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700/26 to reinforce the escort of the convoy [date and times of joining not known].

On 31 May 1941, the Mosli arrived at Reykjavik after having been detached from the convoy earlier.

On 31 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban for onward routing to East Coast ports; Acavus, Adula, Aircrest, Barrdale, British Commodore, Coimbra, Cristales, Elmdale, Empire Flamingo, Empire Hartebeeste, Empire Hawksbill, Ganimedes, Harmonic, Ittersum, Laristan, Leiesten, Norefjord, Ondina, President de Vogue, Seapool, Standella, Tilsington Court, Trelissick and Winosa County.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Scapa Flow; Laurelwood and Sepia.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Dalcroy, Empire Seal, Empire Shearwater, F.J. Wolfe, Kheti, Petter, Regent Lion, Solfonn, Stad Vlaardingen, Teddington and Temple Yard.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Athelqueen, British Integrity, British Pride, Carelia, Chr. Th. Boe, Comanchee, Dramatist, Inverness, Ranja, Stigstad, Vardefjell and Wellington Court.

On 2 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Milford Haven; Boreas, Brasil, Lord Byron, Rotterdam and Skiensfjord.

Local A/S escort vessels involved in escorting HX 127 arrived in port as follows; HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Restigouche and HMS Farndale arrived at Greenock on 1 June 1941.

HMS Hambledon, HMS Stork and HMIS Sutlej arrived at Scapa Flow on 1 June 1941. HMS Hambledon had made a short fuel stop at Loch Ewe on 31 May though before rejoining the two sloops.

HMS Hussar arrived at Stornoway on 1 June 1941.

HMS Skate arrived at Londonderry on 1 June 1941.

HMS Salisbury arrived at Londonderry on 2 June 1941.

HMS St Kenan arrived at Ardrossan on 3 June 1941. She had been involved in the salvage of the forepart of the torpedoed Gravelines which at some point had straggled from the convoy.

The exact movements of HMS Philante are not clear to us at the moment. According to some documents she arrvived at Halifax on 23 June 1941 after being at sea since 23 May 1941, the day she left Londonderry. This is however incorrect and she has been at Iceland in between as well according to other documents. (1)

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.

18 Jun 1941

Convoy SL 78.

This convoy departed Freetown for the U.K. on 18 June 1941.

It was made up of the following transports;
Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Arduno (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Batna (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Camerata (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Criton (British (former French), 4564 GRT, built 1927), Empire Abitity (British, 7603 GRT, built 1931), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), George J. Goulandris (Greek, 4345 GRT, built 1913), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5686 GRT, built 1918), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Leonidas N. Condylis (Greek, 3923 GRT, built 1912), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Michael Jebsen (British, 2323 GRT, built 1927), Oberon (Dutch, 1996 GRT, built 1911), P.L.M. 22 (British, 5646 GRT, built 1921), Parthenon (Greek, 3189 GRT, built 1908), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Rolf Jarl (Norwegian, 1917 GRT, built 1920), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), St. Anselm (British, 5614 GRT, built 1919), stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920) and Venus (Dutch, 1855 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Esperance Bay (Capt.(Retd.) G.S. Holden, RN), sloop HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. H.N. Russell, DSC, RNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN), HMS Aster (Lt.Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and HMS Burdock (T/Lt. H.J. Fellows, SANF(V)).

The transport Criton fell out of the convoy and was ordered to return to Freetown. On 21 July she was intercepted by a Vichy French patrol vessel. When she started to make signals she was then sunk by the patrol vessel in position 09°03'N, 13°36'W.

On 21 June, HMS Bridgewater parted company with the convoy.

Around 1900N/22, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

During the night of 27/28 June 1941, the convoy was attacked by two German submarines; U-69 and U-123. These managed to sink four of the transports; Oberon, River Lugar, P.L.M. 22 and Empire Ability.

In the afternoon of 28 June 1941, HMS Asphodel fuelled from HMS Shropshire.

Around 1800N/28, the convoy was dispersed due to the threat of u-boat attack.

On 29 June 1941, three transports of the now dispersed convoy were sunk by the German submarines U-66 and U-123. The transports in question were the George J. Goulandris, Kalypso Vergotti and Rio Azul.

On 30 June 1941, one more transport was sunk by U-66, this was the Saint Anselm.

Apparently the convoy was later (partially) reformed.

On 9 July 1941, the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arbutus (T/Lt. A.L.W. Warren, RNR), HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR), HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.H. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the now reformed convoy.

On 11 July 1941, the transport Blackheath and corvette HMS Arbutus collided in position 55°58'N, 10°38'W. The corvette was damaged and was escorted to Liverpool by HMS Pimpernel.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 12 July 1941.

5 Jul 1941

Convoy OG 67.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 5 July 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 3 July 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Brabant (Belgian, 2483 GRT, buil 1938), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Coast (British, 889 GRT, built 1934), Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Evros (Greek, 5283 GRT, built 1918), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 192), Olivebank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919) and Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Milford Haven this section was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Wolsey (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Sphene (Ch.Skr. W.J.J. Tucker, RNR) and HMS York City (Skr. W. Tucker, RNR). These escorts were detached on 5 July and then arrived at Belfast later that day. <í>HMS Wolsey went to Greenock.

The Liverpool section (sailed 4 July 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Ariosto (British, 2176 GRT, built 1940), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Glenstrae (British, 9460 GRT, built 1922), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919) and Solon II (British, 4561 GRT, built 1925). They were escorted by the sloop HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, RNR).

The Clyde section (sailed 4 / 5 July 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Csarda (Panamanian, 3882 GRT, built 1917), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Framlington Court (), Hainaut (), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Mentor (British, 7383 GRT, built 1914), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936) and River Afton (British, 5479 GRT, built 1935). With these ships was also the armed boarding vessel HMS Lady Somers (Cdr. G.L. Dunbar, RD, RNR). They were escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Arctic Ranger (Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Young, RN) and M/S trawlers HMS Arran (T/Lt. J.E.B. Healy, RNVR), HMS Copinsay (Skr. E.R. Harris, RNR) and M/S whaler HMS Kos VIII (?).

The Oban section (sailed 4 / 5 July 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Baron Kinnaird (British, 3355 GRT, built 1927), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Eulima (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Holmside (British, 3433 GRT, built 1930), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Rupert de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1930), Sabor (British, 5212 GRT, built 1920) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

On final assembly the convoy was joined by the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN) and the corvettes HMS Arbutus (T/Lt. A.L.W. Warren, RNR), HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR), HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.H. Faichney, DSO, RNR).

On 7 July 1941, HMS Kos VIII parted company to join convoy HG 66 and return to the U.K. Possibly she had developed problems during her intended passage to the South Atlantic / West Africa station.

Around 0900B/8, in position 54.10'N, 16/30'W part of the escort parted company. This were most likely HMS Verity, HMS Chelsea and HNoMS Mansfield. They were to search for and join convoy SL 78.

Around 1200B/8, in position 54°00'N, 16°32'W, HMS Pegasus and HMS Arbutus, HMS Begonia, HMS Convolvulus, HMS Jasmine, HMS Larkspur, HMS Pimpernel and HMS Rhododendron also parted company to join convoy SL 78.

During the passage towards Gibraltar at three times [times and positions not given in the Convoy Commodore's report, which holds little information], ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations.

First ships with destinations in North America and the Caribbean were detached, this were;
Atheltemplar (arrived at Curacao on 24 July 1941), Baron Kinnaird (arrived at Tampa on 26 July 1941), Baxtergate (arrived at Tampa on 24 July 1941), Brabant (arrived at La Guajira, Colombia on 22 July 1941), Eulima (arrived at Aruba on 24 July 1941), Framlington Court (arrived at Kingston on 27 July 1941), Gullpool (arrived at Neuvitas, Cuba on 25 July 1941), Hainaut (arrived at Tampa on 29 July 1941), Prins Maurits (arrived at Barbados on 24 July 1941) and Winterswijk (arrived at Tampa on 28 July 1941).

Then ships with destinations in the South Atlantic area were detached, this were;
Basil (arrived at Para, Brazil on 26 July 1941), Dover Hill (arrived at Capetown on 10 August 1941), Evros (arrived at Buenos Aires on 6 August 1941), Glenstrae (arrived at Capetown on 4 August 1941), Holmside (torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-66 on 19 July. Destination was Pepel, Sierra Leone), Mentor (arrived at Capetown on 5 August 1941), Merchant Royal (arrived at Takoradi on 27 July 1941), Nikoklis (torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Alessandro Malaspina on 15 July. Destination was Pepel, Sierra Leone), Olivebank (arrived at Capetown on 6 August 1941), River Afton (arrived at Freetown on 22 July 1941), Rupert de Larrinaga (torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Morosini on 14 July 1941. Destination was Las Palmas, Canary Islands), Sabor (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 4 August 1941), Solon II (arrived at Capetown on 14 August 1941) and Wentworth (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 1 August 1941).

Around the same time HMS Lady Somers must have detached from the convoy to proceed on patrol off the Azores. She was sunk by the Italian submarine Morosini on 15 July 1941.

Around 1800B/14, the corvettes HMS Joinquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. L.C. Head, RNVR), HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. O. de Booy, RNN) joined the convoy coming from convoy HG 67.

And finally ships with destinations in Portugal were detached (most likely south of Cape Trafalgar), this were;
Alahama (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Ardeola (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Briarwood (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Cara (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Dux (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Inger Lise (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941), Leonardia (arrived at Setubal on 19 July 1941), Lissa (arrived at Lisbon on 19 July 1941) and Polo (arrived at Oporto on 20 July 1941).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 18 July 1941 escorted by HMS Bideford, HMS Coreopsis, HMS Arctic Ranger, HMS Arran, HMS Copinsay and HrMs O 24. HMS Spiraea arrived on 20 July, apparently having been detached, possibly having escorted the ships with destinations in Portugal to the vicinity of Lisbon. (2)

28 Jul 1941
HMS Begonia (Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) picks up 33 survivors from the British merchant Erato that was torpedoed and sunk the previous day by German U-boat U-126 about 200 nautical miles west of Cape Finisterre in position 43°10'N, 17°30'W.

9 Aug 1941

Convoy HG 70.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 9 August 1941 for the U.K. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Coast (British, 889 GRT, built 1934), Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), City of Waterford (Irish, 1017 GRT, built 1879), Csarda (Panamanian, 3882 GRT, built 1917), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Bay (British, 2824 GRT, built 1940), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hurst (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Kestrel (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 1927), Menapia (British, 902 GRT, built 1939), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Pulo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Sud (Yugoslavian, 2589 GRT, built 1901) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.H. Faichney, DSO, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR) and HMS Lady Shirley (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Callaway, RANVR).

On 10 August the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar. She had only one turbine in operation and was to proceed to the U.K. for repairs. HMS Clyde parted company with the convoy around 2100A/10 having been ordered to return to Gibraltar.

On 11 August the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and corvette HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR) joined the convoy. HMAS Nestor parted company around 2045A/11 to return to Gibraltar due to fuel shortage.

On 12 August the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN). HMS Encounter, HMS Deptford and HMS Convolvulus parted company with the convoy on this day.

On 13 August the sloop HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) joined the convoy but was detached later the same day. Also the destroyer HMS Boreas parted company with the convoy.

On 14 August the destroyer HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy but was detached later the same day as were the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale and HMS Eridge.

On 15 August the destroyer HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) joined the convoy.

On 19 August the destroyer HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN) joined while the destroyer HMS Duncan parted company.

On 21 August the sloop HMS Black Swan parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 23 August.

25 Sep 1941
HMS Begonia (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Phillips, RNR) picks up 27 survivors from the British merchant Empire Stream that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-124 north-north-east of the Azores in position 46°03'N, 24°40'W.