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Notable events involving Clarkia include:

25 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 53.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aracataca (British, 5377 GRT, built 1925), Axel Johnson (Swedish, 4896 GRT, built 1925), Bjerka (Norwegian, 1893 GRT, built 1916), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Crown Arun (British, 2372 GRT, built 1938), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dimitrios Inglessis (Greek, 5275 GRT, built 1918), Dunsley (British, 3862 GRT, built 1929), Grigorios C. II (Greek, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Humber Arm (British, 5758 GRT, built 1925), Janna (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1919), Jersey City (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Rosenborg (Finnish, 1521 GRT, built 1919), Scoresby (British, 3843 GRT, built 1923), Silverfir (British, 4347 GRT, built 1924), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stalheim (Norwegian, 1298 GRT, built 1936), Taborfjell (Norwegian, 1339 GRT, built 1938), Taybank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917), Venetia (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919) and Zannes Gounaris (Greek, 4407 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

Around 2130P/25, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

At dawn on 26 June the Janna was missing from the convoy. She arrived back at Halifax on 27 June.

Around 0800P/30, in position 41°30'N, 44°35'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy joined (convoy BHX 53), this was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelempress (British (tanker), 8941 GRT, built 1930), Empire Gannet (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1931), Maria Stathatos (Greek, 6303 GRT, built 1922), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Severn Leigh (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Sommerstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5923 GRT, built 1926), Taranaki (British, 10534 GRT, built 1928), Thistlegarth (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930) and Whitford Point (British, 5026 GRT, built 1928).

They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Comorin (Capt.(Retd.) J.I. Hallett, DSO, RN) which then parted company to proceed to Halifax where she arrived on 2 July 1940.

Around 0925N/7, in position 50°20'N, 13°33'W, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. She had just turned over the escort of the convoy to the destroyers HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), HMS Sabre (Cdr.(Retd.) B. Dean, RN), HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), sloop HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) and the corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR).

At 0653A/8, the convoy was attacked by an enemy submarine in position 50°37'W, 09°38'W [another source gives 50°36'N, 09°24'W] during which the Humber Arm was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-99. The entire crew was picked up by HMS Scimitar and HMS Vanquisher.

On 9 July 1940 the following merchant vessels arrived in Barry Roads;
Jersey City, Katy, Maria Stathatos, Mataroa and Zannes Gounaris.

On 9 July 1940 the Rosenborg arrived at Dublin.

On 10 July 1940 the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool;
Aracataca, Axel Johnson, Dalcross, Dimitrios Inglessis, Empire Gannet, Pacific Shipper, Silverfir, Sovac, Stalheim, Taborfjell, Taranaki, Taybank and Tilsington Court.

On 10 July 1940, the Manchester Brigade arrived at Manchester.

On 10 July 1940, the Bjerka and Crown Arun and arrived at Preston.

On 10 July 1940, the Grigorios C. II arrived at Barrow in Furness.

On 10 July 1940, the Sommerstad arrived at Belfast.

On 10 July 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde;
Athelempress, Boltonhall, Botavon, Dunsley, Harlingen, Langleebrook, Penrose, Scoresby, Severn Leigh, Thistleford, Thistlegarth, Thorshavn, Valparaiso, Venetia, Wentworth and Whitford Point.

The escorts arrived as follows;
HMS Scimitar and HMS Clarkia arrived at Milford haven on 9 July.
HMS Hurrican, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea arrived at Liverpool on 10 July.
HMS Sabre and HMS Leith arrived in the Clyde on 10 July. (1)

1 Jul 1940

Convoy SL 38.

This convoy departed Freetown on 1 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Birchbank (British, 5151 GRT, built 1924), British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939), Cape Race (British, 3807 GRT, built 1930), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), City of Guildford (British, 5157 GRT, built 1919), City of Shanghai (British, 5828 GRT, built 1917), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Dagrun (Norwegian, 4562 GRT, built 1928), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Haughton Hall (British, 5103 GRT, built 1937), Laplace (British, 7327 GRT, built 1919), Lima (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1918), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920), Pearlmoor (British, 4851 GRT, built 1923), Pontypridd (British, 4458 GRT, built 1924), Ramon de Larrinaga (British, 5701 GRT, built 1920), Randfontein (Dutch, 5059 GRT, built 1920), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919), Silvercedar (British, 4354 GRT, built 1924), Statira (British, 4852 GRT, built 1937), Suecia (Swedish, 3730 GRT, built 1912), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Tribesman (British, 6242 GRT, 1937).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Rear-Admiral M.J.C. de Meric, RN).

During the night of 1/2 July 1940, the merchant vessel Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916), which had been unable to depart from Freetown on time, overtook and joined the convoy.

On 7 July 1940, in position 23°23'N, 22°04'W, the Pearlmoor straggled from the convoy due to defective boilers. She did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 0800Z/17, in position 54°30'N, 18°45'W, the convoy was turned over by HMS Carnarvon Castle to the local (A/S) escort which was made up of the destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and the corvettes HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) and HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR). HMS Vanquisher however quickly parted company again to search for and join convoy SLF 38. HMS Carnarvon Castle proceeded independently to Belfast.

Around 2300Z/17, to the west of Ireland, in position 54°20'N, 15°40'W, the convoy was joined by convoy SLF 38, which was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abbekerk (Dutch, 7889 GRT, built 1939), Baltistan (British, 6083 GRT, built 1937), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914), Canonesa (British, 8286 GRT, built 1920), Fernbrook (Norwegian, 4633 GRT, built 1932), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Idomeneus (British, 7792 GRT, built 1926), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922), Philoctetes (British, 11446 GRT, built 1922), Sarpedon (British, 11321 GRT, built 1923) and Tacoma Star (British, 7924 GRT, built 1919). With them HMS Vanquisher also rejoined the convoy.

A straggler from convoy SLF 38, the merchant vessel Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy around 0700Z/18.

At 1130A/19, 11 ships for east coast ports parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Baltistan, British Genius, Canonesa, City of Shanghai, Dumfries, Gleniffer, Harmatris, Lima, Nebraska, Randfontein and Sarpedon. They took HMS Fowey and HMS Clarkia with them as escorts.

At 2100A/19, 2 ships for the Clyde parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Cape Race and Philoctetes.

At 2300A/19, 8 ships for Belfast parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Abbekerk, Algenib, Dagrun, Haughton Hall, Pontypridd, Ramon de Larrinaga, Satira and Telesfora de Larrinaga.

At 0715A/20, 2 ships for the Bristol Channel parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Birchbank and Thalatta.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 20 July 1940. (2)

26 Jul 1940
HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 45 survivors from the British passenger ship Accra that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-34 about 320 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°40'N, 16°28'W.

HMS Clarkia also picks up 32 survivors from the British merchant Vinemoor that was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-34 about 320 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°43'N, 16°25'W. The Vinemoor sank the next day in position 55°25'N, 16°05'W.

28 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 69.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard (Norwegian, 3677 GRT, built 1925), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), Siris (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Tapanoeli (British, 7031 GRT, built 1924), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Ulysses (Dutch, 2655 GRT, built 1918), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

Around 2100P/28, HMCS French parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 2010P/29, in position 43°03'N, 59°15'W, HMCS Assiniboine parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1300P/30, in position 42°49'N, 56°44'W, the Sydney section (Convoy SHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Stad Maastricht (Dutch, 6907 GRT, built 1924) and Vestvard (Norwegian, 4319 GRT, built 1925). It's escort from Sydney, the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) had been detached around 0800P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Sydney section (SHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the Halifax section (HX 69).

Around 1000/1, in position 43°20'N, 48°20'W, the Bermuda section (Convoy BHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Cape St. Andrew (British, 5094 GRT, built 1928), Condor (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922, 3963 GRT, built 1922), Tricula (British (tanker), 3963 GRT, built 1922, 6221 GRT, built 1936) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926). It's escort from Bermuda, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) had been detached around 0715P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Bermuda section (BHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the main convoy (HX 69).

Around 2015N/8, in position 58°28'N, 19°05'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.

Between 0700Z/9 - 0800Z/9, in position 58°47'N, 16°22'W, the destroyers HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), corvettes HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 56°34'N, 18°42'W, the east coast section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama, Barrdale, Botlea, Cape St. Andrew, Dalfram, Kelbergen, Lord Byron, Martand, Parracombe, Roxby, Traveller, Tricula, Voco and Yselhaven. They took HMS Fowey and HMS Camellia with them as escorts. This section arrived in Methil Roads on 13 September. The two escorts then proceeded to Rosyth where they arrived later on 13 September.

Around 1000A/11, in position 55°09'N, 05°48'W, the Clyde section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard, Buesten, Delilian, Dolabella, Narraganset, Pontfield, Rowanbank, San Casimiro, Tornus and Winamac. HMS Arrow and HMS Ambuscade also parted company and proceeded to Greenock.

Around 1315A/11, in position 54°48'N, 05°26'W, the Olympos parted company to proceed to Belfast Lough.

Around 2015A/11, in position 53°45'N, 05°08'W, the Liverpool section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn, Condor, Dosinia, Haakon Hauan, Iddesleigh, Oropesa, Penrose, Siris, Tapanoeli, Taron and Vestvard and W.B. Walker. They took HMS Winchelsea, HMS Clarkia and HMS Heartsease with them as escorts.

Around 1200A/12, in position 50°35'N, 05°30'W, the Inger, and Lylepark parted company to proceed to Milford Haven.

Around 2300A/12, following ships arrived in Barry Roads; Amakura, Beaverdale, Bridgepool, Charles F. Meyer, Lapland, Gold Shell, Stad Maastricht and Ulysses. (3)

12 Oct 1940
HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 16 survivors from the Norwegian merchant Brandanger that was torpedoed and sunk, the previous day, south of Iceland in position 57°10'N, 17°42'W by German U-boat U-48.

30 Nov 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR). (4)

21 Dec 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) departed Londonderry for Rothesay. She was escorted until 0805 hours by HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) after which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) took over the escort. (5)

21 Jan 1941

Convoy BHX 104.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 21 January 1941 for the U.K. It was to proceed direct from Bermuda to the U.K. unlike all the other BHX convoys which merged with HX convoys.

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Athelempress (British (tanker), 8941 GRT, built 1930), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), British Venture (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), Ceronia (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Diala (British (tanker), 8106 GRT, built 1938), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hilda Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9178 GRT, built 1928), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Moorby (British, 4992 GRT, built 1936), Novelist (British, 6133 GRT, built 1940), Oakworth (British), 4968 GRT, built 1925), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Ranella (Norwegian (tanker), 5590 GRT, built 1912), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Delfino (British (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1938), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Storaas (Norwegian (tanker), 7886 GRT, built 1929), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922) and Vigrid (British, 4765 GRT, built 1923).

Also part of the convoy was the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tanker Darkdale (8145 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN).

At 1240Q/24, in approximate position 40°00'N, 58°00'W, the merchant vessel Oakworth was ordered to proceed to Halifax as she had developed a serious leak in no.1 hold. She arrived at Halifax on 26 January 1941.

The merchant vessel Treworlas arrived at St. Johns, Newfoundland on 30 January 1941 with weather damage. She had most likely detached from the convoy on 27 or 28 January 1941 after the convoy had encountered heavy weather. The Ranella also straggled from the convoy but joined convoy SC 20 and continued her passage to the U.K.

Around 0900N/31, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1330N/3, HMS King George V parted company with the convoy.

At 1900N/3, in approximate position 61°05'N, 24°00'W, the tanker Athelempress was detached to Reykjavik, Iceland where she arrived on 5 February.

At 0815N/4, in position 61°17'N, 21°20'W, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy.

Around 1330A/4, in position 61°17'N, 20°14'W, the destroyer HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) joined. The remainder of the A/S escort did not join the convoy as intended due to the poor visibility.

Around 0840A/5, in position 61°22'N, 14°50'W, the remainder of the A/S escort, made up of the destroyers HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, RNVR) joined.

On 7 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Loch Ewe; Aalsum, Athelviking, Athelviscount, British Venture, Ganymedes, Moorby, San Delfino, Socony and Vigrid. HMS Havelock also arrived at Loch Ewe on 7 February obviously having escorted the Loch Ewe section of the convoy to that place.

On 7 February 1941, the Toorak arrived at Scapa Flow.

On 8 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; G.C. Brovig, Hilda Knudsen, Storaas and Suderholm. Also HMS Sabre arrived at Greenock on 8 February possibly having escorted the Clyde section.

On 8 February 1941, the Darkdale arrived in Belfast Lough.

On 9 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Atlantian, British Resource, Ceronia, Clausina, Delphinula, Explorer, Lochkatrine, Novelist, Peder Bogen, San Ambrosio, San Ernesto and Sheaf Holme. Also HMS Hesperus arrived at Liverpool on this day.

On 9 February 1941, the Inverilen arrived at Holyhead.

On 9 February 1941, the Davila arrived at Milford Haven.

On 9 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in Barry Roads; Diala, Grena, Regent Panther. They had been escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Leeds United (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Williams, RNVR) which then returned to Milford Haven arriving on the 10th.

The remaining escorts arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Clarkia (arrived at Londonderry on 7 February 1941), HMS Lincoln (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Shikari (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Northern Wave (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Wellard (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941) and HMS Gladiolus (arrived at Londonderry on 10 February 1941). (6)

3 Feb 1941
The British merchant Empire Citizen is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-107 southwest of Iceland in position 58°12'N, 23°22'W. HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) later picks up 5 survivors.

23 Mar 1941

Convoy SL 69.

This convoy departed Freetown on 23 March 1941.

On departure from Freetown this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agioi Victores (Greek, 4344 GRT, built 1918), Alberte le Borgne (British, 3921 GRT, built 1914), Anna (Greek, 5173 GRT, built 1919), Aurillac (British, 4733 GRT, built 1921), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Christine Marie (British, 3895 GRT, built 1919), City of Bath (British, 5079 GRT, built 1926), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Clan Maquarrie (British, 6471 GRT, built 1913), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Dago II (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Daru (British, 3854 GRT, built 1927), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Advocate (British, 5787 GRT, built 1913), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Glenaffric (British, 7782 GRT, built 1920), Glenbeg (British, 9461 GRT, built 1922), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), L.A. Christensen (Norwegian, 4362 GRT, built 1925), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marton (British, 4969 GRT, built 1933), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mountpark (British, 4648 GRT, built 1938), Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Pantelis (Greek, 3845 GRT, built 1911), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Roumanie (Belgian, 3658 GRT, built 1906), Salland (Dutch, 6447 GRT, built 1920), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Sangara (British, 4174 GRT, built 1939), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Swedru (British, 5379 GRT, built 1937) and Tekoa (British, 8695 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Arawa (A/Capt. G.R. Deverell, RN), sloop Commandant Domine and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR).

Around 0620N/24, in position 08°34'N, 14°58'W, the Bulysses was detached to return to Freetown due to engine trouble.

At 0836N/24, the Empire Advocate reported that she could not keep up with the convoy and that she would proceed independently. [She arrived at São Miguel Island, Azores on 13 April 1941.]

Around 1700N/24, in position 08°32'N, 16°16'W, the Dornoch fell out off the convoy with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy. [She returned to Freetown on 28 March.]

Around 1100N/26, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) joined the convoy in position 09°30'N, 19°59'W.

Around 1200N/27, in position 09°30'N, 19°20'W, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide 'distant' cover. Shortly afterwards HMS Bulolo then parted company.

In the early hours of the 28th, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN and the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in position 13°38'N, 18°40'W. The destroyers had escorted HMS Furious from Freetown to the rendezvous with the convoy but they parted company later in the day to proceed to Bathurst to fuel.

Around 1900N/28, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy in position 14°45'N, 18°43'W coming from Bathurst.

Around 1300Z/30, in position 19°30'N, 18°52'W, HMS Clematis and HMS Cyclamen parted company with the convoy.

Around 1840Z/30, in position 19°55'N, 18°51'W, HMS Repulse, HMS Furious and the Narkunda parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived in the morning of 3 April 1941. They had been joined around 1130A/2 by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) which had departed Gibraltar on 1 April.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 30°54'N, 23°38'W, the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Mauritius then parted company.

At 1414Z/9, in position 42°17'N, 23°41'W, the Mountpark fell out of the convoy with engine trouble and did not rejoin the convoy. [She turned back southwards and arrived at São Miguel Island, Azores on 13 April 1941.]

Around 0615Z/14, in position 52°23'N, 19°47'W, HMS Arawa parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to the Clyde.

Around 1300A/14, HMS Edinburgh parted company with the convoy when the local escort joined, which was made up of the sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN, Senior Officer of the A/S escort), destroyers HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) joined.

Around 1600A/14, the A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) also joined.

Around 1930A/14, in position 53°43'N, 18°03'W, the Christine Marie fell out of the convoy due to engine trouble. HMS Vizalma was ordered to stand by her to Donegal Bay if required but preferably to Lough Foyle. [She indeed proceeded to Lough Foyle where she arrived on 18 April.]

At 0815A/15, the destroyers; HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN) joined.

Around 1200A/15, in position 54°37'N, 16°48'W, the Pantelis dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy. [She arrived in Barry Roads on 19 April.]

At 0931A/16, in position 55°27'N, 12°26'W, the Swedru was hit by bombs from a single German FW 200. She was soon heavily on fire and was being abandoned. HMS Gladiolus was ordered to standby the stricken vessel and she picked up the survivors, 38 in number of which 18 were wounded (there were 24 dead). It was intended for the wounded to be transferred to HMS Weston but this proved not possible in the heavy swell. It was also not possible to transfer the doctor so HMS Gladiolus was ordered to take them to Londonderry. HMS Roxborough was then ordered to stay by the stricken vessel. She later reported that the vessel was impossible to salvage and she was allowed to sink the stricken vessel with a torpedo.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 17 April 1941. (7)

24 Mar 1941

Convoy HG 57.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 25 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aghios Spyridon (Greek, 3338 GRT, built 1905), Aldergrove (British, 1974 GRT, built 1918), Anneberg (Finnish, 2537 GRT, built 1902), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Baron Newlands (British, 3386 GRT, built 1928), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Caledonia (British, 1268 GRT, built 1913), Cantal (British, 3178 GRT, built 1916), Cervantes (British, 1810 GRT, built 1916), Chantilly (British, 9986 GRT, built 1923), Egyptian (British, 2868 GRT, built 1920), Empire Strait (British, 2841 GRT, built 1940), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Marvia (British, 1989 GRT, built 1914), Mimosa (Greek, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Moscha D. Kydoniefs (British, 3874 GRT, built 1915), Newton Pine (British, 4212 GRT, built 1925), Octane (British (tanker) (former French), 2034 GRT, built 1939), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938) and Trio (Swedish, 1482 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN), corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).

The Aghios Spyridon returned to Gibraltar the same day the convoy had sailed.

On 27 March, HMS Wrestler, HMS Gentian and HMS Jonquil were detached.

At 1115Z/3, HrMs O 23 was detached to join convoy OG 57.

At 1430Z/3, in position 45°27'N, 22°00'W, the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN joined.

At 0920Z/4, HMS La Malouine was detached to proceed ahead to the U.K. with a dangerous medical case.

At 0845Z/5, the armed boarding vessel Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1930Z/5, the armed boaring vessel Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

P.M. on 8 April the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR), HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR). With these escorted the rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) also joined. The local A/S escort was to have joined on 6 April but bad weather conditions delayed their joining for about 48 hours.

Around 1900A/9, in position 55°41'N, 10°08'W, HMS Nigeria parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.

On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Baron Newlands, Cervantes, Empire Strait, Gothland and Scottish Monarch.

On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough; Caledonia, Cantal, Chantilly, Marvia, Mimosa, Moscha D. Kydoniefs, Octane and Scania.

On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Aldergrove, Anneberg, Newton Pine and the rescue ship Zamalek.

On 11 April the Bollsta arrived at Workington.

On 11 April the Egyptian arrived at Preston.

On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Ardeola, Baltallinn, Polo, Runa and Trio.

The escorts arrived in U.K. ports as follows; On 9 April 1941, HMS Broke arrived at Londonderry.

On 10 April 1941, HMS Douglas, HMS Roxborough, HMS Abelia, HMS St. Elstan, HMS St. Kenan, HMS St. Zeno and HMS Vizalma arrived at Londonderry.

On 11 April 1941, HMS Salisbury arrived at Londonderry.

On 11 April 1941, HMS Rochester and HMS Verbena arrived at Liverpool. (8)

30 Apr 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR). (9)

30 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 124.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 20 May 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Alchiba (British, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Echodale (British (tanker), 8150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Steel (British (tanker), 8138 GRT, built 1941), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Morska Wola (Polish, 3208 GRT, built 1924), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached later the same day.

On 2 May the convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). She detached from the convoy on 9 May.

On 11 May the destroyer HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) joined the convoy

On 12 May the destroyers HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR), HMS Notts County (T/S.Lt. R.H. Hampton, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0600Z/13, the destroyers HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1715Z/14 the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyers HMS Scimitar, HMS Malcolm, corvettes HMS Aubretia, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Hollyhock, HMS Mallow, HMS Nigella, HMS Verbena, HMS Veronica and all the A/S trawlers were detached on 14 May.

Around 1200Z/15, the tanker British Industry and the transport Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923) [from convoy SC-30] were detached to Reykjavik escorted by HMS Mallow and HMS Verbena.

HMS Circassia, HMS Watchman and HMS Burwell were detached around 1810Z/15 while on the same day the destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), minesweepers HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Niger (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), and catapult ship Ariguani joined the escort.

On 18 May the destroyer HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy. Also on this day HMS Leamington and HMS Anemone were detached.

On 19 May the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined the escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 20 May 1941.

1 May 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B. O'Brien Harding, RN) and HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR). (9)

17 May 1941

Convoy SL 75.

This convoy departed Freetown on 17 May 1941 for the U.K.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Baarn (Dutch, 5621 GRT, built 1927), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Benwood (Norwegian, 3931 GRT, built 1910), Blitar (Dutch, 7065 GRT, built 1923), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940, the convoy Vice-Commodore was on board this ship), City of Dundee (British, 5273 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNaughton (British, 6087 GRT, built 1921), Devon (British, 9036 GRT, built 1915), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Idomeneus (British, 7792 GRT, built 1926), Larchbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Madura (British, 8975 GRT, built 1921), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Mentor (British, 7383 GRT, built 1914), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Prince de Liege (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Raranga (British, 10043 GRT, built 1916), Reggestroom (Dutch, 2836 GRT, built 1923), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909, the convoy Commodore was on board this ship) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN) and the corvettes HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR), HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR) and HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

At dawn on the 22nd, the Benwood and HMS Marguerite were not in sight. At 0745Z/22, the convoy was ordered to proceed to the east of the Cape Verde Islands and course was set accordingly. HMS Gardenia was briefly detached to search for the missing ships and inform them of the course change. She quickly rejoined the convoy as did HMS Marguerite which rejoined around 1000Z/22. The Benwood rejoined around 1600Z/22.

At 2000N/24 and 0130N/25, HMS Crocus and HMS Cyclamen parted company with the convoy [not known to us for the moment which corvette parted company first]. They were to make rendezvous with the dummy battleship HMS Centurion (resembling HMS Anson, King George V-class, Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W.J. Martin, RN)

At dawn on the 25th, HMS Marguerite was not in sight and she did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 0610N/26, HMS Gardenia parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bathurst.

Around 0645N/28, the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) was close to the convoy to provide cover. She left again during the night of 28/29 May.

The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) was with the convoy from 0900A/2 to 1600A/4 when she was detached to hunt the German supply vessel Gonzenheim. After having successfully intercepted the German ship, which scuttled herself, HMS Nelson did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1630Z/8, the corvette HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0540Z/9, the destroyers HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy. Also with them was the rescue ship Toward (British, 1571 GRT, built 1923).

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 12 June 1941 and was then split into several sections which then proceeded to their respective destinations. (10)

3 Nov 1941
Near Jamaica, HMS Indomitable (Capt. H.E. Morse, DSO, RN) is joined by the corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR).

On entering Kingston harbour in the afternoon, first HMS Clarkia and then HMS Indomitable grounded.

It took several hours before HMS Indomitable was refloated. It was necessary for the carrier to be docked for which she was to be sent to the U.S. east coast. (11)

6 Nov 1941
Around 1530R/6, HMS Indomitable (Capt. H.E. Morse, DSO, RN) departed Kingston, Jamaica for Norfolk, Virginia where she is to be docked for repairs.

On departure from Kingston she is escored by HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR). She later parted company to proceed to Bermuda. (11)

15 Mar 1942
HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 4 survivors from the British tanker British Resource that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-124 north of Bermuda in position 36°04'N, 65°38'W.

21 May 1942
HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 18 survivors from the Canadian merchant Troisdoc that was shelled and sunk by German U-boat U-558 about 55 miles west of Jamaica in position 18°15'N, 79°20'W.

19 Aug 1942
HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 40 survivors from the British tanker British Consul that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-564 85 nautical miles north-west of Boca Grande, Trinidad in position 11°58'N, 62°38'W.

1 Jan 1943

Convoy TAG 33.

This convoy departed Trinidad on 1 January 1943.

On departure from Trinidad the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Liebre (American (tanker), 7057 GRT, built 1921), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Socony-Vacuum (American (tanker), 9511 GRT, built 1935), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was also tanking passage in this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Tarbell (T/Cdr. W.M. Foster, USN), corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. S. Darling, RANVR) and the patrol vessels PC-469 (Cdr. R.E. Morrell, USCG) and PC-567 (Lt. J.E. Allen, USNR).

On 3 January 1943, the convoy was joined by the following tankers coming from Curacao; Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), Axtell J. Byles (American, 9059 GRT, built 1927), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Francis T. Hart (Honduran, 9623 GRT, built 1938) and Nortind (Norwegian, 8221 GRT, built 1941).

Also the tanker F.Q. Barstow (American, 9003 GRT, built 1917) joined coming from Aruba.

In the morning of January 5th, the Nordeflinge and Settler detached from the convoy.

Early in the afternoon the convoy was joined by the destroyer USS Dickerson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN), corvette USS Temptress (?), patrol vessels USCGC Triton (?), USS PC-562 (Lt. S.H. Johnson, USNR) and USS PC-619 (Lt. J. van Brown, USNR). They then took over the convoy to proceed with it towards New York. The convoy was now renumbered GN 33.

The Athelprince, Francis T. Hart and HMS Phoebe however parted company with the convoy to proceed to Guantanamo Bay escorted by USS Tarbell, HMS Clarkia and PC-567. PC-469 proceeded to Guantanamo Bay independently. Francis T. Hart was however later detached.

The Athelprince, HMS Phoebe, USS Tarbell, HMS Clarkia and PC-567 arrived at Guantanamo Bay on 6 January 1943.

24 Jun 1943
Argo conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G. MacClelland, RN), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. S. Darling, RANVR), HMS Cowslip (Lt.Cdr. F. Granger, RNR), HMS Woodruff (T/Lt. T. Muir, RNVR) and HMS Buttermere (Lt. J.D.E. Lewis, RNR). (12)

2 Mar 1944
HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR) and HMS Petunia (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR). (13)

4 Mar 1944

Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 March 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Empire Nile (British, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nanceen (French, 2895 GRT, built 1929), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Dittany (T/Lt. S.W. Lock, RNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR).

The following merchant vessels of the convoy returned to the U.K. after sailing; Angelo, Hopestar and Stal.

On 10 March 1944, the frigate HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 150 / MKS 41 while the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from this convoy.

On 16 March 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 70 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 44 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 70 was made up of the merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer, Cap Cantin, Fort Liard, Groix, Isipingo, Jenny, Porjus, Thomas Holt and Ville de Strasbourg.

On 15 March 1944, the merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929) and Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Gibraltar escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR). These ships joined the combined convoy when it split.

On 16 March 1944, the following transports departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920) and Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloops Chevreuil, Gazelle and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR).

On these ships joining on the 17th, the transports Empire Nerissa, Fort Liard, Langleebrook, Porjus and Romney were detached to Casablanca where they arrived later on the 17th. They were escorted by the two American patrol vessels as the two French minesweeping sloops had joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the transports Finistere, Isaac Coles and Vernon L. Kellogg arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. The two French minesweeping sloops also proceeded to Dakar.

On 23 March 1944, the transports Cap Cantin and Fort Nashwaak arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 25 March 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 44, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 March 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Archangelos, Lorca, Redgate, Slesvig, rescue ship Fastnet and the escort oiler San Tirso arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the combined convoy minus HMS Dittany.

The transports Baron Forbes, Kana, Monkleigh, Radport and Stanhope proceeded directly to Lissabon after the convoy had split. They were possible escorted by HMS Dittany which did not arrive with the other escort at Gibraltar on the 17th but only arrived there on the 20th.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Baron Maclay, Bruse Jarl, Carslogie, Empire Nile, Empire Rosalind, Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Eurybates, Fort Aklavik, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Nakasley, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermiston, Janeta, Langleetarn, Leonidas, Matheran, Nanceen, Nurani, Radmanso, Samoa, Topsdalfjord, Urbino and Wyfarer.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the transports Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913) and Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada. The submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

On 18 February 1944, the transports Carslogie, Joshua Hendy and Maycrest arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Crawford W. Long (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mayo Brothers (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Fort Gaspereau, Hermiston, Janeta, Leonidas and Zapaca arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942) and Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Bruse Jarl, Empire Gain, Fort Rae and Radmanso arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Mayo Brothers, Nanceen, Parame and Solarium arrived at Bizerta as did HMS Colombo after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tankers Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Graiglas, Topsdalfjord arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Spiteful and the Yugoslavian corvette Nada while the tanker Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), transport Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944) and the bouy / lighthouse tender Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy while the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Augusta; Asa Gray, Benito Juarez, Brighton, City of Canterbury, Crawford W. Long, Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Addison, Empire Cameron, Empire Copperfield, Empire Rosalind, Empire Southey, Empire Wordsworth, Esneh, Fort Aklavik, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Fort Marin, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermelin, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Langleetarn, Lightfoot, Linge, Ousel, Samettick, Sammex, Samoa, Samson, Samuel V. Shreve, Southgate, Spindletop and William Kent.

On 26 March 1944, the transports Beaconsfield, Corfell, Elise, Empire Noble, Empire Peak, Fort Glenlyon, Ocean Vulcan, Riverton, Samnebra and Van der Capelle arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 March 1944.