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Notable events involving Gladiolus include:

30 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 39.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aelybryn (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Ainderby (British, 4860 GRT, built 1925), Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Athelcrown (British (tanker), 11999 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Benwood (Norwegian, 3931 GRT, built 1910), Canadolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Daleby (British, 4640 GRT, built 1929), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Desmoulea (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Empire Industry (British, 3682 GRT, built 1916), Ethan Allen (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Josiah Macy (Panamanian (tanker) 6899 GRT, built 1917), Kalliopi S. (Greek, 5230 GRT, built 1918), King Robert (British, 5880 GRT, built 1920), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Kotor (Yugoslavian, 3564 GRT, built 1904), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Nyland (Norwegian, 1374 GRT, built 1940), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Shekatika (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Temple Mead (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928), Vav (Norwegian (tanker), 6415 GRT, built 1931) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN), destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Archimede (Lt. R.F.J. Attane).

Around 0500Q/1, the following merchant vessels overtook and joined the convoy, having sailed late from Halifax;
Coptic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928), Grayburn (British, 6342 GRT, built 1938), Roussillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1400Q/1, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0750O/7, in position 44°55'N, 36°45'W, the Josiah Mary fell out of the convoy as she was not under control. She was lost from sight after dark and did not rejoin the convoy. Her destination was Southampton [arrival date not known].

Around 0800Z/11, in position 49°40'N, 17°40'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

The Archimede parted company later on the 11th to proceed to Brest.

Around 0700A/12, in position 49°53'N, 13°10'W, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1930A/12, in position 48°52'N, 10°50'W, the convoy split into two sections. Around the same time, the Kalliopi S. left the convoy without permission. She arrived at Queenstown, Ireland in 13 May.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aelybryn (arrived in the Clyde on 15 May), Ainderby (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Atlantian (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Auditor (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Comanchee (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Daleby (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Delilian (arrived in the Clyde on 15 May), Ethan Allen (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Grayburn (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 14 May), King Stephen (arrived at Swansea on 14 May), Kirnwood (arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 May), Kotor (arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 May), Nestos (arrived at Cardiff on 14 May), Nurtureton (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Nyland (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Oilfield (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Oligarch (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Tredinnick (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Trehata (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May) and Vav (arrived at Belfast on 15 May). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which after having escorted the bulk of this section towards Liverpool proceeded to Plymouth where she arrived on 15 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arthur F. Corwin (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Le Havre on 15 May), Athelcrown (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Benwood (arrived at Falmouth on 13 May), Canadolite (arrived at Le Havre on 14 May), Coptic (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Dalemoor (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Desmoulea (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Diloma (arrived at Southampton on 14 May), Donacilla (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Empire Industy (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Hopemouth (arrived at Portland on 14 May), King Robert (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Roussillion (arrived at Le Havre on 15 May), Shekatika (arrived at Southampton on 15 May), Swiftpool (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Temple Mead (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Temple Yard (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Tornus (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Tower Field (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Wanderer (arrived at Portland on 14 May) and Westbury (arrived at Portland on 14 May). They were escorted by HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Dover on 15 May 1940. (1)

12 May 1940

Convoy HX 42.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bencleugh (British, 5755 GRT, built 1919), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cygnet (Panamanian, 3530 GRT, built 1917), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 192), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Empire Unity (British (tanker), 6369 GRT, built 1927), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Peterton (British, 5221 GRT, built 1919), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Stylianos Chandris (Greek, 6059 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1745Q/13, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0800P/14, the merchant vessel Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) overtook and joined the convoy. She had sailed from Halifax late. [The position given in the Commodore's report can not be correct.]

On 18 May, in position 42°57'N, 39°30'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 42) joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Brandanger (Norwegian, 4624 GRT, built 1924), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Davisian (British, 6433 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Ranger (British, 6865 GRT, built 1929), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), Sticklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1845Z/24, in position 50°15'N, 13°11'W, HMS Laconia parted company. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 2100A/24, in position 50°14'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined.

Around 2400A/24, in position 50°12'N, 12°23'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.

Around 1030A/25, in position 50°04'N, 10°09'W, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adellen (arrived at Scapa Flow on 30 May), British Resource (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Cygnet (arrived at Sharpness on ?? May), Demeterton (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Kumasian (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Llanover (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Norwegian (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Pacific Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Scottish Star (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Strategist (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Stylianos Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Uganda (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Vancouver (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 27 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amberton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Atheltemplar (arrived at Southampton on 27 May), Beaverdale (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Bencleuch (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Brandanger (arrived at Falmouth on 26 May), Brant County (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Calgarolite (arrived at Brest on 26 May), City of Christiania (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Davila (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Davisian (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Eleni (arrived at Bordeaux on 28 May), Empire Unity (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Inversuir (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), King Arthur (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Lindenhall (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Pacific Ranger (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Peterton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Petter (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Pomella (arrived at Le Verdon on 28 May), Rapana (arrived at Le Verdon on 27 May), San Ambrosio (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scherazade (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scottish Trader (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Stiklestad (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Voco (arrived in the Downs on 28 May) and Windsorwood (arrived in the Downs on 28 May). They were escorted by HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Dover on 28 May. (2)

15 Jun 1940

Convoy SL 36.

This convoy departed Freetown on 15 June 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Baron Semple (British, 4573 GRT, built 1939), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), Benvrackie (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Boma (British, 5408 GRT, built 1920), British Zeal (British (tanker), 8532 GRT, built 1937), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), City of Melbourne (British, 6630 GRT, built 1919), Clan Ogilvy (British, 5802 GRT, built 1914), Clearton (British, 5219 GRT, built 1919), Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Derrynane (British, 4896 GRT, built 1938), East Wales (British, 4358 GRT, built 1925), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Homeside (British, 4617 GRT, built 1924), Ilvington Court (British, 5187 GRT, built 1919), Kastelholm (Finnish, 5417 GRT, built 1907), Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Peru (British, 6569 GRT, built 1916), River Afton (British, 5479 GRT, built 1935), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Royal Emblem (British, 4900 GRT, built 1940), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Tuva (Dutch, 4652 GRT, built 1935), Uranienborg (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

On 16 June 1940, the transports Avelona Star (British, 13376 GRT, built 1927), Beignon (British, 5218 GRT, built 1939), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928) departed Freetown to overtake and join the convoy. The Godfrey B. Holt and Beignon joined the convoy around 0900N/19. The Clan Murdoch around 0730N/20. [There is no mention of the Avelona Star and Slemmestad joining in the logbook of HMS Dunvegan Castle.]

On 16 June 1940, the Clearton and Homeside straggled from the convoy due to bad coal. They were unable to do more then 8 knots. Apparently the later rejoined the convoy.

From Dakar three more transports were sailed to join the convoy, these were the Belmoira (Norwegian, 3214 GRT, built 1928), Lafonia (British, 1961 GRT, built 1911) and Orari (British, 10350 GRT, built 1931). The last two of these joined the convoy around 1300N/18. [There is no mention of the Avelona Star and Belmoira joining in the logbook of HMS Dunvegan Castle.]

Shortly after 1000Z/30, the Clan Ogilvy was torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-65. The damaged ship proceeded to Falmouth escorted by the destroyer HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.E.F. Hussey, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR). U-65 made two more attacks on the convoy firing single torpedoes but both missed.

Around 1415Z/30, the destroyers HMS Windsor (Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and HMS Vesper joined the convoy.

Shortly after 2030Z/30, the Avelona Star was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-43. Survivors were picked up by the Beignon (82) and HMS Dunvegan Castle (2). Following the attack HMS Dunvegan Castle dropped some depth charges.

Around 0200Z/1, the Beignon was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30. Survivors were picked up by HMS Windsor and HMS Vesper.

Shortly before 1200Z/1, the Clearton was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-102. Survivors were picked up by HMS Windsor and HMS Vesper. The destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) meanwhile had also arrived in the area and depth charged an A/S contact resulting in the sinking of U-102.

HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy around 1455Z/1.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1940.

30 Jun 1940
HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) picks up 16 survivors from a lifeboat of the British merchant Llanarth that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-30 on 28 June about 220 nautical miles west by south of Ushant in position 47°30'N, 10°30'W.

1 Jul 1940
German U-boat U-26 was scuttled south-west of Ireland, in position 48°03'N, 11°30'W after being heavily damaged by depth charges from the British corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) and bombs from an Australian Sunderland aircraft (10 Sqn RAAF/H).

23 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 60.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oriole (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Andrea Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 10173 GRT, built 1940), Baron Minto (British, 4637 GRT, built 1937), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beatus (British, 4885 GRT, built 1925), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Belcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Bilderdijk (Dutch, 6856 GRT, built 1922), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938)), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Springbuck (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Graigwen (British, 3697 GRT, built 1926), Heron (British (trawler), 355 GRT, built 1919), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), King Idwal (British, 5115 GRT, built 1920), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loch Lomond (British, 5452 GRT, built 1934), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Papalemos (Greek, 3748 GRT, built 1910), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), San Marcos (British, 5759 GRT, built 1919), Saturnus (Dutch, 2741 GRT, built 1909), Sea Giant (British (tug), 778 GRT, built 1920), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Tafelberg (South African (whale factory ship serving as tanker), 13640 GRT, built 1930), Thala (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Thornlea (British, 4261 GRT, built 1929), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) and W. Hendrik (British, 4360 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. H.G. Norman, RN), destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and auxliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS Ottawa and HMCS French were to part company half an hour after sunset on 23 July and then return to Halifax.

During the passage to the U.K. the following ships straggled from the convoy [dates and positions are not given in the convoy report.];
Heron, Levant, Papalemos, Porjus and Sea Giant. The Porjus rejoined the convoy later (4 August). Also the Lewant must have rejoined the convoy before that time.

Around 1000P/27, in position 40°53'N, 46°17'W, convoy BHX 60 joined convoy HX 60. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Amastra (British (tanker), 8031 GRT, built 1935), Anglo Peruvian (British, 5457 GRT, built 1926), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Boka (Panamanian, 5399 GRT, built 1920), Catrine (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dalfonn (British (tanker), 9860 GRT, built 1928), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Indora (British, 6622 GRT, built 1938), Rosewood (British (tanker), 5989 GRT, built 1931), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928) and Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939).

Around 0315A/4, red rockets were observed and it became apparent that an enemy submarine had attacked the convoy. Two ships had been hit of which the King Alfred broke in two, the forepart sinking immediately. The aft part remained floating for a while. The other ship torpedoed was the Gogovale which remained afloat for a while before sinking. The attacking submarine had been the U-52.

Around 0510A/4, the convoy was joined by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the destroyer HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN).

Around 0543A/4, HMS Vanoc was ordered to proceed to the assistance of the torpedoed ships. She picked up survivors and scuttled the aft part of the King Alfred and then made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 0545A/4, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) joined the convoy.

Around 0820A/4, the convoy executed an emergency turn of 90° to port and a few minutes later it was reported that the Geraldine Mary had been torpedoed. Following this attack HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent dropped depth charges on A/S contacts. During this time, the attacker, once again U 52 was depth charged and sustained damage.

Around 1014A/4, the Geraldine Mary broke in two with the after end sinking immediately and the fore end partly submered bottom up.

Around 1120A/4, HMS Vanoc was sighted and at 1217A/4, she and HMCS St. Laurent were ordered to keep an A/S patrol in the area while HMS Sandwich picked up survivors. [HMS Vanoc also picked up four.]

At 1223A/4, HMS Vanoc reported that she was short of fuel so she was ordered to rejoin the now unescorted convoy.

At 1233A/4, HMCS St. Laurent was ordered to continue to search the area for the attacker and also to scuttle the still drifting forepart of the Geraldine Mary.

At 1311A/4, the C-in-C, Western Approaches ordered the corvettes HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) to sweep to position 56°59'N, 16°32'W and then take over the escort of the damaged Gogovale, which was thought to be salvageable, from HMS Vanoc. Also the rescue tug HMS Brigand departed Kirkwall to tow the damaged Gogovale to the Clyde.

At 1316A/4, HMS Sandwich, having picked up 30 survivors, made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1510A/4, HMS Sandwich saw HMCS St. Laurent was seen approaching. She had to abandon the A/S search due to fuel shortage.

Around 2000A/4, HMS Sandwich rejoined the convoy. The convoy escort was now made up of HMS Sandwich, HMCS St. Laurent and HMS Vanoc. Besides these ships, two additional destroyers had meanwhile joined the convoy, this were HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN).

Around 1645A/5, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 60A was destined for Methil (arrived on 8 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amastra, Anglo-Peruvian, Beatus, Beaverhill, Belcrest, Boka, British General, Catrine, Clea, Dalblair, Llanishen, Loch Lomond, Maasdam, Rosewood (arrived at Scapa Flow on 8 August), Saturnus, Scottish Heather (arrived at Invergordon on 11(?) August) and Uganda. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent which both arrived at Rosyth on 8 August.

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Convoy HX 60B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oreole (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Andrea Brovig (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Athelviscount (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Baron Minto (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bassano (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bilderdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Cape Nelson (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Clumberhall (arrived at Newport on 9 August), Custodian (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Dalfonn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Daphnella (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Davila (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Dromore (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Empire Springbuck (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Explorer (arrived at Liverpool on 7 / 8 August), Graigwen (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Indora (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), King Idwal (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Langleetarn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lewant (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lyras (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Margarita Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Moveria (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Olaf Bergh (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Porjus (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Ringstad (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), San Felix (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), San Marcos (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Simonburg (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 August), Tafelberg (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Thala (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Thornlea (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Solfonn (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August) and W. Hendrik (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Mackay (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), HMS Vanoc (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August) and HMS Winchelsea (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August). (3)

12 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 65.

[Note: No convoy report of the Convoy Commodore is available as the Commodore's ship was sunk, some datails regading this convoy may thus be missing.]

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harpalyce (British, 5169 GRT, built 1940), Housatonic (British (tanker), 5559 GRT, built 1919), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nerissa (British, 5583 GRT, built 1926), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Reedpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920) and Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940).

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

Around 1940P/12, HMCS French parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2030P/13, HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0840P/14, convoy SHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Anna Mazaraki (Greek, 5411 GRT, built 1913), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Axel Johnson (Swedish, 4896 GRT, built 1925), Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Fircrest (British, 5394 GRT, built 1907), Juno (Dutch, 1753 GRT, built 1908), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1200P/16, convoy BHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cape York (British, 5027 GRT, built 1926), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Merlin (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), La Brea (British, 6945 GRT, built 1916), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Sitala (British (tanker), 6218 GRT, built 1937), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Winkleigh (British, 5468 GRT, built 1940).

Heavy fog was encountered during the period of 17 to 23 August. During this period the Cymbula (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August) and La Brae (torpedoed and sunk on 24 August by the German submarine U-48).

Around 1500O/23, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0605Z/24, in position 57°45'N, 16°40'W, the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0750Z/24, the sloop HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/24, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 65A was destined for Methil (arrived on 27 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Blairatholl, British Lord (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 August), Cape York (bombed by enemy aircraft on 26 August, sank on 27 August, see below), Cetus (arrived at Stornoway on 26 August), City of Hankow, Empire Merlin (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Fircrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Harpalyce (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Juno, Lodestone, Maplewood, Nellie, Nordlys, Prins Maurits, Reedpool, Remuera (torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft on 26 August), Stakesby (torpedoed and heavily damaged on 25 August, see below), Welsh Prince and Winkleigh. They were escorted by HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia which both arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

Around 0345A/25, the German submarine U-48 attacked convoy HX 65A. The Empire Merlin and Athelcrest were hit. The Empire Merlin sank almost immediately. One survivor was picked up by HMS Godetia. Six survivors from Athelcrest were also picked up by HMS Godetia which then scuttled the burning wreck with gunfire.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia also depth charged the attacking submarine but did no damage.

Shortly before 2300A/25, the German submarine U-124 attacked the convoy and torpedoed the Fircrest, Harpalyce (the ship of the Convoy Commodore) and the Stakesby. The Fircrest sank at once due to her cargo of iron ore, there were no survivors. The Harpalyce also sank very quickly. Five survivors were picked up after a few hours by auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Fort Dee (?). The Stakesby remained afloat due to her cargo of timber (pit props). The rescue tug Thames took the damaged ship in tow but she ran aground in Glumaig Bay after the tow rope broke. She was later salvaged and repaired and re-entered service in 1943 as Empire Derwent.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia attacked with depth charges but did no damage to the U-boat.

HMS Godetia also stood by the damaged Stakesby.

On the 26th the convoy escort was reinforced by the sloops HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN) and HMS Egret (Cdr. D.P. Evans, RN).

Around 2045A/26, near Kinneard Head, gunfire was seen coming from land and also ahead. Apparently convoy WN 10, which was ahead of convoy HX 65A, was under air attack.

Between 2100A/26 and 2210A/26, convoy HX 65A, then also came under air attack in at least five attack runs. The Remuera was torpedoed and sunk (43 survivors being picked up by HMS Egret) while the Cape York was damaged by bombs but she did not sink. HMS Egret took off the crew. Salvage attempts were undertaken by the rescue tug Saucy but the ship eventually sank around 1115A/27. Saucy fouled her propeller during the salvage attempts and was taken in tow for a while by HMS Egret.

Like HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia, HMS Lowestoft and HMS Egret arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

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Convoy HX 65B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Alfred Olsen (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Anna Mazaraki (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Dublin on 26 August, possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Atlantic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Axel Johnson (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Chama (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Eclipse (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), F.J. Wolfe (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Fernbank (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Gard (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Gitano (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August), Housatonic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Manchester Merchant (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nerissa (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nikoklis (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Pecten (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Rangitane (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Regent Panter (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 August), Sitala (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Solarium (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Taria (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Torr Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August) and Torvanger (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August). They were escorted by HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus which both arrived at Liverpool on 27 August.

At 0902A/25, HMS Westcott obtained an A/S contact and one depth charge was fired at 0906A/25 in position 57°25'N, 09°38'W. Contact was immediately regained afterwards.

A second attack was carried out and six depth charges were fired at 0917A/25. There was no sign of wreckage, oil fuel or bubbles.

Contact was then regained and a third attack was carried out and five depth charges were dropped at 0930A/25.

Though contacts were firm and submarine was known to be in the vicinity it was considered the contacts were non-sub. At 1000A/25, HMS Westcott proceeded to rejoin the convoy considering it unwise to stay away from the convoy any longer.

The German submarine U-57 reported twelve depth charges being dropped around this time at a distance between 3 to 4 kilometers.

At 1847A/25, the tanker Pecten, the rear ship of the starboard wing column, was torpedoed. HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus immediately proceeded towards the scene and started an A/S hunt which lasted until 2026A/25. Several patterns of depth charges were dropped by both ships before they made off to rejoin the convoy which they did the following morning.

The Pecten sank quickly with heavy loss of life. 8 Survivors were picked up by the Torr Head. She had been torpedoed and sunk by U-57 which was subsequently depth charged counting 27 depth charges. She sustained no damage [KTB U-57 from 7 July to 31 August in NARA, T 1022, roll 2883, PG 30054].

Around 0715A/26, the Clyde section of the convoy was detached. [and presumably the ships destined for Belfast Lough as well or otherwise shortly afterwards.]

Around 1300A/26, the Regent Panther was detached to proceed indepently toward Milford Haven / the Bristol Channel.

Around 0500A/27, Convoy HX 65B arrived off the Bar Light Vessel. (4)

24 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 68.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Baron Newlands (British, 3386 GRT, built 1928), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Ethel Radcliffe (British, 5673 GRT, built 1920), Harbledown (British, 5414 GRT, built 1933), Kelso (British, 3956 GRT, built 1924), Meandros (Greek, 4581 GRT, built 1919), Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912), Para (Norwegian, 3986 GRT, built 1921), Patella (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927ritish (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Silverfir (British, 4347 GRT, built 1924), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Sveve (Norwegian (tanker), 6313 GRT, built 1930), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN), destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS French was to part company after dark on 24 August and return to Halifax.

HMCS Assiniboine was to part company half an hour after sunset on 25 August and return to Halifax.

Around 0930P/26, convoy SHX 68 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Anten (Swedish, 6498 GRT, built 1920), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Batna (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Empire Mermaid (British, 6381 GRT, built 1919), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Mansepool (British, 4894 GRT, built 1928), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Varoy (Norwegian, 1499 GRT, built 1892).

Around 1100/27, the Harbledown fell out of the convoy in heavy weather. She later joined convoy SC 2 and arrived at Liverpool on 11 September.

Around 1745P/27, the Empire Mermaid fell out of the convoy in heavy weather. She arrived in Methil Roads on 7 September.

Around 1330P/28, in position 43°12'N, 49°10'W, convoy BHX 68 joined convoy HX 68. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), Californian (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Clavella (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Diplomat (British, 8240 GRT, built 1921), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Kavak (British, 2782 GRT, built 1929), Oakfield (British (tanker), 5218 GRT, built 1918), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Samuel Bakke (Norwegian, 4719 GRT, built 1929) and Silveray (British, 4535 GRT, built 1925).

Around 2030N/4, in position 57°30'N, 20°00'W, HMS Aurania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0900Z/5, in position 57°49'N, 17°10'W, the local escort was made up of the destroyers HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR). It is not known if they all joined around this time. The corvette HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) had been ordered (0107A/5) to proceed to the Clyde to land 70 survivors she had on board. Therefore this ship did not join the convoy.

At 1336A/6, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered to corvette HMS Fleur de Lys (Cdr.(Retd.) R.T. Bower, RN), working up at Tobermory, to join the convoy and take the place of HMS Godetia.

Most likely during the night of 5/6 September the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 68A was destined for Methil (arrived on 9 September 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian, Athelbeach, Baron Haig, Baron Ogilvy, Batna, Clavella, Germanic, Mansepool, Nurtureton, Oakfield, Para, Silverfir, Varand and Varoy. They were escorted by HMCS St. Laurent and HMS Fleur de Lys which both arrived at Rosyth on 9 September.

Around 1715A/8, in the Pentland Firth, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined convoy HX 68A.

Around 1630A/9, HMS Cairo parted company with convoy HX 68A to join the northbound convoy OA 212.

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Convoy HX 68B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Annavore (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Anten (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Appalachee (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Athelqueen (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Baron Newlands (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Boltonhall (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), British Governor (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Californian (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Cornish City (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Diplomat (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Dorelian (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Eleni (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Ethel Radcliff (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Kavak (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Kelso (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Kenbane Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 September), Manchester Progress (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Meandros (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Mount Kassion (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Mount Kitheron (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Patella (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Philipp M. (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Photinia (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Politician (arrived at Holyhead on 8 September), Samuel Bakke (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Silveray (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Sovac (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Sveve (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September) and Tilsington Court (arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 September). They were escorted by HMS Hesperus and HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Liverpool 8 September. HMS Keppel and HMS Witch were also part of the escort but the had been detached earlier as they arrived at Lough Foyle / Londonderry on 7 September. (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)

31 Jan 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. I.L.M. McGeogh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, RNVR). (7)

3 Mar 1941
At 0045N/1, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN), is joined by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, RN). At 1130N/1 the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Salvonia also joined. Attempts were now undertaken to take HMS Taku in tow but these failed. A connection between Salvonia and Taku was established only at 0808N/4 the following morning. Taku was now towed to Londonderry. During passage the tow parted once. (8)

16 Mar 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR). (9)

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. (10)

16 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 121.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antar (British, 5222 GRT, built 1941), Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), British Endurence (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Caledonia (British (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936), Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), City of Barcelona (British, 5787 GRT, built 1930), Cornwall (British, 10605 GRT, built 1920), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), Denbydale (British, (Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker), 8145 GRT, built 1941), Dordrecht (British, 4402 GRT, built 1928), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), Empire Puma (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wildebeeste (British, 5631 GRT, built 1918), Ensis (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Grena (British (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hilda Knudsen (British (tanker), 9178 GRT, built 1928), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), La Pampa (British, 4149 GRT, built 1938), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Mirza (Dutch (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1929), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930), Port Hardy (British, 8897 GRT, built 1923), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Sourabaya (British (tanker), 10107 GRT, built 1915), Stanford (British, 5969 GRT, built 1941), Stanley (British, 6463 GRT, built 1919), Tahchee (British (tanker), 6508 GRT, built 1914), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1918), Tresillian (British, 4743 GRT, built 1925) and Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The corvettes however soon returned to Halifax.

Around 1000PQ(+3.5)/19, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Halifax on 17 April 1941.

HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy around 2245ON(+1.5)/23 to return to Halifax.

In the afternoon of 25 April the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN, HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN) and corvette HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0930Z/27, HMS California parted company with the convoy to proceed to Iceland escorted by HMS Malcolm.

In the morning of the 28th the corvettes, HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), 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), HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) and the rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of the 28th the destroyers HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) joined the convoy.

Also on 28 April 1941, German submarines attacked the convoy. The tanker Capulet was torpedoed and damaged by U-552. Later on the 28th, the tankers Caledonia, Oilfield and transport Port Hardy were torpedoed and sunk by U-96.

On 2 May 1941, the drifting wreck of the abandoned Capulet was finshed off by the German submarine U-201.

The convoy arrived in British waters on 3 May 1941.

23 Apr 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR), HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR). (11)

8 May 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR). (11)

14 May 1941

Convoy HG 62.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 14 May 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Csarda (Panamanian, 3882 GRT, built 1917), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Fidra (British, 1574 GRT, built 1936), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Lorient (British (former French),4185 GRT, built 1921), Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919), Macbrae (British, 2117 GRT, built 1924), Mauritz (Swedish, 1480 GRT, built 1917), Perth (British, 2502 GRT, built 1915), Rose Schiaffino (British (former French), 2502 GRT, built 1915), Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922), Switzerland (British, 1290 GRT, built 1922), Thelma (British, 1593 GRT, built 1935) and Uskside (British, 2708 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. L.C. Head, RNVR).

The merchant vessels City of Dublin (British, 1095 GRT, built 1882) and Talas (Yuguslavian, 2520 GRT, built 1895) sailed late from Gibraltar to overtake and join the convoy. Only the City of Dublin managed to do so and she joined during the first night out.

Around 0900B/16, the corvette HMS Fleur de Lys (Lt.Cdr. L.M. Carter, RNR) joined.

P.M. on the 18th, the Dover Hill straggled from the convoy due to engine trouble but she was able to rejoin A.M. on the 19th.

P.M. on 21 May, the three corvettes parted company to return to Gibraltar.

Around 1500B/22, the corvette HMS Aster (Lt.Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) joined but she left again around 1540Z/22, in position 44°04'N, 22°26'W, taking HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. O. de Booy, RNN) with her to convoy OG 62.

On 26 May 1941, the destroyers HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), corvettes ,HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RD, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) joined. The rescue ship Perth (2259 GRT, built 1915) also joined.

At 0043B/27, HMS Leamington collided with the Norwegian merchant vessel Thyra (1766 GRT, built 1920) in position 52°25'N, 19°22'W. The Thyra sank and the 20 survivors (out of a crew of 24) were rescued by HMS Leamington which had only sustained some damage to her stem and had her forepeak flooded.

At 1736B/30, an aircraft reported an enemy submarine in position 55°56'N, 09°28'W, HMS Leamington and HMS Deptford were ordered to detach from the convoy and hunt this submarine while convoy HX 127 was ordered to alter course to avoid. If this sighting was genuine then this was most likely U-147.

At 0130B/31, HMS Deptford reported that the merchant vessel Gravelines, a straggler from convoy HX 127 had been torpedoed in position 55°57'N, 15°01'W. HMS Deptford continued her hunt for the reported submarine.

On 30 May 1941, the Lorient, Rose Schiaffino and Thelma arrived at Belfast Lough.

On 31 May 1941, the Blairnevis and Dover Hill arrived at Oban. Possibly HMS Gladiolus escorted them to their destination as she arrived at Londonderry a day later as other escorts.

On 31 May 1941, the Csarda, Lyminge, Mauritz and Perth arrived in the Clyde.

On 31 May 1941, the Blairesk and Switzerland arrived at Workington.

On 31 May 1941, the Fidra and Uskside arrived at Barrow in Furness.

On 31 May 1941, the City of Dublin arrived at Dublin.

On 31 May 1941, the Hjalmar Wessel, Macbrae and Spero arrived at Liverpool.

Of the escorts HMS Saladin, HMS Leamington, HMS Clarkia and HMS St. Zeno arrived at Londonderry on 31 May 1941.

HMS Gladiolus arrived at Londonderry on 1 June 1941, possibly she had escorted the Oban section to it's destination before proceeding to Londonderry.

On 2 June 1941, HMS Deptford arrived at Liverpool. (12)

11 Jun 1941

Convoy OB 334.

This convoy departed the U.K. on 11 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Barberrys (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Baron Carnegie (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Bic Island (British, 4000 GRT, built 1917), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Faith (British, 6955 GRT, built 1928), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1930), Clan Macilwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Clan Macwhirter (British, 5941 GRT, built 1918), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Empire Crossbill (British, 5463 GRT, built 1919), Empire Waterhen (British, 6004 GRT, built 1920), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Luxor (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1930), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Nova (Norwegian, 1382 GRT, built 1925), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Trident (British, 4317 GRT, built 1917), Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913), Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928) and Vardefjell (Norwegian (tanker), GRT, built 1940).

The merchant vessel Baron Carnegie which had departed Avonmouth, was sunk on 11 June 1941 by German torpedo aircraft off St. David's Head in position 51°55'N, 05°34'W.

On leaving UK waters the convoy was escorted by escorted by the destroyer HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), corvettes HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR), HMS Orchis (T/Lt. H. Vernon, RNR), HMS Polyanthus (Lt. A. Hague, RNR), minesweepers HMS Seagull ( Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN), HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR), HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR) and HMS St. Loman (T/Lt. R.C. Warwick, RNR). Catapult ship HMS Maplin (A/Cdr. J.O. Davies, RNR) was also with the convoy. HMS Beagle, HMS Gladiolus, HMS Orchis, HMS Nigella, HMS Polyanthus, HMS Seagull, HMS Sharpshooter, HMS Ayrshire, HMS Lady Madeleine, HMS St. Loman and HMS Maplin were detached on the 17th after having been relieved by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN), destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR) and HMCS Spikenard (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR). Destroyer HMS Chesterfield (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) was briefly (between 1720N/19 and 2120N/19) with the convoy on the 19th, she rejoined the convoy at 0755O/20, after having reported the position of the convoy by W/T.

Battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) and the armed merchant cruisers HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) and HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) joined the convoy in the late afternoon / early evening of the 20th.

Around 1500P/24, HMS Revenge, HMS Bulolo and HMS California parted company with the convoy in position 45°29'N, 55°24'W to proceed directly to Halifax.

Around 1700P/24, HMS Burnham, HMS Chesterfield and HMS Churchill parted company with the convoy in position 45°29'N, 56°21'W to proceed to St. Johns.

Around 0400P/25, the convoy was dispersed although several ships had already been detached while en-route. HMS Aurania, HMS Dianthus and HMCS Spikenard continued on the Halifax with only three ships destined for there.

27 Jun 1941
German U-boat U-556 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Iceland, in position 60°24'N, 29°00'W, by depth charges from the British corvettes HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, RNR), HMS Celandine (Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSO, DSC, RNR).

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