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25 Nov 1939

Convoy SLF 10.

This convoy departed Freetown on 25 November 1939.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of the Channel section HMS Broke parted company around 0230Z/8. The Canonesa arrived at Southampton on 9 December 1939. HMS Veteran arrived at Dover on 9 December 1939. The remaining ships, most likely, proceeded to the Downs. (1)

28 Nov 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portsmouth with HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and MA/SB's. (2)

10 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 12.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Cairnross (British, 5494 GRT, built 1921), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Gracia (British, 5642 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937) and San Delfino (British (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine Achille (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) P.A.G. Terlier).

Around 0750Q/11, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1100P/13, after thick fog had cleared, it was seen that the Manchester Commerce was missing from the convoy. She rejoined around 0900P/14.

Around 1045ZN/20, in position 50°13'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Walker (Cdr. W.J.C. Robertson, RN) and HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0910Z/21, in position 49°38'N, 08°08'W, the destroyers HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) joined.

Around 0930Z/21, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Explorer, Gracia, Manchester Commerce and Regent Lion. HMS Walker and HMS Whirlwind escorted this section. The destroyers arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 22 December 1939.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East coast section. Around 1300Z/21, the French submarine Achille parted company to proceed to Brest escorted by the minesweeping sloop Commandant Duboc. They arrived at Brest around 0930Z/22. Around 1930Z/21, HMS Alaunia left the convoy to proceed to Southampton where she arrived in the afternoon of 22 December 1939. HMS Veteran and HMS Verity arrived at Dover in the morning of 23 December 1939. The ships of the convoy continued on to the Downs. The San Cipriano was detached to Dunkirk. (3)

7 Feb 1940
HMS H 43 collided wit HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) off Plymouth.

12 Feb 1940
The aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), which was on passage from Freetown to the U.K. was joined around 0925Z/12 by the destroyer HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN).

Around 1045A/12 the destroyers HMS Keith (Cdr.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) also joined.

HMS Ark Royal had been ordered to search the area for German merchant vessels which are thought to be present in the area having left Vigo, Spain to return to Germany. (4)

15 Feb 1940
HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Keith (Cdr.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (5)

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 22.

This convoy departed Halifax on 22 February 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Mar 1940
Collision with Horn Shell

5 May 1940
At 0900/5 the troopships Ulster Prince (3791 GRT, built 1930) and Royal Scotsman (3244 GRT, built 1936) departed the Clyde for Mosjoen and Bodo, respectively. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN) and HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN).

At 0400/6 the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) to make rendez-vous at 1030/6 after which HMS Viscount was to proceed to Scapa Flow where she arrived at 1400/6.

The Mosjoen and Bodo groups parted company at 1540/8. The Ulster Prince proceeded to Mosjoen escorted by HMS Veteran and HMS Juno arriving there on the 9th. At 1400/10, HMS Juno was ordered to leave the Ulster Prince and proceed to Scapa Flow at high speed. She arrived at Scapa Flow at 1130/11. HMS Veteran then took the Ulster Prince back to the Clyde arriving there at 0330/13 having made a stop to fuel at Sullom Voe on the 11th.

The Royal Ulsterman proceeded to Bodo escorted by HMS Firedrake and HMS Nubian. HMS Firedrake conducted a reconnaissance of the Ranenfjord to look for reported enemy activity. The Royal Ulsterman and HMS Nubian arrived at Bodo in the evening of the 9th. Shortly afterwards they were rejoined by HMS Firedrake. They all departed Bodo at 0200/10 and proceeded to Scapa Flow. HMS Firedrake went ahead and arrived there at 2210/11 followed later, at 0030/12, by the Royal Ulsterman and HMS Nubian. (7)

14 May 1940
Around 2100A/14, the aircraft carriers HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) and HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde for operations off Norway. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN). HMS Witherington was however soon replaced by HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN).

Around 2000A/17, HMS Amazon and HMS Viscount parted company, presumably to fuel at Harstad after which they were to rejoin. Later, presumably on the return of the first pair, HMS Diana and HMS Veteran were also detached. They rejoined around 0915A/19.

Around 1250A/20, HMS Amazon and HMS Viscount parted company, presumably to fuel again at Harstad after which they were to rejoin which they did around 1320A/21.

23 May 1940
Around 2200A/23, the aircraft carriers HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) and HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and their destroyer escort made up of HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations off Norway.

On board HMS Glorious were still RAF Hurricanes she had been unable to fly off to a shore airfield in Norway.

7 Jun 1940

Evacuation of the 'Narvik / Harstad / Tromso area'.

1st Evacuation convoy from Harstad.

The merchant vessels Acrity (403 GRT, built 1934), Blackheath (4637 GRT, built 1936), Conch (8376 GRT (tanker), built 1931), Coxwold (1124 GRT, built 1938), Cromarty Firth (538 GRT, built 1937), Harmattan (4558 GRT, built 1930), Oligarch (6897 GRT (tanker), built 1918) and Theseus (6527 GRT, built 1908).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) and sloop HMS Stork (Cdr. A.C. Behague, RN). The destroyers HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN) also briefly escorted the convoy but they were soon detached.

Later the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined the escort as did the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) and light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. J. Figgins, RN).

The convoy arrived at Scapa Flow around 0500/14. It had been attacked by German aircraft on the 9th but no damage was sustained.

9 Jun 1940
At 1245A/9, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet C.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide cover for convoys coming down from Norway and to search for the reported German capital ships. A sixth destroyer, HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), which had been en-route from the Clyde to Scapa Flow, apparently joined at sea.

At 1345A/10, HMS Amazon was detached to fuel at Sullom Voe.

On June, 10th the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) was ordered to join this force which she did at 1525A/10. She had the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) with her. At 1140A/10, the destroyers HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Acheron (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) had been exchanged for HMS Ashanti and HMS Mashona.

At 1925A/10, HMS Mashona was detached to join the destroyer HMS Campbell (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN) and escort this destroyer, which had to proceed at the most economical speed due to fuel shortage, to Sullom Voe where they arrived at 0745A/12.

At 1020A/11, HMS Ashanti and HMS Highlander were detached to Scapa Flow. They were ordered to proceed through positions 64'N, 05'W and 61'N, 05'W.

The destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN), and HMS Amazon departed Sullom Voe at 2230A/11th to join the Home Fleet at sea which they did at 0830A/12. [HMS Amazon did not join the Home Fleet so either she did not sail or returned.] At 2100A/12, the destroyer HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN) sailed from Scapa Flow to make rendez-vous with the Home Fleet in position 63'N, 04'W at 1300A/13. The destroyers HMS Mashona, HMS Campbell and HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) departed Sullom Voe at 0400A/13 to do the same. They joined the Home Fleet at 1725A/14 with the exception of HMS Campbell which joined HMS Ark Royal's screen at 2230A/13.

Between 0007A/13and 0015A/13, HMS Ark Royal flew off fifteen Skuas to attack German warships at Trondheim. Seven of them returned around 0330A/13, eight had been lost.

Around 0430A13, HMS Electra collided with HMS Antelope in thick fog which the Fleet had just entered. HMS Inglefiel stood by HMS Antelope while HMS Zulu took HMS Electra in tow. All set course for Scapa Flow.

At 0600A/13, HMS Ark Royal was detached to proceed to Scapa Flow escorted by HMS Escort and HMS Kelvin. HMS Campbell joined them at 2230A/13. They arrived at Scapa Flow wit at 1545A/14.

At 1130A/13, the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN) departed Scapa Flow to make rendez-vous with the Home Fleet in position 65'N, 04'W. They joined at 0840A/14.

At 0950A/14, HMS Escapade was detached from the screen of the Home Fleet to join HMS Electra that was being towed by HMS Zulu..

At 0100A/15, HMS Forester and HMS Veteran were detatched from the Home Fleet to proceed to the Faroes for escort duty.

At 0330A/15, HMS Antelope, escorted by HMS Inglefield arrived at Scapa Flow.

At 1715A/15, HMS Rodney, HMS Renown, HMS Tartar, HMS Mashona, HMS Maori, HMS Bedouin, HMS Ashanti and HMS Fearless arrived at Scapa Flow.

At 1430A/16, HMS Electra, in tow of the tug HMS Brigand and escorted by HMS Zulu and HMS Escapade arrived at Scapa Flow. (7)

16 Jun 1940
HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) is ordered to proceed to the Faroes and to join HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) which was to escort a group of escaped Norwegian warships to Rosyth. (7)

18 Jun 1940
HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) arrived at Rosyth with the escaped Norwegian warships. (7)

20 Oct 1940

Convoy HX 82.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 October 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstel (Dutch, 2115 GRT, built 1925), Caledonia (Norwegian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936), City of Barcelona (British, 5787 GRT, built 1930), Empire Bison (British, 5972 GRT, built 1919), Erviken (Norwegian, 5019 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931) and Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926).

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 St Croix (Lt.Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN) and HMCS St.Francis (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Pullen, RCN).

Around 1100Q/21, the Amstel and Erviken were detached from the convoy due to their slow speed. They proceeded to Sydney, Cape Brenton Island from where they were to be sailed in the slow SC convoy series. They both arrived at Sydney on 22 October.

Around 1800Q/21, HMCS St Croix and HMCS St.Francis were detached to return to Halifax.

Around 1100Q/22, the Sydney section of the convoy, SHX 82, joined. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bodegraven (Dutch, 5541 GRT, built 1929), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Chr. J. Kampmann (Canadian, 2281 GRT, built 1924), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Malaya (British, 8654 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Myson (British (former French, 4601 GRT, built 1927), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Prins Frederik Hendrik (Dutch, 1288 GRT, built 1936), Ruckinge (British, 2869 GRT, built 1939), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938), Tacoma City (British, 4738 GRT, built 1929) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

HMS Alaunia had made rendezvous with convoy SHX 82 around 0900Q/22 in position 45°08'N, 56°02'W, and then guided it to the main convoy. On HMS Alaunia joining the escort of convoy SHX 82, the armed yachts HMCS Reindeer (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Skinner, RCNR) and HMCS Husky (Lt. H. Freeland, RCNR), parted company.

During the night of 22/23 October the Empire Bison straggled from the convoy in approximate position 44°40'N, 54°07'W. She never rejoined the convoy and continued her passage to the U.K. independently. She was however torpedoed and sunk on 1 November 1940 by the German submarine U-124.

On 23 October the convoy encountered heavy weather and around 1515Q/23, in position 44°10'N, 52°00'W, the Bodegraven and Scotish Morach were detached. The Bodegraven, with damage to her forecastle, returned to Halifax arriving on 26 October. The Scottish Monarch, with defects to her steering gear, also arrived at Halifax on 26 October.

Around 1500Q/24, in position 45°50'N, 49°15'W, the Olaf Berg broke down and parted company with the convoy. She was able to proceed to St. John's, Newfouldland for repairs where she arrived on 26 October.

Around 1600Q/24, convoy BHX 82, merged with convoy HX 82. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy; Afrika (British, 8597 GRT, built 1920), Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929), City of Oxford (British, 2759 GRT, built 1926), Egba (British, 4989 GRT, built 1914), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), Empire Gannet (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Onoba (British (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Patella (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927) and Toulouse (Norwegian, 7027 GRT, built 1934).

During the night of 28/29 October, in approximate position 56°00'N, 33°00'W, the Prins Frederik Hendrik straggled from the convoy. She arrived at Liverpool on 4 November 1941.

During the night of 30/31 October, in approximate position 59°00'N, 24°00'W, the Empire Gannet straggled from the convoy. She arrived at Greenock on 7 November 1941.

Around 0630O/31, in position 59°25'N, 23°09'W, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1100A/1, in approximate position 57°00'N, 15°00'W, the A/S escort joined, it was made up of the destroyers HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR), HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) and HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR).

On 3 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Cairnesk, Maplewood, Opalia, Ruckinge and Tacoma City.

On 3 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Cairnesk, Maplewood, Opalia, Ruckinge and Tacoma City.

On 4 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Afrika, Caledonia, Chr. J. Kampmann, Dorelian, Elax, Inverlee, Myson, Patella, Toorak and Wearwood.

On 4 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough; Eskdalegate, Esmond, Malaya and Orduna.

On 4 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Cape Horn, City of Barcelona, City of Oxford, Egba, El Ciervo, Governor, Gregalia, Manchester Exporter, Manchester Progress, Murena, Nova Scotia, Onoba and Toulouse.

Of the escort HMS Camellia arrived at Oban on 3 November 1940 having escorted the Oban section of the convoy there.

On 3 November 1940, HMS Broke, HMS Sardonyx, HMS Arabis and HMS Heliotrope arrived at Londonderry.

On 3 November 1940, HMS Verity arrived at Greenock.

On 4 November 1940, HMS Veteran, HMS Witherington and HMS Chelsea arrived at Liverpool. (8)

3 Dec 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN). (9)

1 Mar 1941

Convoy SL 67.

This convoy departed Freetown on 1 March 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 26 March 1941.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Anadyr (British, 5321 GRT, built 1930), Ashworth (British, 5227 GRT, built 1920), Banffshire (British, 6479 GRT, built 1912), Baron Belhaven (British, 6591 GRT, built 1925), Baron Cawdor (British, 3638 GRT, built 1935), Beaconstreet (Detached to Gibraltar on 11 March) (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), Bolton Castle (British, 5203 GRT, built 1939), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), British Hope (Detached to Gibraltar on 11 March) (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), British Integrity (British (tanker), 8412 GRT, built 1927), British Security (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Cairo (British, 8034 GRT, built 1915), City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), City of Nagpur (British, 10146 GRT, built 1922), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), Clan Macbean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Copeland (British (rescue vessel), 1526 GRT, built 1923), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Defender (British, 8258 GRT, built 1915), Dunkwa (British, 4752 GRT, built 1927), Friesland (Dutch, 2662 GRT, built 1930), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Harmodius (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919), Harpefjell (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1939), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Henrik Ibsen (Norwegian, 4671 GRT, built 1906), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Inneroy (Norwegian (tanker), 8260 GRT, built 1936), King Edwin (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), Lahore (British, 5304 GRT, built 1920), Llangollen (British, 5056 GRT, built 1928), Martaban (British, 4161 GRT, built 1934), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Nagina (British, 6551 GRT, built 1921), Nardana (British, 7974 GRT, built 1919), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920), Ogmore Castle (British, 2481 GRT, built 1919), Peisander (British, 6225 GRT, built 1925), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937), Recorder (British, 2276 GRT, built 1902), Roxane (British (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1929), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Tielbank (British, 5084 GRT, built 1937), Tunisia (British, 4337 GRT, built 1927), Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Winsum (Dutch, 3224 GRT, built 1921) and Zamalek (British (rescue vessel), 1567 GRT, built 1921).

[It is possible some of these ships did not sail from Freetown but joined the convoy at sea.]

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN), corvette HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Kelt (T/Lt. W.T. Hodson, RNVR), HMS Spaniard (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Turcoman (Skr. A.G. Day, RNR).

At 1700/3 the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the escort of the convoy.

At 1800/4 the three A/S trawlers parted company with the convoy.

In the early morning hours of 8 March 1941 the convoy was attacked by the German submarines U-105 and U-124. Five ships of the convoy were sunk, these were the Harmodius, Hindpool, Lahore, Tielbank and Nardana.

At 1330/8 HMS Forester, which was well to the west of the convoy, briefly sighted the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau steaming towards the convoy. The German ships were also sighted around the same time by HMS Malaya's Swordfish aircraft. Following the report of the sighting HMS Malaya and HMS Faulknor left the convoy to join HMS Forester to put themselves between the convoy and the enemy.

At 1645/8 hours HMS Malaya and the Scharnhorst sighted each other and the German battlecruisers turned away being chased briefly by HMS Malaya and the destroyers. As Malaya's speed was much lower contact was soon lost and the battleship and the destroyers then returned to the convoy. At 1900 hours they rejoined the convoy

In the afteroon of March, 10th, the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) joined the escort of the convoy. HMS Malaya then parted company with the convoy and set course for Gibraltar.

At 1730/11, HMS Asphodel parted company with the convoy with the tankers Beaconstreet and British Hope which she then escorted to Gibraltar.

At 1000/13, HMS Faulknor and HMS Foresight parted company with the convoy and set course for Gibraltar.

At 1000/19, HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN) joined the convoy to take over the escort. At 1600/19, HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Cilicia parted company with the convoy.

On 21 March the escort of the convoy was reinforced with the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Wolsey (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), the corvettes HMS Arbutus (T/Lt. A.L.W. Warren, RNR), HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Willmott, RNR) and the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, RN). HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy in the afternoon and proceeded to join convoy HG 56.

HMS Havelock and HMS Verity parted company with the convoy on 24 March as did HMS Veteran on the 25th.

4 Apr 1941
The British merchant Harbledown is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-94 south-south-west of Iceland in position 58°24'N, 23°20'W. HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN) later picks up 25 survivors.

1 May 1941
HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN) picks up 91 survivors from the British passenger ship Nerissa that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-552 south-east of Rockall in position 55°57'N, 10°08'W.

27 May 1941

Convoy HX 129.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On 10 June HMS Alisma was detached.

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

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

10 Jun 1941
HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN) picks up 29 survivors from the British merchant Ainderby that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-552 130 nautical miles west by north of Bloody Foreland in position 55°30'N, 12°10'W.

6 Sep 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. N. Marriott, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (10)

11 Sep 1941
German U-boat U-207 was sunk in the Denmark Strait south-east of Angmassalik, Greenland, in position 63°59'N, 34°48'W, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, RN).

26 Feb 1942
Around 0830A/26, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) departed Sheerness for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyer HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Cattistock (Lt. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN) and HMS Hambledon (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN).

The escort destroyers parted company around 0740A/27.

Around 1200A/27, HMS Shropshire arrived at Scapa Flow.

HMS Veteran continued on to Londonderry where she arrived on the 28th. (11)

28 Feb 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Northern Spray (T/Lt. G.T. Gilbert, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN). (12)

3 Jul 1942
HMS Veteran took over the attack on U-215 from the British ASW Trawler HMS Le Tiger with depth charges and Hedgehog. U-215 was sunk but credited to Le Tiger. (13)

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