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Notable events involving Van Galen (ii) include:

The page of HrMs Van Galen was last updated in January 2023.

11 Feb 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is commissioned for trials at Greenock.

[As no log is available for HrMs Van Galen until 9 June 1942 details will be missing up to this day.] (1)

23 Feb 1942
Upon completion of the acceptance trials HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) was officially taken over from the shipyard. (1)

11 Mar 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) proceeded from Greenock to Londonderry where she was to undergo a work-up programme. (2)

12 Mar 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (3)

18 Mar 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Ithuriel (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill-Crichton, DSC, RN), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR) and aircraft. (3)

16 Apr 1942

Convoy WS 18.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 16 April 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1939), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931, Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Phemius (British, 7406 GRT, built 1921), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Soudan (British, 6677 GRT, built 1931) and Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934).

The destroyer tender HMS Hecla (Capt. E.F.B. Law, RN) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly from Oversay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, Senior Officer), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), destroyers HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Lancaster (A/Cdr. N.H. Whatley, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. M.H.R. Crichton, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the destroyer escorts HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN).

Around 0700N/19, HMS Badsworth and HMS Lauderdale parted company to return to the U.K.

Around 1900N/19, HMS Lancaster, HMS St. Marys, HMS Boadicea and HMS Volunteer parted company to return to the U.K.

Around 2000N/19, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Tetcott parted company to refuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores and to rejoin the convoy on completion. The departed Ponta Delgada to rejoin the convoy on the 20th.

Around 0915N/21, HMS Georgetown and HMS Salisbury parted company to refuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Around 1900N/22, HrMs Van Galen rejoined.

Around 1030N/23, HMS Tetcott rejoined. Both had been delayed in rejoining the convoy due to them having difficulty finding the convoy.

Around 0930N/26, the destroyers HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rayner, RD, RNR) joined.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 April 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 3 May 1942 in the same composition with the addition of the troop transport Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), transport Agwileon (American, 6678 GRT, built 1907) and the seaplane carrier HMS Albatross (A/Capt. F.W.H. Clarke, RN).

Escort on departure from Freetown was provided by the light cruiser HMS Gambia, heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher, destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Boreas, HrMs Van Galen and escort destroyer Tetcott.

Around 1245Z/4, the corvette HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) joined. The corvette FFS Commandant Detroyant was also to have joined the convoy but failed to do so.

Around 1430Z/4, HMS Wivern and HMS Boreas were detached.

Around 1020Z/5, HMS Hydrangea parted company.

In the morning of 8 May 1942, HMS Frobisher fuelled HMS Tetcott and on completion of doing so parted company with the convoy around 1315Z/8 to escort the Agwileon to Walvis Bay. This ship was detached from the convoy as she was unable to keep up.

In the morning of 9 May 1942, HMS Gambia fuelled HrMs Van Galen however after only 57 tons of fuel had been transferred to hose parted due to the bad weather conditions. These two ships then parted company with the convoy to proceed to St. Helena, which was only 52 nautical miles away, where they were able to complete fuelling (another 155 tons was transferred) while at anchor. HMS Gambia rejoined the convoy around 1550A/10. HrMS Van Galen proceeded independently to Capetown arriving there on 22 May 1942.

Late in the morning of the 14th, HMS Gambia transferred 20 tons of fuel to HMS Tetcott which was running low.

Around 1300B/14, the A/S whalers HMS Southern Gem (T/Lt. D.C. Hayes, RNVR) and HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) joined.

Around 0300B/15, the Capetown section parted company. It was made up of the Dempo, Empress of Canada, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Orduna, Phemius, Reina del Pacifico, Rimutaka and Waipawa. HMS Albatross, HMS Tetcott, HMS Southern Gem and HMS Southern Pride went with them. The Capetown section arrived there later the same morning.

The remainder of the convoy continued on to Durban escorted by HMS Gambia.

At 1600B/15, HMS Hecla suffered a heavy explosion on the starboard side. Position was to the south of Cape Aghulas, in 36°06'S, 19°55'E. It was though that she had been torpedoed but this was soon changed to being mined. HMS Gambia stood by the stricken vessel. Later it was found out that also the transport Soudan had also been mined and had been sunk as a result of the damage sustained.

HMS Hecla and HMS Gambia arrived off Simonstown around 0800B/16. HMS Hecla was immediately docked in the Selborne dry dock.

The Durban section of convoy WS 18 was then joined around 1000B/16 by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. D.M.L. Neame, DSO, RN). This ship had been en-route from Durban to Simonstown and had now been ordered to escort the Durban section with HMS Gambia absent.

The Durban section arrived at Durban around noon on the 18th.

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On 19 May 1942, the Capetown section of the convoy departed from there. It was now made up of the Bulkoil (American (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1942), Dempo, Empress of Canada, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Orduna, Phemius, Reina del Pacifico and Waipawa. HMS Albatross was also with the convoy which was escorted by HMS Frobisher. The Phemus however had to return to Capetown later the same day.

On 23 May 1942, the Durban section of the convoy departed from there. It was made up of the Capetown Castle, City of Capetown, Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1935), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913) and Llandaff Castle (British, 10799 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN).

The two sections then merged, but the Reina del Pacifico was detached to proceed independently to Bombay arriving there on 2 June.

Around 0615C/27, the Phemus rejoined the convoy after having returned to Capetown on the 19th.

Around 2300C/27, the Llandaff Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Diego Suarez. HMS Frobisher went with her as escort. They arrived there around 2000C/29.

Around 1330C/30, the light cruisers HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) joined. HMS Resolution, HMS Albatross and the Empire Woodlark then parted company to proceed to Kilindini where they arrived the following morning.

At 0745D/31, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) joined. HMS Emerald then parted company.

Around 1530D/2, HMS Worcestershire parted company taking the Bulkoil, Phemius and Waipawa with her to Aden where they arrived around 0900C/4.

The remainder of the convoy continued on towards Bombay escorted by HMS Enterprise. It arrived at Bombay around 1100FG/7. (4)

13 May 1942
In the afternoon, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Simonstown from St. Helena. She was then taken in hand for some repairs by the Simonstown Dockyard. (1)

22 May 1942
Around 0900B/22, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Simontown to conduct D/G trials at Capetown and from there onwards to Durban. Around 1400B/22, she however returned to Simonstown again with defects. (5)

25 May 1942
Around 1000B/25, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Simonstown for Capetown where she was to conduct D/G trials and from there onwards to Durban. (5)

27 May 1942
At 1322C/27, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Durban from Capetown.

After fuelling she departed at 2145C/27 for Kilindini. (5)

31 May 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Kilindini from Durban. (6)

1 Jun 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Kilindini for Colombo via Port Victoria, Seychelles. (7)

3 Jun 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Kilindini. After fuelling she departed for Colombo later the same day. (7)

6 Jun 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Port Victoria, Seychelles. Here she joined ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet. (7)

12 Jun 1942
Around 0845F/12, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo to patrol in the Chagos Bank area and then to proceed to Addu Atoll. HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) was also with them when they departed Colombo but she parted company early on the 13th. (7)

16 Jun 1942
Around 0800F/16, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Addu Atoll from patrol. Fuelling commenced immediately and they departed again around 1800F/16 to return to Colombo. (7)

18 Jun 1942
Around 1700F/18, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Addu Atoll. (7)

22 Jun 1942
Around 0900F/23, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo for Kilindini / Mombasa via the Seychelles.

The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), which had been unable to departed earlier with ' Force A ' also departed later the same day and joined ' Force A ' at sea around 0745F/24.

Around 1400F/25, HMS Gambia was detached for exercises on completion of which she set course to return to Colombo.

Around 1100D/28, ' Force A ' arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. Around 1830D/28, on completion of fuelling, ' Force A ' departed for Kilindini.

' Force A ' arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa around 1700C/1. (8)

15 Jul 1942
During 15 to 20 July 1942, ships of the Eastern Fleet conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. The ships involved were the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN), HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) and the destroyers HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

A/Vice-Admiral Willis temporary flew his flag in HMS Warspite. Rear-Admiral Tennant had struck his flag in HMS Birmingham, temporary, before she proceeded to sea.

During 17 and 18 July the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), on passage from Bombay to Kilindini, also joined the exercises until fuel shortage forced her to proceed to Kilindini. (9)

21 Jul 1942
Around 0800C/21, ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet, made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) departed Kilindini for Colombo via the Seychelles.

The destroyer HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) sailed from Kilindini later on the same day (around 1800C/21) to overtake and join ' Force A ' which she did around 1000D/23.

The destroyers were detached around 1200D/23 to fuel at Port Victoria, Seychelles. They rejoined ' Force A ' around 0700D/24.

' Force A ' arrived at Colombo around 1030F/28. En-route exercises had been carried out. (10)

30 Jul 1942

Operation Stab.

Diversionary operation in the Bay of Bengal.

The object of this diversionary operation in which landings on the Andaman Islands simulated was to distract Japanese naval forces in conjunction with American operations in the Solomons.

To simulate landing forces three convoys were to leave India and Ceylon. These were;
' Force V ', sailing from Vizagapatam.
Tansports Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919) and Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN, Senior Officer) and the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN).

' Force M ', sailing from Madras
Transports Clan McIver (British, 4606 GRT, built 1921), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Tasmania (British, 6405 GRT, built 1935) and Yuen Sang (British, 3229 GRT, built 1923). These ships were escorted by the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN, Senior Officer), corvette HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR) and patrol vessel HMIS Sonavati (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.F. Smith, RINR).

' Force T ', sailing from Trincomalee
Transport (RAF Tender) Shengking (British, 2999 GRT, built 1931) and the tankers Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938), Appleleaf (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 5892 GRT, built 1917) and Broomdale (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 8334 GRT, built 1937). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Hindustan (A/Cdr. I.B.W Heanly, RIN, Senior Officer) and the corvette HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

These forces were to proceed at best speed and reverse their course after dark at 1700Z/1 and return to their ports at best speed to arrive there before dusk on 2 August 1942.

' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet was to sail from Colombo at 0400Z/31 so as to be eastward of Trincomalee by the time ' Force T ' was due to sail on the 1st August. Thereafter, ' Force A ' was to cover ' Force T ' from the eastward during the 1st and 2nd August. Subsequent movements of ' Force A ' were to depend on the situation, the force finally returning to Colombo about the 4th August.

During the night of 1/2 August, whilst forces are at sea, a wireless diversion (called Operation Spark) was to be carried out to simulate the following events.
1.) An imaginary collision was to occur in ' Force M '.
2.) One of the damaged ships was to make a plain language W/T signal reporting she had been in collision and is unable to proceed on the operation. One of the escort was to order her to keep silence and later to report to the Commander-in-Chief that ' Force M ' was unable to proceed. The Commander-in-Chief was then to postpone the operation and order all forces to return to their ports.
3.) Shore Wireless Stations were to carry out their normal W/T procedure.

Catalina Patrols were to be established well to the eastward to cover the three convoys during the short period they were at sea and ' Force A ' whilst operating in the Bay of Bengal.

At 2200F/30, the Commander-in-Chief received the following enemy report from the Dutch submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNethN) which was on patrol in the Malacca Straits: ' Two cruisers of the Takao-class and four destroyers in position 05°32'N, 98°50'E. Course 340°. Speed 14 knots. Torpedoes missed. Time of Origin of the signal of HrMs O 23 was 2352Z/28.

It seemed unlikely that the enemy cruiser force, moving northwards close to the Thailand coast, was a sign of enemy reaction to the 'planted' rumours in India that seaborne forces wear being prepared to attack the Andaman Island. A more probable reason to account for this movement was a possible raid on shipping in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal or a visit to Rangoon to coincide with the establishment of the new Burmese puppet government.

HrMs O 23 was due to leave patrol in the Malacca Straits on the 31st July and return to Colombo. In view of the enemy forces reported previously by her and the forthcoming Operation Stab, she was ordered to remain on patrol until 3rd August.

Forces ' T ' and ' M ' were provided with air cover (this was not possible for ' Force V '), both by the long range reconnaissance Catalina patrols and local fighter escort, and in addition would have Force A covering them to the eastward, but ' Force V ' would be without air cover and too far away to be covered by ' Force A '. The Commander-in-Chief therefore decided to cancel the sailing of ' Force V ', but that all preparations for its departure were to continue.

In view of the enemy cruisers reported in the Malacca Straits on 29th July, The Commander-in-Chief decided to proceed with ' Force A ' from Colombo in the afternoon of 30 July. This would enable operation Stab to be carried out on the prearranged date and also admit of intercepting the Japanese force should it venture to the southern part of the Bay of Bengal.

' Force A ', comprising the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) sailed from Colombo at 1700F/30.

Course was shaped to keep out of sight of land and to be in a position 35 miles to eastward of Trincomalee by 1000F/1.

Two air searches were sent out from ' Force A ' on 31st July. The first at 0800F to cover the section 050° to 080° ahead of the fleet to a depth of 150 miles; and the second at 1500F to search the sector 000° to 110° to a depth of 160 miles. Nothing was seen in either search.

Since no further information of the enemy cruiser force had been received, the Commander-in-Chief decided at 1100F/31 to postpone the sailing of ' Force M ' until 4 hours later and ordered a Catalina patrol to the north eastward of this force whilst at sea so as to give warning of approach of any possible enemy forces.

' Force T ' sailed from Trincomalee at the prearranged time, 0900F/1. At that time ' Force A ' was 40 miles north-east of Trincomalee, course south-west. At 1000F/1 course was altered to north-east, parallel to that of ' Force T ', and throughout the day, ' Force A ' maintained a covering position to the north-east of ' Force T '.An air reconnaissance was flown off at 0830F/1 to cover the section 340° to 000° to 130° to a depth of 150 nautical miles. This search saw nothing.

At 1040F/1, when ' Force A ' was in position 09°00'N, 21°42'E, 40 nautical miles north-east of Trincomalee, course northeast, an RDF contact was obtained on an aircraft bearing 100° range 73 miles. This was at first through to be one of the reconnaissance aircraft returning, but the absence of IFF indication being the unfortunately the rule rather than the exception. This aircraft was tracked around the fleet and passed astern at 1130F/1 on a bearing 220°, range 24 miles thence proceeded to the north-westward and finally faded on bearing 060° at 60 miles at 1215F/1. The aircraft was sighted by HMS Formidable and identified by two officers and an air lookout as a Catalina and reported as such. HMS Formidable did not send out fighters to investigate. Although the prearranged programme of the Catalina reconnaissance did not suggest one of these aircraft should be acting in this manner, the possibility was accepted in view of the lack of training of many of the newly arrived Catalina crews. Subsequent investigations and a warning of the presence of British forces broadcast from Tokyo established this was an enemy aircraft.

At noon a fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained by HMS Illustrious. One Martlet crashed into the barrier on deck landing. The need to economise on the fighter umbrella was governed by the necessity of conserving the Martlets. Had the aircraft referred earlier not been wrongly identified as a Catalina, The Commander-in-Chief was convinced that it could have been intercepted by Martlets that were ranged at readiness in both aircraft carriers.

A further air search was sent out at 1500F/1 to cover the sector from 000° to 110° to a depth of 150 miles but nothing was seen.

At 1800F/1, one of the Fulmar search aircraft made an emergency landing on HMS Illustrious, but crashed on desk due to a fractured oil pipe spraying the pilot’s windscreen, and was badly damaged.

At 1830F/1, all the search aircraft except two Fulmars had returned to their carriers. The two missing aircraft reported to HMS Formidable by wireless that they were lost and requested D/F bearings. The Commander-in-Chief at once ordered wireless silence to be broken to home these aircraft. The fleet was turned at 1840F/1 to close one of the aircraft when bearing had been definitely established by D/F and RDF. Searchlights were burned at dusk to assist returning aircraft and at 1920F/1 Very’s lights were sighted to the south-west. A few minutes later one of the aircraft was sighted and closed the carriers. Unfortunately, the aircraft by this time so short of petrol that it had to force land in the sea. The crew were picked up by HMAS Norman.

By 2000F/1. ' Force A ', which had become somewhat dispersed during reversal of course and whilst locating the crew of the aircraft, was reformed and course altered to the north west. Unfortunately nothing further was heard or seen of the other missing Fulmar with the exception of one report that a light had been seen to the eastward. A night search for the survivors of this aircraft was considered, but as they would have left the convoy uncovered to the northeast, The Commander-in-Chief decided it was preferable to return to this area at dawn and carry out a daytime air search. The Commander-in-Chief therefore continued to the north-west and at 0100F/2 in position 11°30'N, 82°15'E, course was reversed to the south-east and at daylight course was altered to south.

The wireless diversion (Operation Spark) was carried out as previously arranged during the night at 2300F/1 and appears to have been fully effective.

At 0630F/2, a thorough air search was sent out to look for survivors of the Fulmar which had been lost the previous evening. Whilst this attack was continuing, ' Force A ' was manoeuvred in the area in which it was estimated that the survivors might have landed. No survivors were located and it must be presumed with regret that the crew of two was lost. Catalinas which would be operating through this area were requested to keep a good lookout for survivors.

At 1030F/2, despatches were transferred by HMAS Norman from HMS Warspite to HMS Illustrious and thence sent by aircraft to Trincomalee for onward transmission. At 1100F/2, HMS Formidable flew off two Martlets as fighter umbrella. At 1112F/2, both carriers reported RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 055°, range 55 miles. HMS Formidable directed two Martlets onto this aircraft. When the fighters sighted the enemy flying boat at 10000 feet they first thought it was a Catalina, but on approaching closely identified it as a Japanese flying boat Navy Type 97, and promptly shot it down in approximate position 09°26'N, 83°16'E. The flying boat, which appeared to be taken completely by surprise, gave no return fire and after the second burst of fire from the Martlets, caught fire, disintegrated and fell in flames. No survivors were seen.

In the meantime at 111F/2 a further two Martlets each were flown off by the carriers. One of these Martlets from HMS Formidable crashed into the sea on taking off. The pilot was rescued by HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained for the rest of the day by HMS Illustrious. At 1530F/2 one of these Martlets appeared to have an engine failure and crashed into the sea whilst approaching to land on. The pilot was lost.

At about 1100F/2, the Commander-in-Chief had received information from the Flag Officer, Ceylon that Air Headquarters Bengal considered there were indications of naval activity south of the Andamans at 2300Z/31, that pointed to the possibility of an attack on Madras at dawn on the 3rd August and that the information on which this was based was from a most secret source. Flag Officer, Ceylon, had also informed Admiralty and the Deputy Commander in Chief, Eastern Fleet.

There was nothing in Air Headquarters Bengal signal to indicate what was the nature of the naval activity which had been reported nor the reliability of the source. The Commander-in-Chief immediately requested Flag Officer, Ceylon to obtain amplification of this report.

Although a dawn attack by this Japanese naval force on Madras on 3rd August was possible, The Commander-in-Chief considered the following factors would make it very improbable.
1.) ' Force A ', probably having been sighted by the Japanese flying boat A.M. 1st August.
2.) ' Force A ', breaking wireless silence to endeavour to recover aircraft on the evening of 1st August. 3.) The wireless diversion (Operation Spark), carried out on the night of 1st/2nd August.

Nevertheless the Commander-in-Chief felt that he could not disregard Air Headquarters Bengal report and he therefore decided to proceed at once to Trincomalee and refuel destroyers in preparation for an extension of the present operation. he informed Their Lordships of his intentions in his signal 1215Z/2. Course was altered at 1215F/2 to the westward and speed increased to reach Trincomalee before dark.

' Force A ' entered Trincomalee at 1915F/2 and refuelling of destroyers commenced at once and as completed at 2200F/2 when it had been intended that ' Force A ' should sail again.

Additional Catalina patrols had been arranged to cover the approaches to Madras from the east and south-east, from p.m. 2nd August until daylight 3rd August.

It was not until ' Force A ' arrived at Trincomalee at 1900F/2 that the Commander-in-Chief received a message from Air Headquarters India (Flag Officer Ceylon’s 0744/2) stated that they did not agree with the deductions nor authorize the message from Air Headquarters Bengal. After discussion with Rear Admiral Commanding, Aircraft Carriers and Rear Admiral Commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, the Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no real basis for this report and in view of HMS Formidable and HMS Birmingham being required at an early date to return to Kilindini for Operation Streamline Jane, the Commander-in-Chief decided the ' Force A ' should return to Colombo.

The Commander-in-Chief informed Their Lordships of his revised intentions in his message 1649Z/2.

' Force A ' sailed accordingly from Trincomalee at 0600F/3 and shaped course for Colombo keeping out of sight of land. During the day a safety patrol of one aircraft was maintained 30 miles ahead of the Fleet. This patrol was carried out by Walrus aircraft from cruisers during the afternoon but had to be cancelled owing to rising wind and sea. A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained throughout the day.

At 1030F/3, HMS Manxman, who was returning from Madras to Colombo, as about 30 miles south-west of ' Force A '. An aircraft was sent to order her to join ' Force A ', which she did at 1300F/3.

At 1430F/3, HMS Illustrious obtained an RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 60° and at 1440F/3, HMS Warspite obtained a doubtful contact on the same bearing at a range of 50 miles. Both contacts faded ten minutes later. At that time ' Force A ' was in position approximately 06°40'N, 82°10'E. The RDF contact may have been a Japanese flying boat, but more probably an aircraft operating from China Bay as no Catalina were know to be in that area. The uncertainty and short duration of the contacts rendered fighter interception impracticable.

Before leaving Trincomalee the Commander-in-Chief had proposed to Air Officer Commanding, Ceylon that opportunity should be taken to exercise that Fighter Direction of shore based fighters from HM ships and any other air exercises he might wish to carry out.

From 1645F/3 to 1800F/3, successful fighter direction exercise was carried out using two Fulmars from HMS Illustrious as the enemy. R/T communication was obtained quickly and no difficulty experienced in directing the Hurricanes on to their target. From 1800F/3 till dusk these two Fulmars took over the duties of fighter umbrella.

The next air exercise was a night shadowing exercise and a night torpedo and bombing attack on the fleet.

At 1850F/3, HMS Illustrious reported an aircraft in sight bearing 190° and directed the fighter umbrella of two Fulmars to investigate. This aircraft which was clearly in sight from HMS Warspite was a flying boat just visible above the horizon and though it presented characteristics of a Catalina, it could not definitely be identified as such. HMS Illustrious directed the Fulmars on to the target, a warning being given by R/T that the aircraft was possibly friendly. Unfortunately the designation 'Bandit' i.e. enemy aircraft, as opposed to 'Bogey' i.e. unidentified aircraft, was employed by the Fighter Directing Officer. For this and other reasons which are being investigated by a Board of Enquiry one of the Fulmars opened fire on this flying boat, which proved to be a Catalina. Fire was ceased directly the pilot realized his mistake but the Commander-in-Chief regret to report that one airman was killed and two injured and the Catalina’s rudder damaged. The Fulmars returned to HMS Illustrious and from subsequent signals it appeared that the Catalina was still airborne and returning to her base. As a safety measure HMS Mauritius and HMS Manxman were detached to search the area in case the Catalina was forced to land, but were recalled when it was clear from RDF bearings that the Catalina was proceeding to Koggala.

During the night of 3rd/4th August the shore based reconnaissance aircraft were unable to locate ' Force A ' and in consequence no attacks were delivered. From 0530F/4 to 0645F/4 another fighter direction exercise with shore based aircraft was successfully carried out.

' Force A ' arrived at Colombo at 0900F/4. (10)

7 Aug 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) commenced boiler cleaning at Colombo. (11)

10 Aug 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is docked at Colombo. (11)

12 Aug 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is undocked. (11)

15 Aug 1942
Around 0710F/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo for Kilindini via Port Victoria, Seychelles. (11)

18 Aug 1942
Around 1330D/18, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Colombo.

After having completed fuelling she departed for Kilindini around 1830D/18. (11)

21 Aug 1942
Around 0915C/21, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Kilindini from Port Victoria. (11)

23 Aug 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (11)

25 Aug 1942
During 25/26 August 1942, the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (12)

27 Aug 1942
The destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), i>HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (13)

29 Aug 1942

Operation Touchstone.

From 29 August to 1 September 1942 a large exercise was carried out with landings at Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar by Royal Marines and at Kilindini by the 29th Brigade.

Participating in the exercises were the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN, Second in Command, Eastern Fleet), HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, CinC Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN).

A/Vice-Admiral Willis was in command of the operation.

3 Sep 1942
HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Kilindini with HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNethN(R)).

Following the A/S exercises the destroyers conducted gunnery exercises.

Following the exercises HrMs Van Galen proceeded to Tanga. She returned to Kilindini on the 4th. The other two vessels had returned on the 3rd. (11)

6 Sep 1942
' Force M ' made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Rear-Admiral A.W.laT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, Senior Officer Force M), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) sailed for the rendezvous position where all forces involved in the sheduled landings at Majunga on 10 September 1942 (Operation Stream) were to assemble.

[No further infomation available on Operation Stream for the moment, further research is required.] (10)

11 Sep 1942
Around 0915C/11, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Majunga to fuel. (14)

12 Sep 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) both conducted an A/S patrol off Majunga. (15)

15 Sep 1942
Around 1600C/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Majunga which they had departed on the 13th being part of the escort of a convoy.

[More details to follow at a later date, further research is needed.] (15)

16 Sep 1942
In the afternoon of 16 September 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Diego Suarez to participate in operation ' Jane ', the landings at Tamatave.

[Further research is required and will be done in the future.] (15)

18 Sep 1942
In the afternoon of 18 September 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) anchored off Tamatave.

[Further research is required and will be done in the future.] (15)

19 Sep 1942
Around 0700D/19, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Tamatave for A/S patrol in the area.

Around 1700D/19, HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, Senior Officer Force M), also departed Tamatave and joined the two Dutch destroyers at sea following course was set for Diego Suarez where they arrived around 1730D/20. (15)

26 Sep 1942
The light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, Senior Officer Force M) and the destroyers HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Diego Suarez to participate in the landings of South African troops at Tulear.

[No further details available to us for the moment, further research will have to be conducted in the future.] (16)

30 Sep 1942
Around 1730C/30, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Tulear, Madagascar for Kilindini. (17)

3 Oct 1942
Around 1730C/3, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Kilindini from Tulear. (17)

11 Oct 1942
Around 1200C/11, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Fremantle, Australia. They were to proceed via the Seychelles and Diego Garcia.

On their departure from Kilindini / Mombasa they were in company with the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) which was escorting the (troop) transports Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) to Diego Suarez. The Dutch ships parted company around 1900C/11.

Before their departure to Australia all three ships had first cleaned boilers at Kilindini in the week before departure. (18)

13 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel from the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939). (14)

14 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Diego Garcia. (14)

16 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Diego Garcia from Port Victoria. After fuelling from the RFA tanker Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) they departed for Fremantle later the same day. RFA Appleleaf was with them. The two destroyers topped off from the tanker on the 17th and 18th after which the tanker parted company shortly after noon on the 18th. (14)

25 Oct 1942
Around 1200H/25, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Kilindini, via the Seychelles and Diego Garcia. (14)

27 Oct 1942
Around 1800H/27, the submarine tender USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. She was escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) until reaching longitude 125°E.

The destroyers parted company around 1215H/30 and arrived back at Fremantle around 0930H/1. (19)

5 Nov 1942
Around 1800H/5, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the USN tanker USS Trinity (T/Capt. W. Hibbs, USN) in position 32°00'S, 104°35'E at 1100H/7.

Rendezvous was affected around 1125H/7 and course was set to Fremantle where they arrived around 1345H/9. (20)

15 Nov 1942
Around 1700H/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) coming from the middle east.

Rendezvous was affected around 1400H/17 and course was set to Fremantle where they arrived around 1330H/18. (17)

20 Nov 1942
Around 1730H/20, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) part of her way to Wellington.

They parted company around 2100H/21.

HrMs Van Galen returned to Fremantle around 0900H/23. (17)

24 Nov 1942

Convoy OW 1.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 24 November 1942.

It was made up of the following transports;
Agwiprince (American, 6679 GRT, built 1941), Tarakan (Dutch, 8704 GRT, built 1930) and Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Fremantle, around 1730H/24, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 2030I/25, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1740I/25, the tanker Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927) and the minesweepers HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)) and HMAS Toowoomba (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Simpson, RANR(S)) joined the convoy.

Around 1416GH/28, HMAS Adelaide sighted a ship two points on the starboard bow. Commenced to close to investigate as did HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

Around 1450GH/28, the ship was considered suspecious. Continued to close and came to first degree of readiness.

Around 1543GH/28, an explosion was observed on the ship. Opened fire on the enemy.

Around 1552GH/28, the enemy ship was seen to sink. Position was 23°46'S, 99°05'E. Closed to pick up survivors. HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck was now ordered to return to the convoy.

By 1650GH/28, 91 survivors had been picked up. 78 Germans and Finns as well as 10 Norwegian and 3 Danes which had been on board as POW's. The ship had been the German Ramses (7983 GRT, built 1926) en-route from Japan to France.

Around 1816GH/28, HMAS Adelaide was back in station on the convoy.

Around 1300GH/29, HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerk parted company with the convoy to return to Fremantle after the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) had joined in position 21°24'S, 95°07'E. The armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN) was also briefly at the rendezvous position before continuing her patrol.

Around 0630F/5, the Goldmouth, HMAS Cessnock and HMAS Toowoomba parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini via first Diego Garcia and then the Seychelles.

Around 1830F/6, HMS Gambia parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll after the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN) had joined coming from Addu Atoll.

Around 1615F/11, the minelayer HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Küller, RNethN) joined coming from Bombay. HMIS Jumna parted company on this day to proceed to Bombay.

The convoy arrived in the Persian Gulf on 13 December 1942. (21)

26 Nov 1942
Around 1615H/20, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (17)

27 Nov 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (15)

30 Nov 1942
During 30 November / 1 December 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (15)

5 Dec 1942
Around 0530I/5, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939).

Around 2100I/5, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle. (22)

6 Dec 1942
Around 0930I/6, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (23)

11 Dec 1942

Convoy US 18.

This ' convoy ' departed Wellington, New Zealand on 11 December 1942.

It was made up of one ship only, the troopship Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, 5505 troops)

Escort on departure from Wellington was the light cruiser HMNZS Achilles (Capt. C.A.L. Mansergh, RN).

At 0923L/16, rendezvous was made with the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) which took over from HMNZS Achilles which proceeded to Melbourne to fuel arriving there later the same day.

At 1150IK/19, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as A/S escort.

Around 0730I/20, Aquitania, HMAS Adelaide and HrMS Van Galen arrived at Fremantle.

Around 2000I/21, the Aquitania departed Fremantle escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and with HrMs Van Galen as A/S escort.

Around 2100I/22, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 0500C/2, near Aden, HMS Devonshire parted company with the Aquitania which then proceeded to Suez unescorted.

The Aquitania arrived at Suez on 5 January 1943.

14 Dec 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (23)

15 Dec 1942
In the early afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Tautog (T/Cdr. W.B. Sieglaff, USN).

On completion of the exercises USS Tautog proceeded on patrol while HrMs Van Galen set course to make rendezvous with the transport Alcoa Polaris (American, 6679 GRT, built 1942).

HrMs Van Galen failed to make rendezvous with the transport and returned to Fremantle around 0900I/17. (23)

18 Dec 1942
Around 1030I/18, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with convoy US 18.

Rendezvous was affected around 1150IK/19.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 18 ' for 11 December 1942.] (23)

20 Dec 1942
Around 0730I/20, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle with convoy US 18. (22)

21 Dec 1942
HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) departed Fremantle to escort the troopship Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) to Aden. (Convoy US 18).

A/S escort was provided until 2100I/22 by the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) which then returned to Fremantle.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 18 ' for 11 December 1942.] (24)

23 Dec 1942
Around 1915I/23, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) anchored in Gage Roads. She entered Fremantle harbour the following morning. (23)

28 Dec 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Trout (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN). The destroyer also served as target during attack runs by the submarine. (23)

30 Dec 1942
Around 0815I/30, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), minesweeper USS Whippoorwill (T/Lt. C.L. Knopp, USN) and the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN) departed Fremantle for Exmouth Gulf. (23)

2 Jan 1943
Around 1145I/2, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), minesweeper USS Whippoorwill (T/Lt. C.L. Knopp, USN) and the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf from Fremanlte. (23)

7 Jan 1943
Around 1000I/7, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (23)

9 Jan 1943
Around 0845I/9, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf. She now commenced a maintenance and repair period. (23)

31 Jan 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted post-repair trials off Fremantle. (23)

1 Feb 1943
Around 1400H/1, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the USN tanker USS Trinity (Cdr. W.W. Angerer, USN) coming from Bahrein, Persian Gulf.

Rendezvous was affected around 1815I/3 and course was set to Albany where they arrived around 1100I/6. (23)

1 Feb 1943

'Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943.

This convoy, made up of the troop transports Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936), Aquitania (British, 45647 GRT, built 1914), Ile de France (British, 43548 GRT, built 1927, former French), Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN) (22575 GRT, built 1933) were transporting 30000 men of the Australian 9th Division from Suez to Melbourne and Sydney. [HMS Queen of Bermuda also served in the role of troopship.]

This convoy had departed Suez on 1 February 1943 and were escorted during their passage through the Red Sea by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, DSO, RHN) and the escort destroyer Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN).

The convoy was joined around 1545C/4 by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN).

Around 1800E/6, HMS Hero and HMS Derwent parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 2000E/6, HMS Pakenham, HMS Petard, HMS Isis and RHS Vasilissa Olga parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 1230FG/9, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy entered Addu Atoll late in the afternoon / early in the evening of the 9th where all warships fuelled.

The convoy departed Addu Atoll to continue its passage to Australia in the afternoon of the 10th. The light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) had joined the convoy escort.

Around 0030FG/11, HMS Quilliam and HMS Foxhound parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll.

Around 0840H/16, the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate postion 26°06'S, 101°09'E.

Around 2000H/16, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 27°41'S, 104°35'E.

Around 2000H/17, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 30°30'S, 112°52'E.

In the afternoon of the 18th the convoy arrived off Fremantle.

Around 1800I/20, the convoy, minus HMS Queen of Bermuda departed Fremantle now escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes.

Around 2300I/21, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1645KL/24, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN) and the destroyers USS Henley (Lt.Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN) and USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Chambers, USN). The New Amsterdam escorted by HMAS Adelaide, HrMs Heemskerk and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes then departed the convoy and proceeded to Port Phillip where they arrived arrived around 1000L/25. The other ships continued to Sydney.

In the afternoon of the 26th the HrMs Heemskerck rejoined the convoy. Later in the afternoon the destroyer Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) also joined.

The convoy arrived at Sydney on the 27th.

6 Feb 1943
Around 1800H/6, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Albany to make rendezvous with the troop transport Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939) and then escort her to Fremantle.

Rendezvous was affected around 1500I/7. Around 1840I/7, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) also joined.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1900I/8. (23)

10 Feb 1943
Around 0730I/10, the troopship Mauretania (British, 35738 GRT, built 1939) departed Fremantle for Bombay. On departure from Fremantle she was escorted by the light cruisers HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

HrMs Tromp and HrMs Van Galen were to escort the Mauretania until dark (around 2100I/10) this day acting as A/S escort and were then to return to Fremantle. HMAS Adelaide was to remain with the Mauretania until near longitude 100°E. She parted company with the Mauretania around 0700H/18 and set course to return to Fremantle.

The troopship arrived at Bombay on 19 February 1943. (25)

11 Feb 1943
Around 1100I/11, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) retuned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (26)

13 Feb 1943
Around 2000I/13, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to join convoy 'Pamphlet' at sea.

[For more info on the Pamplet convoy see the event for 1 February 1943.] (26)

18 Feb 1943
Around mid-afternoon, HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) en HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle with the Pamphlet convoy. (27)

20 Feb 1943
Around 1800I/20, the Pamphlet convoy departed Fremantle escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' 'Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943 ' for 1 February 1943.] (28)

23 Feb 1943
Around 11000I/13, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (23)

25 Feb 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Fairisle (American, 6165 GRT, built 1942).

On the 26th HrMs Van Galen reported that the Fairisle had not been met at the rendezvous position and that she was now proceeding to make rendezvous with the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 0545I/27.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1900I/28. HrMs Van Galen however did not enter harbour as she was ordered to proceed to position 30°26'S, 114°40'E where an open boat with two occupants was reported. Later a report was received that the boat had washed up onto the shore and HrMs Van Galen was ordered to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 0800I/1. (23)

4 Mar 1943
Around 0840L/4, the submarine tender USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN) departed Melbourne for Fremantle. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN).

Around 0645I/9, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as A/S escort. (29)

7 Mar 1943
Around 1000I/7, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN).

Later HrMs Van Galen was to part company and join other warships proceeding to Fremantle. [See the even for 4 March 1943 for details.] (23)

9 Mar 1943
Around 1315I/9, USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN), HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle. (30)

11 Mar 1943
USS Gudgeon (T/Cdr. W.S. Post, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. (23)

12 Mar 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (23)

17 Mar 1943
USS Grayling (T/Cdr. J.E. Lee, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. (23)

18 Mar 1943
During 18/19 March 1943, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (23)

20 Mar 1943

Convoy OW 3.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 20 March 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Harrison Gray Otis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), Montanan (American, 6415 GRT, built 1917), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Grey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Fremantle, around 0830I/20, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the minesweepers HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. N.G. Weber, RANR(S)) and Wallaroo (T/Lt. Eric Sinclair Ross, RANR(S)).

Around 0700H/21, HMAS Dubbo and HMAS Wallaroo were detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1750GH/21, HrMs Van Galen was detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1320FG/25, the convoy was turned over by HMAS Adelaide to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN). HMAS Adelaide then set course to return to Fremantle.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 2 April 1943. (31)

22 Mar 1943
Around 1415H/22, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (23)

26 Mar 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (23)

29 Mar 1943
Around 0045H/29, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Gage Roads (Fremantle) to make rendezvous with the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914).

She was however recalled shortly after departure and arrived back in Fremantle harbour around 0945H/29. (32)

30 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (33)

1 Apr 1943
Around 1515H/1, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle for Sydney (via Melbourne) where she was to dock and undergo a short refit. (34)

6 Apr 1943
Around 1030K/6, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Williamstown from Fremantle. (34)

10 Apr 1943
The attack transport USS Henry T. Allen (14174 GRT, built 1921, Capt. P.A. Stevens, USN) departed Port Phillip (Melbourne) for Sydney. She was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (34)

12 Apr 1943
USS Henry T. Allen (14174 GRT, built 1921, Capt. P.A. Stevens, USN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Sydney from Port Phillip (Melbourne).

HrMs Van Galen was docked in the Fitzroy Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard later the same day. The Henry T. Allen moored alongside the Sutherland Dock. (34)

26 Apr 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is undocked. (34)

29 Apr 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted full power trials on the measured mile at Sydney. Also Asdic trials were conducted as were D/G trials. (34)

1 May 1943

Convoy CO 92.

This convoy departed Newcastle, NSW, on 1 May 1943.

It was made up of 12 merchant vessels.

On departure from Newcastle the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMAS Moresby (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Brown, RANR(S)), minesweeper HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and the auxiliary A/S vessel HMAS Bingera (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)).

Later the same day the Sydney section of 9 merchant vessels joined. As did their escort, the minesweepers HMAS Ballarat (T/Lt. D. MacLeman, RANR(S)) and HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR).

The convoy now was made up of the following transports;
Age (Australian, 4734 GRT, built 1936), Carlisle (Australian, 1861 GRT, built 1919), Corinda (Australian, 3376 GRT, built 1937), Dan Beard (British, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Evi Livanos (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1937), Iron Warrior (British, 3345 GRT, built 1923), Kooyong (Australian, 2296 GRT, built 1907), Lansing (British, 4422 GRT, built 1890), Maria Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Michael J. Goulandris Greek, 6669 GRT, built 1921), Michael L. Embriricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), Mount Robson Park (American, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Murada (Australian, 3345 GRT, built 1921), Pegasus (Swedish, 9583 GRT, built 1930), Rahmani (British, 5463 GRT, built 1928), Tanda (British, 7174 GRT, built 1914), Wear (Australian, 1869 GRT, built 1911), William B. Ogden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).

During the night of 2/3 May the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as reinforcement for the escort. She had departed Sydney on 2 May 1943.

Around 1230K/3, the merchant vessel Lansing parted company with to convoy to proceed independently to Hobart.

Around 1042K/3, convoy OC 92 was encountered and the escorts, except HrMs Van Galen, changed over from one convoy to the other. The original escort of convoy OC 92 therefore now joined convoy CO 92. This was the A/S patrol vessel HMAS Doomba (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.J. Reading, RANR(S)).

Convoy CO 92 arrived in Port Phillip on 4 May 1943.

2 May 1943
Around 1600K/2, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Sydney to overtake and join convoy CO 92 as additional escort.

[For more info see the event ' Convoy CO 92 ' for 1 May 1943.] (34)

5 May 1943
Around 1645K/5, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Port Melbourne to proceed to the south-east of Tasmania from where a distress call from a merchant vessel was received.

At 1310K/6, when west of Hobart, course was set to return to Melbourne where she arrived around 1100K/7. (23)

9 May 1943
Around 1430K/9, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Melbourne for Fremantle. She was escorting the controlled minelayer base ship HMS Atreus (Cdr.(Retd. J.D. Campbell, OBE, DSC, RN). (34)

15 May 1943
Around 0715K/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Atreus (Cdr.(Retd. J.D. Campbell, OBE, DSC, RN) arrived in Gage Roads from Melbourne. They entered Fremantle harbour later the same day. (34)

20 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

HrMs Van Galen only participated in the exercises briefly as she soon joined the outgoing transport Alcoa Prospector (American, 6796 GRT, built 1941) and escorted her until 2300H/20. HrMs Van Galen returned to Fremantle around 0900H/21. (35)

23 May 1943
Around 1305H/23, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) coming from Wellington.

Rendezvous was affected around 1015H/24.

They arrived in Gage Roads (Fremantle) around 0945H/24. (34)

25 May 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (36)

31 May 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. On completion of the exercises, very late in the evening, she set course to make rendezvous with the transport Empire Pintail (British, 7773 GRT, built 1940).

Rendezvous was not affected as the British ship had been early and had in fact arrived at Fremantle before HrMs Van Galen which returned around 1630H/2. (34)

8 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (37)

17 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with USS Gar (T/Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN). (37)

18 Jun 1943
USS Thresher (T/Cdr. H. Hull, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. (34)

21 Jun 1943
Around 1715H/21, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to escort the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN) to Bunbury.

HrMs Van Galen returned to Gage Roads (Fremantle) around 1300H/22. She entered harbour later the same day. (34)

25 Jun 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle on completion of which she anchored in Gage Roads. She entered harbour the following morning. (34)

28 Jun 1943
Around 1630H/28, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous off Bunbury with the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN) and then escort her southwards.

They parted company around 1900H/29.

HrMs Van Galen returned to Fremantle around 0800H/30. (34)

3 Jul 1943
Around 0830H/3, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).

Around 1630H/3, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle. (34)

4 Jul 1943
Around 0800H/4, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (34)

6 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (38)

9 Jul 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (34)

13 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (38)

14 Jul 1943
HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (39)

20 Jul 1943
USS Tambor (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Kefauver, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. (34)

29 Jul 1943
HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (39)

3 Aug 1943
USS Gar (T/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Lautrup, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (34)

4 Aug 1943

Convoy US 20.

This convoy departed Freemantle on 4 August 1943 and was dispersed on 16 August 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Cape Henlopen (American, 5094 GRT, built 1942), Cape St.George (American, 5105 GRT, built 1942), Tarakan (Dutch, 8183 GRT, built 1930), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937) and Tawali (Dutch, 8152 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Fremantle, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

At dusk on the 5th (1800H/5), HrMs van Galen parted company and returned to Fremantle.

At 1400FG/9, in position 21°13'S, 93°04'E, HrMs Tromp turned over the escort of the convoy the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN).

At 1900F/15, HMS Kenya the convoy was dispersed in position 00°10'N, 70°09'E. (40)

6 Aug 1943
Around 0800H/6, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) anchored in Gage roads on return from convoy escort duty. She entered harbour later the same day. (34)

8 Aug 1943
USS Trout (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Clark, USN) and USS Gar (T/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Lautrup, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (34)

10 Aug 1943
USS Trout (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Clark, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (41)

11 Aug 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (42)

12 Aug 1943
Around 1400H/12, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the escort carrier USS Altamaha (T/Capt. J.R. Tate, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 0900H/13.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1015H/14. (41)

16 Aug 1943
Around 1345H/16, the escort carrier USS Altamaha (T/Capt. J.R. Tate, USN) departed Fremantle for Karachi. She was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) until 0800H/18 when the destroyer parted company to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1330H/19.

The escort carrier arrived at Karachi around 1500EF/28. (43)

20 Aug 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (42)

24 Aug 1943
Around 0830H/24, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925). Before proceeding to the rendezvous exercises were carried out with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1315H/25.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0930H/26. (42)

27 Aug 1943
Around 1145H/27, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with (troop)transports; Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929) and Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928).

Rendezvous was affected around 1030H/28.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1245H/29. (42)

30 Aug 1943

Convoy US 22.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 30 August 1943.

The convoy was made up of the troop transports; Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925) and Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928).

The convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

The destroyers parted company around 1830H/31 to return to Fremantle.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 10 September 1943.

1 Sep 1943
Around 1700H/1, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (42)

9 Sep 1943
HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Later the same day, around 2230H/9, HrMs Van Galen to make rendezvous with the transport Tai Ping Yang (Panamanian, 6856 GRT, built 1929).

Shortly after departure (around 2345H/9) the transport was encountered as she was apparently early in her arrival and course was set for Gage Roads where they arrived not long afterwards. (44)

10 Sep 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (42)

18 Sep 1943
Around 1500H/18, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).

Rendezvous was affected around 1700H/19.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0850H/20. (41)

21 Sep 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) commenced a period of maintenance at Fremantle. This included boiler cleaning. (41)

7 Oct 1943
Around 0920H/19, the troop transport George Washington (American, 25570 GRT, built 1909) departed Fremantle for Bombay.

On departure from Fremantle, around 1030H/7, she is escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1900H/8, HrMs Van Galen was detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1000G/11, the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) took over the escort duties from HMAS Adelaide which was then detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1300FG/15, near Addu Atoll, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) took over from HMS Hawkins which then proceeded to Addu Atoll to fuel.

Around 0730F/19, in approximate position 16°43'N, 68°45'E, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) joined.

The George Washington, HMS Frobisher, HMAS Nepal and HMAS Norman arrived at Bombay around 0930F/20. (45)

10 Oct 1943
Around 0830H/10, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (41)

13 Oct 1943
Around 0900H/13, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) to make rendezvous with the troop transport Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932).

Rendezvous was affected around 0900H/14.

They arrived around 0840H/15. (41)

15 Oct 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted RDF (radar) and gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (41)

16 Oct 1943
The troop transport Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) departed Fremantle for Bombay.

On departure from Fremantle (around 1130H/16) she was escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1900H/17, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 0930FG/20, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck was relieved by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck then set course to return to Fremantle.

Around 0730FG/27, the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) joined coming from Bombay.

HMS Canton, HMAS Nepal, HMAS Napier and the Lurline arrived at Bombay around 1045FG/28. (46)

18 Oct 1943
Around 1055H/18, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (41)

21 Oct 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted RDF (radar) and gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (41)

22 Oct 1943
USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. G.E. Porter, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (41)

27 Oct 1943
USS Bowfin (T/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Griffith, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (41)

2 Nov 1943
During 2/3 November 1943, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (47)

3 Nov 1943
USS Tuna (T/Cdr. J.T. Hardin, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle during which HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) acted as target. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (41)

9 Nov 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (42)

10 Nov 1943
Around 0800H/10, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) to Exmouth Gulf where they arrived around 1600H/12. (41)

13 Nov 1943
Around 0710H/13, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Exmouth Gulf for Port Hedland where they arrived around 0900H/14. (41)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1240H/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Port Hedland for Broome where they arrived around 1220H/16. (41)

18 Nov 1943
Around 0030H/18, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Broome for Cossack where they arrived around 0100H/19. (41)

19 Nov 1943
Around 2230H/19, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Cossack for Onslow where they arrived around 1140H/20. (41)

21 Nov 1943
Around 0505H/21, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Onslow for Carnarvon where they arrived around 0320H/22. (41)

22 Nov 1943
Around 1330H/22, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Carnarvon for Fremantle where they arrived around 0745H/24. (41)

3 Dec 1943
In the afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Around 1730H/3, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes departed Fremantle with the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926). They were to proceed to Broome via Carnarvon, Exmouth Gulf, Point Samson and Port Hedland. (42)

9 Dec 1943
Around 1230H/9, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925).

Rendezvous was affected around 1100H/10.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0930H/11. (41)

14 Dec 1943

Convoy US 23.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 14 December 1943 and arrived at Bombay on 26 December 1943.

The convoy was made up of the (troop)transports; Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925) and Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). HrMs Van Galen parted company with the convoy around 0900H/15 to return to Fremantle.

Around 1200FG/18, they made rendezvous with the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN). HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck parted company to return to Fremantle around 1330FG/18.

Around 1000FG/25, the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 26 December 1943.

16 Dec 1943
Around 0815H/16, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty.

She then commenced to refit at Fremantle. (48)

2 Jan 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (48)

6 Jan 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is put back in the water from the slipway. (48)

22 Jan 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is fumigated at Fremantle. (48)

31 Jan 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted post refit trials off Fremantle. (48)

1 Feb 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Caspers, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Later the same day they departed Fremantle for Geraldton. (49)

2 Feb 1944
Around 0900H/2, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Caspers, RNethN) arrived at Geraldton.

Around 1615H/2, they departed again on completion of fuelling. (49)

5 Feb 1944

Convoy KR 8.

This convoy departed Kilindini on 5 February 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911), Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Kilindini the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr. R.C.S. Woolley, RNR), HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, DSC, RNR) and the corvette HMS Honesty (T/Lt. M.J. Rowlands, RNVR).

Around 0100E/9, HMS Honesty parted company to proceed to Port Victoria, Seychelles.

Around 0620E/9 HMS Lulworth and HMS Sennen parted company to return to Kilindini.

Around 0830E/11, the destroyers HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) joined coming from Addu Atoll which they had departed on the 10th.

At 1435EF/12, the Khedive Ismael was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-27. The ship sank with heavy loss of life, there were almost 1300 casualties amongst the crew and passengers.

The convoy immediately scattered but reformed later. HMS Petard and HMS Paladin remained in the area to hunt the attacker and pick up survivors.

Additional escorts were sent to the convoy to replace HMS Petard and HMS Paladin which proceeded to Addu Atoll with the survivors they had picked up after they had managed to sink the I-27. They had forced the submarine to the surface with depth charges and later sank her with gunfire and torpedoes. HMS Paladin also closed to ram but the Commanding Officer of HMS Petard, who was the senior, ordered her not to do so at the last moment and HMS Paladin just managed to miss ramming the submarine. Her hull was however thorn open by a bow diving plane of the submarine and HMS Paladin went dead in the water. She later was able to get underway again.

The convoy later re-grouped and continued its passage to Colombo.

Around 1000FG/13, the destroyer HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) joined. She had parted company with convoy BM 85A around 2120FG/12.

Around 1130FG/13, HMS Hawkins parted company with the convoy to proceed to Addu Atoll.

Two more destroyers joined the convoy later on the 13th, these were HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) which had been withdrawn from escorting a tanker to Trincomalee and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) which had departed Trincomalee on the 12th.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 14 February 1944.

10 Feb 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Caspers, RNethN) made rendezvous with the RFA tanker Eaglesdale (8032 GRT, built 1942). Both destroyers then fuelled from the tanker. On completion of fuelling they then set course for Trincomalee.

Around 2100FG/12, HrMs Van Galen parted company to join convoy KR 8 and then proceed with it to Colombo. She joined the convoy early the following day.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy KR 8 ' for 5 February 1944, on the page of HrMs Van Galen, only.] (49)

14 Feb 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Colombo with convoy KR 8. (50)

16 Feb 1944
Around 1800FG/16, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo for Bombay. At Bombay she was to dock as seawater had been contaminating the oil fuel and leaking fuel tanks were suspected. (48)

19 Feb 1944
Around 0830FG/19, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) anchored off Bombay having arrived there from Colombo. (48)

21 Feb 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is docked in the Duncan dry dock at Bombay. (48)

26 Feb 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is undocked. (48)

1 Mar 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted D/F calibration trials and gunnery exercises off Bombay. (48)

4 Mar 1944

Convoy BM 87B.

This convoy departed Bombay on 4 March 1944.

It was made up of the transport Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914).

The dock landing ship HMS Highway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Vallings, DSC, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN).

The Llanstephan Castle was detached off Colombo on 8 April 1944.

The other ships arrived at Trincomalee on 9 April 1944.

9 Mar 1944
Around 1200FG/9, HMS Highway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Vallings, DSC, RNR), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Bombay.

Around 1615FG/9, they departed for Madras where HMS Highway and HMS Redoubt were detached off the entrance to the swept channel around 1515FG/10 and entered harbour. HrMs Van Galen then set course to return to Trincomalee where she arrived around 0700FG/11. (51)

13 Mar 1944
Around 1315FG/13, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for the vicinity of Palk Strait.

She anchored at 1847FG/13 in position 09°35'8"N, 80°30'5"E.

At 2215FG/13, she weighed anchor and joined the M/S trawler HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. P.A. Jobson, RNVR) and the ammunition ships Shan Tung (British, 2549 GRT, built 1915) and Palestinian Prince (British, 1960 GRT, built 1936) which were on passage from Palk Bay to Trincomalee.

They arrived at Trincomalee around 1030FG/14. (48)

15 Mar 1944
During 15/16 March 1944, HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNethN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Cox, RNethN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (52)

19 Mar 1944

Operation Diplomat

On 19 March the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNethN) departed Trincomalee to escort the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937), Eaglesdale (8032 GRT, built 1942) and Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942).

These tankers were to refuel the ships from the Eastern Fleet that were to participate in operation Diplomat. During operation Diplomat the Eastern Fleet proceeded to the south-west of Cocos Island where the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (T/Commodore. J.H. Cassady, USN) and the destroyers USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN), USS Dunlap (T/Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (T/Cdr. R.M. MacKinnon, USN).

Ships from the Eastern Fleet departed Trincomalee on 21 March, these were the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN and second in command of the Eastern Fleet), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN), light cruisers HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Cox, RNethN).

The battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) departed Colombo on the same day. They made rendezvous with the other ships the following day.

On 24 March 1944, the Eastern Fleet met HrMs Tromp and the tankers at 0930 hours in position 07°57'S, 82°14'E and during the next three days they experienced good weather. Ships were fuelled as follows;

24 March 1944
Easedale - HMS Renown
Arndale - HMS Valiant and HMS Ceylon
Eaglesdale - HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMNZS Gambia

25 March 1944
Easedale - HMS Quilliam, HMS Queenborough, HMAS Quiberon, HMS Quality and HMS Pathfinder
Arndale - HMS Illustrious and HrMs Tromp
Eaglesdale - HMS London, HMS Cumberland, HMAS Napier, HMAS Nepal and HMAS Norman

26 March 1944
Easedale - HMS Pathfinder, HrMs Van Galen, HMAS Quiberon and HMAS Norman
Eaglesdale - HMAS Napier, HMS Quilliam, HMS Queensborough, HMS Quality and HMAS Nepal

Tanker Arndale had been detached after fuelling on the 25th escorted by HrMS Tjerk Hiddes which was suffering from defects. The other two oilers were detached after fuelling on the 26th still escorted by HrMs Tromp.

HrMs Ceylon and HMS Napier arrived at Colombo on 31 March. All the other ships arrived at Trincomalee on the same day except HrMs Tromp which arrived at Trincomalee with the tankers on 2 April. (53)

31 Mar 1944
Around 2245FG/31, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for Addu Atoll. (54)

2 Apr 1944
Around 1200FG/2, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived Addu Atoll from Trincomalee.

After fuelling the departed for an A/S patrol to the south-west of Addu Atoll (03°00'S, 68°00'E) around 1800FG/2. (55)

4 Apr 1944
Around 1700FG/4, HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Addu Atoll from patrol. (55)

6 Apr 1944

Convoy XC 18.

This convoy departed Addu Atoll around 0715FG/6.

It was made up of two RFA auxiliaries, these were the distilling ship Bacchus (4970 GRT, built 1935), tanker Belgol (2648 GRT, built 1917), two naval auxiliaries, boom carrier HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN), stores ship HrMs Zuiderkruis (2200 GRT, built 1923, ?) and the transport Churruca (British 1847 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Addu Atoll the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1620FG/6, HMAS Norman was detached to make rendezvous with convoy CX 21 and return with it to Addu Atoll. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' convoy CX 21 ' for 4 April 1944, on the page of HMAS Norman only.]

The convoy arrived at Colombo around 1115FG/9. (56)

11 Apr 1944
Around 1600FG/11, HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (48)

12 Apr 1944
Around 0945FG/12, HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (48)

14 Apr 1944
From 14 to 16 April 1944, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (57)

16 Apr 1944

Operation Cockpit

Carrier raid against Sabang by the Eastern Fleet.

On 16 April 1944 the Eastern Fleet put to sea from Trincomalee, Ceylon in two task forces;
Task Force 69, which was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. Lambert), the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN), HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN), HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNethN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Task Force 70, which was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet), the British aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), USS Saratoga (Capt. J.H. Cassady, USN), heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), USS Cummings (Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN), USS Dunlap (Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN).

During the forenoon of the 17th the four 'N' class and two 'P' class destroyers of Force 69 were fuelled by HMS Newcastle, HMS Nigeria, HMS Ceylon, HMNZS Gambia. The three 'Q' class destroyers from Force 70 were fuelled by HMS Renown and HMS London.

On the 18th HMS Ceylon and HMNZS Gambia were transferred from Force 69 to Force 70 to bolster the latters AA defence. (On the 19th HMS Nigeria replaced HMS Ceylon in this force as HMS Ceylon had problems with one shaft and could only make 24 knots.) At sunset Force 70 was detached so as to arrive at the flying off position for the aircraft at 0530/19.

At 0530/19 the carriers launched 46 bombers and 37 fighters (17 Barracudas and 13 Corsairs from HMS Illustrious and 11 Avenges, 18 Dauntless and 24 Hellcats from USS Saratoga) to attack Sabang and nearby airfields. Besides that 12 fighters were launched to patrol overhead of both Task forces.

The enemy was taken completely by surprise and 24 Japanese aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Only 1 fighter, a Hellcat from the Saratoga, was lost on the Allied side and it's pilot was rescued out of the water by the British submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN). All aircraft, except the one lost, had returned to the carriers by 0930 hours after which both task forces retired to the west. The Japanese tried to attack the Allied task force with three torpedo bombers but these were shot down by Allied fighter aircraft at 1010 hours.

At Sabang the Japanese merchants Kunitsu Maru (2722 GRT, built 1937) and Haruno Maru (775 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Kidoel) were sunk by the Allied aircraft while the Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka was damaged.

At 0800 hours on the 20th the fleet set course to return to Trincomalee. The cruisers and destroyer meanwhile carried out attack exercises.

The fleet returned to Trincomalee on 21 April. (58)

24 Apr 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) commenced boiler cleaning at Trincomalee. This was completed on 28 April 1944. (59)

26 Apr 1944
Around 0845FG/26, the escort carrier HMS Atheling (Capt. R.I. Agnew, OBE, RCN) departed Colombo for Madras. She was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 0930FG/28, they arrived off Madras. HMS Atheling then entered harbour while HrMs Van Galen set course to return to Colombo where she arrived around 1515FG/29. (60)

30 Apr 1944
Task Force 67, made up of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers; Eaglesdale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941), Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937), Pearleaf (5911 GRT, built 1917), Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) and supplyship (used as distilling ship) Bacchus (3154 GRT, built 1936) and their escort made up of the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the frigate HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR) departed Trincomalee.

Task Force 67 was to proceed to Exmouth Gulf, Australia.

On 1 May 1944 the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN) departed Trincomalee to overtake and join Task Force 67.

HMS Rotherham, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Findhorn parted company around 0900FG/3 to return to Trincomalee.

[For more infomation on the movements of Task Force 67 see the event ' Operation Transom ' for 6 May 1944.]

3 May 1944
Around 1030FG/3, HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) are ordered to proceed at high speed to the north-west where an enemy submarine had been reported by an Allied aircraft.

Around 2100FG/3, having contacted a patrolling aircraft a search commenced of the area near position 01°30'N, 80°00'E.

Shortly after 0800FG/4, the search was abandoned, and the destroyers set course for Trincomalee. (59)

5 May 1944
Around 0715FG/5, HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee. (59)

6 May 1944

Operation Transom.

Carrier raid against Surabaya by the Eastern Fleet.

On 6 May 1944 the Eastern Fleet put to sea from Trincomalee or Colombo in two task forces;
Task Force 65, which was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), the light cruisers HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNethN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Task Force 66, which was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet) (went to Task Force 65 the next day), the aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), USS Saratoga (T/Commodore J.H. Cassady, USN), light cruisers HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN), USS Dunlap (T/Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (T/Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN).

On 10 May 1944, the Dutch light cruiser Tromp and the destroyers were fuelled at sea by the capital ships and the cruisers. During fuelling from HMS Valiant the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Galen sustained some minor damage (fractured hull plate on her port side) but the crew of the Van Galen was able to effect emergency repairs.

On 15 May 1944, task forces 65 and 66 were fuelled at Exmouth Gulf, Australia by Task Force 67 which was made up of of six Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers; Eaglesdale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941), Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937), Pearleaf (5911 GRT, built 1917), Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) and supplyship (used as distilling ship) Bacchus (3154 GRT, built 1936). This force had already left Trincomalee on 30 April and was escorted by the heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN). They had also been escorted near Ceylon by a local escort for A/S purposes, this local escort had been made up of the destroyers HMS Rotherham, HrMs Van Galen and the frigate HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR). The local escort returned to Ceylon on 5 May 1944. The two cruisers mentioned above now joined Task Force 66. Later this day Task Forces 65 and 66 went to sea again for the actual attack on Surabaya. On leaving Exmouth Gulf the fleet was spotted by the merchant vessel Aroona. This ship was now instructed to put into Exmouth Gulf and was held there by HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdale, OBE, RAN) for 24 hours and to impress on the master and crew of this vessel the necessity of not disclosing any information concerning the Fleet on the arrival of their ship at Fremantle (their next port of call).

In the early morning hours of the 17th the carriers launched 45 dive bombers and 40 fighters for an attack on the harbour and oil installations (Wonokromo oil refeniry) of Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies. (USS Saratoga: 12 Avengers (1 had to return with engine trouble shortly after being launched), 18 Dauntless, 24 Hellcats; HMS Illustrious: 18 Avengers (2 of which force landed in the sea shortly after being launched), 16 Corsairs). On the ground they destroyed 12 enemy aircraft (20 were claimed). The damage to the harbour and shipping were over estimated (10 ships were thought to have been hit) as in fact only the small transport ship Shinrei Maru (987 GRT, built 1918) was sunk and patrol vessel P 36, auxiliary submarine chasers CHa-107 and CHa-108, tanker Yosei Maru (2594 GRT, built 1928, former Dutch Josefina) and cargo ships Choka Maru (???? GRT, built ????) and Tencho Maru (2716 GRT, built 1919) were damaged.

On the 18th the US ships were released. The other ships then proceeded to Exmouth Gulf where they arrived to fuel the next day before starting on the return trip to Ceylon less destroyer HMAS Quiberon which was to refit in Australia and was sent to Fremantle.

On 23 May 1944, the Dutch light cruiser Tromp and the destroyers were fuelled at sea by the capital ships and the cruisers.

The ships of Task Force 65 and 66 arrived back at Colombo or Trincomalee on the 26 or 27th.

On 1 June 1944, Task Force 67 arrived at Trincomalee from Exmouth Gulf having been escorted by HMS London and HMS Suffolk until 1700FG/31. On arrival at Trincomalee Task Force 67 had an A/S escort made up of the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and corvette HMS Burnet (Lt. D.S. Charles, RNR). These ships had joined at 2300FG/28 (HMAS Nizam, HMS Roebuck and HMS Burnet) and 0630FG/30 (HMAS Quickmatch and HMS Raider).

During this operation several US Submarine guarded the passages to the Indian Ocean to spot a possible Japanese counter attack. The submarines deployed for this purpose were the following; In the Sunda Strait from 12 to 23 May 1944; USS Angler (T/Cdr. R. I. Olsen, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN).
South of Lombok Strait from 13 to 20 May 1944; USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. W.C. Thompson, Jr., USN) and also the USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. C.M. Henderson, USN) from 13 May until the night of the 16th.
South of Bali Strait from 17 to 20 May; USS Bluefish.
North of Bali Strait; USS Puffer (Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN) during the night of 16/17 May.

The following US Submarines were deployed in the Surabaya area for air/sea rescue duties; USS Puffer in the Madura Strait about 40 miles to the east of Surabaya.
USS Rasher (Cdr. W.R. Laughton, USN) in the Java Sea about 40 miles to the north of Surabaya. (61)

7 May 1944
Around 0800FG/7, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from convoy escort duty. (59)

29 May 1944
Around 0745FG/29, the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) and Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (62)

30 May 1944
Around 0930FG/30, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (62)

3 Jun 1944
The heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) departed Trincomalee to make rendezvous with the US troopship USS General H.W. Butner (17806 GRT, built 1944) which had departed Bombay on 2 June 1944 for Australia escorted by the destroyers HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN). The escort carrier HMS Ameer (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN) had also been in company until 4 June when she was detached off Cochin.

Around 1900FG/4, HMS Penn was detached due to engine trouble. She had just been relieved by HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1800FG/5, the destroyers were detached to proceed to Trincomalee.

Around 2030H/11, HMS Cumberland parted company with the troopship. (63)

4 Jun 1944
Around 1000FG/4, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo to make rendezvous with the US troopship USS General H.W. Butner (17806 GRT, built 1944) and her escort.

[See the event for 3 June 1944 for more info.] (59)

12 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for Cochin. (64)

14 Jun 1944
Around 0830FG/14, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) were joined off Cochin by HMS Ameer (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN). They then set course for Colombo. (65)

15 Jun 1944
Around 0815FG/15 HMS Ameer (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrive off Colombo from Cochin.

The destroyers then left for the Seychelles later the same day. (65)

19 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. (64)

20 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Aden. (64)

23 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Aden from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (64)

27 Jun 1944
The destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) coming down the Red Sea from Suez. Rendezvous was affected around 1815C/27. (50)

28 Jun 1944
Around 0730C/28, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Aden. (66)

29 Jun 1944
Around 0600C/29, the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN). (66)

3 Jul 1944
Around 1030FG/3, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (67)

4 Jul 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is docked in the Hughes Dry Dock at Bombay to remove a loose part below the waterline. Also the hull was scraped and painted. She is undocked early the following morning. (59)

5 Jul 1944
Around 1000FG/5, the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN). (67)

7 Jul 1944
Around 1400FG/7, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay.

HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) did not enter harbour as she was to continue on to Trincomalee. (67)

8 Jul 1944
Around 0900FG/8, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee. (59)

9 Jul 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) commenced boiler cleaning and a repair period at Trincomalee. Work was completed on 19 July 1944.

On 13/14 July 1944, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) was docked in (the small) floating dock for repairs to her Asdic dome. (59)

20 Jul 1944
The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.

She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (68)

21 Jul 1944
HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.

In the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN).

On completion of the exercises HMAS Norman returned to harbour. HMAS Nepal and HrMs Van Galen were joined by HMS Atheling (Capt. R.I. Agnew, OBE, RCN) which they were to escort to Colombo. (69)

22 Jul 1944
Around 1900FG/22, HMS Atheling (Capt. R.I. Agnew, OBE, RCN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (69)

28 Jul 1944
The battleship HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) departed Aden for Colombo.

Around 1330E/1, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined having departed Colombo around 1900FG/30.

At 1837E/1, HMAS Nizam parted company to proceed to Cochin where she arrived on 2 July. (70)

30 Jul 1944
Around 1900FG/30, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Colombo to join the battleship HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) and her escort coming from Aden.

She joined the battleships screen around 1330E/1. (71)

3 Aug 1944
The battleship HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (72)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1045FG/7, the battleships HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), aircraft maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (73)

8 Aug 1944
Around 1445FG/8, HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (73)

9 Aug 1944
Around 0700FG/9, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle for exercises with other ships from the Eastern Fleet.

Exercises were continued until around 18000FG/11, when they set course to proceed to Madras. (71)

12 Aug 1944
Around 0900FG/12, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Madras. (71)

13 Aug 1944
Around 1045FG/13, escort carrier HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) departed Madras for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (74)

14 Aug 1944
Around 1635FG/14, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for exercises. These included A/S exercises with HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN). HrMs Van Galen returned to harbour around 1845FG/15. (71)

14 Aug 1944
Around 0800FG/14, HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Madras. (74)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet) conducted exercises off Trincomalee on completion of which she set course for Colombo. She was escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN). (75)

18 Aug 1944
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). At sea they joined submarine tender HMS Wolfe (A/Capt. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN) which were en-route from Bombay to Trincomalee. (76)

19 Aug 1944
Around 1800FG/19, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Wolfe (A/Capt. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (77)

21 Aug 1944
From around 1245FG/21 to around 1630FG/21, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (71)

23 Aug 1944
Around 0815FG/23, the battleship Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux) departed Trincomalee for exercises. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN).

During the exercises the Richelieu acted as target for the submarines HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) and HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN).

At 1115FG/23, the Richelieu was ordered to return to harbour as a surfaced enemy submarine had been reported the tanker Oregon Trail (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943). The destroyers then proceeded on an A/S sweep of the area. It was later found out the position given by the Oregon Trail had been in error and the submarine in question had been HMS Tantiviy.

The destroyers returned to Trincomalee around 0800FG/24. (78)

25 Aug 1944
On 25 August 1944, the troopship Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936) departed Colombo for Melbourne. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) and the frigate HMS Helford (Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR).

On the same day the submarine depot ship HMS Maidstone (Capt. L.M. Shadwell, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle and Mauritius respectively. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).

HMAS Norman however soon returned to harbour after the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN), which had already been at sea, had joined.

These two groups made rendezvous around 1845FG(-6.5)/26. HMAS Quickmatch was then detached to return to Colombo.

At 0030FG/29, HMAS Nizam, HrMS Van Galen and HMS Pathfinder parted company. HMAS Nizam and HMS Pathfinder returned to Trincomalee while HrMs Van Galen proceeded to Colombo. They all arrived on 31 August 1944.

At 0045FG/29, HMS Atheling and HMS Helford parted company.

This left the Dunnottar Castle and HMS Maidstone proceeding towards Australia escorted by HMS Nigeria.

At 1330H/4, the Dunnottar Castle parted company to proceed to Melbourne.

HMS Maidstone and HMS Nigeria arrived at Fremantle around noon on the 5th.

31 Aug 1944
Around 0900FG/31, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from escort duty.

At Colombo she commenced a short refit and docking period. (71)

14 Sep 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is docked at Colombo. (71)

30 Sep 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is undocked. (71)

7 Oct 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted post-refit trials and exercises off Colombo.

Around 1900FG/7, HrMs Van Galen departed Trincomalee for Cochin. (71)

8 Oct 1944
Around 1300FG/8, the escort carriers HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) and Rajah (A/Capt. R.S.D. Armour, RN) departed Coching for Trincomalee and Colombo respectively. Off the entrance to the swept channel, they were joined by their escort the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1305FG/9, HMS Rajah parted company to proceed to Colombo where she arrived around 1530FG/9.

HMS Atheling and HrMs Van Galen arrived at Trincomalee around 1720FG/10. (71)

10 Oct 1944
The heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) conducted a bombardment exercise off Trincomalee following which she conducted exercises together with the destroyers HMS Queenborough (Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (79)

12 Oct 1944
The heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (80)

14 Oct 1944
HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with HMS Terrapin (Lt. R.H.H. Brunner, RN). (71)

15 Oct 1944

Operation Millet.

Attack on the Nicobar Islands which was also to serve as a diversion for the American landings at Leyte.

In the morning of the 15th of October Task Force 63 departed Trincomalee, it was made up of the following units;
Task Group 63.1: battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet), destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN).

Task Group 63.2: heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.T.C. Walker, CB, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Task Group 63.3: aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. S.M. Raw, CBE, RN), destroyers HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN).

During the morning of the 16th HMS Phoebe, HrMs Van Galen and HMAS Norman were topped off with fuel by HMS Renown. HMS Quilliam, HMS Queensborough and HMAS Quiberon were topped off by HMS London. HMS Wakeful, HMS Wager and HMS Whelp were topped off by HMS Cumberland. HMS Raider, HMS Wessex and HMS Relentless were topped off by HMS Suffolk.

In the morning of the 17th HMS Renown, HMS Cumberland, HMS London and HMS Suffolk bombarded Car Nicobar Island. Some of the destroyers also bombarded the Island. Air attacks on the island were made by the aircraft from the carriers which acted independently for flying operations.

During the night of 17/18 October HMS London, HMAS Norman and HrMs Van Galen conducted another bombardment of Car Nicobar Island. Upon completion of this bombardment these three ships proceeded to Trincomalee arriving around 1715FG(-6.5)/19.

Force 63 had retired to the south on the 18th and during the afternoon HMS Phoebe and the destroyers were once again refuelled by the capital ships.
HMS Renown refuelled HMS Phoebe, HMS Wessex and HMS Queenborough. HMS Cumberland refuelled HMS Whelp, HMS Wager, HMS Quilliam and HMS Raider. HMS Suffolk refuelled HMS Wakeful, HMS Relentless and HMS Raider.
[Note: HMS Raider is listed in the both the logs of HMS Cumberland and HMS Suffolk and HMAS Quiberon is not listed as having fuelled. most likely somebody made a mistake and listed the wrong destroyer as having been fuelled by either HMS Cumberland or HMS Suffolk.]

On the 19th the carriers launched an air strike against Nancowry Island while HMS Renown and HMS Suffolk bombarded Car Nicobar Island again.

The Japanese counter attacked with nine aircraftbut no damage was done except that three of the fighters that intercepted the Japanese aircraft were shot down. Seven of the Japanese aircraft were shot down.

Upon completion of the operations Force 63 set course to return to Trincomalee.

Force 63 arrived at Trincomalee in the morning of 21 October 1944 minus HMS Cumberland which had arrived on October 20th.

21 Oct 1944
Around 1445FJ/21, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (71)

22 Oct 1944
Around 0900FJ/22, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee.

She departed for Aden around 1835FJ/22. (71)

27 Oct 1944
Around 1110C/27, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Aden from Colombo.

She departed for Suez around 1645C/27. (71)

30 Oct 1944
Around 1600C/30, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Port Said from Suez. (71)

31 Oct 1944
Around 0530C/31, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (71)

4 Nov 1944
Around 0915A/4, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Gibraltar from Port Said.

She departed for Portsmouth around 1745A/4. (71)

7 Nov 1944
Around 1100A/7, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Portsmouth from Gibraltar. (71)

24 Nov 1944
Around 0830A/24, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Portsmouth to proceed to the vicinity of Cherbourg where rendezvous was made around 1200A/24 with a convoy (probably only the transport Seatrain Texas (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940) which was to be escorted to Barry Roads.

Around 1000A/25, they arrived in Barry Roads, HrMs Van Galen then set course for Plymouth where she arrived around 0830A/26. (81)

27 Nov 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted D/F calibration and D/G trials off Plymouth. (81)

29 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/29, the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. A.D. Torlesse, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the frigate FFS L'Aventure (?) and HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN).

Around 2130A/29, the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. G.F. Renwick, RN) and HMS Stalker (Capt. L.C. Sinker, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN).

Around 2250A/29, HMS Hunter joined the group coming from Plymouth. Her original escort then parted company.

Around 1000A/1, HrMs Van Galen HMS Impulsive and HMS Melbreak parted company to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1230A/2. They had been relieved by the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. H. Lloyd-Williams, DSO, RNVR), HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN) and the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR).

HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Malcolm, HMS Verity and HMS Ballinderry arrived at Gibraltar around 0745A/3. (82)

6 Dec 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is docked in No.2 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (81)

10 Dec 1944
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is undocked. (81)

10 Dec 1944

Convoy AT 173.

This convoy departed New York City on 10 December 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936, 12060 troops).

On approaching the U.K, an escort made up of the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) joined around 1350A/15 in approximate position 49°00'N, 11°30'W.

Around 0730A/15, the destroyers parted company at the entrance to the Clyde. The Queen Mary then proceeded to Greenock and the destroyers set course to proceed to Milford Haven.

11 Dec 1944
Around 0800A/11, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) departed Plymouth for Milford Haven where they arrived around 1800A/11. (83)

12 Dec 1944

Convoy TA 171.

This convoy departed Liverpool on 12 December 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938, 560 troops).

The escort joined around 1425A/12 in the vicinity of Bardsey Island and was made up of the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) which had departed Milford Haven around 0745A/12.

The destroyers parted company with the troop transport around 0520A/13 and set course to return to Milford Haven.

The convoy arrived at Halifax on 18 December 1944. (84)

12 Dec 1944

Convoy AT 172A.

This convoy departed Boston on 12 December 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport USS Wakefield (24289 GRT, built 1931, 6941 troops).

Around 2045Z/18, the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) joined as escort.

Around 2000A/19, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company to proceed to Milford Haven.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool around 2345A/19.

13 Dec 1944
Around 1600A/13, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) returned to Milford Haven from escort duty. (84)

14 Dec 1944
Around 1600A/14, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) departed Milford Haven to make rendezvous with convoy AT 173.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 173 ' for 10 December 1944.] (84)

17 Dec 1944
Around 0900A/17, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) returned to Milford Haven from convoy escort duty.

Around 1700A/17, they departed again to make rendezvous with convoy AT 172A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 172A ' for 12 December 1944.]

HrMS Tjerk Hiddes parted company around 2000A/19. The troopship and HrMs Van Galen continued on towards Liverpool, arriving there around 0045A/20.

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes arrived off Milford Haven around 0200A/20. She anchored near the boom. (84)

18 Dec 1944

Convoy AT 175.

This convoy departed Halifax on 18 December 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939, 7290 troops / military personnel).

The convoy was unescorted until around 0030A/23 when the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined in approximate position 49°32'N, 10°10'W.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool around 0430A/25. (81)

21 Dec 1944
Around 1615A/21, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Liverpool escorting the troopship Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, 2975 military personnel) which is to proceed to Capetown.

Around 2200A/21, the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Milford Haven to join them which she did shortly afterwards.

Around 2200A/22, the destroyers parted company and proceeded to a rendezvous with in incoming troopship. (85)

21 Dec 1944

Convoy AT 176.

This convoy departed Boston on 21 December 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, around 7400 troop and military personnel).

Around 1300A/28, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined in approximate position 50°50'N, 11°40'W.

The convoy arrived off the Clyde around 0830A/21 when the troopships entered the Clyde and the destroyers parted company to proceed to Plymouth.

23 Dec 1944
Around 0030A/23, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined convoy AT 175.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 175 ' for 18 December 1944.] (85)

25 Dec 1944
Around 0600A/25, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) moored at Liverpool having arrived with convoy AT 175. (81)

27 Dec 1944
Around 0900A/27, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Liverpool to make rendezvous with convoy AT 176.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 176 ' for 21 December 1944.] (81)

30 Dec 1944
Around 0930A/30, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Plymouth from escort duty.

Both later went to the Devonport Dockyard for boiler cleaning and / or repairs. (81)

3 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 53.

This convoy departed New York on 3 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Antinous (American, 6126 GRT, built 1944), Borinquen (American, 7114 GRT, built 1931), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Claymont Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Empire Paragon (British, 9888 GRT, built 1944), Esso Wilmington (American (tanker), 10169 GRT, built 1942), Fort Henry (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Henry Gibbons (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lightning (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marina (American, 5086 GRT, built 1942), Markay (American (tanker), 10342 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Mail (American, 7842 GRT, built 1941), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Paoli (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sag Harbour (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sea Robin (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sirocco (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Spring Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Stony Creek (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Sturdy Beggar (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Yellow Tavern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carriers HMS Thane (A/Capt. E.R.G. Baker, RN) and HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) were also part of this convoy carrying replacement aircraft.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with T/Capt. W.L. Benson, USN on board (Commander Task Group 61.1)) and the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Morrison, USCG with Cdr. J.H. Forney, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 23)), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes ( Lt. A.C. Wagner, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Norton, USCGR).

Also on 3 January 1945, four ships departed from Boston (Boston Section), these were the following;
General W.M. Black (American, 9943 GRT, built 1943), Santa Rosa (American (tanker), 9135 GRT, built 1932), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers USS Gary (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Ayer, USNR, with Cdr. T.G. Murrell, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 57)), USS Brister (Lt.Cdr. R.D Tucker, USNR), USS Finch (Lt.Cdr. C.D. LeHardy, USNR) and USS Richey (Lt. R.J. Auge, USCG).

The two sections joined company around 1115R/4.

Around 1245Z/12, the convoy was divided into two sections in approximate position 49°20'N, 17°24'W.

English Channel section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Antinous, Borinquen, Brazil, Claymont Victory, General W.M. Black, Henry Gibbons, Karsten Wang, Lightning, Marina, Orpheus, Santa Rosa, Sea Robin, Sea Tiger, Spring Hill, The Yakima, Thomas H. Barry and Yellow Tavern.

The English Channel section was escorted by USS Sellstrom, USS Brister, USS Mills, USS Richey and USS Savage.

Around 0200A/14, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined.

Around 0935A/14, the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. D.D. Bone, RN) joined.

Around 1815A/14, ten additional escorts, most of them from the 1st Escort Group joined, with HMS Balfour (Cdr. (Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO, DSC, RN) as senior vessel [no further details available]. On these ships joining HMS Duncan and HMS Icarus parted company.

Around 1950A/14, five of the ships of the convoy parted company for Le Havre escorted by the ships of the British 1st Escort Group.

Around 2310A/14, two of the ships of the convoy parted company for Cherbourg escorted by USS Brister and USS Mills.

Around 0130A/15, four of the ships of the convoy parted company for Southend escorted by USS Richey and a British escort.

Around 0135A/15, the remaining ten ships of the convoy entered the Portsmouth Swept Channel escorted by USS Sellstrom and USS Savage. HMS Faulknor and HrMs Van Galen now parted company and set course for Plymouth.

Irish Sea section

The other section proceeded towards the Irish Sea by a route to the west of Ireland and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 1040A/14, the Hubbardton parted company to proceed to the Clyde. She was escorted to the Clyde lightvessel by USS Rhodes.

Around 1130A/14, HMS Thane was detached to proceed independently to Belfast.

Around 1622A/14, the Bristol Channel section, made up of the Chickamauga, Esso Wilmington, Markay, Ocean Mail and Sag Harbour parted company. They were escorted by USS Gary, USS Finch and USS Ramsden.

Around 1640A/14, USS Rhodes rejoined the Liverpool section of the convoy.

Around 2015A/14, the Liverpool section of the convoy, made up of the Empire Paragon, Fort Henry, Kernstown, Malvern Hill, Paoli, Stony Creek as well as HMS Trouncer arrived at the Western Light Vessel and proceeded via the swept channel to the vicinity of the Bar Light Vessel to anchor. USS Winslow and USS Rhoades patrolled the area pending the entry of the ships of the convoy into Liverpool harbour.

10 Jan 1945
Around 0600A/10, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) en HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the transports Durham (British, 10893 GRT, built 1934), Javanese Prince (British, 8879 GRT, built 1944) and Telemachus (British, 8262 GRT, built 1943). These ships were en-route to the Downs and came direct from the Panama Canal Zone.

Rendezvous was affected around 1430A/10 and course was set to proceed up the English Channel.

Around 0625A/11, the destroyers were relieved by other escorts [no details available for the moment but most likely it were destroyers from the 14th Escort Group] and course was set to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1315A/11. (83)

13 Jan 1945
Around 1400A/13, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with convoy CU 53.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 53 ' for 3 January 1945.] (81)

15 Jan 1945
Around 1030A/15, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Plymouth after convoy escort duty. (81)

16 Jan 1945
Around 1540A/16, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Plymouth.

Around 1815A/16, they joined the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN) which came from Portsmouth and relieved her current escort.

Around 1200A/17, HMS Faulknor and HrMs Van Galen parted company after having been relieved by other escorts. (86)

18 Jan 1945
Around 0815A/18, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) returned to Plymouth.

While getting alongside a tanker around 0915A/18, HrMs Van Galen sustained damage to her hull. Repairs were carried out at the Devonport Dockyard from 19 to 21 January. (81)

18 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 55.

This convoy departed New York on 18 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Aiken Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Briar Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), California Express (Norwegian, 3649 GRT, built 1934), Camp Defiance (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Cape Mohican (American, 5094 GRT, built 1942), Chadd's Ford (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Darro (British, 9733 GRT, built 1943), De Soto (American, 6165 GRT, built 1944), Delaires (American, 6509 GRT, built 1942), Drewrys Bluff (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Edge Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Empire Paladin (British (tanker), 8141 GRT, built 1944), Empire Salisbury (British (tanker), 8199 GRT, built 1944), Esso Hartford (American (tanker), 9887 GRT, built 1942), Eufaula Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Fisher's Hill (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Golden Fleece (American), 8258 GRT, built 1944), Marine Devil (American, 11757 GRT, built 1944), Marine Dragon (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Martin Bakke (Norwegian, 5484 GRT, built 1936), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1940), Mormacmoon (American, 7939 GRT, built 1940), Paulus Hook (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Pine Bluff (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Queenston Heights (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Rich Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), San Pasqual (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Santa Maria (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Sea Quail (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Seatrain Lakehurst (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Seatrain Texas (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Stanvac Calcutta (American (tanker), 9933 GRT, built 1944), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943).

The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. C. Caslon, CBE, RN) was also taking passage to the U.K. in this convoy having completed her refit in the U.S.A.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Mayo ( T/Cdr. A.D. Kaplan, USN, with COMTASKGROUP 61.3, T/Capt. H.H. Connelley, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Eisner (Lt. D.H. Lay, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, Cdr. W.A. Sessions, USNR on board), USS Garfield Thomas (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Werner, USN), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Jeorg, Jr., USNR), USS Rinehart (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN) and USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Laidley, USNR).

Around 0915Q/19, the Boston Section of four ships joined. [We have been unable to find out which ships sailed from Boston, the four ships in question are therefore included in the New York Section.]

The Boston Section was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Cates (Lt. T.N. Broaddus, USNR), USS Gandy (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Brooke, Jr., USNR), USS Earl K. Olsen (Lt.Cdr. W.F. DeLong, USNR) and USS Thornhill (Lt. E.T. Mckeithen, Jr., USNR).

At 0818Q/20, the Marine Devil parted company with the convoy with engine trouble. She returned to the U.S.A. escorted by USS Rhinehart. They arrived off New York on 23 January. USS Rhinehart then proceeded to the U.K. independently arriving at Liverpool on 31 January 1945.

Around 1015N/25, the convoy was divided into two sections in approximate position 47°00'N, 26°00'W. This was earlier then scheduled due to reported enemy submarine activity in U.K. waters.

English Channel Section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Aiken Victory, Argentina, Cape Mohican, De Soto, Edge Hill, Empire Salisbury, Eufaula Victory, Exanthia, Exceller, Golden Fleece, Marine Dragon, Marine Raven, Midnight, Mormacmoon, Pine Bluff, Rich Mountain, Santa Maria, Sea Quail and Seatrain Texas.

HMS Nelson was also with this section.

The English Channel section was escorted by USS Eisner, USS Garfield Thomas, USS Roche and USS Earl K. Olsen.

Around 1305A/27, 'Force 26' joined, which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN).

Around 0945A/28, ' Force 26 ' parted company after ships from the 26th Escort Group had joined, these were the frigates HMCS Beacon Hill (T/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSO, RCNVR), HMCS Montreal (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.L. Campbell, RCNVR) and HMCS New Glasgow (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Hanbury, RCNVR). The frigate HMS Spragge (Lt. W.W. Muir, RN) and HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN) also joined.

The straggling Fisher's Hill and her escort, USS Thornhill was to overtake the English Channel Section.

Around 1315A/28, HMS Nelson was detached to proceed to Portsmouth escorted by HMS Spragge.

Around 1340A/28, the Southend Section was detached. These were the , , and . They were escorted by USS Garfield Thomas and USS Earl K. Olsen.

Around 1600A/28, the convoy arrived in the Solent.

Irish Sea Section

The other section proceeded towards the Irish Sea and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 0915A/28, the Clyde Section was detached escorted by USS Cates.

Around 1300A/28, the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Rowley (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined.

Around 1445A/28, the Bristol Channel Section was detached escorted by USS Wingfield and USS Gandy.

Around 1620A/28, HMS Duckworth and USS Rowley parted company.

Around 2000A/28, the remaining ships arrived off the Bar Light Vessel near Liverpool.

21 Jan 1945
The battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for Plymouth. She is still escorted by the frigates HMS Dovey (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.W.F. Bolland, RNR) and HMS Wye (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Powys-Smith, RNR).

Around 1350A/27 they were joined by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR).

At 0930A/31, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as additional escorts.

HMS Valiant and her escorts arrived at Plymouth on 1 February 1945. (87)

23 Jan 1945
Around 1035A/23, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the tanker North Point (American, 10172 GRT, built 1944).

Rendezvous was affected around 1800A/23.

They arrived in Barry Roads around 1145A/24. (81)

24 Jan 1945
Around 1330A/24, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Barry Roads for Plymouth. (81)

25 Jan 1945
Around 0930A/25, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Plymouth from Barry Roads. (81)

26 Jan 1945

LST return convoy No.3

This convoy departed Cawsand Bay (Plymouth) around 0930A on 26 January 1945.

It was made up of ten LST's, seven YMS's and a tanker.

The ten LST's were the following; USS LST-1 (Lt. l. Emley, USNR), USS LST-16 (Lt.(jg) W.J. Kenneally, USCGR), USS LST-72 (Lt. C.B. Huber, USNR), USS LST-73 (Lt. H.M. Crossan, USN), USS LST-309 (Lt. Wm.H.A. Hauser, USNR), USS LST-377 (Lt. J.P. Cunningham, USNR), USS LST-378 (Lt. E.C. Anderson, USNR), USS LST-379 (Lt. J.B. Chase, USNR), USS LST-522 (Lt. S.W.W. Ravel, USNR) and USS LST 980 (Lt. W.F. Westfall, USN).

The seven YMS's were the following, USS YMS-346 (Lt. J.W. Wilke, USNR), USS YMS-348 (Lt. H.C. Lavine, USNR), USS YMS-349 (Lt. R.L. Neal, USNR), USS YMS 351 (Lt. J.J. McDonald, USNR), USS YMS-352 (Lt. N.C. Tomson, USNR), USS YMS-356 (Lt. J.C. Buckley, USNR) and USS YMS-375 (Lt. E.C. Darnell, USNR).

The tanker was the Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian, 6192 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Cawsand Bay the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Gillette (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Daniel, Jr. USNR, with COMCORTDIV 56, T/Cdr. W.L. Harmon, USN on board) and USS Henry R. Kenyon (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Stearns, USNR).

Around 1200A/26, ' Force 26 ' joined, which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN). ' Force 26 ' had departed Plymouth around 1030A/26.

Around 1000A/27, ORP Blyscawica, HrMs Van Galen, HMS Melbreak and HMS Tanatside parted company to join westbound convoy CU 55.

On 4 February, USS Gillette fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe.

On 6 February and 7 February, USS Henry R. Kenyon fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe. The attempt on 6 February had to be broken off.

On 9 February, all seven YMS's fuelled from the Chr. Th. Boe. Around 1600?/9, [time zone not known but probably P or O] the tanker parted company to proceed to Curacao.

Around 0430Q/17, the Norfolk section of the convoy (all LST's, YMS-349 and USS-YMS 375) parted company and entered the Norfolk swept channel.

The remainder of the convoy, the New York Section, arrived at New York on the 18th.

26 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 56.

This convoy departed New York on 26 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943), Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Black Warrior (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Chantilly (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Cristobal (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Cross Keys (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Empire Law (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1944), Empire Protector (British (tanker), 8148 GRT, built 1944), Exhibitor (American, 6736 GRT, built 1940), Exminster (American, 6683 GRT, built 1944), Explorer (American, 6736 GRT, built 1939), Fair Wind (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), General G.O. Squier (American, 9943 GRT, built 1942), General J.R. Brooke (American, 9943 GRT, built 1943), General T.H. Bliss (American, 9943 GRT, built 1942), George Washington (American, 23788 GRT, built 1908), J.W. McAndrew (American, 7997 GRT, built 1940), Lone Jack (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Robin (American, 11757 GRT, built 1944), Nordahl Grieg (Norwegian (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Quaker Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Robin Sherwood (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Rogue River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Valdosta Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1945), Warrior (American, 6165 GRT, built 1943), Washita (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Wauhatchie (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and White Falcon (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944).

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Clark (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Hopkins, USNR, with COMTASKUNIT 61.4, T/Capt. H.T. Chase, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Price (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Higgins, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 58, T/Cdr. E.E. Garcia, USN on board), USS Strickland (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Hopkins, USNR), Forster (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Clayton, USNR), Stockdale (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Luther, USNR) and Hissem (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Low, USNR).

Around 0300Q/27, the Warrior returned to New York due to damage to her hull. Around the same time the George Washington joined which apparently had sailed later to overtake and join the convoy. She was being escorted by the USS Stockdale.

Around 1000Q/27, the Boston Section of eight ships joined, these were the;
Cape Horn (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Chapel Hill Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), frederick Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942), James Parker (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Malden Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Sweepstakes (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and Thomson Lykes (American, 6762 GRT, built 1940).

The Boston Section had departed there also on the 26th and was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Edsall (Lt.Cdr. M. MacLean, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 59, T/Cdr. A.W. Slayden, USN on board), USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Wilson, Jr., USNR), USS Daniel (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Boynton, USNR) and USS Clarence L. Evans (Cdr. W.C. Hughes, USNR).

Around 2210N/1, the Irish Sea Section parted company in approximate position 45°48'N, 26°00'W.

Irish Sea section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Aztec, Brandywine, Chantilly, Elisabeth Bakke, Empire Law, Nordahl Grieg, Quaker Hill and Washita.

This section was escorted by the USS Price, USS Strickland and USS Daniel.

Around 1650Z/4, the frigates (from the 15th Escort Group) HMS Louis (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN), HMS Inglis (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.P. Cobbold, RNVR), HMS Lawson (Lt. J.P. Somerville, RN), HMS Loring (Lt. J.A. Ogilvy, RN) and HMS Narborough (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Muttram, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 0330Z/5, the Landing Ship Infantry HMS Royal Ulsterman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.T. Cook, DSC, RNR) joined.

Around 0735Z/5, the five British frigates of the 15th Escort Group, which had joined the previous day, were relieved by five frigates from the 5th Escort Group; these were HMS Bligh (Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN), HMS Grindall (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D. Turquand-Young, RNVR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, DSC, RNR), HMS Kempthorne (Lt. H.J.A. Wilson, RN) and HMS Tyler (A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Ranking, RN).

Around 0945A/5, the Liverpool section of the convoy parted company escorted by USS Price. They arrived off / at Liverpool in the afternoon.

The remainder of the Irish Sea Section arrived in Barry Roads early on the 6th.

English Channel Section.

The other section proceeded towards the English Channel and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 0800Z/4, ' Force 26 ' joined in approximate position 47°52'N, 06°51'W which was made up of the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN).

Around 0820Z/4, the transports Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944) and Straat Malakka (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939) joined coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on 1 February.

Around 1530Z/4, the frigate HMS Loch Fada (Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) joined.

Around 1930Z/4, the Straat Malakka parted company to proceed to Falmouth escorted by HMS Loch Fada.

Around 0020Z/5, HMS Faulknor, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Tanatside parted company fter the frigates HMS Garlies (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.M.M. Stamp, RNVR), HMS Gore (Lt. J.V. Reeves-Brown, DSC, RN) and HMS Hoste (Lt. P.J.H. Hoare, RN) had joined.

Around 0115Z/5, the frigates HMS Hargood (Cdr. P.G. MacIver, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Holmes (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.S. Boyle, RNVR), HMS Ascension (Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR) and the motor torpedo boats MTB 750 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.A.C. Findlay, RNVR) and MTB 760 (T/Lt. N.G. Kennedy, RNVR) joined.

Around 0415A/5, the Black Warrior was detached to proceed direct to Cherbourg escorted by HMS Garlies, HMS Gore and HMS Hoste.

Around 0645A/5, the convoy stopped off the Isle of Wight as it was unable to enter the Solent due to thick fog.

Around 1300A/5, the convoy commenced to enter the Solent after the visibility had improved. By 1700A/5, the entire convoy was at anchor in the Solent. Parts of the convoy departed for their respective destinations later the same day.

28 Jan 1945
Around 1515A/28, 'Force 26', which was made up of the destroyers ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN), returned to Plymouth after escort duties.

They had first escorted ' LST return convoy No.3 ' and after having been detached from this convoy they had joined the English Channel Section of convoy CU 55.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' LST return convoy No.3 ' for 26 January 1945 and ' Convoy CU 55 ' for 18 January 1945.] (81)

30 Jan 1945
Around 1300A/30, HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) and her current escort. The (damaged) battleship was approaching the U.K. coming from Freetown.

[For more info see the event regarding HMS Valiant for 21 January 1945.] (81)

1 Feb 1945
Around 1015A/1, the (damaged) battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), frigates HMS Dovey (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.W.F. Bolland, RNR), HMS Wye (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Powys-Smith, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) arrived at Plymouth. (88)

3 Feb 1945
Around 1745A/3, ' Force 26 ', which was made up of the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN), departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the English Channel Section of convoy CU 56.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 56 ' for 26 January 1945.] (81)

5 Feb 1945
Around 0845A/5, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) was joined off Falmouth by the transport Straat Malakka (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939) which she then escorted to Milford Haven off which port they arrived around 2100A/5.

HrMs Van Galen did not enter Milford Haven but was joined by the Landing Ship Infantry HMS Royal Ulsterman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.T. Cook, DSC, RNR) which she then escorted to Fowey off which place they arrived around 1030A/6.

HrMs Van Galen then proceed to Plymouth where she arrived around 1200A/6. (81)

8 Feb 1945
Around 0015A/8, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Plymouth for Southampton where she is to refit at the Thornycroft shipyard. (81)

9 Feb 1945
In the morning, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Southampton from Plymouth. She had spent the night at anchor off Netley. (81)

12 Feb 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) is taken in hand for a much needed refit at the Thornycroft shipyard. (81)

17 Apr 1945
During her refit at Southampton, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.L. Capel, RNethN) is docked in No.4 dock. (89)

28 Apr 1945
During her refit at Southampton, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) is undocked. (89)

3 May 1945
During her refit at Southampton, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) is docked in No.4 dock. (89)

11 May 1945
During her refit at Southampton, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) is undocked. (89)

21 Jun 1945
With her refit completed, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN), commenced a port refit trial period which was completed on 24 June 1945. (89)

24 Jun 1945
Around 2130A/24, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) departed Spithead for Scapa Flow. (89)

26 Jun 1945
Around 0900A/26, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a post-refit work-up programme. (89)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises at Scapa Flow with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises. (90)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises at Scapa Flow with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises. (91)

6 Jul 1945
In the morning, HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN).

In the afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) also joined the exercises.

The destroyers also conducted torpedo firing exercises.

In the evening HrMs Van Galen conducted speed trials on the measured mile. She then left Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth and returned to Scapa Flow the following morning. (91)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt.Cdr. N.L.A. Jewell, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN). (92)

10 Jul 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt.Cdr. N.L.A. Jewell, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow. Target was the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises. (92)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted refuelling at sea exercises. (89)

13 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa flow.

These were followed by A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR).

Finally exercises with aircraft were carried out before HrMs Van Galen returned to Scapa Flow. (89)

14 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Armada (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (89)

16 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Armada (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

HrMs Van Galen later briefly joined the screen of several ships of the Home Fleet during an A/S exercise. (89)

16 Jul 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt.Cdr. N.L.A. Jewell, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Rodney and ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) served as the targets. These ships were escorted by HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess). (92)

17 Jul 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt.Cdr. N.L.A. Jewell, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess).

HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises.

HMS Glasgow also conducted radar calibration trials. (92)

18 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR).

Later gunnery exercises were carried out with HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN). (89)

19 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

HrMs Van Galen then conducted rangefinding and inclination exercise (RIX) using HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) as target. HMS Bellona was at anchor though.

In the afternoon, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR). (89)

20 Jul 1945
In the morning, HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Hopper, DSC, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess) departed Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth. Due to fog the exercises were however cancelled and the destroyers returned to Scapa Flow. (89)

21 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow during which ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess) acted as target.

These were followed by A/S exercises together with HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN). The A/S target was HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR).

Following the A/S exercises, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Comet conducted rangefinding and inclination exercises (RIX), AA gunnery and towing exercises. (89)

23 Jul 1945
During the morning, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR). (89)

24 Jul 1945
In the late afternoon and early evening, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN) and HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

On completion of the exercises HrMs Van Galen and HMS Scourge set course for Portsmouth. (89)

26 Jul 1945
Around 0730A/26, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN) arrived in Spithead where they anchored. (89)

28 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) proceeded to the Portsmouth Dockyard. (89)

2 Aug 1945
Around 1800A/2, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) departed Portsmouth for Rotterdam. (89)

3 Aug 1945
Around 1000A/3, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) arrived at Rotterdam from Portsmouth.

Almost the entire crew now went on leave, most of them had not seen their loved ones for several years. (89)

23 Aug 1945
Around 1430A/23, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) departed Rotterdam for Portsmouth. (89)

24 Aug 1945
Around 0900A/24, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) arrived at Portsmouth from Rotterdam.

On 15 September 1945 she departed Portsmouth for the Dutch East Indies. (89)

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