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Notable events involving Pictou include:

1 Jun 1941

Convoy HX 130.

This convoy departed Halifax on 1 June 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Ashworth (British, 5227 GRT, built 1920), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Brabant (Belgian, 2483 GRT, buil 1938), British Valour (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1927), City of Johannesburg (British, 5669 GRT, built 1920), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Empire Elk (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Empire Leopard (British, 5781 GRT, built 1917), Gyda (British, 1695 GRT, built 1934), Hallanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1928), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Marit (Norwegian (tanker), 5563 GRT, built 1918), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Peterton (British, 5221 GRT, built 1919), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), Sommerstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5923 GRT, built 1926), Spind (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1917), Thornliebank (British, 5569 GRT, built 1939) and Willesden (British, 4653 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Pictou (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Driver, RCNR) and HMCS Rimouski (T/Lt. J.W. Bonner, RCNR).

Around 1500P/1, the Daphnella returned to Halifax due to engine trouble.

Around 1955P/1, HMCS Pictou parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 2115P/1, HMCS Rimouski parted company to return to Halifax.

At dawn on 4 June 1941 it was seen that some ships were missing of which the Empire Elk was not seen again.

Around 0900P/5, in approximate position 43°05'N, 49°30'W, convoy BHX 130, coming from Bermuda, merged with the convoy. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amastra (British (tanker), 8031 GRT, built 1935), Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), British Courage (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1928), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Laurits Swenson (Norwegian, 5725 GRT, built 1930), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Nyholt (Norwegian (tanker), 8087 GRT, built 1931), Refast (British (tanker) 5189 GRT, built 1914), Samuel Bakke (Norwegian, 4719 GRT, built 1929), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935) and Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928).

Convoy BHX 130 had been escorted from Bermuda to the rendezvous position by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) which then parted company to proceed to Halifax.

Around 0800P/6, in position 44°42'N, 46°24'W, convoy SHX 130 merged with the convoy. This convoy had departed Sydney, Nova Scotia on 1 June 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alioth (British, 4583 GRT, built 1937), Chepo (Panamanian, 5707 GRT, built 1919), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Kronprinsessan Margareta (Swedish, 3739 GRT, built 1914), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Taborfjell (Norwegian, 1339 GRT, built 1938), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926) and Tucurinca (British, 5412 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Sydney, convoy SHX 130, had been briefly escorted by the auxiliary M/S trawler HMCS Rayon d'Or (?).

Another merchant vessel, the Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936) had straggled from convoy SHX 130 on 6 June 1941 and thus did not join convoy HX 130. She arrived at Reykjavik on 12 June 1941.

Around 1730P/7, in position 48°19'N, 45°49'W, the destroyers HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN), HMS Burnham (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Agassiz (Lt. B.D.L. Johnson, RCNR), HMCS Alberni (Lt. G.O. Baugh, RCNR) and HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN) joined coming from St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Around 1900P/7, HMS Burnham and HMCS Alberni were detached to join convoy SC 33. This convoy was later ordered to proceed in close convoy HX 130 and proceed in very close proximity astern of convoy HX 130. The A/S escorts, HMS Churchill, HMS Burnham, HMCS Agassiz, HMCS Alberni and HMCS Wetaskiwin then protected both convoys.

On 8 June 1941, the New York City straggled from the convoy. She proceeded to St. Johns, Newfoundland where she arrived on 15 June 1941.

Around 1830P/9, in position 53°41'N, 46°45'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0500O/15, the current A/S escort of HMCS Agassiz, HMCS Alberni and HMCS Wetaskiwin was relieved in approximate position 60°36'N, 25°58'W, by a new group of A/S escorts. It seems that HMS Churchill and HMS Burnham had already been detached at that time as they arrived at Hvalfjord on 15 and 14 June respectively. The three Canadian corvettes arrived at Hvalfjord on 16 June.

The new group of A/S escorts was was made up of the following ships; cutters HMS Banff (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN), HMS Culver (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR), HMS Hartland (A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN), destroyers HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR) minesweepers HMS Niger (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR) and HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.A. Campbell, RNR). [It is possible / likely these did not all join at the same time.] The armed boarding vessel / fighter catapult ship HMS Ariguani (Cdr.(Retd.) R.A. Thorburn, RD, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 15 June 1941, the Norbryn parted company with the convoy and joined convoy SC 33 instead.

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

Loch Ewe, 18 June 1941;
Amastra, Ary Lensen, Athelprince, British Engineer, British Valour, Cape Wrath, Dalross, Danae II, Donax, Empire Leopard, Peterton, Scottish Heather, Tetela and Willesden.

Clyde, 19 June 1941;
Athelduchess, City of Johannesburg, Hallanger, Iroquois, Kronprinsessan Margareta, Nyholt, San Arcadio, San Florentino and Thornliebank.

Liverpool, 20 June 1941;
Alioth, Benedict, British Courage, British Tenacity, Chepo, Gyda, Kaipara, King Frederick, Laurits Swenson, Refast, Romney, Samuel Bakke, San Gerardo, Sommerstad, Taborfjell and Tucurinca.

Barry Roads, 21 June 1941;
Ashworth, Brabant, British Dominion, Marit, Narragansett and Spind.

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

Londonderry, 19 June 1941;
HMS Watchman, HMS Sardonyx, HMS Banff, HMS Culver, HMS Fishguard, HMS Hartland and HMS Violet.

Clyde, 19 June 1941;
HMS Ariguani.

Londonderry, 20 June 1941;
HMS Heliotrope, HMS Petunia, HMS Verbena, HMS Northern Gem and HMS Northern Pride. (1)

7 May 1943

Convoy HX 238.

This convoy departed New York on 7 May 1943.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Atlanta City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bralanta (Norwegian (tanker), 9608 GRT, built 1936), British Fidelity (British (tanker), 8465 GRT, built 1938), Cyrus Field (British (cable ship), 1288 GRT, built 1924), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edwin M. Stanton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Elizabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Elmer A. Sperry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nugget (British (tanker), 9807 GRT, built 1942), Evita (Norwegian (tanker), 6346 GRT, built 1927), Fort Acton (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 11194 GRT, built 1932), Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920), Kaldfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9931 GRT, built 1936), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Lista (British, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Montevideo (Norwegian, 4639 GRT, built 1928), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Norvinn (Panamanian, 6322 GRT, built 1930), O.B. Sorensen (Norwegian (tanker), 7919 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Philipp Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert E. Peary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), Southern Sun (American (tanker), 8893 GRT, built 1931) and William J. Worth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN), carrying new aircraft was also part of the convoy. She was not able to operate aircraft.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMCS Lethbridge (T/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR), HMCS Oakville (T/Lt. H. Farncomb, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMCS Brockville (Lt. R.C. Chenoweth, RCNVR).

On 9 May 1943, the following merchant vessels departed Halifax to join the convoy Aedanus Burke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alcedo (Panamanian, 1392 GRT, built 1937), Argolicos (Greek, 4786 GRT, built 1921), Bruarfoss (Icelandic, 1580 GRT, built 1927), Cavina (British, 6907 GRT, 1924), City of Glasgow (British, 5321 GRT, 1920), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Tjisalak (Dutch, 5787 GRT, built 1917) and Troubadour (Norwegian, 5808 GRT, built 1920).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR) and the corvettes HMCS Shawinigan (T/Lt. C.P. Balfry, RCNR), HMCS Sudbury (T/Lt. D.S. Martin, RCNR) and the minesweeper HMCS Milltown (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Marshall, RCNVR).

On these ships from Halifax joining, most likely on 10 May, the Cyrus Field parted company with the convoy to proceed, with the original escort, to Halifax where they arrived on 11 May 1943.

On 12 May 1943, the merchant vessels Stephen A. Douglas (American, 7219 GRT, built 1942) and Wendell Phillips (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) sailed from St.John's, Newfoundland to join the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), corvettes HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. H.L. Quinn, RCNVR), HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR), HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR), HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. W.G.N. Aplin, RNR). The rescue tug HMS Samsonia was also with them. They joined the convoy on 13 May 1943. On these ship joining HMS Chelsea, HMCS Shawinigan, HMCS Sudbury and HMCS Milltown were detached to proceed to St. John's.

On the 14th the destroyer HMS Burnham (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and corvette HMCS La Malbaie (T/Lt. J.S. Davis, RCNVR) departed St. John's to overtake and join the convoy.

Around 0415A/20, HMS Fencer and HMCS Skeena to proceed to Belfast and Londonderry respectively.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 21/22 May 1943.

31 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Northern Sky (T/Lt. O.B. Egjar, RNR), HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR), HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR) and HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. H.L. Quinn, RCNVR). (2)

18 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR), HMCS Saskatchewan (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR). (3)

19 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR), HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Saskatchewan (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR). (4)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle, first with HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR) and later with HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR). (5)

15 Dec 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Rimouski (T/Lt. R.J. Pickford, RCNVR), HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. H.L. Quinn, RCNVR), HMCS Saskatchewan (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and HMCS Pictou (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.K. Fox, RCNVR). (6)

16 Dec 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN), HMCS Pictou (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.K. Fox, RCNVR), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and aircraft. (6)

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