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Notable events involving Bligh include:

6 May 1944
German U-boat U-765 was sunk in the North Atlantic west of Ireland, in position 52°30'N, 28°28'W, by depth charges from a Swordfish aircraft (825 Sqn FAA/V) of the British escort carrier HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) and the British frigates HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR (retired)) and HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN).

27 May 1944
HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships of the 5th Escort Group which was made up of the frigates HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Goodson (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR). (1)

28 May 1944
HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships of the 5th Escort Group which was made up of the frigates HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Goodson (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR). (1)

29 May 1944
HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships of the 5th Escort Group which was made up of the frigates HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Goodson (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR). (1)

15 Aug 1944

Operation Victual passage of convoys JW 59 and RA 59A between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa, and Operation Goodwood, to provide cover for these convoys and to attack the German battleship Tirpitz in the Kaafjord.

Operation Victual.

Convoy JW 59.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 15 August 1944 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Dauray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Clark Howell (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward L. Grant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elijah Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Buttress (British (crane ship), 2905 GRT, built 1943), F.T. Freylingh Uysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Frank Gilbreth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Herbrand (Norwegian (tanker), 9108 GRT, built 1935), John La Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Josephine Shaw Lowell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Oakley Wood (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samcalia (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samconstant (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samidway (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samloyal (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsuva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samtredy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, GRT, built 1943), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas H. Sumner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

The rescue ship Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) was also with the convoy.

Also with the convoy were eleven Russian patrol vessels / submarine chasers, these were BO-213 (former SC-1484), BO-214 (former SC-1480), BO-215 (former SC-1496), BO-216 (former SC-1488), BO-218 (former SC-1492), BO-219 (former SC-1475), BO-220 (former SC-1490), BO-221 (former SC-1481), BO-222 (former SC-1498), BO-223 (former SC-1476) and BO-224 (former SC-1507).

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Cdr. A.H. Thorold, DSC, OBE, RN, Senior Officer), HMS Kite (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN), HMS Mermaid (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Mosse, RN), HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RNR), frigate HMS Loch Dunvegan (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Oxlip (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Charlock (T/Lt. J.E.B. Healy, RNVR).

On the 16th the escort carriers HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN) and the destroyers Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Scapa Flow. The destroyers were to proceed to Skaalefjord. They were detached around 0930B/17, when the other ships joined the convoy. The destroyers arrived at Skaalefjord later that day. They were replaced by the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) which had departed Skaalefjord earlier on the 17th.

On 17 August 1944, the Russian battleship Archangelsk departed Scapa Flow to first rendezvous with eight Russian destroyers coming from Skaalefjord and then join the convoy. On departure from Scapa Flow the Archangelsk was escorted by the British destroyers HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN).

On the 18th the Russian destroyers Derzkij, Dejatelnyj, Doblestnyj, Dostojnyj, Zarkij, Zguchij, Zivuchij and Zostkij, departed Skaalefjord to make rendezvous with the Archangelsk in position 62°20'N, 05°30'W. They were brought out to the rendezvous by the British destroyer HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) which parted company on the Russian destroyers joining the Russian battleship. The three British destroyers that had brought out the Russian battleship from Scapa Flow then proceeded to Skaalefjord to fuel.

At 2250B/20, the Archangelsk and the eight Russian destroyers joined the convoy.

Several German U-boats attacked the convoy during its passage. The only success was, U-344 which sank the sloop Kite with two FAT torpedoes (out of three fired) on 21 August. U-344 was sunk the next day by a Swordfish from HMS Vindex and U-354 was sunk on 24 August by HMS Mermaid and HMS Loch Dunvegan.

The convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 25 August.

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Convoy RA 59A.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 28 August 1944 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Barbara Frietchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Bard (British, 3114 GRT, built 1942), Empire Elgar (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Herbrand (Norwegian (tanker), 9108 GRT, built 1935), Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929) and W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Vindex, HMS Striker, light cruiser HMS Jamaica, destroyers HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Musketeer, HMS Caprice, HMS Keppel, HMS Whitehall, sloops HMS Cygnet, HMS Mermaid, HMS Peacock, frigate HMS Loch Dunvegan and the corvettes HMS Bluebell, HMS Camellia, HMS Charlock, HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Oxlip.

On 2 September 1944, a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Vindex attacked the German U-boat U-394. The German submarine was the sunk by HMS Keppel, HMS Whitehall, HMS Mermaid and HMS Peacock.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 5 September 1944.

HMS Vindex, HMS Striker, HMS Jamaica, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Musketeer, HMS Caprice arrived at Scapa Flow in the afternoon of 5 September 1944 after having been detached from the convoy around 0200B/5.

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Opertion Goodwood.

The object of this operation was to inflict sufficient damage on the German battleship Tirpitz and to put her out of action for the remainder of the war and to provide cover for the passage of convoys JW 59 and RA 59A against attack by the Tirpitz in case the air attacks on the Tirpitz failed to put her out of action. For the operation ' Force 1 ', made up of the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Scapa Flow on the 18th.

' Force 1 ' sailed in company with ' Force 2 ', which was made up of the escort carriers HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), HMS Nabob (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RCN), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN), and the frigates HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR).

Also on the 18th, a tanker force, ' Force 9 ' departed Scapa Flow. It was made up of the RFA tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR) and HMS Starwort (T/A/Lt.Cdr. M.F. Villiers-Stuart, RNVR).

Around 1900B/18, the destroyer HMS Cassandra joined company having first escorted eight Russian destroyers to their rendezvous (see above).

At 0800B/19, HMS Kempenfelt, HMS Zambesi and HMS Cassandra were detached to return to Scapa Flow.

Also on the 19th the destroyers HMS Scorpion, HMS Scourge, HMS Serapis, HMS Verulam, HMS Virago, HMS Volage, HMCS Algonquin, HMS Whirlwind, HMS Wrangler and HMS Cambrian joined ' Force 1 '.

On 20 August the weather was found unsuitable to attack the Tirpitz.

On 21 August the destroyer HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) and frigate HMS Grindall (Cdr. W. Cole, RD, RNR) departed Scapa Flow to join ' Force 9 '.

On 22 August another attempt was made to attack the Tirpitz. 32 Barracudas, 24 Corsairs, 11 Fireflies, 9 Hellcats and 8 Seafires took off from the three fleet carriers. During the attacks Tirpitz was not hit. Four German BV-138, one He-115 and two Ar-196 were destroyed. The German submarine U-965 had just left Hammerfest when she was attacked by aircraft from HMS Indomitable. She sustained three dead and eight wounded among her crew and returned to Hammerfest shortly after having sailed. Three British aircraft were lost. Part of ' Force 1 ' then proceeded to a rendezvous with ' Force 9 ' to fuel.

Also on the 22nd, the German submarine U-354 managed to hit and damage HMS Nabob with a FAT torpedo. A T-5 (Gnat) torpedo was then fired to finish off the stricken ship but it hit the frigate HMS Bickerton. The stricken frigate was beyond salvage and was later scuttled by a torpedo from HMS Vigilant. The damaged HMS Nabob was escorted back to Scapa Flow arriving on 27 August together with HMS Trumpeter. On arrival at Scapa Flow they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt, HMS Cassandra, HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) and the frigate HMS Kempthorne. These four destroyers had departed Scapa Flow to rendezvous with the escort carriers and take over escort from the frigates HMS Aylmer, HMS Bligh and HMS Keats which arrived at the Faeroer Islands on the 27th.

On the 24th another air strike was flown off. 33 Barracudas, 24 Corsairs, 10 Hellcats, 10 Fireflies and 8 Seafires were flown off from the fleet carriers but further to the south then the previous attack so as to archive surprise by approaching undetected. This however failed and by the time the actual attack on the Tirpitz started she was completely obscured by smoke the Tirpitz. Two hits were obtained but one bomb did not explode. Also other targets were attacked and some damage was done. Six British aircraft were lost in the attack.

On 26 August part of ' Force 1 ', HMS Duke of York, HMS Devonshire, HMS Myngs, HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Sioux, HMS Scorpion, HNoMS Stord arrived at Thorshavn, Faeroer Islands to fuel. They departed to resume operations on the 27th. HMS Furious and HMS Serapis also arrived at Thorshavn on the 26th but did not departed again. They proceeded from Thorshavn to Scapa Flow on the 28th. They had been joined by the frigates HMS Aylmer, HMS Bligh and HMS Keats.

Also on the 26th, HMS Berwick and HMS Kent were detached to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 28th.

Also on the 26th, HMS Whirlwind arrived at Scapa Flow having been detached earlier due to engine defects.

Another air attack was carried out on the 29th. 26 Barracudas, 17 Corsairs, 10 Fireflies, 7 Hellcats and 7 Seafires were flown off. Again the Tirpitz was completely covered in smoke. No direct hits were obtained on the battleship but some splinter damage was done. The 7 Seafires claimed results during an attack on Hammerfest. Two British aircraft were shot down by enemy AA fire.

HMS Indefatigable, escorted by HMS Scorpion, HMCS Algonquin and HMS Wrangler, were detached on the 29th and HMS Formidable, escorted by HNoMS Stord and HMS Volage on the 30th. HMS Indefatigable and her three escorting destroyers arrived at Scapa Flow at 0730B/1, HMS Formidable her her two escorting destroyers arrived at Scapa Flow at 0830B/2.

HMS Duke of York, HMS Devonshire, HMS Myngs, HMS Vigilant, HMS Virago, HMCS Sioux, HMS Cambrian and HMS Scourge arrived at Scapa Flow at 0700B/3. (2)

16 Aug 1944
The aircraft carriers HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN) and HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN) all conducted flying exercises off Scapa Flow. They were, most likely, escorted by the destroyers HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), and the frigates HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Grindall (Cdr. W. Cole, RD, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR) (3)

18 Aug 1944
' Force 2 ', made up of the escort carriers HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), HMS Nabob (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RCN), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN), and the frigates HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for operation Goodwood.

[See the event ' Operation Victual passage of convoys JW 59 and RA 59A between the U.K. and Northern Russia, and Operation Goodwood, to provide cover for these convoys and to attack the German battleship Tirpitz in the Kaafjord ' for 15 August 1944 for more info.] (4)

18 Aug 1944
Around 1215B/18, ' Force 1 ', made up of the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Scapa Flow on the 18th for operation Goodwood.

' Force 1 ' sailed in company with ' Force 2 ', which was made up of the escort carriers HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), HMS Nabob (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RCN), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN), and the frigates HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN), HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR).

[For more info see the event ' Operation Victual passage of convoys JW 59 and RA 59A between the U.K. and Northern Russia, and Operation Goodwood, to provide cover for these convoys and to attack the German battleship Tirpitz in the Kaafjord ' for 15 August 1944.] (2)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Una (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bligh. (5)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group which included HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN). the other ships of this group (5th Escort Group) were most likely HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR). (6)

7 Nov 1944
The accidental firing of an Anti-Aircraft gun in Liverpool docks leaded to death and injury on the troopship Cape town Castle moored opposite. HMS Bligh then escorted convoy KMF-36 which sailed soon afterwards to Port Said. (7)

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 (T/Lt. W.B. de Quincey, RNVR), HMS Grindall (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D. Turquand-Young, RNVR, with the Commanding Officer of the 5th Escort Group, Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN, on board), 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.

27 Jan 1945
The German U-boat U-1172 was sunk in St George's Channel, in position 52°24'N, 05°42'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Tyler (A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Ranking, RN), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bligh (Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN).

6 Feb 1945

Combined convoy ON 283 / OS 109 / KMS 83.

The Channel section of this combined convoy sailed on 5 February 1945 from Southend.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Bertram G. Goodhue (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Elijah Cobb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Canning (British, 6997 GRT, built 1944), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Fort Musquarro (British, 7130 GRT, built 1944), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Irving Babbitt (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), James D. Trask (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), La Pampa (British, 4149 GRT, built 1938), Louis Bamberger (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Stephen W. Kearny (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Rigoletto (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923).

This section was later joined by the merchant vessel Empire Ganges (British (tanker), 3744 GRT, built 1944) coming from Cowes roads, Joshua L. Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) coming from St. Helens Roads, President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935) (also to serve as escort oiler) and Alfred I. DuPont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944) coming from Plymouth. Also joining later were the landing ship HMS LST 368 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J Livingston, RNR) which came from Portsmouth and the landing ships HMS LST 410 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.C. Page, RNR), HMS LST 413 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.L. Phillips, RNR), HMS LST 427 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. V. Elsom, RNR) and HMS LST 538 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.D.W. Wright, RNR) which joined coming from Falmouth as did the USN tugs USS Owl (Lt.(jg) J.H. Thomas, USNR) and USS Cormorant (T/Lt. W.T. Davern, USN).

On departure from Southend they were escorted by the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the corvette HMS Loosestrife (Lt. W. Atkinson, RNR).

Around 0430A/7, the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Delphinium (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rule, RNVR) and HMS Stonecrop (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.N.F. Appleyard, RNVR) joined off Portland. They came from Plymouth which they had departed on 6 February.

On reaching position 180° - Bishops Rock - 8 nautical miles the convoy split into convoy ONA 283 and OS 109 / KMS 83.

ONA 283 (the Channel section of convoy ON 283) was made up by the following merchant vessels;
Alfred I. DuPont, Bertram G. Goodhue, Elijah Cobb, Empire Canning, Fort Musquarro, Henry L. Benning, Irving Babbitt, James D. Trask, Joshua L. Chamberlain, La Pampa, Louis Bamberger and Stephen W. Kearny. They were escorted by HMS Vimy, HMS Loosestrife and HMS Stonecrop and this section was to make rendezvous with the Irish Sea section of Convoy ON 283 (ONB 283) in position 50°00'N, 10°00'W. The escorts of ONA 283 were then to part company and join convoy HX 335.

The Channel section of the combined convoy OS 109 / KMS 83 was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Briarwood, Empire Caxton, Empire Ganges, English Prince, Isipingo, Jenny and Rigoletto. They were escorted by HMS Alisma and HMS Delphinium and were to make rendezvous with the Irish Sea section of this combined convoy in position 50°24'N, 08°02'W. These two corvettes were to join convoy MKS 81 later.

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The Irish Sea section of this convoy was made up of three sections, from the Clyde, Liverpool and Milford Haven.

The Clyde section of this combined convoy sailed on 6 February 1945.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amastra (British (tanker), 8031 GRT, built 1935), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Industry (British (tanker), 8203 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Nyhorn (Norwegian, 4494 GRT, built 1929) and Pozarica (Italian (tanker), 7799 GRT, built 1940).

The MAC ship (Merchantile Aircraft Carrier) Empire MacMahon (British (tanker), 8856 GRT, built 1943), rescue ship Empire Rest (British, 1333 GRT, built 1944) and ecort oiler British Energy (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931) (she came from Londonderry which she had departed on 6 February) were also part of this section.

The submarine HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) and landing ship HMS LST 421 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Penney, RNR) were also part of this section.

The Clyde section was later joined by the merchant vessel Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929) coming from Belfast.

The Amastra however soon had to return to the Clyde due to engine defects. She arrived there later on the 6th.

On departure from the Clyde they were escorted by the frigates HMCS Lanark (A/Cdr. B.D.L. Johnson, OBE, RCNR) and Hawkesbury (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Weston, RANR(S)). The corvette HMCS Owen Sound (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.M. Watson, RCNR) joined coming from Londonderry

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The Liverpool section of this combined convoy sailed on 6 February 1945.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Backhuysen (Dutch (tanker), 8194 GRT, built 1942), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Empire Ortolan (British, 4970 GRT, built 1919), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Inchanga (British, 7069 GRT, built 1934), James Whitcomb Riley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Morris Hillquit (American, 7210 GRT, 1944), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Niso (British (tanker), 8273 GRT, 1944), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937), Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925), Thomas B. King (American, 7198 GRT, built 1942), Thomas J. Lyons (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), W.S. Jennings (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944) and Zane Grey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Liverpool they were escorted by the sloop HMS Wren (Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Oakham Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Lyons, RNVR) and HMS Aubretia (A/Lt.Cdr. G.D. Fowler, RNR).

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The Milford Haven section of this combined convoy sailed on 7 February 1945. Some ships joined coming directly from the Bristol Channel.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Abraham Rosenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Arthur R. Lewis (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Cavina (British, 6907 GRT, 1924), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), David G. Burnet (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edmond Mallet (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward G. Janeway (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Empire Galahead (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Pennant (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), F. Southall Farrar (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Fort Romaine (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Henry D. Lindsley (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Hugh M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Mayer Wise (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Ivan Topic (Yugoslavian, 4943 GRT, built 1920), James B. Miller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jesse H. Metcalf (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931) (also to serve as escort oiler), Kelmscott (British, 7053 GRT, built 1943), Minor C. Keith (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), North King (Panamanian, 4934 GRT, built 1903), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and William Windom (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Distol (1174 GRT, built 1916) was also part of this convoy.

On departure from Milford Haven they were escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Huddersfield Town (Skr. C.B. Scott, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Breeze (A/Skr.Lt. W.S. Flowers, RNR).

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Early on 7 February, Force 36 supported the Irish Sea section of the combined convoy. Force 36 was made up of the frigates HMS Bligh (T/Lt. W.B. de Quincey, RNVR), HMS Grindall (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D. Turquand-Young, RNVR, with the Commanding Officer of the 5th Escort Group, Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN, on board), 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 0300A/7, the Clyde and Liverpool sections joined company.

Around 0900A/7, the frigate HMCS St. Therese (T/Cdr. J.E. Mitchell, RCNVR) joined coming from Londonderry.

Around 0930A/7, Force 33 joined as temporary reinforcements. Force 33 was made up of the sloop HMS Wild Goose (Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and the frigates HMS Dominica (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR), HMS Labuan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. V.D.H. Bidwell, DSC, RNR), HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR), HMS Loch Fada (Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Loch Ruthven (A/Lt.Cdr. R.T. Horan, RNR).

Around 1000A/7, Force 36 (5th Escort Group), parted company.

Around 1600A/7, the corvette HMCS Copper Cliff (T/Lt.Cdr. F.G. Hutchings, RCNR) joined coming from Milford Haven.

Around 1800A/7, the Milford Haven section joined the Clyde / Liverpool sections. Both escorts of this section did not join the combined convoy.

Around 1900A/7, Force 33 (2nd Escort Group) parted company. [sources are conflicting, one source states that HMS Wild Goose, HMS Labuan and HMS Loch Fada remained with the convoy during the night of 7/8 February.

Around 1900A/7, the combined convoy split but the combined convoy OS 109 / KMS 83 remained in rather close company trailing behind convoy ON 283 during the night until turning southwards around 0700A/8.

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Convoy ON 283 was made up of the following merchant vessels;
A.J. Cermak, Abraham Rosenberg, Arthur R. Lewis, Backhuysen, British Energy (escort oiler), Cavina, David G. Burnet, Edmond Mallet, Edward G. Janeway, Emma Bakke, Empire Industry, Empire MacMahon (MAC ship), Empire Rest (rescue ship), F. Southall Farrar, Fort Romaine, Gdynia, Henry D. Lindsley, Hugh M. Smith, Isaac Mayer Wise, James B. Miller, James Whitcomb Riley, Jesse H. Metcalf, John T. Holt, K.I. Luckenbach, Kaia Knudsen (escort oiler), Kelmscott, Macuba, Manchester Progress, Marija Petrinovic, Minor C. Keith, Morris Hillquit, Niso, North King, Nyhorn, Port Halifax, Prometheus, Taros, Thomas B. King, Thomas J. Lyons, Thomas Stone, W.S. Jennings, Ward Hunt, William Windon and Zane Grey.

They were escorted by HMCS Lanark, HMS Hawkesbury, HMCS St. Therese, HMCS Copper Cliff and HMCS Owen Sound.

Around 1500A/9 the Channel section of the convoy joined company [for it's composition see above]. HMS Vimy, HMS Loosestrife and HMS Stonecrop then parted company.

Around 1200 hours on 10 December, in position 48°46'N, 12°35'W, HMCS St. Therese parted company to proceed to St. John's, Newfoundland where she arrived on 17 February.

On 13 February the USN tugs and the escorts fuelled from the British Energy and the President de Vogue. Also on this day the corvette HMCS Merrittonia (T/Lt. F.K. Ellis, RCNVR) joined the convoy. She had departed St. John's, Newfoundland on 7 February.

Around 1230 hours on 14 February [time zone not given] the Taron dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She rejoined the next day around 1830 hours.

On 15 February HMCS Merrittonia fuelled from the Kaia Knudsen.

At 0748 hours on the 18th, an SOS was received from the Alfred I. DuPont which was already struggling since the 14th with the heavy weather conditions the convoy encountered. She detached from the convoy and was able to reach the Azores on 20 February.

Also USS Cormorant had two holds flooded and HMCS Merrittonia was ordered to stand by the tug but the flooding was brought under control.

At 1620 hours on 18 February the Niso was detached to proceed independently to New Orleans (Good Hope) where she arrived on 4 March.

Around 1100 hours on 21 February, in position 44°46'N, 47°40'W, the current escort, minus HMCS Owen Sound parted company with the convoy to proceed to St. John's, Newfoundland where they arrived on 22 February. At the same time a new escort joined which had departed St. John's on 20 February. This new escort was made up of the minesweeper HMCS Kapuskasing (A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Rankin, OBE, RCNVR), corvettes HMCS Barrie (T/Lt. W.D. Stokvis, RCNVR), HMCS Buctouche (T/Skr.Lt. H.E. Young, RCNR), HMCS Sherbrooke (T/Lt. D.A. Binmore, RCNVR) and HMCS Vancouver (T/Lt. G.C. Campbell, RCNVR).

On 22 February the Kelmscott was detached to St. John's where she arrived the following day.

At 1740 hours on 23 February the following merchant vessels were detached to Halifax;
British Energy, Cavina, Empire MacMahon, Empire Rest, Manchester Progress and Nyhorn. HMCS Owen Sound went with them as escort.

On 25 February the Fort Musquarro was ordered to proceed independently to Baltimore and the Thomas Stone was ordered to proceed independently to Philadelphia.

On 26 February the following ships were detached to Boston (via the Cape Cod Canal) where they arrived the following day;
David G. Burnet, Edmond Mallet, Elijah Cobb, Henry L. Benning, Hugh M. Smith and Jesse H. Metcalf.

Also the Empire Industy was ordered to proceed to Baltimore.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York on 27 February.

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The combined convoy OS 109 / KMS 83 was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Balteako, Boreas, Celtic Monarch, Distol, Empire Addison, Empire Galahad, Empire Pennant, Empire Spey, Fort Frederick, Ivan Topic, King James, Macharda, New Brooklyn, Pozarica, HrMs O 24 and HMS LST 421. They were escorted by HMS Wren, HMS Oakham Castle and HMS Aubretia.

Around 1700A/8, the Channel section of the convoy joined company. [for it's composition see above]. Their escorts, HMS Alisma and HMS Delphinium also joined the convoy.

Around 1430A/9, HMS Wren was detached to return to Liverpool and HMS Alisma, HMS Aubretia and HMS Delphinium were to join convoy MKS 81 and had already parted company A.M. on the 9th.

Around 1800A/9, in position 48°00'N, 08°30'W, the ships belonging to convoy OS 109 were detached. They were to proceed independently to their destinations. This were the following merchant vessels; Briarwood (arrived at Dakar on 20 February), Celtic Monarch (arrived at Freetown on 23 February), Empire Galahad (arrived at Buenos Aires on 5 March), Empire Pennant (arrived at Montevideo on 5 March), Isipingo (arrived at Takoradi on 23 February), Ivan Topic (arrived at Dakar on 20 February), Jenny (arrived at Freetown on 21 February but made a short stop at Dakar to land an injured crew member on 19 February) and New Brooklyn (arrived at Takoradi on 26 February).

The Rigotello (arrived at Freetown on 21 February) parted company on the 10th.

Convoy KMS 83 continued towards Gibraltar with the remaining vessels escorted by HMS Oakham Castle.

Around 0800Z/13, in position 42°17'N, 13°36'W, the patrol vessels HMS Kilmelford (Lt. W. Harold, RNZNVR) and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR) joined.

Around 0800Z/14, in position 39°00'N, 13°29'W, the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) joined.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 16 February but some of the merchant vessels immediately proceeded into the Mediterranean to continue their voyage independently and unescorted. (8)

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