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Notable events involving Berkeley Castle include:

7 Jan 1944
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Ettrick (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.J.T. Monsarrat, RNVR), HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (1)

8 Jan 1944
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (2)

20 Jan 1944
In company with HMS Carisbrooke Castle en route to Newfoundland. The latter broke down and was towed for several days by Berkeley Castle and arrived off Argentia in bad weather. Authorities stated that conditions too bad for the ships to enter harbour or for the tug to operate. However the Commanding Officer of Berkeley Castle would have none of it and successfully towed Carisbrooke Castle into harbour and to her berth. (3)

1 Feb 1944
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) and HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN). (4)

5 Feb 1944

Convoy HX 278.

This convoy departed New York on 5 February 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; A Frank Lever (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Alan-A-Dale (Panamanian, 4646 GRT, built 1938), Andrea Gritti (Italian, 6404 GRT, built 1943), Andrew A. Humphreys (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Athelduke (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1929), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Belgian Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 8237 GRT, 1929), Brimanger (Norwegian, 4883 GRT, built 1929), Cornwall (British, 10605 GRT, built 1920), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Edward D. White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), El Oceano (Panamanian, 6767 GRT, built 1925), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fernwood (Norwegian, 4695 GRT, built 1930), Fjordass (Norwegian (tanker), 7361 GRT, built 1931), Florence Crittenton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Croix (British, 7160 GRT, built 1943), George G. Crawford (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), George T. Angell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Grant Wood (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Harvey Cushing (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Henry S. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Watterson (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Irwin Russell (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), John Davenport (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Merrick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John N. Maffitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Jefferson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Julius Rosenwald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Mobile City (American, 6157 GRT, built 1920), Omar E. Chapman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Orari (British, 10350 GRT, built 1931), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Robert Toombs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Colt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), San Vito (British (tanker), 8163 GRT, built 1943), Socony-Vacuum (American (tanker), 9511 GRT, built 1935), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, 1938), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), W.R. Keever (American, 5350 GRT, built 1920), William McKinley (American, 7200 GRT, built 1920) and William Pepperell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Judges, RCNVR), HMCS Timmins (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.S. Maxwell, RCNVR), HMCS Trail (T/Lt. G.M. Hope, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMCS Winnipeg (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.D.F. Johnston, RCNR).

On 7 February 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Halifax to join the convoy; Ariguani (British, 6746 GRT, built 1926), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Benjamin H. Grierson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edward Everett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire MacMahon (British (tanker and MAC ship), 8856 GRT, built 1943), Fort Amherst (British, 3489 GRT, built 1936), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James I. McKay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jeremiah O'Brien (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Chandler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John G. Whittier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Montgemery City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920), Stephen B. Elkins (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Victor Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Walter A. Luckenbach (American, 6024 GRT, built 1918).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also part of this group.

They were escorted by the corvettes HMCS Arrowhead (Skr.Lt. L.A. Hickey, RCNR), HMCS Port Arthur (T/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSO, DSC, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMCS Sault Ste Marie (Lt.Cdr. R. Jackson, RCNVR). HMCS Arrowhead however returned the following day.

On these merchant ships joining the convoy the Harvey Cushing and Socony-Vacuum were detached to Halifax escorted by HMCS Port Arthur and HMCS Sault Ste Marie. They all arrived around Halifax on 9 February 1944.

Also on 9 February 1944, the Vacport arrived back at New York after having been forced to return.

On 10 February 1944, the original escort was replaced by a new escort made up of the frigates HMS Mourne (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Holland, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Clematis (T/Lt. R.H. Farrands, DSC, RNR), HMS Gentian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Heather (T/Lt. W.L. Turner, RNR) and the minesweeper HMS Tattoo (T/Lt. A. Twiss, RNVR). The came from Argentia and St. Johns which they had departed between 7 and 9 February 1944.

On 11 February 1944, the Fort Amherst arrived at St. Johns after having been detached from the convoy. She was escorted by HMS Cobalt and HMCS Winnipeg.

On 13 February 1944, the Cairnesk arrived at St. Johns with defects after having been detached from the convoy. She was escorted by HMS Timmins and HMCS Trail.

On 14 February 1944, the corvette HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) joined the convoy after having departed St. Johns on 11 February 1944.

On 14 February 1944, ships from the 2nd Escort Group joined the convoy, these were the sloops HMS Starling (Capt. F.W. Walker, CB, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN), HMS Wild Goose (Lt.Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSC, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and HMS Wren (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN). They remained with the convoy until 17 February 1944.

On 15 February 1944, the escort carriers HMS Striker (Capt. F.M. Walton, RN), HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

On 16 February 1944, ships from the 7th Escort Group joined the convoy, these were the sloops HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN), HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR), HMS Hart (Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN) and from the 10th Escort Group joined the convoy, these were the frigates HMS Spey (Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN), HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR), HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Lt.Cdr. Gerald MacClelland, DSC, RN). Both the 7th and 10th Escort Group parted company with the convoy on 17 February 1944.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 February 1944.

3 Mar 1944
HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with with the 21st Escort Group and later only with HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN) and HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (5)

4 Mar 1944

Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 March 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Empire Nile (British, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nanceen (French, 2895 GRT, built 1929), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Dittany (T/Lt. S.W. Lock, RNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR).

The following merchant vessels of the convoy returned to the U.K. after sailing; Angelo, Hopestar and Stal.

On 10 March 1944, the frigate HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 150 / MKS 41 while the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from this convoy.

On 16 March 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 70 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 44 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 70 was made up of the merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer, Cap Cantin, Fort Liard, Groix, Isipingo, Jenny, Porjus, Thomas Holt and Ville de Strasbourg.

On 15 March 1944, the merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929) and Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Gibraltar escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR). These ships joined the combined convoy when it split.

On 16 March 1944, the following transports departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920) and Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloops Chevreuil, Gazelle and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR).

On these ships joining on the 17th, the transports Empire Nerissa, Fort Liard, Langleebrook, Porjus and Romney were detached to Casablanca where they arrived later on the 17th. They were escorted by the two American patrol vessels as the two French minesweeping sloops had joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the transports Finistere, Isaac Coles and Vernon L. Kellogg arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. The two French minesweeping sloops also proceeded to Dakar.

On 23 March 1944, the transports Cap Cantin and Fort Nashwaak arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 25 March 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 44, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 March 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Archangelos, Lorca, Redgate, Slesvig, rescue ship Fastnet and the escort oiler San Tirso arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the combined convoy minus HMS Dittany.

The transports Baron Forbes, Kana, Monkleigh, Radport and Stanhope proceeded directly to Lissabon after the convoy had split. They were possible escorted by HMS Dittany which did not arrive with the other escort at Gibraltar on the 17th but only arrived there on the 20th.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Baron Maclay, Bruse Jarl, Carslogie, Empire Nile, Empire Rosalind, Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Eurybates, Fort Aklavik, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Nakasley, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermiston, Janeta, Langleetarn, Leonidas, Matheran, Nanceen, Nurani, Radmanso, Samoa, Topsdalfjord, Urbino and Wyfarer.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the transports Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913) and Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada. The submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

On 18 February 1944, the transports Carslogie, Joshua Hendy and Maycrest arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Crawford W. Long (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mayo Brothers (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Fort Gaspereau, Hermiston, Janeta, Leonidas and Zapaca arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942) and Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Bruse Jarl, Empire Gain, Fort Rae and Radmanso arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Mayo Brothers, Nanceen, Parame and Solarium arrived at Bizerta as did HMS Colombo after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tankers Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Graiglas, Topsdalfjord arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Spiteful and the Yugoslavian corvette Nada while the tanker Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), transport Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944) and the bouy / lighthouse tender Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy while the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Augusta; Asa Gray, Benito Juarez, Brighton, City of Canterbury, Crawford W. Long, Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Addison, Empire Cameron, Empire Copperfield, Empire Rosalind, Empire Southey, Empire Wordsworth, Esneh, Fort Aklavik, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Fort Marin, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermelin, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Langleetarn, Lightfoot, Linge, Ousel, Samettick, Sammex, Samoa, Samson, Samuel V. Shreve, Southgate, Spindletop and William Kent.

On 26 March 1944, the transports Beaconsfield, Corfell, Elise, Empire Noble, Empire Peak, Fort Glenlyon, Ocean Vulcan, Riverton, Samnebra and Van der Capelle arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 March 1944.

13 Mar 1944

Convoy SL 152.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 March 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Franklin (British, 7292 GRT, built 1941), Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rhodes (British, 7030 GRT, built 1941), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941), Rippingham Grange (British, 10365 GRT, built 1943), Schiaffino Freres (French, 3314 GRT, built 1910), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) and Walker Taylor (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), cutter (sloop) HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR), corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Dunkery (T/Lt. E. Ross, RNVR), HMS Portsdown (T/Lt. L.G. Bradley, RNVR) and HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR).

Around 1800Z/13, HMS Dunkery dropped astern due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy and proceeded direct to Bathurst.

At 1525Z/15, in position 12°56'N, 17°46'E, HMS Aubretia obtained a good contact thought to be an enemy submarine. HMS Portsdown was ordered to assist her in the hunt. [No German submarine was in the area though.]

Around 2015Z/15, in position 13°31'N, 17°58'W, the merchant vessels Kedoe and Thomas W. Owen were detached to Bathurst escorted by HMS Yestor.

Around 0530Z/16, HMS Aubretia rejoined the convoy. HMS Portsdown never rejoined the convoy but returned to Freetown.

Around 0630Z/16, in position 14°44'N, 17°47'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Dakar;
Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Rena (Norwegian, 5242 GRT, built 1924) while the Schiaffino Freres was detached to Dakar.

Around 0800Z/23, in position 34°07'N, 09°33'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Casablanca;
Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906) and Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929). They had been escorted from Casablanca to the rendezvous by USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, Jr., USNR), USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). The Paul de Rousiers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS PC-475.

Around 0930Z/23, in position 34°16'N, 09°31'W, the frigate HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR) joined coming from Gibraltar with the LST's LST's HMS LST 9 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Windle, RNR), HMS LST 62 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rayer, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR), HMS LST 322 ( A/Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS 401 (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Devitt, RNR), HMS 402 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Sprigge, RNR), HMS 408 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Cook, RNR), HMS 409 (A/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Dixon, RANVR), HMS 416 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Braine, RNR), HMS 419 (T/Lt. H.A. Standfield, RNR), HMS 423 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomson, RNR), HMS 428 (T/Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hamlyn, RNR), HMS 430 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.H. Laws, RD, RNR).

Around 1030Z/23, in position 34°30'N, 09°30'W, the Bardistan and Walker Taylor were detached to Gibraltar taking HMS Totland with them as escort.

Around 1230Z/24, Convoy MKS 43(G), coming from Gibraltar, was astern of Convoy SL 152. Convoy MKS 43(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cadet (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Simba (British, 5647 GRT, built 1918), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937)), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

Also part of the convoy were the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alaunia (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolley, RN), Quercy (French), monitor HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) and naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR).

The escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) and rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) were also part of convoy MKS 43(G).

Convoy MKS 43(G) was escorted by escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigate HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR) which also joined the combined convoy SL 152 / MKS 43(G).

Joining up was still ongoing but HMS Ballinderry, HMS Aubretia and HMS Cyclamen parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived around 1900A/25.

By 1500Z/24, the combined convoy had completely formed up in position 36°06'N, 12°08'W.

Around 0645Z/25, in position 36°20'N, 14°23'W, the Empire Might and Rippingham Grange parted company to join convoy MKF 29A.

Around 1415Z/29, in position 48°19'N, 18°22'W, the Scottish American was detached to the southbound combined convoy OS 72 / KMS 46.

Around 0800Z/1, in position 53°30'N, 13°19'W, the Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and HMS Alaunia (arrived at Greenock on 2 April).

Around 0600Z/2, in position 55°06'N, 09°33'W, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Trader, Blairnevis, Bridgepool, Caduceus, City of Khios, Cragpool, Dalhanna, Duke of Sparta, Eemland, Empire Brutus, Empire Franklin, Empire Highway, Empire Mariott, Empire Rhodes, Empire Simba, Empire Thackeray, Fort Churchill, Fort Livingstone, Fort Reliance, Grainton, Gudrun Maersk, Kingsland, Marquesa, Porjus, Rembrandt, Rena, Romney, Samdel, Samphill, Snar, Sutherland, Tiba, Tudor Prince, Tweedbank, Vancouver City and Yearbank. HMS Armeria and HMS Clarkia went with them as escorts.

Around 0700Z/2, in position 55°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Exe and HMS Burdock parted company. They arrived in the Clyde on 3 April 1944.

Around 0800Z/2, in position 55°13'N, 09°19'W, the Henri Jaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and the Quercy (arrived at Milford Haven on 3 April) parted company.

Around 1000Z/2, in position 55°18'N, 09°01'W, HMS Roberts was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

Around 1300Z/2, in position 55°27'N, 08°31'W, HMS Striker was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

On 3 April 1944, the Innerton arrived at Oban.

On 3 April 1944, the Clyde section arrived in the Clyde. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury, Astrid, Baron Haig, Beckenham, Drakepool, Empire Gareth, Fastnet, Rajput and Thysville. All 13 LST's also proceeded to the Clyde. Some of these had also been detached earlier.

On 3 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough;
Empire Cadet and Langleebrook.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Workington;
Blairdevon, Ioannis Frangos and Lisbeth.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Barrow;
Fairwater and Pendeen.

On 4 April 1944, the Liverpool section arrived at Liverpool. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cetus, David Livingstone, Dordrecht, Empire Baron, Forest, Fort George, Helder, Houston City, MacGregor Laird, Mandalay, Norman Star, Pandorian, Samneva, Samos and Slemmestad.

On 4 April 1944, the Bristol Channel section arrived in Barry Roads. The Bristol Channel section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Empire Nerissa, Errington Court, Fort Poplar and Souliotis.

USS ATR 47 arrived at Falmouth on 5 April.

The remaining escort not yet described arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Moloya (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April), HMS Berkeley Castle (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April) and HMS Fusilier (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April). (6)

22 Mar 1944

Convoy MKS 43(G).

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 22 March 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cadet (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Simba (British, 5647 GRT, built 1918), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937)), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

Also part of the convoy were the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alaunia (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolley, RN), Quercy (French), monitor HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) and naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR).

The escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) and rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigate HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR).

The convoy merged with convoy SL 152 coming from Freetown around 1700Z/23.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 152 ' for 13 March 1944.] (7)

11 Apr 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Havelock (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Tyler (Lt. C.H. Ranking, RN), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (8)

23 May 1944

Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Inverbank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Lago (Norwegian, 2552 GRT, built 1929), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

The rescue ship Pinto (British, 1346 GRT, built 1928) was also with the combined convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigates HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR), HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR), HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN) and the corvettes HMNZS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Seelye, RNZNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN).

The transport Stanhope had to return to the U.K. arriving in the Clyde on 25 May 1944.

The tanker Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) later joined at sea having parted company with convoy MKS 49. This ship was to refuel the escorts.

Around 1030Z/27, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with the convoy to temporary join northbound combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 which they did around 1540Z/28.

Around 1505Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 taking the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) with them. They rejoined combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 around 1650Z/30.

On 30 May 1944, HMNZS Arabis parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bermuda arriving there on 6 June 1944.

Around 0300Z/3, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle parted company with combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 to join northbound combined convoy SL 159 / MKS 50 which they did around 0600Z/3. HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle then immediately parted company again to rejoin combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.

On 4 June 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 78 and KMS 52.

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Convoy OS 78, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports; Clunepark, Godfrey B. Holt, Northleigh and Stuyvesant.

They were joined by the following transports coming from Gibraltar; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Fort Glenyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938) and Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).

With these ships came also the new escort for this convoy which was made up of the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR).

Also from Casablanca the the following transports joined on the 4th or the 5th; Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Samdart (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Samderwent (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944).

These ships had departed Casablanca on the 4th , escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which did not join the convoy and returned to Casablanca on the 5th.

On 11 June 1944, the transport Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 11 June 1944, the Clunepark, Gabriel Guist'Hau and Northleigh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.

Convoy OS 78 arrived at Freetown on 14 June 1944. Actually only the Slesvig and Stuyvesant arrived at Freetown with the escort. The other ships proceeded to other destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 52 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports / tanker; Adviser, Alex, Baron Elgin, Carslogie, Dago, Empire Falcon, Empire Wolfe, Fort Churchill, Historian, Hopecrest, Inverbank, Lago, Mathilda, Nailsea Moor, Pinto, Redgate, Robert Morris, Scottish American, Thistleford, Troilus and Yearby.

On 6 June 1944, the Carslogie, Empire Wolfe, Pinto, Scottish American and Thistleford arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Exe, HMS Ascension, HMS Berkeley Castle, HMS Carisbrooke Castle, HMS Dumbarton Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle.

From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tanker; Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) and Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy.

Escort was now provided by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR).

On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran Bay after having been detached from the convoy; HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, Benjamin Tay and Sheaf Crown.

On 7 June 1944, the following transports / tanker joined coming from Oran Bay; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909).

Also joining from Oran Bay were the LST's USS LST-602 (Lt. J.H. Mehus, USNR) and USS LST-603 (Lt. W.B. Sweet, USN).

On 8 June 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers; Alex, David Holmes, Empire Gareth, Hopecrest, Mathilda and Norbryn.

On 8 June 1944, the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914), Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Elise (Greek, 1986 GRT, built 1919), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Empire Valour (British, 1906 GRT, built 1943), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921), Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943), Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930). With these ships was also the salvage vessel USS Tackle (Lt. D.V. van Sand, USNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 June 1944, the transport Lago arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 9 June 1944, the transports Dago, Elise, Hardingham, Ingertre, Lucia C., Samaye and Samuel V. Shreve arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.

On 9 June 1944, the following transports joined coming from Bone. Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943), Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922) and Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936).

On 10 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Baron Elgin, Corchester, Empire Gain, Gezina, Jennings, Sarah Orne Jewett and Zacapa.

Also HMS Caledon, RHS Kriti, USS LST-602 and USS LST-603 arrived at Bizerta the same day after having been detached from the convoy.

On 10 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Andrew W. Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) and Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).

On 10 June 1944, the transport Oregon arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 11 June 1944, the transports Empire Falcon, Empire Strength, Palermo and Yearby arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy. Also the escorts HMS Evenlode and HMS Smilax arrived at Malta.

On 11 June 1944, the transports / tanker; Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Fort Beausejour (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 12 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Andrew Moore, Anglo-African, Beaconsfield, Bourgogne, Bret Harte, Chateau Latour, Cornfell, Daniel H. Hill, Edward Burleson, Egbert Benson, Empire Dickens, Empire Valour, Empire Wyclif, Felix Grundy, Fort Frobisher, George G. Meade, George Leonard, James Rumsey, John W. Brown, Josiah Barlett, Louisa M. Alcott, Luther Martin, Nailsea Moor, Ocean Vulcan, Odysseus, Ousel, Redgate, Richard Rush, Roger Williams, Thistledale, Tobruk, Tristram Dalton and Ulla. With these ships also USS Tackle had proceeded to Augusta.

On 15 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria; Fort Beausejour, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Marin, Fort Meductic and Trajanus. With them also HMS Gloxinia, HMS Primula and HMS Wolborough arrived at Alexandria.

On 16 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said; Adviser, British Chemist, British Governor, Destro, Empire Collins, Empire Noble, Empire Unicorn, Fort Churchill, Fort Cumberland, Historian, Inverbank, Kyklades, Marit Maersk, Meline, Nordnes, Ocean Gallant, Port Melbourne, Robert Morris, Sambre, Skagerak and Troilus. With them HMS Dart and HMS Shiel arrived at Port Said.

30 Jun 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN) and HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (9)

10 Jul 1944

Convoy SL 164.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calumet (British, 7268 GRT, built 1923), Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jersey City (British, 6686 GRT, built 1942), MacGreggor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927), Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920), Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917) and Waiotapu (British, 6035 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. C.A. Boardman, RNVR), HMS Willowherb (Lt. A. Hague, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).

On 13 July 1944, the merchant vessels Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930) and Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 15 July 1944, the merchant vessel Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) departed Port Etienne to join the convoy.

On 20 July 1944, the merchant vessels Dunav (Yugosalvian, 4369 GRT, built 1912) and Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel L'Eveille. On these ships joining the Finisterre and Paul de Rousiers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the two French warships. HMS Kilmelford was also with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 22 July 1944.

On 21 July 1944, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 55(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), James J. Pettigrew (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Marpessa (Dutch (tanker / escort oiler), 7408 GRT, built 1927), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Peribonka (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Samguadie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with this convoy.

Convoy MKS 55(G) was escorted by the frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN).

The original escort of convoy SL 164 and the merchant vessels Dunav, Empire Highway, Vinriver and Waiotapu then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 23 July 1944. HMS Snowdrop did not part company with the convoy though as she was to return to the U.K. to refit.

Around 1945B/22, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

The escort oiler Marpessa later parted company with the convoy to join the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 31 July 1944. Some ships had parted company on 29 July 1944 to proceed ahead of the main convoy.

22 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 31st Escort Group. These were the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR), HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR).

Also night convoy attacks were carried out during the night of 22/23 October 1944 which included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (10)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR). (11)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) and HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Heron, RNVR). (11)

5 Feb 1945

Convoy CU 57.

This convoy departed New York on 5 February 1945.

On departure it was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Alden Besse (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927), Cape Corwin (American, 5124 GRT, built 1943), Cape Nome (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Carnifex Ferry (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Chatterton Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Esso Camden (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Examiner (American, 6737 GRT, built 1942), Fort Fetterman (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Grand River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Java (Dutch, 9250 GRT, built 1939), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Eagle (American, 11500 GRT, built 1943), Marine Panther (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944), Mobile Bay (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Ocala Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1945), Pit River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Raphael Semmes (American, 6165 GRT, built 1942), Rosemont (Panamanian, 4956 GRT, built 1938), Sandy Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Yellow Tevern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944) and York (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943).

The following ships were also part of the convoy; escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role) HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and naval troop transport USS Hermitage (23254 GRT, built 1925) (T/Capt. J.T. Talbert, USN).

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyers USS McDougal (T/Cdr. E.W. Logsdon, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.5, T/Capt. E.D. Poole, USN, on board), USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Sedgwick, USNR) and the destroyer escorts USS Robert E. Peary (Lt. D. McKinlay, Jr., USNR), USS Blair (Lt. W. Gadsby, Jr., USNR) and USS Sturtevant (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Mertz, USNR).

On 6 February the Boston Section of the convoy departed that place, it was made up of the following ship;
Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Cape Borda (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Cape Race (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Kokomo Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1945), Oneida Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Pachaug Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from New York this section was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Jacob Jones (Lt. Frank L. Sullivan, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 3, T/Cdr. C.W. Musgrave, USN, on board), USS Brough (Lt. M.A. Stein, USNR), USS Roy O. Hale (Lt. H.C. Pogue, Jr., USNR) and USS Dale W. Peterson (Lt.Cdr. A.S. Bigelow, USNR).

Around 1015Q/7, the Boston Section of the convoy joined the main convoy. USS Simpson then parted company to proceed to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Around 1800O/9, the merchant vessel Waiwera (British, 12435 GRT, built 1934) joined the convoy coming from the Panama Canal.

Around 0950O/10, the destroyer escorts USS Hammann (Lt.Cdr. C.L. Gould, USNR) and USS Martin H. Ray (Lt. H.V. Tucker, Jr., USNR), which had been delayed in sailing with the convoy due to the need for repairs, joined the convoy.

Around 1915N/11, the merchant vessels Hororata (British, 13945 GRT, built 1942) and Westerley Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from the Panama Canal and Horta, Azores respectively.

Around 1530N/12, the merchant vessel Empire Rawlinson (British, 9912 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Ascension.

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Around 1700N/12, the Irish Sea / west coast section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arawa, Carnifex Ferry, Chatteron Hill, Empire Rawlinson, Esso Camden, Fort Stevens, Grand River, Hororata, Mobile Bay, Pit River, Rangitata, Sandy Creek, The Yakima, Waiwera and York. HMS Pursuer was also part of this section. They were escorted by USS Jacob Jones, USS Hammann, USS Robert E. Peary, USS Brough and USS Roy O. Hale.

Around 1245Z/13, the merchant vessel Empire Grace (British, 13478 GRT, built 1942) joined the Irish Sea / west coast section. She came from the Panama Canal.

Around 1645A/15, ' Force 33 ' (21st Escort Group) reinforced the escort. This were the frigates HMS Conn (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Byron (Lt. J.B. Burfield, DSC, RN), HMS Deane (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Redmill (Lt. J.R.A. Denne, RN) and HMS Rupert (Lt. P.C.S. Black, RN).

Around 1730A/15, HMS Redmill was detached for other escort duties.

Around 1945A/15, ' Force 37 ' (31st Escort group) joined and took over from ' Force 33 ' which then parted company. ' Force 37 ' was made up of the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Heron, RNVR) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Joliffe, RNR).

Around 2140A/15, the Esso Camden parted company to proceed to the Clyde. USS Brough went with her as escort. They arrived in the Clyde the following morning.

Around 2225A/15, HMS Pursuer was detached to Belfast Lough where she arrived around an hour later.

Around 0200A/16, ' Force 37 ' parted company having been relieved by the 19th Escort Group which was made up of the frigate HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN) and HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR).

Around 0300A/16, the Bristol Channel section of the convoy parted company. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arawa, Chatterton Hill, Empire Grace, Fort Stevens and Pit River. They all arrived at Avonmouth on 16 / 17 February 1945. USS Robert E. Peary and USS Roy O. Hale went with them as escorts and they arrived at Cardiff in the evening of 16 February. This section of the convoy was supported by ships of the ' 25th Escort Group ' from 0700A/16 until the vicinity of Milford Haven. The 25th Escort Group was made up of the frigates HMCS Orkney (A/Cdr. V. Browne, RCNR), HMCS La Hulloise (Lt.Cdr. J. Brock, RCNVR), HMCS Strathadam (A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Quinn, DSC, RCNVR) and HMCS Thedford Mines (Lt. J.A.R. Allan, DSC, RCNVR).

The remaining ships of the Irish Sea / west coast section arrived off the Bar light ship off Liverpool around 1030A/16 and the ships then started to enter the harbour.

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The remaining ships made up the Channel / east coast section.

Around 1200A/15, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 0355A/16, the Java suffered a steering defect and collided with the Westerly Victory. HMS Tanatside was ordered to standby them. They arrived at Plymouth later on the 16th. Java being towed into port by the rescue tug HMRT Allegiance.

Around 0730A/16, the Fort Fetterman and Yellow Tavern were detached to Weymouth Bay where they arrived later the same day.

Around 1000A/16, HMS Faulknor, HMCS Iroquois and HMS Brissenden parted company after the destroyer HMS Vidette (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.S. Wooley, RNVR), frigates HMS Hargood (Cdr. P.G. MacIver, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Kingsmill (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN) and L'Escarmouche joined.

Around 1400A/16, the ' London ' Section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vesssels;
Chicamauga, Hubbardton and Karsten Wang. HMS Vidette went with them as escort.

The remaining ships arrived in Le Havre Roads in the evening of 16 February. (12)

16 Apr 1945
At Loch Alsh, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted practice attacks on each other following which they conducted A/S exercises with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from Escort Group 31 which were most likely the following; HMS Berkeley Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. Arthur Charles Palmer, DSC, RNR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Heron, RNVR), HMS Hadleigh Castle (T/Lt. C.C. Kuper, RNVR) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Joliffe, RNR). (13)