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Notable events involving Kilmington include:

13 Jul 1944

Combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 13 July 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Benedick (British, 6978 GRT, built 1928), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), Clan Chattan (British, 7262 GRT, built 1937), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Fal (British, 4880 GRT, built 1914), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Pakeha (British, 8115 GRT, built 1910), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Geologist (British, 6202 GRT, built 1944), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927), Samcebu (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944), Samfinn (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924) and Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930).

The rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?).

On assembly the Empire Fal and Tweedbank collided and the returned to port.

On 21 July 1944, the merchant vessel Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 0615B/22, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 164 / MKS 55 which she did around 1945B/22. She was escorted by HMS Cotton which did not join this convoy but returned to convoy OS 83/ KMS 57.

On 23 July 1944 the convoy split into convoy OS 83 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 53 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 83 was made up of the merchant vessels; Adrastus, Bactria, Bornholm, Clan Chattan, Empire Chamois, Empire Clive, Empire Pakeha, Fresno Star, Harberton and Silverlarch.

These were joined by the merchant vessels Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937) and Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.

These ships had been escorted by the frigates HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), corvette HMS Bellwort (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Banks, RNVR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.

on 24 July 1944, the merchant vessel Samstrudy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. On this ship joining the convoy, the Hamberton parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the Amiral Mouchez. They arrived at Casablanca on 25 July.

On 31 July 1944, the Bactria and Empire Clive arrived at Dakar having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) had joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 2 August 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 57 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up the merchant vessels Ashbury, Astrid, Baton Tweedmouth, Benedick, Bestik, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Empire Addison, Empire Derwent, Empire Derwent, Empire Melody, Empire Peacock, English Monarch, Fort Lawrence, Geologist, Glaucus, Harpalycus, Maihar, Novasli, Pacheco, Samcebu and Samfinn.

The rescue ship Gothland was also with them.

Escort was provided by the escort from combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.

On 25 July 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth, Benedick, Pacheco and Gothland arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy.

Off Gibraltar the merchant vessels Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy as did a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR) and the A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).

On 26 July 1944, the Empire Derwent and Parame arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Elias Boldinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silverster Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and the net tender USS Pepperwood (Lt. E.F. McLaughlin, USNR) and the self propelled fuel barge USS Gauger (Lt. G.V. Davis, USNR) joined the convoy.

On 27 July 1944, the Alexandre Andre, Astrid, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Chateau Latour, Empire Highway, Empire Melody, Fort Lawrence, Silverster Gardiner, Smith Thompson and William H. Wilmer arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943) and James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939) joined the convoy.

On 28 July 1944, the Empire Tern arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy.

Around 0555B/29, HMS Colombo parted company wth the convoy and set course for Malta where she arrived around 1850B/29.

On 30 July 1944, the Antonio, Aztec, Dromus, Joel Chandler Harris and Novasli arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy.

On 30 July 1944, the Bestik arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 30 July 1944, Avon Coast and Fort Colville arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 30 July 1944, the merchant vessels Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy. With them was also the frigate HMS Awe (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.

On 31 July 1944, the Ashbury, Elias Boldinot, Empire Peacock, English Monarch, Fort Grahame, Fort Hall, George F. Patten, Harpalycus, James E. Howard, James J. Maguire, Kola and Samcebu, Samfinn, Silvester Gardiner and Smith Thompson as well as USS Pepperwood and USS Gauger all arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 3 August 1944, the Fort Clatsop, James J. Hill, Ocean Vulcan and Zaanstroom arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. With them the HMS Awe, HMS Evenlode and HMS Usk also arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 4 August 1944.

11 Oct 1944

Convoy UGS 57.

The Hampton Roads section (57 ships) of the convoy departed Hampton Roads on 11 October 1944 and then proceeded to make rendezvous with the New York section (30 ships) of the convoy which departed there on 12 October.

The convoy (both sections) was made up of the following transports / tankers; A. Frank Lever (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Albert P. Ryder (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander S. Clay (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Augustine B. McManus (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Peixotto (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Charles F. Amidon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), David S. Terry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edgar E. Clark (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edwin Abbey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Industry (British (tanker), 8203 GRT, built 1943), Empire Malacca (British, 7071 GRT, built 1944), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ferdinand Gagnon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Panmure (British, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Helen Hunt Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Ford Rhodes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Johan Printz (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), John B. Lennon (American, 7198 GRT, 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Gates (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Martin Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Cleaveland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Philip H. Sheridan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard J. Cleveland (American, 7208 GRT, built 1944), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwharfe (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sebastian Vizciano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Simon Wellard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas J. Rusk (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Guardia (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Trevider (British, 7376 GRT, built 1944), Trevose (British, 7360 GRT, built 1944), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William Matson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and the naval cargo ship USS Aquila (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Rearden Jr., USNR) were also part of the convoy. They had been part of the Hampton Roads section.

The Hampton Roads section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer USS Balch (T/Cdr. H.N. Coffin, USN, with CTF 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jenks (Lt.Cdr. M.F. Cocroft, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Gavin, USN, USN) and USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR).

The New York section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer escorts USS Francis M. Robinson (Lt. P. Campbell, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 54, T/Cdr. M.E. Dennett, USN on board), USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR) and USS Jaccard (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR).

The two sections made rendezvous in the afternoon of 12 October 1944 and by 1600Q/12 had formed up. About an hour later USS Jaccard parted company and set course for Norfolk, Virginia.

On the 16th all seven escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At 0358P/18, USS Fowler and the merchant vessel Thomas J. Rusk, which was straggling behind the convoy, collided. Both sustained light damage and were able to continue.

Around 1115N/22, the Azores section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Charles F. Amidon, John Banvard, Richard J. Cleveland and USS Aquila. The first two ships proceeeded to Santa Maria escorted by HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR) while the last two ships proceeded to Horta escorted by HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Around 0745Z/28, the Casablanca section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Edgar E. Clark and Johan Printz. They were escorted to Casablanca by the patrol vessels L'Indiscret and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). These had escorted the tanker Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933) from Casablanca to the rendezvous position with the convoy.

During the 29th, the escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Around 2300Z/29, USS Francis M. Robinson was detached to pick up orders at Gibraltar and escort the merchant vessels Bradford City and John McKinley to that port. USS Francis M. Robinson later rejoined the convoy. Also joining were the merchant vessel Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940) and the submarines HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). These ships had been escorted from Gibraltar to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

Around 1750Z/29, part of Oran section was detached to proceed there ahead of the convoy. It was made up of merchant vessels They were escorted by USS Fowler which also was to proceed to Oran to effect repairs. Later, at 0745Z/30, 13 more merchant vessels were detached to Oran. The entire Oran section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexander S. Clay, Alfred Moore, Asa Gray, Cornelius Gilliam, David J. Brewer, Frank C. Emerson, Helen Hunt Jackson, James Sullivan, James W. Fannin, John Dickinson, John Howland, Jonathan Trumbull, Leland Stanford, Martin Johnson, Maya, Paine Wingate, Simon Willard, Thomas Pinckney, Timothy Dwight, Thomas Guardia, Viggo Hansteen and William Matson.

During daylight on 30 October all remaining escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Also on the 30th, three merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also two merchant vessels which had been detached to Oran rejoined the convoy after a short call there, these were the following; Leland Stanford and Paine Wingate.

Around 0500Z/31, the Samwharfe was detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to Algiers to pick up the British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Durik. They rejoined the convoy shortly after 1000Z/31.

Around 1010Z/31, two merchant vessels were detached to Algiers, these were the following; Ocean Pelgrim and Ocean Vista.

Around 0630Z/2, the American escort vessels were relieved off Bizerta by a British escort made up of the sloop HMS Stork (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) and corvette HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. C. Pawley, RNVR). The US escort then proceeded to Bizerta as did USS Cossatot and the merchant vessels Empire Industry, Geo W. McKnight and Pontfield.

[Further movements of the convoy will have to be investigated in file ADM 199/324 at the National Archives at Kew, London during a future research trip.]

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. (1)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Enchantress (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). (2)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Enchantress (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). (2)