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Notable events involving Stafnes include:

6 Feb 1944

Combined convoy OS 67 / KMS 41.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 February 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Bangkok II (British (former French, 8056 GRT, built 1919), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Calgary (British, 7206 GRT, built 1921), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Lancer (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Henley (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Prudhomme (British, 7167 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Leeds City (British, 4758 GRT, built 1927), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920)), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Persier (Belgian, 5382 GRT, built 1918), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) and the rescue tug HMRT Griper were also with the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigates HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Tees (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RNR), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR) and HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Four of the merchant vessels of the convoy had to return to the U.K. due to defects of weather damage, these were; Baron Forbes, Lyras, Silverlaurel and Wanderer.

On 10 February 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy from convoy SL 147 / MKS 38.

On 12 February 1944, fighters from HMS Pursuer shot down two German aircraft that were shadowing the convoy.

On 16 February 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 67 and KMS 41.

HMS Stafnes had been detached from the convoy and arrived at Horta, Azores on 17 February 1944.

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Convoy OS 67, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calgary, Cochrane, Empire Buckler, Empire Galahad, Empire Lancer, Fort Henley, Fort Livingstone, Fort Poplar, Gloucester City, Leeds City, Marija Petrinovic, Matadian, Neleus, Persier, Sansu and Silverlarch. The frigate HMS Tees of the escort remained with convoy OS 67.

On 15 February 1944, the frigates HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR) and corvette HMS Stonecrop (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.S. Fayrer, DSC, RNVR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 67G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 67) which was made up of the following transports; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 16th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy, minus HMS Tees then proceeded with convoy KMS 41 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 February 1944, the tanker Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On this ship joining the convoy the transport Leeds City parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 February 1944, the Fort Livingstone arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921) and Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Also the the sloop / minesweeper Annamite joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 26 February 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 41, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy (minus HMS Tees).

On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Baltrover, Baron Graham, Baron Haig, Empire Cormorant, Empire Snipe, Errington Court, King Frederick, Langleebrook, Norman Monarch, Ottinge, Tilemachos and Tudor Prince as did the rescue ship Accrington, escort oiler San Tirso and HMRT Griper. The escort, made up of HMS Rochester, HMS Londonderry, HMS Scarbrough, HMS Tavy, HMS Geranium, HMS Mignonette and HMS Cape Argona also arrived at Gibraltar.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Ary Lensen, Bangkok II, Belnor, Boltonhall, Cape Wrath, Clan Cameron, Danby, Empire Clarion, Empire Conrad, Empire Gareth, Empire Heath, Empire Mallory, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Explorer, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipicoten, Fort Prudhomme, Fort St.Joseph, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Ioannis Frangos, Junecrest, Merchnant Royal, Parkhaven, Pentridge Hill, Rancher, Rugeley, San Rafael, Starstone, Thistleford and Tynemouth.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the following transports / tankers; Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) and Robert Y. Haine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). 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), minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Aries (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR).

On 18 February 1944, the transports Palacio, Parame, Parkhaven, Robert Y. Haine and Tynemouth arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Gabriel Duval (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943)), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The self propelled fuel barges USS Anticline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.R. Byron, USNR) and USS Syncline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.E. Nichols, Jr., USNR) also joined the convoy.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Cara, Empire Mallory, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Harrogate, Ioannis Frangos, James Barbour, Junecrest, Merchant Royal and Thistleford as well as USS Anticline and USS Syncline arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Imber (British, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920) and Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 20 February 1944, the transport Empire Gareth arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Cape Wrath, Iceland and William Blount as well as HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy from Bizerta; Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William L. Smith (American, 7196, built 1943). The rescue tug HMRT Patroclus also joined the convoy.

On 21 February 1944, the transport Boltonhall arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Empire Clarion, Imber and Moray Coast arrived at Malta as did the minesweeper HMS Aries after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Toscana (British (former Italian), 9442 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arena, Ary Lensen, Benito Juarez, Bourgogne, Brighton, Cornelius Gilliam, Cornelius Harnett, Cuba, Danby, Daniel Huger, David L. Swain, Empire Conrad, Empire Dickens, Empire Guinevere, Empire Heath, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Fort Bell, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipiconten, Gabriel Duval, Grand Quevilly, Louis McLane, Nathaniel Macon, Nea, Nebraska, Richard Montgomery, Rugeley, Samspring, San Rafael, Starstone, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, Thomas Pinckney, William L. Smith and Zane Gray. HMRT Patroclus also arrived at Augusta.

On 26 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Clan Cameron, Empire Opossum, Fort Erie, Fort Prudhomme, Newbrough, Samnebra, Samphire and Toscana. From the escort HMS Hazard, HMS Anemone and HMS Coltsfood also arrived at Alexandria.

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

4 May 1944

Convoy GUS 39.

This convoy departed Port Said on 4 May 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Bourn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), British Aviator (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1924), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Edmund F. Dickins (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Fort St.Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Frank A. Vanderlip (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Geronimo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gulf of Mexico (American (tanker), 7807 GRT, built 1917), Gulfpoint (American (tanker), 6972 GRT, built 1920), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Peter Donahue (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930), Trevince (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943), Tweedsmuir Park (Canadian, 7143 GRT, built 1943), Ville de Majunga (British (former French), 6174 GRT, built 1931), W.H. Libby (Panamanian (tanker), 7992 GRT, built 1921) and William S. Halsted (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR).

On 5 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Uhler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ida Bakke (Norwegian, 5455 GRT, built 1938), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James L. Breck (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Pete Marquette (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Philip Schuyler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert G. Ingersoll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Byrd (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR).

On 9 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander H. Stephens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), E.A. Peden (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Empire Crown (British, 7070 GRT, built 1944), Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Frank Springer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Gorrie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Mason (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John N. Maffitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943), William Ellery (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William J. Worth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William P. Fessenden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 10 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; British Aviator, Cape Hawke, Crista, Dallington Court, Empire Lionel, Finley Peter Dunne, Fort St.Francois, Frank C. Emerson, Gulf of Mexico, Ittersum, Liss, Meline and Thorshavn.

On 10 May 1944, the transports Eridan and Stanlodge arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while transports / tankers departed Malta to join the convoy; Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920) and William Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 11 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Ethan Allen, George M. Bibb, Gulfpoint, John C. Breckinridge, John Trumbull, Kemp P. Battle, Luther Martin, Norelg, Tarleton Brown and William F. Cody. Also the current escort entered Bizerta as the escort of the convoy was now taken over by an American Task Force.

The following transports / tankers departed Bizerta to join the convoy; Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Gipp (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Tijuca (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926) and William Dunbar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the new escort departed Bizerta to join the convoy. This was Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. C.A. Anderson, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance ( Cdr. E.A. Anderson, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, 2nd, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Lansing (Cdr. S.R. Sands, Jr., USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Thomas (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kellogg, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 48, Cdr. G.A. Parkinson, USNR, on board), USS Baker (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Lockwood, USNR), USS Bostwick (Lt. C.G. Hall, USNR), USS Breeman (Lt.Cdr. E.N.W. Hunter, USNR), USS Bronstein (T/Lt.Cdr. S.H. Kinney, USN) and USS Coffman (Cdr. W.H. Putnam, USNR). Additional escorts were AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) which was fitted for jamming the signals of German guided bombs. The rescue tug HMRT Nimble also joined the convoy.

On 12 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Coulgorm, Fort Grahame, Fort Pembina, Jan Lievens and Tijuca while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942) and Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919).

On 13 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy; Campidoglio, Empire Damsel, Empire Tern, Empire Unicorn, Fort Carlton, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Marin, Ocean Rider, Polarsol, Samsteel, Silverelm, Tweedsmuir Park, Van Honthorst, Ville de Majunga, W.H. Libby, William Ellery and William J. Worth while the following ships joined the convoy of Algiers; Amos Kendall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hamlin Garland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James H. Couper (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922), Robert Y. Hayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampler (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Wilson P. Hunt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

On 14 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Benjamin Tay, Bret Harte, British Respect, Dux, Empire Crown, Frank Springer, Howell E. Jackson, King S. Wolsey and Laurent Meeus while the following ships joined the convoy of Oran; Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Arthur M. Huddell (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John W. Hoyt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942). The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and naval stores ship USS Yukon (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Barnhart, USNR) also joined the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; Empire Glen, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Helmwood, Trevince, Van Ostade and Zuypenberg. Also HMS Colombo and HMRT Nimble were detached to Gibraltar. USS Hilary P. Jones was also detached.

On 15 May 1944, the following ships departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Henry Watterson (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). These ships joined the convoy around 0915A/16. The escort vessels then returned to Casablanca on the 17th having taken the following ships with them; Empire Duchess, Finistere, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Medie II, Newbrough and Samtucky.

Around 1215Z/20, two ships joined the convoy coming from the Azores, these were the George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Gulfcoast (American, 7140 GRT, built 1937). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

On 22 May 1944, USCGC Bibb fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Around 1625P/28, the convoy split up into two sections. One section was bound for Chesapeake Bay. This was made up of 37 ships, inluding USS Cossatot and USS Yukon. It was escorted by USS Thomas, USS Baker, USS Bostwick, USS Breeman and USS Bronstein. The Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the evening of 29 May 1944.

The remaining ships, 48 in total, proceeded to New York with the remainder of the escort. The New York section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the morning of 30 May 1944.

20 Jul 1944

Convoy SL 165.

This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 194), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Fort Sakisdac (British, 7160 GRT, built 1943), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918) and Taranaki (British, 10534 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR). Around 0700Z/23, in position 14°29'N, 18°05'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launch HMML 244 which then returned to Dakar at 0745Z/23 taking the merchant vessels Biafra and John Laurance with her.

The merchant vessel Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919) was also to have joined with the Dakar section but she was delayed and joined later at sea, around 1600Z/23 in position 15°27'N, 18°00'W.

Around 0800Z/23, the Bathurst section of the convoy joined in position 14°36'N, 18°05'W. This was made up of the fleet tenders HM FT 1 and HM FT 10. HM FT 9 was also to have joined but she was unable to leave Bathust while HM FT 4 did leave but had to return with engine defects. HM FT 1 and HM FT 10 were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel HMS Kilchatten (T/Lt. D.M. Edwards, DSC, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to proceed to Freetown.

On the 25th, HM FT 10 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.

On the 28th, HM FT 1 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.

At 1015Z/30, in position 31°41'N, 12°03'W, the Cap Cantin was detached to proceed unescorted to Casablanca due to a medical problem on board. She arrived at Casablanca the following day.

Around 0900Z/31, in position 34°24'N, 11°09'W, the Medie II was detached to Casablanca where she arrived on 1 August escorted by the the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel Le Ruse. These escorts had brought out the merchant vessel Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930) with them which joined the convoy at the same time the Medie II had been detached.

At 1401Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmartin was detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 1 August 1944.

At 1418Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmarnock parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the Brigthon with her. They arrived at Gibraltar on 1 August 1944.

Also around this time (1400Z/31), convoy MKS 56 joined in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W coming from the Mediterranean. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Wycliff (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), Samana (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN), escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) and rescue vessel Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) were also part of convoy MKS 56 and joined the convoy.

The escort of convoy MKS 56 was made up of the 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) and the 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 (?) they all joined the now combined convoy SL 165 / MKS 56.

At 1420Z/31, after the convoys had merged HMS Leith parted company in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, to proceed to Gibraltar independently. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1630Z/1.

Around 1900Z/31, in position 35°13'N, 11°34'W, the escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. A.N.C. Bingley, OBE, RN) having detached earlier that day from the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) and HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR). On joining convoy SL 165 / MKS 56, HMS Biter then fuelled both frigates before they parted company to rejoin the combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.

During 2/3 August 1944, all escorts except HMS Gardiner fuelled from the San Tirso.

Around 2130Z/5, in position 48°14'N, 18°32'W, the San Triso was detached to join the southbound combined convoy OS 85 / KMS 59. The frigate HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) had come from that convoy to escort the oiler.

Around 0535Z/3, in position 39°50'N, 18°28'W, two merchant ships joined coming from the Azores, these were the; Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937) and Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which did not join the convoy but returned to the Azores.

Also on the 6th, HMS Gardiner was fuelled by HMS Biter.

Around 1700Z/6, a fast section was formed and parted company with the convoy in position 50°40'N, 17°40'W to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. The fast section was made up of six merchant vessels which were the following; Amstelkerk, David Livingstone, Nigerstroom, Stuyvesant, Taranaki and Troubadour. They were escorted by HMS Biter, HMS Cotton, HMS Flint Castle and HMS Rushen Castle.

The fast section of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8 August 1944.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 August 1944. (1)

2 Oct 1944

Convoy GUS 54.

This convoy departed Port Said on 2 October 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following ships; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 192), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Chung Tung (Chinese, 7120 GRT, built 1944), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Henry H. Sibley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry T. Scott (American, 7216 GRT, built 1944), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), Jose J. Acosta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lankashire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940), Laurentide Park (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Ville d'Anvers (Belgian, 7462 GRT, built 1920) and Westmount Park (Canadian, 7133, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Cdr. A.H. Davies,VRD, RNVR).

On 3 October 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Brittany Coast (British, 1389 GRT, built 1919), John J. McGraw (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samouse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR).

On 7 October 1944, the submarine HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta while the Brittany Coast was detached to Malta.

Also on 7 October the following ships were detached to Augusta; Destro, Empire Collins, John J. McGraw, Palermo and Samouse while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry S. Sanford (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Josiah B. Grinnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and W.C. Latta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944).

Around 1500A/8, the following ships joined coming from Bizerta; James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and USS Pleiades (Lt. E. Motley Jr., USNR). Also the British escort was relieved by an American escort coming from Palerma. The American escort, Task Forc 61, was made up of the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. W.A.P. Martin, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Harding, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDI5 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. S.N. Gleis, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Cody, Jr., USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. J.C. Murphy, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR).

At 0300A/9, the Balfe and Baron Scott were detached to Bone.

At 0825A/9, the Richard H. Alvey was detached to Philippeville.

Around 0700A/10, the Jose J. Acosta proceeded ahead to Algiers to land the British Commodore there and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1015A/10.

At 0900A/10, the Carlton and Laurentide Park were detached to Algiers while the following ships joined coming from Algiers; Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 0435A/11, USS Evarts proceeded ahead towards Oran to escort the joiners coming from Oran.

Around 0830A/11, the John C. Spencer was detached to Oran escorted by the French patrol vessel Le Volontaire which had come out from Oran.

Around 1230A/11, the following ships joined coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Backhuysen (Dutch (tanker), 8194 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Francis Amasa Walker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Henry D. Thoreau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Ward Beecher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leonidas Polk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The naval oiler USS Escalante(Cdr. J.M. Paulsson, USNR) also joined.

Around 1600A/11, five more ships joined coming from Oran, these were the following; Benjamin Rush (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939) and Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 0730A/12, the William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), which had departed Oran late, caught up with and joined the convoy.

Around 1020A/12, HMS Templar left the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 1155A/12, the Chester O. Swain, Euryades and Lankashire were detached to Gibraltar.

Around 1205A/12, two ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar, these were the following; Havprins (Norwegian (tanker), 8066 GRT, built 1935) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).

Around 1250A/12, the Hoegh Scout which had reported that she still had 4845 tons of aviation fuel on board was detached to Gibraltar to discharge her remaining cargo and then rejoin the convoy. She was escorted to Gibraltar by USS Dobler which was then to wait until the tanker had discharged her cargo and then escort her back to the convoy. Orders were however changed and the tanker was ordered to sail in a later convoy. USS Dobler was ordered to rejoin the convoy which she did later that day.

Around 0815Z/13, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Joshua B. Lippencott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samgaudie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the French patrol vessel L'Ardent which then returned to Casablanca taking the Franz Klasen and Noesaniwi with her.

Also on the 13th, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1400N/17, one ship joined coming from Fayal, this was the John S. Bassett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which subsequently returned to the Azores.

On 18 October 1943, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0650O/19, the Golden Eagle was detached to proceed independently to Hampton Roads.

On 24 October 1943, all escorts again fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0127Q/25, the Henry D. Thoreau was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0313Q/25, the Henry S. Sanford was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0423Q/25, the John S. Bassett was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0600Q/25, the Josiah B. Grinnell was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0800Q/25, USS Escalante was ordered to proceed independently to Bermuda. Her escort, the frigate USS Huron (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Collins, USCGR) had failed to make rendezvous.

At 1500Q/26, the Norfolk (Chesapeake Bay) section of the convoy (29 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination escorted by USS Evarts, USS Wyffels and USS Walter S. Brown. It arrived at its destination on the 28th.

At 1850Q/26, the New York section detached the Samgaudie to proceed independently to Baltimore.

At 2050Q/26, the New York section detached the Joshua B. Lippencott to also proceed independently to Baltimore.

At 0530Q/27, the New York section detached the Backhuysen and Benjamin Rush to proceed to Delaware Bay.

At 0630Q/27, the New York section detached the Westmount Park to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick.

The New York section of the convoy made up of 22 ships and the remaining escorts arrived at its destination on 28 October 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.]