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Notable events involving Thames include:

12 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 65.

[Note: No convoy report of the Convoy Commodore is available as the Commodore's ship was sunk, some datails regading this convoy may thus be missing.]

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harpalyce (British, 5169 GRT, built 1940), Housatonic (British (tanker), 5559 GRT, built 1919), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nerissa (British, 5583 GRT, built 1926), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Reedpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920) and Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN), destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

Around 1940P/12, HMCS French parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2030P/13, HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0840P/14, convoy SHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Anna Mazaraki (Greek, 5411 GRT, built 1913), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Axel Johnson (Swedish, 4896 GRT, built 1925), Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Fircrest (British, 5394 GRT, built 1907), Juno (Dutch, 1753 GRT, built 1908), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1200P/16, convoy BHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cape York (British, 5027 GRT, built 1926), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Merlin (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), La Brea (British, 6945 GRT, built 1916), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Sitala (British (tanker), 6218 GRT, built 1937), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Winkleigh (British, 5468 GRT, built 1940).

Heavy fog was encountered during the period of 17 to 23 August. During this period the Cymbula (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August) and La Brae (torpedoed and sunk on 24 August by the German submarine U-48).

Around 1500O/23, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0605Z/24, in position 57°45'N, 16°40'W, the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0750Z/24, the sloop HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/24, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 65A was destined for Methil (arrived on 27 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Blairatholl, British Lord (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 August), Cape York (bombed by enemy aircraft on 26 August, sank on 27 August, see below), Cetus (arrived at Stornoway on 26 August), City of Hankow, Empire Merlin (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Fircrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Harpalyce (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Juno, Lodestone, Maplewood, Nellie, Nordlys, Prins Maurits, Reedpool, Remuera (torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft on 26 August), Stakesby (torpedoed and heavily damaged on 25 August, see below), Welsh Prince and Winkleigh. They were escorted by HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia which both arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

Around 0345A/25, the German submarine U-48 attacked convoy HX 65A. The Empire Merlin and Athelcrest were hit. The Empire Merlin sank almost immediately. One survivor was picked up by HMS Godetia. Six survivors from Athelcrest were also picked up by HMS Godetia which then scuttled the burning wreck with gunfire.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia also depth charged the attacking submarine but did no damage.

Shortly before 2300A/25, the German submarine U-124 attacked the convoy and torpedoed the Fircrest, Harpalyce (the ship of the Convoy Commodore) and the Stakesby. The Fircrest sank at once due to her cargo of iron ore, there were no survivors. The Harpalyce also sank very quickly. Five survivors were picked up after a few hours by auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Fort Dee (?). The Stakesby remained afloat due to her cargo of timber (pit props). The rescue tug Thames took the damaged ship in tow but she ran aground in Glumaig Bay after the tow rope broke. She was later salvaged and repaired and re-entered service in 1943 as Empire Derwent.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia attacked with depth charges but did no damage to the U-boat.

HMS Godetia also stood by the damaged Stakesby.

On the 26th the convoy escort was reinforced by the sloops HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN) and HMS Egret (Cdr. D.P. Evans, RN).

Around 2045A/26, near Kinneard Head, gunfire was seen coming from land and also ahead. Apparently convoy WN 10, which was ahead of convoy HX 65A, was under air attack.

Between 2100A/26 and 2210A/26, convoy HX 65A, then also came under air attack in at least five attack runs. The Remuera was torpedoed and sunk (43 survivors being picked up by HMS Egret) while the Cape York was damaged by bombs but she did not sink. HMS Egret took off the crew. Salvage attempts were undertaken by the rescue tug Saucy but the ship eventually sank around 1115A/27. Saucy fouled her propeller during the salvage attempts and was taken in tow for a while by HMS Egret.

Like HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia, HMS Lowestoft and HMS Egret arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

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Convoy HX 65B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Alfred Olsen (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Anna Mazaraki (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Dublin on 26 August, possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Atlantic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Axel Johnson (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Chama (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Eclipse (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), F.J. Wolfe (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Fernbank (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Gard (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Gitano (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August), Housatonic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Manchester Merchant (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nerissa (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nikoklis (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Pecten (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Rangitane (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Regent Panter (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 August), Sitala (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Solarium (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Taria (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Torr Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August) and Torvanger (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August). They were escorted by HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus which both arrived at Liverpool on 27 August.

At 0902A/25, HMS Westcott obtained an A/S contact and one depth charge was fired at 0906A/25 in position 57°25'N, 09°38'W. Contact was immediately regained afterwards.

A second attack was carried out and six depth charges were fired at 0917A/25. There was no sign of wreckage, oil fuel or bubbles.

Contact was then regained and a third attack was carried out and five depth charges were dropped at 0930A/25.

Though contacts were firm and submarine was known to be in the vicinity it was considered the contacts were non-sub. At 1000A/25, HMS Westcott proceeded to rejoin the convoy considering it unwise to stay away from the convoy any longer.

The German submarine U-57 reported twelve depth charges being dropped around this time at a distance between 3 to 4 kilometers.

At 1847A/25, the tanker Pecten, the rear ship of the starboard wing column, was torpedoed. HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus immediately proceeded towards the scene and started an A/S hunt which lasted until 2026A/25. Several patterns of depth charges were dropped by both ships before they made off to rejoin the convoy which they did the following morning.

The Pecten sank quickly with heavy loss of life. 8 Survivors were picked up by the Torr Head. She had been torpedoed and sunk by U-57 which was subsequently depth charged counting 27 depth charges. She sustained no damage [KTB U-57 from 7 July to 31 August in NARA, T 1022, roll 2883, PG 30054].

Around 0715A/26, the Clyde section of the convoy was detached. [and presumably the ships destined for Belfast Lough as well or otherwise shortly afterwards.]

Around 1300A/26, the Regent Panther was detached to proceed indepently toward Milford Haven / the Bristol Channel.

Around 0500A/27, Convoy HX 65B arrived off the Bar Light Vessel. (1)

16 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 66.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antiope (British, 4545 GRT, built 1930), Bassa (British, 5267 GRT, built 1918), Chaucer (British, 5792 GRT, built 1929), Coultarn (British, 3759 GRT, built 1938), Eli (Norwegian, 4332 GRT, built 1931), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Empire Scout (British, 2185 GRT, built 1936), Empire Tiger (British, 4954 GRT, built 1919), Gandia (Belgian, 9629 GRT, built 1907), Hjelmaren (Swedish, 2467 GRT, built 1922), Kyno (British, 3950 GRT, built 1924), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), Sesostris (Egyptian, 4008 GRT, built 1915), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Thistlegorm (British, 4898 GRT, built 1940) and Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

Around 1800P/16, HMCS Ottawa was detached to intercept the Estonian merchant vessel Kotkas (2085 GRT, built 1919).

Around 1200P/17, HMCS Assiniboine was detached.

Around 0630P/19, Convoy SHX 66 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Progress (British, 5249 GRT, built 1918), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Fana (Norwegian, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Gloxinia (British, 3336 GRT, built 1920), Grado (Norwegian, 3103 GRT, built 1918), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Ornefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 1334 GRT, built 1937), Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922), Vaalaren (Swedish, 3406 GRT, built 1936) and Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917).

Around 1515P/20, Convoy BHX 66 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Arinia (British (tanker), 8024 GRT, built 1936), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Empire Puma (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Helgoy (Norwegian, 7116 GRT, built 1920), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), Norne (Norwegian, 3971 GRT, built 1930), Nyland (Norwegian, 1374 GRT, built 1940), Oakworth (British, 4968 GRT, built 1925), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), Port Townsville (British, 8661 GRT, built 1935), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), Sabor (British, 5212 GRT, built 1920), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935) and Weirbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925).

During the night of 20/21 August the Empire Scout straggled from the convoy. She rejoined the convoy, section HX 66B, on 29 August.

During the night of 25/26 August, the Helgoy straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 30 August.

Around the same time the Norne, Queen Maud and Weirbank had also straggled from the convoy but they rejoined around 1100N/27 after having been rounded up by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) which was on an A/S sweep.

Around 1200N/27, HMS Ausonia parted company after the minesweeper HMS Jason (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Terry, RN) and corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) had joined the convoy. HMS Highlander also remained with the convoy until dark on the 27th.

Around 1700A/28, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and corvette HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1955A/28, in position 58°09'N, 13°14'W (D.R. position), the merchant vessel Kyno sounded her syren and shortly afterwards she was struck by a torpedo. Survivors were picked up by the Queen Maud. The ship had been torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-28.

Around 2100A/28, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 66A was destined for Methil (arrived on 31 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cairnesk, Chelsea (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Cordelia (arrived at Scapa Flow on 30 August), Dornoch, Empire Progress, Esmond, Fana, Grado, Gregalia, Mill Hill (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Norne (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Nyland, Oakworth, Ornefjell, Queen Maud, Rothley, Skeldergate, Thistlegorm and Weirbank. They were escorted by HMS Jason and HMS Hibiscus which both arrived at Rosyth on 31 August.

At 0125A/30, a loud explosion was heard on the port quarter of the convoy. Around 0138A/30 two flashes were seen. At daylight it was seen that the Mill Hill, Chelsea and Norne were missing from the convoy. Of these ships the Chelsea remained afloat for a while but later foundered. The destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) were ordered (at 0219A/30) to hunt the attacker which was the German submarine U-32. The rescue tugs Thames and Superman were sent to the area but they found no ships to salvage. At 1701A/30, both tugs were ordered to return to Stornoway.

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Convoy HX 66B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antiope (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Arinia (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 September), Bassa (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Boreas (arrived at Preston on 31 August), Chaucer (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Coultarn (arrived at Newport on 1 September), D.L. Harper (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Eli (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Empire Penguin (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Empire Puma (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Empire Scout (arrived at Bristol on 1 September), Empire Tiger (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Gandia (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Gloxinia (arrived in Belfast Lough on 30 August), Helgoy (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Hjelmaren (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Industria (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Karamea (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 September), New York City (arrived at Swansea on 1 September), Otina (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Port Townsville (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Sabor (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), San Alvaro (arrived at Swansea on 1 September), Sesostris (arrived at Dublin on 31(?) August), Southgate (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Toronto City (arrived at Milford Haven on 31 August), Tynebank (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Vaalaren (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August) and Valparaiso (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Heartsease which both arrived at Liverpool on 31 August.

During the night of 29/30 August the D.L. Harper had collided with the Boreas but only minor damage was sustained. (2)

26 Aug 1940
HMS Thames takes the abandoned and burning British merchant Stakesby in tow for Stornoway. The vessel had been torpedoed the day before by German U-boat U-124 in convoy HX-65A 23 nautical miles north of Butt of Lewis, Hebrides. The ship was beached at Glumaig Bay after the tow rope broke and sank in shallow water, but was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.

25 Dec 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. R.D. Whiteway-Wilkinson, DSC, RN) was towed from Campbeltown to Rothesay by the tug Thames. (3)

26 Feb 1941

Convoy OG 54.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 26 February 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 24 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Clare Lilley (British, 4969 GRT, built 1917), Hedera (Swedish, 2327 GRT, built 1900), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1924), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rolf Jarl (Norwegian, 1917 GRT, built 1920), Solstad (Swedish, 1379 GRT, built 1924), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).

The Liverpool section (sailed 25 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Avoceta (British, 3442 GRT, built 1923), Baltara (British, 3099 GRT, built 1918), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (Greek, 4271 GRT, built 1906), Memphis (Egyptian, 2324 GRT, built 1920), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929) and Trentino (British, 3079 GRT, built 1919). On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

The Clyde section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alpera (British, 1777 GRT, built 1920), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Bur (Swedish, 1956 GRT, built 1919), Fina (British, 1378 GRT, built 1919), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919), Stornest (British, 4265 GRT, built 1921) and Yorkmoor (British, 4457 GRT, built 1925). The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of this section.

The Oban section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Biela (British, 5298 GRT, built 1918), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919), Empire Fusilier (British, 5404 GRT, built 1921), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Lautaro (British, 6225 GRT, built 1915) and Wigry (Polish, 1893 GRT, built 1912).

On final assembly west of the North Channel on the 26th, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) .

The Yorkmoor almost immediately returned to the Clyde, perhaps she did not even join the convoy.

Around 2000A/27, in position 56°30'N, 10°00'W, the Polarsol straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up. She arrived her destination, Aruba, Netherlands West Indies on 16 March 1941.

Around 0945A/27, in position 56°30'N, 09°30'W, the Wigry parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. as the cargo had shifted.

Around 1330A/27, in position 56°35'N, 10°30'W, the Memphis had to stop and leave the convoy due engine trouble. At 0510A/28, Memphis reported that she was in destress in position 56°24'N, 09°50'W and that she required assistance. At 0528A/28, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) to go to her assistance. At 1120A/28, Memphis reported that water was entering the engine room and that the level was increasing. The fires of the boilers were out. She also reported that she had picked up part of the crew of the torpedoed merchant vessel Benjamin Franklin and that with these survivors on board there was insufficient lifeboat capacity. At 1941A/28, Memphis made an S.O.S. signal in position 56°08'N, 09°28'W. The engine room was full of water and the stern was nearly under water. This was the last heard of the Memphis. No survivors were found.

On 28 February 1941, HMS Kingcup parted company.

The Empire Fusilier arrived at Oban on 1 March 1941 after having straggled from the convoy. Her master apparently having decided to return to the U.K.

During 2 March 1941, in heavy weather the following ships straggled from the convoy; Antonio (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941), Clare Lilley (arrived at New York on 18 March 1941), Fina (arrived in the Clyde on 8 March 1941 having returned to the U.K. due to a leak. The destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) had been sent to her assistance but could not find her), Hedera (arrived at Gibraltar on 13 March 1941), Solstad (arrived at Setubal on 10 March 1941) and Stornest (arrived at Buenos Aires on 4 April 1941).

Also on 2 March 1941, HMS Dianella, HMS Sunflower and HMS Philante parted company.

On 3 March 1941, HMS Keppel and HMS Venomous parted company.

On 4 March 1941, HMS Lincoln and HMS Shikari parted company.

On 5 March 1941, in position 51°25'N, 22°27'W, the Baltara stopped with engine defects due to flooding. The ship reported this in a signal at 0539Z/6. She was joined the next day by the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) which reported at 1640Z/7 that the Baltara had 14 feet of water in the engine room but that the bulkheads were holding. Position was 50°21'N, 22°12'W. It was requested that a rescue tug be sent. The rescue tug Zwarte Zee was ordered to leave Campbelown and to proceed towards the stricken Baltara. The corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) was ordered to escort the rescue tug. However as the Zwarte Zee developed defect the rescue tug Thames was sent instead. Thames and HMS Heather departed Londonderry around 2200A/9. At 1430Z/11, HMS St. Elstan reported that Baltara's condition had not changed and that they were now in position 49°46'N, 23°42'W. The Baltara was successfully salvaged and arrived in Rothesay Bay on 17 March 1941.

Around 1400Z/5, in position 50°13'N, 22°45'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Alpera (arrived at St. Thomas on 23 March 1941), British Tenacity (arrived at Aruba on 21 March 1941), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (arrived at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, on 13 March 1941), King Neptune (arrived at Demerara, Guyana on 23 March 1941), Lautaro (arrived at Bermuda on 19 March 1941), Richard de Larrinaga (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941) and Spero (arrived at Halifax on 18 March 1941).

Around 0800Z/7, in position 44°55'N, 23°00'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Biela (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 29 March 1941), Charlbury (arrived at Montevideo on 29 March 1941), Llancarvan (arrived at Freetown on 22 March 1941), Miguel de Larrinaga (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941), Nikoklis (arrived at Buenos Aires on 1 April 1941), Prome (arrived at Freetown on 15 March 1941), Tordene (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941) and Welsh Trader (arrived at Capetown on 2 April 1941).

Around 0900Z/7, in approximate position 44°50'N, 22°40'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) sighed the convoy which she subsequently joined.

On 8 March 1941, the Zamalek arrived in the Clyde, most likely having detached from the convoy with some of the escort vessels [date of detaching not known to us at the moment.]

Around 2130A/13, in position 35°46'N, 06°23'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Baron Kelvin (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Bur (arrived at Lisbon on 20 (?) March), Finland (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Kellwyn (arrived at Sevilla on 14 March) and Taberg (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 14 March 1941 escorted by HMS Rochester, HMS La Malouine and HrMs O 21. (4)

23 Jun 1941

Minelaying operation SN 70B.

Minelaying operation by the 1st Minelaying Squadron.

At 1900B/23, the auxiliary minelayers HMS Agamemnon (Capt.(Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and HMS Menestheus (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) departed Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) to lay minefield SN 70B. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Brighton (Cdr. (Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Castleton (Cdr. (Retd.) F.H.E. Skyrme, RN) and HMS Wells (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN).

They were joined around 2300B/23 by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow around 1300B/23 but had first conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth.

Around 0130B/24, the light cruiser HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) also joined. She had departed Scapa Flow around 1940B/23.

At 0515B/24, HMS Aurora (Capt. Sir W.G. Agnew, RN) joined company.

At 0545B/24, HMS Arethusa parted company and proceeded on patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap.

At 1050B/24, the visibility decrased to 150 yards.

At 1110B/24, The Squadron made an emergency turn to port.

At 1115.30B/24, HMS Kenya sighted a destroyer 150 yards away coming towards.

At 1116B/24, HMS Kenya was hit by the destroyer which turned out to be HMS Brighton. HMS Kenya sustained some damage but was able to continue. This was not the case with HMS Brighton whose bow sustained major damage.

Most ships of the Squadron meanwhile lost contact with each other in the thick fog.

Later HMS Aurora and HMS Wells took the damaged Brighton to the Reyðarfiord, Iceland for inspection.

The remainder of the 1st Minelaying Squadron regrouped and proceeded on with the minelaying operation.

Between 2125B/25 and 2310B/25, minefield SN 70B was laid on a line joining positions, 65°11'0"N, 12°49'4"W and 65°34'6"N, 12°54'5"W.

At 1620B/26, the destroyer HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) joined the 1st Minelaying Squadron. She had been on patrol to the north of Iceland but had been ordered to leave patrol and join the minelayers.

HMS Agamemnon, HMS Menestheus, HMS Castleton, HMS Wells and HMS Eclipse arrived at Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) at 1717B/27.

HMS Kenya arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800B/27 having parted company with the 1st minelaying Squadron at 1154B/27.

The damaged destroyer HMS Brighton departed the Reyðarfiord for the Clyde on 28 June in tow of the tug Thames. The tug Marauder was standing by. They were escorted by HMS Aurora and the destroyer HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) which had come from Hvalfiord.

The destroyer HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 1700B/29 to join which she did around 0330B/30.

In the meantime, at 2020B/29, HMS Brighton's bow broke away. The Marauder then took over the tow.

At 2105B/30, while in the North Minches, HMS Aurora, HMS Echo and HMS Lightning parted company to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0200/1.

HMS Brighton continued on with the tugs and arrived in the Clyde on 1 July 1941. (5)

10 Nov 1941

Operation Perpetual and the sinking of HMS Ark Royal

Transfer of Hurrican fighters (from aircraft carriers) and Blenheim bombers (from Gibraltar) to Malta.

10 November 1941.

At 0235 hours (zone -1) on 10 November 1941, Force H departed Gibraltar for operation Perpetual. Force H was made up of the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. C. Coppinger, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, CBE, RN), HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSC, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN). They were escorted by seven destroyers; HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, DSC, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN).

At 0800 hours, HMS Argus flew off one aircraft for A/S patrol and a Catalina aircraft joined from Gibraltar at 0930 hours. The force passed to the north of Alboran Island. A French merchant vessel was sighted ahead at 1526 hours. She was north bound. During the afternoon AA firing exercises were carried out.

11 November 1941.

Force H continued to the eastward during the night. As the takeoff of the Blenheim bombers from Gibraltar was delayed due to unsuitable weather conditions it was decided that Force H would withdraw to the westward for a while, with the dual object of increasing the distance to the enemy air bases in Sardinia and to give the impression to possible enemy shadowers that the fly off of the Hurricanes had already taken place, and that Force H was already retiring.

At 0935 two aircraft were reported by RDF to the southward. Later the echo faded, but they were sighted flying very low over the Algerian coast. They were too far to be identified and were thought to be possibly French. However a report timed 0935 by an Italian reconnaissance aircraft was intercrypted shortly afterward and it became clear that the two aircraft were in fact Italian.

As hurricanes were range on Ark Royal’s flight deck, making it impossible for her to operate her own fighters. Argus had two Sea Hurricanes ranged, but the enemy aircraft disappeared before these could be launched.

Between 1835 and 1910 hours Vice-Admiral Somerville had a message transmitted that unless the Hurricanes could be flown off the following morning he intended to return to Gibraltar, as he did not consider it desirable to remain in this area without A/S air and fighter patrols.

At 2130 hours, Force H turned to the eastward again towards the flying off position.

12 November 1941.

Shortly after midnight a signal was received that it was intended that the carriers could launch their Hurricanes for Malta at 1000 hours.

At 0743 hours a signal was received that the firt group of Blenheim bombers was airborn at that they would be near the takeoff position of the Hurricanes shortly after 1000 hours.

Between this time and the completion of flying off of all the land Hurricanes, no fighters were available for the interception of enemy aircraft.

Two aircraft, presumed hostile, were detected by RDF to the north-eastward at 0907 hours, but they were not sighted. Later a report from an Italian reconnaissance aircraft time 0907 hours was intercripted, and this no doubt originated from one of these two aircraft.

At 1004 hours four Blenheim bombers were sighted and by 1021 hours 13 Hurricanes had been launched by Ark Royal and 6 by Argus. One of the Hurricanes that was to be launched from Ark Royal had troubles with the engine and was, after repairs, included in the second batch that was to be launched.

At 1048 hours, two more Blenheims were sighted, and within five minutes Ark Royal had flown off the first of the Hurricanes for her second batch. By 1112 hours all Hurricanes had been launched by the carriers and they made off with the Blenheims for Malta.

By 1130 hours all ships were back in position after the flying off operations and course was set to the west. From Ark Royal one Swordfish was flown off for A/S duties and four Fulmars for fighter patrol. These patrols were maintained until dusk.

At 1425 hours HMS Ark Royal reported an aircraft in sight low down to the southward. The four Fulmar fighters were vectored but a section of two Fulmars only sighted the enemy until on the return trip from the chase. One of the Fulmars was able to fire one good burst of gunfire from 300 yards before the enemy aircraft escaped into the clouds. Both wings of this Fulmar were damaged by enemy gunfire. Two sighting reports from this aircraft were intercepted.

Between 1500 and 1515 hours RDF reported that enemy aircraft were shadowing the fleet but by now weather had deteriorated and there was much low rain cloud. Although fighters were vectored no interceptions were made.

At 1625 hours hours Malta reported the arrival of 34 Hurricanes and 7 Blenheims. One Blenheim had returned to Gibraltar with engine trouble. Also a report on U-boat sightings in the Western Mediterranean was received.

Late in the evening speed had to be reduced in the bad weather to avoid weather damage to the escorting destroyers.

13 November 1941

At 0140 hours, weather had improved at bit and speed was increased by one knot to 17 knots but by 0500 hous weather had worsened even further then earlier and speed was reduced to 15 knots. This was only temporary though and at 0630 hours speed was increased to 17 knots and by 0800 hours (daylight) even to 19 knots.

An underwater explosion was observed by HMS Legion in her wake at 0413 hours. This was also heard be several of the other ships. Legion at that time was the starboard wing destroyer. This was thought to be a torpedo exploding at the end of its run.

This might well be correct as according to German sources the German submarine U-205, at 0506 hours (Berlin time), made a torpedo attack on a force of enemy warships but no hits were obtained.

At 0645 hours, Ark Royal flew of an AS patrol of six Swordfish for a dawn A/S patrol. They sighted nothing. They returned at 0850 hours. More A/S patrol were maintained throughout the day.

At 0817 hours a report was received that submarine were to be expected to be in the area. Course was now altered to approach Gibraltar directly from the east and not as was usually the case along the Spanish or Maroccan coast.

Later in the morning HMS Laforey and later HMS Lightning both reports A/S contacts and the fleet evaded these.

The fleet conducted exercises in the afternoon. HMS Laforey reported another A/S contact and the fleet once again made an emergency turn. The contact was however soon classified as ‘non sub’ and the main course was promptly resumed.

At 1541 hours, while in position 36°03’N, 04°40’W HMS Ark Royal was hit by a torpedo on the starboard side. Following this HMS Malaya immediately altered course to port and increased speed. HMS Legion and HMS Gurkha, the rear destroyers on the starboard wing at once turned outwards and started an A/S search to the north and east of the Ark Royal, the most probable area where the attacker must have been.

At this time HMS Ark Royal was still going ahead at considerable speed, listing to starboard and apparently under port wheel. A number of her aircraft were still circling overhead as she had been conducting aircraft operations when she was hit.

At 1549 hours, HMS Laforey and HMS Lightning were ordered to join HMS Ark Royal who appeared to be loosing speed. Signals were also made to require tugs to be sent out from Gibraltar and all available A/S craft to be sent out to patrol the area. HMS Hermione was ordered to stand by HMS Ark Royal The remaining three destroyers, HMS Sikh, HMS Zulu and HrMs Isaac Sweers were ordered to screen HMS Malaya.

By 1610 hours, HMS Ark Royal was laying stopped and listing heavily to starboard but she reported she had steam on her port engine. HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning and HMS Gurkha had closed her and were circling Ark Royal. HMS Legion was alongside Ark Royal. HMS Hermione was still closing. HMS Malaya and her three escorting destroyers were about 5 miles off and proceeding to Gibraltar at 18 knots as was HMS Argus who was some distance astern of her but catching up on Malaya. At 1615 hours Argus flew off two Swordfish aircraft for A/S patrol.

At 1710 hours, when 8 nautical miles eastwards of Europa Point, HMS Malaya was passed by units coming out of Gibraltar to assist. These were the destroyer HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), motor launches ML 121, ML 130, ML 132, ML 135, ML 170, ML 172, ML 176 and the tugs St. Omar and Thames. Shortly before the tug St. Day had also been sighted proceeding eastwards. Besides these ships the destroyer HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN) had also been ordered to proceed to the east.

HMS Malaya and HMS Argus entered harbour around 1820 hours and before she was berthed Vice-Admiral Somerville had transferred to HMS Sikh and went out again to proceed to HMS Ark Royal. Shortly before Sikh left the harbour the destroyer HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) had also left the harbour to assist. Sikh, Zulu, Isaac Sweers and Wishart joined the patrol near Ark Royal for the night.

At 1900 hours, three corvettes departed Gibaltar to assist. These were; HMS Rhododendron (Lt. H.I. Davis, RNVR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr. J. Byron, RNR). This last corvette had a large 6” portable pump on board

The trawlers HMS St. Nectan (T/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Phillips, RNR) and HMS Lady Shirley (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Callaway, RANVR) had also been sailed around 1715 hours to patrol the area. They had not been very near to Ark Royal during the coming night.

Around 2040 hours the situation was as follows. Ark Royal was being towed by Thames and St. Day. The tow was proceeding at 2 knots. It was hoped that Ark Royal was able to raise steam shortly.

At 2224 hours, the Capt. (D) 19th Destroyer Flotilla on board Laforey reported that Ark Royal had her own steam and power and that flooding was apparently under contral and that no more tugs would be required until off the harbour. Shortly afterwards Vice-Admiral Somerville therefore ordered the three corvettes to establish A/S patrol astern of the Ark Royal and to close her only by daylight.

At 2355 hours, HMS Legion arrived at Gibraltar packed with crew of HMS Ark Royal which were not needed in the rescue effort. After landing these she proceeded back to sea.

14 November 1941

At 0221 hours, the Capt. (D) 19th Destroyer Flotilla reported that Ark Royal had lost steam (and power) and that a powerful pump would be required. Another signal at 0242 hours stated that another tug would be required. This indicated that the situation was deteriorating. Vice-Admiral Somerville therefore ordered HMS Sikh to close. HMS Pentstemon, the corvette with the portable pump on board, was also ordered to close. From Gibraltar the tug Rollicker was also sent out to assist.

On approaching HMS Laforey, which was alongside Ark Royal together with St. Day, signaled to Sikh that Vice-Admiral Somerville could better transfer to an ML which he did. At 0430 hours Vice-Admiral Somerville boarded Laforey to find she was on the point of casting off from HMS Ark Royal. Capt. Maund was also on board Laforey with the last of the steaming party. Ark Royal now had a list of 35° and was listing still further judging by the straining and parting of wires securing the ships alongside her. The situation was reported by signal to the Admiralty at 0446 hours.

After getting clear in HMS Laforey, Vice-Admiral Somerville, ordered St. Day to go ahead of Thames but at 0600 hours Thames reported that she had cast off the tow as Ark Royal was sinking. The carrier turned over at 0613 hours and remained bottom up for a few minutes after which she disappeared from sight. This was reported by signal to the Admiralty at 0623 hours.

Vice-Admiral Somerville then ordered the Capt. (D) 19th Destroyer Flotilla to take all destroyers in the area under his command and to commence an A/S sweep to the eastward. He was instructed to return to Gibraltar by dark. In the end HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning, HMS Gurkha, HMS Legion and HMS Zulu returned to Gibraltar at 1535/14 followed about 15 minutes later by HMS Wild Swan.

Vice-Admiral Somerville himself returned to Gibraltar in HMS Sikh arriving at 0830 hours as did HrMs Isaac Sweers at 0900 hours. (6)

3 Jun 1942
The damaged battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) departed departed Diego Suarez for Durban. She is escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN). The tug Thames was also with them to be able go give assistance to the damaged battleship if required. (7)

9 Jun 1942
The damaged battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN), light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Duncan ( Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and the tug Thames arrived at Durban from Diego Suarez.

On approaching Durban the escort had been reinforced by the corvettes HMS Fritillary (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Barker, RD, RNR) and HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR).

HMS Ramillies is then taken in hand at the Durban Dockyard for temporary repairs. Also Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, left the ship.

[As no logs are available of HMS Ramillies for the months of May, June, July and August 1942 some details for these months will be missing.] (7)

2 Dec 1943

Convoy SL 142.

This convoy departed Freetown on 22 November 1943.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Pibroch (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Swale (British, 5452 GRT, built 1937), Fordsdale (British, 11023 GRT, built 1924), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Katanga (Belgian, 5183 GRT, built 1917), Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913), North Leigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919), San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and William Hawkins (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue tug Thames was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR), HMS Columbine (T/Lt. J.C. Grose, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Gem (T/Lt. P.H. Riseley, RNVR).

On 3 December 1943, the Umberleigh arrived back at Freetown after having been forced to return .

On 4 December 1943, HMS Southern Gem was detatched as was the William Hawkins which arrived at Bathurst later the same day.

On 5 December 1943, the Lycaon arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929) and Rutenfjell (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1935) departed Dakar to join the convoy as did the submarine tender Jules Verne.

Also on 5 December 1943, HMS Bellwort was detached and joined southbound convoy OS 59.

On 12 December 1943, the merchant vessels Belgian Crew (Belgian, 7048 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR), USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W. Roeder, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).

On these ships joining the Djebel Aures and Jules Verne were detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 13 December 1943 escorted by the three above mentioned patrol vessels.

On 14 December 1943, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 33(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anadyr (British, 5321 GRT, built 1930), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Ceronia (British (tanker), 4955 GRT, built 1929), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Debrett (British, 6244 GRT, built 1940), Egholm (British, 1327 GRT, built 1924), Empire Faith (British, 7061 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Rippingham Grange (British, 10365 GRT, built 1943), Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Schiaffino (British, 3236 GRT, built 1920), Spurt (Norwegian, 2061 GRT, built 1918) and Tarantia (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) and the headquarters ship HMS Hilary (Capt.(Retd.) J.F. Paget, RN) were also with the convoy.

Convoy MKS 33(G) was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), frigates HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Spray (Lt. F.A.J. Downer, RNR) and HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. H. Meredith, RNVR).

The original escort of convoy SL 142 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 14 December 1943.

Around 1120Z/17, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) joined the convoy.

During 20/21 December 1943, the escort was reinforced by the destroyers Hurricane, Wanderer, Watchman and the frigate Glenarm.

On 22 December 1943, in bad weather conditions the Baron Forbes straggled from the convoy.

On 23 December 1943, HMS Hilary was detached to Milford Haven where she arrived on 26 December 1943.

Around 1700Z/24, HMS Fencer, HMS Walker and HMS Abelia were detached from the convoy to proceed ahead with three of the merchant vessels (the Troilus was one of them). HMS Fencer arrived at Greenock on 26 December 1943, HMS Walker and HMS Abelia arrived at Londonderry also on the 26th.

On 25 December 1943, the Tilemachos straggled from the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 27/28 December 1943.