Allied Warships

USS Mattaponi (AO 41)

Oiler of the Mattaponi class

NavyThe US Navy
TypeOiler
ClassMattaponi 
PennantAO 41 
Built bySun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. (Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) 
Ordered 
Laid down9 Sep 1941 
Launched17 Jan 1942 
Commissioned11 May 1942 
End service 
History

Decommissioned on 17 April 1950
Recommissioned on 28 December 1950
Decommissioned on 12 October 1954
Recommissioned on 12 December 1958
Decommissioned on 1 February 1959
Recommissioned on 30 November 1961
Decommissioned at an unknown date
Stricken in October 1970
Scrapped in 1972

 

Commands listed for USS Mattaponi (AO 41)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1Cdr. Martin Joseph Gillan, Jr., USN11 May 19421 Mar 1943 (1)
2T/Cdr. Morgan Coit Barrett, USN1 Mar 194315 May 1944
3Lt.Cdr. Vincent James Banks, USNR15 May 19447 Jul 1945
4Lt.Cdr. Joseph Mendoza Castro, USNR7 Jul 194515 Jan 1946

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Notable events involving Mattaponi include:


25 Jan 1944

Convoy GUS 29.

This convoy departed Port Said on 25 January 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Arthur R.P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Riggs (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Bedford (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kaskaskia (British, 7187 GRT, built 1943), Frank A. Vanderlip (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Heimvard (Norwegian, 4851 GRT, built 1930), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Skotaas (Norwegian (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1931). The LST USS LST 261 (Lt.Cdr. L.I. Reilley, USCG) was also part of the convoy. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR).

On 26 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; E. Kirby Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), George Walton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John J. Crittenden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lot Whitcomb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Louis A. Sengteller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) and Woodlark (British, 1501 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.

On 30 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Charles Piez (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Bloodworth (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arthur R.P. Davis, Empire Peak, Empire Southey, Fort Brandon, Fort Caribou, Fort Remy, Pan-Rhode Island, Samphire, Stancleeve and Van der Capelle.

On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Forest, Meonia, Skotaas, Talma and Woodlark.

On 31 January 1944, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Malta and joined the convoy. HMS Primula arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 1 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; A.C. Bedford, Charles Goodyear, Djebel Aures and Empire Harbour. USS LST-261 was also detached to Bizerta. The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Atlantic Coast (British, 890 GRT, built 1934), Black Hawk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927), Cotton Valley (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Charmian (British, 7519 GRT, built 1943), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Marvell (British (tanker), 9812 GRT, built 1942), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Harry Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hebe II (British, 957 GRT, built 1912), Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the (damaged) destroyer HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN) also joined the convoy.

On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Belgian Sailor, Fort Norman, James M. Wayne and Linge while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Gulfgem (American (tanker), 6784 GRT, built 1920), P.L.M. 17 (British (former French), 4008 GRT, built 1922) and Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930).

On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Arthur Dobbs and Cotton Valley while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 3 February 1944, the transport Empire Charmian arrived at Bougie after having parted company with the convoy.

On 3 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Charles Piez, Daniel H. Lownsdale, Fort de Douaumont, George Leonard, Hebe II, Joseph Pulitzer, Marit Maersk and William Patterson while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Lafcadio Hearn (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), Ocean Vigil (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941) and Stanford Newel (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 4 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Anna N. Goulandris, Atlantic Coast, Coulmore, David L. Swain, Louis McLane, Thomas Nelson Page and Zane Gray while the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Gallium (French, 1775 GRT, built 1924), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918).

On 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Appledore, Baron Douglas, Bruce M., Clan MacNeil, Empire Perdita/, Empire Snow, Ingleton, Iroquois, Kelbergen, Largs Bay, Lornaston, Ocean Vigil, P.L.M. 17, Rodsley and Skeldergate. Also arriving at Gibraltar were HMS Colombo, HMS Jervis, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS La Malouine, HMS Myosotis and HrMs O 21.

Also on 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; E.W. Sinclair (American (tanker), 10907 GRT, built 1942), Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920), Empire Tana (British, 6275 GRT, built 1922), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by a new, American, escort made up of the destroyer USS Gleaves (T/Cdr. B.L. Gurnette, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS J. Richard Ward (Lt. D.A. Smith, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 63, Capt. T.S. Dunstan, USNR, on board), USS Keith (Lt. J.L. Rinn, USNR), USS Otterstetter (Lt. L.E. Whitmore, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR).

Around 2200A/5, the convoy was joined by the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 7, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Ramsden (Cdr. J.E. Madacey, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG) and USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG) which had first been on an A/S sweep.

On 5 February 1944, the Casablanca section of the convoy departed that place. It was made up of the tanker Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and the naval tanker USS Mattaponi (T/Capt. M.C. Barrett, USN). They were escorted by the seaplane tender USS Matagorda (Cdr. A. Crinkley, USN), destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). They made rendezvous with the convoy around 1045A/6 when the tankers and USS Richey joined the convoy. USS Matagorda, USS PC-475 and USS PC-481 then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports / tankers E.W. Sinclair, Empire Plover, Empire Tana, Gallium, Keilehaven, Mount Othrys, Ocean Valentin and Parame with them. They all arrived at Casablanca on 7 February 1944.

Around 1330Z/8, USS Tomich was detached to proceed to the Azores to escort the Azores section of the convoy which was to join the convoy from there.

Around 1030Z/10, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy from the Azores. She had the transports Abraham Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Phineas Banning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) with her which joined the convoy.

Also on 10 February 1944, USS Gleaves fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 1530Z/11, USS Tomich parted company with the convoy to make rendezvous with the tanker Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931) coming from the Azores.

Around 0630Z/14, USS Tomich and the Katy (re)joined the convoy.

Also on 14 February 1944, USS Gleaves again fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 2200Z/18, USS Mattaponi and the transport Samgara were detached to Bermuda taking USS Tomich with them as escort. The Samgara had problems with her rudder.

Around 1200Z/19, USS Mills parted company to proceed to Bermuda to land a medical case.

Around 2100Z/19, the transports Frank A. Vanderlip and John J. Crittenden were detached to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick and Boston respecively.

Around 0330Z/20, USS Mills rejoined from Bermuda.

Around 1215Z/20, the tanker Gulfgem was detached to proceed independently to Harbor Island, Texas.

Around 0630Z/21, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of 14 ships and was escorted to Hampton Roads by USS Sellstrom, USS Ramsden, USS Rhodes and USS Savage. The Chesapeake Bay section arrived at its destination the following morning.

Around 0300Z/22, USS Mills was detached to escort two ships to Delaware Capes where they arrived in the afternoon.

In the evening of 22 February 1944, the remaining ships of the convoy arrived at New York.

1 Jun 1944

Convoy GUF 11.

This convoy departed Naples on 1 June 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Cristobal (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Frederick Lykes (American, 7773 GRT, built 1940) and Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932).

They were escorted by the destroyers USS Davison (T/Cdr. E.L.E. Ritson, USN, with COMTASKFOR 68 / COMDESRON 15, T/Capt. S.W. DuBois, USN on board), USS Mervine (T/Cdr. D.R. Frakes, USN), USS Quick (T/Cdr. P.W. Cann, USN), USS Tillman (T/Cdr. C.S. Hutchings, USN) and USS Earle (T/Capt. G.O. Hobbs, USN).

Around 2030B/1, the destroyer USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

The convoy proceeded via the Messina Straits.

Around 1300B/2, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and naval tanker USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR) joined coming from Bizerta.

Around 0445B/4, the convoy was off Oran where the (troop) transports James Parker (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939) and Sea Perch (American, 7870 GRT, built 1944) joined. Also the stores ship USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN) joined.

Around 1745A/4, the destroyer escorts USS Ahrens (Cdr. M.H. Harris, USNR) and USS Robert I. Paine (Lt.Cdr. D. Cochran, USN) joined the convoy near Gibraltar.

Around 1815A/4, HMS Colombo, USS Earle and USS Livermore were detached near Gibraltar.

On 5 June 1944, USS Davison, USS Mervine, USS Quick and USS Tillman fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 1500N/8, the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wilhoite (T/Lt.Cdr. E.B. Roth, USN) and USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN) joined and commenced fuelling from USS Mattaponi. On completion, around 1800N/8, they parted company.

On 9 June 1944, all escorts fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

The convoy arrived at Hampton Roads on 13 June 1944.

2 Jun 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and the naval tanker USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR) departed Bizerta to join convoy GUF 11.

For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUF 11 ' for 1 June 1944.]

24 Jun 1944

Convoy UGS 46.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 24 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Arthur St. Clair (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin D. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin H. Latrobe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Charles Goodnight (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frederick L. Dau (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Irvin McDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Madison (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), John H. Reagan (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931), Kildonan Park (Canadian, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), R.F. Peckham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Samavon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcolne (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlistar (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsoaring (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samspeed (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtorch (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tibia (Dutch (tanker), 10356 GRT, built 1939), Toltec (Honduran, 5527 GRT, built 1929), Tulsa (American, 5083 GRT, built 1919), Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the LST's; USS LST-548 (Lt. J.B. Brady, USN), USS LST-550 (Lt. V.A. Meehan, USNR), USS LST-561 (Lt. V.W. Foster, USNR), 11715 655 (T/Lt. D.D. Sumrall, USN), USS LST-656 (Lt. F.T. McCahill, USNR), USS LST-664 (Lt. J.R. Burke, USNR), USS LST-665 (Lt. H.L. Jones, USNR), USS LST-690 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Reif, USNR), USS LST-691 (Lt. J.H. Monroe, USNR), USS LST-692 (Lt. R.B. Carothers, USNR), USS LST-913 (Lt. L.C. Gwin, USNR), USS LST-914 (Lt. A.W. Meyer, USNR), USS LST-994 (Lt. R.P. Gonder, USNR), USS 995 (Lt. G.W. Chamberlain, USNR), USS LST-996 (Lt. C.A. Leach, Jr, USNR), USS LST-997 (Lt. L.R. Dhuyvetter, USNR), USS LST-1019 (Lt. N.C. Ross, USNR), USS LST-1020 (Lt. P.D. Tracy, USNR), USS LST-1021 (Lt. R.W. Erickson, USNR),

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) (transporting aircraft) was also part of the convoy as was the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR), USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN), Somali and the sloop Dumont d'Urville.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Tulsa developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.

On 28 June 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

On 3 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb.

On 4 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

At 1108O/4, the tanker Norsol was detached to Horta, Azores escorted by USS Leslie L.B. Knox. At 0419N/5, the escort of the tanker was taken over by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR) and USS Leslie L.B. Knox then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did around 2026N/5.

On 5 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Chambers, USS Calcaterra, USS Vance and USS Merrill.

On 7 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled the ships of Hunter Killer Task Group 22.5, the escort carrier USS Wake Island (T/Capt. J.R. Tague, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Farquhar (Delton E Walter, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Bane, USNR), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. A.S. Archie, USNR) and USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Stokey, USNR). Task Group 22.5 was operating in the area also covering the passage of the convoy.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 34°23'N, 08°47'W, the transport Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted out by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, La Boudeuse and Commandant Delage.

These three French escort vessels now proceeded to Casablanca escorting HMS Trouncer and the transports / tankers Alexander Lillington, Esso Nashville, George Shiraz, Henry L. Ellsworth, John T. Holt, Joseph Habersham and Samtucky. They arrived at Casablanca on the 10th. With them was also the Dumont d'Urville.

Around 1730Z/10, the transports Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) joined coming from Gibraltar. With these ships the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), submarine HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

Around 1650B/12, the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1700B/11, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran Bay Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luctretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hart Benton (American, 7187 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas Sumter (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) while the following ships parted company with the convoy and entered Oran Bay; David J. Brewer, Howard A. Kelly, James E. Howard, Katy, USS LST-561, USS LST-664, USS LST-665, USS LST-691, USS LST-994, USS LST-995 and USS LST-1020. The LST's however later rejoined the convoy.

On 12 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

Also on 12 July 1944, the following ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pride (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) with the following transports Fort Grahame and Thomas Hart Benton parted company and entered Algiers harbour.

On 13 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb, USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Vance, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill.

On 13 July 1944, the transports Chertsey and Essex Trader arrived at Bougie after having straggled from the convoy.

On 13 July 1944, the transport Middlesex Trader arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.

On 14 July 1944, the tankers Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Vittorino Zanibon (Italian (tanler), 1622 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta. Also the new (British) escort joined the convoy, this was made up of the sloop Pheasant and the corvettes Alisma, Saxifrage and Spiraea.

When the above ships joined the convoy the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta Hai Lee, Mattaponi, San Cipriano and Tibia. Also all the USN escort vessels and the naval tanker proceeded to Bizerta as did HMS Caledon and the French Somali. Also the LST's had entered Bizerta.

On 14 July 1944, the transport Thomas Stone arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy. Around the same time the transport Prosper Schiaffino must also have left the convoy. She arrived at Sfax on 15 July 1944.

On 15 July 1944, the tanker Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. HMS Virtue arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 15 July 1944, the transports / tankers Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to joined the convoy.

On 16 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Albert G. Brown, Benjamin H. Latrobe, Charles Goodyear, Coulgorm, Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Empire Gain, Felix Grundy, Fitzhugh Lee, George Matthews, Gideon Welles, Iceland, Irvin McDowell, James Hoban, James Rumsey, John B. Hood, John Howland, Joseph Holt, Joyce Kilmer, Joseph Goldberg, Marshall Elliott, Memphis City, Ocean Pride, Pan-Maryland, Salamis, Samavon, Samsoaring, Samstrule, Samuel Gorton, Samuel Livermore, Taria, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Theodore Sedgwick, Thomas Hill, Thomas Sumter, Toltec, Vittorino Zanibon, Ward Hunt, William D. Moseley, William L. Yancey, William Moultrie and Zaanstroom.

The Empire Harbour arrived at Catania on the same day.

On 19 July 1944, the following transports Marit Maersk, Samcolne, Samleven, Sammex arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Alisma and HMS Saxifrage arrived at Alexandria.

On 20 July 1944, the following transport / tankers arrived at Port Said; Algorab, Ammla, Anson Jones, Arthur St. Clair, Benjamin D. Wilson, Benjamin Lundy, Benjamin Williams, Charles Goodnight, Empire Coleridge, Fort la Prairie, Fort Venango, Frederick L. Dau, James Harlan, James Madison, John C. Spencer, John H. Reagan, Joseph Goldberger, Kildonan Park, Kobad, Lorraine, Louis McLane, Lucretia Mott, O'Henry, Ponce de Leon, R.F. Peckham, Samesk, Samlista, Samport, Samspeed, Samstrae, Samtorch, Samtyne, Samwye, Socotra, Steel Engineer, Suderholm, Teucer, Thomas F. Cunningham and Vernon L. Kellogg. Also HMS Pheasant and HMS Spiraea arrived at Port Said.

14 Jul 1944

Convoy GUS 46.

This convoy departed Port Said on 14 July 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following ships; Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942), Ben F. Nixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan Macaulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936), Clement Clay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931), Francis N. Blanchet (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Chaffey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Gulfpoint (American (tanker), 6972 GRT, built 1920), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Hoegh Silverlight (Norwegian, 5197 GRT, built 1936), Jacob Perkins (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James D. Trask (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Francis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nonsuco (American, 5212 GRT, built 1938), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Luckenbach (American, 8152 GRT, built 1919), Samhorn (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nuttall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR) and HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR).

On 15 July 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Changte (British, 4324 GRT, built 1925), Charles Bullfinch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942) and Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942).

They were escorted by the minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN).

On 18 July 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Francis Marion (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), George K. Fitch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Manning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Roald Amundsen (Norwegian, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 19 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Clan Macaulay, Elise, Empire Airman, Joseph Francis and Tobruk.

On 19 July 1944, the Changte arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Malta; British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936) and Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923).

On 20 July 1944, the Gulfpoint arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943, Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943) and the netlayer HMS Guardian (Capt.(Retd.) H.A.C. Lane, OBE, RN). Also the current escort was relieved by Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR) and USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN). Also part of Task Force 60 was the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR). Additional escorts were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and the destroyer escort USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robbins, Jr., USNR). This last ship was for jamming duties against German guided bombs.

Around 0345B/21, the transport Steel Inventor (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920) and the rescue tug HMRT Hengist joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 0700B/22, the following ships were detached to Algiers; British Power, Cape Howe, Empire Grange, Fort Columbia, Ocean Faith and HMS Guardian while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

Around 0610B/23, HMS Colombo was detached to Oran.

Around 0630B/23, USS Frederick C. Davis was also detached from the convoy.

Around 0700B/23, the following ships were detached to Oran; Crosby S. Noyes, Francis Marion, James Jackson, James Manning, King S. Woolsey, Moses Austin, Paine Wingate, Roald Amundsen and Tristram Dalton while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), George P. McKay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hugh M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Armstrong (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Peter Trimble Rowe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Sherwood Anderson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1000B/24, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Algonquin Park and Samhorm.

Around 1915B/24, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Cochrane, Franz Klasen and Samshire while the following ships joined the convoy from Casablanca; Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Booker T. Washington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Edwards (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Pan-Maine (American (tanker), 7237 GRT, built 1936). These ships had been escorted from Casablanca to the rendezvous with the convoy by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessels Le Ruse, L'Ardent and Le Resolu which then escorted the ships that were detached arriving at Casablanca on the 25th.

During 27 July 1944, USS Mattaponi fuelled USCG Bibb, USS Riley, USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS McNulty, USS Metivier, USS George A. Johnson and USS Eugene E. Elmore.

Around 0900N/29, the tanker Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from the Azores. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR).

During 1 August 1944, USS Mattaponi fuelled USS Riley, USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS McNulty, USS Metivier, USS George A. Johnson and USS Eugene E. Elmore.

Around 0830P/7, the convoy commenced to split up into two sections. The ' New York / Delaware ' section of 13 ships was escorted by USCG Bibb, USS Vance, USS Lancing, USS Durant, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill. The bulk of the convoy made up the ' Chesapeake Bay ' section which was escorted by USS Riley, USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS McNulty, USS Metivier, USS George A. Johnson and USS Eugene E. Elmore.

The ' New York ' section arrived at it destination in the afternoon of 8 August 1944. The ' Delaware ' section (made up of one ship, the John T. Holt) had parted company with it around 1730P/7 and arrived it its destination later on the 7th, escorted by USS Chambers.

The ' Chesapeake Bay ' section, which included USS Mattaponi arrived at its destination on 8 August 1944.

20 Jul 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR) and USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN), USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robbins, Jr., USNR) and the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR) departed Bizerta to join convoy GUS 46.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 46 ' for 14 July 1944.


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