George Devereux Belben DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 14 May 1897 | Bark Hart, Seldown, Poole | |
| Died | 18 Feb 1944 | (46) | HMS Penelope |
| Ranks
Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for George Devereux Belben, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Canton (F 97) | Capt. | Armed Merchant Cruiser | 26 Sep 1939 | 12 Feb 1941 |
| HMS Penelope (97) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 10 Aug 1942 | 18 Feb 1944 (+) |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Canton (F 97)
2 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1000Z/2, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is commissioned at Glasgow. (2)
5 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock. (2)
7 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and full power trials in the Clyde area. (2)
11 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0015Z/11, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth. (2)
12 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1145Z/12, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Greenock. (2)
18 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Portsmouth. (2)
19 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830Z/19, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she arrived around 1600Z/19.
Gunnery exercises on arrival at Portland had to be cancelled due to the bad visibility. (2)
20 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the afternoon, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portland. (2)
22 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portland. On completion of these exercises she returned to Portland.
Around 2230Z/22, she departed Portland for Greenock. (2)
24 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900Z/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from Portland. (2)
26 Dec 1939
Around 1800Z/26, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol west of the Faeroer Islands. (2)
9 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Greenock. (3)
10 Jan 1940
In the evening, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) grounded in bad weather conditions on the west coast of Lewis Island, Hebrides.
She was able to get off the following morning but had sustained damage and was holed forward.
Around 1100Z/11, the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) joined to render assistance. She parted company around 1325Z/11, after the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) had joined shortly before.
Around 1700Z/11, the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN) and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) also joined.
Around 2015Z/11, the tug HMS Bandit arrived. Later also the HMS Englishman joined.
Around 2110Z/11, HMS Isis and HMS Imperial parted company.
Around 1115Z/12, HMS Foresight obtained an A/S contact but lost it soon afterwards, no submarines were in the area so this mist have been a non-sub contact as no enemy submarines were in the immediate area.
The destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN) and HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN) arrived in the area to cover the passage of the damaged armed merchant cruiser to the Clyde.
Around 1215Z/13, HMS Canton arrived at Greenock. (3)
17 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The damaged HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is intentionally grounded at the entrance to Holy Loch when the pumps are not able to keep up with the inflow of water. (3)
21 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The damaged HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is towed from Holy Loch to Glasgow where is to be taken in hand for repairs at Barclay Curle shipyard. (4)
6 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is docked at Glasgow. (5)
8 Apr 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is undocked. (6)
23 May 1940
With her repairs completed, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock. (7)
24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2030A/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Portland. (7)
26 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845A/26, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Portland from Greenock. At Portland she is to undergo an exercise programme. (7)
29 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (7)
30 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (7)
31 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (7)
5 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830A/5, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Portland for patrol. Before departure gunnery exercises were carried out. She was ordered to patrol off the Bay of Biscay. (8)
17 Jun 1940 (position 57.17, -11.40)
At 1734A/17, in position 54°17'N, 11°40'W, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) sighted a torpedo close under the port bow and travelling away to port. No torpedo wake was sighted though. Shortly afterwards it was thought that a periscope was sighted. It was thought this was the periscope of a second U-boat.
No German submarine have reported this attack. It is unlikely that U-122, which did not return from patrol, could already have been in this position on the 17th. (9)
18 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1445A/18, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from patrol. (8)
3 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (10)
4 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330A/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown where she is to join the Freetown Escort Force / South Atlantic Station. (10)
15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900N/15, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (10)
16 Jul 1940
Convoy SL 40.
This convoy departed Freetown on 16 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), Celtic Star (British, 5575 GRT, built 1918), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Dayrose (British, 4113 GRT, built 1928), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kirriemoor (Brititsh, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Adelaide (British, 8422 GRT, built 1919), Port Denison (British, 10334 GRT, built 1918), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Rydboholm (Swedish, 3197 GRT, built 1933), Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Winsum (Dutch, 3224 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN).
Around 0430Z/1, the City of Wellington and the Grangepark collided and dropped out of the convoy but they were able to rejoin later.
Later on 1 August 1940, Convoy SLF 40, merged with convoy SL 40.
Convoy SLF 40 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).
Convoy SLF 40, had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) which also joined convoy SL 40.
Around 0600A/2, in position 54°37'N, 16°17'W, the sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy. HMS Asturias and HMS Canton then parted company with the convoy and both proceeded independently to Greenock.
Later the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and the corvettes HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined. The corvettes came direct from the A/S training facility at Tobermory.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 August 1940.
Four ships had straggled from the convoy, these were the Kirriemoor, Pindos, Richard de Larrinaga and Sylvia de Larrinaga. The Pindos was sunk on 4 August 1940 by the German submarine U-58 in position 55°22'N, 08°50'W.
20 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy SLF 40.
This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN).
The convoy merged with convoy SL 40 on 1 August 1940.
[For more info on convoy SL 40 see the event ' Convoy SL 40 ' for 16 July 1940.]
3 Aug 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty.
[As no log is available for HMS Canton for the month of August 1940 some details for this month might be missing.] (11)
6 Aug 1940
Around 1700A/6, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (12)
16 Aug 1940
Around 0930N/16, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (12)
18 Aug 1940
Convoy SL 44.
This convoy departed Freetown on 18 August 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Aymeric (British, 5196 GRT, built 1919), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), British Glory (British (tanker), 6995 GRT, built 1928), Browning (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Copacabana (Belgian, 7340 GRT, built 1938), Djambi (Dutch, 6984 GRT, built 1919), Dorington Court (British, 5281 GRT, built 1939), Gaelic Star (British, 5596 GRT, built 1917), Gannet (British, 1443 GRT, built 1921), Harmodius (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Marylyn (British, 4555 GRT, built 1930), Myrmidon (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Nagina (British, 6551 GRT, built 1921), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), St.Glen (British, 4641 GRT, built 1907) and Welcombe (British, 5122 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN).
The British Glory returned to Freetown on 20 August 1940 after having been detached from the convoy.
Some of the ships listed above, most likely four of them, joined at sea coming from St. Vincent (Sao Vicente).
Around 0600A/3, the destroyer Blyskawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) Stanislaw Hryniewiecki) and sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) joined the convoy in position 54°32'N, 16°19'W.
Around 0645A/3, the corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) and two A/S trawlers joined the convoy.
Around 0715A/3, the destroyer HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.
Later the destroyer HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and corvette HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 5 September 1940.
5 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830A/5, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (13)
15 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330A/15, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (13)
25 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1215N/25, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out.
Around 2145N/25, she departed Freetown to escort convoy AP 3 to Capetown.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (13)
4 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1725B/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty. (14)
6 Oct 1940
Around 1700B/6, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for escort duty with convoy AP 3.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (14)
12 Oct 1940
Around 0845B/12, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty.
14 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1725B/14, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the South Atlantic. (14)
2 Nov 1940
Around 0815B/2, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Simonstown from patrol. (15)
4 Nov 1940
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is docked for repairs to her rudder in the Selborne Graving Dock at Simonstown. (15)
18 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is undocked. (15)
19 Nov 1940
Around 1715B/19, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown for Freetown. Before departing she first conducted rudder trials. Later she was ordered to search for the Vichy French transport Ville de Tamatave (4993 GRT, built 1931) but if the Vichy ships was not sighted during daytime on the 20th she was to continue her passage to Freetown. (15)
28 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800N/28, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Simonstown. (15)
28 Nov 1940
Convoy SL 57.
This convoy departed Freetown on 28 November 1940.
The convoy was made up the following merchant vessels; Baron Ardrossan (British, 3896 grt, built 1932), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Benvannoch (British, 6427 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Fortitude (British (tanker0, 8482 GRT, built 1937), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914), Danmark (British (former Danish), 8391 GRT, built 1925), Defoe (British, 6245 GRT, built 1940), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920)), Laplace (British, 7327 GRT, built 1919), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mahanada (British, 7196 GRT, built 1914), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Streefkerk (Dutch, 6185 GRT, built 1921), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 192) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Bengali (Lt. F.R. Pike, RCNVR.
Around 2000N/29, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) joined.
Around 1820N/30, HMS Bridgewater and HMS Bengali parted company with the convoy.
Around 1720Z/15, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown.
Either late on 15 December or early on 16 December the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Lt. Adrian Paul Northey, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR) and HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, RNR) joined.
Around 1430Z/16, the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 December 1940.
24 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700N/24, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (16)
4 Jan 1941
Around 1700N/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic. (17)
17 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000N/17, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. (17)
20 Jan 1941
Convoy SL 63.
This convoy departed Freetown on 20 January 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), City of Singapore (British, 6567 GRT, built 1923), City of Sydney (British, 6986 GRT, built 1930), Clan Alpine (British, 5442 GRT, built 1918), Clan Farquhar (British, 7958 GRT, built 1918), Clan MacGillivray (British, 5023 GRT, built 1911), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Dorington Castle (British, 5281 GRT, built 1939), Dundrum Castle (British, 5259 GRT, built 1919), Gujarat (British, 4148 GRT, built 1923), Havsten (Norwegian (tanker), 6161 GRT, built 1930), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Kaikoura (British, 5852 GRT, built 1937), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Ripley (British, 4997 GRT, built 1936), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Sembilan (Dutch, 6566 GRT, built 1922), Shillong (British, 5529 GRT, built 1939), Soloy (Norwegian, 4402 GRT, built 1929), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927) and Waroonga (British, 11243 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR).
On 22 January 1941, HMS Clematis parted company with the convoy.
Around 1900N/24, HMS Milford and HMS Cyclamen parted company with the convoy.
Around 1000Z/7, HMS Canton parted company with the convoy on the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. V.C.F. Clark, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN, corvette HMS Picotee (Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) joining. The following day the destroyer HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) and corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 February 1941.
8 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2245A/8, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (18)
Light cruiser HMS Penelope (97)
5 Sep 1942
Having completed her repairs, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed the Brooklyn Navy Yard and proceeded to Gravesend Bay. (19)
9 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted D/G trials off Bayonne after which she returned to Gravesend Bay. (19)
11 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted trials off New York after which she returned to Gravesend Bay. (19)
13 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) proceeded to Delaware Bay where she conducted some exercises. (19)
14 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Delaware Bay to Norfolk, Virginia. (19)
17 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Norfolk, Virginia. (19)
18 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Norfolk, Virginia. (19)
19 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Norfolk, Virginia. (19)
21 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Norfolk, Virginia for Bermuda. (19)
22 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Bermuda. (19)
23 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Bermuda for Portsmouth, UK. (19)
30 Sep 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (19)
1 Oct 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Plymouth to Portsmouth.
At the Portsmouth Dockyard she was taken in hand for the fitting of new equipment and other work that could not be undertaken in the USA. (20)
23 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is docked at Portsmouth. (20)
12 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is undocked. (21)
22 Nov 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted D/G trials off Portsmouth. (21)
28 Nov 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted D/G trials off Portsmouth. (21)
30 Nov 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Portsmouth for Scapa Flow. On departure she is escorted for a while by HMS Albrighton (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSO, DSC, RN). (21)
2 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a work-up period. (22)
10 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted independent exercises off Scapa Flow. She remained out during the night of 10/11 December. (22)
11 Dec 1942
Around 0900 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) joined HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) which were also out on exercises having departed Scapa Flow around noon the previous day.
Around 1200 hours, HMS Penelope parted company with these ships and then joined HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO and Bar, RN) for exercises until returning to Scapa Flow in the evening. (22)
14 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (22)
17 Dec 1942
In the afternoon HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.
In the late afternoon HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) also conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.
In the evening night encounter exercises were carried out for which HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN) also joined them. (23)
18 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted independent exercises off Scapa Flow. After returning to Scapa Flow torpedo firing exercises were carried out. (22)
22 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (22)
23 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. In the evening a night shadowing exercise was carried out. (22)
24 Dec 1942
In the afternoon, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), conducted an oiling at sea exercise at Scapa flow with the RFA tanker Blue Ranger. This exercise was followed by an A/S exercise with a submarine. [This was most likely HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN).] (22)
28 Dec 1942
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (22)
1 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (24)
2 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (24)
5 Jan 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN), HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (25)
7 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow, first with HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) and later with HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN). (24)
8 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted an oiling at sea exercises during which she oiled the destroyer ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki). (24)
13 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted gunnery and radar exercises at Scapa Flow. (24)
14 Jan 1943
In the second half of the morning, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), conducted radar calibration exercises off Scapa Flow.
The were followed by a rangefinding and inclination exercises with HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) which was being escorted by three destroyers, two of which were HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN) [We are unable to read the name of the third destroyer in the logbook of HMS Howe]. Later in the afternoon HMS Howe had three other destroyers with her during an rangefinding and inclination exercise with HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN). These destroyers were HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).
And finally HMS Penelope conducted gunnery exercises for the 6" armamant.
HMS Belfast had first concucted RDF exercises in the morning and then had conducted throw off gunnery exercises with HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN). (26)
16 Jan 1943
In the morning HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. Upon completion of these she set course for the Clyde. (24)
17 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Greenock. She departed for Gibraltar later the same day. (24)
22 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (24)
27 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir. (24)
28 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir. (24)
29 Jan 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Mers-el-Kebir. (24)
1 Feb 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Mers-el-Kebir. (27)
2 Feb 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Algiers. (27)
3 Feb 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Algiers. (27)
4 Feb 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived later the same day. (27)
13 Feb 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Bone for Algiers where they arrived later the same day.
On the same day HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) proceeded in the opposite direction.
Around noon, while en-route, these two forces conducted exercises for about 40 minutes. (28)
22 Feb 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Algiers to Philippeville. (27)
25 Feb 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Philippeville to Bone. (27)
1 Mar 1943
HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Bone. (29)
5 Mar 1943
Around 1815/5, ' Force Q ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Bone for a sweep to the eastward.
They returned to Bone around 0900/6 not having sighted the enemy. (30)
9 Mar 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Bone to Algiers. (31)
24 Mar 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived later the same day.
On the same day HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) proceeded in the opposite direction.
Around noon, while en-route, these two forces conducted exercises for about 35 minutes. Following the exercises the destroyers joined HMS Penelope and HMS Sirius to proceed with them to Bone. (32)
7 Apr 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) departed Bone for Algiers.
On the same day HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) proceeded in the opposite direction.
Around 1130 hours, while en-route, these two forces conducted exercises for about an hour. (33)
19 Apr 1943
Around 1930/19, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and RHS Adrias (Cdr. I. Toumbas), departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived around 0745/20. (34)
22 Apr 1943
Around 1415/22, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) departed Bone for a patrol to the south of Marittimo. No enemy ships were encountered. One Ju-52 transport plane was claimed to have been damaged and possibly destroyed by HMS Penelope. (35)
4 May 1943
HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Bone for Algiers.
On the same day HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, DSO, RN) and HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) proceeded in the opposite direction.
Around 1130 hours, while en-route, these cruisers conducted exercises with each other for about half an hour. (36)
18 May 1943
HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) shifted from Algiers to Bone.
On the same day HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, DSO, RN) and HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) proceeded in the opposite direction.
Around 1115 hours, while en-route, these cruisers conducted exercises with each other for nearly half an hour. (36)
31 May 1943
Around 0100 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Bone for Malta where she arrived around 1800 hours. (37)
1 Jun 1943
Around 0800/1, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Malta to conduct a bombardment of Pantellaria. she was escorted by HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L. St.G. Rich, DSO, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN).
The bombardment was commenced at 1830/1. HMS Penelope was hit by a 5.9" shell from a coastal battery at 1838/1, no casualties were sustained. The bombardment ceased at 1840/1.
HMS Penelope, HMS Paladin and HMS Petard returned to Malta around 0600/2. (38)
7 Jun 1943
Around 2015B/7, the light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, DSO, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Malta to bombard Pantellaria.
Around 0800B/8, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, with General Eisenhower and Admiral Cunningham on board) departed Bone to join the other ships. At sea, around 0620B/8, she was joined by the destroyer HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN).
The island was bombarded between approximately 1115B/8 and 1215B/8. HMS Aurora also bombarded the island (harbour area). She opened fire at 1126 and ceased fire after having fired 35 round of 6".
Following the bombardment HMS Newfoundland, HMS Penelope, HMS Orion and the destroyers returned to Malta arriving around 2230B/8. HMS Euryalus proceeded to Bone where she arrived around 2130B/8. En-route to Bone HMS Euryalus, was attacked at 1405B/8, near Cape Bon in position 36°59'N, 11°17'E, by seven FW 109's but she was not damaged despite being near-missed several times. HMS Euryalus arrived at Bone around 2100B/8.
HMS Aurora, still escorted by HMS Troubridge, proceeded to Bizerta to land the General and the Admiral. She arrived there around 1700B/8. A little over an hour later she departed Bizerta for Malta escorted by HMS Troubridge and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas). They arrived at Malta around 0715B/9. (39)
11 Jun 1943
Operation Corkscrew.
Capture of Pantellaria and Lampedusa.
From Sfax, ' Convoy A ' sailed for the landings on Pantelleria. This convoy was made up the headquarters ship HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGregor, RN), landing ships HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN) and HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN). They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN).
From Sousse, departed ' Convoy B ' and ' Convoy C '. ' Convoy B ' was made up of the landing ship HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR), 20 LCI(L)'s and 2 ML's. They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.deL. Brooke, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN). ' Convoy C ' was made up of landing ship HMS Misoa (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Grace, DSC, RD, RNR), gunboat HMS Aphis ( Lt.Cdr. F.Y. Bethell, RN), and 21 LCI(L)'s, 4 LCF's and 2 ML's. They were escorted by the minesweepers HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR), HMS Polruan (Lt. C.D. Sampson, RNVR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the M/S trawlers HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR).
From Malta departed the bombardment / cover force which was made up of the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, DSO, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas).
Eight motor torpedo boats and / or motor gun boats were also set to patrol in the area.
All forces sailed on 10 June to be off Pantellaria on 11 June 1944.
A final bombardment was then carried out and also aircraft from North African air bases carried out attacks. The island surrendered shortly before noon without further fighting. Rear-Admiral McGregor transferred his flag to HMS Tartar. HMS Largs, landing ships, landing craft and escorts were then ordered to proceed to Sousse.
The cruisers and fleet destroyers then proceeded to Lampedusa. Bombandment of that island commenced at 2245/11 and continued throughout the 12th. Also air bombardments were carried out. The island surrendered in the evening.
Weather was to bad to land at Lampion Island but the island appeared to be uninhabited.
The surrender of Linosa Island was accepted by HMS Nubian.
The forces that were still at sea were then dispersed. (40)
13 Jun 1943
Around 0100/13, HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, DSO, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) arrived at Malta from Operation Corkscrew. (38)
18 Jun 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (41)
20 Jun 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar where she was to be taken in hand for repairs. (41)
22 Jun 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (41)
24 Jun 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is docked in No.2 Dock at Gibraltar. (41)
29 Jun 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is undocked. (41)
3 Jul 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Gibraltar for Bone. (42)
5 Jul 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Bone. (42)
6 Jul 1943
Around 1245/6, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Bone to join the escort of convoy KMF 18B which was en-route to Sicily for operation Husky.
Both cruisers were part of the cover force for operation Husky.
They joined the convoy around 1500/6 and remained with it until 2200/7 after the convoy had passed through the Tunisian War Channel. (43)
8 Jul 1943
Around 0620/8, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), briefly joined up with ' Force H, 1st Division ' the main cover force for the landings before. They parted company around 1100/8 to fuel at Malta where they arrived around 1515/8.
After fuelling the departed again around 1800 hours to rejoin ' Force H, 1st Division ' which was cruising to the north of the Gulf of Sirte to provide cover for Operation Husky. (43)
10 Jul 1943
Between 0115 and 0130/10, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN) bombarded Catania, on the east coast of Sicily. Targets were allocated as follows; HMS Aurora the central railway station, HMS Penelope the power station and the destroyers the 'Bacino di Ponente' (this was probably a water basin).
Between 0220 and 0230/10, they bombarded Taormina which was further to the North. The railway station was the main target.
At 0630/10, they rejoined ' Force H ' which by now had come up from just north of the Gulf of Sirte to a position to the east of the south-east tip of Sicily.
At 1937/10, HMS Aurora and HMS Penelope were detached again to act independently from the main force. Now the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) were with them. They were to patrol further north, to the south of the Straits of Messina.
Shortly after 2300/10, they were attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained. Enemy aircraft continued to be around during the night. (44)
11 Jul 1943
Around 0700/11, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) rejoined ' Force H ', the main cover force for operation Husky.
Around 0850/11, HMS Aurora and HMS Penelope were detached to fuel at Malta where they arrived around 1315/11.
They departed again around 1700/11 to rejoin ' Force H ' which they did around 2000/11. (44)
14 Jul 1943
At 0206B/14, ' Force Q ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN), was attacked by six enemy torpedo bombers. HMS Euryalus reported sighting two torpedoes and HMS Quail reported being missed by one by 100 yards.
At 0715B/14, ' Force Q ' joined ' Force H, 2nd Division ' which was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas).
Around 1215B/14, ' Force Q ' was ordered to refuel at Malta and was detached from ' Force H, 2nd Division. They were however recalled at 1750B/14 and rejoined after dark.
In the aftenoon, ' Force H, 1st Division ', arrived at Malta to fuel. These were the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Rear-Admiral. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN). (45)
15 Jul 1943
' Force H, 2nd Division ' which was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) kept patrolling the area during the day. ' Force Q ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) was with ' Force H, 2nd Division ' during the day. ' Force Q ' was detached at 1700B/15 for yet another patrol to the east of Sicily.
Early in the evening, ' Force H, 1st Division ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Rear-Admiral. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) departed Malta to resume their patrol off Sicily to provide cover for the ships participating in the landings. (45)
16 Jul 1943
Around 0020B/16 ' Force H, 1st Division ' which was made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Rear-Admiral. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) was attacked by an Italian aircraft. The aircraft was difficult to identify and was first thought to be friendly but at 0028B/16 HMS Indomitale was hit by a torpedo abreast the boiler room on her port side. Position of the attack was 36°22'N, 16°08'E.
Following the attack, HMS Indomitable, listed 12° to port. She lost speed and subsequently dropped out of line which at that point had been HMS Aurora, HMS Nelson, HMS Rodney, HMS Indomitable and HMS Penelope. On seeing her dropping astern Vice-Admiral Willis ordered ORP Piorun and HMS Echo to join her, later HMS Ilex was also ordered to stay with the carrier. Eventually HMS Indomatable rejoined the Division.
At 0730B/16, rendezvous was effected with ' Force H, 2nd division ' which was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Rear-Admiral. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas).
HMS Formidable then joined the 1st Division while the damaged HMS Indomitable joined the 2nd Division which then proceeded to Malta to refuel arriving there in the morning.
At 1530B/16, HMS Formidable was detached to proceed to Malta escorted by the destroyer HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN). These three ships had joined the force shortly before HMS Formidable was detached. They apparently did not enter Malta but just escorted the carrier there. (46)
17 Jul 1943
Around 0930B/17, ' Force H, 1st Division ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Rear-Admiral. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) arrived at Malta. (46)
20 Jul 1943
Around 1330/20, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) departed Malta for a bombardment of Crotone.
The bombardment was carried out shortly before 0200/21. Main targets were the harbour area and a chemical plant.
The force returned to Malta around 1600/21. (43)
28 Jul 1943
Around 1500/28, light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) departed Malta for a patrol to the south of the Straits of Messina after which they were to proceed to Augusta.
The force arrived at Augusta around 1000/29. (43)
31 Jul 1943
Around 1715/31, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) departed Augusta.
They made rendezvous around 1950/31 with the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).
Course was then set towards Crotone.
At 0207/1, the bombardment commenced. After about 15 to 20 minutes fire was ceased. During the bombardment two small craft that were patrolling off the coast were sunk.
HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope, HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout returned to Augusta around 1200/1. One hour before HMS Faulknor, HMS Inglefield, HMS Loyal and HMS Raidar were detached to Malta where they arrived later the same day. (47)
3 Aug 1943
Around 0230/3, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Augusta for Malta where they arrived around 0730/3. (48)
5 Aug 1943
Around 0800/5, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Malta for Bizerta where they arrived around 1900/5. (48)
9 Aug 1943
Operation Annoyance.
Bombardment of Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Italy and sweep towards Paola, Cosenza, Italy..
Around 1015/9, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN) departed Bizerta for operation Annoyance.
At 2100/9, HMS Dido, HMS Sirius, HMS Panther and HMS Pathfinder were detached for a sweep towards Paola while the other ships proceeded to the Gulf of Naples.
HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope, HMS Jervis and HMS Paladin bombarded Castellammare di Stabia from 0050/10 to 0115/10.
Around 0730/11, both groups made rendezvous and then proceeded to return to Bizerta where they arrived around 1545/10. (49)
12 Aug 1943
Around 1015/12, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Bizerta for sweep along the coast of Northern Calabria, Italy.
The force arrived at Palermo around 0800/13. (50)
13 Aug 1943
Around 1800/13, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Bizerta for a bombardment of Vibo Valentia, Calabria, Italy.
The bombardment was commenced around 0125/14 for around 15 minutes. A large fire was started in the harbour area and apparently a coaster was sunk.
The force arrived at Palermo around 0800/14. (50)
16 Aug 1943
Around 0945/16, the light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Bizerta for a sweep along the northern coast of Sicily towards the Italian mainland.
The force arrived at Palermo around 0815/17. They had sighted nothing. (51)
17 Aug 1943
Around 1745/17, the light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Palermo for a sweep along the northern coast of Sicily towards the Italian mainland and a bombardment of Scalea, Cosenza, Italy.
The bombardment commenced around 0120/18 and was completed about 10 minutes later. Course was then set to proceed to Bizerta.
Around 1130/18, HMS Euryalus was detached to proceed to Malta where she arrived around 2000/18.
HMS Penelope, HMS Jervis and HMS Paladin arrived at Bizerta around 1530/18. (52)
22 Aug 1943
Around 1000 hours, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Bizerta for Palermo where they arrived around 1830 hours.
At 1654 hours, the German submarine U-431, attacked the cruisers with four torpedoes but all missed. There is no mention of this attack in the logbooks of the cruisers so most likely the attack was not observed. (53)
24 Aug 1943
Around 1630/24, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) departed Palermo for a sweep in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
They returned to Palermo around 0800/25. (53)
26 Aug 1943
Around 1030 hours, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Palermo for Bizerta where they arrived around 1845 hours. (53)
1 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Bizerta around 0915 hours for Palermo where she arrived around 1745 hours. (54)
7 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) depated Palermo around 0645 hours for Bizerta where they arrived around 1500 hours. (55)
8 Sep 1943
Operation Slapstick.
Landing of troops at Taranto following the Italian armistice.
Around 1545/8, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), USS Boise (T/Rear-Admiral T.H. Thebaud, USN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Bizerta for Taranto. These cruisers and the minelayer had troops on board as well as stores and vehicles.
Around 0630/9, they joined the battleships HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) which had departed Malta around 2200/8 with the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN).
Around 1315/9, the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Kanaris joined coming from Sousse (via Malta) from where they had sailed on the 8th. They had on board a port party for Taranto.
Around 1400B/9, the Italian battleships Caio Duilio (flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Da Zara), Andrea Doria, light cruisers Luigi Cadorna, Pompeo Magno and the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco were sighted proceeding towards Malta to surrender. HMS King George V with HMS Panther, Pathfinder, HMS Penn then parted company to escort these ships to Malta.
Around 1630/9, the minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR), HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and HMS BYMS 2012 (T/A/Skr.Lt. C.J. Watson, RNR) joined. These ships had also departed Malta on the 8th.
In the evening all the other ships entered the harbour of Taranto where the troops, port party, stores and vehicles were disembarked.
Troops were then to be disembarked, however, on 10 September, shortly after midnight, HMS Abdiel was mined and sunk with heavy loss of life inside the harbour before she had been able to disembark her troops.
10 Sep 1943
Around 0700/10, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and USS Boise (T/Rear-Admiral T.H. Thebaud, USN) departed Taranto after disembaring their troops, stores and vehicles.
Course was set to return to Bizerta where they arrived around 1100/11. (56)
11 Sep 1943
Around 1830/11, after having embarked reinforcements for Taranto, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) and HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) departed Bizerta for Taranto where they arrived around 1700/12. Due to the danger of mines they did not enter the harbour but anchored off it. (57)
13 Sep 1943
Around 0545 hours, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN) departed Taranto for Augusta where they arrived around 1600 hours.
HMS Aurora and HMS Penelope departed Augusta again around 2130 hours for the Salerno area for bombardment duties. (58)
14 Sep 1943
Shortly after 0800 hours, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), both anchored in the Gulf of Salerno.
Both cruisers patrolled of the beaches later in the day, HMS Aurora between 1305 and 1840 hours and HMS Penelope between 1425 and 1915 hours. During her patrol HMS Aurora conducted two bombardments of shore targets (troops and a battery) between 1640 and 1650 hours. She fired a total of 51 rounds. (59)
15 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0632 and 1924 hours. One bombardment of a shore target was carried out between 1702 and 1730 hours during which 20 rounds were fired. (60)
16 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0720 and 1944 hours. Bombardments of shore targets were carried out between 0913-0940 hours and 1027-1100 hours. During these bombardments around 100 rounds were fired. (60)
17 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0756 and 1922 hours. Bombardments of shore targets were carried out between 1007-1100 hours and 1204-1320 hours. During these bombardments 139 rounds were fired. (60)
18 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0825 and 1925 hours. Bombardments of shore targets were carried out between 1245-1400 hours, 1540-1600 hours and 1750-1804 hours. (60)
19 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0658 and 2020 hours. Bombardments of shore targets were carried out between 0950-1200 hours, 1615-1749 hours and 1835-1930 hours. (60)
20 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0739 and 1848 hours. A bombardment of a shore target was carried out between 1528 and 1715 hours. (60)
21 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0703 and 1330 hours. She was however not required for bombardment duties. (60)
22 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties from 1440 to 1720 hours. A bombardment of a shore target was carried out, while she was at anchor, between 1755 and 1910 hours. (60)
23 Sep 1943
While still at anchor, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), conducted two bombardments while still at anchor. These were between 0330 and 0420 hours and 0550 and 0600 hours. She got underway at 0619 hours. She dropped her anchor at 1949 hours. Another bombardment was commenced at 2005 hours. Fire was ceased at 2320 hours. (60)
24 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties from 1448 to 1923 hours. A bombardment of a shore target was carried out between 1502 and 1540 hours. (60)
25 Sep 1943
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) was underway in Salerno Bay for bombardment duties between 0952 and 1803 hours. Bombardments of shore targets were carried out between 1028-1123 hours and 1640-1750 hours. (60)
26 Sep 1943
Shortly after midnight, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), both departed the Gulf of Salerno for Malta where they arrived around 1400 hours. (61)
4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On 4 October 1943, the four light cruisers of the 12th Cruiser Squadron, Aurora, Dido, Penelope and Sirius departed Malta. Also the destroyers Echo, Pathfinder and Tumult departed Malta.
HMS Echo and HMS Tumult departed Malta around 0630/4, HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope and HMS Pathfinder departed Malta around 0830/4 and finally HMS Dido and HMS Sirius departed Malta around 1800/4 but appeared not to have proceeded in company.
At 1750/4, HMS Echo and HMS Tumult joined HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope and HMS Pathfinder.
(62)
4 Oct 1943
On 4 October 1943, the four light cruisers of the 12th Cruiser Squadron, HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) departed Malta. Also the destroyers HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN) and HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) departed Malta. These ships were temporary loaned to the Levant Station.
HMS Echo and HMS Tumult departed Malta around 0630/4, HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope and HMS Pathfinder departed Malta around 0830/4 and finally HMS Dido and HMS Sirius departed Malta around 1800/4 but appeared not to have proceeded in company.
At 1750/4, HMS Echo and HMS Tumult joined HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope and HMS Pathfinder.
Around 1100/5, HMS Pathfinder and HMS Tumult parted company with HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope and HMS Echo. The destroyers were to proceed to Tobruk to refuel.
Around 1245/5, HMS Penelope and HMS Echo parted company with HMS Aurora. HMS Penelope and HMS Echo were to proceed direct to Alexandria where they arrived around 2005/5.
Around 1830/5, HMS Pathfinder and HMS Tumult joined HMS Aurora.
HMS Sirius arrived at Alexandria around 0700/6. (62) 6 Oct 1943 Around 2315/6 [source log of HMS Sirius, the log of HMS Penelope gives 0100/7], HMS Eclipse was detached to return to Alexandria due to defective steering. She arrived back at Alexandria around 1415/7.
The force arrived off Leros around 0530/7 but found no sign of a German invasion. At 0630/7 they picked up an enemy sighting from the submarine HMS Unruly (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN). At 0800/6, they intercepted the convoy sighted by HMS Unruly and completely destroyed it. The convoy had been made up of the transport Olympos (852 GRT, built 1904), the landing barges F 308, F 327, F 336, F 494 and F 532. They were escorted by UJ 2111. F 496 was no longer with them, she had been damaged earlier by HMS Unruly and was beached on Stampalia.
HMS Penelope, HMS Sirius, HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury then set course to return to Alexandria via the Scarpanto Strait. The force came under heavy German air attacks by Ju-87's and Ju-88's.
Around 1120/7, the force was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) and Miaoulis which came from Casteloriso.
Around 1215/7, during an attack by Ju-87 dive bombers HMS Penelope was hit aft by a bomb but it did not explode. There were also many near missed. Two officers and twenty-two ratings were killed and twenty-nine were wounded. HMS Penelope was able to continue at 22 knots.
At 1705/8, HMS Rockwood and RHS Miaoulis parted company.
HMS Sirius and HMS Faulknor arrived at Alexandria around 0050/8 followed by HMS Penelope and HMS Fury around 0200/8. (63) 9 Oct 1943 29 Oct 1943 6 Nov 1943 Around 0600/7, HMS Penelope was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and Miaoulis. These ships parted company around 1700/7.
Around 0600/8, HMS Penelope was joined by the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN). These ships parted company around 0900/8.
Around 1200/9, HMS Penelope was joined by the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos.
They arrived in Episkopi Bay, Cyprus around 1545/9 where they fuelled. (65) 10 Nov 1943 Around 1800/10, HMS Faulknor, HMS Beaufort and RHS Pindos parted company to proceed into the Aegean for operations.
HMS Penelope then set course to proceed to Alexandria where she arrived around 1530/11. (65) 15 Nov 1943 They arrived at Limmasol around 0630/16. (65) 17 Nov 1943 Rendezvous was effected around 0545/18 after which course was set for Paphos, Cyprus where they arrived around 1040/28. HMS Fury and ORP Krakowiak were then fuelled by HMS Penelope. HMS Penelope then embarked Cdr. Orbay, Turkish Navy, most likely from HMS Fury. (65) 18 Nov 1943 Rendezvous was effected around 1410/18. Cdr. Orbay, Turkish Navy was then transferred to HMS Pathfinder.
HMS Pathfinder, HMS Haydon and HMS Tetcott parted company around 1730/18 and then went on their way.
HMS Penelope then set course to proceed to Limmasol arriving there around 0300/19. (65) 19 Nov 1943 HMS Penelope then departed Limmasol for Haifa arriving there around 1730/19. (65) 26 Nov 1943 7 Dec 1943 12 Dec 1943 18 Dec 1943 24 Dec 1943 26 Dec 1943 30 Dec 1943 31 Dec 1943 She was however soon ordered to return to Gibraltar where she arrived on 1 January 1944.
[no more logbooks of HMS Penelope are available after December 1943.] (66) 3 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Jan 1944 9 Jan 1944 10 Jan 1944 15 Jan 1944 18 Jan 1944 21 Jan 1944 They entered the 'fire support area' around 0130/22. 22 Jan 1944 Several air attacks were carried out in the area by the Germans during the day.
At 1440 hours, HMS Penelope commenced a bombardment. [No further details available.]
Around 1730 hours, USS Brooklyn, HMS Penelope, USS Trippe and USS Edison proceeded to seaward.
At 2026 hours, they were informed that two enemy destroyers might attack during the night. These ships had been reported in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea and USS Brooklyn, HMS Penelope, USS Trippe and USS Edison proceeded northwards to intercept. 23 Jan 1944 USS Brooklyn, HMS Penelope, HMS Trippe and HMS Edison were outside the landing zone to try to intercept two German destroyers. At 0600 hours, the hunt for these destroyers was abandoned and they returned to the landing zone for fire support duties.
At 0858 hours, USS Brooklyn opened fire on a shore target having been requisted to do so. Fire was ceased at 0904 hours. A total of 27 rounds had been fired.
At 1743 hours, USS Brooklyn, HMS Penelope, HMS Trippe and HMS Edison again departed the landing zone to proceed to seawards. 24 Jan 1944 27 Jan 1944 29 Jan 1944 [We have been unable to find out when HMS Penelope had returned to Naples after having sailed on 27 January 1944.] (68) 1 Feb 1944 8 Feb 1944 [We have been unable to find out when she returned to Naples, but this must have been on either 11 or 12 February 1944.] (68) 13 Feb 1944 15 Feb 1944 17 Feb 1944 She returned to Naples around 2005 hours. (73) 18 Feb 1944 Between 0658 and 0716 hours, she was torpedoed and sunk, in position 40°55'N, 13°25'E, by the German submarine U-410. (74) Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
Around 1100/6, the light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, DSO, RN, Senior Officer) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria to proceed to the Aegean to attack enemy forces proceeding to Leros.
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Alexandria. (64)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) is undocked at Alexandria. (64)
Around 0650/6, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Alexandria for trials and exercises. On completion of these she set course to proceed to a position about mid way between Alexandria and Rhodes so as to be in a position to proceed to the aid of light forces operating in the Aegean if called upon.
Around 1100/10, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos departed Episkopi Bay.
Around 1530/15, the light cruiser HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), destroyer HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) departed Alexandria for the Limmasol. They had on board some troops, ammunition and stores.
Around 2100/17, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Limmasol to make rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz) which were coming through the Rhodes Channel from Mandelyah Gulf.
Around 2100/17, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Paphos to make rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) which were en-route to the Aegean. HMS Penelope was to escort them part of the way.
After having arrived at Limmasol around 0300/19, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), oiled the destroyer HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and escort destroyer RHS Themistocles between 0835 and 1015 hours and the escort destroyer HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) between 1015 and 1125 hours.
At 1130/19,
Around 1545/27, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 0830/28. (65)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (66)
Around 2350/12, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Bizerta where they arrived around 1045/13. (67)
Around 0630 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Bizerta for Malta where she arrived around 1715 hours. (66)
Around 2100/24, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN, now flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), departed Malta for Gibraltar where she arrived around 1200/26. Rear-Admiral Harcourt then struck his flag and left the ship. (66)
Around 1945 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Gibraltar to patrol between the Portugese coast and the Azores to intercept German blockade breakers. (66)
Around 1400 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), returned to Gibraltar from patrol. Her patrol had been cut short after the German blockade breaker Alsterufer (2729 GRT, built 1939) had been sunk by aircraft in the Bay of Biscay. (66)
Around 0345 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Gibraltar to patrol in the North Atlantic to search for German blockade breakers.
Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN). (68)
Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) to HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN). (68)
In the afternoon of the 5th, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN), departed Gibraltar for Algiers where they arrived in the morning of the 6th.
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. (68)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Malta. (69)
The light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and the destroyers HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), USS Niblack (T/Cdr. R.R. Conner, USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN) all conducted exercises off Malta. (70)
Around 1545/18, The light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and the destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), USS Niblack (T/Cdr. R.R. Conner, USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN) departed Malta for Naples. They arrived at Naples around 1015/19. (71)
Around 1220/21, the Task Group 82.8, part of 'X-ray Force', made up of the light cruisers USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Mayo (T/Cdr. F.S. Habecker, USN), USS Woolsey (T/Cdr. H.R. Wier, USN), USS Ludlow (T/Cdr. L.W. Creighton, USN) and USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN) departed Naples in support of Operation Shingle, the landings at Anzio. En-route to the landing area they escorted a convoy (NAF 1).
Task Group 82.8, part of 'X-ray Force', made up of the light cruisers USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Mayo (T/Cdr. F.S. Habecker, USN), USS Woolsey (T/Cdr. H.R. Wier, USN), USS Ludlow (T/Cdr. L.W. Creighton, USN) and USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN) is still operating in their part of the landing area.
Task Group 82.8, part of 'X-ray Force', made up of the light cruisers USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Mayo (T/Cdr. F.S. Habecker, USN), USS Woolsey (T/Cdr. H.R. Wier, USN), USS Ludlow (T/Cdr. L.W. Creighton, USN) and USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN) is still operating in the Anzio landings area.
At 0407 hours HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) parted company with the other ships of her Task Group to proceed to Naples where she arrived later the same day.
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) departed Naples to return to the landing zone off Anzio for AA and fire support duties. (68)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Naples for the Formia area for bombardment duties.
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) returned to Naples from bombardment duties in the Formia area. (68)
HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Naples for bombardment duties in the Formia area.
Around 1100 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Naples, presumably for bombardment duties in the Anzio area. (72)
Around 1425 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), returned to Naples. (73)
Around 0430 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Naples, presumably for bombardment duties in the Anzio area.
Around 0400 hours, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Naples, presumably for bombardment duties in the Anzio area.
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