Allied Warships

HMS Battler (D 18)

Escort Carrier of the Attacker class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeEscort Carrier
ClassAttacker 
PennantD 18 
Built byIngalls Shipbuilding Corp. (Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.A.) 
Ordered 
Laid down15 Apr 1941 
Launched4 Apr 1942 
Commissioned31 Oct 1942 
End service12 Feb 1946 
History

Transferred to the Royal Navy under lend-lease.
Returned to the United States Navy on 12 February 1946.
Stricken by the United States Navy on 28 March 1946.
Sold to be broken up for scrap on 14 May 1946.

 
Former nameUSS Altamaha (i)

Commands listed for HMS Battler (D 18)

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
1A/Capt. Frank Michael Rokeby Stephenson, RNApr 1942Jul 1944
2A/Capt. Hilary Norman, RNJul 1944Oct 1945 ?

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Notable events involving Battler include:


22 Jun 1943

Convoy XK 9.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 22 June 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following transports; Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

The convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, DSC, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). The destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) was local escort, she was detached at 2000B/25 and returned to Gibraltar on 28 June.

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) provided cover for part of the voyage.

The convoy arrived in the U.K. on 28 June 1943.

23 Aug 1943
The aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), AA cruiser, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and several destroyers (inluding HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN)) conducted exercises to the east of Gibraltar. They all returned to Gibraltar in the evening except HMS Scylla which was detached to Algiers where she arrived the following day. (1)

27 Aug 1943
The aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN) conducted flying exercises to the east of Gibraltar. [No details available on their escort.]

Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN, was not on board HMS Unicorn during the exercises, he had boarded HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) in the morning. He later proceeded to Malta by air and hoisted his flag in HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN) on 31 August. (2)

29 Aug 1943
Ships from the newly formed ' Force V ' for the upcoming landings at Salerno conducted exercises off Gibraltar. The ships participating in the exercises were the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), AA cruiser, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and ten (?) destroyers / escort destroyers [unable to establish their precise identity for the moment.] (3)

8 Sep 1943

Operations of ' Force V ' during operation Avalanche.

Around 1100B/8, ' Force V ' departed Malta for the Tyrrhenian sea. ' Force V ' was made up of the HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker ( Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt. F.M. Graves, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz).

They passed through the Messina Strait during the night of 8/9 September. At dawn on the 9th ' Force V ' arrived in the assault area. The first sortie was flown off at 0615B/9 and subsequently at hourly intervals. The aircraft maintained patrols of 80 minutes until 1930B/9 when the last aircraft landed on.

' Force V ' operated in an area 30 miles square, to the southward of the assault area, approaching the island of Capri from time to time in order to obtain accurate fixes. Three types of patrol were flown;
a) A standing patrol south and east of Capri by seafires from the escort carriers.
b) A high patrol over the beaches from about sunrise until 0745 hours and from 1810 hours until just before sunset by seafires from HMS Unicorn. This was during the period that fighter cover was not provided from Sicilian airfields.
c) A standing high patrol over the low patrol in the Capri area during the remainder of the day by Seafires from HMS Unicorn.

A total of 265 sorties were flown on the first day. Cover over ' Force V ' was maintained by aircraft from the fleet carriers of ' Force H '. During the dark hours the force was withdrawn to the southward and operated to the east of a line joining Salerno and Palermo so as to keep clear of the convoy routes, returning to the flying-off area at dawn.

During 10 September the flying programme was repeated and 232 sorties were flown.

It had been hoped that ' Force V ' could be withdrawn on the 10th and that Montecorvino airfield could be used. The airfield had indeed been captured as planned but it remained under heavy enemy artillery fire and could only be used for forced landings. ' Force V ' therefore had to remain in the assault area, though its flying efficieny had decreased and the fuel situation of the escort destroyers was becoming difficult.

On 11 September the number of sorties flown decreased to 160. At 1900B/11, ' Force H ' on leaving for Malta flew 17 aircraft over to join ' Force V ', which now had to provide its own fighter cover. Montecorvino was still under fire and patrols were again flows off at dawn on 12 September. The total number of sorties flown on 12 September was 56.

A landing strip had been laid out at Paestrum and orders were received that all available fighters should land ashore and that ' Force V ' could then withdraw. This signal, though sent at 0909 hours was not received until 1230 hours. 26 Seafires were then flown off and ' Force V ' then withdrew arriving at Palermo around 1930B/12.

' Force V ' departed from Palermo around 0600B/13 for Bizerta arriving there around 1830B/13. (4)

17 Oct 1943
Around 0600C/17, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN). (5)

26 Oct 1943
Around 1200FG/26, HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (5)

2 Nov 1943

Convoy AB 18A.

This convoy departed Aden on 2 November 1943.

It was made up of the following LST's;
HMS LST 180 (?), HMS LST 215 (Cdr.(Retd.) G.H.F. Owles, RN), USS LST 17 (Lt. H.B. Gallagher, USCGR), USS LST 21 (Cdr. T.W. Greene, USN), USS LST 25 (Lt. E.F. Macellus, USNR), USS LST 72 (Lt. J.A. Lombard, USNR), USS LST 175 (Lt. E.J. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS LST 176 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Salt, USNR), USS LST 208 (Lt. A. Strickland, USNR), USS LST 209 (Lt. F.T. Ratchford, USNR) and USS LST 261 (Lt. L.I. Reilley, USCG).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR) and the minesweeper HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)).

Around 1500FG/6, the convoy was joined by the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) which came from Bombay.

The convoy arrived at Bombay around 1230FG/9. (6)

4 Nov 1943
Around 1100FG/4, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) departed Bombay to make rendezvous with convoy AB 18A1.

Rendezvous was affected around 1500FG/6.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AB 18A ' for 2 November 1943.] (7)

10 Nov 1943

Combined convoys AB 20(F) / AB 20(S) / AP 52.

They departed Aden on 10 November 1943.

Convoy AP 52.

This convoy was made up of the following tankers / transports;
Aedanus Burke (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), American Press (American, 6778 GRT, built 1941), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Diplodon (British (tanker), 8149 GRT, built 1041), Empire Envoy (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Miranda (British, 7054 GRT, built 1943), Empire Symbol (British, 7027 GRT, built 1943), Ena (Dutch (tanker), 6229 GRT, built 1936), (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Heywood Broun (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Janet Lord Roper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Garrett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Northern Sun (American (tanker), 8865 GRT, built 1931), Sambrian (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943), Walker Tylor (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Convoy AP 52 was escorted by the minesweepers HMAS Geraldton (Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Harris, RNR) and HMIS Bengal (T/Lt. U.J.S. Chopra, RINR).

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Convoy AB 20F (fast).

This convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The landing ship HMS Glengyle (A/Capt. E.C.L. Turner, RN) was also part of this convoy.

Convoy AB 20F was escorted by the destroyer HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN).

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Convoy AB 20S (slow).

This convoy was made up of the following transports;
Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Lafonataine Park (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1928) and Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

The USS LST 73 (Lt. H.M. Crossan, USNR) and HMS LST 239 (T/Lt. F. Dyer, RNR) were also part of the convoy as was the landing craft repair ships (former LST) USS Achelous (Lt. W. Ringies, USNR).

Convoy AB 20S was escorted by the frigate HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), corvette HMS Nigella (T/Lt. C.L.L. Davies, RNVR) and minesweeper HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)).

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These convoys remained in company with each other until around 0630DE/14 when convoy AP 52 parted company to proceed to the Persian Gulf where it arrived on 17 November.

Around 0930DE/14, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) joined in position 16°44'N, 57°04'E and parted company half an hour later taking convoy AB 20F with them to proceed to Bombay where it arrived on 17 November.

Convoy AB 20S arrived at Bombay on 19 November 1943.

11 Nov 1943
Around 1100FG/11, the the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) departed Bombay to make rendezvous with convoy AB 20.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoys AB 20(F) / AB 20(S) / AP 52 ' for 10 November 1943.] (8)

17 Nov 1943
Around 1300FG/17, HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) arrived at Bombay with convoy AB 20F. (9)

3 Dec 1943
In the morning, the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) joined the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) which had came out of Bombay for exercises.

On completion of the exercises they all entered Bombay around 1800FG/3. (10)

13 Dec 1943

Convoy AB 24.

This convoy departed Aden on 13 December 1943.

[The exact composition of this convoy is not clear to us for the moment and will require furter research.]

The repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN), tank landing ship Boxer (Lt.Cdr. G.B Herbert-Jones, RNR) and the tug HMS Aimwell were also part of this convoy.

On departure from Aden this convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Derg (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR) and HMS Kale (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RD, RNR).

Around 1200DE/15, the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) joined and commenced fuelling from HMS Recource.

Around 1700DE/15, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and frigate HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) made rendezvous with the convoy. They came from Bombay which they had departed, together with HMAS Nepal around 1500FG/12. HMS Rapid had joined the Battler group around 1415DE/15 having departed Colombo on 12 December 1943. HMS Plym actually did not join the convoy but proceeded independently to Aden where she arrived on 17 December 1943. HMAS Nepal proceeded to Kilindini where she arrived on 19 December 1943 escorting the troop transport Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921) which she must have picked up at some point. HMS Battler, HMS Rotherham, HMS Rapid, HMS Roebuck, HMS Derg and HMS Kale arrived at Bombay with part of the convoy on 19 December 1943.

Around 1715DE/15, HMS Rescourse and the transport City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938) and the destroyers HMAS Quiberon and HMS Quality parted company with the convoy. The City of Lincoln parted company with these ships around 1400FG/20 to proceed to Colombo where she arrived on 21 December 1943. HMS Rescource, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Quality arrived at Trincomalee around 1200FG/22.

8 Jan 1944

Convoy AB 27A.

This convoy departed Aden on 8 January 1944.

It was made up of the troop transports;
Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Aden, around 1500C/8, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN).

Around 1800C/8, the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) joined coming from Aden having overtaken the convoy. She had departed around an hour after the convoy had departed.

Around 0800E/11, the frigate HMS Bann (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RD, RNR) joined coming from Bombay. HMAS Norman then parted company to return to Aden.

Around 0800E/12, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), destroyer HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and frigate HMS Kale (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RD, RNR) joined.

Around 1200E/12, HMS Battler and HMS Bann parted company to proceed to Port Victoria, Seychelles.

Around 1030FG/14, the convoy arrived at Bombay. (11)

19 Jan 1944

Operation Thwart.

Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Charlotte Schliemann.

The light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Mauritius to patrol an area roughly near position 30°00'S, 68°00'E. A German supply vessel (Charlotte Schliemann (7747 GRT, built 1928) is suspected to be operating in that area to resupply U-boats operating in the Indian Ocean.

On 21 January 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Rear-Admiral R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and the frigate HMS Bann (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RD, RNR) also departed Mauritius to join HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler.

HMS Suffolk, joined HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler around dawn on the 24th.

In the morning of the 26th HMS Suffolk fuelled HMS Bann.

Around noon on the 29th, HMS Newcastle parted company with HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler to return to Mauritius.

In the evening of the 30th, HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler set course to proceed to the westwards to pastrol their way towards Durban.

HMS Newcastle arrived at Mauritius on 31 January 1944.

HMS Bann arrived at Mauritius on 2 February 1944 [Her exact movements during this patrol are unknown to us.]

HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler arrived at Durban on 4 February 1944.

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Also on 21 January 1944, the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) departed Mauritius to patrol to patrol an area roughly near position 25°00'S, 65°00'E.

HMS Nepal returned to Mauritius on 28 January 1944.

HMS Kenya returned to Mauritius on 1 February 1944.

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The armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) also departed Mauritius for the operation. She arrived at Durban from patrol around 1400C on 2 February. (12)

5 Mar 1944

Operation Covered.

Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Brake.

Around 0630D/5, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Mauritius escorted by the destroyer HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN).

Around 1030D/5, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN) departed Mauritius to overtake the escort carrier which they did around 1400D/5.

They then proceeded in company to the east-south-east to the area the German supply vessel was suspected.

Between 0815F/8 and 0943F/8, HMS Suffolk fuelled HMS Quadrant, 200 tons of fuel oil was passed.

Around 0700FG/10, the destroyer HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), which had departed Mauritius on 6 March, joined HMS Suffolk, which at that moment was detached from the other ships. Suffolk then attempted to fuel the destroyer but it was not possible due to the weather conditions. Later, between 1649FG/10 and 1829FG/10, another succesful attempt to fuel HMS Roebuck was made during which 210 tons of fuel oil were passed.

At 1440FG/10, a Swordfish from HMS Battler crashed into the sea. HMS Quadrant picked up the crew.

Around 0915FG/11, HMS Suffolk and HMS Roebuck joined HMS Newcastle, HMS Battler and HMS Quadrant.

Around 2200F/11, HMS Quadrant was detached for Mauritius where she arrived on the 14th.

At 1610F/12, a patrolling Swordfish from HMS Battler reported the sighting of an enemy supply vessel with two submarines alongside. This was the supply vessel Brake (9925 GRT, built 1937). Actually three German submarines were near the tanker, these were U-168, U-188 and U-532.

At 1623F/12, HMS Roebuck was detached to attack the tanker followed at 1640F/12 by HMS Newcastle which was to provide distant cover for HMS Roebuck.

HMS Roebuck sighted the enemy tanker at 1711F/12 and engaged it with torpedoes and gunfire from 15800 yards at 1726F/12. HMS Roebuck did not close too much due to the presence of the enemy submarines. She ceased fire at 1812F/12. The tanker was seen to sink shortly afterwards. It was thought three torpedo hits had been obtained.

HMS Battler meanwhile flew off aircraft to attack the submarines. One of which attacked U-168 with rockets.

The crew of the tanker was picked up by U-168 which took them to Batavia.

At 1210F/13, HMS Roebuck rejoined the other ships but HMS Suffolk then parted company followed shortly afterwards by HMS Newcastle.

HMS Suffolk arrived at Mauritius around 0800D/15 followed by HMS Newcastle around 1315D/15.

HMS Battler and HMS Roebuck arrived at Mauritius around 0730D/16. (13)

8 Dec 1944
The escort carrier HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) and the destroyer HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) departed Cochin to proceed to the Colombo area to make rendezvous with the light cruiser HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, CBE, RN), escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. H. Norman, RN) and the destroyer HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) which had departed Colombo on the 9th.

Also on the 9th the light cruiser HMS Swiftsure (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, CB, RN), escort carriers HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) departed Trincomalee.

In the morning of 10 December 1944, these ships made rendezvous and course was set for Australia.

The destroyers parted company in the early evening of the 11th to return to Ceylon.

In the early evening of the 16th, the cruisers parted company with the carriers to proceed to Fremantle. (14)

18 Dec 1944
Around 1040I/18, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN), coming from Albany, made rendezvous with the escort carriers HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. H. Norman, RN), HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) and HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) coming from Ceylon. Course was then set to the eastwards.

The destroyers had been delayed due to the heavy weather conditions they had encountered on passage to the rendezvous. (15)

21 Dec 1944
Around 0500K/21, HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) and HMS Battler (A/Capt. H. Norman, RN) parted company with HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN).

HMS Atheling and HMS Battler continued on to Sydney where they arrived around 1215K/25.

HMS Fencer, HMS Striker, HMS Quilliam, HMS Quality, HMS Quadrant and HMAS Quiberon meanwhile set course for Port Phillip. Around 2035K/22, the destroyers parted company and arrived at Williamstown very early on 23 December. The escort carriers arriving at Melbourne later the same morning. (16)

Sources

  1. ADM 53/117004 + ADM 53/118573 + ADM 53/118663
  2. ADM 53/117648 + ADM 53/118663
  3. ADM 53/117004 + ADM 53/117494+ ADM 53/117648 + ADM 53/118510 + ADM 53/118573 + ADM 53/118663
  4. ADM 53/117495 + ADM 53/118664 + ADM 199/641 + ADM 234/358
  5. ADM 53/117006 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for October 1943
  6. War diary of USS LST 21 for November 1943
  7. ADM 53/117007 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for November 1943
  8. ADM 53/117007 + ADM 199/643 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Norman for November 1943
  9. ADM 53/117007 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Norman for November 1943
  10. ADM 53/117008 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Norman for December 1943
  11. Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for January 1944
  12. ADM 53/118946 + ADM 53/118947 + ADM 53/120136 + ADM 53/120137 + ADM 53/120568
  13. ADM 53/118948 + ADM 53/120138 + ADM 53/120570 + ADM 199/2291
  14. ADM 53/118758 + ADM 53/118910 + ADM 53/118957 + ADM 53/119430 + ADM 53/120566 + ADM 53/120605
  15. ADM 53/119430 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for December 1944
  16. ADM 53/118957 + ADM 53/119430 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for December 1944

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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