Francis William Hugh Jeans, RN
| Born | 22 Oct 1893 |
| Ranks
Retired: 8 Jan 1944 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Francis William Hugh Jeans, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Southampton (83) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 2 Jan 1939 | 18 Jun 1940 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Southampton (83)
1 Sep 1939
Around 2015/1, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), departed Grimsby for a patrol off the coast of Norway. (1)
4 Sep 1939 (position 61.40, 3.51)
Early in the afternoon, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) intercepts the German merchant Johannes Molkenbuhr (5294 GRT, built 1936) off Stadlandet, Norway in position 61°40'N, 03°51'E. The Germans scuttled their ship, which was en-route from Montreal to Germany, before it could be captured. The crew was taken off by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN). The ship was then finished off by HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN).
5 Sep 1939
In the afternoon the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) were detached from HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).
The destroyers that had been detached arrived at Invergordon 0715/6.
6 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Rosyth around 0700/6. (1)
8 Sep 1939
Shortly after noon on the 8th, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for a patrol in the North Sea to intercept German shipping between Rotterdam and Hamburg.
Nothing of interest was sighted and the ships returned to Rosyth around 1800/9. (1)
10 Sep 1939
Around 1800 hours, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Sheerness. (1)
11 Sep 1939
Around 1200 hours, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Sheerness from Rosyth. They had been sent to Sheerness to be in a position to provide cover for minelaying operations in the Dover Strait, if this was needed.
In the evening they all sailed for patrol returning to Sheerness the following morning. (1)
13 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Sheerness around 0345 hours for a patrol off the Nore. They returned to Sheerness around 1445 hours. (1)
14 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Sheerness around 0630 hours. They arived at Grimsby around 2345 hours. (1)
16 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Grimsby around 1200/16 for Rosyth. They arrived at Rosyth around 0600/17. (1)
20 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Firth of Forth. (1)
28 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Firth of Forth. (1)
29 Sep 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (1)
1 Oct 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Firth of Forth. (2)
13 Oct 1939
The light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1030 hours for a patrol off Norway (near Bergen).
HMS Matabele was detached for escort duty at 1600 hours. (2)
14 Oct 1939
Convoy HN 0
This convoy was assembled in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 14 October 1939 and arrived at Methil on 16 October 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Chorzow (Polish, 845 GRT, built 1921), Kroman (Polish, 1864 GRT, built 1912), Limousin (French, 7619 GRT, built 1930), Manoula (Greek, 1966 GRT, built 1920), Narocz (Polish, 1795 GRT, built 1915), Robur IV (Polish, 1971 GRT, built 1930) and Wilno (Polish, 2018 GRT, built 1926).
The convoy was escorted by the The light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN).
The destroyers HMS Jackal and HMS Janus parted company with the convoy around 1615/15 and proceeded to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1930/15.
HMS Southampton parted company with the convoy early on the 16th and proceeded to Rosyth arriving there around 0745/16.
HMS Jervis and HMS Jupiter remained with the convoy and arrived at Rosyth late in the evening of the 16th.
16 Oct 1939
While lying at anchor off Rosyth, Scotland, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) sustained a bomb hit in a German air raid at 1435 hours. The 500-kg bomb, released from only 150m height by a Ju-88 of I/KG.30, hit the corner of the pom-pom magazine, passed through 3 decks at an angle and exited the hull, detonating in the water. There was minor structural damage and temporary failure of electrical systems. Repairs were completed in only three days. One rating was killed and three were injured.
17 Oct 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) proceeded to the Rosyth Dockyard for repairs. (2)
23 Oct 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth at 2100 hours for Sullom Voe. (2)
23 Oct 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Sullom Voe around 1245 hours.
She departed for the Northern Patrol around 2200 hours. She was ordered to patrol north of Iceland. (2)
6 Nov 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Northern Patrol.
She departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth around 2100 hours. (3)
7 Nov 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth around 0915 hours. (2)
11 Nov 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN), HMS Belfast (Capt. G.A. Scott, DSC, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.H.C. Hallifax, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Gurkha (Lt.Cdr. P.V. James, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and HMS Tartar (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, RN) departed Rosyth around 0400A/11 for Immingham where they arrived around 1700A/11.
16 Nov 1939
The light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN), HMS Belfast (Capt. G.A. Scott, DSC, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Afridi (Capt. G.H. Cresswell, DSC, RN), HMS Gurkha (Lt.Cdr. P.V. James, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) departed Immingham around 1700A/16 hours for Rosyth where they arrived around 0830A/17.
21 Nov 1939
Light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Belfast (Capt. G.A. Scott, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth around 0915A/21 for gunnery exercises off the Firth of Forth. The destroyer HMS Afridi (Capt. G.H. Cresswell, DSC, RN) was with them.
At 1059A/21, HMS Belfast detonated a magnetic mine in approximate position 56°05'N, 02°32'W. The mine had been laid on November 4th by the German submarine U-21.
HMS Belfast was badly damaged with her back broken. She was towed to the Rosyth Dockyard by the tugs Krooman, Bramham, Grangebourne and Oxcar. Tug Bulger was standing by as was the escort destroyer HMS Vivien (Lt.Cdr. W.D.G. Weir, RN). HMS Belfast was immediately docked in No.2 Dock. HMS Belfast, which had a broken back was out of action for about three years during which the ship was reconstruced.
30 Nov 1939
Convoy HN 3
This convoy was assembled in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 30 November 1939 and arrived at Methil on 3 December 1939.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albionic (British, 2468 GRT, built 1924), Amicus (British, 3660 GRT, built 1925), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Bore III (Finnish, 1153 GRT, built 1915), Clarissa Radcliffe (British, 5754 GRT, built 1915), Eskdene (British, 3829 GRT, built 1934), Folda (British, 1165 GRT, built 1920), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Kalev (Estonian, 1867 GRT, built 1917), King Edwin (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), Majorca (British, 1126 GRT, built 1921), Mall (Estonian, 1863 GRT, built 1918), Ogmore Castle (British, 2481 GRT, built 1919), Sea Valour (British, 1950 GRT, built 1930), Stancourt (British, 965 GRT, built 1909), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928) and Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922).
Escort (distant cover) was provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN). HMS Suffolk was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) on 2 December.
Close escort (A/S) was provided by the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN).
Four of the merchant ships split off on 2 December for the west coast of the U.K. The destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) came from Scapa Flow to escort these ships.
2 Dec 1939
Around 1000 hours, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from patrol and escort duty. She was followed at 1600 hours by her sister ship HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN). (4)
13 Dec 1939
Around 2300Z/13, the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Cdr. C. Wauchope, RN, temporary in command) departed Rosyth very late in the evening to patrol between the Shetland Islands and the Faroes to provide cover for Convoy TC 1 carring troops from Canada to the U.K.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TC 1 ' for 10 December 1939.] (4)
15 Dec 1939
Shortly after noon the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Cdr. C. Wauchope, RN, temporary in command) arrived at Scapa Flow from patrol. (4)
18 Dec 1939
Convoy Narvik 2.
This convoy departed Narvik, Norway on 18 December 1939. It arrived at Methil on 24 December 1939.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Clara Lilley (British, 3726 GRT, built 1917), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Flora (Greek, 3010 GRT, built 1904), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924) and Otterpool (British, 4876 GRT, built 1926).
It was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN). HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) joined the convoy on the 20th having been unable to sail with the other three destroyers earlier due to defects.
These four destroyers had departed Immingham at noon on 16 December 1939. They arrived at Sullom Voe to fuel at 1100/17. HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar and HMS Janus departed again around 1500 hours to join the convoy. As stated earlier HMS Juno sailed later (on the 19th) after repairs had been made.
On 23 December HMS Jaguar was detached around 0400/23 to Scapa Flow with defects. She arrived there around 0900/23.
Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN). These cruisers had departed Scapa Flow at 0800/18. HMS Edinburgh arrived at Rosyth at 0030/24. HMS Southampton arrived at Newcastle at 1200/24.
24 Dec 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Newcastle for refit and repairs. (4)
28 Dec 1939
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) is docked at South Shields. (4)
24 Jan 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) is undocked. (5)
1 Feb 1940
With her refit completed, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed the Tyne around 1100/1 for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0930/2. (5)
2 Feb 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 2330 hours to patrol off northern Norway to intercept German shipping. (6)
16 Feb 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from patrol around 1430 hours. (6)
23 Feb 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO,
RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She was to patrol between the Faroes and Iceland. (6)
4 Mar 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from patrol. (6)
10 Mar 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She was to patrol between the Faroes and Iceland. (7)
20 Mar 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from patrol. (7)
26 Mar 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She was to patrol between the Faroes and Iceland. (7)
2 Apr 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from patrol. (8)
10 Apr 1940
In the evening, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN), arrived at Scapa Flow from operations. (8)
11 Apr 1940
Convoy NP 1.
This troop convoy departed the Clyde on 11 April 1940 for Harstad, Norway. In the end the convoy was split up and one part arrived at Harstad on 15 April. The other part arrived off Namsos on 16 April.
It was made up of the troopships Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) and Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931).
They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN).
Early in the afternoon of 12 April the troopships Batory (Polish, 14387 GRT, built 1936) and Chrobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy NP 1 at sea.
They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN). The netlayer HMS Protector (Capt. W.Y la L. Beverley, RN) also departed Scapa Flow with these ships.
Around 1600/12, the light cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral G. Layton, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea which they did around 1945/12.
Shortly afterwards the convoy was also joined by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Brazen (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) which had sailed from Sullom Voe around 1130/12.
Late in the evening of 12 April repair ship HMS Vindictive (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Codrington (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN), HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN) and HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy which they did late in the afternoon of the 13th.
Coming south from a patrol off the Vestfjord area were the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN). These ships made rendez-vous with the convoy in the afternoon of the 13th after which HMS Repulse with the three J-class destroyers continued on towards Scapa Flow while HMS Valiant joined the convoy.
On April 14th it was decided that some of the troops were to be sent to Namsos and the convoy split up;
Troopships Chrobry and Empress of Australia escorted by the light cruisers HMS Manchester and HMS Birmingham, AA cruiser HMS Cairo and the destroyers HMS Highlander, HMS Vanoc and HMS Whirlwind split off late in the afternoon. This convoy arrived off Namsos early in the morning of the 16th.
The remainder of the ships; troopships Batory, Monarch of Bermuda, Reina del Pacifico, repair ship HMS Vindictive and netlayer HMS Protector with their escort made up of the battleship HMS Valiant and the destroyers HMS Codrington, HMS Amazon, HMS Acasta, HMS Ardent, HMS Brazen, HMS Fearless, HMS Griffin, HMS Volunteer and HMS Witherington arrived at Vaagsfjord late in the morning of the 15th. They had been escorted in by the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) and HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN).
12 Apr 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) sailed from Scapa Flow around 1300 hours, carrying General Mackesy and two companies of Scots Guards. She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN). They arrived near Sjøvegan, Norway, at 0600/14 where the troops were disembarked.
At 1122 hours (Berlin time) the German submarine U-38 attacked HMS Southampton with two torpedoes in the Vestfjord. No hits were obtained. [There is no mention in the log of HMS Southampton regarding this attack so most likely it was not noticed.] (8)
15 Apr 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) and HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN) departed Vaagsfjord to escort the Harstad part of convoy NP 1 in.
[See the event 'Convoy NP 1' for 11 April 1940 for more info on this convoy.] (8)
17 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The empty troopships Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) and Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931) departed Vaagsfjord around 0300 hours to return to the U.K.
They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN).
They were escorted out until around 1530 hours by the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN). She remained out during the night patrolling north of the Lofoten. She returned to Harstad the following morning. (8)
26 Apr 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) shifted from the Bydgdenfjord (to the west of Harstad) to the Lavangsfjord (to the south of Harstad). (9)
28 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed the Lavangsfjord for the Lofoten. (8)
29 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) arrived at the Skjelfjord, Lofoten. (8)
30 Apr 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed the Skjelfjord, Lofoten for Åndalsnes where troops were to be evacuated.
She arrived off Åndalsnes late in the evening. (8)
1 May 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) took on board troops near Åfarnes, just north of Åndalsnes. The troops were ferried to her by the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN). However HMS Wanderer grounded and she had to be towed off by HMS Sikh.
HMS Southampton departed from the area around 0220 hours to proceed to the U.K.
She took the passage together with the destroyers HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).
The ships were ordered to proceed to Sullom Voe where they arrived early in the evening. HMS Southampton then transferred troops to HMS Westcott which took them Scapa Flow arriving there around 0800/2.
HMS Southampton and HMS Walker were ordered to return to Åndalsnes to evacuate more troop. This order was cancelled around 0445/2 and the ships were ordered to return to Sullom Voe where they arrived early in the afternoon. (10)
2 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN) departed Sullom Voe late in the evening to give support to forces operating off Namsos.
[See the event 'Operation Klaxon, the evacuation of troops from Namsos' for 29 April 1940 for more info on the operations off Namsos. (10)
5 May 1940
The British heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), French light cruiser Montcalm (Capt. J.L. de Corbiere, flying the flag of Commodore E.L.H. Derrien), British light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN), French troopships (armed merchant cruisers) El D’Jezair, El Kantara, and the British destroyers HMS Acheron (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) and HMS Fury (Cdr. E.W.B. Sim, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow at 0400/5th from operations off Namsos, Norway.
6 May 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 2245/6 for Rosyth where she arrived around 0830/7. She is then taken in hand for repairs at the Rosyth Dockyard. (10)
21 May 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials in the Firth of Forth. (10)
22 May 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials in the Firth of Forth and on completion of these she set course to proceed to Narvik, Norway. (10)
24 May 1940
Late in the evening, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), arrived at Harstad, Norway. (10)
25 May 1940
Shortly after noon, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), is lightly damaged by bombs from enemy aircraft while at Harstad. (10)
27 May 1940
In the morning, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), is again lightly damaged by bombs from enemy aircraft while at Harstad. (10)
27 May 1940
Assault on Narvik.
The following naval vessels were operating in the Narvik area supporting the assauly by the army; light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G.P. Vivian, RN) and HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet W.H.D. Boyle (Lord Cork), GCB, GCVO, RN), destroyers HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN) and sloop HMS Stork (Cdr. A.C. Behague, RN).
Some of these ships bombarded Narvik very late in the evening following which the final assault by the Allies on Narvik began.
Narvik was captured from the German in the evening of the 28th.
During the 28th multiple ships sustained damage due to German air attacks;
The most serious damage was to AA cruiser HMS Cairo. She was hit by hit by two bombs at 0620/28 and was badly damaged. One bomb struck abaft B gun. It penetrated the deck and exploded among the supply ammunition party. The other bomb hit the starboard .5" anti-aircraft gun mounting. Twelve of the crew were killed.
Light cruiser HMS Southampton was near missed and damaged by bomb splinters. Her Commanding Officer was wounded and two ratings were killed.
AA cruiser HMS Coventry was also near missed and had one rating killed by bomb splinters.
The destroyers HMS Walker, HMS Whirlwind and HMS Havelock all sustained minor damage from near misses. The most serious damage was to Walker. (10)
28 May 1940
Around 1045 hours, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), arrived at Harstad from operations.
She departed again late in the evening to patrol off Narvik. (10)
29 May 1940
HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) patrolled in the Ofotfjord near Narvik also giving support to army operations. Early in the afternoon she shifted patrol to the Vestfjord, in the approaches to Narvik. HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN) and HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN) then joined her as A/S screen until late in the evening. (10)
30 May 1940
During 30/31 May 1940, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), patrolled in the Vestfjord while destroyers were evacuating troops from Bodø. (10)
1 Jun 1940
Around 1330 hours, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), arrived at Harstad from patrol. (10)
7 Jun 1940
Admiral of the Fleet W.H.D. Boyle (Lord Cork), GCB, GCVO, RN, embarked in HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) for passage to the U.K. (11)
Sources
- ADM 53/110663
- ADM 53/110664
- ADM 53/110665
- ADM 53/110666
- ADM 53/113248
- ADM 53/113249
- ADM 53/113250
- ADM 53/113251
- ADM 113251
- ADM 53/113252
- ADM 53/113253
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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