Michael Southcote Townsend DSO, DSC, OBE, RN
| Born | 18 Jun 1908 |
| Ranks
Retired: 7 Jul 1961 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Michael Southcote Townsend, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Viscount (D 92) | Lt. | Destroyer | 24 Aug 1939 | mid 1941 |
| HMS Badsworth (L 03) | Lt.Cdr. | Escort destroyer | 10 Jun 1941 | 8 Jan 1942 |
| HMS Kelvin (F 37) | Cdr. | Destroyer | Apr 1942 | 24 Mar 1943 |
| HMS Barfleur (R 80) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 1 Aug 1944 | 28 Dec 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMS Viscount (D 92)
2 Dec 1940
HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) picks up survivors from the British armed merchant cruiser HMS Forfar that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-99 about 500 nautical miles west of Ireland in position 54°35'N, 18°18'W.
HMS Viscount also picks up 36 survivors from the British merchant Goodleigh that is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-52 367 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°02'N, 18°45'W.
HMS Viscount also picks up 16 survivors from the British merchant Kavak that is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-100 about 340 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°00'N, 19°30'W.
HMS Viscount also picks up 27 survivors from the British merchant Tasso that is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-52 sink about 360 miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°03'N, 18°04'W.
Destroyer HMS Kelvin (F 37)
23 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) departed Alexandria for Haifa. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN). (1)
24 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), arrived at Haifa. (1)
25 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), shifted from Haifa to Famagusta. (1)
26 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), departed Famagusta for Haifa. They arrived at Haifa later the same day. (1)
27 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), departed Haifa for Famagusta. They arrived at Famagusta later the same day. (1)
28 Apr 1942
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), departed Famagusta for Alexandria. (1)
29 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), arrved at Alexandria. (1)
6 Jun 1942
The light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) passed the Suez Canal northbound and arrived off Port Said.
Off Port Said they were joined by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) which had departed Alexandria at 0830C/6.
Course was then set towards Alexandria. (1)
7 Jun 1942
At 1115C/7, the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), arrived at Alexandria. (1)
16 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) returned to Alexandria from operation 'Vigorous'.
[We have so far been unable to find much information on her movements between 16 and 30 June 1942.] (1)
30 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said.
[Many ships departed Alexandria in late June 1942 as the German Army in North Africa is rapidly approaching Alexandria.] (2)
1 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. She transited the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez later the same day. (2)
2 Jul 1942
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Suez for Port Sudan. (2)
4 Jul 1942
Destroyer HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Sudan. The destroyer depot ship HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) L.H. Bayley, RN) and repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) had also just arrived there earlier in the day and HMS Kelvin needed repairs due to troubles with her boilers.
The damaged destroyer HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, DSC, RN) also arrived late on the day. (2)
29 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Port Sudan for Suez. (3)
31 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said having just transited the Suez Canal northbound. (2)
5 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The light cruiser, HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), shifted from Port Said to Haifa. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN). (4)
5 Aug 1942
The light cruiser, HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), departed Haifa for Port Said. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J. A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tetcott (Lt. H.R. Rycroft, RN). (5)
6 Aug 1942
HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J. A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. H.R. Rycroft, RN) arrived at Port Said from Haifa. (5)
6 Aug 1942
HMS Coventry (Capt. R.J.R. Dendy, RN) departed Port Said for Beirut. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN). (6)
7 Aug 1942
HMS Coventry (Capt. R.J.R. Dendy, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Beirut.
The destroyer returned to Port Said later the same day. (7)
19 Aug 1942
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria.
[She might have been escorting the tanker South America (Norwegian, 6246 GRT, built 1931) which also departed Port Said for Alexandria on this day.] (8)
20 Aug 1942
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) arrived at Alexandria. She was then docked for repairs to her oil fuel tanks.
[She might have been escorting the tanker South America (Norwegian, 6246 GRT, built 1931) which also arrived at Alexandria on this day.] (8)
23 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having competed her repairs HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (2)
24 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (9)
26 Aug 1942
An aircraft reported an enemy submarine in positon 31°26'N, 33°30'E at 1225 hours. The aircraft claimed to have scored two hits on the enemy. The destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) departed Port Said to search the area but they did not make contact with the enemy. The destroyers returned to Port Said the following day. (9)
27 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) departed Port Said. They returned the following day.
[Most likely they had been conducting an A/S sweep off Port Said during the night.] (8)
2 Sep 1942
At 2000/2 the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) departed Port Said. The were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN).
From Haifa the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN) sailed escorted by the destroyer HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN).
Both forces then conducted night exercises on completion of which HMS Dido and HMS Euryalus swiched forces.
Both forces then returned to Port Said / Haifa arriving at their destinations on September, 3rd. (6)
3 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) departed Port Said for an A/S patrol during the night of 3/4 September. (10)
4 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) returned to Port Said from an A/S patrol during the night of 3/4 September. She had picked up the crew of an Blenheim aircraft (15 Squadon / SAAF) that had crashed into the sea to the west of Port Said. (10)
8 Sep 1942
On 7 September 1942 an enemy submarine was sighted in position 31°46'N, 32°03'E. The destroyers HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) had been sent out from Port Said to search the area. On 8 September these destroyers were relieved by HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN). (6)
9 Sep 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN, temporary flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), destroyers from the 14th Destroyer Flotilla; HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and destroyers from the 22nd Destroyer Flotilla; HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J. A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) conducted exercises off Port Said.
On completion of the exercises HMS Orion proceeded to Haifa escorted by HMS Sikh and HMS Zulu. (6)
13 Sep 1942
In the afteroon, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) departed Port Said for a bombardment of the Daba area (west of Tobruk) in support of the Operation Agreement. (6)
14 Sep 1942
Shortly after midnight HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) bombarded the Daba area for 30 minutes. A total of 350 rounds were fired. HMS Dido and her escorting destroyers; HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), returned to Port Said in the afternoon. (6)
19 Sep 1942
Light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. Light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria.
When the two forces met they carrier out execises after which the 'Euryalus group' proceeded to Haifa and the 'Orion-group' proceeded to Port Said. (6)
24 Sep 1942
At 2109/23 the radar station at Paphos, Cyprus reported surface craft moving at high speed about 30 nautical miles to the south-west of Paphos.
In response, light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) sailed from Haifa early on the 24th, and light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), escorted by HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) were sailed from Port Said. Nothing was found and all forces returned to Haifa / Port Said without incident. (11)
25 Sep 1942
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port Said. (12)
30 Sep 1942
The light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Haifa.
The light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) departed Port Said.
When the forces met night exercises were carried out.
Op completion of the exercises HMS Arethusa, HMS Paladin, HMS Aldenham and HMS Belvoir proceeded to Haifa arriving on October, 1st.
All other ships proceeded to Port Said also arriving on October, 1st.
HMS Exmoor transited the Suez Canal southwards and arrived at Suez for repairs and refit. (6)
7 Oct 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) carried out exercises off Port Said.
On completion of the exercises all ships returned to Port Said except HMS Cleopatra which proceeded to Alexandria escorted by HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin. (6)
8 Oct 1942
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Alexandria.
HMS Cleopatra was immediately docked. She was undocked after inspection later the same day after which the ships departed Alexandria again to proceed to Port Said. (6)
9 Oct 1942
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (6)
9 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Port Said for Suez. She transited the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez late on the day where she moored alongside the destroyer depot ship HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) L.H. Bayley, RN) to undergo repairs. (13)
20 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted post repair trials off Suez. (14)
21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Suez to Port Said, passing the Suez Canal northbound. (13)
22 Oct 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) departed Port Said for exercises.
The light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) had departed Haifa very late on 21 October.
The forces joined for the exercises.
On completion of the exercises HMS Orion, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin proceeded to Haifa. All the other ships proceeded to Port Said. (6)
24 Oct 1942
HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Haifa at 2100 hours for an A/S hunt north of Tripoli, Syria. (15)
26 Oct 1942
HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) returned to Haifa at 0600 hours having discontinued their A/S hunt at 0200 hours having found nothing. (16)
27 Oct 1942
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Haifa to Port Said. (16)
1 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) departed Port Said. [No further information available.]
2 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) retuend to Port Said. [No further information available.]
5 Nov 1942
An enemy submarine was reported in position 31°43'N, 32°30'E. The destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) we sent out from Port Said in the afternoon to conduct an A/S sweep in the area.
They returned to Port Said around 0800 hours on 7 November. (6)
7 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for exercises. At sea they were joined by the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN). (17)
8 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) and the escort HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) returned to Port Said from exercises. (17)
16 Nov 1942
Convoy MW 13.
This convoy departed Port Said on 16 November 1942 and arrived at Malta on 20 November 1942.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; Bantan (Dutch, 9312 GRT, built 1939), Denbighshire (British, 8983 GRT, built 1938), Mormacmoon (American, 7939 GRT, built 1940) and Robin Locksley (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941).
The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN).
At 0700B/17, while off Alexandria all destroyers parted company and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos joined the convoy.
The seven fleet destroyers arrived at Alexanrdria at 0745B/17.
Shortly after 1300B/17 the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) departed Alexandria to join the convoy at dawn the following morning. They were escorted by the seven fleet destroyers that had arrived at Alexandria a few hours before.
At 1110B/18, air attacks commenced on the convoy but no damage was done.
At 1700B/18, the cruisers (minus HMS Euryalus) and the fleet destroyers parted company with the convoy to take up a position to the north of the convoy during the night.
At 1805B/18, in a dusk torpedo attack, when in position 33°36'N, 20°44'E, HMS Arethusa was hit abreast 'B' turret and took on heavy list to port. HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Petard stood by the damaged cruiser. HMS Jervis and HMS Javelin however soon rejoined the cruiser force. HMS Arethusa and HMS Petard were to try to make it back to Alexandria.
Around 1400B/19, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Dido, HMS Orion, HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin, HMS Nubian, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin set course to return to Alexandria.
At 2045B/19, the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) joined HMS Arethusa and HMS Petard.
The convoy and the ramaining escort arrived safely at Malta in the early hours of November, 20th.
Around 0800B/20, the destroyer HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) joined HMS Arethusa and her escorts.
At 1340B/20, HMS Arethusa was taken in tow, stern first, by HMS Petard. Shorty after 1805B/20 the tugs HMS Brigand and HMS Roysterer took over the tow.
Around 0600B/21, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Dido, HMS Orion, HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin, HMS Nubian, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin arrived at Alexandria.
HMS Arethusa, her escorts and the two tugs arrived at Alexandria in the late afteroon of 21 November. (18)
25 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (6)
27 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN or Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)
1 Dec 1942
Convoy MW 14.
This convoy departed Port Said on 1 December 1942 and arrived at Malta on 5 December 1942.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; Agwimonte (American, 6679 GRT, built 1941), Alcoa Prospector (American, 6796 GRT, built 1941), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940) and Suffolk (British, 11063 GRT, built 1939).
The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN).
Around 0300B/2 the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), destroyer HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, RN) and Pindos was sailed from Alexandria to rendezvous with the convoy which they did around 0700B/2.
Around 1800B/2, HMS Hurworth was detached and returned to Alexandria with defects.
Also on 2 December the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) departed Malta for Benghazi.
The tanker Yorba Linda (Panamanian, 6900 GRT, built 1921), escorted by HMS Croome and HMS Tetcott sailed from Benghazi. They joined the convoy around 1700B/3.
At 1900A/3, 'Force K', light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to provide cover for the convoy during the night of 3rd/4th December. They joined the convoy at dawn on the 4th.
The convoy arrived safely at Malta on 5 December. (19)
2 Dec 1942
An Italian convoy is reported. This was (Convoy 'C') from Napels (departed on 30 November) to Tripoli and made up of the transports Chisone (6168 GRT, built 1922), Veloce (5437 GRT, built 1911) and the tanker Devoli (3006 GRT, built 1939, former Yugoslavian Perun) . It was escorted by the torpedo boats Lupo, Ardente Aretusa and Sagittario. The convoy was attacked by torpedo-bombers and the Veloce was sunk near Kerkennah on 2 December.
The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN or Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta at 1400/2 to intercept this convoy.
They were able to surprise the Italian torpedo-boat Lupo which is engaged in picking up survivors from the Veloce.
The Chisone and Devoli escorted by the Aretusa and Sagittario managed to reach Tripoli. The torpedo-boat Ardente managed to pick up the survivors from the Veloce and Lupo.
The British destroyers returned to Malta on 3 December. (6)
3 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta for escort duty.
[See the event ' Convoy MW 14 ' for 1 December 1942 for more information.] (6)
6 Dec 1942
Convoy MW 15.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 December 1942 and arrived at Malta on 10 December 1942.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; American Packer (American, 6802 GRT, built 1941) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940).
The convoy was escorted on departure from Alexandria by the minesweepers HMS Boston (Lt. D.H.G. Coughlan, RNR), HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR) and HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, RNR).
Around 0900B/9, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1100A/10, the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to provide cover for the convoy. Air reconnaissance had failed to locate three Italian cruisers at Messina. Later it became clear that there was no threat to the convoy and they were recalled around 1315A/10. They returned to Malta around 1815A/10.
The convoy arrived safely at Malta late on December, 10th. (20)
8 Dec 1942
Air reconnaissance reported an enemy tanker, HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to search for the tanker between Ras Turgeuness and Kerkenna. They returned to Malta around 0930/9 not having sighted the tanker. (20)
10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to provide cover for convoy MW 15. They returned to Malta later the same day.
[See the event ' Convoy MW 15 ' for 6 December 1942 for more info on this convoy.] (21)
13 Dec 1942
'Force K' departed Malta around 1800A/13 for opertions against enemy shipping bound for Tripoli.
The force was later split up into two setions;
'Force A' was made up of HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN).
'Force B' was made up of HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN).
'Force A' returned to Malta around 1115A/14.
'Force B' returned to Malta around 1340A/14.
Both forces sighted no targets during their sweeps. The target they had been sent out for had turned back. (21)
15 Dec 1942
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) departed Malta at 1100 hours to go to the assistance of HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) which had depth charged the Italian submarine Uarsciek to the surface and captured it. The submarine was being towed by HMS Petard until it sank at 1223 hours. HMS Kelvin and HMS Paladin were then ordered to return to Malta. (6)
7 Jan 1943
Convoy MW 19.
This convoy departed Port Said on 7 January 1943 and arrived at Malta on 11 January 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pierre DuPont (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919).
The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the Greek destroyer RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN).
Shortly before 1800A/9, the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous with the convoy.
Around 1015A/10, HMS Euryalus, HMS Jervis and HMS Kipling joined the convoy escort.
Around 1700A/11, the minesweeper HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN) sailed to sweep the convoy in.
The convoy arrived at Malta in the evening of January, 11th.
9 Jan 1943
Shortly before 1800/9, the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous with convoy MW 19.
For more information on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MW 19 ' for 7 January 1943.] (22)
19 Jan 1943
The British destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) departed Malta around 1345/19 for patrol.
During the night of 19/20 January the sank eleven ships, to the west of Tripolo. Among them the Italian minesweepers RD 31, RD 36, RD 37 and RD 39.
HMS Kelvin and HMS Javelin returned to Malta where they joined the exercises that were going on returning to harbour later the same day.
20 Jan 1943
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) departed Malta for exercises. At sea they were joined by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) which just returned from patrol.
All ships returned to Malta in the afternoon except HMS Jervis and HMS Nubian which proceeded on patrol.
21 Jan 1943
Convoy MH 3.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 21 January 1943 and was to proceed, if possible, to Tripoli. The final destination would depend on the situation on land.
The convoy was made up of the transports; Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940). The rescue tug HMS Brigand and RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) were also part of the convoy.
On departure from Alexandria (at 1100 hours) it was escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Exmoor ( Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) and RHS Kanaris.
At 1745/21, the destroyer HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta to conduct a sweep along the coast of North Africa and make rendez-vous with the convoy on 23 January.
On 22 January the convoy was ordered to enter Tobruk for the night of 22/23 January to await clarification about the situation on land.
At 1400/23, the convoy departed Tobruk. The Harmelin was left behind due to her slow speed. The Antwerp (British, 2957 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy. The destroyers HMS Pakenham, RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) had meanwhile arrived at Tobruk and after fuelling also sailed to overtake the convoy and reinforce the escort.
At 1700/24, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous with the convoy.
At 1900/24, the destroyers HMS Pakenham and Vasilissa Olga parted company with the convoy with orders to proceed to Benghazi.
At 2130/24, the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and Pindos joined the convoy. They were coming from Benghazi.
At dawn on the 25th, HMS Orion, HMS Jervis, HMS Kelvin and HMS Tetcott joined the convoy.
The convoy had meanwhile been ordered to proceed to Malta but this was changed at 2200/25 when the convoy was ordered to proceed to Tripoli except for the tanker Cherryleaf which continued on to Malta escorted by HMS Orion, HMS Jervis, HMS Kelvin, HMS Paladin, HMS Aldenham, HMS Beaufort and HMS Croome.
Both the Tripoli section and Malta section of the convoy arrived at their destinations on 26 January.
At dusk on the 26th, the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton, HMS Exmoor, HMS Hursley, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos arrived at Malta after having escorted the convoy to the vicinity of Tobruk. (22)
22 Jan 1943
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta early in the afternoon. They carried out a bombardment of Zuara between 0130 and 0230/23 after which they returned to Malta arriving around 1000/23. (22)
24 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) departed Malta at 1700 hours to join convoy MH 3 at sea.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MH 3 ' for 21 January 1943.] (22)
27 Jan 1943
Convoy ME 16.
This convoy departed Malta on 27 January 1943 and arrived at Alexandria on 1 February 1943.
The convoy was made up of the transports; Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pierre S. DuPont (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919).
On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.
At 0200/28, HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta to overtake the convoy and join the escort at dawn.
At 1000/28, HMS Croome and HMS Hursley parted company and set course for Tobruk where they were required for escort duty.
Shortly after dark on the 29th, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin parted company with the convoy and set course to proceed to Alexandria.
At 1600/31, HMS Aldenham and HMS Beaufort were detached from the convoy and proceeded to Alexandria. The convoy itself proceed a bit further to the eastward and then turned back and entered Alexandria at daylight on 1 February. (22)
28 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta at 0200 hours to join convoy ME 16 at daylight.
[For more info on convoy ME 16 see the event ' Convoy ME 16 ' for 27 January 1943.] (22)
30 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Alexandria around 1800 hours. (22)
1 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Alexandria at 2030 hours.
[No idea for the moment what the purpose of her sailing was.] (23)
2 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) returned to Alexandria at 0820 hours. (23)
6 Feb 1943
Convoy's MW 20 / XT 2.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 February 1943 and was to split up into two on 9 February. Convoy MW 20 was to proceed to Malta where it arrived on 10 February. Convoy XT 2 was to proceed to Tripoli where it also arrived on 10 February.
The combined convoy was made of the following ships; American Packer (American, 6802 GRT, built 1941), Clan Macindoe (British, 4635 GRT, built 1920), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Manaar (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Voyager (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Phemius (British, 7406 GRT, built 1921), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kondouriotis and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.
On 7 February the Greek destroyer Kondouriotis detached to Tobruk to fuel and rejoin the convoy on completion.
Around 1800/8, the light cuiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destoyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) departed Malta to join the convoy at dawn the following day.
Around 0745/9, HMS Euryalus, HMS Nubian and HMS Paladin joined the convoy.
At 2000/9, the convoy split up into two sections, the Malta section (MW 20) was made up of the; Egra, Erinna, Glaucus, Manaar, Phemius and Yorba Linda and escorted by HMS Euryalus, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin, HMS Kelvin, HMS Nubian, HMS Paladin, RHS Kondouriotis, HMS Aldenhan, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, HMS Exmoor, HMS Hurworth and RHS Kanaris.
The other ships proceeded to Tripoli escorted by HMS Tetcott and RHS Pindos. At Tripoli the convoy was swept in the the minesweepers HMS Boston (Lt. D.H.G. Coughlan, RNR), HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR) and HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, RNR).
HMS Tetcott and RHS Pindos then proceeded to Malta. (22)
11 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) departed Malta for Tripoli. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and RHS Kondouriotis. (22)
13 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917), and her escorts, HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and RHS Kondouriotis arrived off Tripoli. They were unable to enter the harbour due to a strong north-westerly gale. (22)
14 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917), and her escorts, HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and RHS Kondouriotis were now able to enter Tripoli harbour. (22)
15 Feb 1943
Convoy TX 1
This convoy departed Tripoli on 15 February 1943. It was to join up with convoy ME 17 coming from Malta.
Due to the bad weather conditions the convoy was one day late in sailing from Tripoli.
As the convoy was late it was unable to join up with convoy ME 17 and then proceeded independently to Alexandria.
The convoy was made up of the transports; James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940).
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and RHS Kondouriotis.
On the 15th the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) which came from convoy ME 17.
At 1040/17, the German submarine U-205 tried to attack the convoy in position 33°08'N, 22°18'E but was detected. HMS Paladin attacked with depth charges after which the enemy immediately surfaced. An escorting Bisley (Blenheim) aircraft (W/15Sq./SAAF) dropped depth charges straddling the submarine. HMS Paladin opened fire on the enemy with any gun that could bear. HMS Jervis came to her aid also firing her guns. The German crew then started to abandon their submarine.
During the engagement Paladin's Pompom, when on the extreme forward bearing, fired into the shelter at the fore end of the Pompom platform, resulting in the death of four ratings. Four others were seriously wounded, all of whom were on the deck below.
On being abandoned, the enemy submarine was seen to be proceeding at about 9 knots on her moters circling with her helm jammed hard to port. It was therefore difficult to approach her. Paladin hoping that the submarines batteries would exhaust themselves in the meanwhile, recovered five officers (including the Commanding Officer) and thirty ratings.
At this time the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR), who was escorting another convoy in the vicinity, was ordered to close an take the enemy submarine in tow. HMS Paladin then put a boarding party on board the submarine. They were unable to take the way of the submarine or free the rudder. HMS Gloxinia eventually managed to take her in tow at 1310/27. She then closed the coast, escorted by HMS Paladin. Towing was difficult and little headway was made. The submarine was slowly sinking by the stern and by 1530/27 her conning tower was awash. She finally sank at 1637/27 in position 32°54'08"N, 22°11'4"E, near Ras-el-Hilal.
The convoy, escorted by HMS Jervis, HMS Kelvin, HMS Paladin and RHS Kondouriotis arrived at Alexandria on 18 February 1943. (22)
25 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Two transports and two tankers, [identity currently unknown to us], departed Alexandria for Port Said. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas). They arrived at Port Said the following morning. (22)
26 Feb 1943
The light cruiser HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and then departed Port Said for Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas). They arrived at Alexandria early the next morning. (24)
1 Mar 1943
Convoy MW 22 (+ convoy XT 4).
This convoy departed Alexandria on 1 March 1943 and arrived at Malta on 6 March 1943.
Several ships of the convoy split off on 4 March 1943 forming convoy XT 4 destined for Tripoli where it arrived on 5 March 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Belray (British, 2888 GRT, built 1926), British Sovereign (British, 3657 GRT, built 1917), Charles Gordon Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Dafila (British, 1940 GRT, built 1927), Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Edward Everett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pronto (British, 2201 GRT, built 1920), Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921). The RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos.
On 3 March the transport Belray arrived at Tobruk.
On 4 March the ships destined for Tripoli split off and formed convoy XT 4. This convoy arrived at Tripoli the following day. Convoy XT 4 was made up of the British Sovereign, Charles Gordon Curtis, Dafila, Darien II, Destro, Edward Everett, James Duncan, Neuralia and Pronto. They were escorted by HMS Beaufort, HMS Exmoor and HMS Tetcott.
The remainder of the ships; Erinna, Greystoke Castle, O'Henry, Tosari, Yorba Linda and RFA Cherryleaf arrived at Malta on 6 March escorted by HMS Kelvin, RHS Vasilissa Olga, HMS Dulverton, HMS Rockwood and RHS Pindos.
10 Mar 1943
Convoys ME 19 and TX 3.
Convoy ME 19 departed Malta on 10 March 1943 and arrived at Alexandria on 15 March 1943 / Port Said on 16 March 1943.
It had merged as sea on 12 March with convoy TX 3 coming from Tripoli.
On departure from Malta convoy ME 19 was made up of the following ships; Dromus (British (tanker), 8036, built 1938), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), Kaikoura (British, 5852 GRT, built 1937), Orna (British, 6779 GRT, built 1938), Panama (British, 6650 GRT, built 1915) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Malta convoy ME 19 was escorted by the destroyer HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Easton (Lt. C.W. Malins, DSC, RN), Miaoulis.
Convoy TX 3 departed Tripoli on 11 March 1943 and merged with convoy ME 19 at sea on 12 March 1943.
It was made up of following ships; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), British Sovereign (British, 3657 GRT, built 1917), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), City of Guildford (British, 5157 GRT, built 1919), Daltonhall (British, 7250 GRT, built 1941), Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912).
On departure from Tripoli convoy TX 3 was escorted by the destroyer HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos. HMS Tetcott apparently returned to Tripoli later on the 11th.
The following ships arrived at Alexandria on 15 March 1943;
Benrinnes, British Sovereign, City of Evansville, City of Florence, City of Guildford, Darien II, Erinna, They were escorted by; HMS Kelvin, HMS Javelin, HMS Dulverton and HMS Rockwood.
The following ships arrived at Port Said on 16 March 1943;
Daltonhall, Dromus, Orna, Panama and Yorba Linda. They were escorted by; HMS Belvoir, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos. 18 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Mar 1943 HMS Orion departed Alexandria for Malta later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Kelvin and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN). (25) 21 Mar 1943 21 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 Mar 1943 This convoy departed Alexandria on 24 March 1943 and arrived at Tripoli on 28 March 1943.
This convoy was made up of the following ships;
Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911),
Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and
Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912).
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Isis (Lt.Cdr. D.R. Mitchell, RN). Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) which had come from Alexandria.
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Alexandria.
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (25)
HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. (26)
HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (26)Convoy XT 8.
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