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Destroyer HMS Malcolm (D 19)

11 May 1940
HMS Malcolm (Capt. T.E. Halsey, RN) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Tringa that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-9 38 one and a half miles from the West Hinder buoy at the mouth of the river Scheldt in position 51°21'N, 02°55'E.

Battleship HMS King George V (41)

18 Feb 1943
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) and the destroyers HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Akureyri, Iceland.

They arrived at Akureyri on the 20th except for HMS Norfolk which was then detached to proceed to Seidisfjord where she arrived on 21 February. (1)

22 Feb 1943
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. T. Gorazdowski) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) departed Akureyri, Iceland to provide cover for convoy JW 53.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 53 ' for 15 February 1943.] (2)

26 Feb 1943
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. T. Gorazdowski) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) returned to Akureyri, Iceland from convoy cover operations. (3)

2 Mar 1943
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. T. Gorazdowski), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN) departed Akureyri, Iceland to provide distant cover for convoy RA 53.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy RA 53 ' for 1 March 1943.] (4)

6 Mar 1943
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. T. Gorazdowski) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from a convoy cover operation. (5)

24 Mar 1943
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) conducted D/G trials, aircraft launching and recovering exercises and 5.25" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (6)

14 Apr 1943
The Commander in Chief of the Home Fleet, Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) to HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN).

HMS King George V then departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN).

HMS King George V arrived at Rosyth the following day. The escorts returned to Scapa Flow. (7)

19 Apr 1943
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is docked in No.1 Dock at Rosyth. (8)

25 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is undocked. (8)

30 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN). (8)

1 May 1943
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN) and HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth.

HMS King George V departed Scapa Flow for Gibraltar later the same day. She is now escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN). (9)

6 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (9)

7 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN). (9)

13 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 13/14 May 1943, HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), conducted exercises off Gibraltar. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN). (9)

30 May 1943
' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (10)

1 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (11)

2 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) departed Algiers for Mers-el-Kebir. (11)

3 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir from Algiers. (11)

14 Jun 1943
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Gibraltar. (12)

15 Jun 1943
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Mers-el-Kebir. (12)

22 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir. (13)

23 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir from Gibraltar. (13)

2 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Gibraltar. (14)

3 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) arrived at Gibraltar from Mers-el-Kebir. (14)

5 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (14)

6 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (14)

9 Jul 1943
Around 2030B/9, ' Force H, 3rd Division ' (also known as ' Force Z '), made up the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, Senior Officer) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) departed Algiers for operations.

Around 1315B/10, off Bone, they were joined by the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, DSO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) and the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN) which had departed Bone around 1200B/10. Shortly after these ships joined, HMS Isis obtained an A/S contact and ' Force Z ' made an emergency turn.

Shortly after 1700B/10, ' Force Z ' entered the Tunisian War Channel (this started near Galita Island and then to the East of Cape Bon).

Around 1910B/10, ' Force Z ' turned back and set course for Algiers.

Around 0230B/11, HMS Sirius and HMS Dido were detached to proceed ahead to Bone where they arrived around 0615B/11.

Then at 1100B/11 a signal was received from the Commander-in-Chief that ' Operation Fracture ' was to be carried out. Course was then altered to 080° and the detached cruisers were recalled. They departed Bone again around 1335B/11 and rejoined ' Force Z ' around 1615B/11.

HMS Isis, which was unable to keep up at high speed, was detached to Bone. (15)

12 Jul 1943

Operation Fracture.

Bombardment of Levanzo Island, Trapani and Marsala.

In the evening of 11 July 1943, ' Force H, 3rd Division ' (also known as ' Force Z '), made up the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, Senior Officer), light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, DSO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) were at sea proceeding towards the west coast of Sicily.

At 2200B/11, HMS Sirius and HMS Dido were detached to bombard Marsala.

The battleships approach course ran through two positions; A) 37°45'N, 09°46'E and B) 38°12'N, 12°10'E. Position B was reached at 0123B/12. The destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Paladin and HMS Arrow were placed ahead of the battleships. They were to close within 9000 yards from Levanzo Island. The other three destroyers (HMS Pathfinder, HMS Panther and HMS Penn) formed an A/S screen for the battleships.

Bombardment of Levanzo Island.

At 0139B/12, speed was reduced to 16 knots, and HMS Howe opened fire at 13500 yards with starshell at 0145B/12. HMS King George V opened fire a minute later. The targets selected were three batteries and hutments in the north-east corner of Levanzo Island, which was fringed with steep cliffs. The target area was 1500 yards in depth, height allowed 300 feet, the three batteries being calculated to be in transit when Cape Grosso bore 165°. Nine rounds per 5.25" gun with flashless propellant and HE shell were fired by the battleships. The destroyers opened direct fire very shortly after 0146B/12, with ranges based on radar information. Their salvoes were seen to burst on the cliff face and top of the hill close to the northern HA/LA battery. The ammunition expended by the destroyers was; HMS Jervis 59 rouds, HMS Paladin 40 rounds and HMS Arrow 29 rounds.

The majority of the battleships salvos appeared to burst on the left side of the hill behind Cape Grosso, probably below the battery sites. The bombardment ended at 0149B/12, when course was altered to 055°. After the destroyers had turned away, the batteries on Levanzo Island opened a spasmodic fire. Some shells fell close, but none of the ships were hit.

Bombardment of Trapani.

The second phase of the operation was the bombardment of Trapani. The target selected for the 14" guns of the battleships was Trapani town to the eastward of the harbour, an area of 3000 yards from east to west with a depth of 1000 yards. For the 5.25" guns the target was Trapani harbour including Colombaia Island. HMS Howe opened fire at 0153B/12 with 14" HE shell, followed by HMS King George V within one minute. The initial range being 23000 yards, bearing 122° for both ships. The 5.25" guns opened fire shortly after the 14" when their target range was 21000 yards bearing 127°. HMS Howe fired 17 salvoes from her 14" guns. HMS King George V fired 39 rounds of 14". The majority of the salvos were estimated to have fallen in the target area, HMS Howe reported observing 'a few 14" shell bursts' and HMS King George V reported 'about a dozen'. Cordite smoke completely obscured the 5.25" target area and the blinding effect from all guns was most marked. When firing ceased at 0200B/12, course was altered to 290°.

During the approach and throughout the bombardments a large V-shaped illumination was visibly on the land near Punta Barone. This, it was conjectured may have been intended as some sort of decoy for the RAF.

After turning to the retirement course, the destroyers dropped a number of delay action devices consisting of depth chargesm smoke floats and snowflake rockets. These were intended to prolong the period of disturbance and attract the intention of any E-boats or aircraft. Apparently the first object was achieved, for both searchlights and guns continued to be active for a considerable time.

Bombardment of Marsala.

After parting company, HMS Sirius and HMS Dido proceeded towards Marsala. Flashes from an air attack in progress were observed during the approach. The bombardment course selected ran between the positions A) 37°46'N, 12°13'E and B) 37°42'N, 12°15'E, approximately on the 100 fathom line within effective range.

The zones of fires were centered as follows; HMS Sirius, 200 yards west of the railway station and HMS Dido, 400 yards north of the post office. The bombardment was carried out in indirect fire from 0148B/12 to 0207B/12, at a mean range of 21000 yards, the ships steering 157° at 18 knots. The only results observed were flashes, to tight of a large fire started by the preceding air attack, which appeared to coincide with the fall of shot.

A few enemy guns responded feebly during the latter half of the bombardment but no shells were seen to fall close to the cruisers.

At 0515B/12, the cruisers rejoined the other ships of ' Force Z ' in position 38°09'N, 10°45'E and the withdrawal was effected without incident. The destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN) joined the screen at 0620B/12 coming from Bone.

At 1115B/12, HMS Sirius and HMS Dido were detached to Bone to arrange for the immediate fuelling of the destroyers and for all available A/S craft to patrol off the harbour during the presence of the battleships. At 1430B/12, the battleships anchored off Bone while the destroyers fuelled.

Around 2015B/12, ' Force Z ', made up of the two battleships and the seven destroyers departed Bone for Algiers where it arrived around 0715B/13. (15)

14 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1220B/14, ' Force Z ', made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, Senior Officer) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) departed Algiers after a reconnaissance aircraft had reported that two Italian battleships had departed La Spezia.

At 0130B/15, they were joined by the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, DSO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) which came from Bone.

It then became apparent that the report of the aircraft had been false and all ships returned to Bone or Algiers later on the 15th. (16)

27 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the anchorage off Algiers. (17)

30 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) both conducted full power trials and gunnery exercises in the anchorage off Algiers. (17)

31 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (18)

7 Sep 1943
Around 0715B/7, ' Force Z ' made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) departed Algiers for, initially, Augusta but this was later changed to Malta where they arrived around 1100B/8.

At Malta, Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Howe. (19)

10 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta escorting the Italian battleships Caio Duilio (flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Da Zara), Andrea Doria, light cruisers Luigi Cadorna, Pompeo Magno and the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco which came from Taranto to Malta after the Italian armestice. (20)

14 Sep 1943
Around 0915B/14, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) departed Malta for Alexandria. They were escorting the Italian battleships Vittorio Veneto, Italia (former name Littorio), light cruisers Eurgenio di Savoia, Emanuelle Filiberto Duca d’Aosta, Raimondo Montecuccoli and Luigi Cadorna and the destroyers Artigliere, Velite, Grecale and Nicoloso da Recco.

They arrived at Alexandria around 0830C/16. (19)

1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815C/1, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Algiers.

They were joined at 0625B/2 by the destroyers HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) and HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) coming from Malta.

Around 0600A/3, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) joined coming from Malta after which HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury, HMS Echo and HMS Eclipse were then detached to Malta.

HMS King George V, HMS Howe, HMS Quilliam, HMS Quail, HMS Queenborough, HMS Raidar and HMS Tyrian arrived at Algiers around 0730A/4. (21)

5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015A/5, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN).

Around 1955A/5, the escort destroyer HMS Tynedale (Lt.Cdr. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) joined.

They arrived at Gibraltar around 0815A/5. (22)

13 Oct 1943
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) and USS Capps (T/Cdr. B.E.S. Trippensee, USN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K.

In the afternoon of the 14th, HMS Inglefield was fuelled by HMS King George V while HMS Obedient fuelled from HMS Howe.

Around 2200A/17, HMS Illustrious, HMS Formidable, HMS Inglefield, HMS Obedient, HMS Venus and USS Hobson parted company for the Clyde. At 0210A/18, USS Hobson parted company to proceed to Londonderry where she arrived around 0820A/18. Around the same time HMS Obedient also parted company to proceed to Scapa Flow where she arrived on the 18th. HMS Illustrious, HMS Formidable, HMS Inglefield, HMS Venus arrived in the Clyde around 1030A/18.

HMS King George V, HMS Howe, HMS Savage, HNoMS Stord, USS Forrest and USS Capps continued on towards Scapa Flow.

Around 1345A/18, HMS Howe, HMS Savage and HNoMS Stord were detached to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1445A/18.

HMS King George V, HMS Forrest and USS Capps then continued on to Rosyth where they arrived around 0800A/19. (23)

8 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is docked at the Rosyth Dockyard. (24)

13 Nov 1943
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is undocked. She departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow very late in the evening.

Shortly after midnight on the 14th, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) which escorted her to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1805A/14. (24)

19 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She returned shortly after midnight on the 14th.

During the exercises she was, most likely escorted by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN). [HMS Hardy for sure was present.] (24)

27 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN).

During the exercises, the Rear-Admiral Home Fleet Destroyers, Rear-Admiral I.G. Glennie, CB, RN) flew his flag in HMS King George V. (25)

2 Dec 1943
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow.

Upon completion of these trials she conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was then, most likely, escorted by the destroyers HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Termagent (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (26)

3 Dec 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN), HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and Richelieu (Capt. R.G. Lambert) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were, most likely, escorted by the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Termagent (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN). (27)

7 Dec 1943
Around 0700A/7, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Gibraltar. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Termagent (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) and HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN).

Around 0900A/10, in position 42°53'N, 19°53'W, the destroyers screen was relieved by the destroyers HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) and HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN). The original destroyers screen then proceeded to Horta, Azores to fuel.

Around 0900A/12, HMS King George V, HMS Rocket, HMS Ulster and HMS Grenville arrived at Gibraltar.

At Gibraltar HMS King George V was to pick up Prime Minister Churchill and carry him back to the U.K.

This however did not materialise due to the Prime Minister being sick and unable to travel. (28)

23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130A/23, HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyer HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 0930A/24. (29)

8 Jan 1944
Around 1730A/8, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), which had been conducted exercises off Scapa Flow earlier in the day, departed Scapa Flow for Gibraltar where she was to pick up Prime Minister Churchill and his entourage. She is escorted by the destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN).

At 1230A/9, the destroyer HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) joined coming from Loch Foyle (Londonderry).

At 0800A/13, HMCS Athabascan parted company to proceed to Horta, Azores to fuel.

Around 1325A/13, the destroyers HMS Antelope (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar and HMS Ashanti and HMS Meteor parted company also to proceed to Horta to fuel.

HMS King George V, HMS Antelope, Anthony and Brilliant arrived at Gibraltar in the evening of 15 January 1944.

(30)

15 Jan 1944
Around 0330A/15, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. On board were Prime Minister Churchill and his entourage. She is escorted by light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Antelope (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN).

At 1000A/16, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined and HMS Mauritius then parted company to return to Gibraltar.

At 1100A/16, the destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) joined coming from Horta, Azores. The original destroyer screen then parted company to return to Gibraltar.

Around 2200A/17, HMS King George V, HMCS Athabascan, HMS Ashanti and HMS Meteor arrived at Plymouth where the Prime Minister and his entourage were disembarked. (31)

18 Jan 1944
Around 1530A/18, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN).

Around 1930A/18, HMS Ashanti and HMCS Athabascan parted company.

Around 1300A/20, HMS King George V and HMS Meteor arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (32)

9 Feb 1944
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Liverpool.

[No details available on any escort.] (33)

10 Feb 1944
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) arrived at Liverpool where she was to refit. (33)

16 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is docked in the Gladstone Dock at Liverpool. (33)

2 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is undocked. (34)

31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted compass swing trials off Liverpool on completion of which she set course for Scapa Flow.

At 0745A/1, she was joined by the destroyer HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) which then escorted her to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1815A/1. (35)

2 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

[No details available about the escort.] (36)

11 Aug 1944
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was possibly escorted by the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN) and HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN). (36)

17 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

[No details available about the escort.] (37)

18 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (37)

22 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

[No details available about the escort.] (37)

24 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (37)

1 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 1/2 September 1944, HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

[No details available about the escort.] (38)

7 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow with the destroyer HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN). (38)

14 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (38)

26 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (38)

5 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN) and HMS Oribi (Lt. D.M. Vaughan-Hughes, RN [???]).

Around dawn the destroyers parted company to proceed to the Clyde.

Around 1545A/6, the destroyer HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 2230A/6, the destroyer HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) joined.

Around 1000A/7, HMS King George V, HMS Scourge and HMS Serapis arried at Plymouth. (39)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is docked at the Devonport Dockyard. (39)

14 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) is undocked. (39)

16 Oct 1944
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt. J.E. Dyer, DSC, RN).

Around 1230A/16, the destroyer HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN) joined company.

Around 1630A/16, HMS Saladin parted company to return to Plymouth.

HMS King George V, HMS Nubian and HMS Undaunted arrived at Scapa Flow around 1820A/17.

Upon arrival at Scapa Flow, the Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS King George V. (39)

23 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN). (39)

24 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, struck his flag in HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and then hoisted it in Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN). (40)

28 Oct 1944
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Greeock. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN). (39)

29 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2355A/29, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN).

Around 1345A/30, the destroyer HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) joined.

HMS King George V, HMS Kempenfelt, HMS Ursa and HMS Meteor arrived at Gibraltar around 0900A/2. (39)

2 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/2, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

They arrived at Malta around 1645A/4. (41)

9 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630A/9, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria where they arrived around 1230B/11. (41)

13 Nov 1944
Around 0640B/13, the escort carrier HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Easton (Lt. L.E. Peyton-Jones, DSO, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Alaxandria.

Around 1045B/13, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) also departed Alexandria. The battleship was to conduct a bombardment of the Greek (German occupied) island of Milos in the Aegean. All these ships formed ' Force 55 '.

At 1109B/14, HMS King George V commenced a bombardment from 30000 yards. Before she opened fire she was engaged herself by the Lakida C D battery from 26000 yards after which she opened the range and then engaged the battery. She fired 36 rounds of 14" and also the secondary 5.25" guns opened fire. One explosion was observed.

The enemy battery was still in action in the afternoon when HMS Easton landed two sections of Royal Marines at Psalis Point to occupy the radar station. The occupation was prevented by mining. About 11 casualties were inflicted on the enemy after which the Royal Marines withdrew having taken two POW's.

With HMS Easton being deployed supporting the Royal Marines, HMS Wrangler took over as escort for HMS Emperor.

Around 1100B/15, HMS King George V and HMS Whirlwind arrived back at Alexandria.

Around 1430B/15, HMS Emperor and HMS Wrangler arrived back at Alexandria. (42)

21 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 21/22 November 1944, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. G.B. Bernard, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. These included night exercises.

[Destroyers also participated in the exercises but their identity is not known to us.] (41)

28 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

[Presumably she was escorted but the identity of these are not known to us.] (41)

29 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 29/30 November 1944, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria / Ras-el-Tin.

The escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.D. Howson, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN) were with the battleship in the evening and possibly during the entire time she was out exercising. (41)

1 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630B/1, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (43)

2 Dec 1944
Around 0640B/2, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) arrived at Port Said from Alexandria. (43)

3 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) proceeded from Port Said to the Great Bitter Lakes. Upon arrival the staff of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings arrived on board. (43)

4 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) proceeded from the Great Bitter Lakes to Suez. (43)

5 Dec 1944
Around 1300B/5, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Suez for Colombo.

Around 0445C/8, the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) joined coming from Aden.

Around 1430FG(-6.5)/12, HMS King George V, HMS Whirlwind and HMS Wrangler arrived at Colombo. (43)

13 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN, hoisted his flag on board HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN). (43)

14 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1645FG(-6.5)/14, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN) and the destroyers Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee where they arrived around 1600FG/15. (43)

27 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN) conducted D/G trials at Trincomalee. She then conducted underway refuelling exercises during which she fuelled from the RFA tanker Wave King (8159 GRT, built 1944).

[During the exercises she was escorted by destroyers but we have not been able to establish their identity.] (43)

12 Jan 1945
During 12/13 January 1945, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Argonaut (Capt. W.P. McCarthy, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN), HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (44)

28 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS Termagent (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Guam (45)

30 May 1945
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS Termagent (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Guam for Sydney via Manus.

Around 0630K/1, the destroyer screen parted company to proceed to enter Manus while the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) joined.

Between 1100K/1 and 1430K/1, the ships fuelled from the RFA tanker Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941).

HMS King George V, HMS Grenville, HMS Undine, HMS Urchin and HMS Wessex arrived at Sydney on 5 June 1945. (46)

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