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Light cruiser HMS Diadem (84)

17 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1130A/17, Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is commissioned for trials at Hebburn-on-Tyne. (1)

27 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted compass swing trials off North Shields. (1)

31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900A/31, Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed North Shields for Rosyth where she arrived around 1745A/31. En-route engine trials and gunnery had been carried out. (1)

2 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted full power trials in the Firth of Forth area. (2)

5 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted full power trials and engine trials in the Firth of Forth area. (2)

6 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted trials in the Firth of Forth area on completion of which she was accepted from the shipyard. (2)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715A/11, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1400A/12. Before entering Scapa Flow RIX (range and inclination) exercises were carried out with HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN). (3)

17 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

24 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

25 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)

26 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow.

Around 1230A/29, she departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (2)

30 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430A/30, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (2)

16 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted special trials in the Clyde area. (4)

18 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted bombardment and torpedo firing exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

19 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

20 Feb 1944
Around 1715A/20, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow wehere she arrived around 2300A/21. Before entering Scapa Flow she acted as target during exercises. (4)

22 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

29 Feb 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN). (4)

10 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/10, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1230A/11. Before entering Scapa Flow gunnery exercises were carried out. (5)

17 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises and D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (5)

24 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (5)

27 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1245A/27, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Loch Ewe for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1805A/27. (5)

28 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/28, the light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), USS Milwaukee (T/Capt. C.F. Fielding, USN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy JW 58.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 58 ' for 27 March 1944.] (6)

4 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), USS Milwaukee (T/Capt. C.F. Fielding, USN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN), destroyers HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Hawkins, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC and Bar, RN), sloops HMS Starling (Capt. F.J. Walker, CB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Wild Goose (Lt.Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR), HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt. C.S. Thomas, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR) arrived in the Kola Inlet with convoy JW 58.

7 Apr 1944

Convoy RA 59 / Operation FY.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 7 April 1944. The passage of this convoy to the U.K. was known as Operation FY.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexander White (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), British Valour (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1927), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles Bulfinch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943, Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Edward Sparrow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Fort McMurray (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Romaine (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Henry B. Brown (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jefferson Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John A. Donald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ruthledge (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Sharp Williams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Stevenson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Powell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Woolman (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Louis D. Brandeis (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mijdrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1931), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Alexander (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Strength (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Richard M. Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hartley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William H. Webb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ships Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) and Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN), destroyers HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Hawkins, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Starling (Capt. F.J. Walker, CB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Wild Goose (Lt.Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR), HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR).

Around 2000B/11, HMS Activity, HMS Inconstant, HMS Westcott, HMS Whitehall and HMS Wrestler parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1100B/13.

HMS Activity arrived around 1300B/13.

On 12 April 1944, HMS Venus was detached to proceed to Skaalefjord to land a medical case and to proceed to Scapa Flow afterwards. She arrived at Scapa Flow around 2000B/12.

Also on 12 April 1944, HMS Keppel, HMS Walker, HMS Beagle and HMS Boadicea parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1100B/13.

Later the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Offa and HMS Opportune parted company. They arrived at Scapa Flow with HMS Activity (see above).

Around 2100B/12, HMS Diadem, HMS Saumarez, HMS Serapis, HNoMS Stord and HMS Orwell parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1830B/13.

Around 1400B/14, HMS Scorpion, HMS Oribi, HMS Obedient and HMS Impulsive arrived at Scapa Flow after having parted company with the convoy.

The convoy split on the 14th for east and west coast ports.

HMS Tracker, HMS Bluebell, HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Rhododendron proceeded to the Clyde.

HMS Starling, HMS Magpie, HMS Wild Goose, HMS Whimbrel, HMS Wren proceeded to Liverpool.

13 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, at Scapa Flow, Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN). (7)

7 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is docked at Wallsend. (8)

14 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is undocked. (8)

18 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815B/18, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed the Tyne for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 2130B/18. (8)

20 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (8)

22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 22/23 May 1944, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. H. Dalrymple-Smith, RN) conducted night encounter exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of which HMS Diadem returned to Scapa Flow while HMS Arethusa remained at sea for further exercises and subsequent passage to the Clyde. (9)

23 May 1944
During the night of 23/24 May 1944, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (8)

6 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0550B/6, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced bombarding operations in the 'Juno Beach' area. Further bombardments were carried out at intervals throughout the day. (10)

7 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015B/7, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Bombardments continued throughout the entire day. (10)

8 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0903B/8, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Bombardments continued throughout the day. (10)

10 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130B/10, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Bombardments continued throughout the day. (10)

11 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330B/11, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Another bombardment was carried out around 2005B/11. (10)

12 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) proceeded from the operations area of the Normandy coast to Spithead to resupply. (10)

14 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed proceeded Spithead to return to the operations area of the Normandy coast.

Around 0920B/14, she commenced the bombardment of a shore target. Later, between around 1500B/14 and around 1930B/14, she bombarded another target intermittently when fire support was needed. (10)

15 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400B/15, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Two more bombardments were carried out in the evening. (10)

16 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200B/16, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out 2130B/16. (10)

17 Jun 1944
Around 1048B/17, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted her first bombardment of the day. Another bombardment was conducted very late in the afternoon and two more in the evening. (10)

18 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130B/18, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out 1230B/18. (10)

19 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1610B/19, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out 1740B/19.

Earlier in the day, around noon, Diadem had been hit in the side by a small vessel sustaining some minor damage around the waterline. (10)

20 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730B/20, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out 1905B/20. (10)

21 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2030B/21, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. (10)

22 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830B/22, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. (10)

23 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1203B/23, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out around 1645B/23. (10)

26 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/26, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. Another bombardment was carried out around 1630B/26. (10)

27 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830B/27, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. (10)

28 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0630B/28, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced a bombardment of a shore target. (10)

29 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) proceeded from the operations area of the Normandy coast to Spithead to resupply. (10)

14 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After some repairs at the Portsmouth Dockyard, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Portsmouth around 0850B/14 for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 2215B/15. (11)

4 Aug 1944
Around 1030B/4, ' Force 26 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for an offensive patrol between Belle Ile and Chausses de Seine.

At 1818B/4, the orders for ' Force 26 ' were cancelled. HMS Diadem, HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois set course to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 0345B/5.

HMS Tartar and HMS Ashanti patrolled near position 48°30'N, 06°45'W until 1954B/4. They then proceeded as ' Force 28 ' to patrol within 5 miles each side of a line joining positions 47°13'N, 05°03'W and 47°23'N, 04°32'W as a support to the 2nd and 11h Escort Groups which were on an A/S hunt. ' Force 28 ' was to give support in case of an enemy surface attack.

' Force 28 ' joined ' Force 26 ' for operations around 2130B/5 in position 47°18'N, 04°47'W. (12)

6 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/6, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 2220B/7. (13)

8 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2045B/8, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth where she arrived around 0730B/10. (13)

10 Aug 1944
Around 1600B/10, ' Force 28 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) departed Plymouth to patrol along the Biscay coast as far south as the Gironde. They were also to act as a support force for A/S groups operating in the area.

By 1400B/11, ' Force 28 ' was off the Gironde but no enemy shipping had been sighted so far. They then proceeded to sweep an area southwest of Ile d'Oleron until 1600B/11. Only fishing vessels were sighted and two of these were boarded and searched by HMS Onslow.

' Force 28 ' was held by shore radar stations during the latter period but although ships were stopped inside the range of shore batteries these did not open fire until the force was leaving. HMS Onslow was straddled but no damage was done.

A night patrol was then carried out between positions 46°32'N, 02°15'W and 45°44'N, 01°43'W. The force passed through the last position around 2300B/11.

During the morning of the 12th, ' Force 28 ' patrolled in the vicinity of Ile d'Yeu. During the night, at 2153B/11, HMS Diadem had been attacked by a glider bomb launched by a Do.217 but no damage was caused although the bomb had been a near miss.

At 0414B/12, HMS Onslow shot down an aircraft thought to be an enemy in position 46°14'N, 02°05'W. This aircraft was later identified as being a Liberator. No survivors were seen.

At 1222B/12, ' Force 28 ' proceeded to position 45°30'N, 02°00'W, where the destroyers were detached to search for a U-boat previously attacked and thought to have been damaged by a Halifax from 502 Squadron (502/F). [This was U-981] HMS Diadem remained to the westward of the destroyers which failed to find the enemy.

At 1433B/12, aircraft from 19 Group attacked and damaged a trawler and a Sperrbrecher of about 6000 tons off Ile de Re. They sank the trawler and then established contact with ' Force 28 ' and homed them in on the Sperrbrecher. The enemy was engaged with gunfire and was finally sunk by a torpedo from ORP Piorun. No survivors were picked up. The Sperrbrechter was Sperrbrecher 7 / Sauerland (7078 GRT, built 1929) which sank in position 46°03'N, 01°42'W. In the afternoon, in position 46°11'N, 02°10'W, HMS Onslow picked up the crew of Beaufighter S of 236 Squadron which had crash landed after being damaged.

From 2200B/12, ' Force 28 ' carried out a patrol as in the previous night but the sighted nothing. Around dawn on the 13th, they patrolled to the southeast of Ile d'Yeu but again sighted nothing. Enemy shore batteries on the island fired a few rounds but all fell short. ' Force 28 ' kept patrolling in the vicinity until around 1300B/13 when they set course to proceed to the eastward towards position 48°00'N, 05.40'W where they were to arrive around 2200B/13.

' Force 28 ' left patrol at 0001B/14 and returned to Plymouth around 0930B/14.

(12)

19 Aug 1944
Around 0001B/19, ' Force 28 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) departed Plymouth to patrol between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde reaching the latter by 2300B/19.

At 0930B/20, ' Force 28 ' reported having seen nothing of the enemy so far. During daylight on the 20th they remaining in the vicinity of Ile d'Yeu. Enemy shore radar was active on the island but no enemy battery opened fire. ' Force 28 ' also approached St. Gilles Croix de Vie and at 1139B/20, a 3 gun battery on Pointe Gautier Ile d'Yeu opened an ineffective fire, all rounds falling short. Fire was returned by HMS Diadem and many hits were seen in the target area after which the fire from the battery ceased.

Meanwhile two fishing vessels from Les Sables d'Olonne were interrogated by ORP Piorun. The only information obtained was a number of field batteries along the shore, but very few German troops. ORP Piorun was also unsuccesfully engaged by a battery in position 46°42'6"N, 01°53'6"W.

During the night of 20/21 August 1944, ' Force 28 ' again encountered no enemy shipping. At 0936B/21, they reported also encountering no shipping in the Saint-Jean-de-Luz area. Three enemy shore batteries then opened fire on ' Force 28 '. Their fire was accurate but ' Force 28 ' was able to retire without damage. HMS Diadem returned the fire but the result could not be observed. On completion of this sweep ' Force 28 ' set course to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1430B/22. (12)

24 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1045B/24, ' Force 28 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) departed Plymouth to patrol between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde by night and between Belle Ile and Arcachon by day. Orders were however later changed.

During the night of 25/26 August, ' Force 28 ' patrolled close inshore of Audierne Bay but nothing was sighted.

Early on the 26th, HMS Ursa closed the shore and interrogated fisherman which stated that the Germans had commenced to evacuate the Audierne District last night. US troops had passed through Quimper according to them.

In the afternoon contact was made with the Penmarch signal station. An officer of ORP Piorun was then landed to obtain more information. He later confirmed that Quimper and also Concarneau had been completely evancuated by the enemy.

During the night of 26/27, ' Force 28 ' again sighted nothing and at 0649B/27 course was set to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1330B/27. (12)

31 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200B/31, ' Force 26 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol off Audierne Bay initially.

The patrol during the night of 31 August / 1 September was uneventful.

On 1 September, 4 German prisoners from Les Sables-d'Olonne were embarked by HMS Tartar and HMS Diadem embarked a gun crew of French patriots wishing to join the French Army.

In the evening of 1 September, HMS Ashanti and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN), which had already been on patrol, were straddled by gunfire from a coastal battery on Ile de Re.

During the night of 1/2 September, ' Force 26 ' carried out a night patrol between Belle Ile and Audierne Bay.

Another uneventful patrol was carried out during the night of 2/3 September.

' Force 26 ' left patrol early on 3 September and arrived at Plymouth around 1330B/3. (14)

6 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1945B/6, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Plymouth to proceed through the English Channel to Newcastle-on-Tyne where she arrived around 2100B/7. (15)

8 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is docked at the Swan Hunter Shipyard for repairs to her Asdic dome. (15)

11 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is undocked. She then left the Tyne around 1830B/11 for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0630B/12. (15)

16 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600B/16, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy JW 60.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 60 ' for 15 September 1944.] (16)

23 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) arrived in the Kola Inlet with convoy JW 60.

18 Oct 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Loch Ewe where Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN was to be present at the convoy conference for upcoming convoy JW 61. On departure from Scapa Flow HA gunnery exercises were carried out by HMS Diadem. (17)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) proceeded from Loch Ewe to Scapa Flow. (17)

21 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Scapa Flow, the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, was transferred from HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) to HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN). (18)

21 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715A/21, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 0810A/22. (17)

27 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is docked in No.3 Graving Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (17)

8 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) is undocked.

Around 1730A/8, she departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0800A/9. (17)

9 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Scapa Flow, the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, was transferred from HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) to HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN). (19)

15 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted D/G and D/F trials at Scapa Flow on completion of which she conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

19 Nov 1944

Operation Handfast.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the Salhusstrommen, to the south of Haugesund and to attack enemy shipping if encountered.

Around 1700A/19, ' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, Senior Officer), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. The Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

The force passed west of the Orkneys and south of the Shetlands before heading towards position 59°15'N, 01°10'E which was reached at 0849A/20. The strike was flown off at that time and consisted of 9 Avengers of 856 Squadron and also 16 Wildcats, 8 of each of the escort carriers. One Avenger however returned with ignition trouble. The strike sighted land at 1015A/20. This was believed to be Utsira Island but it later proved to be Stord Island which was well to the north so the strike had to alter course to the southward coming up of Rovaer Island and Karmo before altering up Karm Sund for the minelay. The defences were thus alterted and one Avenger received a hit from AA fire on the windscreen, injuring the eyes of the pilot and forcing him to break off and return to HMS Premier, jettisoning his mine set at 'safe' en route.

The remainder of the strike turned north over Avaldsnes and proceeded up the Sund in mining formation, laying their seven mines in approximately the pre-arranged position. The close escort fighters engaged shore batteries in the area of the lay, silencing them, and on completion rejoined the Avengers for return to Force 3. All aircraft were landed on by 1128A/20. In addition to the AA damage to the Avenger, 3 Wildcats from HMS Premier had received minor bullet damage from light AA fire.

Force 3 arrived back at Scapa Flow around 2205A/20. (21)

21 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) and HMS Mauritius (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (22)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) and HMS Mauritius (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Scapa Flow. (22)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Loch Ewe where the Admiral was to attend the convoy conference for the upcoming convoy JW 63 to Northern Russia. (23)

30 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) proceeded from Loch Ewe to Scapa Flow. (23)

30 Dec 1944

Convoy JW 63.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 30 December 1944 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alanson B. Houghton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis C. Harrington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Horace Gray (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.D. Yeager (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John la Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929), Lebaron Russell Briggs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Paul H. Harwood (American, 6610 GRT, built 1918), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R. Ney McNeely (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942) were also with the convoy as escort oilers.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers us (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt. T.W. Lancaster, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

Around 1230A/31, the escort carrier HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy which they did around 1300A/1.

The convoy was not detected by the Germans and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 8 January 1945.

31 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230A/31, the escort carrier HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy JW 63.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 63 ' for 30 December 1944.] (24)

11 Jan 1945

Convoy RA 63.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 11 January 1945 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amasa Delano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Turnbull (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Barbara Frietchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward S. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Highfield (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Island (British, 7167 GRT, built 1944), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Lowry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanton H. King (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Stephen Leacock (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), U.S.O. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943) were also with the convoy as escort oilers.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt. T.W. Lancaster, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

During the night of 16/17 January 1945, the convoy encountered very heavy weather and was forced to seek shelter off the Faeroer Island as many ships suffered weather damage. There the bulk of the convoy arrived on the 18th. While at Thorshavn, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Vindex to HMS Diadem.

On the 20th, the convoy left again to continue its passage and it arrived at Loch Ewe on 21 January 1945. The convoy was escorted on its last leg by HMS Keppel, HMS Walker, HMS Westcott, HMS Cygnet, HMS Lapwing, HMS Lark and HMS Bamborough Castle. The destroyers HMS Scorpion, HMS Serapis, HNoMS Stord and HMCS Algonquin were most likely with the convoy as they arrived at Scapa Flow around 2359A/21, presumably after first having escorted the convoy to Loch Ewe.

Meanwhile HMS Zambesi, HMS Zebra and HMS Scourge had already arrived at Scapa Flow around 1700A/20 while HMS Vindex, HMS Diadem, HMS Myngs, HMS Savage, HMCS Sioux arrived at Scapa Flow around 0900A/21 after having departed from Thorshavn, Faeroer around 1700A/20.

27 Jan 1945

Operation Halfback.

The object of this operation was to intercept three German destroyers proceeding from Norway to the Baltic.

Intercepted German signals showed that three of their large destroyers were to be redeployed from Norway to the Baltic.

To intercept them the light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag and HMS Mauritius (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1340A/27.

At 0015A/28, the enemy was detected to the west of the Sognefjord and at 0055A/28 the cruisers opened fire on the enemy. The leading destroyers, which was the Z 31 was hit at least seven times. Her forward turret was out of action and burnt out. The enemy returned fire one minute later and at 0106A/28, the two other enemy destroyers, which were the Z 34 and Z 38, fired torpedoes. The cruisers then had to comb the tracks to evade these torpedoes. The Germans retired towards the coast at high speed.

At 0127A/27, HMS Mauritius was hit on the port side forward on the messdeck near 'B' turret. There were no casualties.

At 0220A/27, the cruisers had to break off the action as the Germans had retired into the Aspo Fjord under the cover of coastal batteries. Course was set to return to Scapa Flow where the cruisers arrived around 1450A/28.

At 0133A/27, HMS Diadem was hit on the boat deck abaft the fore funnel and sustained some light damage but one crewmember was killed and three were wounded.

Z 34 and Z 38, which had only sustained minor damage, managed to break through the following night. (25)

1 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1935A/1, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Tyne where she was to undergo battle damage repairs. (26)

2 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830A/2, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) arrived at North Shields. (26)

11 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) is docked in No.3 Graving Dock at the Swan Hunter shipyard at Wallsend. (26)

19 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Wallsend, the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, was hauled down on board HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN) (26)

23 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN) is undocked and is towed from Wallsend to North Shields. (26)

5 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/5, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, CB, RN) departed the Tyne for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0750A/6. (27)

8 Mar 1945
Around 1215A/8, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 0930A/9. (27)

11 Mar 1945

Convoy JW 65.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 11 March for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Elroy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonogh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Riddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929) were also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), sloop HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR).

Around 1230A/12, the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) departed Greenock. Around 1330A/12, when off Rothesay, the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, was transferred to the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN). HMS Diadem then set course to proceed to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1105A/13. HMS Campania and the two destroyers set course to overtake and join convoy JW 65 which they did around 1100A/13 minus HMS Onslaught which had to return to the Clyde after colliding with the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) around 2145A/12 in position 56°46'5"N, 06°51'W.

Around 0500A/13, the destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.

Around 1200A/13, the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.

Around 1900A/13, HMS Diadem, escort carrier HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN). They joined the concoy around 0730A/14.

On 14 March 1945, the corvette HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed on the 13th.

Also on 13 March 1943, HMS Myngs and HNoMS Stord parted company with the convoy to fuel at the Faeroer Islands. They rejoined the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0910A/20, the German U-boat U-995 attacked the convoy and heavily damaged the Horace Bushnell. The ship was later beached and declared a total loss.

Around 1014A/20, the German U-boat U-716 attacked the convoy with a T-5 homing torpedo but missed. The target was idenified a Russian Project 7-class destroyer but was most likely HMS Lapwing.

Around 1149A/20, the German U-boat U-968 attacked the convoy with a T-5 homing torpedo and sank HMS Lapwing.

Around 1213A/20, U-968 torpedoed and sank the Thomas Donaldson.

Around 1220A/20, the German U-boat U-997 was depth charged and damaged by HMS Myngs and HMS Alnwick Castle. Damage was such that the U-boat had to abandon her patrol and return to base.

Around 1232A/20, the German U-boats U-313 and U-363 both made attacks, U-313 attacked escort vessels with T-5 torpedoes but none hit. U-363 attacked a single merchant vessel but also missed.

The convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet during the night of 20/21 March 1945.

13 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1105A/13, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde.

Around 1900A/13, she departed Scapa Flow with the escort carrier HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN) to join convoy JW 65.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 65 ' for 11 March 1945.] (28)

20 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 20/21 March 1945, the escort carriers HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) arrived in the Kola Inlet.

23 Mar 1945

Convoy RA 65.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 23 March 1945 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Edwin L. Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941), F.T. Frelinghuysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Crevecoeur (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (American, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), George Steers (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922) and Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929) were also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR).

The convoy split on 30 March 1945, with west coast bound ships arriving at Kirkwall on 30/31 March 1945 escorted by HMS Savage and HNoMS Stord , which subsequently arrived at Scapa Flow around 0100A/31. East coast bound ships arrived in the Clyde on 1 April 1945 escorted by HMS Allington Castle, HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnham Castle, HMS Lancaster Castle, HMS Camellia, HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Oxlip. The destroyers HMS Opportune and HMS Orwell had also been escorting this section of the convoy but did not enter the clyde but set course for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0900A/2.

Meanwhile, around 0700A/30, when in position 61°27'N, 04°10'W, HMS Campania, HMS Trumpeter, HMS Diadem, HMS Myngs, HMS Scorpion, HMS Scourge, HMCS Sioux and HMS Zambesi had parted company to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived early in the evening except for HMS Diadem which had arrived late in the afternoon after having parted company with the other ships around 1600A/30. Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, then transferred his flag from HMS Campania to HMS Diadem.

5 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730B/5, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1130A/6. (29)

7 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Late in the morning, while at Greenock, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, struck his flag in HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) following which Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Diadem. (29)

8 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1225B/8, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1000B/9. (29)

13 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1450B/13, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1130B/14. Before leaving Scapa Flow she had carried out gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow and on leaving Scapa Flow HA gunnery exercises were carried out. (29)

17 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon, at Greenock, Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN, struck his flag on board HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and hoisted it in HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN). (30)

18 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

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