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Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Aurania (F 28)

27 May 1940

Convoy BHX 46

This convoy departed Bermuda on 27 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beatus (British, 4885 GRT, built 1925), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Diala (British (tanker), 8106 GRT, built 1938), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Fenris (Norwegian, 9804 GRT, built 1936), G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), King John (British, 5228 GRT, built 1928), Mexico (Norwegian (tanker), 3013 GRT, built 1920), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rotorua (British, 10899 GRT, built 1911), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Tascalusa (British (tanker), 6499 GRT, built 1913), West Isleta (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN). No A/S escort was provided on leaving Bermuda.

Convoy BHX 46 joined convoy HX 46 around 0800P/3 in position 42°21'N, 39°57'W. HMS Aurania also joined convoy HX 46. (1)

28 May 1940

Convoy HX 46.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antonios Chandris (Greek, 5866 GRT, built 1918), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Balmoralwood (British, 5834 GRT, built 1937), Camito (British, 6611 GRT, built 1915), Chr. J. Kampmann (Canadian, 2281 GRT, built 1924), Eastern Star (Norwegian, 5658 GRT, 1920), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Holmbury (British, 4566 GRT, built 1925), Indochinois (French, 6966 GRT, built 1939), Ingerfem (British, 3987 GRT, built 1912), Kajak (Estonian, 3234 GRT, built 1902), Leikanger (Norwegian, 4003 GRT, built 1923), Melmore Head (British, 5273 GRT, built 1918), Nailsea Court (British, 4946 GRT, built 1936), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Randa (British, 1555 GRT, built 1930), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918) and Vapper (Estonian, 4543 GRT, built 1913).

The Balmoralwood immediately returned to Halifax when the convoy was forming up due to furnace trouble.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Comorin (Capt.(Retd.) J.I. Hallett, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

HMCS Saguenay was to part company with the convoy around 1800Q/29 and then return to Halifax.

Around 1430P/2, in position 41°19'N, 42°55'W, HMS Comorin parted company to return to Halifax. The convoy then continued eastwards without escort.

Around 0800P/3, in position 42°21'N, 39°57'W, Convoy BHX 46 joined convoy HX 46. The following merchant vessels joined the convoy;
Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beatus (British, 4885 GRT, built 1925), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Diala (British (tanker), 8106 GRT, built 1938), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Fenris (Norwegian, 9804 GRT, built 1936), G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), King John (British, 5228 GRT, built 1928), Mexico (Norwegian (tanker), 3013 GRT, built 1920), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rotorua (British, 10899 GRT, built 1911), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Tascalusa (British (tanker), 6499 GRT, built 1913), West Isleta (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926).

The ocean escort of convoy BHX 46, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) also joined convoy HX 46.

During the night of 4/5 June the following merchant vessels dropped out of the convoy, being unable to maintain the convoy's speed;
Beatus (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), Mexico (arrived at Weymouth on 13 June) and Vapper (arrived at Liverpool on ?? June).

Around 0700Z/9, in position 49°50'N, 12°35'W, HMS Aurania parted company with the convoy to return to Halixax. Shortly before the local A/S escort had joined. This was made up of the corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Huddersfield Town (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN).

Around 1600A/9, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adula (arrived at Swansea on 11 June), Antonios Chandris (arrived at Dublin on 11 June), Asbjorn (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), Camito (arrived in the Clyde on 12 June), Chr. J. Kampmann (arrived at Milford Haven on 10 June), Diala (arrived at Swansea on 11 June), Emma Bakke (arrived in the Clyde on 12 June), Fenris (arrived at Swansea on 12 June), G.C. Brovig (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), Holmbury (arrived at Avonmouth on 11 June), Ingerfem (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), James J. Maguire (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 June), Kajak (arrived at Sharpness on 11 June), Melmore Head (arrived at Dublin on 11 June), Otina (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), Pecten (arrived in the Clyde on 12 June), Randa (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 11 June), San Demetrio (arrived in the Clyde on 12 June), Solfonn (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June), West Isleta (arrived at Liverpool on 11 June) and Winamac (arrived at Scapa Flow on 13 June). They were escorted by HMS Huddersfield Town which arrived at Milford Haven on 12 June.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alfed Olsen (arrived at Weymouth on 12 June), Athelchief (arrived at Brest on 10 June), Baron Herries (arrived at Portsmouth on 12 June), Bassano (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), British Endurance (arrived at Southampton 12 June), British Officer (arrived at Plymouth on 10 June), Clea (arrived at Pauillac on 12 June), Eastern Star (arrived at Weymouth on 12 June), Geraldine Mary (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), Henri Desprez (arrived at Brest on 10 June), Indochinois (arrived at St. Nazaire on 11 June), King John (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), Leikanger (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), Nailsea Court (arrived at Weymouth on 12 June), Narragansett (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), Rajahstan (arrived in the Downs on 12 June), Rotorua (arrived at Weymouth on 12 June), Saranac (arrived at Southampton on 12 June), Tascalusa (arrived at Portsmouth on 12 June) and Trefusis (arrived in the Downs on 12 June). They were escorted by HMS Clarkia which arrived at Dover on 12 June. (2)

21 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 52.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alaska (Norwegian, 5681 GRT, built 1918), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Dalveen (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939)), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Holystone (British, 5462 GRT, built 1927), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Magog (Canadian, 2053 GRT, built 1923), Nerissa (British, 5583 GRT, built 1926), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935) and Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMCS Acadia (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR) and HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

The Magog soon straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up. She never rejoined the convoy and was sunk by U-99 on 5 July.

HMCS Acadia and HMCS French most likely parted company to return to Halifax on 22 June.

At daylight on 23 June, the Holystone was astern of the convoy being unable to keep up. The convoy reduced speed for her to keep up but she was still unable to rejoin. The next day she was no longer in sight. She arrived at Manchester on 7 July.

Around 2100Z/2, in position 49°03'N, 14°22'W, HMS Aurania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. Shortly before the destroyer HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) had joined. During the night she would sweep ahead of the convoy. She parted company during the night of 2/3 July.

Around 0515A/3, the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN), sloop HMS Scarborough (Cdr C.T. Addis, RN) and corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2100A/3, the Dolabella (arrived Falmouth 4 July) and Inverlee (arrived Plymouth 5 July (?)) parted company.

Around 2000A/4, the Alaska (arrived at Swanea on 7 July), Carslogie (arrived at Cardiff on 6 July), Dalfram (arrived at Swanea on 5 July), Dorelian (arrived at Avonmouth on 5 July), Hardanger (arrived at Swanea on 5 July), Lisbeth (arrived at Sharpness on 7 July), New York City (arrived at Swanea on 6 July) and Point Clear (arrived at Avonmouth on 9 July) parted company.

Around 1030A/5, the British Chivalry (arrived in the Clyde on 7 July), Cairnesk (arrived in the Clyde on 7 July), Coryton (arrived in the Clyde on 6 July), Cumberland (arrived in the Clyde on 6 July), Leeds City (arrived in the Clyde on 7 July) and Rowanbank (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 10 July).

The remaining merchant vessels proceeded to Liverpool.

HMS Scarborough arrived at Liverpool on 5 July and HMS Gardenia on 6 July. HMS Wolverine arrived at Plymouth on 6 July. (3)

18 Jul 1940

Convoy BHX 59.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 18 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Cambridge (British, 10892 GRT, built 1919), Circe Shell (British (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1931), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Finnanger (Norwegian (tanker) 9551 GRT, built 1928), Lady Glanely (British, 5497 GRT, built 1938), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919), Mahia (British, 10014 GRT, built 1917), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Norvinn (Panamanian (tanker), 6322 GRT, built 1930), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Simnia (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935) and Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) and the sloop HMS Penzance (Cdr. A.J. Wavish, RN).

Around 1700Q/18, the merchant vessel Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938) overtook and joined the convoy. She had sailed late from Bermuda having arrived there only earlier on this day.

Around 1920Q/18, HMS Penzance parted company to return to Bermuda.

Around 1330P/23, HMS Aurania parted company after convoy HX 59 had been sighted.

Convoy BHX 59 joined convoy HX 59 around 1600P/23. (4)

31 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 62.

This convoy departed Halifax on 31 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Atland (Swedish, 5203 GRT, built 1910), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Belray (British, 2888 GRT, built 1926), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bradfyne (British, 4740 GRT, built 1928), Clydebank (British, 5156 GRT, built 1925), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Frances Dawson (British, 3724 GRT, built 1923), Gunda (Swedish, 1770 GRT, built 1930), Harpefjell (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1939), Holmbury (British, 4566 GRT, built 1925), Ingerfem (British, 3987 GRT, built 1912), Katwijk (Dutch, 1589 GRT, built 1921), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Leonidas Z. Cambanis (Greek, 4274 GRT, built 1917), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Maas (Dutch, 2008 GRT, built 1920), Malvernian (British, 3133 GRT, built 1937), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938), Shekatika (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Sonja Maersk (British (former Danish), 1724 GRT, built 1921), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Stratford (British (tanker), 4753 GRT, built 1913), Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN), destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

On leaving harbour visibility was very bad due to thick fog. The Frances Dawson (arrived in the Clyde on 16 August), Katwijk (arrived in the Clyde on 16 August) and Sonja Maersk (arrived in the Clyde on 17 August) were never seen with the convoy. They proceeded independently to the U.K.

The Ferncastle and Sveve also straggled from the convoy not long after departure. They returned to Halifax.

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS French returned to Halifax on 1 August after having parted company with the convoy. Due to the bad visibility it was not noted when they parted company with the convoy.

Around 1700P/1, the merchant vessel Mercier (Belgian, 7556 GRT, built 1915) joined the convoy.

Around 1440P/2, the destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) was sighted. She was the escort of the Sydney section of the convoy (SHX 62) and had proceeded ahead to make contact with the main convoy.

At 1820P/2, the merchant vessel Salonica (Norwegian, 2694 GRT, built 1912), a straggler from convoy SHX 62, joined the main convoy.

At 2045P/2, the merchant vessel Amstel (Norwegian, 2694 GRT, built 1912), a straggler from convoy SHX 62, joined the main convoy.

At 0500P/3, the Salonica was not in sight having straggled during the night. She managed to rejoin the convoy around 0700N/9.

Around 1600P/4, the remainder of convoy SHX 62 finally joined the main convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined;
Agamemnon (Dutch, 1904 GRT, built 1914), Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Baron Dechmont (British, 3675 GRT, built 1929), Benwood (Norwegian, 3931 GRT, built 1910), Castilian (British, 3067 GRT, built 1919), Efploia (Greek, 3867 GRT, built 1911), Ettrick (British, 11229 GRT, built 1938), Frumenton (British, 6675 GRT, built 1930), Harpathian (British, 4671 GRT, built 1930), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), Kiruna (Swedish, 5484 GRT, built 1921), Marslew (British, 4542 GRT, built 1926), Nicolas Angelos (Greek, 4351 GRT, built 1912), Nils Gorthon (Swedish, 1787 GRT, built 1921), Prins Frederik Hendrik (Dutch, 1288 GRT, built 1936), Randa (British, 1555 GRT, built 1930), Ruckinge (British, 2869 GRT, built 1939), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Sveve (Norwegian (tanker), 6313 GRT, built 1930), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Vassilios A. Polemis (Greek, 3429 GRT, built 1907) and Widestone (British, 3192 GRT, built 1920).

Around 1400P/5, convoy BHX 62 joined convoy HX 62. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Arakaka (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Caprella (British (tanker), 8230 GRT, built 1931), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Elisabeth van Belgie (Belgian, 4241 GRT, built 1909), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Kheti (British, 2734 GRT, built 1927), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Prince de Liege (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), San Cipriano (British, 7966 GRT, built 1937), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1330Z/11, in position 57°08'N, 20°56'W, the convoy was turned over to the local A/S escort which was made up of five ships [the convoy report does not give their identity.] Part of these five ships were the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and the sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN). [we have so far been unable to identify the remaining two escort vessels.] HMS Aurania then parted company to return to Halifax where she arrived on 19 August.

Around 1700A/12, the convoy split into two sections.

During the two days the convoy split heavy for was encountered and the following ships straggled from the convoy during this period;
Nils Gorthon (torpedoed and sunk on 13 August by the German submarine U-60), Prins Frederik Hendrik (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Salonica (arrived at Port Talbot on 18 August) and Vassilios A. Polemis (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August).

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Convoy HX 62A, destined for Methil (arrived on 15 August 1940), was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agamemnon, Amstel, Ashby, Atland, Baron Dechmont, Barrington Court, Benwood, Berkel, Bradfyne, Caprella, Castilian, Cliona, Glenwood, Harpathian, Harpefjell, Ingerfem, Kheti, Lindenhall, Maas, Malvernian, Nicolas Angelos, Prince de Liege, Scottish Monarch, Stanwell, Star, Toorak (arrived at Scapa Flow on 14 August), Trefusis, Yearby. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Fowey and most likely one of two escort vessels not yet identified. HMS Fowey arrived at Rosyth on 15 August.

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Convoy HX 62B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adula (arrived at Avonmouth on 16 August), Arakaka (arrived in Belfast Lough on 15 August), Arthur F. Corwin (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Belray (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Capulet (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Clydebank (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Dunelmia (arrived at Cardiff on 17 August), Efpoia (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Elisabeth van Belgie (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Ettrick (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Frumenton (arrived in Belfast Lough on 14 / 15 August), Gunda (arrived at Preston on 16 August), Holmbury (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Idefjord (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Kiruna (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Laguna (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Lekhaven (arrived in Belfast Lough on 15 August), Leonidas Z. Cambanis (arrived at Swansea on 16 August), Marslew (arrived in Barry Roads on 16 August), Mercier (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Mount Rhodope (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Orbita (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Peder Bogen (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Polarsol (arrived in Barry Roads on 16 August), R.J. Cullen (arrived in Barry Roads on 16 August), Randa (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Redgate (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Ruckinge (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), San Cipriano (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), San Ernesto (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Scottish Maiden (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Shekatika (arrived in Belfast Lough on 14 / 15 August), Solhavn (arrived at Cardiff on 16 August), Stratford (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August), Swiftpool (arrived at Newport on 16 August), Tilemachos (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August), Trewellard (arrived at Cardiff on 16 August), Wallsend (arrived at Port Talbot on 16 August), Wellington Court (arrived at Liverpool on 15 August) and Widestone (arrived in the Clyde on 15 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Highlander, HMS Harvester and most likely one of two escort vessels not yet identified. HMS Highlander and HMS Harvester both arrived at Liverpool on 15 August. (5)

24 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 68.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Baron Newlands (British, 3386 GRT, built 1928), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Ethel Radcliffe (British, 5673 GRT, built 1920), Harbledown (British, 5414 GRT, built 1933), Kelso (British, 3956 GRT, built 1924), Meandros (Greek, 4581 GRT, built 1919), Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912), Para (Norwegian, 3986 GRT, built 1921), Patella (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927ritish (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Silverfir (British, 4347 GRT, built 1924), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Sveve (Norwegian (tanker), 6313 GRT, built 1930), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN), destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS French was to part company after dark on 24 August and return to Halifax.

HMCS Assiniboine was to part company half an hour after sunset on 25 August and return to Halifax.

Around 0930P/26, convoy SHX 68 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Anten (Swedish, 6498 GRT, built 1920), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Batna (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Empire Mermaid (British, 6381 GRT, built 1919), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Mansepool (British, 4894 GRT, built 1928), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Varoy (Norwegian, 1499 GRT, built 1892).

Around 1100/27, the Harbledown fell out of the convoy in heavy weather. She later joined convoy SC 2 and arrived at Liverpool on 11 September.

Around 1745P/27, the Empire Mermaid fell out of the convoy in heavy weather. She arrived in Methil Roads on 7 September.

Around 1330P/28, in position 43°12'N, 49°10'W, convoy BHX 68 joined convoy HX 68. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), Californian (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Clavella (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Diplomat (British, 8240 GRT, built 1921), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Kavak (British, 2782 GRT, built 1929), Oakfield (British (tanker), 5218 GRT, built 1918), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Samuel Bakke (Norwegian, 4719 GRT, built 1929) and Silveray (British, 4535 GRT, built 1925).

Around 2030N/4, in position 57°30'N, 20°00'W, HMS Aurania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0900Z/5, in position 57°49'N, 17°10'W, the local escort was made up of the destroyers HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR). It is not known if they all joined around this time. The corvette HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) had been ordered (0107A/5) to proceed to the Clyde to land 70 survivors she had on board. Therefore this ship did not join the convoy.

At 1336A/6, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered to corvette HMS Fleur de Lys (Cdr.(Retd.) R.T. Bower, RN), working up at Tobermory, to join the convoy and take the place of HMS Godetia.

Most likely during the night of 5/6 September the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 68A was destined for Methil (arrived on 9 September 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian, Athelbeach, Baron Haig, Baron Ogilvy, Batna, Clavella, Germanic, Mansepool, Nurtureton, Oakfield, Para, Silverfir, Varand and Varoy. They were escorted by HMCS St. Laurent and HMS Fleur de Lys which both arrived at Rosyth on 9 September.

Around 1715A/8, in the Pentland Firth, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined convoy HX 68A.

Around 1630A/9, HMS Cairo parted company with convoy HX 68A to join the northbound convoy OA 212.

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Convoy HX 68B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Annavore (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Anten (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Appalachee (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Athelqueen (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Baron Newlands (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Boltonhall (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), British Governor (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Californian (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Cornish City (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Diplomat (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Dorelian (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Eleni (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Ethel Radcliff (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Kavak (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Kelso (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Kenbane Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 September), Manchester Progress (arrived at Manchester on 9 September), Meandros (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Mount Kassion (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Mount Kitheron (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Patella (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Philipp M. (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Photinia (arrived in Barry Roads on 9 September), Politician (arrived at Holyhead on 8 September), Samuel Bakke (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Silveray (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Sovac (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 7 September), Sveve (arrived at Liverpool on 8 September) and Tilsington Court (arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 September). They were escorted by HMS Hesperus and HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Liverpool 8 September. HMS Keppel and HMS Witch were also part of the escort but the had been detached earlier as they arrived at Lough Foyle / Londonderry on 7 September. (6)

7 Feb 1941

Convoy BHX 108.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 7 February 1941 and joined convoy HX 108 at sea on 12 February 1941.

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Aircrest (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Bianca (Norwegian (tanker), 5688 GRT, built 1926), British Progress (British (tanker), 4581 GRT, built 1927), Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), Comedian (British, 5122 GRT, built 1929), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Leikanger (Norwegian, 4003 GRT, built 1923), Losada (British, 6520 GRT, built 1921), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Misoa (British (tanker), 4800 GRT, built 1937), Putney Hill (British, 5215 GRT, built 1940), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Saintonge (British (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), Twickenham (British, 4762 GRT, built 1940) and Yngaren (British, 5246 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN).

The convoy merged with convoy HX 108 coming from Halifax on 12 February 1941.

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