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Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Voltaire (F 47)

30 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 39.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aelybryn (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Ainderby (British, 4860 GRT, built 1925), Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Athelcrown (British (tanker), 11999 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Benwood (Norwegian, 3931 GRT, built 1910), Canadolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Daleby (British, 4640 GRT, built 1929), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Desmoulea (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Empire Industry (British, 3682 GRT, built 1916), Ethan Allen (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Josiah Macy (Panamanian (tanker) 6899 GRT, built 1917), Kalliopi S. (Greek, 5230 GRT, built 1918), King Robert (British, 5880 GRT, built 1920), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Kotor (Yugoslavian, 3564 GRT, built 1904), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Nyland (Norwegian, 1374 GRT, built 1940), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Shekatika (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Temple Mead (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928), Vav (Norwegian (tanker), 6415 GRT, built 1931) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN), destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Archimede (Lt. R.F.J. Attane).

Around 0500Q/1, the following merchant vessels overtook and joined the convoy, having sailed late from Halifax;
Coptic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928), Grayburn (British, 6342 GRT, built 1938), Roussillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1400Q/1, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0750O/7, in position 44°55'N, 36°45'W, the Josiah Mary fell out of the convoy as she was not under control. She was lost from sight after dark and did not rejoin the convoy. Her destination was Southampton [arrival date not known].

Around 0800Z/11, in position 49°40'N, 17°40'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

The Archimede parted company later on the 11th to proceed to Brest.

Around 0700A/12, in position 49°53'N, 13°10'W, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1930A/12, in position 48°52'N, 10°50'W, the convoy split into two sections. Around the same time, the Kalliopi S. left the convoy without permission. She arrived at Queenstown, Ireland in 13 May.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aelybryn (arrived in the Clyde on 15 May), Ainderby (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Atlantian (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Auditor (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Comanchee (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Daleby (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Delilian (arrived in the Clyde on 15 May), Ethan Allen (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Grayburn (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 14 May), King Stephen (arrived at Swansea on 14 May), Kirnwood (arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 May), Kotor (arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 May), Nestos (arrived at Cardiff on 14 May), Nurtureton (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Nyland (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Oilfield (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Oligarch (arrived at Liverpool on 14 May), Tredinnick (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May), Trehata (arrived at Avonmouth on 14 May) and Vav (arrived at Belfast on 15 May). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which after having escorted the bulk of this section towards Liverpool proceeded to Plymouth where she arrived on 15 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arthur F. Corwin (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Le Havre on 15 May), Athelcrown (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Benwood (arrived at Falmouth on 13 May), Canadolite (arrived at Le Havre on 14 May), Coptic (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Dalemoor (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Desmoulea (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Diloma (arrived at Southampton on 14 May), Donacilla (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Empire Industy (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Hopemouth (arrived at Portland on 14 May), King Robert (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Roussillion (arrived at Le Havre on 15 May), Shekatika (arrived at Southampton on 15 May), Swiftpool (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Temple Mead (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Temple Yard (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Tornus (arrived at Portland on 14 May), Tower Field (arrived in the Downs on 15 May), Wanderer (arrived at Portland on 14 May) and Westbury (arrived at Portland on 14 May). They were escorted by HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Dover on 15 May 1940. (1)

24 May 1940

Convoy HX 45.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Barrwhin (British, 4998 GRT, built 1929), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Bellcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Buteshire (British, 6590 GRT, built 1912), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5219 GRT, built 1918), Kiruna (Swedish, 5484 GRT, built 1921), Kuridistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Leontios Teryazos (Greek, 4479 GRT, built 1911), Manoula (Greek, 1966 GRT, built 1920), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Senta (Norwegian, 3911 GRT, built 1917), Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930) and West Cape (British, 5572 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

HMCS Saguenay was ordered to leave the convoy around 1800Q/25 and then return to Halifax.

During the first two days out of Halifax fog was encountered and the Manoula and Senta both straggled from the convoy. They arrived at Liverpool on 8 June and Belfast on 9 June respectively.

Around 0830P/29, convoy BHX 45 joined convoy HX 45. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy;
Beth (Norwegian, 6852 GRT, built 1930), Bradglen (British, 4741 GRT, built 1930), British Commander (British (tanker), 6901 GRT, built 1922), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Brumaire (French (tanker), 7638 GRT, built 1930), Caprella (British (tanker), 8230 GRT, built 1931), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Coya (British, 4954 GRT, built 1919), Cressington Court (British, 4971 GRT, built 1929), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Evoikos (Greek, 4792 GRT, built 1922), Hallanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1928), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939), Houston City (British, 4935 GRT, built 1934), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Krossfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9323 GRT, built 1935), Litiopa (Norwegian (tanker), 5311 GRT, built 1917), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928), Ruth Kellogg (British (tanker), 5543 GRT, built 1920), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Solsten (Norwegian (tanker), 5379 GRT, built 1929), South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922), Thelma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920), Varanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9305 GRT, built 1925) and Waban (British, 6038 GRT, built 1919).

Around 1400P/29, the Evoikos parted company to proceed to Casablanca where she arrived on 12 or 13 June.

Around 1400N/4, in position 50°04'N, 18°22'W, HMS Voltaire parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0640A/5, in position 50°18'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy followed a few hour later by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN).

The convoy was split up into two sections later on 5 June.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Barrwhin (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Bayano (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Commander (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Dominion (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), British Prudence (arrived at Scapa Flow on 13 June, possibly via Belfast), Buteshire (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Clumberhall (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Cressington Court (arrived at Manchester on 8 June), Donax (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Filleigh (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Goolistan (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Hallanger (arrived at Swansea on 7 June), Hoegh Scout (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Inventor (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Kalypso Vergotti (arrived at Portishead on 8 June), Kiruna (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Lancaster Castle (arrived at Milford Haven on 6 June), Litiopa (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Lunula (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Moveria (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), San Eliseo (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), San Gabriel (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Schuylkill (arrived at Swansea on 7 June), Scottish Heather (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Solsten (arrived at Ardrossan on 11<(???) June), South America (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Tamaroa (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Thelma (arrived in the Clyde on 8 June), Torvanger (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June), Varanger (arrived at Liverpool on 7 June) and West Cape (arrived at Swansea on 7 June). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 7 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Belcrest (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Beth (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Bradglen (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Brumaire (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Caprella (arrived at Southampton on 8 June), Cliona (arrived at Southampton on 8 June), Consuelo (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Coya (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Dalblair (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Dalmore (arrived at Portland on 8 June), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Houston City (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Inanda (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), James McGee (arrived at Brest on 6 June), Krossfonn (arrived at Brest on 7 June), Kurdistan (arrived at Portland on 7 June), Leontios Teryazos (arrived at Bordeaux on 8 June), Lylepark (arrived at Portland on 7 / 8 June), Peterston (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Rangitiki (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Rushpool (arrived at Portland on 11(???) June), Ruth Kellogg (arrived at St. Nazaire on 9 June), San Cipriano (arrived at Brest on 7 June), San Florentino (arrived in the Downs on 8 June), Waban (arrived at Portland on 7 June) and Wearwood (arrived in the Downs on 8 June). They were initially escorted by HMS Periwinkle which arrived at Plymouth on 7 June after having been relieved around 0630A/7 by HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) which came from Plymouth. HMS Hibiscus arrived at Dover on 8 June. (2)

13 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 50.

This convoy departed Halifax on 13 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonis (Greek, 3729 GRT, built 1930), Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Balla (Norwegian, 2578 GRT, built 1923), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Falsterbo (Swedish, 4085 GRT, built 1925), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Joannis (Greek, 3667 GRT, built 1909), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Louis L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Manchester Commeerce (), Marathon (Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Rio Dorado (British, 4507 GRT, built 1924), Risanger (Norwegian, 5489 GRT, built 1921), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trecarrel (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924) and Vigrid (British, 4765 GRT, built 1923).

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

The auxiliary patrol vessels were to part company with the convoy about half an hour after sunset on the 13th.

Around 2130P/15, in position 41°15'N, 53°40'W, the Arona dropped out of the convoy. She did not rejoin and arrived in Barry Roads on 26 June.

Around 1330P/19, Convoy BHX 50, coming from Bermuda, join the the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Athelduke (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1929), Athelmonarch (British (tanker), 8995 GRT, built 1928), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), British Viscount (British (tanker), 6895 GRT, built 1921), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Culebra (Panamanian, 5260 GRT, built 1919), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Queen Victoria (British, 4937 GRT, built 1936), Raranga (British, 10043 GRT, built 1916), Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929) and Zealandic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928).

Most likely around 2200N/22, in approximate position 49.00'N, 25.00'W the Louis L.D. deserted the convoy. Messages regarding the French armistice had been received and she had been ordered to proceed to a British port instead of a French one. The ship most likely made independently for a French port.

Around 1215N/24, in position 50°21'N, 17°43'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy now proceeded unescorted for the moment.

Around 1130A/25, in position 50°30'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. A. Blewett, RNR) and HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 1600A/25, HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer parted company to proceed to hunt the enemy submarine which had torpedoed and sunk the merchant vessels Windsorwood and Saranac that had been torpedoed and sunk in convoy OA 172. The attackhad been the German submarine U-51. HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer rejoined convoy HX 50 around 2015A/25.

Around 0800A/26, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduke (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Athelmonarch (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Athelprincess (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Auretta (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Balla (arrived in Barry Roads on 27 June), Baltrover (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Bradford City (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), British Viscount (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Canadian (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Chelsea (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Ekaterini Coumantarou (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Grey County (arrived at Belfast on 2 July (???), Haakon Hauan (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Joannis (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Macra (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Manchester Commerce (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Marathon (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Mill Hill (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Monkleigh (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Solisement (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Queen Victoria (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Raranga (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Somerville (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Toronto City (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), and Trecarrel (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 29 June). They were escorted by HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool on 28 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonis (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Appalachee (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), City of Hankow (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Cornish City (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Culebra (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Falsterbo (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 28 June), Gitano (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Kingswood (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Michael L. Embiricos (arrived at Southampton on 28 June), Pacific President (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Prins Maurits (arrived at Weymouth on 28 June), Rio Dorado (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Risanger (arrived at Falmouth on 28 June), Urla (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Vigrid (arrived at Falmouth on 28 June) and Zealandic (arrived at Weymouth on 28 June). They were escorted by HMS Arabis and HMS Heartsease which arrived at Dover on 28 June. (3)

19 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 59.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Achilles (Dutch, 1822 GRT, built 1906), Antonios Chandris (Greek, 5866 GRT, built 1918), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Convallaria (Swedish, 1996 GRT, built 1921), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Empire Lotus (British, 3696 GRT, built 1920), Hada County (Norwegian, 4853 GRT, built 1921), Hadleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Invella (British, 5026 GRT, built 1924), Justitia (British, 4562 GRT, built 1935), Kathariotisa (Greece, 1877 GRT, built 1913), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Leise Maersk (British (former Danish), 3136 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Middleton (British, 4297 GRT, built 1935), Missourian (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Ootmarsum (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1920), Prins Willem van Oranje (Dutch, 1303 GRT, built 1918), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Schie (Dutch, 1969 GRT, built 1922), Shakespeare (British, 5029 GRT, built 1926), Sicilian Prince (British, 3489 GRT, built 1922), Siremalm (Norwegian, 2468 GRT, built 1906), Soesterberg (Dutch, 1904 GRT, built 1927), Stagpool (British, 4560 GRT, built 1930), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

In the evening of the 19th, the Vestland straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived in the Clyde on 4 August.

On 20 July 1940, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Ottawa arrived at Halifax after having been detached from the convoy.

During the night of 20/21 July 1940, the Kathariotisa and Tautra straggled from the convoy for unknown reasons. They proceeded independently to Liverpool and the Clyde respectively arriving at their destinations on 3 August.

Around 1600P/23, convoy BHX 59, coming from Bermuda, joined convoy HX 59. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
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).

Around 1100N/30, in position 56°06'N, 22°30'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1135Z/31, in position 56°19'N, 16°45'W, the local A/S escort joined, this was made up of the following ships, destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and corvettes HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) and HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR).

The convoy later [time, date and position not given in the convoy report] split up into two sections.

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Convoy HX 59A was destined for Methil (arrived on 4 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Achilles, Baron Stranraer, Beaverbrae, Consuelo, Convallaria, Donax, Inger Lise (arrived at Aberdeen on 4 August), Invella, Kingsland, Mahia, Prins Willem van Oranje, Soesterberg and Stagpool. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Fowey and HMS Hibuscus which both arrived at Rosyth on 4 August 1940.

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Convoy HX 59B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonios Chandris (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Auditor (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Belinda (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Bollsta (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Cambridge (arrived at Cardiff on 4 August), Circe Shell (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Clausina (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Corner Brook (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Dan-Y-Bryn (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Empire Lotus (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Finnanger (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Hada County (arrived at Avonmouth on 5 August), Hadleigh (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Heina (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Henry Dundas (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Justitia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Lady Glanely (arrived at Cardiff on 4 August), Leise Maersk (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Loriga (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Middleton (arrived at Swansea on 4 August), Missourian (arrived in the Clyde on 6 (?) August), Modavia (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Morgenen (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Norvinn (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Oilfield (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Ootmarsum (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Ramsay (arrived at Sharpness on 4 August), San Francisco (arrived in the Clyde on 5 (?) August), Schie (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Shakespear (arrived at Newport on 4 August), Sicilian Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Simnia (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Siremalm (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Temple Inn (arrived at Newport on 4 August), Tredinnick (arrived at Swansea on 4 August), Valldemosa (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August) and Waziristan (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August). They were escorted by HMS Warwick and HMS Heartsease which both arrived at Liverpool on 3 August. (4)

12 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 65.

[Note: No convoy report of the Convoy Commodore is available as the Commodore's ship was sunk, some datails regading this convoy may thus be missing.]

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harpalyce (British, 5169 GRT, built 1940), Housatonic (British (tanker), 5559 GRT, built 1919), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nerissa (British, 5583 GRT, built 1926), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Reedpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920) and Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940).

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

Around 1940P/12, HMCS French parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2030P/13, HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0840P/14, convoy SHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Anna Mazaraki (Greek, 5411 GRT, built 1913), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Axel Johnson (Swedish, 4896 GRT, built 1925), Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Fircrest (British, 5394 GRT, built 1907), Juno (Dutch, 1753 GRT, built 1908), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1200P/16, convoy BHX 65 joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Alfred Olsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1934), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cape York (British, 5027 GRT, built 1926), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Merlin (British, 5763 GRT, built 1919), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), La Brea (British, 6945 GRT, built 1916), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Sitala (British (tanker), 6218 GRT, built 1937), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Winkleigh (British, 5468 GRT, built 1940).

Heavy fog was encountered during the period of 17 to 23 August. During this period the Cymbula (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August) and La Brae (torpedoed and sunk on 24 August by the German submarine U-48).

Around 1500O/23, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 0605Z/24, in position 57°45'N, 16°40'W, the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0750Z/24, the sloop HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/24, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 65A was destined for Methil (arrived on 27 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Blairatholl, British Lord (arrived at Scapa Flow on 26 August), Cape York (bombed by enemy aircraft on 26 August, sank on 27 August, see below), Cetus (arrived at Stornoway on 26 August), City of Hankow, Empire Merlin (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Fircrest (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Harpalyce (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Juno, Lodestone, Maplewood, Nellie, Nordlys, Prins Maurits, Reedpool, Remuera (torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft on 26 August), Stakesby (torpedoed and heavily damaged on 25 August, see below), Welsh Prince and Winkleigh. They were escorted by HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia which both arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

Around 0345A/25, the German submarine U-48 attacked convoy HX 65A. The Empire Merlin and Athelcrest were hit. The Empire Merlin sank almost immediately. One survivor was picked up by HMS Godetia. Six survivors from Athelcrest were also picked up by HMS Godetia which then scuttled the burning wreck with gunfire.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia also depth charged the attacking submarine but did no damage.

Shortly before 2300A/25, the German submarine U-124 attacked the convoy and torpedoed the Fircrest, Harpalyce (the ship of the Convoy Commodore) and the Stakesby. The Fircrest sank at once due to her cargo of iron ore, there were no survivors. The Harpalyce also sank very quickly. Five survivors were picked up after a few hours by auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Fort Dee (?). The Stakesby remained afloat due to her cargo of timber (pit props). The rescue tug Thames took the damaged ship in tow but she ran aground in Glumaig Bay after the tow rope broke. She was later salvaged and repaired and re-entered service in 1943 as Empire Derwent.

HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia attacked with depth charges but did no damage to the U-boat.

HMS Godetia also stood by the damaged Stakesby.

On the 26th the convoy escort was reinforced by the sloops HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN) and HMS Egret (Cdr. D.P. Evans, RN).

Around 2045A/26, near Kinneard Head, gunfire was seen coming from land and also ahead. Apparently convoy WN 10, which was ahead of convoy HX 65A, was under air attack.

Between 2100A/26 and 2210A/26, convoy HX 65A, then also came under air attack in at least five attack runs. The Remuera was torpedoed and sunk (43 survivors being picked up by HMS Egret) while the Cape York was damaged by bombs but she did not sink. HMS Egret took off the crew. Salvage attempts were undertaken by the rescue tug Saucy but the ship eventually sank around 1115A/27. Saucy fouled her propeller during the salvage attempts and was taken in tow for a while by HMS Egret.

Like HMCS Skeena and HMS Godetia, HMS Lowestoft and HMS Egret arrived at Rosyth on 27 August.

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Convoy HX 65B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agapenor (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Alfred Olsen (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Anna Mazaraki (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Dublin on 26 August, possibly had staggled from the convoy before it arrived at the rendezvous with the local A/S escort), Atlantic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Axel Johnson (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Chama (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Eclipse (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), F.J. Wolfe (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Fernbank (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Gard (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Gitano (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August), Housatonic (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Inverlee (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Manchester Merchant (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nerissa (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Nikoklis (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Pecten (torpedoed and sunk on 25 August, see below), Rangitane (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Regent Panter (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 August), Sitala (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Solarium (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 27 August), Taria (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August), Torr Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 26 August) and Torvanger (arrived in the Clyde on 26 August). They were escorted by HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus which both arrived at Liverpool on 27 August.

At 0902A/25, HMS Westcott obtained an A/S contact and one depth charge was fired at 0906A/25 in position 57°25'N, 09°38'W. Contact was immediately regained afterwards.

A second attack was carried out and six depth charges were fired at 0917A/25. There was no sign of wreckage, oil fuel or bubbles.

Contact was then regained and a third attack was carried out and five depth charges were dropped at 0930A/25.

Though contacts were firm and submarine was known to be in the vicinity it was considered the contacts were non-sub. At 1000A/25, HMS Westcott proceeded to rejoin the convoy considering it unwise to stay away from the convoy any longer.

The German submarine U-57 reported twelve depth charges being dropped around this time at a distance between 3 to 4 kilometers.

At 1847A/25, the tanker Pecten, the rear ship of the starboard wing column, was torpedoed. HMS Westcott and HMS Gladiolus immediately proceeded towards the scene and started an A/S hunt which lasted until 2026A/25. Several patterns of depth charges were dropped by both ships before they made off to rejoin the convoy which they did the following morning.

The Pecten sank quickly with heavy loss of life. 8 Survivors were picked up by the Torr Head. She had been torpedoed and sunk by U-57 which was subsequently depth charged counting 27 depth charges. She sustained no damage [KTB U-57 from 7 July to 31 August in NARA, T 1022, roll 2883, PG 30054].

Around 0715A/26, the Clyde section of the convoy was detached. [and presumably the ships destined for Belfast Lough as well or otherwise shortly afterwards.]

Around 1300A/26, the Regent Panther was detached to proceed indepently toward Milford Haven / the Bristol Channel.

Around 0500A/27, Convoy HX 65B arrived off the Bar Light Vessel. (5)

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