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Notable events involving LST 401 include:

10 Mar 1944

Convoy MKS 43.

This convoy departed Port Said on 10 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), British Aviator (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1924), British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolley, RN) and auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and corvette RHS Apostolis.

Around 1700B/10, the Alexandria section of the convoy joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gloucester (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Hugh McCulloch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pegu (British, 7838 GRT, built 1943), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940) and Wiley Post (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the patrol vessel RHS Vasilefs Georgios II.

Around 0900A/16, in position 35°55'N, 15°46'E, the following ships were detached to Augusta;
Balfe, Belgian Veteran, British Aviator, British Chemist, Buccinum, Cape Hawke, Empire Tristram, Fort Gloucester, Fort St. Paul, Hugh McCulloch, Mactra, Maihar, Samarina, Sambrake, Sampa, Samsylvan, Tidewater and Wiley Post. Also HMS Teviotbank was detached.

Around 1000A/16, in position 36°00'N, 15°39'E, the following merchant ships joined coming from Augusta;
British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Christopher Gadsden (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Horace H. Lurton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Pio Pico (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R.C. Brennan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 1920), Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The boom defence vessel HMS Barova (T/Lt. J.R. Radley, RNR) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary salvage vessel King Salvor (1111 GRT, built 1942) also joined the convoy with this section.

Around 1700A/16, in position 36°26'N, 14°48'E, the following merchant vessels were detached to Malta;
Egero and Glenogle while the following merchant vessels joined coming from Malta;
Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916) and Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928). Also joining from Malta was the submarine FFS Curie (Lt. P.J. Chailley).

Around 1345A/17, in position 36°55'N, 11°55'E, the merchant vessel Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918) joined. She should have joined with the Augusta section but had sailed late.

Around 1600A/17, in position 36°58'N, 11°34'E, the merchant vessel Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927) joined. She should have joined with the Augusta section but had sailed late.

Around 2230A/17, in position 37°14'N, 10°29'E, the following merchant ships joined coming from Tunis;
Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919).

Around 0140A/18, in position 37°20'N, 10°00'E, the following ships were detached to Bizerta;
British Vigour, Christopher Gadsden, Horace H. Lurton and Odysseus.

Around 0200A/18, in position 37°20'N, 09°58'E, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Bizerta;
Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Empire Harp (British (tanker), 861 GRT, built 1942), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) and Var (French, 7935 GRT, built 1931). Also joining from Bizerta were the LST's HMS LST 9 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Windle, RNR), HMS LST 62 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rayer, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR), HMS LST 322 ( A/Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS 401 (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Devitt, RNR), HMS 402 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Sprigge, RNR), HMS 408 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Cook, RNR), HMS 409 (A/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Dixon, RANVR), HMS 416 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Braine, RNR), HMS 419 (T/Lt. H.A. Standfield, RNR), HMS 423 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomson, RNR), HMS 428 (T/Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hamlyn, RNR) and HMS 430 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.H. Laws, RD, RNR).

Around 0430A/18, HMS Barova was detached to Bizera due to engine defects.

Around 1545A/18, in position 37°14'N, 07°52'E, the following ships were detached to Bone;
Belpareil, Corchester, Empire Harp, Fort Frontenac, Lyminge, Samothrace, Serula and Stancleeve.

Around 2100A/18, in position 37°10'N, 07°00'E, the following ships were detached to Phillipeville;
Fort Chesterfield and Fort Grant.

Around 0800A/19, in position 37°01'N, 05°07'E, the merchant vessel Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.

Around 2000A/19, in position 36°54'N, 03°11'E, the following ships were detached to Algiers;
Abbazia, Boltonhall, British Chancellor, Chloris, Corstar, Felix Grundy, Iceland, James M. Wayne, James Turner, Kobad, Louis McClane, Nicholas Gilman, Norholm, Rhea, Salawati, Samtampa, Var and Winslow Homer. The King Salvor was also detached to Algiers.

Around 2100A/19, in position 36°53'N, 03°00'E, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Coxwold (British, 1124 GRT, built 1938), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Mont Everest (French, 5183 GRT, built 1918), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Sneland I (Norwegian, 1791 GRT, built 1922) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

Around 2130A/20, in position 36°00'N, 00°44'W, the following ships were detached to Oran;
Daniel H. Lownsdale, Emma Willard, Empire Stour, Frances E. Willard, George F. Patten, Hannis Taylor, John C. Fremont, John Murray Forbes, Joseph Warren, Leland Stanford, Mont Everest, Pio Pico, R.C. Brennan, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Stone, Ville de Djidjelli, Will R. Wood and William R. Davie. Also the patrol vessel RHS Vasilefs Georgios II was detached to Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 2200A/20, in position 35°51'N, 00°51'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928) and Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). Also the French armed merchant cruiser Quercy and American naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2345A/20, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy coming from Mers-el-Kebir.

The convoy arrived in Gibraltar Bay in the early hours of 22 March 1944. (1)

13 Mar 1944

Convoy SL 152.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 March 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Franklin (British, 7292 GRT, built 1941), Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rhodes (British, 7030 GRT, built 1941), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941), Rippingham Grange (British, 10365 GRT, built 1943), Schiaffino Freres (French, 3314 GRT, built 1910), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) and Walker Taylor (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), cutter (sloop) HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR), corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Dunkery (T/Lt. E. Ross, RNVR), HMS Portsdown (T/Lt. L.G. Bradley, RNVR) and HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR).

Around 1800Z/13, HMS Dunkery dropped astern due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy and proceeded direct to Bathurst.

At 1525Z/15, in position 12°56'N, 17°46'E, HMS Aubretia obtained a good contact thought to be an enemy submarine. HMS Portsdown was ordered to assist her in the hunt. [No German submarine was in the area though.]

Around 2015Z/15, in position 13°31'N, 17°58'W, the merchant vessels Kedoe and Thomas W. Owen were detached to Bathurst escorted by HMS Yestor.

Around 0530Z/16, HMS Aubretia rejoined the convoy. HMS Portsdown never rejoined the convoy but returned to Freetown.

Around 0630Z/16, in position 14°44'N, 17°47'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Dakar;
Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Rena (Norwegian, 5242 GRT, built 1924) while the Schiaffino Freres was detached to Dakar.

Around 0800Z/23, in position 34°07'N, 09°33'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Casablanca;
Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906) and Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929). They had been escorted from Casablanca to the rendezvous by USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, Jr., USNR), USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). The Paul de Rousiers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS PC-475.

Around 0930Z/23, in position 34°16'N, 09°31'W, the frigate HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR) joined coming from Gibraltar with the LST's LST's HMS LST 9 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Windle, RNR), HMS LST 62 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rayer, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR), HMS LST 322 ( A/Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS 401 (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Devitt, RNR), HMS 402 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Sprigge, RNR), HMS 408 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Cook, RNR), HMS 409 (A/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Dixon, RANVR), HMS 416 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Braine, RNR), HMS 419 (T/Lt. H.A. Standfield, RNR), HMS 423 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomson, RNR), HMS 428 (T/Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hamlyn, RNR), HMS 430 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.H. Laws, RD, RNR).

Around 1030Z/23, in position 34°30'N, 09°30'W, the Bardistan and Walker Taylor were detached to Gibraltar taking HMS Totland with them as escort.

Around 1230Z/24, Convoy MKS 43(G), coming from Gibraltar, was astern of Convoy SL 152. Convoy MKS 43(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cadet (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Simba (British, 5647 GRT, built 1918), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937)), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

Also part of the convoy were the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alaunia (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolley, RN), Quercy (French), monitor HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) and naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR).

The escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) and rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) were also part of convoy MKS 43(G).

Convoy MKS 43(G) was escorted by escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigate HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR) which also joined the combined convoy SL 152 / MKS 43(G).

Joining up was still ongoing but HMS Ballinderry, HMS Aubretia and HMS Cyclamen parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived around 1900A/25.

By 1500Z/24, the combined convoy had completely formed up in position 36°06'N, 12°08'W.

Around 0645Z/25, in position 36°20'N, 14°23'W, the Empire Might and Rippingham Grange parted company to join convoy MKF 29A.

Around 1415Z/29, in position 48°19'N, 18°22'W, the Scottish American was detached to the southbound combined convoy OS 72 / KMS 46.

Around 0800Z/1, in position 53°30'N, 13°19'W, the Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and HMS Alaunia (arrived at Greenock on 2 April).

Around 0600Z/2, in position 55°06'N, 09°33'W, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Trader, Blairnevis, Bridgepool, Caduceus, City of Khios, Cragpool, Dalhanna, Duke of Sparta, Eemland, Empire Brutus, Empire Franklin, Empire Highway, Empire Mariott, Empire Rhodes, Empire Simba, Empire Thackeray, Fort Churchill, Fort Livingstone, Fort Reliance, Grainton, Gudrun Maersk, Kingsland, Marquesa, Porjus, Rembrandt, Rena, Romney, Samdel, Samphill, Snar, Sutherland, Tiba, Tudor Prince, Tweedbank, Vancouver City and Yearbank. HMS Armeria and HMS Clarkia went with them as escorts.

Around 0700Z/2, in position 55°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Exe and HMS Burdock parted company. They arrived in the Clyde on 3 April 1944.

Around 0800Z/2, in position 55°13'N, 09°19'W, the Henri Jaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and the Quercy (arrived at Milford Haven on 3 April) parted company.

Around 1000Z/2, in position 55°18'N, 09°01'W, HMS Roberts was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

Around 1300Z/2, in position 55°27'N, 08°31'W, HMS Striker was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

On 3 April 1944, the Innerton arrived at Oban.

On 3 April 1944, the Clyde section arrived in the Clyde. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury, Astrid, Baron Haig, Beckenham, Drakepool, Empire Gareth, Fastnet, Rajput and Thysville. All 13 LST's also proceeded to the Clyde. Some of these had also been detached earlier.

On 3 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough;
Empire Cadet and Langleebrook.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Workington;
Blairdevon, Ioannis Frangos and Lisbeth.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Barrow;
Fairwater and Pendeen.

On 4 April 1944, the Liverpool section arrived at Liverpool. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cetus, David Livingstone, Dordrecht, Empire Baron, Forest, Fort George, Helder, Houston City, MacGregor Laird, Mandalay, Norman Star, Pandorian, Samneva, Samos and Slemmestad.

On 4 April 1944, the Bristol Channel section arrived in Barry Roads. The Bristol Channel section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Empire Nerissa, Errington Court, Fort Poplar and Souliotis.

USS ATR 47 arrived at Falmouth on 5 April.

The remaining escort not yet described arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Moloya (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April), HMS Berkeley Castle (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April) and HMS Fusilier (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April). (2)