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25 Jan 1944

Convoy GUS 29.

This convoy departed Port Said on 25 January 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Arthur R.P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Riggs (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Bedford (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kaskaskia (British, 7187 GRT, built 1943), Frank A. Vanderlip (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Heimvard (Norwegian, 4851 GRT, built 1930), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Skotaas (Norwegian (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1931). The LST USS LST 261 (Lt.Cdr. L.I. Reilley, USCG) was also part of the convoy. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR).

On 26 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; E. Kirby Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), George Walton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John J. Crittenden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lot Whitcomb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Louis A. Sengteller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) and Woodlark (British, 1501 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.

On 30 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Charles Piez (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Bloodworth (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arthur R.P. Davis, Empire Peak, Empire Southey, Fort Brandon, Fort Caribou, Fort Remy, Pan-Rhode Island, Samphire, Stancleeve and Van der Capelle.

On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Forest, Meonia, Skotaas, Talma and Woodlark.

On 31 January 1944, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Malta and joined the convoy. HMS Primula arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 1 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; A.C. Bedford, Charles Goodyear, Djebel Aures and Empire Harbour. USS LST-261 was also detached to Bizerta. The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Atlantic Coast (British, 890 GRT, built 1934), Black Hawk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927), Cotton Valley (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Charmian (British, 7519 GRT, built 1943), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Marvell (British (tanker), 9812 GRT, built 1942), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Harry Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hebe II (British, 957 GRT, built 1912), Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the (damaged) destroyer HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN) also joined the convoy.

On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Belgian Sailor, Fort Norman, James M. Wayne and Linge while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Gulfgem (American (tanker), 6784 GRT, built 1920), P.L.M. 17 (British (former French), 4008 GRT, built 1922) and Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930).

On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Arthur Dobbs and Cotton Valley while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 3 February 1944, the transport Empire Charmian arrived at Bougie after having parted company with the convoy.

On 3 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Charles Piez, Daniel H. Lownsdale, Fort de Douaumont, George Leonard, Hebe II, Joseph Pulitzer, Marit Maersk and William Patterson while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Lafcadio Hearn (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), Ocean Vigil (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941) and Stanford Newel (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 4 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Anna N. Goulandris, Atlantic Coast, Coulmore, David L. Swain, Louis McLane, Thomas Nelson Page and Zane Gray while the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Gallium (French, 1775 GRT, built 1924), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918).

On 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Appledore, Baron Douglas, Bruce M., Clan MacNeil, Empire Perdita/, Empire Snow, Ingleton, Iroquois, Kelbergen, Largs Bay, Lornaston, Ocean Vigil, P.L.M. 17, Rodsley and Skeldergate. Also arriving at Gibraltar were HMS Colombo, HMS Jervis, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS La Malouine, HMS Myosotis and HrMs O 21.

Also on 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; E.W. Sinclair (American (tanker), 10907 GRT, built 1942), Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920), Empire Tana (British, 6275 GRT, built 1922), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by a new, American, escort made up of the destroyer USS Gleaves (T/Cdr. B.L. Gurnette, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS J. Richard Ward (Lt. D.A. Smith, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 63, Capt. T.S. Dunstan, USNR, on board), USS Keith (Lt. J.L. Rinn, USNR), USS Otterstetter (Lt. L.E. Whitmore, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR).

Around 2200A/5, the convoy was joined by the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 7, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Ramsden (Cdr. J.E. Madacey, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG) and USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG) which had first been on an A/S sweep.

On 5 February 1944, the Casablanca section of the convoy departed that place. It was made up of the tanker Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and the naval tanker USS Mattaponi (T/Capt. M.C. Barrett, USN). They were escorted by the seaplane tender USS Matagorda (Cdr. A. Crinkley, USN), destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). They made rendezvous with the convoy around 1045A/6 when the tankers and USS Richey joined the convoy. USS Matagorda, USS PC-475 and USS PC-481 then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports / tankers E.W. Sinclair, Empire Plover, Empire Tana, Gallium, Keilehaven, Mount Othrys, Ocean Valentin and Parame with them. They all arrived at Casablanca on 7 February 1944.

Around 1330Z/8, USS Tomich was detached to proceed to the Azores to escort the Azores section of the convoy which was to join the convoy from there.

Around 1030Z/10, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy from the Azores. She had the transports Abraham Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Phineas Banning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) with her which joined the convoy.

Also on 10 February 1944, USS Gleaves fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 1530Z/11, USS Tomich parted company with the convoy to make rendezvous with the tanker Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931) coming from the Azores.

Around 0630Z/14, USS Tomich and the Katy (re)joined the convoy.

Also on 14 February 1944, USS Gleaves again fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 2200Z/18, USS Mattaponi and the transport Samgara were detached to Bermuda taking USS Tomich with them as escort. The Samgara had problems with her rudder.

Around 1200Z/19, USS Mills parted company to proceed to Bermuda to land a medical case.

Around 2100Z/19, the transports Frank A. Vanderlip and John J. Crittenden were detached to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick and Boston respecively.

Around 0330Z/20, USS Mills rejoined from Bermuda.

Around 1215Z/20, the tanker Gulfgem was detached to proceed independently to Harbor Island, Texas.

Around 0630Z/21, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of 14 ships and was escorted to Hampton Roads by USS Sellstrom, USS Ramsden, USS Rhodes and USS Savage. The Chesapeake Bay section arrived at its destination the following morning.

Around 0300Z/22, USS Mills was detached to escort two ships to Delaware Capes where they arrived in the afternoon.

In the evening of 22 February 1944, the remaining ships of the convoy arrived at New York.

14 Mar 1944

Convoy UGS 36.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 March 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), E. Kirby Smith (American, 7193 GRT, built 1943), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Frederick C. Howe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ignace Paderewski (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jubal A. Early (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis Hennepin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Robert R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Walter Releigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William B. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Dall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943). The LST's USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN), naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and stores ship USS Polaris (8222 GRT, built 1939, T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and the French patrol vessel Sabre.

Around 1130Z/14, USS Sellstrom parted company to proceed the Portsmouth Navy Yard to effect repairs to her sound gear. She rejoined the following day.

Around 1600Z/14, the tanker Petter parted company to proceed to New York.

Around 1200Z/15, the transport Charles Crocker parted company to return to the USA. USS Tomich was ordered to escort her and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1400Z/15, USS Sellstrom rejoined the convoy.

Around 1200Z/16, the destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) joined the convoy. She had been unable to depart with the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0800Z/17, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy.

During 17 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple, USS Alden, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford and Sabre fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 0225Z/18, radar contact was obtained on two vessels which proved to be the transport Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929) and her escort, the minesweeper USS Despite (Lt.(jg) F.T. Peck, Jr., USNR), coming from Bermuda. The transport subsequently joined the convoy and the minesweeper returned to Bermuda.

On 20 March 1944, USS Sloat fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 23 March 1944, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1300Z/24, Hoke Smith and Iroquois were detached from the convoy to proceed to the Azores. They were escorted by USS John D. Edwards whivh had first fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 26 March 1944, USS Decatur fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1330Z/27, USS John D. Edwards rejoined the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, USS John D. Ford was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar to obtain written orders and other paperwork so that the Task Force would to be able to operate in the Mediterranean. Before parting company she fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0554Z/28, the transport A.J. Cermak and USS Richey collided but damage to both was minor.

On 28 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0330Z/29, USS John D. Ford collided with the British auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Agate (T/Lt. R.J. Langley, RANVR) in Gibraltar harbour. The destroyer sustained extensive damage and one of her crew was killed and five were wounded. USS Alden was then detached to take over the duties of USS John D. Ford.

Around 0800Z/29, the transport Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, corvette Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports Edward Burleson, Edwin L. Godkin, Howell E. Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, Oregon and USS Escalante with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 30 March 1944.

Around 2320Z/29, USS Alden rejoined from Gibraltar.

Around 2330Z/29, USS John D. Edwards parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to refuel and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0940Z/30, the Gibraltar section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the transports Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Don (British, 1037 GRT, built 1924) and Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940). At the same time USS Polaris parted company to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran. To escort her the destroyers USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) had arrived on the scene.

Around 1000Z/30, USS Decatur briefly stopped in Gibraltar Bay to embark a British liaison officer.

Around 1100Z/30, British (controlled) escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN). Also the submarine HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and motor minesweeper MMS 300 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.W. Lawn, RNVR) joined for passage. The rescue tug HMRT Mindful also joined. The American minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).

Around 1100Z/31, the following ships were detached to Oran; A.J. Cermak, Dilworth, Frithjof Nansen, James Rumsey, John Catron, John Sedgwik, Norfjell, Patrick C. Boyle, Peter Cartwright, Samuel Moody, Stephen C. Foster, Walter Raleigh and William L. Yancey. From the escort, USS Richey and Sabre were also detached to Oran.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Abernethy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0300A/1, the convoy was attacked by about 20 German aircraft in approximate position 36°52'N, 01°43'E. They attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Two enemy aircraft were claimed to have been shot down. The Jared Ingersoll was hit by a torpedo. USS Mills picked up the crew and together with HRMT Mindful then effected the salvage of the ship. The damaged ship arrived at Algiers later the same day.

Around 1030Z/1, USS Richey rejoined from Oran after having effected repairs there.

Around 1145Z/1, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Donacilla, Fort Dauphin, Solor and Woodrow Wilson. HMS Black Swan was also detached to Algiers.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1130Z/2, the transport Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 1630Z/2, the transport Don was detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Lidvard (Norwegian, 4785 GRT, built 1939) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).

Around 0115Z/3, USS Mills rejoined the convoy from Algiers.

Around 0515Z/3, the Bizerta section of the convoy made up of the following ships parted company with the convoy; B.F. Shaw, British Diligence, George Abernethy, John A. Brown, Kemp B. Battle, Lawrence D. Tyson, Paul H. Harwood, Titus and William H. Dall. Also the complete American escort proceeded to Bizerta as did all the LST's and HMS Colombo. The tanker Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 3 April 1944, the transport Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.

On 4 April 1944, the Indiana, HMS Sirdar and HMMS 300 arrived at Malta while the transport Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 4 April 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Angelo, Atle Jarl, Bruse Jarl, Corstar, Coulgorm, E. Kirby Smith, Empire Grebe, Erodona, Fort Frobisher, Fort Gaspereau, Fort la Prairie, Fort Sturgeon, George Bancroft, George M. Bibb, Henry Baldwin, Henry W. Longfellow, Ignace Paderewski, James McHenry, Jan Lievens, John C. Fremont, John Trumbull, Lincoln Steffens, Lucretia Mott, Macuba, Marion McKinley Bovard, Morialta, Ocean Fame, Samannan, Samleven, Samstrule, Samtyne, Serula, Sun, Sun-Yat-Sen, Tarleton Brown, Theodoric Bland., Trondheim, Ulla, William D. Moseley and William F. Cody.

On 8 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Blackheath, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Empire Unicorn, Eridan, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Glenora, Fort Grant, Fort Lennox, Fort Meductic, Frederick C. Howe, Harlesden, Samlyth, Samshire, Samsteel and Stancleeve. Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, HMS Amethyst and HMS Deptford.

The remaining ships in the convoy arrived at Port Said on 9 April 1944.

3 Apr 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR), minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) and the USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN) all arrived at Bizerta from convoy UGS 36.

23 May 1944

Convoy UGS 43.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 23 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Arthur P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Atlanta City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Belgian Airman (Belgian, 6960 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Charles Carroll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Felipe de Neve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ferdinand Westdahl (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fernplant (British, 5274 GRT, built 1939), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Frederick Banting (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Gutzon Borglum (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Heimvard (Norwegian, 4851 GRT, built 1930), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Sharpless (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), James Gunn (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Knute Nelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), M.M. Guhin (American, 7180 GRT, 1943), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Rogers (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Nelson Dingley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944), Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samglory (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samleyte (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samovar (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtrust (British, 7209 GRT, built 1943), Samvigna (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Steel Inventor (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920), Sul Ross (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sverre Helmersen (Norwegian, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Victor Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Wiley Post (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Bradford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Harper (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The naval tanker USS Kennebec (Cdr. M.D. Mullen, USNR) was also part of the convoy as were the following LCI(L)'s; USS LCI(L)-590 (Lt.(jg) T.E. Boland, USNR), USS LCI(L)-591 (Lt.(jg) W.A. Putnam, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-592 (Lt.(jg) A.H. Swanke), USS LCI(L)-593 (Lt.(jg) B.V. Wilson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-594 (Lt.(jg) W. Campbell, USNR), USS LCI(L)-595 (Lt.(jg) C. Ringle, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-596 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Crawford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-674 (Lt.(jg) W.P. Eckel, USNR), USS LCI(L)-675 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Tobin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-951 (Lt. N.A. Thompson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-952 (?), USS LCI(L)-953 (Lt.(jg) D.J. Stadfeld, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-954 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Ullrich, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyer USS McCormick (T/Cdr. F.A. Brock, USN, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG, on board), USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG), USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Smith, USN), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Earl V. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Jordy, USNR).

Around 2200Z/25, the destroyer escort USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy escort followed an hour later by her sister ship USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR).

During 27 May 1944, USS Kennebec fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Fowler, USS Durik and USS Earl V. Johnson.

During 31 May 1944, USS Kennebec fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Earl V. Johnson, USS Fowler and USS Durik.

Around 0410Z/3, the auxiliary minelayer USS Planter (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Scudder, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy coming from the Azores. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxilary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to return to the Azores taking the transport Joseph Hewes with her.

Around 1335Z/5, USS Kennebec was detached from the convoy to proceed to position 25°00'N, 20°00'W to fuel other USN ships. She was escorted by USS Durik. Before the tanker parted company she fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Fowler, USS Durik, USS Earl V. Johnson and USS Planter.

Around 2000Z/5, USS LCI(L)-952 staggled from thee convoy due to engine trouble. She rejoined the convoy around 1630Z/6.

Around 1800Z/7, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Charles Carroll, John Barton Payne, Joseph Alston, Lorraine and Samfeugh. To escort them there the patrol vessels 472, 473 and 482 had come out from Casablanca and had joined the convoy around 1630Z/7. The Casablanca section arrived at its destination the following day.

Around 1400Z/8, USS McCormick parted company with the convoy to pick up liason officers at Gibraltar. She rejoined around 1547Z/8.

Around 1830Z/8, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0805Z/9, the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).

Around 1830Z/9, the Oran section of the convoy parted company. This was mad up of the following ships; Asa Gray, Belgian Airman, Ezra Cornell, Garonne, John Clarke, Newton D. Baker and Pan-Maryland. At the same time two ship joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910) and George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 1930Z/9, the destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) and the minesweeper USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

Around 1530Z/10, the Algiers section of the convoy parted company. This was mad up of the following ships; Christopher Gale and Clausina. At the same time two ship joined the convoy coming from Algiers, these were the following; Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938) and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920).

At 0318Z/11, USS Tomich was detached to proceed back towards Algiers to land an urgent hospital case there. She rejoined the convoy around 2350Z/11.

Around 2030Z/11, USS Madison and USS Sustain parted company with the convoy.

At 0353Z/12, USS Ramsden parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Bizerta to land the remains of a deceased crew member.

Around 0500Z/12, HMS Colombo parted company to proceed to Bizerta.

Between 0715Z/12 and 0800Z/12, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta; Hiram S. Maxim, J.L. Luckenbach, Norrisia and Portsea. Also USS Planter and all 13 LCI(L)'s entered Bizerta as did the following escort vessels; USS McCormick, USS Sellstrom, USS Mills, USS Rhodes, USS Richey, USS Savage, USS Fowler, USS Tomich and USS Earl V. Johnson.

The following ships joined the convoy off Bizerta; Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Black Hawk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

Also a new escort joined off Bizerta, this was made up of the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR).

On 13 June 1944, the Chloris arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 13 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Califonia (American (tanker), 10398 GRT, built 1921), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1932), Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) and Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930).

On 14 June 1944 the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Auk, Benjamin Goodhue, Black Hawk, Cistula, Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Empire Garrick, F.A.C. Muhlenberg, Felipe de Neve, Fort George, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClenllan, George Bancroft, Haym Salomon, Isaac Sharpless, John C. Breckinridge, John B. Eaton, Joshua Seney, M.M. Guhin, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Moses Rogers, Ninella, Northia, Regent Lion, Robert Treat Paine, Steel Inventor, Sun, Thomas Pinckney, Thomas Sumter, Trondheim, Walter E. Ranger, William H. Wilmer and Zaanstroom.

On 17 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria; Empire Lionel, Fernplant, Fort Aklavik, Fort Frontenac, Ocean Messenger, Ocean Vesper, Palermo, Samglory, Samleyte, Samphire and William Harper. Also the following escort ships arrived at Alexandria; HMS Barle and HMS Bryony.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 19 June 1944.

12 Jun 1944
HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), USS McCormick,USS McCormick (T/Cdr. F.A. Brock, USN, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG, on board), USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG), USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Earl V. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Jordy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-590 (Lt.(jg) T.E. Boland, USNR), USS LCI(L)-591 (Lt.(jg) W.A. Putnam, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-592 (Lt.(jg) A.H. Swanke), USS LCI(L)-593 (Lt.(jg) B.V. Wilson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-594 (Lt.(jg) W. Campbell, USNR), USS LCI(L)-595 (Lt.(jg) C. Ringle, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-596 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Crawford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-674 (Lt.(jg) W.P. Eckel, USNR), USS LCI(L)-675 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Tobin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-951 (Lt. N.A. Thompson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-952 (?), USS LCI(L)-953 (Lt.(jg) D.J. Stadfeld, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-954 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Ullrich, USNR) all arrived at Bizerta on this day from convoy UGS 43.

11 Aug 1944

Convoy TCU 35.

This convoy departed New York on 22 October 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943), Appomattox (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Athlone Castle (British, 25565 GRT, built 1936), Bantam (Dutch, 9312 GRT, built 1939), Bienville (American, 7626 GRT, built 1943), Black Warrior (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Brookfield (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943), Bunker Hill (American, 10410 GRT, built 1942), California Express (Norwegian, 3649 GRT, built 1934), China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Colombie (French, 13391 GRT, built 1931), Cross Keys (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 22225 GRT, built 1905), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Eros (British, 5888 GRT, built 1936), Esso Scranton (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Exchequer (American, 6683 GRT, built 1943), Four Lakes (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Glorieta (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Harpers Ferry (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925), John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lake Erie (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Monocacy (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1944), Musgroves Mills (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Parima (British, 7543 GRT, built 1944), Petersburg (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928), Ridgefield (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Rosebud (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Sachem (American (tanker), 9910 GRT, built 1943), San Juan Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Santiago (American (tanker), 10318 GRT, built 1944), Sea Serpent (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), South Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928), Wagon Box (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943), Wilson's Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Winchester (American (tanker), 10198 GRT, built 1943).

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy. She served in an aircraft ferry role.

The convoy was escorted by Task Group 21.9 which was made up of the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with ComTaskGr 21.9, T/Capt. J.M.P. Wright, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Marchand (Cdr. G.I. Lynch, USCG, with ComCortDiv20, Cdr. P.B. Mavor, USCG, on board), USS Hurst (Cdr. B.H. Brallier, USCG), USS Camp (Lt.Cdr. R.R. Waesche, Jr., USCG), USS Howard D. Crow (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Bacchus, Jr., USCGR), USS Pettit (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG), USS Ricketts (Lt. L.F. Sudnik, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. John H. Forney, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG).

On 12 August 1944, the Boston section of the convoy departed that place to make rendezvous with and then join the convoy the following morning. This section was made up of the following ships; Explorer (American, 6736 GRT, built 1939), General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930). They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR) and USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG).

Around 1200Z/20, Twenty-one of the ships of the convoy parted company to proceed via the west of Ireland to Loch Ewe and the Clyde. They were escorted by USS Sellstrom and USS Mills. At 1545Z/21, the Loch Ewe section broke off and then proceeded unescorted. Both sections arrived at their destinations on 22 August. The two destroyer escorts then proceeded to Lough Foyle.

Around 0645A/21, HMS Trouncer parted company with the Irish Sea section of the convoy to proceed to Liverpool ahead of the main convoy. USS Pettitt went with her as escort. The orders were however cancelled later and they rejoin the Irish Sea section of the convoy around 1100A/21.

Around 1900A/21, sixteen of the ships in the convoy parted company to proceed towards the Bristol Channel. They were escorted by USS Marchand and USS Ramsden. After having delivered these ships in the Bristol Channel the destroyer escorts proceeded to Lough Foyle.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded to Liverpool arriving on 22 August. All the remaining escorts subsequently proceeded to Lough Foyle.

3 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 53.

This convoy departed New York on 3 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Antinous (American, 6126 GRT, built 1944), Borinquen (American, 7114 GRT, built 1931), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Claymont Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Empire Paragon (British, 9888 GRT, built 1944), Esso Wilmington (American (tanker), 10169 GRT, built 1942), Fort Henry (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Henry Gibbons (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lightning (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marina (American, 5086 GRT, built 1942), Markay (American (tanker), 10342 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Mail (American, 7842 GRT, built 1941), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Paoli (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sag Harbour (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sea Robin (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sirocco (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Spring Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Stony Creek (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Sturdy Beggar (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Yellow Tavern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carriers HMS Thane (A/Capt. E.R.G. Baker, RN) and HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) were also part of this convoy carrying replacement aircraft.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with T/Capt. W.L. Benson, USN on board (Commander Task Group 61.1)) and the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Morrison, USCG with Cdr. J.H. Forney, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 23)), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes ( Lt. A.C. Wagner, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Norton, USCGR).

Also on 3 January 1945, four ships departed from Boston (Boston Section), these were the following;
General W.M. Black (American, 9943 GRT, built 1943), Santa Rosa (American (tanker), 9135 GRT, built 1932), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers USS Gary (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Ayer, USNR, with Cdr. T.G. Murrell, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 57)), USS Brister (Lt.Cdr. R.D Tucker, USNR), USS Finch (Lt.Cdr. C.D. LeHardy, USNR) and USS Richey (Lt. R.J. Auge, USCG).

The two sections joined company around 1115R/4.

Around 1245Z/12, the convoy was divided into two sections in approximate position 49°20'N, 17°24'W.

English Channel section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Antinous, Borinquen, Brazil, Claymont Victory, General W.M. Black, Henry Gibbons, Karsten Wang, Lightning, Marina, Orpheus, Santa Rosa, Sea Robin, Sea Tiger, Spring Hill, The Yakima, Thomas H. Barry and Yellow Tavern.

The English Channel section was escorted by USS Sellstrom, USS Brister, USS Mills, USS Richey and USS Savage.

Around 0200A/14, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined.

Around 0935A/14, the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. D.D. Bone, RN) joined.

Around 1815A/14, ten additional escorts, most of them from the 1st Escort Group joined, with HMS Balfour (Cdr. (Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO, DSC, RN) as senior vessel [no further details available]. On these ships joining HMS Duncan and HMS Icarus parted company.

Around 1950A/14, five of the ships of the convoy parted company for Le Havre escorted by the ships of the British 1st Escort Group.

Around 2310A/14, two of the ships of the convoy parted company for Cherbourg escorted by USS Brister and USS Mills.

Around 0130A/15, four of the ships of the convoy parted company for Southend escorted by USS Richey and a British escort.

Around 0135A/15, the remaining ten ships of the convoy entered the Portsmouth Swept Channel escorted by USS Sellstrom and USS Savage. HMS Faulknor and HrMs Van Galen now parted company and set course for Plymouth.

Irish Sea section

The other section proceeded towards the Irish Sea by a route to the west of Ireland and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 1040A/14, the Hubbardton parted company to proceed to the Clyde. She was escorted to the Clyde lightvessel by USS Rhodes.

Around 1130A/14, HMS Thane was detached to proceed independently to Belfast.

Around 1622A/14, the Bristol Channel section, made up of the Chickamauga, Esso Wilmington, Markay, Ocean Mail and Sag Harbour parted company. They were escorted by USS Gary, USS Finch and USS Ramsden.

Around 1640A/14, USS Rhodes rejoined the Liverpool section of the convoy.

Around 2015A/14, the Liverpool section of the convoy, made up of the Empire Paragon, Fort Henry, Kernstown, Malvern Hill, Paoli, Stony Creek as well as HMS Trouncer arrived at the Western Light Vessel and proceeded via the swept channel to the vicinity of the Bar Light Vessel to anchor. USS Winslow and USS Rhoades patrolled the area pending the entry of the ships of the convoy into Liverpool harbour.

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