| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Frigate |
| Class | Colony |
| Pennant | K 501 |
| Built by | Walsch-Kaiser Co., Inc. (Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.A.) |
| Ordered | 10 Jun 1943 |
| Laid down | 3 Apr 1943 |
| Launched | 26 Jul 1943 |
| Commissioned | 4 Nov 1943 |
| End service | |
| History | Returned to the USN on 2 May, 1946. HMS Antigua is not listed as active unit in the October 1945 Navy List |
| Former name | USS Hammond PF-73 |
Commands listed for HMS Antigua (K 501)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | |
| 1 | Lt.Cdr. (retired) Duncan Frederick White, RNR | 27 Jul 1943 | 9 Sep 1944 |
| 2 | A/Lt.Cdr. Edward Leo Donkin, RNR | 9 Sep 1944 | mid 1945 |
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Notable events involving Antigua include:
14 May 1944
Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.
This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).
The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.
The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.
On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.
On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.
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Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Dunelmia, Marquesa, Menelaus, Mount Rhodope, Nairnbank, New Brooklyn and Port Darwin.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.
On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.
On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy; Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.
Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.
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Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Biafra, City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Drakepool, Dunelmia, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Mariott, Esturia, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, King Frederick, Madras City, Melrose Abbey, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, Pendeen, Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].
The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.
The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.
The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott, Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), King Frederick, Madras City, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, President de Vogue, Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.
The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.
On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Empire Gareth, Norbryn, Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Trader, Cragpool, Edward H. Crockett, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Strenght, Palermo, Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.
On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Badjestan, John S. Casement, John Sergeant, Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.
Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns, Afghanistan, Albert A. Michelson, Andrew Pickens, Beckenham, Campidoglio, Charles A. Wickliffe, Chiswick, City of Khios, Defender, Dwight W. Morrow, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Facto, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, George Davis, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Hopestar, Iceland, James Jackson, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Kemp P. Battle, King Frederic, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Madras City, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, President de Vogue, Robert Howe, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Stancleeve, Star, Tiba and Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.
They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea.
19 May 1944
Convoy MKS 50.
This convoy departed Port Said on 19 May 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Bengkalis (Dutch, 6548 GRT, built 1918), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), City of Sydney (British, 6986 GRT, built 1930), Empire Harry (British (tug), 479 GRT, built 1943), Empire Sandy (British (tug), 479 GRT, built 1943), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Peter Trimble Rowe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925), Sambalt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR).
On 20 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kalarand (British, 1496 GRT, built 1906), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
The submarines RHS Papanikolis, Galatea and the minesweepers RHS Palaros, RHS Kassos, RHS Kos and RHS Patmos also departed Alexandria and joined the convoy for passage westwards.
They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) and auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) which also joined the convoy.
on 23 May 1944, the Sofala arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy.
On 24 May 1944, the following transport / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Antonia (Dutch (tanker), 3357 GRT, built 1938), Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Astra (Norwegian, 2164 GRT, built 1919), Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), James W. Nesmith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), La Drome (French, 1055 GRT, built 1910), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Ugo Fiorelli (Italian, 1600 GRT, built 1943).
On 25 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Carelia, Fort Meductic, Kalarand, Kepong, Luminetta, Marit Maersk, Peter Trimble Rowe, Stagerak, Strategist and Trajanus.
On 25 May 1944, the transport Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914) departed Malta to join the convoy.
On 26 May 1944, the transport Djebel Aures arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Tunis; Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 26 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Empire Harry, Empire Sandy, Frans van Mieris, George Davis, Joseph H. Nicholson, La Drome, Lincoln Steffens and Ugo Fiorelli. The four Greek minesweepers (YMS) were also detached to Bizerta. The following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Vigsnes (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1930). Also the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.
On 27 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Astra, Sinnington Court and Vigsnes while the P.L.M. 17 (British (former French), 4008 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Bone. Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Nimble.
On 27 May 1944, the transport Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942) departed Philippeville to join the convoy while the Tore Jarl arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 28 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy; Antonia, Archbishop Lamy, Cape Howe, Charles Brantley Aycock, Chateau Latour, Empire Gain, Esek Hopkins, Fort Michipicoten, James W. Nesmith, John A. Brown, Lucia C., Prometheus, Samur, Thistledale and Thistlemuir while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Cap-Pinede (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938), Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925). The destroyer HMS Tigre also joined the convoy.
On 29 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Charles Schiaffino, Chloris, Empire Spinney, James Rumsey, William F. Cody and HMS Colombo while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Crown (British, 7070 GRT, built 1944), Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).
On 30 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar; Appledore, Cap-Pinede, Empire Thackeray, Fort Glenlyon, Fort Hudson's Hope111, Fort Thompson, Ittersum, Lornaston, William R. Davie as well as HMRT Nimble and the submarine RHS Papanikolis and Galatea. Also the current escort made up of HMS Dart, HMS Shiel, HMS Gloxinia, HMS Primula, HMS Wolborough as well as the HMS Tigre arrived at Gibraltar.
The remaining ships of the convoy; Alcinous, Bengkalis, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, City of Capetown, City of Exeter, City of Sydney, Empire Beatrice, Empire Conrad, Empire Crown, Empire Meteor, Empire Voice, Fort Bell, P.L.M. 17, Sambalt, Turkistan proceeded into the Atlantic and made rendezvous with convoy SL 159 coming from Freetown on 31 May 1944. A new escort had joined them off Gibraltar, this was made up of frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).
23 Jun 1944
Combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55.
This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 23 June 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Katanga (Belgian, 5183 GRT, built 1917), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Lieutenant de la Tour (French, 5844 GRT, built 1917), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Oksywie (Polish, 766 GRT, built 1938), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Van Ruysdael (Dutch, 7862 GRT, built 1938) and Westbank Park (Canadian 7161 GRT, built 1944).
The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy, submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Crosswell, DSC, RN) and the rescue vessel Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) were also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), destroyer RHN Salamis, frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).
On 24 June 1944, the Arosa arrived at Belfast after having been forced to return to the U.K.
On 26 June 1944, the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.
On 1 July 1944, the Empire Chamois arrived at Fayal, Azores. She was escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR).
Around 2345A/1, HMS Activity parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 162 / MKS 53 which she joined around 0730A/2. She was escorted by HMS Antigua and HMS Knaresborough Castle which returned to convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 after HMS Activity had made rendezvous.
Around 0900A/3, the convoy split in position 35°11'N, 08°44'W.
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Convoy OS 81, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Veteran, Berwickshire, Bosphorus, Condesa, Katanga, Oksywie, Pilar de Larrinaga, Taxiarchis and Westbank Park.
On the convoys splitting the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 81 joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Fort Panmure (French, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920) and Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922).
They had left Gibraltar on 2 July 1944 and were escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) which now formed the escort of convoy OS 81.
Around the same time the Casablanca section also joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921).
The escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) was also part of the Casablanca section.
They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the mineweeeping sloop La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret and Le Resolve. These French escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca taking the Taxiarchis with them.
Around 1400Z/9, the Dakar section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bosphorus, Medie II, Oksywie, Sandown Castle and Westbank Park.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 12 July 1944. Som ships did not enter harbour but proceeded direct to their respective destinations.
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Convoy KMS 55 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier, Caduceus, City of Delhi, Cochrane, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Copperfield, Empire Planet, Empire Trent, Fairwater, Fort Bourbon, Fort Colville, Fort Dauphin, Fort Frederick, Fort Jasper, Glaisdale, Kindat, Lagarto, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorca, Nijkerk, Teucer and Van Ruisdael.
Also part of convoy KMS 55 were the; Quercy, HMS Truant, Scottish American and Dundee.
The original escort of the combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 went with it to Gibraltar.
On the combined convoy splitting the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 4 July 1944, off Gibraltar, the following merchant vessels parted company and entered Gibraltar; Baron Napier, Clausina, Fairwater and Teucer.
Also HMS Truant and the Scottish American and Dundee entered Gibraltar.
The original escort also entered Gibraltar.
The following merchant vessels Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937) and Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.
Also a new escort joined the convoy which was made up of the sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the corvettes HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN) and Nada.
On 5 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Fort Frederick, Smith Thompson and the Quercy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944).
On 6 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Fort Colville, Glaisdale, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorraine, Samshire and Van Honthorst while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).
On 7 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Damsel and Empire Trent while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Empire Titania (British (tug), 258 GRT, built 1943) and Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924).
On 8 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Cartago, Empire Harbour and Empire Planet while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Malta; Cape Brenton, Cochrane, Thomas F. Cunningham and the Empire Titania. The Nada also parted company with the convoy.
On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Abbazia, Beaconsfield, Betty Zane, Clausina, Daniel H. Hill, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Candia, Empire Copperfied, Fort Bourbon, Fort Dauphin, Fort Jasper, Fort Michipicoten, Furnifold M. Simmons, George E. Hale, Henry L. Benning, John B. Gordon, John Murray Forbes, John S. Casement, Joseph Alston, Josiah Bartlett, Kola, Lawrence J. Brengle, Norman Monarch, Ocean Glory, Samconon, Samcrest, Sarah Orne Jewett, Simon Willard, Solomon Juneau, Thistlemuir and William M. Eastland while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lord (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).
On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Caduceus, Empire Lionel, Fort Astoria, Fort Meductic, Kepong, Kindat, Lagarto and Lech. Ocean Liberty
All escorts except HrMs Friso also proceeded to Alexandria.
The remaining ships of the convoy arrived at Port Said on the 14th escorted by HrMs Friso.
20 Jul 1944
Convoy SL 165.
This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1944.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 194), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Fort Sakisdac (British, 7160 GRT, built 1943), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918) and Taranaki (British, 10534 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR). Around 0700Z/23, in position 14°29'N, 18°05'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launch HMML 244 which then returned to Dakar at 0745Z/23 taking the merchant vessels Biafra and John Laurance with her.
The merchant vessel Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919) was also to have joined with the Dakar section but she was delayed and joined later at sea, around 1600Z/23 in position 15°27'N, 18°00'W.
Around 0800Z/23, the Bathurst section of the convoy joined in position 14°36'N, 18°05'W. This was made up of the fleet tenders HM FT 1 and HM FT 10. HM FT 9 was also to have joined but she was unable to leave Bathust while HM FT 4 did leave but had to return with engine defects. HM FT 1 and HM FT 10 were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel HMS Kilchatten (T/Lt. D.M. Edwards, DSC, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to proceed to Freetown.
On the 25th, HM FT 10 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.
On the 28th, HM FT 1 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.
At 1015Z/30, in position 31°41'N, 12°03'W, the Cap Cantin was detached to proceed unescorted to Casablanca due to a medical problem on board. She arrived at Casablanca the following day.
Around 0900Z/31, in position 34°24'N, 11°09'W, the Medie II was detached to Casablanca where she arrived on 1 August escorted by the the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel Le Ruse. These escorts had brought out the merchant vessel Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930) with them which joined the convoy at the same time the Medie II had been detached.
At 1401Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmartin was detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 1 August 1944.
At 1418Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmarnock parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the Brigthon with her. They arrived at Gibraltar on 1 August 1944.
Also around this time (1400Z/31), convoy MKS 56 joined in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W coming from the Mediterranean. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Wycliff (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), Samana (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).
The auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN), escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) and rescue vessel Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) were also part of convoy MKS 56 and joined the convoy.
The escort of convoy MKS 56 was made up of the destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?) they all joined the now combined convoy SL 165 / MKS 56.
At 1420Z/31, after the convoys had merged HMS Leith parted company in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, to proceed to Gibraltar independently. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1630Z/1.
Around 1900Z/31, in position 35°13'N, 11°34'W, the escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. A.N.C. Bingley, OBE, RN) having detached earlier that day from the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) and HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR). On joining convoy SL 165 / MKS 56, HMS Biter then fuelled both frigates before they parted company to rejoin the combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.
During 2/3 August 1944, all escorts except HMS Gardiner fuelled from the San Tirso.
Around 2130Z/5, in position 48°14'N, 18°32'W, the San Triso was detached to join the southbound combined convoy OS 85 / KMS 59. The frigate HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) had come from that convoy to escort the oiler.
Around 0535Z/3, in position 39°50'N, 18°28'W, two merchant ships joined coming from the Azores, these were the; Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937) and Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which did not join the convoy but returned to the Azores.
Also on the 6th, HMS Gardiner was fuelled by HMS Biter.
Around 1700Z/6, a fast section was formed and parted company with the convoy in position 50°40'N, 17°40'W to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. The fast section was made up of six merchant vessels which were the following; Amstelkerk, David Livingstone, Nigerstroom, Stuyvesant, Taranaki and Troubadour. They were escorted by HMS Biter, HMS Cotton, HMS Flint Castle and HMS Rushen Castle.
The fast section of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8 August 1944.
The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 August 1944. (1)
22 Dec 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR) and HMS Antigua (A/Lt.Cdr. E.L. Donkin, RNR). (2)
7 May 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN) and HMS Antigua (A/Lt.Cdr. E.L. Donkin, RNR) served as targets. (3)
Sources
- ADM 199/319
- ADM 173/19365
- ADM 173/19532
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.