Allied Warships

HMS Aurania (F 28)

Armed Merchant Cruiser


Photo courtesy of State Library of New South Wales

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeArmed Merchant Cruiser
Class[No specific class] 
PennantF 28 
Built bySwan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd. (Wallsend-on-Tyne, U.K.) 
Ordered 
Laid down 
Launched6 Feb 1924 
Commissioned2 Oct 1939 
End service20 Oct 1942 
History

On 30 August 1939 the passenger ship Aurania of the Cunard White Star Ltd, Liverpool was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an armed merchant cruiser. Conversion was completed on 2 October 1939.

Displacement: 13984 BRT
Armament: 8x 152mm, 2x 76mm
Speed: 15 knots

Career:
October 39 - April 40: Northern Patrol
May 40: Halifax Escort Force
June 40 - April 41: Bermuda and Halifax Escort Force
May 41 - October 41: North Atlantic Escort Force
November 41 - March 42: Plymouth Command

On 24 March 1942 sold to the Admiralty because of the damage sustaned in the attack by U-123, laid up for some time, converted to a repair ship finished in 1944 and commissioned as HMS Artifex

In January 1961 she was scrapped at La Spezia, Italy.

 

Hit by U-boat
Damaged on 21 Oct 1941 by U-123 (Hardegen).

U-boat AttackSee our U-boat attack entry for the HMS Aurania

Commands listed for HMS Aurania (F 28)

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.

CommanderFromTo
1Capt. Harry William Cuthbert Hughes, DSO, RN28 Sep 193915 Jan 1940
2A/Capt. Ivan Walter Whitehorn, RN15 Jan 1940Mar 1942

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Notable events involving Aurania include:


27 May 1940

Convoy BHX 46

This convoy departed Bermuda on 27 May 1940.

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

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

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

28 May 1940

Convoy HX 46.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 May 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 52.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 June 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The remaining merchant vessels proceeded to Liverpool.

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

18 Jul 1940

Convoy BHX 59.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 18 July 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 62.

This convoy departed Halifax on 31 July 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 68.

This convoy departed Halifax on 24 August 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Dec 1940

Convoy HX 93

This convoy departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 3 December 1940 and arrived at Liverpool on 18 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Bello (Norwegian (tanker), 6125 GRT, built 1930), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Salabangka (Dutch, 6586 GRT, built 1920) and Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917).

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

A/S escort in the local approaches was provided until /4 by the destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. L.W. Murray, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR) and HMCS Husky (T/Lt. H. Freeland, RCNR).

On 4 December the Bello was ordered to return to Halifax as she could not keep up with the convoy.

On 5 December convoy SHX 93, coming from Sydney, Nova Scotia which it had departed on 4 December, merged with convoy HX 93. Convoy SHX 93 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Eleni (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Rupert de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1930), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).

These ships had no escort.

On 7 December the convoy BHX 93, coming from Bermuda which it had departed on 1 December, merged with convoy HX 93. Convoy BHX 93 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), Derrymore (British, 4799 GRT, built 1938), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dunkeld (British, 4944 GRT, built 1937), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1937), La Paz (British, 6548 GRT, built 1920), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Lulworth Hill (British, 7628 GRT, built 1940), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Mahronda (British, 7926 GRT, built 1925), Queen Victoria (British, 4937 GRT, built 1936), Tasmania (British, 6405 GRT, built 1935), Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930), Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922) and Tuscan Star (British, 11449 GRT, built 1930).

Convoy BHX had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN). This ship parted company after the convoy had merged.

On 8 December 1940 the merchant vessel Anthea collided with the Dutch merchant vessel Maasdam (8812 GRT, built 1921) in position 48°44'N, 46°37'W and sank as a result of the colission. At that time the Anthea had straggled from the convoy in the bad visibility.

On 11 December the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) took over the escort of the convoy from HMS Ausonia. HMS Rodney was detached on the 13th after the destroyers HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) had arrived from Scapa Flow to escort her back to Scap Flow.

Also on the 13th the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN) and corvettes HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) and HMS Picotee ( Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) joined on the 13th. HMS Achates and HMS Heather were detached on the 16th. The A/S trawlers HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. P.H. Potter, RNR) and HMS Norwich City (Ch.Skr. P. Newman, RNR) also joined later.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 18 December.

7 Feb 1941

Convoy BHX 108.

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

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

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

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

6 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 119

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1941 in two sections, convoy HX 119A and convoy HX 119B. They merged in the morning of April 13th.

Convoy HX 119A was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1922), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Bra-Kar (Norwegian, 3778 GRT, built 1928), British Consul (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Brittany (British, 4772 GRT, built 1928), Ceronia (British (tanker), 4955 GRT, built 1929), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Curacao (British, 8269 GRT, built 1930), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Kentar (British, 5878 GRT, built 1920), Lista (British, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Lobos (British, 6479 GRT, built 1921), Mangkalihat (Dutch, 8457 GRT, built 1928), Mount Helmos (Greek, 6481 GRT, built 1923), Oscilla (Dutch (tanker), 6341 GRT, built 1939), Port Auckland (British, 8789 GRT, built 1922), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Reaveley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937), Tucurinca (British, 5412 GRT, built 1926) and West Totant (British, 5628 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119A was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

The convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) around 0900Q/8.

Around 1400P/11, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

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Convoy HX 119B was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alphacca (British, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Barberrys (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Braddock (British, 6619 GRT, built 1919), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Glaiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), Leerdam (Dutch, 8815 GRT, built 1921), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mercier (Belgian, 7556 GRT, built 1915), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Soekaboemi (Dutch, 7051 GRT, built 1923), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) and Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119B was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

Around 0900P/13, Convoy HX 119B merged with convoy HX 119A.

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At 1215Z/14, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN).

At 1210Z/15, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Aurania and HMS Montclare parted company with convoy HX 119 (now combined).

At 1815Z/15, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy. Followed during the night of 15/16 April by the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN).

At 2130Z/16, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy to proceed to Hvalfjord.

On the 17th, destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the convoy.

On the 18th, destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th, corvette HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy

On the 20th, HMS Havelock, HMS Hurricane, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Saguenay parted company with the convoy.

On the 21st, HMS Viscount and corvette HMS Freesia parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 22 April.

11 Jun 1941

Convoy OB 334.

This convoy departed the U.K. on 11 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Barberrys (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Baron Carnegie (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Bic Island (British, 4000 GRT, built 1917), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Faith (British, 6955 GRT, built 1928), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1930), Clan Macilwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Clan Macwhirter (British, 5941 GRT, built 1918), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Empire Crossbill (British, 5463 GRT, built 1919), Empire Waterhen (British, 6004 GRT, built 1920), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Luxor (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1930), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Nova (Norwegian, 1382 GRT, built 1925), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Trident (British, 4317 GRT, built 1917), Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913), Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928) and Vardefjell (Norwegian (tanker), GRT, built 1940).

The merchant vessel Baron Carnegie which had departed Avonmouth, was sunk on 11 June 1941 by German torpedo aircraft off St. David's Head in position 51°55'N, 05°34'W.

On leaving UK waters the convoy was escorted by escorted by the destroyer HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), corvettes HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR), HMS Orchis (T/Lt. H. Vernon, RNR), HMS Polyanthus (Lt. A. Hague, RNR), minesweepers HMS Seagull ( Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN), HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR), HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR) and HMS St. Loman (T/Lt. R.C. Warwick, RNR). Catapult ship HMS Maplin (A/Cdr. J.O. Davies, RNR) was also with the convoy. HMS Beagle, HMS Gladiolus, HMS Orchis, HMS Nigella, HMS Polyanthus, HMS Seagull, HMS Sharpshooter, HMS Ayrshire, HMS Lady Madeleine, HMS St. Loman and HMS Maplin were detached on the 17th after having been relieved by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN), destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR) and HMCS Spikenard (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR). Destroyer HMS Chesterfield (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) was briefly (between 1720N/19 and 2120N/19) with the convoy on the 19th, she rejoined the convoy at 0755O/20, after having reported the position of the convoy by W/T.

Battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) and the armed merchant cruisers HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) and HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) joined the convoy in the late afternoon / early evening of the 20th.

Around 1500P/24, HMS Revenge, HMS Bulolo and HMS California parted company with the convoy in position 45°29'N, 55°24'W to proceed directly to Halifax.

Around 1700P/24, HMS Burnham, HMS Chesterfield and HMS Churchill parted company with the convoy in position 45°29'N, 56°21'W to proceed to St. Johns.

Around 0400P/25, the convoy was dispersed although several ships had already been detached while en-route. HMS Aurania, HMS Dianthus and HMCS Spikenard continued on the Halifax with only three ships destined for there.

Sources

  1. ADM 53/111481 + ADM 53/111482 + ADM 199/49 + ADM 199/54
  2. ADM 53/111481 + ADM 53/111482 + ADM 199/49 + ADM 199/53
  3. ADM 53/111487 + ADM 53/111488 + ADM 199/49 + ADM 199/50
  4. ADM 53/111488 + ADM 199/54
  5. ADM 53/111488 + ADM 53/111489 + ADM 199/49 + ADM 199/51 + ADM 199/2210
  6. ADM 53/111489 + ADM 53/111490 + ADM 199/50 + ADM 199/51

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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