| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Sloop |
| Class | Shoreham |
| Pennant | L 50 / U 50 |
| Built by | Chatham Dockyard (Chatham, U.K.): J.S. White & Co. (Cowes, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 15 Mar 1930 |
| Laid down | 24 Nov 1930 |
| Launched | 16 Jul 1931 |
| Commissioned | 31 Mar 1932 |
| End service | |
| History | Sold on 6 January 1951. |
Commands listed for HMS Rochester (L 50 / U 50)
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 | Cdr. George Fisher Renwick, RN | 20 Jun 1939 | 16 Jan 1941 |
| 2 | Lt.Cdr. Conway Benning Allen, RN | 16 Jan 1941 | Oct 1942 |
| 3 | Cdr. Hugh Valentine King, OBE, RN | Oct 1942 | mid 1944 |
| 4 | Lt. John Hilton Divitte Northcote, RNR | mid 1944 | 15 May 1944 |
| 5 | A/Cdr. John Valentine Waterhouse, DSO, RN | 15 May 1944 | Jun 1944 |
| 6 | Lt.Cdr. William Alick Grinham, RNVR | Jun 1944 | late 1944 |
| 7 | Lt. John Hilton Divitte Northcote, RNR | late 1944 | 5 Mar 1945 |
| 8 | Cdr. (retired) Felix Edward Chevallier, DSC, RN | 5 Mar 1945 | 27 Oct 1946 |
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Notable events involving Rochester include:
25 Sep 1939
Around 0800 hours (zone -4.5), HMS Manchester (Capt. H.H. Bousfield, RN) and the ships of convoy K 4 (see the event for HMS Manchester for 23 September 1939) were joined in appoximate position 18°30'N, 63°06'E by HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and two more merchant ships; Indora (6622 GRT, built 1938), Rohna (8602 GRT, built 1926). (1)
13 Jan 1940
HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN) departed Freetown for Portsmouth. She was part of the ocean escort of convoy SL 16F together with Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Cheshire (Capt. (Retd.) M.R. Bernard, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN) and HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN).
Besides the escort the convoy was made up of 12 British merchant ships; Adda (7816 GRT, built 1922), Anselm (5954 GRT, built 1935), Baronesa (8663 GRT, built 1918), City of Nagpur (10146 GRT, built 1922), Cordillera (6865 GRT, built 1920), Cumberland (10939 GRT, built 1919), Mahia (10014 GRT, built 1917), Mary Slessor (5027 GRT, built 1930), Orari (10350 GRT, built 1931), Port Sydney (9129 GRT, built 1914), Raranga (10043 GRT, built 1916) and Scientist (6198 GRT, built 1938).
The destroyers departed the convoy on the 20th and then proceeded to Gibraltar. On the 24th the destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN) and sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) took over the escort from the HMS Cheshire and HMS Severn which then proceeded to Plymouth and Portsmouth respectively where they both arrived on the 26th. (2)
16 Jan 1940
Convoy SL 17.
This convoy departed Freetown on 16 January 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1932), Hawnby (British, 5380 GRT, built 1936), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), Loch Ranza (British, 4958 GRT, built 1934), Marconi (British, 7402 GRT, built 1917), Oswerty Grange (British, 4684 GRT, built 1935), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Salvus (British, 4815 GRT, built 1928), Stonepool (British, 4803 GRT, built 1928) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929).
Escort was provided on leaving Freetown by the destroyer HMS Dainty (Cdr. F.M. Walton, RN).
Around 0800Z/18, near Dakar, in position 11°24'N, 17°58'W, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) joined. HMS Dainty then left the convoy.
Also on the 18th, the merchant vessel Northmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928) overtook and joined the convoy. She had arrived at Freetown as the convoy was forming up sailing later to overtake and join at sea.
Around 1730N/22, in position 25°31'N, 19°53'W, the Hawnby parted company with the convoy due to engine defects. She arrived at Gibraltar on 30 January 1940.
Around 1530N/31, in position 46°18'N, 13°04'W, the convoy merged with convoy SLF 17. HMS Carnarvon Castle then parted company to proceed to Belfast independently.
Convoy SLF 17 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Apapa (British, 9332 GRT, built 1927), City of Canberra (British, 7484 GRT, built 1927), Duquesa (British, 8651 GRT, built 1918) and Sangara (British, 4174 GRT, built 1939).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Jervis Bay (Capt.(Retd.) A.G. Harris, RN) which now became the only escort of the combined convoy after HMS Carnarvon Castle had left.
Around 2200N/1, HMS Jervis Bay parted company to return to Freetown.
On 2 February the convoy was split into the Irish Sea and Channel sections.
Around 1430N/2, in position 49°48'N, 07°00'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined the Irish Sea section of the convoy.
Around 1530N/2, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) also joined the Irish Sea section of the convoy but at 1730N/2 she was detached to proceed to Liverpool.
The destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN) joined the Channel section.
HMS Viscount arrived at Plymouth from this escort duty on 3 February. On 4 February HMS Wren arrived at Dover.
Most ships of the convoy arrived at their destinations on 4 February 1940. (3)
31 Jan 1940
Convoy HX 18.
This convoy departed Halifax on 31 January 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Cefn Y Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Glenmoor (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Gretafield (British (tanker), 10191 GRT, built 1928), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Langleeford (British, 4622 GRT, built 1925), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sea Glory (British, 1964 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Telena (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Trontolite (British (tanker), 7115 GRT, built 1918), Ullapool (British, 4891 GRT, built 1927), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928), White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928), William Blumer (Norwegian, 3604 GRT, built 1920) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).
Around 1730Q/1, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena were detached to return to Halifax.
On 3/4 February 1940 a lot of merchant ships lost touch with the convoy in bad visibility, these were the following vessels: Aliakmon (arrived at Liverpool on 14 February), Boltonhall (arrived in the Downs on 15 (?) February), British Prince (arrived in the Downs on 15 (?) February), Canadian (arrived at Le Havre on 17 February), Cefn Y Bryn (arrived in the Downs on 14 (?) February), Conus (arrived at Scapa Flow on 14 February), Dalcairn (arrived in the Downs on 14 (?) February), Geddington Court (arrived in the Downs on 16 (?) February), Gretafield (torpedoed and sunk on 14 February by the German submarine U-57 off Noss Head), Harmonic (arrived at Plymouth on 14 February), Hindpool (arrived in the Downs on 16 February) Langleeford (torpedoed and sunk on 14 February by the German submarine U-26 north-west of Fastnet Rock, Ireland), Leiesten (arrived at Greenock on 16 February), Parthenia (arrived at Glasgow on 14 February), Rio Blanco (arrived at Belfast on 15 February), Sea Glory (arrived at Bristol on 16 February), Sire (arrived at Newport on 16 February), Taygetos (arrived at Belfast on 15 February), Trewellard (arrived at Leith on 15 February), Trontolite (arrived at Pauilliac, France on 17 February), White Crest (arrived at Plymouth on 14 February), Yarraville (arrived at Le Havre on 19 February). These ships never rejoined the convoy. More ships had lost contact but these all managed to rejoin later.
At midnight during the night of 8 / 9 February 1940, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy then continued on unescorted until the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) and sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined around 1700Z/13 in position 50°40'N, 14°12'W. Apparently the sloop HMS Wellington (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) also joined the convoy.
Around 1000Z/14, the convoy split into two sections.
The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of 11 merchant vessels; Cerinthus (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Clearpool (arrived at Newport on 16 February), Daytonian (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Glenmoor (arrived at Ardrossan on 19 February), Lustrous (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Quebec City (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Telena (arrived in the Clyde on 17 February), Toronto City (arrived at Swansea on 15 February), Ullapool (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February) and William Blumer (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February) [No idea on the identity of the remaining 11th merchant vessel]. They were escorted by HMS Winchelsea (arrived at Liverpool on 15 February) and HMS Rochester (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February).
The Channel / East coast section was made up of 13 merchant vessels; Athelking (arrived at Le Havre on 16 February), Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Caithness (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Dromus (arrived at on February), F.J. Wolfe (arrived at Plymouth on 15 February), Hopecastle (arrived at Plymouth on 15 February), Mataroa (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Ross (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Sheaf Holme (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Starstone (arrived in the Downs on 16 February) and Vancolite (arrived at Le Havre on 21(?) February). [No idea on the identity of the remaining two merchant vessels]. They were escorted by, most likely, HMS Wellington which arrived at Plymouth on 15 February. (4)
16 Feb 1940
Convoy HX 20.
This convoy departed Halifax on 16 February 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anglo-Canadian (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Athelempress (British (tanker), 8941 GRT, built 1930), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), British Corporal (British, 6972 GRT, built 1922), Bullmouth (British (tanker), 7519 GRT, built 1929), C.F. Liljevalch (Swedish, 5492 GRT, built 1920), Calafatis (Greece, 4731 GRT, built 1917), Calliope (Panamanian (tanker), 8744 GRT, built 1926), Caspia (British (tanker), 6018 GRT, built 1928), Castlemoor (British, 6574 GRT, built 1922), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Criton (French, 4564 GRT, built 1927), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Csiskos (Hungarian, 3931 GRT, built 1913), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Evgenia Chandris (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920), Fort Medine (French, 5261 GRT, built 1919), Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Harlesden (British, 5483 GRT, built 1932), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hjelmaren (Swedish, 2467 GRT, built 1922), Holmbury (British, 4566 GRT, built 1925), Ilissos (Greek, 4724 GRT, built 1915), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Ioannis Chandris (Greek, 6094 GRT, built 1938), King City (British, 4744 GRT, built 1928), Leda (Panamanian, 8932 GRT, built 1925), Lerwick (British, 5626 GRT, built 1938), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Monique (French (tanker) 7011 GRT, built 1922), Neion (Greek, 5241 GRT, built 1918), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Ringulv (Norwegian, 5153 GRT, built 1903), Riverton (British, 5378 GRT, built 1928), Rosewood (British (tanker), 5989 GRT, built 1931), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924), Shirvan (British (tanker), 6017 GRT, built 1925), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Thyra (Swedish, 1796 GRT, built 1925), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Treverbyn (British, 5281 GRT, built 1920), Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Waynegate (British, 4260 GRT, built 1931), Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936) and Wirta (Finnish, 4013 GRT, built 1909).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).
Around 1800Q/17, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.
During the passage weather conditions were not good and ships straggled from the convoy almost on a daily basis but most of them were able to rejoin later.
[It is not clear from the reports which ships were not present with the convoy when the local escort joined on 29 February. The report of HMS Enterprise states that 33 ships were with the convoy and that 6 had been absent already more then one week.]
Around 1100Z/29, the destroyers HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and sloops HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined. HMS Enterprise then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Portsmouth.
Around 0900Z/1, the convoy split into the Irish Sea / West coast section and the Channel / East coast section.
The Irish Sea / West coast section was escorted by HMS Volunteer (arrived at Liverpool on 3 March) and HMS Rochester (arrived at Liverpool on 4 March).
The Channel / East coast section was escorted by HMS Witch (arrived at Plymouth on 3 March) and HMS Fowey (arrived at Dover on 5 March). (5)
27 Feb 1940
Convoy SL 22.
This convoy departed Freetown on 24 January 1940.
It was made up of the following transports; Alfred Jones (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Anglo Saxon (British, 5596 GRT, built 1929), Bruyère (British, 5335 GRT, built 1919), Dunstan (British, 5149 GRT, built 1925), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Harpalion (British, 5486 GRT, built 1932), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Mabriton (British, 6694 GRT, built 1920), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and West Wales (British, 4353 GRT, built 1925).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).
Around 1030Z/11, convoy SLF 22, made up of the transports Buteshire (British, 6590 GRT, built 1912), Canonesa (British, 8286 GRT, built 1920), Corrientes (British, 6863 GRT, built 1920), Devon (British, 9036 GRT, built 1915), Idomeneus (British, 7792 GRT, built 1926), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919) and Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919) merged with convoy SL 22. Also the escort of convoy SLF 22, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) joined.
Around 1107Z/11, HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy.
Around 0700N/12, HMS Mooltan turned over the convoy to the local escort made up of the sloop Rochester and the destroyer HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) and the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN).
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 15 March 1940.
6 Apr 1940
Convoy HX 33.
This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Allende (British, 5108 GRT, built 1928), Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), Brockley Hill (British, 5287 GRT, built 1918), Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Coimbra (British (tanker), 6768 GRT, built 1937), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Elmbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Lumen (British (tanker), 6500 GRT, built 1925), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Sheaf Mead (British, 5008 GRT, built 1924), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Tennessean (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919) and Venetia (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and the submarine Bévéziers (Lt.Cdr. H. Nicolau).
HMCS Restigouche parted company with the convoy later on the 6th to return to Halifax.
HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Skeena were ordered to part company with the convoy at 1800Q/7 and then return to Halifax.
At dawn on the 15th it was seen that the Bévéziers was no longer with the convoy apparently having lost contact during the night. She arrived safely at Brest in the morning of 20 April.
Shortly before noon on the 15th, in position 49°06'N, 26°03'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.
At 0615A/18, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.
Around 1600A/18, the convoy was split into two sections.
The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Allende (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Atlantic (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Barrgrove (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), British Ardour (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Brockley Hill (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Chelea (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Clearpool (arrived at Cardiff on 21 April), Dakotian (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Dalcross (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Dan-Y-Bryn (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Italia (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 April), Regent Lion (arrived at Swansea on 20 April), San Adolfo (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Sheaf Mead (arrived at Swansea on 20 April) and Tennessean (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 20 April.
At 0614A/20, HMS Rochester signalled the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool that she was holding a stationary target in position 343° - Great Ormes Head - 15 nautical miles. Large patches of oil were seen on the surface. She asked whether this had already been reported, before attacking. At 0755A/20, the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool signalled to HMS Rochester that the contact was a new one at that she should attack. HMS Rochester then carried out two attacks but the contact was later classified as non-sub.
The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashby (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Milford Haven where she arrived on 23 April), Beaverbrae (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), Botavon (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Boulderpool (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Avonmouth where she arrived on 23 April), Brookwood (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), City of Karachi (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Coimbra (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Elmbank (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Karamea (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), King Lud (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Langleebrook (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Lumen (arrived at Le Havre on 22 April), Miralda (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Southampton where she arrived on 22 April), Pacific President (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Holyhead where she arrived on 23 April), San Cirilo (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Scottish Heather (arrived at Southampton on 21 April), Scottish Prince (arrived at Dunkirk on 22 April), Spondilus (arrived in the Downs on 22 April) and Venetia (arrived at Southampton on 21 April). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) which must thus have joined by he time the convoy split up. HMS Whitehall arrived at Dover on 22 April. (6)
14 Apr 1940
Convoy HX 35.
This convoy departed Halifax on 14 April 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 193), Craftsman (British, 7896 GRT, built 1922), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), Eli Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9026 GRT, built 1925), Elmdene (British, 4853 GRT, built 1939), Ferm (Norwegian (tanker), 6593 GRT, built 1933), Fresno City (British, 4955 GRT, built 1929), General Gassouin (French (tanker), 5011 GRT, built 1926), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), I.C. White (Panamanian (tanker), 7052 GRT, built 1920), Ile d'Ouessant (French, 6187 GRT, built 1919), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Kongsgaard (Norwegian (tanker), 9467 GRT, built 1937), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Polar Chief (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1897), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937), Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), Rio Dorado (British, 4507 GRT, built 1924), Scottish Minstrel (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1922), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Saint-Malo (French, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Texas Trader (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Thyra (Norwegian, 1655 GRT, built 1920), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).
Around 1700Q/15, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 0700Q/16, the merchant vessel Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928) overtook and joined the convoy. She had departed late from Halifax on the day the convoy sailed.
On 19 April, in approximate position 42°20'N, 43°00'W, the Texas Trader straggled from the convoy being finally unable to keep up with it after struggling to do so since 15 April. She arrived independently at Portland on 29 April.
During the night of 22/23 April, the Athelqueen (arrived at Liverpool, ahead of the convoy, on 28 April) and Thyra straggled from the convoy in approximate position 47°00'N, 30°00'W. The Thyra was able to rejoin the convoy around 2115A/26 in position 50°22'N, 13°09'W.
Around 0945A/26, in position 50°24'N, 15°48'W, HMS Laconia parted company to return to Halifax. The sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy shortly before.
Later the convoy split into two sections.
The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels. Athelduchess (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Athelfoam (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), British General (arrived in the Clyde on 29 April), Cowrie (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Craftsman (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Dunaff Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 April), Eli Knudsen (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Glaisdale (arrived in the Clyde on 29 April), John A. Brown (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 April), Leiesten (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April), Rio Dorado (arrived at Belfast on 29 April), Temple Arch (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April) and Thyra (arrived at Liverpool on 29 April). They were, most likely [unable to confirm this from the available records on this convoy], escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) which arrived at Liverpool on 29 April. The destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN) also arrived at Liverpool on 29 April and may also have been escorting this section of the convoy [again we are unable to confirm this from the available records on this convoy].
The Channel / east coast section of the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Caduceus (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Cairnesk (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), D.L. Harper (arrived at Southampton on 29 April), Danby (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Elax (arrived at Le Havre on 29 April), Elmdene (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Ferm (arrived at Le Havre on 29 April), Fresno City (arrived at Portland on 28 April), General Gassouin (destination was La Pallice, France, arrival date not known), I.C. White (arrived at Le Havre on 30 April), Ile d'Ouessant (destination was La Havre, France, arrival date not known), Kongsgaard (arrived at Dunkirk on 1 May), Polar Chief (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Queen Anne (arrived at Portland on 28 April), Rhea (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 29 April), Rimutaka (arrived in the Downs on 29 April), Scottish Minstrel (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 29 April), South Wales (arrived at Portland on 28 April), Saint-Malo (destination was Bordeaux, France, arrival date not known), Torinia (arrived in the Downs on 29 April) and Valldemosa (arrived in the Downs on 29 April). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which arrived at Dover on 29 April. (7)
12 May 1940
Convoy HX 42.
This convoy departed Halifax on 12 May 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bencleugh (British, 5755 GRT, built 1919), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cygnet (Panamanian, 3530 GRT, built 1917), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 192), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Empire Unity (British (tanker), 6369 GRT, built 1927), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Peterton (British, 5221 GRT, built 1919), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Stylianos Chandris (Greek, 6059 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).
Around 1745Q/13, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 0800P/14, the merchant vessel Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) overtook and joined the convoy. She had sailed from Halifax late. [The position given in the Commodore's report can not be correct.]
On 18 May, in position 42°57'N, 39°30'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 42) joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Brandanger (Norwegian, 4624 GRT, built 1924), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Davisian (British, 6433 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Ranger (British, 6865 GRT, built 1929), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), Sticklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).
Around 1845Z/24, in position 50°15'N, 13°11'W, HMS Laconia parted company. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.
Around 2100A/24, in position 50°14'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined.
Around 2400A/24, in position 50°12'N, 12°23'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.
Around 1030A/25, in position 50°04'N, 10°09'W, the convoy was split into two sections.
The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adellen (arrived at Scapa Flow on 30 May), British Resource (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Cygnet (arrived at Sharpness on ?? May), Demeterton (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Kumasian (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Llanover (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Norwegian (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Pacific Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Scottish Star (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Strategist (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Stylianos Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Uganda (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Vancouver (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 27 May.
The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Atheltemplar (arrived at Southampton on 27 May), Beaverdale (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Bencleuch (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Brandanger (arrived at Falmouth on 26 May), Brant County (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Calgarolite (arrived at Brest on 26 May), City of Christiania (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Davila (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Davisian (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Eleni (arrived at Bordeaux on 28 May), Empire Unity (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Inversuir (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), King Arthur (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Lindenhall (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Pacific Ranger (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Peterton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Petter (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Pomella (arrived at Le Verdon on 28 May), Rapana (arrived at Le Verdon on 27 May), San Ambrosio (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scherazade (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scottish Trader (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Stiklestad (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Voco (arrived in the Downs on 28 May) and Windsorwood (arrived in the Downs on 28 May). They were escorted by HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Dover on 28 May. (8)
20 May 1940
Convoy HX 44.
This convoy departed Halifax on 20 May 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Hollinside (British, 4172 GRT, built 1930), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Mahronda (British, 7926 GRT, built 1925), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), San Fabian (British (tanker), 13031 GRT, built 1922), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929) and Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).
Around 1800Q/21, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.
On 24 May, the Stanwell straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 5 June. Around 0830P/25, convoy BHX 44 joined convoy HX 44. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Arakaka (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Charles Racine (Norwegian (tanker), 9957 GRT, built 1937), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), H.H. Rogers (Panamanian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935) and San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939).
On 25 May, the Blairesk and Blairmore straggled from the convoy. They arrived at Falmouth on 2 June and in the Downs on 4 June respectively.
On 26 May, the Olev straggled from the convoy. She arrived at Liverpool (for Warrington) on 4 June.
Around 1230ON/30, 49°34'N, 21°20'W, HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 1830A/31, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1315A/1, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1830A/1, the convoy was split into two sections.
The Irish sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arakaka (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Beckenham (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Charles Racine (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Cordelia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Corner Brook (arrived at Dublin on 3 June), Dramatist (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Goldmouth (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 9 June, via ???), Langleetarn (arrived at Swansea on 3 June), Llanishen (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Newfoundland (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Norman Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Polarsol (arrived in Barry Roads on 3 June, to Avonmouth on 6 June), San Arcadio (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June (?) for Ardrossan where she arrived on 5 June), San Ernesto (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June), San Fabian (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June) and San Gerardo (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 3 June.
The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Acavus (arrived in the Gironde on 4 June), Baron Yarborough (re-directed and arrived at Liverpool on 5 June), Europe (arrived at Bordeaux on 6 June), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 5 June), Grainton (re-directed and arrived at Belfast on 5 June), H.H. Rogers (destination was Brest, arrival date not known), Hollinside (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Mahronda (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Malayan Prince (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Nailsea Moor (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Pontfield (arrived at Southampton on 6 June) and Port Melbourne (arrived at Plymouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which arrived at Plymouth on 3 June following an A/S hunt. (9)
2 Jun 1940
At 0658A/2, Land's End Radio reported that the unescorted merchant vessel Polycarp (British, 3577 GRT, built 1918) was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine earlier that day and that the crew had been picked up in position 49°32'N, 05°35'W by the merchant vessel Espiguette (French, 1095 GRT, built 1921).
In a signal timed 0727A/2, the C-in-C, Western Approaches, ordered the sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) (which was escorting convoy HX 44B, the Irish Sea / west coast section of convoy HX 44) and the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) (which was escorting convoy SL 32) to hunt the enemy submarine. [This was U-101].
In a signal timed 0842A/2, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) (which was escorting convoy HX 44A, the Channel / east coast section of convoy HX 44) was ordered to join the hunt.
In a signal timed 1801A/2, HMS Enchantress reported that she and HMS Aberdeen had searched the area without result. [U-101 reported no contact with any A/S vessels on this day.]
At 1230A/2, HMS Rochester reported sighting a surfaced submarine in position 51°36'N, 06°05'W. [No Allied or German submarine was however in this position as far as we have been able to find out.] (10)
7 Jul 1940
Convoy HX 56.
This convoy departed Halifax on 7 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Eastern Trader (British, 5620 GRT, built 1920), Europa (British, 10224 GRT, built 1931), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Forbes Hauptman (British, 5834 GRT, built 1919), Granby (British, 2051 GRT, built 1922), Gunborg (Swedish, 1572 GRT, built 1930), Inger Toft (British (former German), 2190 GRT, built 1920), Kelet (Hungarian, 4263 GRT, built 1913), King Robert (British, 5880 GRT, built 1920), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Shirak (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1926), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Thyra (Norwegian, 1655 GRT, built 1920), Tricula (British (tanker), 6221 GRT, built 1936), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929) and Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Comorin (Capt.(Retd.) J.I. Hallett, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).
Both Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy the following day to return to Halifax.
Around 2100Q/7, in position 43°43'N, 62°53'W, the Granby fell our of the convoy with engine trouble. She went back to Halifax where she arrived on 8 July.
Around 0800Q/8, in position 43°29'N, 60°38'W, the Kelet fell out of the convoy being unable to keep up. Her destination was Port Talbot.
Around 0500Z/19, in position 56°55'N, 16°50'W, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) and corvette HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR).
Around 2000Z/19, in position 56°30'N, 13°44'W, the merchant vessel Western Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. She had departed New York on 12 July for an independent passage to the U.K.
Around 1830A/20, in position 56°06'N, 08°25'W, the convoy split up.
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Convoy HX 56A was destined for Methil and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ahamo (detached to Scapa Flow on 22 July), Bayano, Beechwood, Brynymor, Celtic Monarch, Donacilla, Flowergate, Hopepeak, Inger Toft, Iroquois, King Robert, Kirnwood, Lake Halwill, Uffington Court and Warkworth.
HMS Comorin also proceeded with this convoy as she was to refit at Newcastle on Tyne where she arrived on 23 July.
This section of the convoy arrived at Methill on 23 July escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Rosyth later the same day.
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Convoy HX 56B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Atheltemplar (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Auris (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Barrgrove (arrived in Barry Roads on 23 July), Beemsterdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Ardour (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Courage (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Bruxelles (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Craftsman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Dalcairn (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 July), Dosinia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Eastern Trader (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Empire Confidence (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Everleigh (arrived at Manchester on 23 July), Forbes Hauptman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Gunborg (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 22 July), Montreal City (arrived at Milford Haven on 23 July), Pacific Grove (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Port Wellington (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Queen City (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Rancher (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Shirak (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Speybank (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Storaas (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Thyra (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Tricula (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July) and Western Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). This section was escorted by HMS Warwick (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), HMS Leith (arrived at Belfast on 21 July) and HMS Heartsease (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). (11)
16 Jul 1940
Convoy SL 40.
This convoy departed Freetown on 16 July 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), Celtic Star (British, 5575 GRT, built 1918), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Dayrose (British, 4113 GRT, built 1928), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kirriemoor (Brititsh, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Adelaide (British, 8422 GRT, built 1919), Port Denison (British, 10334 GRT, built 1918), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Rydboholm (Swedish, 3197 GRT, built 1933), Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Winsum (Dutch, 3224 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN).
On 17 July, the Dayrose dropped astern being unable to keep up due to a foul bottom. She was last seen in position 10°39'N, 17°20'W.
The Pindos had great difficulty keeping up with the convoy since departure from Freetown. She complained of bad coal as being the reason of this. She was last seen on 18 July 12 miles astern of the convoy in position 09°25'N, 17°20'W. The Pindos was sunk on 4 August 1940 by the German submarine U-58 in position 55°22'N, 08°50'W.
P.M. on 20 July, the Kirriemoor parted company with the convoy in position 17°15'N, 20°19'W. She had been continuously dropping astern unable to keep up with the convoy due to a very foul bottom.
On 21 July, the Richard de Larrinaga and Sylvia de Larrinaga both parted company with the convoy due to being unable to keep up. Both due to faul bottoms. They were last seen in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.
Around 0430Z/1, when the convoy was to the west of Ireland in position 53°28'N, 20°12'W, the City of Wellington and the Grangepark collided and dropped out of the convoy but they were able to rejoin later. The Grangepark was ordered to proceed to Belfast for repairs.
Around 1100Z/1, Convoy SLF 40, merged with convoy SL 40 in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.
Convoy SLF 40 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).
Convoy SLF 40, had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) which also joined convoy SL 40.
Around 0445Z2, in position 54°40'N, 16°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the now combined convoy. The sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) was also to join but she never did.
On HMS Aberdeen and HMS Periwinkle joining, HMS Asturias and HMS Canton parted company with the convoy and both proceeded independently to Greenock.
At 1500Z/3, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined in position 55°41'N, 08°35'W.
On the 4th, the corvettes HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR), which came direct from the A/S training facility at Tobermory, also joined.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 August 1940. (12)
16 Aug 1940
At 13.02 hours on 16 august 1940 U-46 fired three torpedoed on three ships (two passenger ships and one freighter) which partially overlapped in convoy OB-197 (150 miles southwest of Rockall) and observed a hit on the freighter, which was clearly damaged, as the bow was deeper in the water. The Dutch merchant ship Alcinous (6,189 tons) was hit on the port side by one torpedo and caught fire, which could be extinguished after long work. The British sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) supported the damaged ship, which was later towed to Gourock by a British tug. Endrass could not identify his victim, but U-30(Lemp) heard the SSS-signals from the Alcinous.
20 Aug 1940
Convoy HX 67.
This convoy departed Halifax on 20 August 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Baron Cawdor (British, 3638 GRT, built 1935), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Belita (Norwegian (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 1914), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Javanese Prince (British, 8593 GRT, built 1926), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924) and Tolosa (British, 5527 GRT, built 1920).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).
Around 2020P/21, the local escort parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 2000P/22, in position 43°40'N, 56°57'W, the Auretta and Baron Cawdor were detached to Sydney as they were unable to keep up with the convoy.
Around 1030P/23, convoy SHX 67 joined convoy HX 67. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), City of Oran (British, 7323 GRT, built 1915), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), Llanashe (British, 4836 GRT, built 1936), Lyra (Norwegian, 1525 GRT, built 1912), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Oberon (Dutch, 1972 GRT, built 1911), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and Zeeland (Dutch, 2776 GRT, built 1930).
Around 0515P/25, in position 44°40'N, 46°15'W, convoy BHX 67 joined convoy HX 67. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Mamura (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
Around 0700Z/1, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR), HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR).
Around 1045Z/1, in position 58°32'N, 15°55'W, HMS Laconia parted company to return to Halifax.
Later, most likely on 1 September, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined the convoy.
Later, most likely on 2 September, the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 1700A/2, in position 56°36'N, 09°05'W, the convoy split into two sections.
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Convoy HX 67A was destined for Methil (arrived on 5 September 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bradford City, Briarwood, City of Oran, Drupa, Hjalmar Wessel, Lochkatrine, Macra, Mamura, Merchant Prince, Oberon, Saltersgate, Trelissick and Zeeland. They were escorted by HMS Rochester and HMS Bluebell which both arrived at Rosyth on 5 September.
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Convoy HX 67B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Appledore (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Basil (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Belita (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 September), Capsa (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Chelatros (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September), Dalcross (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Dromus (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September), Harpagon (arrived at Newport on 5 September), Javanese Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Kedoe (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Kolsnaren (arrived at Cardiff on 5 September), Lancaster Castle (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September), Llanashe (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September), Lyra (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Nova Scotia (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pacific Pioneer (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pacific Shipper (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pandias (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Point Clear (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Rimutaka (arrived at Cardiff on 5 September), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Titus (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September) and Tolosa (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September). They were escorted by HMS Warwick, HMS Walker, HMS Mallow and HMS Arabis which all arrived at Liverpoool on 4 September. (13)
30 Sep 1940
HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) picks up 7 survivors from the British merchant Mabriton that was torpedoed and sunk on 25 September 1940 by German U-boat U-32 west-south-west of Rockall in position 56°12'N, 23°00'W.
12 Oct 1940
Convoy SL 51.
This convoy departed Freetown on 12 October 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baarn (Dutch, 5621 GRT, built 1927), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Balingkar (Dutch, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Barneveld (Dutch, 5597 GRT, built 1928), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bereby (British 5248 GRT, built 1919), Breda (Dutch, 6941 GRT, built 1921), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Mariner (British (tanker), 6996 GRT, built 1922), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), British Prestige (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Reliance (British (tanker), 7000 GRT, built 1928), British Security (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Clan Macfadyen (British, 6191 GRt, built 1923), Clan Mackinlay (British, 6365 GRT, built 1918), Clan Macnair (British, 6096 GRT, built 1921), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Dunkwa (British, 4752 GRT, built 1927), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Harborough (British, 5415 GRT, built 1932), Mahseer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Muncaster Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Pendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 10746 GRT, built 1939), Primero (British, 4414 GRT, built 1925), Sardinian Prince (British, 3491 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930), Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938), Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, 1938).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN).
Around 1020Z/29, the corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.
On 30 October, the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. A.J.S. Anderson, RNR) joined.
On 31 October the destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) also joined. The convoy arrived in U.K. waters later the same day.
13 Dec 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN). (14)
26 Feb 1941
Convoy OG 54.
This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 26 February 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.
The Milford Haven section (sailed 24 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Clare Lilley (British, 4969 GRT, built 1917), Hedera (Swedish, 2327 GRT, built 1900), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1924), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rolf Jarl (Norwegian, 1917 GRT, built 1920), Solstad (Swedish, 1379 GRT, built 1924), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).
The Liverpool section (sailed 25 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Avoceta (British, 3442 GRT, built 1923), Baltara (British, 3099 GRT, built 1918), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (Greek, 4271 GRT, built 1906), Memphis (Egyptian, 2324 GRT, built 1920), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929) and Trentino (British, 3079 GRT, built 1919). On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).
The Clyde section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alpera (British, 1777 GRT, built 1920), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Bur (Swedish, 1956 GRT, built 1919), Fina (British, 1378 GRT, built 1919), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919), Stornest (British, 4265 GRT, built 1921) and Yorkmoor (British, 4457 GRT, built 1925). The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of this section.
The Oban section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Biela (British, 5298 GRT, built 1918), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919), Empire Fusilier (British, 5404 GRT, built 1921), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Lautaro (British, 6225 GRT, built 1915) and Wigry (Polish, 1893 GRT, built 1912).
On final assembly west of the North Channel on the 26th, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) .
The Yorkmoor almost immediately returned to the Clyde, perhaps she did not even join the convoy.
Around 2000A/27, in position 56°30'N, 10°00'W, the Polarsol straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up. She arrived her destination, Aruba, Netherlands West Indies on 16 March 1941.
Around 0945A/27, in position 56°30'N, 09°30'W, the Wigry parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. as the cargo had shifted.
Around 1330A/27, in position 56°35'N, 10°30'W, the Memphis had to stop and leave the convoy due engine trouble. At 0510A/28, Memphis reported that she was in destress in position 56°24'N, 09°50'W and that she required assistance. At 0528A/28, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) to go to her assistance. At 1120A/28, Memphis reported that water was entering the engine room and that the level was increasing. The fires of the boilers were out. She also reported that she had picked up part of the crew of the torpedoed merchant vessel Benjamin Franklin and that with these survivors on board there was insufficient lifeboat capacity. At 1941A/28, Memphis made an S.O.S. signal in position 56°08'N, 09°28'W. The engine room was full of water and the stern was nearly under water. This was the last heard of the Memphis. No survivors were found.
On 28 February 1941, HMS Kingcup parted company.
The Empire Fusilier arrived at Oban on 1 March 1941 after having straggled from the convoy. Her master apparently having decided to return to the U.K.
During 2 March 1941, in heavy weather the following ships straggled from the convoy; Antonio (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941), Clare Lilley (arrived at New York on 18 March 1941), Fina (arrived in the Clyde on 8 March 1941 having returned to the U.K. due to a leak. The destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) had been sent to her assistance but could not find her), Hedera (arrived at Gibraltar on 13 March 1941), Solstad (arrived at Setubal on 10 March 1941) and Stornest (arrived at Buenos Aires on 4 April 1941).
Also on 2 March 1941, HMS Dianella, HMS Sunflower and HMS Philante parted company.
On 3 March 1941, HMS Keppel and HMS Venomous parted company.
On 4 March 1941, HMS Lincoln and HMS Shikari parted company.
On 5 March 1941, in position 51°25'N, 22°27'W, the Baltara stopped with engine defects due to flooding. The ship reported this in a signal at 0539Z/6. She was joined the next day by the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) which reported at 1640Z/7 that the Baltara had 14 feet of water in the engine room but that the bulkheads were holding. Position was 50°21'N, 22°12'W. It was requested that a rescue tug be sent. The rescue tug Zwarte Zee was ordered to leave Campbelown and to proceed towards the stricken Baltara. The corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) was ordered to escort the rescue tug. However as the Zwarte Zee developed defect the rescue tug Thames was sent instead. Thames and HMS Heather departed Londonderry around 2200A/9. At 1430Z/11, HMS St. Elstan reported that Baltara's condition had not changed and that they were now in position 49°46'N, 23°42'W. The Baltara was successfully salvaged and arrived in Rothesay Bay on 17 March 1941.
Around 1400Z/5, in position 50°13'N, 22°45'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Alpera (arrived at St. Thomas on 23 March 1941), British Tenacity (arrived at Aruba on 21 March 1941), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (arrived at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, on 13 March 1941), King Neptune (arrived at Demerara, Guyana on 23 March 1941), Lautaro (arrived at Bermuda on 19 March 1941), Richard de Larrinaga (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941) and Spero (arrived at Halifax on 18 March 1941).
Around 0800Z/7, in position 44°55'N, 23°00'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Biela (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 29 March 1941), Charlbury (arrived at Montevideo on 29 March 1941), Llancarvan (arrived at Freetown on 22 March 1941), Miguel de Larrinaga (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941), Nikoklis (arrived at Buenos Aires on 1 April 1941), Prome (arrived at Freetown on 15 March 1941), Tordene (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941) and Welsh Trader (arrived at Capetown on 2 April 1941).
Around 0900Z/7, in approximate position 44°50'N, 22°40'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) sighed the convoy which she subsequently joined.
On 8 March 1941, the Zamalek arrived in the Clyde, most likely having detached from the convoy with some of the escort vessels [date of detaching not known to us at the moment.]
Around 2130A/13, in position 35°46'N, 06°23'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Baron Kelvin (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Bur (arrived at Lisbon on 20 (?) March), Finland (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Kellwyn (arrived at Sevilla on 14 March) and Taberg (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March).
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 14 March 1941 escorted by HMS Rochester, HMS La Malouine and HrMs O 21. (15)
14 Mar 1941
Around 0730A/14, HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 54. (16)
24 Mar 1941
Convoy HG 57.
This convoy departed Gibraltar on 25 March 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aghios Spyridon (Greek, 3338 GRT, built 1905), Aldergrove (British, 1974 GRT, built 1918), Anneberg (Finnish, 2537 GRT, built 1902), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Baron Newlands (British, 3386 GRT, built 1928), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Caledonia (British, 1268 GRT, built 1913), Cantal (British, 3178 GRT, built 1916), Cervantes (British, 1810 GRT, built 1916), Chantilly (British, 9986 GRT, built 1923), Egyptian (British, 2868 GRT, built 1920), Empire Strait (British, 2841 GRT, built 1940), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Marvia (British, 1989 GRT, built 1914), Mimosa (Greek, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Moscha D. Kydoniefs (British, 3874 GRT, built 1915), Newton Pine (British, 4212 GRT, built 1925), Octane (British (tanker) (former French), 2034 GRT, built 1939), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938) and Trio (Swedish, 1482 GRT, built 1922).
On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN), corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).
The Aghios Spyridon returned to Gibraltar the same day the convoy had sailed.
On 27 March, HMS Wrestler, HMS Gentian and HMS Jonquil were detached.
At 1115Z/3, HrMs O 23 was detached to join convoy OG 57.
At 1430Z/3, in position 45°27'N, 22°00'W, the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN joined.
At 0920Z/4, HMS La Malouine was detached to proceed ahead to the U.K. with a dangerous medical case.
At 0845Z/5, the armed boarding vessel Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.
At 1930Z/5, the armed boaring vessel Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.
P.M. on 8 April the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR), HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR). With these escorted the rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) also joined. The local A/S escort was to have joined on 6 April but bad weather conditions delayed their joining for about 48 hours.
Around 1900A/9, in position 55°41'N, 10°08'W, HMS Nigeria parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.
On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Baron Newlands, Cervantes, Empire Strait, Gothland and Scottish Monarch.
On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough; Caledonia, Cantal, Chantilly, Marvia, Mimosa, Moscha D. Kydoniefs, Octane and Scania.
On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Aldergrove, Anneberg, Newton Pine and the rescue ship Zamalek.
On 11 April the Bollsta arrived at Workington.
On 11 April the Egyptian arrived at Preston.
On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Ardeola, Baltallinn, Polo, Runa and Trio.
The escorts arrived in U.K. ports as follows; On 9 April 1941, HMS Broke arrived at Londonderry.
On 10 April 1941, HMS Douglas, HMS Roxborough, HMS Abelia, HMS St. Elstan, HMS St. Kenan, HMS St. Zeno and HMS Vizalma arrived at Londonderry.
On 11 April 1941, HMS Salisbury arrived at Londonderry.
On 11 April 1941, HMS Rochester and HMS Verbena arrived at Liverpool. (17)
25 Apr 1941
Convoy HX 123.
This convoy departed Halifax on 25 April 1941.
On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Barbro (Norwegian (tanker), 6325 GRT, built 1934), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Cocle (Panamanian, 5630 GRT, built 1920), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Dalmore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Oryx (British, 5756 GRT, built 1919), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Empire Swan (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Helgoy (Norwegian, 7116 GRT, built 1920), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935), Kirkpool (British, 4840 GRT, built 1928), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), Kongsgaard (Norwegian (tanker), 9467 GRT, built 1937), Kristianiafjord (Norwegian, 6759 GRT, built 1921), Lechistan (Polish, 1937 GRT, built 1929), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Ostende (Belgian, 4528 GRT, built 1903), Pachesham (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Southern Princess (British (whale factory ship / tanker), 12156 GRT, built 1915), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940) and Winona County (British, 6049 GRT, built 1919).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).
Around 2100Q/25, both Canadian corvettes parted company.
Between 1700Q/26 and 1930Q/26 three merchant vessels which were unable to keep up with the convoy were detached from the convoy to return to Halifax. These were the following; Cocle, Imperial Monarch and Ostende.
At dawn on 27 April 1941 it was seen that the Amberton was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.
At dawn on 28 April 1941 it was seen that the Winona County was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.
Around 0800P/30, in position 42°54'N, 46°17'W, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) joined the convoy.
During the night of 30 April 1941 / 1 May 1941 and during the whole of 1 May 1941 the convoy had to hove to due to a heavy gale.
During the morning of 2 May 1941 the convoy was re-formed. It was seen that the Stad Vlaardingen was no longer in company. She eventually returned to Halifax.
Around 0430P/4, in position 49°37'N, 43°07'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy.
At dawn on 4 May 1941 it was seen that the Welsh Prince was no longer in company with the convoy. She arrived back at Halifax on 10 May 1941.
Around 0830P/5, the Empire Swan dropped astern and straggled from the convoy. She rejoined around 1730O/7.
Around 1630O/6, in position 58°00'N, 37°50'W, the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvette HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) joined the convoy.
Around 2000O/8, in position 60°32'N, 27°48'W, the destroyer HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 0100O/9, in position 60°16'N, 26°30'W, the destroyers Chelsea and Mansfield joined the convoy.
Around 0515O/9, in position 60°26'N, 25°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) joined the convoy.
Around 0845O/9, HMS Begonia parted company.
Around 1710O/9, the rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy. She had been escorted from Iceland to the rendezvous by the HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. R. Edwards, RNVR) which did not join the convoy.
Around 1815O/9, in position 60°05'N, 22°00'W, the destroyers HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN), HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B.O'B. Harding, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Derbyshire then parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord taking HMS Verity, HMS Wolverine, HMS Chelsea and HMS Mansfield with her.
Ships of the convoy arrived in the U.K. as follows;
On 12 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Athelvictor, British Ardour, British Power, Cairnesk, Dalmore, Donacilla, Empire Oryx, Jaarstroom, Kinross, Kirkpool, Kristianiafjord, Loch Don, Mactra, Manaqui and Virgilia.
On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in the Clyde; Empire Pinguin, Empire Swan, Kongsgaard and Southern Princess.
Also the Copeland arrived in the Clyde on 12 May 1941.
On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in Belfast Lough; Socony and Tiba.
On 13 May 1941 the following ships arrived at Liverpool; Barbro (for Manchester), Corner Brook (for Manchester), Dromore (for Manchester), Gdynia, Heina, Hektoria, Helgoy, Kolsnaren, Lechistan (for Manchester), Newbrough, Pachesham (for Manchester), Valldemosa (for Manchester) and Wellpark (for Manchester).
The escorts arrived in the U.K. as follows;
HMS Newmarket, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Londonderry on 12 May 1941. HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium later departed again for Liverpool.
HMS Westcott, HrMs Campbeltown and HMS Marigold arrived at Greenock on 12 May 1941.
HMS Primrose arrived at Londonderry on 13 May 1941.
HMS Rochester arrived at Greenock on 13 May 1941.
HMS Auricula, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Liverpool on 13 May 1941.
19 Oct 1941
German U-boat U-204 was sunk near Tangier, in position 35°46'N, 06°02'W, by depth charges from the British corvette HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN).
30 Nov 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Rochester (Cdr.(Retd.) C.B. Allen, RN), HMS Northern Spray (T/Lt. G.T. Gilbert, RNVR), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and HMS Newport. (18)
6 Feb 1942
German U-boat U-82 was sunk north of the Azores, in position 44°10'N, 23°52'W, by depth charges from the British sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the corvette HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR).
24 Mar 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Rochester (Cdr. (retired) C.B. Allen, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, RN), HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN) and ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. T. Gorazdowski, ORP, ORP). (19)
31 Jul 1942
German U-boat U-213 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of the Azores, in position 36°45'N, 22°50'W by depth charges from the British sloops HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, RN), HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RNR).
28 Aug 1942
HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) picks up 63 survivors from the British merchant City of Cardiff that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-566 west-north-west of Lisbon.
6 Mar 1943
HMS H 28 (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR), HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR), HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HNoMS Rose and HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR). (20)
28 Jun 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR). (21)
30 Jun 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR), HMS Lagan (Lt.Cdr. A. Ayre, RNR) and HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (21)
3 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sabre and HMS Fame (Capt. R. Heathcote, DSO, RN), HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN) and HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR). (22)
4 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR) and HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR).
(23)
15 Jul 1943
German U-boat U-135 was sunk in the Atlantic, in position 28°20'N, 13°17'W, by the British sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN) and the British corvettes HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR) and HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR) and an American Catalina aircraft (VP-92).
28 Jul 1943
Convoy SL 134.
This convoy departed Freetown on 28 July 1943.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aleksandar I (Yugoslavian, 5948 GRT, built 1927), Anna (Greek, 5173 GRT, built 1919), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Clan Murray (British, 5953 GRT, built 1918), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930), Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920), Empire Ruskin (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Ettrickbank (British, 5138 GRT, built 1937), Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Halkett (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kohistan (British, 5884 GRT, built 1930), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pilgrim (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Princ Andrej (Yugoslavian, 5041 GRT, built 1930), Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919), Sheridan (British, 4665 GRT, built 1918), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Testbank (British, 5136 GRT, built 1937), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937) Ville d'Amiens (British (former French), 6975 GRT, built 1924) and Waterland (Dutch, 6847 GRT, built 1922).
The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN, Senior Officer of the A/S escort) and the corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR) and HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. W.A. Burnett, RNVR).
The corvette HMS Burdock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Lynes, RD, RNR) sailed a day late (29th) to overtake and join the convoy.
At dawn on the 29th, the Lida and Stancleeve were found to be missing from the convoy. These ships had to part company during the night and both returned to Freetown with defects on the 30th.
Around 1400Z/28, HMS Burdock joined the convoy.
Around 1900Z/28, in position 10°58'N, 17°10'W, the Dunelmia, Fort Halkett, King Stephen and Testbank were detached from the convoy to proceed independently to destinations in South America. During this passage the Fort Halkett was sunk by the German submarine U-185.
Around 0500Z/1, in position 14°43'N, 17°47'W, the Quercy parted company with the convoy to proceed to Dakar independently in contrary to her sailing orders as she was supposed to only part company later at the rendezvous point with the ships coming from Dakar.
Around 0630Z/1, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and the tug Empire Oberon (British, 242 GRT, built 1943). With them was the corvette HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) and two ML's. HMS Geranium joined the convoy. The ML's, which were to have escorted the Quercy to Dakar returned with the Empire Oberon which was found to be unable to keep up with the convoy.
Around 0800Z/1, ORP Burza was detached to Dakar to effect repairs to a defective boiler joint. At the same time HMS Blackmore was detached to St. Vincent.
Around 2000Z/1, the Jaarstroom was detached to Dakar as she was unable to keep up with the convoy.
Around 0130Z/2, ORP Burza rejoined the convoy having effected repairs at Dakar.
Around 0600Z/2, HMS Snowdrop was detached to convoy OS 52.
Around the same time the RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from convoy OS 52. Her escort, the corvette HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) returned to convoy OS 52.
Around 1600Z/3, the merchant vessel Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) joined the convy from Port Etienne. She was escorted to thee rendezvous by the sloop La Grandiere which did not join the convoy.
Around 1900Z/3, HMS Blackmore rejoined the convoy coming from St. Vincent.
On 6 August 1943, HMS Rochester and HMS Azalea fuelled from the Fortol.
On 7 August 1943, HMS Balsam and HMS Geranium fuelled from the Fortol.
On 8 August 1943, HMS Blackmore and HMS Burdock fuelled from the Fortol.
On 9 August 1943, ORP Burza and HMS Mignonette fuelled from the Fortol.
Around 1000Z/9, the Chelma, Elorn, Hoggar parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca. To escort them to this place the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt. M. Beerman, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. N.P. Hallowell, Jr., USNR) had come out from Casablanca.
Around 1725Z/9, in position 33°58'N, 09°33'W, the Fortol escorted by HMS Blackmore parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.
Around 0600Z/10, in position 35°13'N, 09°50'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.
Around 1700Z/10, in position 35°58'N, 10°40'W, the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She was to have joined earlier but while en-route to rendezvous with the convoy had been diverted to search the area near position 35°35'N, 06°57'W where an SOS signal from an aircraft had been sent from around 2200Z/9. She had abandoned her search, having found nothing, around 0927Z/10 and then set course to join the convoy.
At 1722Z/12, when the convoy was in position 40°12'N, 15°58'W, HMS Azalea reported contact on an enemy FW 200 aircraft. The escort closed up to provice better AA protection for the convoy. At 1750Z/12, the enemy aircraft was seen to jettison some bombs well clear of the port quarter of the convoy and at 1815Z/12, the escorts resumed their previous stations.
At 1925Z/12, the enemy aircraft commenced a bombing run at a height of 10000 feet from the port beam of the convoy. HMS Scylla opened a rapid and accurate fire. The enemy bombs fell between the second ship of the second column and the leading ship of the third column causing no damage. At 1950Z/12, HMS Scylla reported her radar screen clear of enemy aircraft.
At 1141Z/13, HMS Scylla reported contact on an enemy FW 200 aircraft. The position of the convoy at 1200Z/13 was 42°12'N, 16°15'W.
At 1306Z/13, this aircraft made a bombing run from the port quarter of the convoy at a height of 15000 feet. HMS Scylla's AA fire was impressive and the bombs again missed, falling 70 feet astern of the Royal Star which was the leading ship of the 7th column.
Around 2100Z/13, in position 43°30'N, 16°17'W, HMS Scylla parted company to join the combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 22.
At 1105Z/14, a FW 200 aircraft was sighted and it was driven off by the Liberator air escort / patrol which scored some hits on it. At 1200Z/13, the convoy was in position 45°07'N, 16°47'W.
At 1215Z/14, in position 44°58'N, 16°46'W, the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) closed the convoy to cover it against surface attack. At 1223Z/13, she reported a FW 200 in sight and directed the relief Liberator air escort / patrol to it. The enemy made off and was not seen again.
Around 2000Z/15, in position 47°40'N, 15°13'W, six ships of the convoy, capable of 12 knots, were detached to proceed ahead escorted by HMS Burdock (S.O.) and HMS Brissenden. The ships in question were the Ettrickbank, Mahout, Malancha, Markhor, Royal Star and Silverlaurel.
At 0600Z/16, in position 50°04'N, 15°32'W, HMS Bermuda parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.
At 1320Z/17, the Empire Geraint was detached to proceed to Avonmouth escorted as far as 07°00'W by HMS Geranium.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 18 August 1943 after which the ships proceeded to their respective destinations. (24)
23 Sep 1943
HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RD, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) conducted a convoy defence exercise off Freetown. (25)
22 Nov 1943
Convoy SL 141.
This convoy departed Freetown on 22 November 1943.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Empire Arun (British, 5490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918) and Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR).
On 25 November 1943, the merchant vessels Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942) and Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918) departed Dakar to join the convoy.
On 3 December 1943, the merchant vessels Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936) and Fort Gibraltar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the El-Biar with them.
On 4 December 1943, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 32(G) coming from the Mediterranean.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), City of Hongkong (British, 9609 GRT, built 1924), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930)), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Gold (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scout (British, 2185 GRT, built 1936), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Iris (British (cable ship), 1479 GRT, built 1940), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Parklaan (Dutch, 3807 GRT, built 1911), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Recorder (British, 2276 GRT, built 1902) and Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943).
The rescue ship Bury (British, 1686 GRT, built 1911) was also with the convoy.
The LST's USS LST 5 (Lt. J.F. Lambden Jr., USNR), USS LST 7 (Lt. F. O'Neil, USN), USS LST 306 (Lt. R.H. Kimball, USNR), USS LST 307 (Lt. J.B. Markham, USNR), USS LST 331 (Lt. J. Mazotta, USCG), USS LST 335 (Lt. H.R. Roberts, USNR), USS LST 336 (Lt. D.L. Biberman, USNR), USS LST 369 (Lt. J.P. O'Riorden, USNR), USS LST 388 (Lt. R.S. Browning, USNR), USS LST 391 (Lt. I. Ehrensall, USNR), USS LST 392 (Lt. L.R. Lemaire, Jr., USNR) and USS LST 393 (Lt. W.C. Knight, USNR) also took passage in the convoy.
Convoy MKS 32(G) was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (Capt.(Retd.) H.T.M. Pawsey, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, DSC, RNVR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) and HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR).
The original escort of convoy SL 141 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 5 December 1943.
Around 1015Z/6, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 0630Z/12 to join the combined convoy Combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35. She was escorted to the rendezvous with this convoy by HMS Tavy which then parted company to rejoin convoy SL 141 / KMS 32.
The now combined convoy SL 141 / MKS 32 arrived in U.K. waters on 17 December 1943. The Arawa (to Clyde, arrived 14 December 1943) and Socotra (to Liverpool, arrived 12 December 1943) had been detached earlier and proceeded to their respective destinations independently.
5 Feb 1944
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN). (26)
6 Feb 1944
Combined convoy OS 67 / KMS 41.
This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 February 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Bangkok II (British (former French, 8056 GRT, built 1919), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Calgary (British, 7206 GRT, built 1921), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Lancer (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Henley (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Prudhomme (British, 7167 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Leeds City (British, 4758 GRT, built 1927), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920)), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Persier (Belgian, 5382 GRT, built 1918), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).
The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) and the rescue tug HMRT Griper were also with the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigates HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Tees (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RNR), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR) and HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).
Four of the merchant vessels of the convoy had to return to the U.K. due to defects of weather damage, these were; Baron Forbes, Lyras, Silverlaurel and Wanderer.
On 10 February 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy from convoy SL 147 / MKS 38.
On 12 February 1944, fighters from HMS Pursuer shot down two German aircraft that were shadowing the convoy.
On 16 February 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 67 and KMS 41.
HMS Stafnes had been detached from the convoy and arrived at Horta, Azores on 17 February 1944.
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Convoy OS 67, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calgary, Cochrane, Empire Buckler, Empire Galahad, Empire Lancer, Fort Henley, Fort Livingstone, Fort Poplar, Gloucester City, Leeds City, Marija Petrinovic, Matadian, Neleus, Persier, Sansu and Silverlarch. The frigate HMS Tees of the escort remained with convoy OS 67.
On 15 February 1944, the frigates HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR) and corvette HMS Stonecrop (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.S. Fayrer, DSC, RNVR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 67G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 67) which was made up of the following transports; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).
On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 16th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy, minus HMS Tees then proceeded with convoy KMS 41 towards the Mediterranean.
On 16 February 1944, the tanker Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On this ship joining the convoy the transport Leeds City parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on the 17th.
On 23 February 1944, the Fort Livingstone arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921) and Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Also the the sloop / minesweeper Annamite joined the convoy.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 26 February 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.
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Convoy KMS 41, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy (minus HMS Tees).
On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Baltrover, Baron Graham, Baron Haig, Empire Cormorant, Empire Snipe, Errington Court, King Frederick, Langleebrook, Norman Monarch, Ottinge, Tilemachos and Tudor Prince as did the rescue ship Accrington, escort oiler San Tirso and HMRT Griper. The escort, made up of HMS Rochester, HMS Londonderry, HMS Scarbrough, HMS Tavy, HMS Geranium, HMS Mignonette and HMS Cape Argona also arrived at Gibraltar.
The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Ary Lensen, Bangkok II, Belnor, Boltonhall, Cape Wrath, Clan Cameron, Danby, Empire Clarion, Empire Conrad, Empire Gareth, Empire Heath, Empire Mallory, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Explorer, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipicoten, Fort Prudhomme, Fort St.Joseph, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Ioannis Frangos, Junecrest, Merchnant Royal, Parkhaven, Pentridge Hill, Rancher, Rugeley, San Rafael, Starstone, Thistleford and Tynemouth.
On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the following transports / tankers; Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) and Robert Y. Haine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Aries (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR).
On 18 February 1944, the transports Palacio, Parame, Parkhaven, Robert Y. Haine and Tynemouth arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Gabriel Duval (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943)), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The self propelled fuel barges USS Anticline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.R. Byron, USNR) and USS Syncline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.E. Nichols, Jr., USNR) also joined the convoy.
On 19 February 1944, the transports Cara, Empire Mallory, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Harrogate, Ioannis Frangos, James Barbour, Junecrest, Merchant Royal and Thistleford as well as USS Anticline and USS Syncline arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Imber (British, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920) and Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 20 February 1944, the transport Empire Gareth arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 21 February 1944, the transports Cape Wrath, Iceland and William Blount as well as HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy from Bizerta; Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William L. Smith (American, 7196, built 1943). The rescue tug HMRT Patroclus also joined the convoy.
On 21 February 1944, the transport Boltonhall arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 22 February 1944, the transports Empire Clarion, Imber and Moray Coast arrived at Malta as did the minesweeper HMS Aries after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Toscana (British (former Italian), 9442 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy from Malta.
On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 23 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arena, Ary Lensen, Benito Juarez, Bourgogne, Brighton, Cornelius Gilliam, Cornelius Harnett, Cuba, Danby, Daniel Huger, David L. Swain, Empire Conrad, Empire Dickens, Empire Guinevere, Empire Heath, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Fort Bell, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipiconten, Gabriel Duval, Grand Quevilly, Louis McLane, Nathaniel Macon, Nea, Nebraska, Richard Montgomery, Rugeley, Samspring, San Rafael, Starstone, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, Thomas Pinckney, William L. Smith and Zane Gray. HMRT Patroclus also arrived at Augusta.
On 26 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Clan Cameron, Empire Opossum, Fort Erie, Fort Prudhomme, Newbrough, Samnebra, Samphire and Toscana. From the escort HMS Hazard, HMS Anemone and HMS Coltsfood also arrived at Alexandria.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 February 1944.
11 Feb 1944
Convoy SL 149.
This convoy departed Freetown on 11 February 1944.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ann Stathatos (Greek, 5685 GRT , built 1918), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Ragnhildsholm (Swedish, 2818 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922), William Hawkins (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Zarembo (American, 4957 GRT, built 1919).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and the patrol vessels HMS Kildwick (T/Lt. P. Pannell, RNVR) and HMS Kilkenzie (T/Lt. B.C. Sheen, RNVR). The A/S trawler HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR) and the M/S trawler HMS Copinsay (Skr. J.A. MacTean, RNR) were with the convoy of the day of the convoys departure only.
On 14 February 1944, the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Fort Archambault (French, 5549 GRT, built 1918) and the coastal transport RHS APc-75 (?) departed Dakar to join the convoy. With them was the minesweeping sloop Gazelle which also joined the convoy.
At some point, presumably not too long after departure from Freetown, the William Hawkins and Zarembo were detached to Trinidad.
On 15 February 1944, the Olaf Bergh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.
Also on 15 February 1944, HMS Kildwick and HMS Kilkenzie arrived at Freetown after having been detached from the convoy the previous day.
On 21 February 1944, the mechant vessel Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did the following day. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).
On 22 February 1944, the Canada and the Fort Archambault were detached to Casablanca with the Gazelle, USS PC-475 and USS PC-481. They arrived at Casablanca on 23 February 1944.
On 22 February 1944, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 40(G) coming from the Mediterranean.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Clan MacInnes (British, 4672 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Drammensford (Norwegian, 5329 GRT, built 1920), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Gatineau Park (Canadian, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Mariposa (British, 3702 GRT, built 1914), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Rideau Park (Canadian, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Samark (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambut (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samzona (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943) and Shahzada (British, 5454 GRT, built 1942). With these ships were also the LST's HMS LST 324 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bell, RNR), HMS LST 362 (Lt.Cdr. Reginald Harry Andrew Clark, RD, RNR), HMS LST 413 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.J.W. Crowdy, RNVR) and HMS LST 427 (T/Lt. W.R.G. Carling, RNR).
The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) was also with this convoy.
Convoy MKS 40(G) was escorted by the sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). The damaged escort destroyer HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) was also with the convoy for passage to the U.K. where she was to undergo repairs. She had only one engine available.
The original escort of convoy SL 149 and APc-75 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 24 February 1944.
Around 1500N/26, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.
On 1 March 1944, the four LST's, HMS LST 324, HMS LST 362, HMS LST 413 and HMS LST 427 were detached to Plymouth escorted by HMS Rockwood.
Around 0350A/2, the German submarine U-744 fired a salvo of four torpedoes in position 48°00'N, 17°23'W at what was thought to be a convoy of four tankers. It was thought that three of the tankers were hit and sunk but in fact only one ship HMS LST 362 was hit. The LST broke in two with the fore part sinking immediately without any survivors from that part. The after part remained afloat for a while and 73 surivors, on of which later died, were picked up by HMS LST 324. The U-boat was then attacked with depth charges by HMS Rockwood. The U-boat then fired a gnat, acoustic homing torpedo at the escort destroyer but this missed, most likely due to the limited speed of the escort destroyer which had only one engine operational. HMS Rockwood later picked up another 22 surivivors of which unfortunately two later died.
At 0700A/2, HMS Tavy was detached from the convoy to proceed to the aid of the detached LST's and HMS Rockwood. Also aircraft from HMS Fencer were sent to the area of the attack.
The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 6/7 March 1944. The Jersey Hart had been detached en-route [no further details currently available].
26 Apr 1944
HMS H 50 (T/Lt. A.F. Wicker, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Summerside (T/Lt. G. St. A.Mongenais, RCNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR), HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (27)
Sources
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- ADM 53/112154 + ADM 199/48 + ADM 199/53
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ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.