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Notable events involving Scylla include:

This page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Scylla was created in May 2024.

This page was last updated in June 2024.

28 May 1942
Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, RN) is commissioned for trials at her builders yard at Greenock. (1)

10 Jun 1942
Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. These included gunnery trials. (1)

12 Jun 1942
Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted full speed trials in the Clyde area on completion of which she was taken over from the shipyard. (1)

15 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) which also carried out an A/S exercise during which HMS Ursula acted as A/S target. (2)

16 Jun 1942
HMS P 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) served as the targets. Also gunnery exercises were carried out.

HMS Scylla was conducting trials in the Clyde area. (3)

17 Jun 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN).

HMS Scylla also carried out AA gunnery exercises. (4)

18 Jun 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg.

Around 1500B/18, HMS Scylla left Greenock for Scapa Flow. (1)

19 Jun 1942
Around 1300B/19, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock. At Scapa Flow she was to start a period of work-up exercises. (1)

29 Jun 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted speed trials off Scapa Flow on completion of which exercises were conducted. (1)

30 Jun 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

1 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (5)

2 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (5)

7 Jul 1942
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (6)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

On completion of the exercises they returned to Scapa Flow except HMS Phoebe which set course for the Clyde. (7)

13 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (5)

14 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises and exercises with aircraft off Scapa Flow. (5)

15 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises and exercises with aircraft off Scapa Flow. (5)

16 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Due to fog only part of the intended programme could be carried out. (5)

18 Jul 1942
HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Scapa Flow. She then departed Scapa Flow to conduct RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises together with HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) which was already out for exercises. (8)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (9)

22 Jul 1942
The battleship HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and the light cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises HMS Anson was escorted by the destroyers USS Hambleton (T/.Cdr. F. Close, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. T.C. Ragan, USN) and the escort destroyer HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN). (10)

23 Jul 1942
Around 1300B/23, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (11)

24 Jul 1942
Around 1715B/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. En-route damage control and HA gunnery exercises were carried out. (11)

25 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

26 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

27 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

28 Jul 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

29 Jul 1942
Around 2215B/29, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Lamlash for Scapa Flow. (5)

30 Jul 1942
Around 2200B/30, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (5)

4 Aug 1942
The light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, with Vice-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CB, CVO, DSO, RN, on board), HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN), HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. HMS Sheffield and HMS Scylla remained out through the night for night exercises returning only back to Scapa Flow the following morning. (12)

5 Aug 1942
In the afternoon HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted an underway towing exercise at Scapa Flow during which she took HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN) in tow. (13)

8 Aug 1942
In the morning, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted damage control exercises at Scapa Flow. (13)

13 Aug 1942
During 13/14 August 1942, HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night encounter exercises. (14)

20 Aug 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the night she remained out for exercises. (13)

21 Aug 1942
The light cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) and HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) departed Scapa Flow for exercises. At sea they joined the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) which had already been at sea since the 20th. The three cruisers then conducted exercises during the day and then returned to Scapa Flow. (15)

27 Aug 1942
In the afternoon, HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) and HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of which HMS Jamaica returned to Scapa Flow.

HMS Argonaut remained out during the night for NEX (night encounter) exercises for which she was joined by HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) which had been carrying out RDF exercises during the afternoon. HMS Argonaut and HMS Scylla returned to Scapa Flow in the morning of the 28th. (16)

1 Sep 1942
At Scapa Flow, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN). Around 0900A/1, HMS Scylla, HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HNoMS Eskdale left Scapa Flow for Loch Ewe where they arrived around 1715A/1 (17)

2 Sep 1942
Around 1800A/2, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) departed Loch Ewe for Hvalfjord, Iceland. (17)

2 Sep 1942

Operation EV, convoy operations to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 18 and QP 14.

Convoy PQ 18 from Loch Ewe to the Kola Inlet and convoy QP 14 from the Kola Inlet to Loch Ewe.

Convoy PQ 18 departed Loch Ewe on 2 September 1942 and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 21 September 1942.

On departure from Loch Ewe it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Africander (Panamanian, 5441 GRT, built 1921), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Campfire (American, 5671 GRT, built 1919), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Beaumont (British, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Empire Morn (British, 7092 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Stevenson (British, 6209 GRT, built 1941), Empire Trinstram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gateway City (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Hollywood (American, 5498 GRT, built 1920), John Penn II (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kentucky (American, 5446 GRT, built 1921), Lafayette (Russian, 5887 GRT, built 1919), Macbeth (Panamanian, 4941 GRT, built 1920), Mary Luckenbach (American, 5049 GRT, built 1919), Meanticut (American, 6061 GRT, built 1921), Nathaniel Greene (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Oliver Ellsworth (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Oregonian (American, 4862 GRT, built 1917), Oremar (American, 6854 GRT, built 1919), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Sahale (American, 5028 GRT, built 1919), San Zotico (British (tanker), 5582 GRT, built 1919), Schoharie (American, 4971 GRT, built 1919), St. Olaf (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Virginia Dare (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Wacosta (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), White Clover (Panamanian, 5462 GRT, built 1920) and William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Grey Ranger (3313 GRT, built 1941) were also part of the convoy. These ships were known as ' Force Q '.

As was the rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923).

The merchant vessel Beauregard (American, 5976 GRT, built 1920) had also sailed with the convoy but soon returned to Loch Ewe with engine trouble.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Campbell (A/Cdr. E.C. Coats, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Mackay ( Lt. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), escort destroyers HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. F.M. Procter, RCNVR), HMS Duncton (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR), HMS Hugh Walpole (T/Lt. J. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS King Sol (Lt. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Paynter (Lt. R.H. Nossiter, RANVR).

On 6 September 1942 the escort was reinforced by the destroyers HMS Montrose (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) which came from Hvalfjord.

On 7 September 1942 three ships which had taken passage in this convoy arrived at Reykjavik, Iceland, these were the Gateway City, Oremar and San Zotico. Also the five A/S trawlers had parted company with the convoy.

Also on this day eight more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Reykjavik, these were the; Andre Marti (Russian, 2352 GRT, built 1918), Exford (American, 4969 GRT, built 1919), Komiles (Russian, 3962 GRT, built 1932), Petrovski (Russian, 3771 GRT, built 1921), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Stalingrad (Russian, 3559 GRT, built 1931), Sukhona (Russian, 3124 GRT, built 1918) and Tblisi (Russian, 7169 GRT, built 1912).

The Richard Bassett however soon returned to Reykjavik.

Also with this section were three motor minesweepers which were to be transferred to the Russian Navy, these were MMS 90 (Skr. J. Dinwoodie, RNR), MMS 203 ( Skr. J.H. Petherbridge, DSC, RNR) and MMS 212 ( T/Lt. W.J. Walker, RNVR).

These ships were escorted by the destroyers HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), minesweepers HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC, RN), HMS Harrier (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR), HMS Bryony (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR), A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Pate, RNR), HMS Cape Mariato (T/Lt. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Daneman (T/Lt. G.O.T.D. Henderson, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (Lt. J. Mackay, RNR) and the AA ships HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN) and HMS Ulster Queen (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.K. Adam, RN).

When the Reykjavik section joined the convoy the escort destroyers HNoMS Eskdale and HMS Farndale parted company and proceeded to Hvalfjord. HMS Walpole also returned to Hvalfjord with defects as did HMS Amazon. After repairs, HMS Amazon proceeded to Akureyri.

HMS Campbell and HMS Mackay arrived at Hvalfjord on the 9th, having been detached from the convoy escort. They later went on to Akureyri.

Around 0615A/8 the minesweepers HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN) departed Seidisfjord escorting the submarines HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). All three ships joined the convoy shortly after noon on the 9th.

Around 2100A/8, ' Force A ', made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. M.L. Power, OBE, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Somali (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Akureyri for Spitsbergen where they were to refuel from ' Force P ' (see below).

Around 2145A/8, ' Force B ', made up of the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) and the ' Carrier Force ' made up of the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord to join the convoy which they did around 2200A/9.

Around 2230A/9, HMS Echo parted company with the convoy to return to Hvalfjord as did HMS Montrose which proceeded to Akureyri. Both destroyers arrived at their destinations on the 10th.

' Force A ', made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali and HMS Tartar, arrived at Spitsbergen on the 11th, fuelled from ' Force P ' and departed P.M. to join convoy PQ 18 which they did in the morning of the 13th.

Meanwhile HMS Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Martin, HMS Meteor and HMS Intrepid parted company with the convoy at 1130A/11 to proceed to Spitsbergen to fuel from ' Force P '. The other destroyers / escort destroyers with the convoy fuelled from ' Force Q '.

HMS Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Martin, HMS Meteor and HMS Intrepid completed fuelling in the morning of the 13th and they rejoined the convoy around 1400A/13. The escort was complete then.

Meanwhile the convoy, had been picked up again by German aircraft on the 12th. Also at 2109A/12, the destroyer HMS Faulknor attacked a contact ahead of the convoy with depth charges in position 75°04'N, 04°49'E, this meant the end of the German submarine U-88.

On 13 September the convoy was heavily attacked by the enemy resulting in the loss of ten of the merchant vessels; by U-boat (U-408) Stalingrad and the Oliver Ellsworth and by German aircraft the Wacosta, Oregonian, Macbeth, Africander, Empire Stevenson, Empire Beaumont, John Penn and Sukhona.

On 14 September the German submarine U-457 hit the tanker Atheltemplar. The tanker burst into flames and was abandoned by her crew. HMS Harrier tried to scuttle the tanker with gunfire but failed to do so and she was last seen heavily on fire but still afloat. The capsized wreck was sunk by the German submarine U-408 in the afternoon.

Early in the afternoon the German submarine U-589 was hunted by Swordfish aircraft from HMS Avenger and she was sunk in position 75°40'N, 20°32'E with depth charges by HMS Onslow.

The German airforce also attacked the convoy on this day but concentrated initially on attacking the escort instead of the merchant ships. The HMS Avenger was heavily attacked but she was not hit though she had a lucky escape during a dive bomb attack. Torpedoes fired at her were dropped from long range due to effecive fire from her close escort, the escort destroyers HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton and the AA ship HMS Ulster Queen which had also come to her aid.

In the afternoon the merchant vessel Mary Luckenbach was torpedoed. She exploded and completely vaporised due to her cargo of 1000 tons of TNT. There were no survivors.

On September 15th, German aircraft could not inflict damage to the convoy though some ships had narrow escapes. The U-boats could be kept at bay by the escorts.

In the early hours of the 16th, the German submarine U-457 tried to attack the convoy but she was depth charged and sunk by HMS Impulsive in position 75°05'N, 43°15'E.

Shortly before noon the destroyers HMS Offa and HMS Opportune conducted depth charge attacks on the German submarines U-255 and U-378 during which the former sustained some damage.

Around 1530A/16, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, Milne, Marne, Martin, Meteor, Faulknor, Fury, Impulsive, Intrepid, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali, HMS Tartar, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, HMS Alynbank, HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 parted company with PQ 18 to join the westbound convoy QP 14 (see below) which they did the following morning. The two RFA tankers from ' Force Q ' were also with them.

On September 17th, the Russian destroyers Gremyashchiy, and Sokrushitelny joined the convoy escort.

On September 18th, the Russian destroyers Valerian Kyubishev and Uritsky joined the convoy as did the British minesweepers HMS Britomart (Lt.Cdr. S.S. Stammwitz, RN), HMS Halcyon (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.(Retd.) G.C. Hocart, RNR), HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN) joined the convoy escort. Also on this day the merchant vessel Kentucky was lost due to a German air attack.

The convoy arrived at Archangelsk on 21 September 1941. Some delay having been experienced due to heavy weather on the 19th.

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Convoy QP 14 departed Archangelsk on 13 September 1942 and arrived at Loch Ewe on 26 September 1942.

On departure from Archangelsk it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alcoa Banner (American, 5035 GRT, built 1919), Bellingham (American, 5345 GRT, built 1920), Benjamin Harrison (American, 2191 GRT, built 1942), Deer Lodge (American, 6187 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Minotaur (American, 4554 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Freedom (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Voice (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Samuel Chase (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Silver Sword (British, 4937 GRT, built 1919), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942), Troubadour (Panamanian, 6428 GRT, built 1920), West Nilus (American, 5495 GRT, built 1920) and Winston Salem (American, 6223 GRT, built 1920).

The rescue vessels Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) and Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Archangelsk the convoy was escorted by the (Russian) destroyer Kuibyshev, Uritski, escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), minesweepers Britomart, HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, DSO, RN), Halcyon, Hazard, HMS Leda (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.H. Wynne-Edwards, RN), Salamander, HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN), corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt. H.J. Hall, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR), HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. O.B. Egjar, RNR), HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. R.H. Jameson, RNR), HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RD, RNR), and the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(rtd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN) and HMS Pozarica (A/Capt.(rtd.) E.D.W. Lawford, RN).

In the morning of the 17th, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, Milne, Marne, Martin, Meteor, Faulknor, Fury, Impulsive, Intrepid, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Opportune, HMS Ashanti, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali, HMS Tartar, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, HMS Alynbank, HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 joined the convoy. The two RFA tankers from ' Force Q ' were also with them.

Also on the 17th, the Kuibyshev, Uritski, Britomart, Halcyon, Hazard and Salamander parted company with the convoy to join the escort of convoy PQ 18 (see above).

On the 18th (or early on the 19th ?) the destroyers HMS Fury and HMS Impulsive were detached from the convoy for Spitsbergen. They rejoined the convoy around 1700A/19 having escorted the RFA tanker Oligarch from Spitsbergen to the convoy. The destroyer HMS Worcester was also with them.

On 20 September U-boats began to attack the convoy and the minesweeper HMS Leda was torpedoed and sunk around 0530A/20 by U-435 in position 76°30'N, 05°00'E. She sank around 0700A/20.

Shortly after noon, the submarines HMS P 614 and HMS P 615 also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lerwick but they first swept astern of the convoy to try to attack shadowing enemy submarines. HMS P 614 attacked U-408 with four torpedoes thinking to have sunk the enemy but this was not the case.

Later that day the merchant vessel Silver Sword was torpedoed and sunk by U-255. The Silver Sword did not sink immediately, her wreck was scuttled by gunfire from the destroyer HMS Worcester.

And finally on the 20th, the destroyer HMS Somali was torpedoed and damaged around 1850A/20 by the U-703. The ship was taken in tow towards Akureyri or Seidisfjord by her sistership HMS Ashanti and screened by HMS Opportune, HMS Eskimo and HMS Intrepid but HMS Somali finally breaking in two around 0230A/24 when the weather conditions had worsened. Both halves sank quickly.

Also on this day, Rear-Admiral Burnett transferred his flag from HMS Scylla to HMS Milne. HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, HMS Fury, HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton parted company to proceed to Seidisfjord where they arrived on 22 September. The destroyer HMS Onslaught was detached to escort the staggler Troubadour. They later joined the remainder of ' Force P ' (RFA tanker Blue Ranger, destroyer HMS Windsor and the escort destroyers HMS Cowdray and HMS Oakley) which had departed Spitsbergen. On 22 September they joined HMS Somali under tow by HMS Ashanti and the escorting destroyers HMS Opportune, HMS Eskimo and HMS Intrepid.

Three German submarines were attacked by the A/S escort on 20 September, these were U-378 by a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Avenger, U-212 by HMS Ashanti and finally U-255 by HMS Eskimo. All submarines managed to escape without damage.

On 21 September a Catalina (RAF(Norwegian) 330Sq./Z) attacked the German submarine U-606 but the aircraft is shot down by the enemy.

Early on 22 September, HMS Milne detached from the convoy to proceed to Seidisfjord where she arrived in the evening.

On 22 September the German submarine U-435 again attacked the convoy and managed to sink the merchant vessels Bellingham, Ocean Voyce and the RFA tanker Grey Ranger.

On 23 September, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Worcester and the two rescue ships, were detached to Seidisfjord arriving there later on the same day.

Also on 23 September, HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger, HMS Milne, HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton departed Seidisfjord for Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 24th.

The staggler Troubadour was detached from ' Force P ' on the 24th to proceed to Akureyri.

On 24 September, HMS Marne was detached to proceed to Seidisfjord to land the survivors that she had picked up from the Catalina aircraft that had been shot down on 21 September by U-606. She rejoined the convoy later the same day. HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Worcester and the two rescue ship left Seidisfjord to rejoin the convoy which they did on the 25th.

On the 25th, HMS Martin was detached to escort the staggler Winston Salem while HMS Ayrshire was detached to Seidisfjord with defects.

Around 2115A/25, HMS Ashanti, HMS Intrepid, HMS Onslaught and HMS Opportune arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Eskimo arrived around 0700A/26. Following the sinking of Somali they had detached from ' Force P ' on the 24th.

On the 26th, HMS Faulknor, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Tartar, HMS Impulsive, HMS Worcester, HMS Blankney, HMS Middleton, HMS Bramble, HMS Seagull and the tankers Oligarch and Black Ranger were detached to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the same day.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on the 26th.

The staggler Winston Salem arrived at Loch Ewe the following day after which HMS Martin proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving around 1930A/27.

' Force P ', Blue Ranger escorted by HMS Windsor, HMS Cowdray and HMS Oakley arrived at Scapa Flow on the 27th.

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To provide cover and support for this convoy four forces were deployed.

' Force P ' was the Spitsbergen refueling force. It was made up of the RFA tankers Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) and departed Scapa Flow on 3 September escorted by the destroyer HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), and Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN).

On 4 September the destroyer HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Juniper, RN), coming from Seidisfjord, Iceland, relieved HMS Bramham which then proceeded to Seidisfjord. She later went on to Akureyri.

' Force P ' arrived at Spitsbergen (Lowe Sound) on 10 September. [For futher movements of ' Force P ' see the text above and below.]

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There was also the ' Cruiser Force ' was was to provide close cover for the convoys during their passage through the most dangerous area. Also two ships of the force were to land stores, personnel and dogs on Spitsbergen (Operation Gearbox II). It was made up of the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CB, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) and the destroyers HMS Echo, HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN). They departed Hvalfjord around 1145Z/14.

Around 1330A/15, they were joined in position 67°40'N, 19°55'W by HMS Amazon coming from Akureyri.

Around 1200A/16, HMS Cumberland and HMS Eclipse were detached for operation Gearbox II.

In the evening of the 16th the destroyers were fuelled by the cruisers. Due to these ships having to be available to intercept and engage German surface forces in case these would come out to attack the convoys the fuel levels in the destroyers were kept as high as possible. HMS Bulldog was fuelled by HMS Norfolk, HMS Echo was fuelled by HMS London, HMS Amazon was fuelled by HMS Suffolk.

At 0600A/17, HMS Eclipse was detached by HMS Cumberland to patrol to seaward while HMS Cumberland went on to Barentsburg. She anchored there around 1420A/17 and the first boat with stores was underway at 1445A/17. At 1900A/17, HMS Eclipse came alongside to fuel. This was completed at 2110A/17 and she got underway. At 2145A/17 weighed and departed Barentsburg to rejoin the other cruisers which she did around 0600A/18.

At 2200A/17, HMS Sheffield parted company with the other cruisers for her part in Operation Gearbox II. She anchored off Barentsburg around 1530A/18 and commenced disembarking. At 1930A/18, HMS Eclipse went alongside to fuel which was completed at 2105A/18. HMS Sheffield and HMS Eclipse departed the fjord around 2130A/18. They rejoined the other ships around 1050A/19.

Meanwhile in the late afternoon / early evening of the 17th, HMS Amazon, HMS Bulldog and HMS Echo were fuelled by ' Force P ' which had come out of the fjords. The destroyers were again topped off by ' Force P ' in the later morning / afternoon of the 18th.

The ' Cruiser Force ' returned to Hvalfjord around 1730Z/22.

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And finally there was the ' Distant Cover / Battlefleet Force '. This force was made up of the battleships HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, 2nd in Command, Home Fleet), HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN), destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Campbell, HMS Mackay, HMS Montrose and the escort destroyer HMS Bramham. They departed from Akureyri around 1700Z/11 to provide cover for convoy PQ 18. The destroyers had sailed a little earlier presumably to conduct an A/S sweep off the fjord first.

They returned to Akureyri around 0900Z/14 except for HMS Bramham which had been detached to proceed to Hvalfjord.

HMS Anson, HMS Duke of York, HMS Jamaica, HMS Keppel, HMS Campbell, HMS Mackay and HMS Montrose departed again around 0630Z/19 to provide cover for convoy QP 14. The destroyer HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN) had meanwhile joined them at Akureyri and sailed with them. Once again the destroyers joined off the fjord presumable having conducted an A/S sweep of the fjord first.

The ' Battlefleet Force ' arrived at Hvalfjord around 2100Z/22.

4 Sep 1942
Around 1100A/4, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from Loch Ewe. (18)

5 Sep 1942
Around 0900A/5, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Seidisfjord. (17)

6 Sep 1942
Around 0900A/6, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) arrived at Seidisfjord from Hvalfjord. (17)

8 Sep 1942
Around 2145A/8, ' Force B ', made up of the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) and the ' Carrier Force ' made up of the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord to join convoy PQ 18 which they did around 2200A/9.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Operation EV, convoy operations to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 18 and QP 14 ' for 2 September 1942.]

11 Sep 1942
At 1130A/11, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN), HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) parted company with convoy PQ 18 to proceed to Spitsbergen to fuel from the tankers of ' Force P ' which was made up of RFA tankers Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) protected by the destroyer HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN) and Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN).

HMS Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Martin, HMS Meteor and HMS Intrepid completed fuelling in the morning of the 13th and they rejoined convoy PQ 18 around 1400A/13. The escort was complete then.

[For more info on the convoy see the event ' Operation EV, convoy operations to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 18 and QP 14 ' for 2 September 1942.]

16 Sep 1942
Around 1530A/16, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN), HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. M.L. Power, OBE, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Somali (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN), HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) parted company with eastbound convoy PQ 18 to join the westbound convoy QP 14 which they did the following morning. The two RFA tankers from ' Force Q ', Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Grey Ranger (3313 GRT, built 1941), were also with them.

[For more info on the convoyá see the event ' Operation EV, convoy operations to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 18 and QP 14 ' for 2 September 1942.]

20 Sep 1942
At sea, around 1815A/20, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) to HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN).

HMS Scylla, HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) then parted company with convoy QP 14 around 1845A/20 to proceed to Seidisfjord where they arrived around 0745A/22.

23 Sep 1942
Shortly after 0700A/23, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Seidisfjord for Scapa Flow. (17)

24 Sep 1942
Around 0945A/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Seidisfjord. (17)

5 Oct 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Scapa Flow following which she conducted independent exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

12 Oct 1942
HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

13 Oct 1942
During 13/14 October 1942, HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, second in Command Home Fleet), HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises.

In the afternoon of the 14th HMS Sheffield and HMS Scylla were joined by HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) which also had come out for exercises. HMS Rodney around that time returned to Scapa Flow.

[No details could be found on a destroyer escort of HMS Rodney] (21)

19 Oct 1942
During 19/20 October 1942, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

21 Oct 1942
Around 2100A/21, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (19)

22 Oct 1942
Around 0820A/22, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (19)

24 Oct 1942
Around 1825A/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0800A/25. (19)

25 Oct 1942
Around 1345A/25, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. (19)

27 Oct 1942
Around 0730A/27, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (22)

29 Oct 1942
At Plymouth, Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, and his staff boarded HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) for passage to Gibraltar.

Around 1730A/29, HMS Scylla and HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. (19)

1 Nov 1942
Around 0800A/1, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, and his staff then left HMS Scylla. (23)

5 Nov 1942
Around 2030A/5, ' Force O ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), AA ship HMS Tynwald (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN), destroyer ORP Blyskawica (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) Ludwik Lichodziejewski) and the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to provide cover for ships of the Eastern Task Force, en-route to and during the landings near Algiers.

Around 1000A/6, HMS Tynwald, ORP Blyskawica, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Wilton joined convoy KMF A 1 while the destroyers HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) which had been with the convoy joined ' Force O '. Around the same time the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), which had been with convoy KMS A1, joined ' Force O '.

Around 0913Z/7, the destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN) joined ' Force O '.

The escorts varied from time to time until their return to Gibraltar.

Around 1500A/8, HMS Sheffield was detached for bombardment duties. The target she was to bombard however surrendered shortly before fire would be opened. HMS Sheffield then rejoined ' Force O ' around 1800A/8.

Around 1600A/9, HMS Sheffield parted company to join the Force destinated for a landing at Bougie (Operation Perpetual) but as this landing was postponed due to unsuitable weather conditions she rejoined ' Force O ' temporarily. In the afternoon of the 10th she parted company again for this operation.

Shortly after 1700A/9, ' Force O ' was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained. HMS Avenger reported being missed by two torpedoes fired by an HE 111 aircraft.

Around 0615A/10, HMS Avenger, HMS Charybdis and HMS Clare were ordered to proceed to Algiers Bay. Both HMS Avenger and HMS Clare had reported engine defects and they were therefore sent to Algiers Bay to try to effect repairs.

Around 0625A/10, HMS Sheffield rejoined, the landings at Bougie having been postponed.

Around 1430A/10, the sloop HMS Ibis (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN) joined.

Around 1530A/10, HMS Sheffield parted company again for the landings at Bougie.

Around 1645A/10, a formation of enemy aircraft was reported to be about 70 miles to the north-east of ' Force O ' and closing. At 1705A/10, 11 Ju-88's were sighted and they started dive bombing attacks. At 1717A/10, HMS Argus was straddled and then hit by one bomb. Damage was done but it was not serious and she was able to continue to operate. At 1727A/10, HMS Ibis was observed to be hit by a torpedo and she sank in about five minutes. After dark HMS Scylla proceeded to the spot and was able to pick up 5 officers and 102 ratings. Around 2030A/10, HMS Clare arrived in the area and she picked up another 3 ratings.

Around 2200A/10, ' Force O ' set course to the eastwards so as to be off Bougie by dawn on 11 November.

Around 1300A/11, HMS Sheffield rejoined and ' Force O ' proceeded back to the westwards.

Around 1720A/11, a few torpedo bombers attacked ' Force O ' but no damage was done. A torpedo exploded in the wake of HMS Scylla.

At 1855Z/12, the destroyer HMS Clare, attacked a submarine in position 37°41'N, 00°10'W and she considered to have destroyed it. It was later classified as probably destroyed. The submarine on the receiving end was the German U-596 who managed to escape without damage.

At dawn on the 13th, ' Force O ' left the operations area to return to Gibraltar. HMS Avenger had rejoined coming from Algiers having taken three fast transports with her. HMS Avenger had departed Algiers around 1800A/12, with the attack transport USS Samuel Chase (10812 GRT, built 1941), transport Almaack (American, 9902 GRT, built 1940) and the troop transport Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931) in company. They were escorted out by the destroyers HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN). HMS Zetland however did not join ' Force O '.

Around 0830A/14, ' Force O ', now made up of light cruiser HMS Sheffield, aircraft carrier HMS Argus, escort carrier HMS Avenger, AA cruisers HMS Charybdis, HMS Scylla and the destroyers HMS Wishart, HMS Wrestler, HMS Vanoc, HMS Velox and HMS Clare returned to Gibraltar. (24)

6 Nov 1942
On 6 November 1942, ' Force H ' was (re)assambled at sea to the east of Gibraltar to provide cover during the landings in North-Africa.

Around 0430Z/6, the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), destroyers HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) entered the Mediterranean.

They were then joined by ships coming from Gibraltar (Bay), these were the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN).

HMS Boadicea, HMS Brilliant, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale and HMS Puckeridge were then detached to Gibraltar where they arrived around 0615Z/6.

Around 0900Z/6, the light cruiser HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) joined.

The orders for ' Force H ' were to support the Eastern (Algiers) and Centre Task Forces (Oran) and their follow-up convoys (TE and TF) agains seaborne attack by Vichy-French or Italian Mediterranean Fleets. ' Force H ' was not to proceed eastwards of 04°30'E except to engage the enemy. Unless strong enemy forces were reported to be at sea, HMS Rodney, escorted by HMS Beagle, HMS Boreas, HMS Bulldog were to join the Centre Task Force at 0600Z/8. HMS Bermuda might also be detached but to join the Eastern Task Force. ' Force H ' was to refuel from ' Force R ' at sea if necessary, but if the military situation permitted, it would withdraw to the westward to refuel, possibly at Oran about 13 November, in immediate readiness for further operations. Force R ' was made up of the RFA tankers Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941, master R.T. Duthie) and Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941, master D.B.C. Ralph). Escort was provided by the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and four A/S trawlers, HMS Arctic Ranger (Skr. J.F. Banks, RNR), HMS Imperialist (T/Lt. A.R.F. Pelling, RNR), HMS Loch Oskaig (T/Lt. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR) and HMS St. Nectan (Lt. J.B. Osborne, RANVR).

Around 1730Z/7, ' Force H ' was attacked by enemy aircraft in position 37°46'N, 02°52'E. HMS Panther was near missed and sustained damage. She had to return to Gibraltar, first steaming only 6 knots but later this could be increased to 14 knots. En-route she sighted an enemy submarine in position 37°46'N, 02°12'E and forced it to dive. This was U-458 which fired two torpedoes but apparently these were not sighted by the British. HMS Panther arrived at Gibraltar in the afternoon of November 8th.

At 1810Z/7, HMS Rodney, HMS Beagle, HMS Boreas and HMS Bulldog parted company with ' Force H ' to join the Centre Task Force. HMS Bermuda appeared to also have parted company around this time.

' Force H ' and the fuelling force, ' Force R ', cruised in the area of Algiers until 1830Z/8 when ' Force H ' turned north. It turned back at midnight when in position 39°00'N, 02°29'E and patrolled off Algiers again during the 9th. During the night of 9/10 November it steamed eastwards at 60 miles from the North-African coast, turning back 30 miles to the east of Bougie at midnight.

Shortly before 0300Z/10 (0252Z/10 according to German sources and 0258Z/10 according to British sources) the destroyer HMS Martin was torpedoed and sunk in position 37°53'N, 03°57'E by the German submarine U-431. 161 officers and ratings lost their lives. 4 Officers and 59 ratings were picked up by HMS Quentin.

By noon on 10 November ' Force H ' was in position 37°08'N, 01°36'E, between Algiers and Tenez, with ' Force R ' close at hand. From then onwards ' Force H ' patrolled 60 miles from the coast between Algiers and Cape Tenez.

' Force H ' was joined around 0630Z/12 by HMS Rodney and her destroyer screen now made of of the escort destroyers HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale and HMS Puckeridge.

Late in the evening of the 11th the destroyers HMS Porcupine (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN) departed Gibaltar to join ' Force H '. Before joining they fuelled from ' Force R ' in the evening of the 12th. They had been ordered to remain with ' Force R ' during the night to reinforce its escort and then join ' Force H ' after dawn on the 13th. However before the joined, HrMs Isaac Sweers was torpedoed and sunk by U-431, so only HMS Porcupine joined ' Force H ' early on the 13th.

At 0615Z/14 ' Force H ' split up to return to Gibraltar; HMS Duke of York, HMS Formidable, HMS Bermuda, HMS Argonaut, HMS Sirius, HMS Eskimo, HMS Ashanti, HMS Tartar, HMS Opportune, HMS Partridge, HMS Pathfinder, HMS Penn and HMS Porcupine arrived at Gibraltar around 0130Z/15.

HMS Rodney, HMS Renown, HMS Victorious, HMS Milne, HMS Meteor, HMS Quality, HMS Quentin, HMAS Quiberon, HMS Lookout, HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale and HMS Puckeridge formed the other group. They were joined at 0630Z/15 by HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN). They returned to Gibraltar around 1800Z/15 but HMS Rodney was not able to berth and had to steam up and down in Gibraltar Bay until late in the evening when she anchorded there. The destroyers HMS Pathfinder, HMS Penn, HMS Opportune and HMS Tartar were sent out to patrol to the seaward of the Bay.

14 Nov 1942
At 2030Z/14, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to join ' Force H ' which they did around 0630Z/15.

They returned to Gibraltar with ' Force H ' around 1800Z/15. (25)

14 Nov 1942
Around 0830A/14, ' Force O ', now made up of light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, RN), escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from operations. (26)

23 Nov 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (27)

25 Nov 1942
Around 1600Z/25, the AA cruisers HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers where they arrived around 1530Z/26. (28)

26 Nov 1942
The Allied intelligence services had decrypted German signals stating that the French Fleet was going to be seized by German forces. The Allies were unsure of what the Vichy-French reaction would and were afraid the Vichy-French fleet would be captured intact by the Germans. In response ' Force H ' was ordered to sea as a precaution. However when the Germans moved against the Vichy-French fleet at Toulon in the early hours of the 27th the Vichy-French scuttled almost all their ships that were present at Toulon.

Around 1600A/26, ' Force H ' made up of the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir to patrol south of the Balearics / north of Algiers.

[Very little information is found on this sailing and the names of the destroyers present are unknown to us for the moment but these appeared to have been the following:]
HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Porcupine (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and the escort destroyer HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

They were joined at sea at 1700A/27 by the light cruisers HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) and HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) that had sailed from Algiers at 1300A/27.

All ships arrived at Mers-el-Kebir in the morning of the 30th.

26 Nov 1942
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (28)

27 Nov 1942
Around 1300Z/27, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) departed Algiers to join ' Force H ' at sea which they did around 4 hours later. (28)

3 Dec 1942
Around 2030A/3, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) departed Oran / Mers-el-Kebir for Gibraltar. (29)

4 Dec 1942
Around 0800A/4, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. (29)

5 Dec 1942
Around 1400A/5, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (29)

6 Dec 1942
Around 0830A/6, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar.

Around 1900A/6, she departed Algiers for Bone. She was to overtake and join the Philippeville and Bone sections convoy KMF 4 for the last part of it's voyage. She joined the convoy around 0155A/7.

[Further research for convoy KMF 4 is required.] (29)

7 Dec 1942
Around 1000A/7, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Bone with the 'Bone section' of convoy KMF 4. (29)

8 Dec 1942
Around 1800A/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) departed Bone for Algiers. They were escorting the (troop) transport Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923). They arrived at Algiers shortly before noon on the 9th. (30)

9 Dec 1942
Around 1430A/9, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Bone. They were escorting the (troop) transports Kaimata (British, 5269 GRT, built 1931), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922). They arrived at Bone around 1330A/10. It appears that HMS Wishart had been detached en-route. (30)

11 Dec 1942
Around 1445A/11, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) departed Bone for Algiers. They were escorting the (troop) transports Kaimata (British, 5269 GRT, built 1931), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922). They arrived at Algiers around 1000A/12. (30)

12 Dec 1942

Convoy KMF 5.

This convoy departed the U.K. (Clyde) on 12 December 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Empire Tide (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Exiria (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Irénée du Pont (American, 6125 GRT, built 1941), Manchester Trader (British, 5671 GRT, built 1941), Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938) and Zoella Lykes (American, 6829 GRT, built 1940).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, RN), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walter, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Folkestone (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, OBE, RN), HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt. L.G. Toone, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigate HMS Waveney (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Willmott, DSC, RNR).

HMS Wellington parted company on 13 December 1942 and proceeded to Londonderry due to weather damage she had sustained.

On the 17th it was reported that the Irénée du Pont was returning to the Clyde due to weather damage.

The convoy passed through the straits of Gibraltar during the morning of 20 December 1942. The convoy had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions being encountered on passage from the U.K.

The Gibraltar section of the convoy of seven transports then joined the convoy.
These were the following transports;
Ajax (British, 7540 GRT, built 1931), Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1939), Elisabeth Bakke (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Gloucester (British, 8532 GRT, built 1941), Pardo (British, 5400 GRT, built 1940) and Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939).
This section had been escorted to the rendezvous by the destroyer HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), minesweeper HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Nasturtium (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR) which also joined the convoy. On these ships joining HMS Totland and HMS Waveney then parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar. Both had defects due to weather damage.

HMS Laforey and HMS Lightning also made a call at Gibraltar before rejoining the convoy. Both fuelled, discharged stores brought out from the U.K., and made a few small repairs to weather damage, before proceeding to rejoin the convoy.

HMS Argus left the convoy and proceeded to Gibraltar. Escorted by the destroyers HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) and HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) which had gone out to make rendezvous with convoy to escort the carrier into harbour.

The transports Manchester Citizen and Zoella Lykes, which had lost contact with the convoy due to the weather conditions, arrived at Gibraltar on 20 December 1942.

On 20 December 1942, the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir to make rendezvous with the convoy and then take the Oran section of the convoy with them to Oran the following day. They made rendezvous with the convoy around 1700A/20. The Oran section made up of the Duchess of Richmond, Duchess of York, Empress of Canada, Elisabeth Bakke, Exiria, Pardo and Silverlaurel parted company with the convoy around 0200A/21.

Around 0230A/21, the German submarine U-562 managed to torpedo and damage the troop transport Strathallan in position 36°52'N, 00°34'W. The destroyers HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning, HMS Verity and sloop HMS Folkestone remained with the damaged ship. The destroyers HMAS Quiberon, HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder and HMS Meteor later jouned them. Also the tug HMRT Restive (Lt. D.M. Richards, RNR), salvage vessel King Salvor and two trawlers came out to render assistance.

On 21 December 1942, the Algiers section of 8 (troop) transports parted company. The destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) had come out from Algiers to escort this section. The Algiers section arrived at Algiers later the same day escorted by HMS Eskimo, HMS Lamerton, HMS Weston, HMS Gorleston, HMS Hussar and HMS Nasturtium.

Also on 21 December 1942, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) joined the convoy as escorts.

Around 0630A/22, the troop transport Cameronia, which was to proceed to Bone, had been hit by an aircraft torpedo in position 37°03'N, 05°24'E. An hour later it was reported that she was making for Bougie escorted by HMS Scylla and HMS Wheatland which later parted company to rejoin the convoy. From Bougie the tug Hengist and the M/S trawlers HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (Lt. J. Plomer, RCNVR) and HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR) were sent to her assitance.

On 22 December 1942, the Bone section arrived there escorted by HMS Aurora, HMS Scylla, HMS Quality, HMS Lamerton and HMS Wheatland.

[Further research regarding this convoy is required.]

21 Dec 1942
Around 2145A/21, HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) departed Algiers to escort the Bougie, Philippeville and Bone sections of convoy KMF 5 to these places.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy KMF 5 ' for 12 December 1942.] (31)

22 Dec 1942
Around 1700A/22, HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) arrived at Bone with convoy KMF 5. (31)

24 Dec 1942
Around 0815A/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) departed Bone for Algiers where they arrived around 0030A/25. (30)

29 Dec 1942
Around 0855A/29, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar where they arrived around 0815A/30. (30)

30 Dec 1942
Around 1830A/30, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Greenock. (32)

1 Jan 1943
Around 1800A/1, the German blockade breaker Rhakotis (6753 GRT, built 1928) is intercepted by the light cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) about 200 nautical miles north-west of Cape Finisterre in position 45°01'N, 10°50'W. When the British open fire the Germans scuttled their ship which was then finished off by a torpedo fired by HMS Scylla. This was the second torpedo fired by the cruiser, the first had missed. HMS Scylla did not stop to pick up the survivors due to the possible U-boat danger.

The German ship had been spotted by Allied air reconnaissance and HMS Scylla, which was on passage from Gibraltar to Greenock was ordered to try to intercept.

3 Jan 1943
Around 1000A/3, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Gibraltar.

Around 2100A/3, she departed Greenock for the Tyne where she is to refit. (33)

5 Jan 1943
Around 1030A/3, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at North Shields from Greenock. (33)

7 Jan 1943
On completion of de-ammunitioning, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) is towed up river to the Palmers shipyard at Hebburn-on-Tyne where she is taken in hand for a short refit. (33)

14 Jan 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) is docked at Hebburn-on-Tyne. [The date she is undocked is not listed in the ships log, most likely late January / early February 1943.] (33)

5 Feb 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) is towed from Hebburn-on-Tyne to North Shields. (34)

6 Feb 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials off North Shields. (34)

8 Feb 1943
Around 1745A/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed North Shields for Scapa Flow. (34)

9 Feb 1943
Around 1630A/9, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from North Shields. (34)

14 Feb 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (34)

15 Feb 1943
Around 1800B/15, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Seidisfjord. (34)

15 Feb 1943

Convoy JW 53.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe for Northern Russia on 15 February 1943.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Artigas (Panamanian, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Beaconhill (American, 6941 GRT, built 1919), Bering (American, 7631 GRT, built 1920), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), City of Omaha (British, 6124 GRT, built 1920), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Fortune (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Empire Galliard (British, 7170 GRT, built 1942), Empire Kinsman (British, 6744 GRT, built 1942), Empire Portia (British, 7058 GRT, built 1942), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 141), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Israel Putnam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Bowie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Komiles (Russian, 3962 GRT, built 1932), Llandaff (British, 4825 GRT, built 1937), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Mobile City (American, 6157 GRT, built 1920), Ocean Freedom (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Petrovski (Russian, 3771 GRT, built 1921), Pieter de Hoogh (British, 7168 GRT, built 1941), Tblisi (Russian, 7169 GRT, built 1912), Thomas Hartley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Tobruk (British, 7048 GRT, built 1942).

Three of the above listed ships sailed only on the 16th as convoy JW 53B and were to overtake and join the main convoy [see below].

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMS Jason (Cdr. H.G.A. Lewis, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. E.L. Wathen, RNR) and HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. T.D. Bennett, RNR).

The escort destroyers escort destroyers HMS Meynell (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN), HMS Pytchley (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow on the same day and joined the convoy escort at sea. HMS Hazard however returned to Scapa Flow later the same day with weather damage and presumably never actually joined the convoy. She was replaced by HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L.D. Hoare, RNR) which departed Scapa Flow early on the 16th joining the convoy escort p.m. that day.

Also on the 16th convoy JW 53B, made up of three merchant ships of the above list, and escorted by the corvette HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) departed Loch Ewe to overtake and join the convoy. The destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy JW 53B which they did the following day after which HMS Bryony was detached to Liverpool as she had sustained weather damage. She arrived at Liverpool on the 18th.

On the 17th, the A/S trawler HMS Lord Middleton was detached with weather damage to Scapa Flow escorted by the corvette HMS Dianella. They arrived at Scapa Flow on the 18th.

On the 18th, one of the ships from convoy JW 53B was detached to Scapa Flow with weather damage. She was escorted by HMS Matchless. The merchant vessel eventually went back to Loch Ewe arriving there on the 22nd. HMS Matchless then went to Scapa Flow arriving there also on the 22nd.

On the 19th, the two remaining ships of convoy JW 53B also turned back, due to the weather conditions they were unable to overtake the main convoy. Three ships from the main convoy also turned back to Loch Ewe with weather damage. These five merchant vessels arrived back at Loch Ewe on 22 February. The destroyer HMS Musketeer proceeded to Akureyri, Iceland arriving there on the 20th.

On the 20th the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) departed Seidisfjord to join the escort of convoy JW 53 as did the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR) and HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR). All these escorts joined the convoy p.m. 20th.

Also on the 20th the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) departed Akureyri also to join the escort of convoy JW 53 which they did on 21 February.

On the 21st, HMS Middleton and HMS Pytchley were detached from the escort of convoy JW 53 to proceed to Seidisfjord where the arrived p.m. the same day. HMS Middleton was unable to anchor at Seidisfjord and the proceeded to Scapa Flow instead where she arrived on 23 February.

On the 22nd, HMS Meynell and HMS Halcyon parted company with convoy JW 53. HMS Meynell arrived at Seidisfjord p.m. on the 22nd, HMS Halcyon arrived the next day.

On 23 February the convoy was sighted and reported by German air reconnaissance and of the next day the convoy was being shadowed by aircraft and U-boats.

At 2142A/24, the German submarine U-622 attacked a destroyer with torpedoes. She missed but was later depth charged by the destroyer HMS Orwell which most likely had also been the target of her attack. The submarine escaped without damage though.

On 25 February the convoy was attacked around noon by 14 Ju.88's in position 73°41'N, 29°42'E. No damage was done to any ship in the convoy.

Around noon the 26th the convoy was attacked again from the air, in position 71°16'N, 36°54'E and again no damage was done.

Also on the 26th a Russian escort made up of the destroyers Gromkiy, Grozniy, Valerian Kyubishev and Uritsky joined as did the British minesweeper HMS Britomart (Lt.Cdr. S.S. Stammwitz, RN).

Later on the 26th, seven of the merchant vessels were detached to Archangelsk with the Russian escorts as well as the minesweeper HMS Britomart.

The bulk of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 27 February. The Archangelsk section arrived there the following day.

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A battle force (distant cover force) for this convoy was also deployed. It departed Akureyri, Iceland on 22 February 1943 and was made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer, HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN).

They arrived in their covering position, 150 miles south-west of Bear Island on 24 February.

On the 26th the distant cover force returned to Akureyri except for HMS Berwick which was detached to Hvalfjord where she arrived on the 27th.

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Besides the distant cover force there was also a cruiser / close cover force ' Force R '.

It was made up of the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and the heavy cruisers HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) departed Seidisfjord on 21 February.

' Force R ' arrived in the Kola Inlet on 26 February 1943.

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A ' carrier ' force made up of the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Impulsive and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) was also to be deployed from Seidisfjord but as HMS Dasher and HMS Blankney suffered weather damage in the built up stage of the convoy operation so the deployment of the ' carrier ' force was cancelled. HMS Impulsive then went to Akureyri to join the ' battle ' force instead. (35)

17 Feb 1943
In the afternoon, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived off Seidisfjord during a gale. She is unable to enter and eventually had to divert to Akureyri with other ships. (34)

20 Feb 1943
Around 1145Z/20, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Akureyri. (36)

20 Feb 1943
Around 2030Z/20, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) departed Akureyri to join the escort of convoy JW 53 which they did in the evening of the following day.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy JW 53 ' for 15 February 1943.] (34)

1 Mar 1943

Convoy RA 53.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 1 March 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calobre (Panamanian, 6891 GRT, built 1919), Chester Valley (American, 5078 GRT, built 1919), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Delsud (American, 4982 GRT, built 1919), El Oriente (Panamanian, 6012 GRT, built 1910), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1941), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British, 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Executive (American, 4978 GRT, built 1920), Gulfwing (American (tanker), 10217 GRT, built 1928), J.L.M. Curry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jefferson Myers (American, 7582 GRT, built 1920), John H.B. Latrobe (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Mossovet (Russian, 2981 GRT, built 1935), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Oremar (American, 6854 GRT, built 1919), Puerto Rican (American, 6076 GRT, built 1919), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Richard Basset (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard Bland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Vermont (American, 5670 GRT, built 1919), West Gotomska (American, 5728 GRT, built 1918) and Yorkmar (British, 5612 GRT, built 1919).

The RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tanker Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) was also part of the convoy.

On departure the close escort was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Hall, DSC, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR), Starwort and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR) and HMS St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR).

On the 2nd the convoy was reported by the German submarine U 255 on 2 February 1943 which then commenced shadowing the convoy. Later in the day U 622 and U 629 also made contact with the convoy but were driven off. In the afternoon U 657 also made contact but soon lost it. In the evening the German submarine U 622 was depth charged by some ships of the convoy escort.

Early in the afternoon U 657 was driven off and depth charged but she escaped without damage.

In the late afternoon of 3 March the German submarine U 355 made a torpedo attack on the convoy but no hits were obtained. Following this attack the German submarine was depth charged by HMS Bergamot but she managed to escape without damage.

On 4 March U 255 was twice driven off before she could attack. Early in the day U 622 was detected and depth charged by the escort but she managed to escape without damage. The shortly before noon U 657 and shortly after noon U 355 both had the same experience.

Early on the 5th the convoy was also reported by German air reconnaissance.

In the morning of the 5th the German submarine U 255 made a torpedo attack. The British merchant Executive was sunk and the American merchant Richard Brand was hit and damaged. The torpedo did not explode but went right through the ship making a hole on both sides. The damaged ship was able to remain with the convoy for the moment though.

Around 1400A/5, the convoy was attacked by German Ju.88 aircraft but no damage was done.

On the 6th the destroyer HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN), HMS Meynell (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN) and HMS Pytchley (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Akureyri to join the convoy which they did only on the 9th having been delayed by ice and bad weather. HMS Vivacious had also smashed her Asdic dome while en-route.

Around 1900A/6, the destroyers HMS Faulknor, HMS Eclipse, HMS Impulsive and HMS Opportune parted company with the convoy to proceed to Seidisfjord to fuel. They arrived at Seidisfjord around 2015A/8.

On the 7th, the destroyers HMS Intrepid, HMS Boadicea, HMS Obdurate and HMS Obedient parted company with the convoy to proceed to Seidisfjord to fuel.

Around 0740A/9, HMS Scylla was detached to Akureyri where she arrived around 1140A/10.

In the morning of the 9th, HMS Vivacious, HMS Ledbury, HMS Meynell and HMS Pytchley joined the convoy while HMS Intrepid, HMS Boadicea, HMS Obdurate and HMS Obedient arrived at Seidisfjord to fuel. HMS Ledbury joined a straggler, the Cornelius Harnett to escort her to Seidisfjord where they arrived around 0900A/10.

Also on the 9th the American merchant vessel J.L.M. Curry broke up in heavy weather and sank. Apparently her hull had developed cracks earlier. Her crew was picked up by HMS St. Elstan.

HMS Faulknor, HMS Eclipse, HMS Impulsive and HMS Opportune departed Seidisfjord around 1430A/9 to rejoin the convoy which they did around 1930A/9 in position 66°38'N, 11°24'W.

Around 2220A/9, HMS Eclipse and HMS Impulsive were detached to go to the assistance of the Puerto Rican, a straggler, which had been torpedoed by U 586. They searched the area for the ship but it had sunk in about 15 minutes and no survivors were found. eventually on 12 March one survivor, wearing a survival suit, was picked up from a raft by HMS St. Elstan.

On these destroyers joining, HMS Milne, ORP Orkan, HMS Orwell and HMS Inglefield detached from the convoy to proceed to Akureyri to fuel. They arrived around 1445A/10. Except for HMS Inglefield which turned back and rejoined the convoy around 0248A/10.

Around 0835A/10, HMS Vivacious was detached to Seidisfjord due to fuel shortage.

Around 0940A/10, HMS Meynell and HMS Pytchley were detached to Seidisfjord to fuel.

Besides that, on the 10th, the merchant vessel Richard Bland, which had been damaged earlier, (see above), was again sighted by U 255 after having straggled from the convoy. The submarine now managed to sink her. HMS Eclipse and HMS Impulsive which were about to rejoin the convoy after their fruitless search for survivors of the Puerto Rican were ordered to search for survivors.

Around 2130A/10, HMS Milne and ORP Orkan departed Akureyri to search for stragglers from the convoy. HMS Orwell departed later but was ordered to rejoin the convoy.

The merchant vessel John H.B. Latrobe was towed to Seidisfjord as she had defective steering by the destroyer HMS Oppurtune which had been detached from the convoy around 2050A/10. They were escorted by HMS St. Elstan. They arrived at Seidisfjord around 2100A/11.

HMS Vivacious and HMS Pytchley also departed Seidisfjord and rejoined the convoy around 0600A/11.

Around 1035A/11, HMS Fury was detached to Seidisfjord to fuel. She was ordered to take the Oligarch with her.

Around the same time HMS Bergamot, HMS Lotus and HMS Starwort left the convoy to fuel at Seidisfjord. After doing so they left Seidisfjord later on the 11th to rejoin the convoy.

HMS Poppy also parted company with the convoy, but later then the other corvettes. She too went to Seidisfjord but did not rejoin the convoy afterwards as she was held back, together with the two A/S trawlers to escort the Oligarch.

HMS Boadicea escorting the Cornelius Harnett departed Seidisfjord on the 11th to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1600A/11, HMS Eclipse rejoined the convoy.

Around 2200A/11, HMS Fury rejoined the convoy.

Around 0200A/12, HMS Orwell joined. She had encountered another straggler, the Oremar, en-route.

Around 0400A/12, HMS Meynell joined.

Around 1315A/12, HMS Inglefield, HMS Ledbury, HMS Bergamot, HMS Lotus and HMS Starwort rejoined the convoy. HMS Inglefield however remained briefly with the convoy as she was detached to Scapa Flow almost immediately.

Around 2000A/12, HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury, HMS Eclipse and HMS Orwell were detached to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1330A/13.

On the 13th, HMS Impulsive arrived at Seidisfjord with survivors and HMS Milne also arrived there having searched for stragglers. ORP Orkan which had also been searching for stragglers proceeded direct to Scapa Flow arriving there on the 15th.

Also on the 13th, HMS Vivacious, HMS Ledbury, HMS Meynell and HMS Pytchley detached from the convoy and proceeded to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 14th.

Two of the merchant vessels arrived at Loch Ewe on the 13th apparently having proceeded ahead of the convoy.

On the 14th, HMS Boadicea detached from the convoy to proceed to the Clyde where she arrived on the 15th.

and HMS Starwort detached from the convoy and proceeded to Londonderry arriving there on the 15th.

HMS Bergamot detached with the Clyde section of the convoy (5 ships). After having delivered them off the Clyde on the 15th, HMS Bergamot continued on to Liverpool where she arrived later on the 15th.

The Loch Ewe section of the convoy (16 ships) arrived there on the 15th.

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To provide distant cover for this convoy the ' battlefleet ' departed Akureyri around 0600N/2. The ' battlefleet ' was made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN).

They arrived in their covering position to the north of the convoy route on the 4th.

On the 5th they left the covering position for Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 6th minus HMS Glasgow and HMS Forester which had been detached to Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands on the 5th. These two ships arrived there on the 6th. HMS Forester then fuelled from HMS Glasgow and they departed for Scapa Flow later the same day.

HMS Glasgow and HMS Forester arrived at Scapa Flow on the 7th.

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A cruiser, close cover, Force was also deployed. It was known as ' Force R ' and was made up of the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and the heavy cruisers HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN).

They had departed the Kola Inlet around 1100C/2 and arrived at Seidisfjord around 0700A/7.

After fuelling they departed again around 1615A/8 to continue to provide cover for the convoy.

On the 9th they set course to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0500A/11. (35)

10 Mar 1943
Around 1140A/10, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Akureyri from convoy escort duty. (37)

11 Mar 1943
Around 0930A/11, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Akureyri for Scapa Flow. (37)

13 Mar 1943
Around 0700A/13, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Akureyri. (37)

21 Mar 1943
Around 1145A/21, at Scapa Flow, His Majesty, King George VI, boarded HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) which then left Scapa Flow for Scrabster where she arrived at 1315A/21.

The light cruiser was escorted by the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN).

Later that afternoon HMS Scylla, HMS Opportune and HMS Obdurate returned to Scapa Flow.

Obedient was joined HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). They then set course to proceed Londonderry for temporary duty with the Western Approaches Command. (38)

25 Mar 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (37)

1 Apr 1943
During 1/2 April 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. (39)

9 Apr 1943
HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises HMS Anson was escorted by three destroyers. [possibly HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Obedient (?)]. (40)

14 Apr 1943
The Commander in Chief of the Home Fleet, Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) to HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN).

HMS King George V then departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN).

On departure from Scapa Flow in the evening, exercises were carried out with HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

HMS King George V arrived at Rosyth the following day. The escorts then returned to Scapa Flow. (41)

16 Apr 1943
HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

HMS Delhi remained out during the night of 16/17 April 1943 and conducted NEX (night encounter) exercises with HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN). (42)

21 Apr 1943
The battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) conducted exercises to the west of the Orkneys during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN). They all returned to Scapa Flow early on 22 April although HMS Echo returned a few hours later then the other ships.

Part of the exercises on the 21st ware rangefinding and inclination exercises (RIX) during which HMS Duke of York and the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) acted as target for each other. (43)

23 Apr 1943
During the night of 23/24 April 1943, HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Shortly after midnight she was joined by HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) who came out from Scapa Flow for night encounter exercises. (44)

27 Apr 1943
Around 2000B/27, the battleship HMS Anson (Commodore H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) departed Scapa Flow for exercise XCJ and after which most of the ships were to proceed to Hvalfjord.

Around 1020A/28, the battleship HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Hvalfjord for exercise XCJ and then onwards to Scapa Flow.

Exercise XCJ was carried out between around 0800B/29 and 1215B/29 when the two groups met.

On completion of the exercises HMS Howe, HMS Furious, HMS Glasgow, HMS Scylla, HMS Troubridge, HMS Fury, HMS Active, HMS Blankney, HMS Middleton and HMS Brecon set course for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0620B/30.

HMS Anson, HMS Jamaica, HMS Milne, HMS Intrepid and HMS Echo continued on to Hvalfjord where they arrived around 0945A/30. (45)

4 May 1943
In the afternoon, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy TA 41B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TA 41B ' for 5 May 1943.]

5 May 1943

Convoy TA 41B.

This convoy was only made up of one ship, the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936). She departed the Clyde on 5 May 1943 for New York and had on board about 5000 German POW's and also Prime Minister Churchill and his staff.

The AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow in the afternoon of the 4th May 1943 and provided close escort for the troopship.

Around midnight during the night of 4/5 May 1943, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide cover. HMS Glasgow returned to Scapa Flow on 10 May apparently having turned back on 8 May.

Around 1100B/5, the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN) departed Greenock to provide air cover for the Queen Mary during the first part of her voyage. The carrier was escorted by the destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN), HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN). They turned back very late on 6 May and HMS Indomitable and HMS Eclipse returned to the Clyde on the 8th. HMS Matchless and HMS Mahratta were detached on the 8th to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived later on the same day.

Also on 5 May 1943, around 0600B/5, the light cruiser HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the Queen Mary. Rendezvous was effected on 7 May. Most likely HMS Scylla then parted company as she arrived at Plymouth on 8 May. HMS Charybdis parted company around 2100A/8 to return to Plymouth where she arrived on 10 May.

The Queen Mary then continued on escorted by HMS Uganda.

At 1345N/9, the heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN) and the destroyers USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. L.W. Bailey, USN) joined. They had departed Argentia, Newfoundland on 6 May. HMS Uganda parted company shortly afterwards and proceeded to Argentia, arriving there around 1045OP(+2.5)/11.

In the morning of the 10th the four US destroyers were relieved by four other destroyers, these were USS Mervine (T/Cdr. S.D. Willingham, USN), USS Quick (T/Cdr. P.W. Cann, USN), USS Beatty (T/Cdr. F.C. Stelter, Jr., USN) and USS Tillman (T/Cdr. F.D. McCorkle, USN).

The Queen Mary and her USN escort arrived at New York on 11 May.

6 May 1943

Combined convoy OS 47 / KMS 14.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 May 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albion Star (British, 7946 GRT, built 1919), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921), City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), City of Hereford (British, 5101 GRT, built 1927), City of Oran (British, 7323 GRT, built 1915), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clive (British (CAM ship), 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919), Empire Eve (British (CAM ship), 5979 GRT, built 1941), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Anne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942)), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Indian Prince (British, 8587 GRT, built 1926), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, built 1943), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Lwow (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Merkland (British, 1363 GRT, built 1934), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Nestor (British, 14629 GRT, built 1913), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Phrontis (Dutch, 6616 GRT, built 1926), Prince de Liege (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Rallus (British, 1871 GRT, built 1922), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 192), Sellinge (British, 2327 GRT, built 1916), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Stanforth (British, 1817 GRT, built 1915), Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929), Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Umvuma (British, 4419 GRT, built 1914).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR), minesweepers HMS Fort York (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Parrsboro (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Raven, DSC, RNVR), HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. H. Stevens, RNVR), HMS Wedgeport (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Fetherstonhaugh, RNR), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the M/S trawler HMS Prodigal (T/Lt. G.C. Norman, RNR).

Later, between latitudes 49°N and 42°N, the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) was near the convoy to provide cover.

On 7 May 1943, the Ocean Valour developed a fire in her lower bunker. As she was carrying ammunition and at 0800Z/7 she was detached in position 55°18'N, 08°58'W to return to Belfast.

Around 0200Z/9, HMS Mignonette was detached to make rendezvous with the merchant vessel Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942) which had been unable to sail with the convoy and had left Barrow-in-Furness later to proceed and join the convoy via the south of Ireland.

Around 0800Z/10, HMS Mignonette and the Empire Guinevere joined the convoy in position 49°16'N, 14°12'W as did the corvette HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) and the merchant vessel Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) which came from Milford Haven.

At 0722Z/11, when the convoy was in position 47°07'N, 14°19'W, the air cover, a Halifax aircraft (Sqdn. 58/D), reported sighting a submarine bearing 217° - 10 nautical miles from the convoy. On receipt of this report HMS Mignonette was ordered to proceed to this position and she was ordered to rejoin by 1000Z/11 if not in contact. The convoy changed course to 150°.

At 0749Z/11, the aircraft reported that she had sighted and attacked a submarine in position 280° - 8 nautical miles. HMS Fleetwood was ordered to proceed to this position and she was ordered to rejoin by 1030Z/11 if not in contact. At 0820Z/11, HMS Fleetwood reported that she was in the position marked by the aircrafts smoke float and at 0856Z/11, she reported that she was in contact. On receipt of this info, HMS Mignonette and HMS Wedgeport were ordered to join HMS Fleetwood.

The convoy altered course to 200° at 1200Z/6.

At 1345Z/11, HMS Fleetwood reported that the submarine had been sunk and that she had picked up 39 survivors and HMS Mignonette another 6. The submarine in question was U-528 which had been damaged by the depth charges from the aircraft and HMS Fleetwood. The damaged U-boat managed to surface and was then scuttled by her crew.

At 1500Z/11, HMS Fleetwood, HMS Mignonette and HMS Wedgeport were ordered to rejoin the convoy. HMS Fleetwood and HMS Mignonette were back in station by 2130Z/11. HMS Wedgeport could not find the convoy in the bad visibility and was ordered to remain behind the convoy until the following morning. At 2000Z/11, the convoy altered course to 182°

On the 12th, HMS Wedgeport was homed on to the convoy and resumed station at 1140Z/12. Earlier, the Llancarvan had to stop in approximate position 45°35'N, 14°10'W with engine trouble and at 0608Z/12, HMS Qualicum was ordered to remain with her until further orders. They were subsequently ordered to proceed to Lisbon which was the port of destination of the Llancarvan.

At 0800Z/12, the convoy was in position 44°56'N, 14°03'W, course 182°, speed 6.75 knots.

At 1315Z/14, in position 38°50'N, 12°17'W, HMS Prodigal was detached to escort Merkland to the territorial waters of Lisbon and the Brika to Huelva. HMS Prodigal was then to proceed to Gibraltar. In the end the destination of the Brika was changed to Gibraltar and HMS Prodigal escorted her to her new destination.

Also on the 14th, HMS Mignonette transferred her six German survivors from U-528 to HMS Fleetwood.

At 0600Z/15, the convoy was in position 37°15'N, 11°32'W when course was altered to 135°. HMS Fleetwood was now detached to Gibraltar to land her prisoners and complete with depth charges, ammunition and fuel and then rejoin the convoy.

At 1830Z/15, in position 36°02'N, 10°36'W, convoy KMS 14 parted company to make rendezvous with convoy UGS 8 which was effected in the afternoon of the 16th in position 35°44'N, 08°15'W. Convoy KMS 14 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Yarborough, City of Agra, City of Auckland, Clan Macbean, Collegian, Daldorch, Egret, Eildon, Empire Beatrice, Empire Carpenter, Empire Clive, Empire Commerce, Empire Eve, Empire Guinevere, English Prince, Explorer, Filleigh, Fort Anne, Fort Vermillion, Govert Flinck, Havildar, Indian Prince, James Barbour, Kingsland, Kong Haakon VII, Lwow, Macharda, Manchester Port, Masirah, Myrtlebank, Nea, Nigerstroom, Ocean Vanity, Ocean Verity, Ocean Volunteer, Pencarrow, Prince de Liege, Rallus, Salawati, Sellinge, Spero, Stanforth, Tactician, Thurland Castle, Topsdalfjord, Trader and Tynemouth.

They were escorted by HMS Fort York, HMS Parrsboro, HMS Wedgeport and HMS Hazard.

In the early hours of 16th May 1943, the Maplewood straggled from the convoy and was not seen again. She proceeded independently to Freetown.

Around 0700Z/6, in position 34°43'N, 10°14'W, rendezvous was made with convoy OS 47G, the Gibraltar section of the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Clan Murray (British, 5953 GRT, built 1918), Empire Ruskin (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942), Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Simpson (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pilgrim (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wayfarer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, DSC, RN) and the ASW trawlers HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR) and HMS Reighton Wyke (Skr. G.M. Sutherland, RNR).

At 1000Z/16, rendezvous was made with the Casablanca section of the convoy which had departed that port on the 15th. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy; Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942) and Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940).

These had been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy escorted by the destroyers USS Guest (T/Cdr. H. Crommelin, USN), USS Thatcher (T/Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN) and USS Brownson (T/Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN).

These destroyers then returned to Casablanca where they arrived on the 17th having taken the following merchant vessels with them; Baron Dunmore, Empire Barrie, Fort Douglas, Fort Drew and Fort Thompson.

Around the same time the HMS Foxtrot and HMS Reighton Wyke were detached to proceed to Gibraltar. HMS Wishart was to join the combined convoy UGS 8 / KMS 14.

At 0700Z/19, in position 25°57'N, 16°27'W, the RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) and her escorts, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) and the ASW whaler HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. W.J.L. Storey, RNVR) joined the convoy. The Fortol was to fuel the escorts which commenced at 0900Z/19 when HMS Scarborough went alongside.

At 1106Z/19, when the convoy was in position 25°38'N, 16°51'W, the air escort, a Sunderland flying boat, reported having sighted a periscope bearing 120° - 14 nautical miles from HMS Scarborough, the escort leader. Immediately HMS Balsam was ordered to proceed to this position and at 1114Z/19, HMS Coltsfoot was ordered to join her. HMS Scarborough slipped from the Fortol at 1120Z/19 to also proceed to the scene.

At 1120Z/19, HMS Scarborough arrived on the reported location and with the two corvettes a large square search was carried out until 1615Z/19, but no contact was obtained. The escorts then made off to rejoin the convoy after having dropped a depth charge pattern each for exercise purposes. [No enemy submarine appeared to have been in the immediate area, closest one was U-511 but she was further to the west.]

Around 0200Z/20, HMS Scarborough, HMS Balsam and HMS Coltsfoot rejoined the convoy.

Around 1050Z/20, HMS Fleetwood rejoined the convoy from Gibraltar.

During the 20th, all escort vessels fuelled from the Fortol.

Around 1600Z/22, in position 14°52'N, 18°05'W, two merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar [No clue on their identity] escorted by local escorts. Four of the merchant vessels then parted company to proceed to Dakar escorted by the local escorts. These were the Empire Addison, Empire Cougar and Fort Livingstone. [No clue on the identity of the fourth.]

At 1100Z/23, in position 12°45'N, 18°30'W, one of the mercant vessels which was to proceed to recife was detached. This was most likely the City of Hereford.

At 1700Z/23, in position 11°08'N, 18°41'W, two additional escorts joined, these were the corvette HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and the ASW whaler HMS Buttermere (Lt. J.D.E. Lewis, RNR).

Around 1100Z/25, the convoy was approaching the end of the swept channel into Freetown. Some ships of the convoy split off forming convoy OSS 47 escorted by HMS Bellwort, HMS Armeria, HMS Buttermere and HMS Wastwater. [The ships that split off were probably the following (to be researched further); Albion Star, Amstelkerk, City of Calcutta, Clan Forbes, Empire Galahad, Empire Geraint, Guinean, Harmonic and Lombardy.]

Three merchant vessels; Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925) and Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911) joined convoy OSS 47 coming from Freetown escorted by the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR), corvette HMS Burdock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Lynes, RD, RNR) and the ASW trawlers HMS Birdlip (Lt. E.N. Groom, RNR) and HMS Duncton ( Lt. J.N. Burgess, RANVR).

On these ships joining, HMS Bellwort, HMS Buttermere and HMS Wastwater parted company with convoy OSS 47 and also entered Freetown.

Convoy OSS 47 continued on to Takoradi though most of the merchant vessels were detached to proceed independently before arrival at Takoradi. (46)

8 May 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty. (47)

9 May 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth to provide cover for the combined convoy OS 47 / KMS 14 latitudes 49°N and 42°N.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 47 / KMS 14 ' for 6 May 1943.] (47)

15 May 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) returned to Plymouth from convoy cover duty. (47)

18 May 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with an American Task Force (TF 61) made up of the battleships USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN) and the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. T.L. Lewis, USN, on board), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN).

The American Task Force was on passage from Argentia to Scapa Flow.

19 May 1943
Around 1300B/19, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with the American Task Force 61, made up of the battleships USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN) and the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. T.L. Lewis, USN, on board), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 2215B/19.

27 May 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN) and USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) and the escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) conducted exercises to the west of Scapa Flow.

They all returned to Scapa Flow later the same day except for HMS Indomitable, HMS Cumberland,HMS Echo and HMS Middleton which proceeded to the Clyde for which they were also joined by HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN). At 2310B/27, HMS Cumberland and HMS Bermuda parted company with the carrier and her escorts to proceed ahead. They all arrived at Greenock in the afternoon of the 28th.

30 May 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where they arrived at following day. (48)

31 May 1943
Around 1300B/31, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN)and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) departed Greenock for Akureyri, Iceland. (49)

2 Jun 1943
Around 1900B/2, HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from the Clyde. (50)

2 Jun 1943
The aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN)and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) are ordered to proceed to Hvalfjord instead of Akureyri.

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) and light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) continued their passage to Akureyri. (48)

7 Jun 1943

Operation FH.

This operations had three objectives;
a) Carrying relief personnel and stores to the Norwegian Garrison in Spitsbergen.
b) Bringing back two corvettes from North Russia.
c) Carrying mail and stores to HM ships and establishments in North Russia.

The ships taking part in the operation were covered by a large battleforce which took station about 200 miles south-west of Bear Island.

The detailed movements taking part in the operation were as follows.

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' Force R ' was deployed for the relief of the garrison at Spitsbergen (Operation Gearbox III).

It was made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN).

They departed Akureyri, Iceland on 7 June for Spitsbergen where they arrived on 10 June. The cruisers commenced unloading while the destroyers conducted an A/S patrol off the entrance of the fjord. Also HMCS Athabascan fuelled from HMS Cumberland and HMS Eclipse from HMS Bermuda.

On 11 June, ' Force R ' departed Spitsbergen for Scapa Flow where they arrived on 14 June.

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On 8 June, the destroyers HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord. HMS Mahratta and HMS Musketeer were to proceed to the Kola Inlet. HMS Onslaught was to make rendezvous with the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR) and HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR) which departed the Kola Inlet for the U.K. on 9 June.

On 12 June, HMS Mahratta and HMS Musketeer arrived in the Kola Inlet where they unloaded, fuelled and departed to return to Seidisfjord later the same day.

On 13 June, HMS Onslaught returned to Seidisfjord having failed to meet the corvettes which passed to the south of Bear Island.

On 14 June, HMS Bluebell arrived at Aultbea.

On 15 June, HMS Camellia arrived at Liverpool and HMS Mahratta and HMS Musketeer arrived at Seidisfjord.

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On 9 June, the battlefleet, made up of the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) departed Akureyi to proceed to their cover position about 200 miles south-west of Bear Island where they arrived on the 11th.

On the 12th, USS South Dakota, USS Alabama, HMS Berwick, USS Ellyson, USS Rodman, USS Emmons, USS Macomb and USSFitch were detached to proceed to Hvalfjord where they arrived on the 14th. The remaining ships set course for Scapa Flow.

On the 13th, HMS Duke of York, HMS Furious, Scylla, HMS Milne, HMS Obdurate, HMS Obedient, HMS Opportune and HMS Orwell arrived at Scapa Flow. (48)

7 Jun 1943
Around midnight during the night of 6/7 June 1943, the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) departed Hvalfjord for Akureyri where they arrived around 2130Z/7.

9 Jun 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN), AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), USS Macomb (T/Cdr. J.C. South, USN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) departed Akureyri for operation FH.

[For more information on this operation see the event ' Operation FH ' for 7 June 1943.]

13 Jun 1943
Late in the evening, HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations. (48)

13 Jun 1943

Convoy SL 131.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 June 1943.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Bodegraven (Dutch, 5541 GRT, 1929), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Cap Padaran (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Dagrun (Norwegian, 4562 GRT, built 1928), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Karmt (Norwegian, 4991 GRT, built 1938), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Sound Fisher (British, 2931 GRT, built 1941), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Swiftscout (American, 8207 GRT, built 1921) and William Gaston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) was also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) sloop and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR).

Around 0600Z/16, in position 13°58'N, 17°33'W the Swiftscout and William Gaston parted company to proceed to Trinidad independently.

Around 0945Z/16, in position 14°29'N, 17°38'W, the merchant vessel Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launches HMS ML 289 and ML 574 which then returned to Dakar.

Around 1940Z/24, in position 34°02'N, 10°03'W, the tanker Thorshovdi (Norwegian, 9944 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy.

At 1015A/25, convoy MKS 15G joined the convoy in position 35°25'N, 10°11'W.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) and Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940).

With these ships also the damaged fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) in tow of the tug HMS Bustler joined.

Also two merchant vessel which came from Lisbon joined, these were the Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939) and Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922).

They were escorted by the corvettes Roselys, Renoncule and the A/S trawlers HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR), HMS Hornpipe (Lt. H.L. de Legh, RNR) and HMS Reighton Wyke (Skr. G.M. Sutherland, RNR). Two more vessels of the Lisbon section had been sunk by German aircraft while en-route to the rendezvous, these were the Shetland (British, 1846 GRT, built 1921) and Volturno (British, 3419 GRT, built 1914).

At 1230A/25, in position 35°31'N, 10°23'W, the Thorshovdi and Fortol parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. They took HMS Hornpipe and HMS Reighton Wyke with them as escorts.

At 1710A/25, in position 35°42'N, 10°55'W, the damaged escort destroyer HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) joined the convoy, but not as escort. She took station in the convoy.

Distant cover for the convoy when it passed the Bay of Biscay area was provided by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

At 0515A/30, in position 47°19'N, 17°02'W, HMS La Malouine parted company to proceed independently to Liverpool.

At 0430A/1, in position 50°39'N, 17°05'W, HMS Avon Vale parted company to proceed to Plymouth. She took the Renoncule with her as escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1943 where it split into several sections which then proceeded to their repective destinations. (51)

15 Jun 1943
Around 1815B/15, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. (52)

15 Jun 1943

Convoy XK 7.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 15 June 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following transports; Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Lanande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920) and Penshurst (British, 1454 GRT, built 1921).

Also part of the convoy were the cable layer Aquilla (British, 450 GRT, built 1907) and the tug HMS Aimwell which was towing a part of HMS Porcupine.

The convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Cyclamen (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RNR), ASW whaler HNoMS Molde and the ASW trawler HMS Huddersfield Town (A/Skr.Lt. J.H. Consadine, DSC, RNR).

Distant cover for the convoy during part of the voyage was provided by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 26 June 1943. (53)

17 Jun 1943
Around 1420B/17, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (52)

18 Jun 1943

' Shippigan Convoy '.

This convoy departed Falmouth on 18 June 1943.

It was made up of the landing ships HMS Prince Charles (A/Cdr. (Retd.) S.H. Dennis, DSC, RN), HMS Prince Leopold (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Lowe, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (Cdr. A.I. Robertson, RNR), HMS Princess Astrid (T/A/Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) C.E. Hall, RNR), RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) and the merchant vessel Empire Day (British, 7242 GRT, built 1941).

Escort was provided by the minesweepers Shippigan (Cdr. M.H. Brown, DSC, RN), Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR), HMS Fly (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Chandler, RN) and HMS Mutine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.E. Morley, DSC, RNVR).

Distant cover for the convoy during part of the voyage was provided by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 24 June 1943. (53)

20 Jun 1943
Around 0030B/20, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) left Plymouth for patrol. She was to provide cover for Allied convoys ('Shippigan Convoy' and Convoy XK 7) and A/S units (2nd Escort Group) passing / operating off the Bay of Biscay.

The ' Shippigan Convoy ' departed Falmouth on the 18th June destined for Gibraltar. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Shippigan Convoy ' for 18 June 1943.]

Convoy XK 7 had departed Gibraltar on 15 June 1943 destined for the U.K. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy XK 7 ' for 15 June 1943.]

In a signal from the C-in-C, Plymouth, timed 1555B/19, HMS Scylla had been issued the following orders;
She was to pass the gate at 2130B/19 and proceed to pass through position (F) 180° - Bishop Rock - 10 nautical miles.
Then to position (G) 49°21'N, 11°02'W.
Thence towards position (H) 43°29'N, 13°15'W.
On reaching position (H), unless otherwise ordered, she is to patrol on the approximate meridian of 13°30'W. (54)

26 Jun 1943
Around 1415B/6, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) returned to Plymouth from patrol. (52)

26 Jun 1943

Convoy KMS 19

This convoy was assembled near Oversay on 26 June 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), City of Newcastle (British, 6921 GRT, built 1915), Coxwold (British, 1124 GRT, built 1938), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Falstaff (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Empire Florizel (British, 7056 GRT, built 1943), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Howe (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Forthbank (British, 5057 GRT, 1929), Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), John Bakke (Norwegian, 4718 GRT, built 1929), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Lochee (British, 964 GRT, built 1937), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vengeance (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viking (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Virtue (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) and Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928).

Six LST's were also part of the convoy, these were; HMS LST 63 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. V. Elsom, RNR), HMS LST 64 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Mackinnon, RNV), HMS LST 164 (?), HMS LST 198 (?), HMS LST 200 (?) and HMS LST 418 (?).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR), destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Grant, RNR), frigate HMS Dart (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Hall, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, DSC, RNR).

Distant cover for the convoy during part of the voyage when the convoy passed the Bay of Biscay area was provided by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

On passing Gibraltar on the 6th July 1943, the tugs Empire Minnow, Hudson and Weazel joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Bone on 9 July 1943.

28 Jun 1943
Around 0750B/28, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) left Plymouth for patrol. She was to provide cover for Allied convoys (Convoy SL 131 and Convoy KMS 19) and also A/S units (2nd Escort Group and B 5 Escort Group) passing / operating off the Bay of Biscay.

Convoy SL 131 had departed Freetown on the 13th June destined for the U.K. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 131 ' for 13 June 1943.]

Convoy KMS 19 departed U.K waters on 26 June 1943 destined for the Mediterranean [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy KMS 19 ' for 26 June 1943.]

In a signal from the C-in-C, Plymouth, timed 0945B/27, HMS Scylla had been issued the following orders;
She was to pass the gate at 0800B/28 and proceed to pass through position (F) 180° - Bishop Rock - 10 nautical miles.
Then to position (G) 49°20'N, 10°30'W.
Thence to patrol on longtitude 15°30'W between latitudes 47°N and 45°N. (54)

3 Jul 1943
Around 1640B/3, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from patrol.

During the period of 30 June to 2 July she had provided close cover for ships operating under command of the Commanding Officer of Escort Group B 5 which were conducting A/S operations off the Bay of Biscay. (55)

13 Jul 1943
During the day, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted special gunnery exercises off Plymouth on completion of which she proceeded to Falmouth Bay where the trials party was put onboard HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) which had accompanied HMS Scylla during these trials. She then left Falmouth to proceed to Gibraltar. (56)

13 Jul 1943

Convoy SL 133.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 July 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Cypria (Norwegian, 4366 GRT, built 1931), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Desirade (British, 9645 GRT, built 1921), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919), Empire Forest (British, 7025 GRT, built 1942), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tremblant (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Gambian (British, 5452 GRT, built 1937), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, built 1943), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Mafuta (Belgian, tanker, 6322 GRT, built 1920), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), New Northland (Canadian, 3445 GRT, built 1926), Norma (Norwegian, 4487 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Hope (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and Wearpool (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Anchusa ( T/Lt. H.V. Gordon, RNVR), HMS Columbine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR), HMS Coreopsis (T/Lt. B.C. Hamilton, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RD, RNR).

Around 0600Z/15, in position 10°49'N, 17°02'W, the Wearpool was detached to proceed to Buenos Aires.

Around 1900Z/15, HMS Enchantress was detached to fuel at Dakar.

Around 0230Z/15, HMS Amazon was detached to fuel at Dakar.

Around 0600Z/16, the merchant vessel Kaipara was torpedoed and damaged by the German U-boat U-306. She was able to proceed to Dakar under her own power escorted by HMS Violet until this corvette was relieved by HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR).

Around 1230Z/16, in approximate position 14°34'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessel Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Bathurst.

Around 1330Z/16, in position 14°36'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessel New Northland was detached to Dakar. The Fort Douglas was also detached to Dakar with engine defects at the same time. They were escorted to Dakar by the ASW trawler HMS Fandango (T/Lt. A.G. Fisher, RNR) which had also brought out the Dakar section of the convoy (see below).

Around 1330Z/16, in position 14°36'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessels El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909) and Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

Around 1430Z/16, in position 14°35'N, 17°50'W, HMS Enchantress and HMS Amazon returned from fuelling at Dakar.

Around 0830Z/22, in position 29°12'N, 18°48'W, HMS Columbine and HMS Coreopsis were detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2030Z/22, in position 30°08'N, 17°00'W, HMS Anchusa and HMS Violet were detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 1200Z/24, in position 33°54'N, 09°46'W, HMS Columbine and HMS Coreopsis returned from fuelling at Casablanca. HMS Leith was then detached to fuel at Casablanca. She rejoined on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/24, in position 34°04'N, 09°46'W, the El-Biar, Finistere and Grand Quevilly were detached to Casablanca. The patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR), USS PC-482 (Lt. N.P. Hallowell, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) had come out from Casablanca to escort them.

Around 1500Z/24, in position 34°14'N, 09°35'W, HMS Amazon was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived the following day.

Around 1200Z/24, in position 34°17'N, 10°30'W, HMS Anchusa and HMS Violet returned from fuelling at Casablanca.

Around 1700B/24, in position 35°45'N, 11°15'W, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 18G coming from Gibraltar.
This convoy was made up of the following ships; Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Eastern City (British, 5185 GRT, built 1941), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Schiaffino (French, 3236 GRT, built 1929), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

The landing ship Ennerdale (British, 8280 GRT, built 1941) and the tug HMRT Allegiance towing the damaged escort destroyer Derwent (Lt. P.R.C. Higham, RN) was also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Hurricane (Cdr. E.C. Bayldon, DSC, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR) and HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR). Off these, HMS Rockingham could only use one propeller and her speed was limited to 15 knots.

Around 0750B/28, in approximate position 41°30'N, 16°04'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

In the evening of the 28th, the convoy was attacked by German FW 200 bombers / reconnaissance aircraft. No damage was done and one of the attackers was shot down. HMS Hurricane picked up six survivors of this aircraft. Four of them wounded.

Around 0930B/29, the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) joined the convoy.

In the second half of the morning of the 29th, the convoy was once more attacked by German aircraft but again no damage was done though bombs landed near HMS Scylla, HMS Rockingham, HMS Borage and HMS Meadowsweet.

Around 2225B/29, in approximate position 46°30'N, 16°00'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around an hour before the departure of HMS Scylla eleven of the merchant vessels split off from the main convoy and formed the ' fast section '. These then proceeded ahead escorted by the original escort of the convoy which had been with the convoy on departure from Freetown (minus HMS Amazon which had been detached to Gibraltar earlier).

Around 2200B/30, in position 50°01'N, 15°24'W, HMS Enchantress was detached from the 'fast section' to proceed to the Clyde via the south of Ireland.

Around the same time, HMS Sheffield parted company from the 'slow section' to proceed to

The 'fast section' of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 2 July 1943.

The 'slow section' of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1943. (57)

14 Jul 1943

Convoy MKF 18.

This convoy departed Malta on 11 July 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following troop transports; Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Algiers on 13 July 1943. Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922),

The convoy, now joined by the (troop) transports Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913) and Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) departed Algiers on 14 July 1943 and was now escorted by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) and the frigates HMS Bann (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RNR) and HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR).

Around 0700B/15, the convoy arrived in Oran / Mers-el-Kebir anchorage where POW's were embarked.

The convoy departed for Gibraltar around 2000B/15 minus the Empress of Russia which remained behind to coal.

At 1100B/16, HMS Wanderer parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar to effect repairs to her machinery. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1630B/16. She was then taken in hand for repairs but these could not be completed on time and it was decided that she was replaced in the escort by the frigate HMS Teviot (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar around 1900B/16.

The convoy departed Gibraltar for the U.K. around 0630B/17 minus the Nea Hellas and with the addition of two other ships; Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Fort Lee (American (tanker), 10198 GRT, built 1943).

The escort was reinforced by the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

Between around 2020B/18 and 2155B/18, in approximate position 38°15'N, 13°25'W, the convoy was attacked by two or three FW 200 aircraft but no damage was done by these enemy aircraft.

Between around 1035B/19 and 1105B/19, in position 39°30'N, 16°20'W, the convoy was attacked again by a FW 200 aircraft but no damage was done due to effective AA fire from HMS Scylla.

Around 0920B/20, in position 43°00'N, 19°30'W, the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1500B/20, in position 44°10'N, 19°30'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to return to Gibraltar.

Around 2200B/21, in position 50°00'N, 16°30'W, HMS Bermuda parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 23 July 1943.

14 Jul 1943

Convoy MKF 19.

This convoy departed Malta on 14 July 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921) and Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN).

On the 16th, off Algiers the following (troop) transports joined the convoy; Evangeline (American, 5043 GRT, built 1927), Mexico (American, 5236 GRT, built 1932) and Shawnee (American, 6209 GRT, built 1927).

With these ships also the auxiliary minesweepers USS Salem (T/Cdr. H.G. Williams, USN) and USS Weehawken (Cdr. R.E. Mills, USNR) joined the convoy.

The ship from Algiers were escorted to the rendezvous position with the convoy by HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN).

On the 17th, off Oran the (troop) transport Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 18 July 1943.

The convoy departed Gibraltar on 24 July 1943.

The following ships had joined the convoy at Gibraltar; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

The convoy was now escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and the frigates HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR).

Around 2100B/27, HMS Scylla parted company in position 44°00'N, 18°30'W to join convoy SL 133 / MKS 18.

Around 2345B/28, the Arundel Castle parted company in position 49°42'N, 16°00'W to proceed to Avonmouth via the south of Ireland. HMS Test and

The remainder of the convoy proceeded to the North Channel and arrived in U.K. waters on 29 July 1943.

16 Jul 1943
Around 1300B/16, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth (via Falmouth). (56)

17 Jul 1943
Around 0630B/17, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar as escort for convoy MKF 18.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 18 ' for 14 July 1943.] (56)

22 Jul 1943
Around 0845B/22, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) returned to Gibraltar from convoy escort duty. (56)

24 Jul 1943
Around 0800B/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Pheasant (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR) departed Gibraltar as escort for convoy MKF 18.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 19 ' for 14 July 1943.] (58)

27 Jul 1943
Around 2100B/27, 44°00'N, 18°30'W, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) parted company with convoy MKF 19.

Around 0630B/28, she joined the combined convoy SL 133 / MKS 18.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 133 ' for 13 July 1943.] (56)

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. (59)

29 Jul 1943

Combined convoy OG 91 / KMS 22.

This convoy assembled off Oversay on 29 July 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Charles R. McCormick (American, 6027 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heywood (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fort Grouard (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942), Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Flyingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Mont Everest (French, 5210 GRT, built 1918), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Courier (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), P.L.M. 13 (British (former French), 3754 GRT, built 1921), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Suncrest (Britih, 5117 GRT, built 1940) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).

Also part of the convoy was the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR).

P.L.M. 13 soon parted company and proceeded to Belfast with engine trouble.

Around 1200Z/2, in position 46°05'N, 16°49'W, the rescue ship Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) joined.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 38°15'N, 18°57'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined.

Around 1200B/8, in position 35°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Gibraltar.

Around 0400B/9, in position 35°17'N, 10°27'W, the Marrakech and Martand parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar at 12.5 knots. HMS Walker went with them as escort.

At 1830B/9, the convoy was south of Europa Point. The remaining escort then parted company and entered Gibraltar as did the ships of Convoy OG 91, the Copeland and HMS Barbette. The ships that parted company (OG 91) were the following; Ashbury, Blairdevon, Cydonia, Fort Rupert, Fylingdale, Pencarrow and Porjus.

The remaining ships made up convoy KMS 22 and entered the Mediterranean now escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Holcombe (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR) and HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).

Also the Marrakech and Martand rejoined the convoy. There was also the merchant vessels Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Tivives (American, 5017 GRT, built 1911) which joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1900B/10, in position 35°56'N, 00°50'W, the Charles R. McCormick and Grand Quevilly parted company to enter Oran. From Oran the merchant vessel La Drome (French, ????, GRT, built ????) joined the convoy.

Around 2000B/11, in position 36°56'N, 03°11'E, the Cape Sable, Dalemoor, Empire Foam, Empire Mallory, Fort Grouard, Kingborough, Lublin, Marrakech, Ravens Point and Suncrest were detached to enter Algiers. From Algiers the merchant vessels Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925)), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy as did the cable laying vessel HMS Retriever.

In the evening of the 12th the merchant vessels Lysaker V (Norwegian, 1571 GRT, built 1936), Roman (????, ???? GRT, built ????) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 2350B/12, in position 37°17'N, 07°32'E, the Fort Slave, Gudvin, Lysaker V, Ocean Couries, Ocean Stranger and Roman were detached to enter Bone. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943) and ???? (French, ???? GRT, built ????) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 1330B/13, in position 37°20'N, 09°59'E, the Charles Goodyear, La Drone, Mont Everest, Nordeflinge, Paine Wingate, Tivives and the unidentified French vessel which had joined from Bone left the convoy to enter Bizerta. Around the same time the merchant vessels Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta as did three LST's; LST 303 (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Parker, RD, RNR), LST LST 323 (T/Lt. F.H.W. Graybrook, RNR) and LST 366 (A/Lt.Cdr. N. Hall, RNR).

Around 1615B/13, in position 37°14'N, 10°26'E, the Empire Candida, Ulla left the convoy to enter Tunis.

Around 1800B/14, in position 35°35'N, 14°00'E, the Good Gulf and Harpalycus as well as HMS Retriever and the three LST's were detached from the convoy to proceed to Malta. Also detached to Malta was HMS Jonquil from the escort. Around the same time the merchant vessels Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and the RFA tanker War Krishna (5760 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Malta. Also the merchant vessel Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939) joined coming from Tripoli.

Around 0600B/19, in position 31°16'N, 29°34'E, the Crista, Edam, Empire Austen, Empire Heywood, Empire Newton, Fort Grahame, Fort Meductic and Talma were detached to Alexandria as were HMS Holcombe, HMS Atherstone, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Coltsfoot and HMS Hyderabad while the merchant vessels Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926) and Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) joined coming from Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Port Said on 20 August 1943 escorted by HMS Rhododendron. (60)

31 Jul 1943
Around 1430B/31, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty. (56)

31 Jul 1943

Convoy MKS 20.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 31 July 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Fal (British, 4880 GRT, built 1914), Empire Nightingale (British, 5698 GRT, built 1918), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Stirlingville (British, 1995 GRT, built 1937) and Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920).

Three of these vessels were damaged, the Franconia had her port engine out of action and the Fort Norman and Ville de Strasbourg had underwater damage and were both open to the sea in one hold.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers Shippigan (Cdr. M.H. Brown, DSC, RN), Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR), HMS Ilfracombe (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Clark, DSC, RN), HMS Wedgeport (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Fetherstonhaugh, RNR), HMS Parrsboro (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Raven, DSC, RNVR), HMS Dornoch (Lt. H.E. Jackson, RN) and HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. H. Stevens, RNVR).

Later the escort destroyers HMS Viceroy (Lt. T.F. Hallifax, RN), HMS Woolston (Lt. F.W. Hawkins, RN) and HMS Wallace (Lt. D. Carson, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake and join the convoy which they did around dawn on 1 August 1943.

Around 1700B/2, in position 36°34'N, 12°20'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2200B/4, in position 42°31'N, 15°58'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to join convoy MKF 20.

Around 2300B/4, in position 42°38'N, 15°58'W, HMS Viceroy, HMS Woolston and HMS Wallace were detached to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 2230B/6, in position 48°29'N, 15°51'W, the Franconia was detached to proceed ahead of the convoy as it had to reduce speed after the Fort Norman had sustained weather damage. Franconia took HMS Ilfracombe and HMS Qualicum with her as escorts.

Around 0930B/9, the Ville de Strasbourg parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Greenock.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters late on the 9th and the ships then proceeded to their respective destinations. The escorts proceeded to Moville (Londonderry). (61)

1 Aug 1943
Around 2330B/1, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy MKS 20 which she did around 1700B/2.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 20 ' for 31 July 1943.] (62)

4 Aug 1943
Around 2200B/4, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) parted company with convoy MKS 20 to join convoy OG 91 / KMS 22 which she did around 1000B/5.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OG 91 / KMS 22 ' for 29 July 1943.] (62)

8 Aug 1943
Around 2045B/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty. (62)

9 Aug 1943
Around 2130B/9, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy SL 134 coming from Freetown.

She joined the convoy around 0600Z/10, in position 35°13'N, 09°50'W.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 134 ' for 28 July 1943.'] (62)

9 Aug 1943

Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 9 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alresford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Porpoise (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fenad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Assiniboine (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Lanrick (British, 1276 GRT, built 1920), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Penshurst (British, 1454 GRT, built 1921), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), St. Rosado (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) was also part of the convoy.

Also part of the convoy were the boom defence vessels HMS Barndale (T/Lt. R.L. Jones, RNR) and HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR, with Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSC, RN on board as Senior Officer of the Escort Group), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Fal (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the M/S trawlers (for passage to the Mediterranean) HMS Staffa (T/Lt. R.L. Roat, RNVR) and HMS Unst (T/Lt. F.M. Cornall, RNVR).

Around 1700Z/11, in position 51°38'N, 13°14'W, the sloop HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN) joined coming from Londonderry.

Around 1300Z/12, the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) joined the convoy coming from Milford Haven. She had the tanker Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943) with her.

Around 0715Z/13 the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide cover against surface attack. About an hour later she positioned herself well to the east of the convoy. She left the vicinity of the convoy the following day after the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) had joined around 0535Z/14 in position 43°42'N, 14°15'W. She was stationed inside the convoy for AA protection. During daylight hours, HMS Stork and HMS Redpole were also stationed inside the convoy to provide AA protection with their 4" gun batteries. During the night there were deployed in the A/S screen.

At 0915Z/15, when the convoy was in position 39°40'N, 13°33'W, it was noticed that en enemy FW 200 aircraft was shadowing the convoy.

At 1015Z/15, two FW 200's commenced high level bombing attacks on the convoy but all bombs fell wide.

Around 1745Z/15, the convoy was attacked by (16 to 18) German FW 200 aircraft from 1./KG.40 in position 38°59'N, 12°58'W. The Warfield was heavily damaged and later sank while the Baron Fairlie and Ocean Faith were both damaged. The Baron Fairlie was making water in the engine room. HMS Bazeley remained behind to assist these ships but she later rejoined the convoy. She sank the wreck of the Warfield which was beyond salvage. HMS Bazeley was near missed and slightly damaged but this was not discovered until the ship was docked for inspection.

Around 1200Z/16, HMS Trent was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2045Z/16, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived around 0830B/17.

Around 0600Z/16, HMS Test was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 0900Z/17, the convoy split into convoy OS 53 and KMS 23.

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Convoy OS 53, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus, Botlea, British Engineer, Empire Bardolph, Empire Bombardier, Empire Cabot, Empire Porpoise, Empire Prowess, English Monarch, Hilversum, Leighton, MacGregor Laird, Neleus, New Brooklyn, Norjerv, Peterston, Solarium, St. Rosario, Trojan Star and Tynemouth.

They were joined by the merchant vessels; Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Fort Alexandria (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Antic which came from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 15th escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the trawler HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury, HMS Fal and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau. HMS Trent and HMS Test latr rejoined from Casablanca on the 18th and 19th of August respectively.

On 17 August 1943, the convoy was joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Casablanca which they had departed the previous day; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR). These patrol vessels did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca arriving there on the 18th. They had taken the merchant vessel Empire Prowess with them.

Around 1000Z/22, the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), 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) joined the convoy. HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau then parted company to proceed to Dakar to fuel where they arrived the following day.

On 23 August 1943, the El-Biar, Finistere and Montaigne arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessels Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, 1942) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

On 24 August 1943, the British Engineer and Empire Bombardier arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessel Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy the following day coming from Bathurst.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 27 August 1943. Not all merchant ships entered Freetown but continued on to their destination independently.

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Convoy KMS 23, towards the Mediterranean, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford, Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Baron Forbes, Chloris, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Capulet, Empire Chamois, Empire Clarion, Empire Deed, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Empire Shearwater, Euryades, Facto, Fenad Head, Filleigh, Fort Albany, Fort Ash, Fort Assiniboine, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort Fraser, Fort Glenyon, Fort McLeod, Fort St. Paul, Fort Ville Marie, Greathope, Itinda, Lanrick, Lowlander, North Leigh, Ocean Faith, Ocean Valentine, Penshurst, Portsea, Selvik, Tigre and Wayfarer.

The rescue vessel Rathlin and the boomb defence vessels HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst were also with the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, sloops HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, A/S trawler HMS St. Nectan and the M/S trawlers HMS Staffa and HMS Unst. Also joining on the split up of the combined convoy was the Mediterranean escort of the convoy. It had departed Gibraltar on 16 August 1943 and was made up of the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN), HMS Romney (Lt. W.E. Halbert, RNR), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, DSC, RNR), HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)), HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)) and HMAS Maryborough (T/Lt. J.C.P. Boyle, RANR(S)).

On 18 August 1943, the Arlesford, Baron Forbes, Ocean Faith, Selvik, Rathlin, HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy. From the escort, HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, HMS St. Nectan, HMS Staffa and HMS Unst also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 18 August 1943 the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Gibraltar; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919) and Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927).

Around 1700B/19, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar which she had departed around 1200B/19. She parted company with the convoy around 0725B/20 to return to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1915B/20.

On 20 August 1943, the Cloris, Elizabeth Massay, Greathope and Gulf of Venezuela arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining from Oran were the LST's USS LST 17 (Lt. H.B. Gallagher, USCGR), USS LST 21 (Lt. C.M. Brookfield, USCGR), USS LST 25 (Lt. J.P. Houlinan, USCGR), USS LST 72 (Lt. H.A Kaye, USNR), USS LST 73 (Lt. W.K. Bradbury, USNR), USS LST 175 (Lt. E.J. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS LST 176 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Salt, USNR), USS LST 208 (Lt. R.W. Emmons, USNR), USS LST 209 (Lt. F.J. Oberg, USNR) and USS LST 261 (Lt. L.I. Reilley, USCG).

On 21 August 1943, the Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Empire Chamois, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Facto, Filleigh, Fort Fraser, Grand Quevilly, Lanrick and Penshurst arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Empire Cato (British, 7039 GRT, built 1942), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Miriam (British, 1903 GRT, built 1912), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

The submarines HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) also joined the convoy off Algiers for passage to Malta.

On 22 August 1943, the Fort Ash arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Benedict, Empire Cato, Fort Albany, Northleigh and Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Empire Clarion, Empire Commerce, Empire Deed, Fenad Head, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Ville Marie and Ravens Point arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

Around 1800B/22, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) joined coming from Bizerta which she had departed around 1000B/22.

On 23 August 1943, the A.C. Bedford, Armenara, Balteako, Edward Richardson, Eildon, Empire Salvage, Horace Binney, Kingsborough, Toorak and all the LST's arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 23 August 1943, the Cape Sable arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 August 1943, the Belnor, Empire Shearwater, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort St. Paul, Jade, Miriam and Ocean Valentine arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940).

The two submarines were detached to Malta.

Around 2230C/26, HMS Colombo parted company with the convoy to proceed to Benghazi.

On 27 August 1943 the merchant vessels Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi.

On 29 August 1943, the British Vigour, Egret, Euryades, Fort Assiniboine, Lowlander, Meroe, Ovula , Shirrabank and Trajanus arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Shoreham, HMS Hythe, HMS Romney, HMS Whitehaven and HMAS Gawler.

HMAS Lismore proceeded to Haifa where she arrived on 30 August 1943.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 August 1943.

13 Aug 1943
Around 2300B/13, in position 43°30'N, 16°17'W, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) parted company with convoy SL 134 to join the combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 22 which she did around 0815B/14 in position 43°42'N, 14°15'W.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23 ' for 9 August 1943.] (62)

16 Aug 1943
Around 2245B/16, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) parted company with combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 22 and set course for Gibraltar. (62)

17 Aug 1943
Around 0930B/17, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty. (62)

23 Aug 1943
The aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), AA cruiser, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and several destroyers (inluding HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) conducted exercises to the east of Gibraltar. They all returned to Gibraltar in the evening except HMS Scylla which was detached to Algiers where she arrived the following day. (63)

24 Aug 1943
Around 1400B/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers. (62)

28 Aug 1943
Around 0800B/24, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar where she arrived around 0720B/25. (62)

29 Aug 1943
Ships from the newly formed ' Force V ' for the upcoming landings at Salerno conducted exercises off Gibraltar. The ships participating in the exercises were the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), AA cruiser, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and ten (?) destroyers / escort destroyers [unable to establish their precise identity for the moment.] (64)

4 Sep 1943
Around 1600B/4, the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Holcombe (Lt. F.M. Graves, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

They were joined around 0730B/5 by the escort carrier HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) coming from Oran.

More ships joined around 1940B/5. These were the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz). These ships had departed Algiers around 1845B/5.

These ships were to join forces at Malta with a few more ships which had already left earlier escorting an eastbound convoy. These ships were to form ' Force V ' for the upcoming landings at Salerno.

All ships listed above arrived at Malta in the morning of September, 7th except for HMS Euryalus which proceeded ahead already arriving late on the 6th. (65)

8 Sep 1943

Operations of ' Force V ' during operation Avalanche.

Around 1100B/8, ' Force V ' departed Malta for the Tyrrhenian sea. ' Force V ' was made up of the HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker ( Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt. F.M. Graves, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz).

They passed through the Messina Strait during the night of 8/9 September. At dawn on the 9th ' Force V ' arrived in the assault area. The first sortie was flown off at 0615B/9 and subsequently at hourly intervals. The aircraft maintained patrols of 80 minutes until 1930B/9 when the last aircraft landed on.

' Force V ' operated in an area 30 miles square, to the southward of the assault area, approaching the island of Capri from time to time in order to obtain accurate fixes. Three types of patrol were flown;
a) A standing patrol south and east of Capri by seafires from the escort carriers.
b) A high patrol over the beaches from about sunrise until 0745 hours and from 1810 hours until just before sunset by seafires from HMS Unicorn. This was during the period that fighter cover was not provided from Sicilian airfields.
c) A standing high patrol over the low patrol in the Capri area during the remainder of the day by Seafires from HMS Unicorn.

A total of 265 sorties were flown on the first day. Cover over ' Force V ' was maintained by aircraft from the fleet carriers of ' Force H '. During the dark hours the force was withdrawn to the southward and operated to the east of a line joining Salerno and Palermo so as to keep clear of the convoy routes, returning to the flying-off area at dawn.

During 10 September the flying programme was repeated and 232 sorties were flown.

It had been hoped that ' Force V ' could be withdrawn on the 10th and that Montecorvino airfield could be used. The airfield had indeed been captured as planned but it remained under heavy enemy artillery fire and could only be used for forced landings. ' Force V ' therefore had to remain in the assault area, though its flying efficieny had decreased and the fuel situation of the escort destroyers was becoming difficult.

On 11 September the number of sorties flown decreased to 160. At 1900B/11, ' Force H ' on leaving for Malta flew 17 aircraft over to join ' Force V ', which now had to provide its own fighter cover. Montecorvino was still under fire and patrols were again flows off at dawn on 12 September. The total number of sorties flown on 12 September was 56.

A landing strip had been laid out at Paestrum and orders were received that all available fighters should land ashore and that ' Force V ' could then withdraw. This signal, though sent at 0909 hours was not received until 1230 hours. 26 Seafires were then flown off and ' Force V ' then withdrew arriving at Palermo around 1930B/12.

' Force V ' departed from Palermo around 0600B/13 for Bizerta arriving there around 1830B/13. (66)

14 Sep 1943
The light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Bizerta for Tripoli where they arrived around 0800B/15. (67)

15 Sep 1943
After embarking troops for Salerno, the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Tripoli around 1930B/15.

They arrived off Salerno around 1230B/16. Troops commenced disembarking around 1300B/16 and was completed after around one hour.

They then left to proceed to Bizerta but HMS Euryalus and HMS Scylla were diverted to go the assistance of the damaged battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN). (see 16 September 1943).

HMS Charybdis continued on to Bizerta as she was needed to take General Eisenhower from Bizerta to Salerno for a visit. (67)

16 Sep 1943
Around 0530 hours, HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), returned to the assault area.

HMS Valiant took up a bombarding position off the northern beaches while HMS Warspite went to the same position as on the previous day. Once again HMS Valiant had great difficulty in obtaining contact with her forward observer and it was not until 1648 hours that she was able to open fire on the Nocera area. She ceased fire at 1728 hours having fired 19 rounds. She retired from the area at dusk screened by the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN). They eventually went to Augusta arriving there on the 17th.

Meanwhile HMS Warpite had sustained a heavy air attack. She had difficulty owing to enemy jamming in communicating with her F.O. but eventually opened fire at 1309 hours on ammunition dumps and traffic concentration near Altaville. 32 rounds were fired of which half landed dead on the target and 8 within 100 yards of it.

At 1410 hours, HMS Warspite was proceeding towards the northern area for further bombardment when she was attacked by about 10 FW 190's one of which was shot down. Immediately afterwards, three remote-controlled bombs were sighted almost overhead at 6000 to 8000 feet, their parent aircraft being at 20000 feet. No radar report of their presence had been received. The bombs dived vertically on to the ship which could take no avoiding action in this congested area. Two of the bombs near missed the ship but one hit the ship penetrating into No.4 boiler room where it burst. The concussion was terrific, five of the ships boiler rooms were flooded almost at once, though the ship was able to proceed at slow speed on the starboard engines until about 1500 hours when the last boiler room filled with water and all steam failed.

The USN tugs USS Hopi and USS Moreno arrived quickly on the spot and had the ship in tow by 1700 hours. Speed was 4 knots. Escort was now provided by the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and the destroyers HMS Panther, HMS Pathfinder and escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski).

At 1930 hours the light cruisers HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined them with HMS Euryalus taking over the tow with the intention to leave the area at a higher speed. However the cable parted and the USN again took the damaged battleship in tow. To everyone's surprise, in spite of a night of full moonlight, no air attacks were made by the enemy. In the morning, Spitfires arrived to give fighter cover, followed by two more tugs, HMS Nimble, HMS Oriana and the salvage vessel HMS Salveda. Around 2300 hours, another tug, USS Narragansett joined just as HMS Warspite was to enter the straits of Messina. It took the Warspite five hours to negotiate the Straits due to the strong current. She finally arrived safely at Malta around 0800 hours on 19 September. HMS Euryalus, HMS Scylla had parted company around 1030B/18 and arrived at Bizerta around 0145B/19. (68)

20 Sep 1943
Around 1700B/20, the light carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), AA cruisers HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) and the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) departed Bizerta for Gibraltar via Algiers.

They made a short stop at Algiers in the evening of 21 September (between around 1830B/21 and 2100B/21) before continuing their passage to Gibraltar. At Algiers they were joined by the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR).

They arrived at Gibraltar around 0430B/23. (69)

25 Sep 1943

Convoy MKS 25G.

This convoy departed Gibraltar for the U.K. on 25 September 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Bur (Swedish, 1956 GRT, built 1919), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Clan MacNair (British, 6096 GRT, built 1921), Dimitrios Inglessis (Greek, 5275 GRT, built 1918), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Pennant (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Fort Chipewyan (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), Fort McMurray (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Strength (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921), Rajput (British, 5497 GRT, built 1925), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930) and Trevorian (British, 4599 GRT, built 1920).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

The RFA escort oiler Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) was also with convoy.

The monitor HMS Erebus (Cdr.(Retd.) H.W. D'Arcy-Evans, RN) also took passage in the convoy.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR).

On 26 September the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake and join the convoy which she did in the afternoon.

Around 2355A/1, HMS Redpole parted company with the convoy.

Around 1930A/2, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined. She parted company with the convoy around 1430A/3.

Around 2030A/3, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 0800A/4, HMS Erebus parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth escorted by HMS Witch.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8 October 1943.

26 Sep 1943
Around 0800B/26, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy MKS 25G. (70)

5 Oct 1943
Around 1000A/5, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty / Gibraltar. (71)

10 Oct 1943
Around 1500A/5, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Sheerness via the north of Scotland. (71)

13 Oct 1943
Around 0645A/13, near Flamborough Head, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) is joined by HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN).

They arrived at Sheerness around 1815A/13. (71)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she commenced to de-ammunition. (71)

15 Oct 1943
On completion of de-ammunitioning, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) is docked in graving dock no.9 at the Chatham Dockyard and taken in hand for refit and extensive repairs to her turbines. (71)

8 Nov 1943
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is undocked at the Chatham Dockyard. (72)

2 Dec 1943
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) entered no.9 graving dock at the Chatham Dockyard. She is not docked down though. (73)

4 Jan 1944
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is docked down in no.9 graving dock at the Chatham Dockyard. (74)

15 Feb 1944
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is undocked at the Chatham Dockyard. (75)

11 Mar 1944
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) carried out a tilt test in no.9 graving dock at the Chatham Dockyard. (76)

21 Mar 1944
During her refit, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) carried out basin trials at the Chatham Dockyard. (76)

5 Apr 1944
With her refit completed, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. Also compass adjustment trials were carried out. (77)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Sheerness. (77)

8 Apr 1944
Around 0735B/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) departed Sheerness for Scapa Flow. (77)

9 Apr 1944
Around 0915B/9, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Sheerness. At Scapa Flow she was to commence a post refit work-up programme. (77)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (77)

12 Apr 1944
In the evening, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted night gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (77)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) both conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (78)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. In the evening she conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (77)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted towing exercises at Scapa Flow during which she was taken in tow by HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill).

HMS Scylla also conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow and also A/S exercises were carried out during which HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) acted as target. (77)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

HMS Devonshire returned to Scapa Flow later in the day but HMS Argonaut and HMS Scylla remained out for night encounter exercises and more exercises on 21 April 1944. (79)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (77)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (77)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of which she set course to proceed to Portsmouth. (77)

27 Apr 1944
Around 1715B/27, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Scapa Flow. (77)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is docked in no.13 graving dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (77)

30 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is undocked. (77)

3 May 1944
At 1650B/3, the Naval Commander Eastern Task Force for the upcoming landings in Normandy, R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN).

During the night of 3/4 May 1944, HMS Scylla conducted exercises to the west of Portsmouth. (80)

4 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (80)

5 May 1944
At 1200B/5, at Portsmouth, R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, struck his flag on board HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN). (80)

8 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portsmouth. (80)

10 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. These included bombardment exercises. (80)

11 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portsmouth. (80)

15 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted exercises with MTB's off Portsmouth. (80)

18 May 1944
During the night of 18/19 May 1944, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN), with R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, on board, conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (80)

24 May 1944
At Portsmouth, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, on this day), is visited by His Majesty, King George VI. (80)

25 May 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portsmouth. (80)

3 Jun 1944
At 1200B/3, at Portsmouth, the Naval Commander Eastern Task Force for the upcoming landings in Normandy, R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN). (81)

5 Jun 1944
At 1340B/5, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), proceeded from Portsmouth harbour to anchor in Spithead.

At 1630B/5, HMS Scylla weighed anchor from Spithead to view the landing craft of the assault force leaving.

At 2234B/5, HMS Scylla took station astern of bombardment Force D which was on passage from the Clyde to the eastern landing beaches and which was made up of the following ships; battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. H. Dalrymple-Smith, RN), HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN), ORP Dragon (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S.T. Dzienisiewicz), destroyers HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Swift (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte), frigates HMS Holmes (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN), HMS Rowley (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RD, RNR) and minesweepers HMS Catherine (A/Cdr. L.C. Windsor, RN), HMS Cato (Lt. R.W.E. Harris, RN), HMS Combatant (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.L. Barwell, RN), HMS Gazelle (Lt. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN), HMS Gorgon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Mugford, RNR), HMS Grecian (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) C.D.A. Irvine, RN), HMS Pique (T/Lt. W.J.C. Fuller, RNR) and HMS Steadfast (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Mowbray, RNR). (82)

6 Jun 1944
At 0001B/6, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) went to second degree of readiness.

At 0257B/6, HMS Scylla entered the buoyed channel towards the bombarding positions.

At 0430B/6, all hands went to action stations.

At 0510B/6, the battleships of Bombardment Force D were seen to open fire. Three enemy torpedo boats (T 28, Möwe and Jaguar) attacked with torpedoes from the eastwards. HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte) was hit by a torpedo and sank. More torpedoes were seen to pass between HMS Warspite (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN).

At 0520B/6, the initial air attack on the landing beaches was completed.

At 0531B/6, HMS Scylla opened fire on targets in Ouistreham.

At 0625B/6, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in position 49°25'N, 00°14.2'W.

At 0705B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to close the shore to intensify the bombardment of beaches close west of Queen Red beach.

At 0720B/6, the engines were stopped.

At 0724B/6, fire was ceased.

At 0725B/6, 'H-hour', HMS Scylla proceeded along the length of the British Assault Area at a distance of about 2 nautical miles from the shore.

At 0920B/6, HMS Scylla stopped in position 025° - Arromanches Church - 4.1 nautical miles.

At 0924B/6, HMS Scylla commenced a bombardment of Arromanches. The bombardment was completed 7 minutes later.

At 1015B/6, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Sword Area'.

At 1445B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 1511B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, still in the 'Sword Area'.

At 1633B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 1715B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, now in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2202B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 2230B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, now again in the 'Sword Area'. (83)

7 Jun 1944
At 0403B/7, while still at anchor, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire on enemy aircraft.

At 0500B/7, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 0528B/7, HMS Scylla anchored, still in the 'Sword Area'.

At 0605B/7, enemy FW 190's attacked the anchorage. HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) C.A. Kershaw, RN) was hit.

At 0645B/7, HMS Scylla weighed anchor, got underway and closed HMS Bulolo.

At 0713B/7, HMS Scylla anchored.

At 1110B/7, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway for an inspection of the British Assault Area.

At 1302B/7, HMS Scylla anchored.

At 2230B/7, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 2325B/7, HMS Scylla anchored. (83)

8 Jun 1944
At 0445B/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and closed HMS Largs (Capt. H.S. Allan, RNR).

At 0455B/8, HMS Scylla is attacked by a single enemy FW 190. [The ships log gives this attack taking place at 0553B/8.]

At 0527B/8, HMS Scylla anchored.

At 0730B/8, HMS Scylla embarked 91 survivors from HMS Lawford (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Morris, DSC, RNR) which had been sunk in an air attack earlier this morning.

At 0745B/8, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and proceeded to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0915B/8, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Juno Area'.

At 1215B/8, HMS Scylla weighed anchor to return to the 'Sword Area'.

At 1246B/8, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Sword Area'.

At 1630B/8, HMS Scylla transferred 85 of the survivors of HMS Lawford to HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) which was to proceed to Portsmouth.

At 2250B/8, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 2315B/8, HMS Scylla anchored. (83)

9 Jun 1944
At 0025B/9, while still at anchor, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire with her close range AA weapons on enemy aircraft.

At 0330B/9, HMS Scylla fired starshell to assist patrolling Allied MTB's as enemy surface forces were suspected to be in the area. Fire was ceased after 15 minutes.

At 0445B/9, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Gold area'.

At 0556B/9, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Gold area'.

At 1100B/9, HMS Scylla transferred six casualties, ex HMS Lawford to the hospital ship Duke of Lancaster (British, 3608 GRT, built 1928).

At 1740B/9, weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno area'.

At 1808B/9, anchored in the 'Juno area'.

At 2235B/9, weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2310B/9, anchored in the 'Sword area'. (83)

10 Jun 1944
At 0445B/10, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0523B/10, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2245B/10, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to return to the 'Sword Area'.

At 2319B/10, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Sword Area'. (83)

11 Jun 1944
At 0320B/11, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) fired starshell to assist patrolling Allied MTB's as enemy surface forces were suspected to be in the area.

At 0425B/11, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Gold Area'.

At 0550B/11, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Gold area'.

At 0558B/11, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 0610B/11, HMS Scylla dropped anchor again, still in the 'Gold area'.

At 1700B/11, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 1747B/11, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2245B/11, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to take up her night position.

At 2320B/11, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Sword Area'. (83)

12 Jun 1944
At 0430B/12, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0502B/12, anchored in the 'Juno area'.

At 1115B/12, HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN) arrived with Prime Minister Churchill on board. R.Adm. Vian, then temporary boarded the destroyer at 1135B/12, to make a tour along the invasion beaches together with the Prime Minister.

At 1445B/12, enemy FW 190's attacked the anchorage.

At 1515B/12, R.Adm. Vian returned aboard HMS Scylla.

At 2245B/12, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2320B/12, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

13 Jun 1944
At 0400B/13, during an enemy air attack on the anchorage, bombs landed astern and abeam of HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN).

At 0445B/13, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the eastward.

At 0510B/13, HMS Scylla arrived at a dan buoy in position 49°20.8'N, 00°16.5'W. She then carried out a bombardment of selected targets in the vicinity of Cabourg.

At 0645B/13, HMS Scylla recovered the dan buoy and got underway.

At 0755B/13, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Sword Area'.

Between 0915B/13 and 1415B/13, HMS Scylla embarked 504 ton of FFO (fuel) from the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917).

At 1736B/13, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for the 'Juno Area'.

At 1817B/13, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2241B/13, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2319B/13, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

14 Jun 1944
At 0435B/14, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Gold Area'.

At 0514B/14, HMS Scylla detonated two mines 5 cables distantt.

At 0516B/14, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Gold area'.

At 2245B/14, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to take up her night position in the 'Sword Area'.

At 2321B/14, anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

15 Jun 1944
At 0015B/15, flares were seen bearing 330°. Two minutes later HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire but this was ceased a minute later.

At 0040B/15, a surface action took place bearing 270°. Four minutes later HMS Scylla opened fire with her aft 4.5" guns on enemy aircraft.

At 0233B/15, HMS Scylla opened fire with her forward 4.5" guns on enemy aircraft.

At 0239B/15, a bomb was dropped near HMS Scylla.

At 0245B/15, HMS Scylla opened fire with her aft 4.5" guns on enemy aircraft.

At 0905B/15, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0938B/15, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2235B/15, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2318B/15, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

16 Jun 1944
At 0024B/16, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire on a single enemy JU 88.

0415B/16, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0530B/16, dropped anchor in the 'Juno Area'.

At 1215B/16, the light cruiser HMS Arethusa (Capt. H. Dalrymple-Smith, RN) and her escorting destroyers HMS Savage (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, DSO, RN) and HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) arrived. On board the cruiser was His Majesty, King George VI and his entourage including the First Sea Lord.

At 1250B/16, the First Sea Lord and several other high ranking officers boarded HMS Scylla. He returned to HMS Arethusa at 1640B/16.

At 1617B/16, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 1652B/16, anchored, still in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2230B/16, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2324B/16, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

17 Jun 1944
At 0830B/17, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 0912B/17, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2230B/17, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2310B/17, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

18 Jun 1944
At 0017B/18, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire on an enemy aircraft detected by radar. Between then and 0040B/18, HMS Scylla fired intermittently at enemy aircraft. At 0040B/18, a large stick of bombs was seen to hit the water quite far off.

At 0355B/18, HMS Scylla opened fire on an enemy (pilotless ?) aircraft.

At 0420B/18, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Gold Area'.

At 0540B/18, HMS Scylla dropped anchor off Port en Bessin.

At 1150B/18, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to 'Mulberry B' off Arromanches.

At 1220B/18, HMS Scylla anchored inside 'Mulberry B' in position 358° - Arromanches Church - 1.4 nautical miles.

At 1730B/18, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Juno Area'.

At 1800B/18, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Juno Area'.

At 2245B/18, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to proceed to the 'Sword area'.

At 2321B/18, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. (83)

19 Jun 1944
At 0040B/19, on board HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) bombs were seen to hit the water bearing 021° at a range of about 2 nautical miles. Four minutes later fire was opened with the main battery on enemy aircraft followed four minutes after that (0048B/19) by the close range AA guns.

At 0054B/19, enemy aircraft were observed to be dropping mines.

At 0435B/19, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 0514B/19, HMS Scylla dropped anchor, still in the 'Sword Area'. The weather deteriorated during the day.

At 2250B/19, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 2310B/19, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position. (83)

20 Jun 1944
At 1800B/20, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) weighed anchor and proceeded on a tour to the "Gold Area' and then the 'Juno Area' before returning to the 'Sword Area' where she then anchored in her night position at 2105B/20.

Weather conditions had not been good all day, wind from the north-north-east, force 6. (83)

21 Jun 1944
At 0210B/21, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire on enemy aircraft.

At 0300B/21, an enemy aircraft was seen to drop a mine bearing 040° at a range of about 4 nautical miles.

At 1020B/21, a mine was seen to explode bearing 155° at a range of 1 nautical mile.

At 1042B/21, a mine was seen to explode bearing 070° at a range of 3 nautical miles.

At 1105B/21, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and shifted berth closer inshore 35 minutes later.

At 1215B/21, HMS Faulknor (Cdr.(Retd.) C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN) closed and 15 minutes later she transferred the Naval Forces Commander Expeditionary Force, Admiral, B.H. Ramsay, KCB, KBE, MVO, RN) to HMS Scylla.

At 1555B/21, Admiral Ramsay returned to HMS Faulknor.

At 1610B/21, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway.

At 1640B/21, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'.

Again weather conditions had not been good all day, wind from the north-east, force 6. (83)

22 Jun 1944
At 0031B/22, on board HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) a bomb was seen to hit the water bearing 358° about 2 nautical miles away. One minute later HMS Scylla opened fire on enemy aircraft.

At 0033B/22, it was seen that a mine was being dropped bearing 340° at a range of 1 nautical mile. Fire was ceased.

At 0036B/22, HMS Scylla opened fire again.

At 0406B/22, a bomb was seen to hit the water bearing 170° at a range of 2 nautical miles.

At 0751B/22, 5 mines exploded, bearing 310° at a range of 2 nautical miles, bearing 312° at a range of 2.5 nautical miles, bearing 322° at a range of 3 nautical miles, bearing 200° at a range of 2.5 nautical miles and bearing 205° at a range of 2.5 nautical miles.

At 1127B/22, a mine exploded bearing 270°.

At 1210B/22, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for the 'Juno Area'.

At 1256B/22, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in the 'Juno Area'.

At 1328B/22, a mine detonated bearing 085° at a range of 3 nautical miles. It was set off by HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. B.G.B. Bordes, DSC, RN).

At 1711B/22, a mine detonated bearing 099° at a range of 3 nautical miles.

At 2240B/22, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for the 'Sword Area'.

At 2244B/22, HMS Scylla was attacked by an enemy JU 188 aircraft which dropped two bombs. Also a glider bomb was seen but it appeared to be out of control. No damage was sustained.

At 2308B/22, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'.

At 2326B/22, bombs were seen to hit the water bearing 245° at a range of 3 nautical miles. (83)

23 Jun 1944
At 0006B/23, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) opened fire on enemy aircraft. Bombs were dropped bearing 285° at a range of 1 nautical mile.

At 0022B/23, starshell was seen bearing 317°.

At 0025B/23, an aircraft was seen to crash bearing 180° at a range of 1 nautical mile.

At 0026B/23, HMS Scylla again opened fire on enemy aircraft.

At 0137B/23, a surface action was seen taking place bearing 080°.

At 0228B/23, HMS Scylla again opened fire on enemy aircraft.

At 0424B/23, HMS Scylla opened fire on an enemy JU 88 aircraft.

At 0750B/23, a mine was detonated on the port side by a motor minesweeper.

At 0915B/23, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for 'Area Gold'.

At 1042B/23, HMS Scylla anchored in 'Area Gold'.

At 1220B/23, HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) was seen to be approaching HMS Scylla and ten minutes later the Commander Naval Forces Commander Expeditionary Force, Admiral, B.H. Ramsay, KCB, KBE, MVO, RN, boarded HMS Scylla. He and R.Adm. Vian left the ship about one hour and 15 minutes later to visit the landing beaches. They returned around 1630B/23. Admiral Ramsay re-boarded HMS Serapis ten minutes later and the destroyer then left for Portsmouth.

At 1715B/23, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for 'Area Juno'.

At 1801B/23, HMS Scylla anchored in 'Area Juno'.

At 2235B/23, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and set course for 'Area Sword'.

At 2256B/23, in position 49°24.7'N, 00°23.5'W, HMS Scylla detonated a ground mine underneath the ship.

At 2313B/23, HMS Scylla anchored in her night position in the 'Sword area'. Repair parties then worked throughout the night but it was soon apparent that the ship was too damaged to continue to operate. (83)

24 Jun 1944
At 0030B/24, R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN and his staff left HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN), transferring his flag to HMS Hilary (Capt.(Retd.) J.F. Paget, RN).

At 0515B/24, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and was taken in tow by the tug Thames. Destination was Portsmouth. Escort was provided by the escort destroyers HMS Albrighton (Lt. J.J.S. Hooker, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) W. Maracewicz).

At 0625B/24, the tug Envoy also passed a tow.

At 1845B/24, HMS Scylla anchored in Spithead. (83)

25 Jun 1944
Around 1145B/25, the damaged HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) departed Spithead for Sheerness. She is in tow of the tug Black Rock (American, 1117 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by trawlers and or ML's [Identity not known to us.] (81)

26 Jun 1944
Around 1300B/26, the damaged HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) arrived at Sheerness from Portsmouth. (81)

27 Jun 1944
On completion of de-ammunitioning, the damaged HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is towed from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (81)

30 Jun 1944
The damaged HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is docked in No.5 graving dock at the Chatham Dockyard. (81)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is undocked. (84)

18 Aug 1944
By the 18th August 1944, the damaged HMS Scylla (Capt.(Retd.) V.E. Ward, RN) is reduced to 1/5 complement. (85)