Allied Warships

HMS Saladin (H 54)

Destroyer of the Admiralty S class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeDestroyer
ClassAdmiralty S 
PennantH 54 
Built byA. Stephen & Sons Ltd. (Glasgow, Scotland) 
OrderedApr 1917 
Laid down10 Sep 1917 
Launched17 Feb 1919 
Commissioned11 Apr 1919 
End service 
History

HMS Saladin is not listed as active unit in the April 1945 Navy List

Sold to be broken up for scrap on 29 June 1947.

 

Commands listed for HMS Saladin (H 54)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1Lt.Cdr. Laurence James Dover, RN31 Jul 193912 Dec 1941
2Lt.Cdr. George Victor Legassick, RNR12 Dec 194131 Jan 1943
3Lt. Allen Augustus Diggens, DSC, RN31 Jan 194320 Sep 1943
4T/A/Lt.Cdr. Philip Geoffrey Colet King, RNVR20 Sep 19434 Oct 1944
5Lt. John Edwin Dyer, DSC, RN4 Oct 1944early 1945

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Notable events involving Saladin include:


7 Oct 1939
Around 0100 hours, HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) departed Spithead for Plymouth. She was escorted by the destoyers HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN).

They arrived at Plymouth around 1245 hours. (1)

12 Oct 1939
HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Cumberbatch, RN) departed Dundee for Portland. She made part of the passage in convoy FS 20. During passage through the Channel she was escorted by HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Kingdon, RN) and later by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (2)

3 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Portsmouth for passage to Rosyth. She made the passage together with HMS Snapper (Lt. W.D.A. King, RN). They were escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN).

In the afternoon they put into Sheerness to await a convoy for onward passage. (3)

27 Nov 1939
HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. G.P.S. Davies, RN) departed from Portsmouth for her 1st war patrol. This is a short patrol in the North Sea. Tribune is escorted to the North Goodwin light vessel by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). From there HMS Leda (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Courthope-Munroe, RN) will take over. (4)

2 Dec 1939
HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (5)

16 Apr 1940
Around 0815A/16, the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN) departed Gibraltar for exercises off Alboran Island. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

During the exercises she was recalled to Gibraltar as she was to proceed to the U.K. with all despatch.

They arrived back at Gibraltar around 1800A/16.

After fuelling HMS Ark Royal departed Gibraltar for the U.K. around 2200A/16. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Bulldog, HMS Westcott and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN).

At 1720A/17, HMS Vortigern was detached.

At 1800A/17, HMS Bulldog and HMS Westcott were detached.

At 1951A/19, the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined.

Around 0830A/20, the destroyers HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) joined coming from the Clyde.

HMS Ark Royal, HMS Saladin, HMS Hasty and HMS Juno arrived at Greenock around 1900A/20.

Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN then hoisted his flag in HMS Ark Royal. Also Capt. C.S. Holland joined HMS Ark Royal. (6)

20 Nov 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) until 0900/21 when HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) took over the escort. (7)

9 Dec 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (8)

28 Feb 1941
HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN) departed Londonderry for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (9)

28 Feb 1941
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. She was escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (10)

28 Feb 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 44].

[For the month of March and April 1941 there are no logs available of HMS H 44, therefore no other details of her operations can curently been given other then the 'events' listed here.] (11)

23 Mar 1941

Convoy SL 69.

This convoy departed Freetown on 23 March 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 18 April 1941.

On departure from Freetown this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agioi Victores (Greek, 4344 GRT, built 1918), Alberte le Borgne (British, 3921 GRT, built 1914), Anna (Greek, 5173 GRT, built 1919), Aurillac (British, 4733 GRT, built 1921), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Christine Marie (British, 3895 GRT, built 1919), City of Bath (British, 5079 GRT, built 1926), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Clan Maquarrie (British, 6471 GRT, built 1913), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Dago II (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Daru (British, 3854 GRT, built 1927), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Advocate (British, 5787 GRT, built 1913), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Glenaffric (British, 7782 GRT, built 1920), Glenbeg (British, 9461 GRT, built 1922), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), L.A. Christensen (Norwegian, 4362 GRT, built 1925), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marton (British, 4969 GRT, built 1933), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mountpark (British, 4648 GRT, built 1938), Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Pantelis (Greek, 3845 GRT, built 1911), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Roumanie (Belgian, 3658 GRT, built 1906), Salland (Dutch, 6447 GRT, built 1920), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Sangara (British, 4174 GRT, built 1939), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Swedru (British, 5379 GRT, built 1937) and Tekoa (British, 8695 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Arawa (A/Capt. G.R. Deverell, RN), sloop Commandant Domine and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR).

In the morning of March 25, HMS Mauritius is ordered to proceed to position 07°24'N, 24°35'W and investigate a raider report.

At 1359N/25, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) was ordered to complete with fuel and then depart Freetown to overtake the convoy to join the escort. HMS Repulse arrived near the convoy around 1700N/27 and then started to provide 'distant' cover.

At 1941N/25, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN and the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) were ordered to leave Freetown at 0700/26 and to overtake and join the convoy as well. This order was cancelled at 0301/26 but at 1121/26 the ships were ordered to sail as soon as possible to overtake the convoy wich they did around 2300N/27 after which the destroyers returned to Freetown.

On 26 March 1941 the convoy was joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN). She remained with the convoy until March, 29th as did the corvettes HMS Clematis and HMS Cyclamen.

On 29 March, HMS Repulse and HMS Furious parted company with the convoy escorting the troopship Narkunda to Gibraltar where they arrived in the morning of 3 April 1941. They had been joined around 1130A/2 by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) which had departed Gibraltar on 1 April.

HMS Mauritius had been ordered to rejoin the convoy when Repulse would leave it. She remained with the convoy until 5 April 1941 when she was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN).

On 14 April HMS Edinburgh and HMS Arawa parted company with the convoy when the destroyers HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN), and the corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) joined. The next day the two more destroyers; HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN) also joined.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 16 April 1941.

19 Apr 1941

Intelligence reported the German battleship Bismarck proceeding to sea, British movements to intercept.

In the early morning hours of 19 April 1941 the Admiralty received reports that the German battleship Bismarck was reported to have passed the Skaw together with two cruisers and three destroyers.

The battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) with the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) were already at sea (departed Scapa Flow around 1700/18) proceeding southwards to relieve HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) on the Bay of Biscay patrol. They were now ordered to proceed northwards to provide cover for the cruiser patrol in the Island-Faroes passage. HMS King George V and HMS Nigeria initially turned north but soon returned to their patrol area off the Bay of Biscay. Their escorting destroyers, HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) had been detached to fuel at Londonderry on the morning of the 15th. They returned from fuelling on the morning of the 20th.

For these cruiser patrols the following ships were sailed.
From Iceland (Hvalfjord); heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).
From Scapa Flow; heavy cruisers HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN), HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN).

HMS Inglefield joined the force of HMS Hood around 1045/20.

Shortly before midnight the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) sailed from the Clyde escorted by ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). In the early hours of the 20th HMS Rodney collided with the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Topaze (Ch.Skr. G.R. Gale, RNR) which sank with its entire crew as a result.

The reported German movements turned out to be false and most of the British forces were back in port by the early morning of 23 April 1941 at latest.

HMS Hood and her four escorting destroyers had arrived at Hvalfiord, Iceland in the morning on 21 April. HMS Kenya had been ordered to join the Iceland - Faroer Islands patrol as was HMS Edinburgh. (12)

21 Apr 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) are ordered to return to the Clyde.

22 Apr 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) are ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow instead of returning to the Clyde.

23 Apr 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

12 May 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR). (13)

10 Jun 1941

Convoy HX 132.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Avra (Greek, 4652 GRT, built 1912), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Belita (British (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), Circe Shell (British (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1931), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), James Hawson (British (tanker), 6074 GRT, built 1930), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Marchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Ornefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 1334 GRT, built 1937), Sama (Norwegian, 1799 GRT, built 1937), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Annapolis (A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Smith, RCNR).

The battleships HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) also departed Halifax late on the 10th and joined the convoy at sea early on the 11th after which HMCS Annapolis parted company to return to Halifax.

On the morning of 13 June 1941, Convoy BHX 132 joined, which had departed Bermuda on 8 June 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belinda (British (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Cistula (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Eknaren (Swedish, 5243 GRT, built 1922), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Hopemount (British (tanker), 7434 GRT, built 1929), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938) and Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).

They had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) which then parted company.

Around 0800O/16, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

Around 1530O/16, the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) also joined. she had first directed convoy SC 34 towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 and it's escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN), took station astern of convoy HX 132.

Around 1200O/18, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Columbia parted company with the convoy.

Around 2000O/18, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to join westbound convoy OB 334.

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

The relief A/S escorts most likely involved in escorting HX 132 and / or SC 34 were; destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), mineweeepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). The catapult ship Pegasus apparently also joined the convoys.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

10 Jun 1941

Convoy SC 34.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aaro (British (former Danish), 1426 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Baron Vernon (British, 3642 GRT, built 1929), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Borgfred (Norwegian, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dinaric (British, 2555 GRT, built 1919), Eastmoor (British, 5812 GRT, built 1922), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Empire Buffalo (British, 6404 GRT, built 1919), Fido (Norwegian, 1857 GRT, built 1919), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Gunvor Maersk (British, 1977 GRT, built 1931), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (British, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Margit (British, 1735 GRT, built 1924), Mariston (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Michalios (Greek, 3742 GRT, built 1908), Milcrest (British, 5283 GRT, built 1919), Nicolaos Piangos (Greek, 4499 GRT, built 1912), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Redpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) and auxiliary patrol boats HMCS Raccoon (T/Lt. N.G. Bennett, RCNR) and HMCS Reindeer (Lt. L.G. Cumming, RCNVR). Both patrol vessels returned to Halifax on the 11th.

In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) joined to guide the convoy towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 took station astern of convoy HX 132.

The combined convoy was then escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura, destroyers HMCS Restigouche, HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

The relief A/S escorts most likely involved in escorting HX 132 and / or SC 34 were; destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), mineweeepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). The catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) apparently also joined the convoys.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

6 Sep 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. N. Marriott, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (14)

28 Feb 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Northern Spray (T/Lt. G.T. Gilbert, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN). (15)

28 Mar 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR), HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN), USS Bristol, USS Buck and USS Edison. (16)

31 Mar 1942
Around 1521N/31, the troop transport Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931) and her escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN), were joined by the destroyer HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN).

Around 1100NZ/1, the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) also joined.

Around 0500A/2, HMS Carthage parted company to proceed to the Clyde. The destroyers and the troop transport continued on to Liverpool. (17)

17 Apr 1942

Minelaying operation SN 88.

Minelaying operation by the 1st Minelaying Squadron.

On 17 April 1942, the 1st Minelaying Squadron departed Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) to lay minefield SN 88. The Squadron was made up of the auxiliary minelayers Southern Prince (A/Capt. J. Cresswell, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral T.B. Drew, OBE, RN), Port Quebec (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN), Menestheus (Capt.(Retd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), Agamemnon (Capt.(Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN), the destroyers HMS Charlestown (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Wells (Lt. L.J. Pearson, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and the minesweeper / survey vessel HMS Scott (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Sharpey-Schafer, RN).

They were joined at 1815B/17 by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN).

Due to the difference in depth of water the minefield had to be laid in two sections;
The first section was made up of 972 mines and was laid by HMS Southern Prince and HMS Menestheus between 1627B/18 and 1813B/18, along a line 1.5 cables either side of a line joining positions, 62°46'3"N, 09°32'0"W and 63°05'5"N, 10°05'8"W. HMS Southern Prince laid 562 mines and HMS Menestheus 410 mines.

The second section was made up of 1081 mines and was laid by HMS Port Quebec and HMS Agamemnon between 1813B/18 and 2010B/18, along a line 1.5 cables either side of a line joining positions 63°05'6"N, 10°04'0"W, 63°12'8"N, 10°16'4"W and 63°22'8"N, 10°48'5"W. HMS Port Quebec laid 551 mines and HMS Agamemnon 530 mines.

At 2230B/19, HMS Kenya, HMS Menestheus and HMS Saladin parted company with the other ships which returned to Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh early on the following day minus HMS Scott which arrived at Port Z.A. on 21 April.

At 0510B/20, HMS Kenya parted company with HMS Menestheus and HMS Saladin and arrived at Scapa Flow around 0645B/20.

HMS Menestheus and HMS Saladin arrived at Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) later the same day. [unclear to us why they first went further to the east though.]

(18)

29 May 1942
HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Upon completion of these exercises she departed together with the escort destroyer HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) to cover a minelaying force made up of the cruiser minelayer HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN), the auxiliary minelayers HMS Southern Prince, HMS Agamemnon (Capt. (Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN), HMS Port Quebec (A/Capt. (Retd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) and HMS Menestheus (Capt.(Retd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) and their escorts the destroyers HMS St. Marys (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS Newark (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) that were to undertake minelaying operation SN 72. (19)

11 Jun 1942
HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Loch Ewe where she joined convoy UR 28 bound for Reykyavik, Iceland.

This convoy was made up of the British merchants Andre Thome (2012 GRT, built 1921), Don (1037 GRT, built 1924), Lilian I (1271 GRT, built 1924), Skjold (1345 GRT, built 1904), Tomsk (1229 GRT, built 1911), Willodale (1777 GRT, built 1907) and the Polish merchant Lech (1568 GRT, built 1934). They were escorted by the British destroyers HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN). (20)

22 Aug 1942

Convoy SD 31.

This convoy departed Reykjavik on 22 August 1942.

It was made up of the troops transports Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Leinster (British, 4303 GRT, built 1937).

the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lancaster (A/Cdr. N.H. Whatley, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde early on 25 August. The destroyers had parted company to proceed to Londonderry around 1945A/24.

7 Sep 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bredon (T/Lt. J.R. Fradgeley, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR). (21)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (22)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (22)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR), HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (23)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as the targets. (22)

8 Jun 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, RN) departed Rothesay for Sheerness. She took passage south through the Irish Sea together with HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN). (24)

12 Jun 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, RN) shifted from Falmouth to Portland. She was escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) until 1000 hours when Notre Dame de France (A/Skr.Lt. J. Coxall, RNR) took over the escort duties. (24)

6 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN), HMS Hugh Walpole (T/Lt. J. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Cape Portland (T/Lt. K.F. Rasmussen, RNR), HMS Fame (Capt. R. Heathcote, DSO, RN) and HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR). (25)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (26)

20 Jul 1943
HMS Otus (Lt. R.H.H. Brunner, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) serving as targets. (27)

13 Aug 1943

Minelaying operation SN 74.

On 13 August 1943, the auxiliary minelayers HMS Agamemnon (Commdore (Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN), HMS Port Quebec (A/Capt. (Retd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) and HMS Menestheus (Capt.(Retd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN), HMS Wells (Lt. D.D. Bone, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN).

On the 14th they were joined by the destroyer HMS Sabre (T/A/Lt.Cdr. The Hon. G. Howard, RNVR) which came from the Faeroer Islands.

On 15 August, the destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) joined the force coming from Hvalfjord. The original destroyer screen had meanwhile been detached to fuel at Hvalfjord.

Cover for the operation was provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) which also departed Hvalfjord on the 15th.

Minelaying was carried out on the 16th. The field was laid three cables on either side of a line joining positions positions 66°54'0"N, 22°40'0"W and 67°25'0"N, 22°57'0"W. All mines were set to a depth of 25 feet. Ships laid as follows HMS Agamemnon 503 mines, HMS Port Quebec 518 mines and HMS Menestheus 385 mines.

HMS Norfolk, HMS Impulsive and HMS Middleton to returned to Hvalfjord on the 17th. The original destroyer screen then rejoined the minelayers.

On the 19th HMS Sabre returned to Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands.

The minelayers and their original escort arrived at Port ZA on the 19th. (28)

9 Sep 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Agassiz (T/Lt. E.M. More, RCNR), HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Burnett, DSC, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. S. Biskupski). (29)

20 Oct 1943
Around 0500A/20, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. St.J. Cronyn, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Southampton. She is escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN).

Around 1110A/20, HMS Saladin is detached.

Around 0715A/21, the escort destroyers HMS Limbourne (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, MVO, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Stevenstone (Lt.Cdr. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) joined coming from Plymouth and HMCS Prince Robert was detached.

HMS Revenge arrived at Portsmouth around 1615A/21. The escort destroyers then set course to return to Plymouth. (30)

15 Nov 1943

Operation FT, passage of convoys JW 54A and JW 54B from the U.K. to Northern Russia as well as convoy RA 54B from Northern Russia to the U.K.

Convoy JW 54A

.

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

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Daniel Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Celia (American, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Nigel (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Gilbert Stuart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Smith (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), Mijdrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1931), Norlys (Panamanian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Park Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Sim Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Windon (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943).

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

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN), ORP Burza (Cdr. F. Pitulko, ORP), escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN), minesweeper HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Heather (T/Lt. W.L. Turner, RNR).

On 17 November, the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord, Iceland to join the convoy. She was escorting the Russian minesweepers T 116, T 117 and patrol vessels BO 205, BO 207 and BO 212 which were to join the convoy for passage to Northern Russia. [These were the former American minesweepers AM 143 / Arcade, AM 144 / Arch and patrol vessels SC 1287, SC 1074 and SC 721 respectively.]

Later on 17 November the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) also sailed from Seidisfjord to join the convoy.

On 18 November all ships that had departed Seidisfjord the day before joined the convoy. HMS Termagant, ORP Burza and HMS Brissenden then parted company with the convoy. The British ships proceeded to Seidisfjord arriving on the 19th, ORP Burza set course to return to Loch Ewe also arriving on the 19th.

On 19 November HMS Obedient developed serious rudder defects and she returned to Seidisfjord arriving later the same day.

On 24 November eight of the merchant vessels arrived in the Kola Inlet escorted by HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Impulsive. The five small Russian craft that had been with the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on the 25th.

The remaining ships proceeded to Archangelsk escorted by HMS Inconstant, HMS Whitehall, HMS Hussar and HMS Heather. These were later replaced by the minesweeper HMS Seagull (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Ellis, DSC, RNR), two Russian destroyers and three Russian minesweepers. On the joining of these ships HMS Inconstant, HMS Whitehall and HMS Heather parted company and proceeded to Iokanka. The remainder of the convoy arrived in the Archangelsk area on the 26th.

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Convoy JW 54B

.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 22 November 1943 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Eugene Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort McMurray (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (American, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Horace Gray (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John Fitch (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Strength (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), Thomas Kearns (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943) and William L. Marcy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

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

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR), HMS Skate (Lt. J.C. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN), minesweepers HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.J. Martin, RNVR), HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR).

On 23 November the corvette HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR) joined the convoy.

On 25 November the destroyers HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) departed Seidisfjord, Iceland and joined the convoy. HMS Saladin, HMS Skate, HMS Middleton and HMS Speedwell then parted company and proceeded to Seidisfjord where they arrived on the 26th except for HMS Speedwell which went to Scapa Flow arriving there on the 29th.

On 2 December seven of the merchant vessels detached from the convoy escorted by HMS Saumarez, HMS Savage, HMS Scorpion, HMS Scourge, HNoMS Stord, HMS Hardy, HMS Venus, HMS Vigilant and HMS Halcyon. They proceeded to the Kola Inlet arriving there later the same day.

The other ships continued on to Archangelsk escorted by HMS Beagle, HMS Dianella, HMS Poppy and HMS Rhododendron. They arrived at Archangelsk on 3 December.

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Convoy RA 54B

.

This convoy departed Archangelsk on 26 November 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aritgas (Panamanian, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Bering (American, 7631 GRT, built 1920), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Llandaff (British, 4825 GRT, built 1927), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Norlys (Panamanian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936) and Pieter de Hoogh (Dutch, 7168 GRT, built 1941).

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

On departure from Archangelsk the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers HMS Hussar, HMS Seagull and the A/S trawler HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. E.L. Wathen, RNR). Also three Russian minesweepers were with the convoy escort.

On 27 November the destroyers HMS Inconstant, HMS Whitehall, minesweeper HMS Harrier (Cdr. H.E.H. Nicholls, RN) and corvette HMS Heather departed Iokanka and joined the convoy. The three Russian minesweepers were then detached.

On 28 November the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Orwell, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Impulsive departed the Kola Inlet and joined the convoy. HMS Hussar and HMS Seagull were then detached to the Kola Inlet where they arrived the following day.

On 4 December HMCS Iroquois was detached to Seidisfjord to fuel. She arrived there later the same day.

On 5 December the destroyers HMS Saladin, HMS Skate and escort destroyers HMS Middleton and HMS Brissenden departed Seidisfjord to join the convoy which they did later the same day. Also on 5 December, first HMS Onslaught and HMCS Huron detached from the convoy and arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel. Then HMCS Haida and HMS Impulslive detached and arrived Seidisfiord to fuel and finally HMS Onslow and HMS Orwell also arrived Seidisfiord to fuel.

On 8 December the convoy split in two and proceeded to east and west coast harbour with local escorts (trawlers).

HMS Inconstant and HMS Whitehall proceeded to the Clyde arriving on 9 December.

HMS Saladin and HMS Skate proceeded to Londonderry arriving on 9 December.

HMS Heather and HMS Lord Austin proceeded to Liverpool arriving there also on 9 December.

HMS Middelton, HMS Brissenden and HMS Harrier proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving there later on the 8th.

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A close cover force was deployed. This was ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN) and the light cruisers HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN) departed Seidisfjord on 19 November to provide cover for convoy JW 54A between 15°00'E and 41°00'E.

' Force 1 ' arrived in the Kola Inlet on 24 November.

' Force 1 ' departed the Kola Inlet on 27 November to provide cover for convoy JW 54B between 15°00'E and 41°00'E and RA 54B between 41°00'E and 05°00'E.

On 3 December, HMS Jamaica was detached to Hvalfjord where she arrived on 5 December.

On 4 December, HMS Kent and HMS Bermuda arrived at Scapa Flow.

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Also a distant cover force was deployed. This was ' Force 2 ', the battle force, which was made up the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN) and the destroyers USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN), USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) and USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) departed Akureyri on 19 November to cover convoy JW 54A from approximate position 73°00'N, 11°00'E.

On 24 November, while on passage back to Akureyri, USS Tuscaloosa was detached to Hvalfiord where she arriving later on the same day.

HMS Anson arrived at Akureyri also on 24 November escorted by the American destroyers which then went on to Hvalfjord.

On 28 November ' Force 2 ', now made up of the battleship HMS Anson, light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN) departed Akureyri to provide cover for convoy JW 54B and RA 54B from approximate position 73°00'N, 11°00'E.

On 29 November the destroyers had to be detached due to heavy weather as they were unable to keep up without sustaining damage. In fact, HMS Matchless had sustained damage and proceeded to Seidisfjord with defects. The destroyers rejoined on 1 December.

On 4 December ' Force 2 ' arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Matchless also arrived there on the same day. (31)

30 Dec 1943
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Skate (Lt. J.C. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR), HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR) and HMS Burdock (T/Lt. F.R.M. Greasley, RNR). (32)

21 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trial off Plymouth which were followed by throw off gunnery exercises during which the destroyer HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR) acted as target. Also HA gunnery exercises were carried out.

In the evening night encounter exercises were carried out with the destroyers of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla; HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (33)

18 Jun 1944
Around 0400B/18, the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN).

Around 1900B/18, HMS Volage and HMS Wessex parted comany.

Around 0630B/19, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR) and HMS Scimitar (Lt. P. Archer-Shee, RNVR) joined.

Around 1255B/19, the destroyers HMCS Qa'Appelle (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMCS Saskatchewan (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Easton, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Restigouche (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Groos, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN) joined.

HMS Anson arrived at Plymouth around 1800B/19. (34)

12 Sep 1944
Around 1545B/12, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Skate (Lt. J.H. Macalister, RNVR), HMS Scimitar (Lt. P. Archer-Shee, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR).

At 0740B/13, the escort was relieved by the frigates HMS Fitzroy (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. McCullogh Miller, DSC, RNVR), HMS Redmill (Lt. J.R.A. Denne, RN) and HMS Deane (Lt. V.A. Hickson, DSO, RN).

HMS Rodney arrived at Scapa Flow around 1445B/14. Before entering gunnery exercises had been carried out. (35)

16 Oct 1944
The battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) and HMS Saladin (Lt. J.E. Dyer, DSC, RN).

Around 1230A/16, the destroyer HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN) joined company.

Around 1630A/16, HMS Saladin parted company to return to Plymouth.

HMS King George V, HMS Nubian and HMS Undaunted arrived at Scapa Flow around 1820A/17.

Upon arrival at Scapa Flow, the Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS King George V. (36)

Media links


British destroyers & frigates

Norman Friedman


Destroyers of World War Two

Whitley, M. J.

Sources

  1. ADM 53/110313
  2. ADM 173/15803
  3. ADM 199/373
  4. ADM 199/1847
  5. ADM 173/15782
  6. ADM 53/111432
  7. ADM 173/16290
  8. ADM 173/16291
  9. ADM 173/16736
  10. File 2.12.03.6367 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  11. ADM 173/16780
  12. ADM 199/396
  13. File 2.12.03.6376 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  14. ADM 173/16793
  15. File 2.12.03.6378 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  16. ADM 173/17271
  17. ADM 53/115546 + ADM 53/115547
  18. ADM 53/116122 + ADM 234/560 + ADM 234/561
  19. ADM 53/116226 + ADM 199/427
  20. ADM 199/424
  21. ADM 173/17253
  22. ADM 173/18014
  23. ADM 173/17867
  24. ADM 173/17817
  25. ADM 173/17926
  26. ADM 173/18017
  27. ADM 173/17886
  28. ADM 53/118303 + ADM 199/632 + ADM 199/766 + ADM 234/560 + ADM 234/561
  29. ADM 173/17786
  30. ADM 53/118468 + ADM 199/2280
  31. ADM 199/632
  32. File 2.12.03.6384 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  33. ADM 53/118972
  34. ADM 53/118821
  35. ADM 53/120414
  36. ADM 53/119673

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


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