uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Warwick include:

16 Sep 1939
At 08.15 hours German U-boat U-31 torpedoed and sank the British merchant Aviemore about 220 nautical miles south-west of Cape Clear in position 49°11'N, 13°38'W. The master and 22 crew members were lost. Eleven crew members were picked up by the British destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and landed at Liverpool on the 18th. This was the first attack on a convoy in World War II.

23 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 2.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverburn (British, 9874 GRT, built 1927), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Charles L.D. (British, 5273 GRT, built 1933), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Languedoc (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), San Mateo (French, 5947 GRT, built 1931), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Vandyck (British, 13241 GRT, built 1921) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1600P/23, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) also joined.

Around 0800P/24, HMCS Saguenay was detached.

Around 1800P/24, HMCS Fraser and HMCS St. Laurent were detached. HMCS St. Laurent stood by the Mill Hill which had developed engine trouble but repairs were made and the ship apparently proceeded independently to her destination, Rouen, France where she arrived on 10 October 1939.

Around 1200P/25, in position 42°10'N, 54°55'W, HMS York parted company with the convoy and proceeded on patrol.

During the night of 1/2 October 1939, in approximate position 50°03'N, 26°50'W, the Blairmore straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to her destination, Glasgow.

Around 00700A/5, in approximate position 50°40'N, 12°30'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0815A/5, the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) also joined.

HMS Versatile and HMS Warwick escorted the Irish Sea section of the convoy to Liverpool where they arrived very late on 7 October 1939.

The Irish Sea section was made up of the following ships; Corner Brook (bound Dublin), Kurdistan (bound Manchester), Manchester Port (bound Manchester), New York City (bound Cardiff) and Vandyk(bound Liverpool).

HMS Jackal and HMS Janus escorted the Channel section of the convoy to the Downs where they arrived in the morning of 8 October 1939.

The Channel section was made up of the other ships but not all proceeded to the Downs though as the French ships proceeded to Le Havre and the Mill Hill to Rouen. (1)

25 Oct 1939

Convoy HX 6.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 October 1939.

It was made up of the following transport / tankers; Agnita (British (tanker), 3552 GRT, built 1931), Alaska (French, 5399 GRT, built 1922), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Atalantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Belhaven (British, 6591 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bengloe (British, 5318 GRT, built 1918), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Carbet (French, 3689 GRT, built 1920), Comedian (British, 5122 GRT, built 1929), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Coultarn (British, 3759 GRT, built 1938), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Dalryan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Deerpool (British, 5167 GRT, built 1930), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939) Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Franche Comte (British (tanker), 9314 GRT, built 1936), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Holmpark (British, 5780 GRT, built 1927), Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931), Inversuir (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Jersey City (British, 6322 GRT, built 1920), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Loreto (British, 6882 GRT, built 1913), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Manchester Regiment (British, 5989 GRT, built 1922), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Nailsea Court (British, 4946 GRT, built 1936), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Penelope (British (tanker), 6559 GRT, built 1925), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Calisto (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1937), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Trecarrell (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. C.H. Knox-Little, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

On 27 October 1939, the destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1000A/6, the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN), HMS Gipsy (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Crossley, RN), HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN) and HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1700A/6, HMS Resolution escorted by HMS Grenville and HMS Grenade detached from the convoy and arrived at Plymouth around 1430A/7.

At 1800A/6 the convoy split into two sections.

One section was escorted by HMS Glowworm which destroyer arrived at Milford Haven in the afternoon of 8 November.

The other section was escorted by HMS Gipsy which was later (0930A/8) reinforced by the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN). HMS Warwick and HMS Whirlwind should have joined earlier but could not find the convoy. These three destroyers arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 9 November.

17 Nov 1939

Convoy HXF 9.

This convoy departed Halifax on 17 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Beaverburn (British, 9874 GRT, built 1927), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Corrientes (British, 6863 GRT, built 1920), Cuba (French, 11337 GRT, built 1923), Fordsdale (British, 11023 GRT, built 1924), Guadeloupe (French, 2815 GRT, built 1936), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914) and Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

Around 0230Q/18, HMCS St. Laurent parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 19/20 November 1939, the Manchester Port straggled from the convoy. She rejoined around dawn on 21 November 1939.

Around 1700OP/22, the merchant vessel San Francisco (French, 6013 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy as arranged.

Around 1100ZA/26, the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined.

Around 1150ZA/26, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1730Z/26, HMS Volunteer and HMS Warwick parted company taking the Irish Sea / West Coast section of the convoy with them. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Lochmonar, Manchester Port and Orduna. They arrived at Liverpool on 28 November 1939.

The other ships made up the Channel / West coast section bound for the Downs. The French ships, except the San Francisco were detached to French ports en-route. HMS Wakeful and HMS Whitehall arrived at Dover on 28 November 1939. (2)

2 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Chancellor (British, 4607 GRT, built 1916), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Inkosi (British, 6618 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarines HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) and HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

Around 1940Q/2, in thick fog, the Chancellor was rammed by the Athelchief. The Oropesa was ordered to stand by the stricken Chancellor. Damage was first reported to be slight but in the and it proved to be serious and she was taken in tow to make for Halifax. No the less the ship was beyond salvage and sank. The entire crew was taken off. The Athelchief and Oropesa returned to Halifax.

Around 1130Q/3, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 5/6 December 1939 thick fog was once again encountered and the following ships straggled from the convoy; Beaverdale, Inkosi, Manchester Progress, Torr Head as well as HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal.

Around 1150P/6, the Torr Head rejoined the convoy.

In the morning of 7 December 1939, HMS Narwhal with the Beaverdale and Inkosi in company rejoined. Also the Manchester Progress rejoined which reported that she had seen HMS Seal on the 6th.

Around 1630O/8, HMS Seal rejoined the convoy.

Around 1700N/12, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2030N/12, in approximate position 50°08'N, 11°39'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0830Z/13, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Progress, Newfoundland, Rothermere, Strategist, Sulairia and Torr Head. HMS Mackay went with them as escort. Around 1100Z/13, they were joined by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN). The destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 December 1939 respectively.

The Channel / East coast section was initially only escorted by the two submarines but around 1045Z/13 the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) joined. Around 0845Z/14, HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal parted company to proceed to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Witch. HMS Wren continued on with the convoy and arrived at Dover on 15 December 1939. The convoy continued on towards the Downs minus the De Grasse which by then had been detached to Le Havre. (3)

20 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 13.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), Baron Jedburgh (British, 3656 GRT, built 1936), Beaconhill (Panamanian (tanker), 6941 GRT, built 1919)), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Galaxias (Greek, 5768 GRT, built 1918), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Haughton Hall (British, 5103 GRT, built 1937), Joseph Duhamel (French (trawler), 928 GRT, built 1929), Lackenby (British, 5112 GRT, built 1928), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), San Melito (British (tanker), 10160 GRT, built 1914), San Zotico (British (tanker), 5582 GRT, built 1919), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Senateur Duhamel (French (trawler), 912 GRT, buil 1927), Simon Duhamel II (French (trawler), 928 GRT, built 1930), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929) and W.C. Teagle (British (tanker), 9552 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

The convoy departed from Halifax in bad weather and never properly formed up. Several ships never joined the convoy at all according to the Commodore report [which is not very detailed and it is thus not possible to give full details on this convoy]. This were the Erodona, Senateur Duhamel, Simon Duhamel II and Socony.

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena returned to Halifax on 23 December after having been detached on 22 December.

By 22 December the convoy had reformed with 20 merchant ships now present and by 24 December 3 more had joined up. Only the four merchant vessels listed above were now still missing from the convoy.

On 25 December the convoy again encountered heavy weather and became dispersed. Only 12 ships managed to rejoin when the weather improved. [No names are given in the Commodore's report.]

Around 0100Z/2, HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy to proceed to Portsmouth.

Around 1500Z/2, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) joined. About half an hour later the convoy split into two sections. HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) escorted a straggler and arrived at Liverpool on 5 January 1940.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was escorted by HMS Mackay which arrived at Liverpool on 5 January 1940.

On 3 January 1940, the Athelbeach missed a signal to change course and ran aground on Galley Head, Cork. The ship was later re-floated and then proceeded to Queenstown, Ireland [now called Cobh].

[The Commodore report does not give further details on which ships were with the convoy at the time the convoy split into two sections.]

The Channel / East coast section was escorted by HMS Verity and HMS Wolverine.

Around 1700Z/4, the destroyers parted company with the Channel / East coast section. HMS Wolverine proceeded to Dover where she arrived around 1030Z/5. HMS Verity Portsmouth where she arrived around 1720Z/5. (4)

22 Jan 1940

Convoy HX 17.

This convoy departed Halifax on 22 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Anadara (British (tanker), 8009 GRT, built 1935), Antonios Chandris (Greek, 5866 GRT, built 1918), Athelduke (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1929), Balmoralwood (British, 5834 GRT, built 1937), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Bretwalda (British, 4906 GRT, built 1939), Brockley Hill (British, 5287 GRT, built 1918), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Crispin (British, 5050 GRT, built 1935), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dean Emery (British (tanker), 6664 GRT, built 1919), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Emmy (Greek, 3895 GRT, built 1914), Ena de Larrinaga (British, 5200 GRT, built 1925), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Housatonic (British (tanker), 5559 GRT, built 1919), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Llangollen (British, 5056 GRT, built 1928), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mont Everest (French, 5183 GRT, built 1918), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Nailsea River (British, 5548 GRT, built 1917), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Ontariolite (British (tanker), 8932 GRT, built 1925), Ornefjell (British, 1334 GRT, built 1937), Patella (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Saint-Malo (French, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Saugor (British, 6303 GRT, built 1928), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Somersby (British, 5168 GRT, built 1930), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Tasis (Greek, 4706 GRT, built 1913), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Trocas (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Victor Ross (British (tanker), 12247 GRT, built 1933) and Vilk (Estonian, 1933 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1430Q/23, in position 44°39'N, 58°39'W, both Canadian destroyers were detached to return to Halifax.

On 28 January 1940, in approximate position 49°10'N, 38°40'W, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in bad weather conditions; Brockley Hill, El Mirlo, Ena de Larrinaga, Mount Pelion. Somersby. The Ena de Larrinaga and Mount Pelion rejoined the convoy on 4 February. The Brockley Hill arrived independently in the Downs on 5 February. The El Mirlo arrived independently at Liverpool on 6 February. The Somersby passed Barry Roads on 6 February and arrived independently at Avonmouth on 8 February.

Around 1430O/31, in position 51°20'N, 26°10'W, the Housatonic parted company to proceed independently to Invergordon but she was later ordered to proceed to Kirkwall where she arrived on 8 February.

Around 1030Z/3, in position 51°00'N, 13°10'W, the destroyers HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Emerald then parted company to proceed to Portsmouth.

Around 0900Z/4, in position 50°23'N, 09°50'W, the convoy split in two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonios Chandris (arrived at Dublin on 6 February), Athelduke (arrived at Liverpool on 8 February), Balmoralwood (arrived at Liverpool on 7 February), Boston City (arrived at Cardiff on 6 February), Cadillac (arrived at Avonmouth on 7 February), Crispin (arrived at Liverpool on 7 February), Dakotian (arrived at Avonmouth on 7 February), Dalblair (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), Emmy (grounded off Barmouth, see below), Ena de Larrinaga (arrived at Liverpool on 6 February), Filleigh (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), Invershannon (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), King Stephen (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), Langleebrook (arrived at Sharpness on 8 February), Llangollen (arrived at Avonmouth on 7 February), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Liverpool on 7 February), Patella (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), Pomella (arrived at Liverpool on 7 February), Saugor (arrived at Liverpool on 7 February), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 7 February), Tasis (arrived at Liverpool on 8 February), Torinia (arrived at Liverpool on 8 February) and Torr Head (arrived at Dublin on 6 February). They were escorted by HMS Warwick which arrived at Liverpool on 6 February.

Around 2200Z/4, in position 51°17'N, 07°45'W, the five ships with destinations in the Bristol Channel area parted company. The destroyer HMS Keith (Cdr. (Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) had joined around 1715Z/4 to escort them. HMS Keith arrived at Milford Haven on 6 February.

The Irish Sea / West coast section ran into thick fog on the 5th and quite a number of ships lost contact with the convoy.

At 1844Z/5, the Emmy signalled that she was aground in an unknown position in the Irish Sea but probably between Waterford and The Smalls. D/F location showed that she was most likely near Barmouth in Cardigan Bay and she was informed of this and also that help was coming. The rescue tug HMRT Superman was sen from Milford Haven and later made contact with the ship in position 52°43'N, 04°18'W, which was indeed to the west of Barmouth. The ship was succesfully towed off at 1920Z/7 after an earlier attempt had failed.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Anadara (arrived at Donges, France on 8 February), Beaverdale (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Bretwalda (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), D.L. Harper (arrived at Southampton on 6 February), Danby (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Davila (arrived at Le Havre, France on 7 February), Dean Emery (arrived at Southampton on 6 February), Eclipse (arrived at Le Havre, France on 8 February), Gold Shell (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Kingswood (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Mont Everest (arrived at Le Verdon, France on 7 February), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Nailsea River (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Northleigh (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Ontariolite (arrived at Le Havre, France on 8 February), Saint-Malo (arrived at Le Verdon, France on 7 February), Seminole (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Trocas (arrived in the Downs on 6 February), Victor Ross (arrived at Portsmouth on 6 February) and Vilk (destination was La Pallice, France, arrival date not known). They were escorted by HMS Vanessa (arrived at Dover on 6 February) and HMS Vansittart (arrived at Plymouth on 5 February). (5)

18 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 18 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldersdale (British (tanker), 8402 GRT, built 1937), Annik (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1940), Antigone (British, 4545 GRT, built 1928), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Avelona Star (British, 13376 GRT, built 1927), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dalcroy (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Dromore Castle (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1935), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French (tanker), 9805 GRT, built 1932), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Indiana (French, 5751 GRT, built 1917), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Jumna (British, 6078 GRT, built 1929), Jutland (British, 6153 GRT, built 1928), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 5998 GRT, built 1938), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Matheran (British, 7653 GRT, built 1919), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Scoresby (British, 3843 GRT, built 1923), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), Shirak (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1926), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Stiklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Trecarrell (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Tuira (Panamanian, 4397 GRT, built 1912), Varanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9305 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Walter D. Munson (Greek, 3703 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN).

HMCS Ottawa parted company with the convoy around 1830Q/18.

During the first night out the Lucerna straggled from the convoy due to engine trouble. She managed to rejoin the convoy at 1030 hours on 29 March in position 50°08'N, 15°40'W.

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company around 1800Q/19.

The convoy then continued on eastwards escorted by HMS Royal Sovereign which parted company with the convoy around 1800O/27 in position 50°22'N, 24°25'W.

Around 0600Z/30, the destroyers HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Stocker, RN), HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and [most likely] HMS Havant (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 50°00'N, 12°00'W. [It is possible they did not join all at the same time.]

[According to the Commodore's report the destroyer HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, RN) had also joined this convoy. HMS Havock was however with the Home Fleet and this must have been incorrect. Most likely it was HMS Havant that had joined the convoy as escort, she had been sent out from Plymouth on an A/S hunt on 28 March.]

Later [the Commodore's report does not give a date, time and location] the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea, west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldersdale (arrived at Scapa Flow on 3 April), Annik (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Antigone (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 April), Avelona Star (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Beckenham (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 2 April), Bridgepool (arrived at Sharpness on 3 April), British Captain (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Collegian (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Dalcroy (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Dromore Castle (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Eskdalegate (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Inversuir (arrived at Avonmouth on 2 April), Lancaster Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Manchester on 2 April), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 2 April), Newfoundland (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Politician (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Ramsay (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Rio Azul (arrived at Ardrossan on 4(?) April), Rockpool (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), San Demetrio (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), San Gabriel (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Shirak (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Stanwell (arrived at Swansea on 2 April), Torr Head (arrived at Dublin on 2 April), Tuira (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April) and Varanger (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April). They were escorted by HMS Vimy and HMS Warwick which both arrived at Liverpool on 2 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelknight (arrived at Plymouth on 1 April), Boreas (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), British Prudence (arrived at Weymouth on 1 April), Cardita (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Cordelia (arrived at Southampton on 2 April), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Empire Confidence (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Europe (arrived at Bordeaux on 2 April), Grainton (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Harlingen (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Henri Desprez (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Hopepeak (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Indiana (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Induna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Jean L.D. (arrived at La Pallice on 1 April), Jumna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Jutland (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Lucerna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Macharda (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Malayan Prince (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Matheran (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Mathilda (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Narragansett (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Nicolaou Georgios (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Pomella (arrived at Pauillac on 3 April), San Ernesto (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Sarthe (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Scoresby (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Selvistan (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Stiklestad (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Trecarrell (arrived at Southampton on 2 April), W.B. Walker (arrived in the Downs on 2 April) and Walter D. Munson (arrived at Le Havre on 3 April). They were escorted by HMS Vanessa (arrived at Dover on 2 April), HMS Antelope (arrived at Dover on 2 April) and most likely also HMS Havant arrived at Plymouth on 31 March). (6)

29 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 31.

This convoy departed Halifax on 29 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduke (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1929), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Culebra (British, 3044 GRT, built 1919), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Darlington Court (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), Hannington Court (British, 5449 GRT, built 1939), Ile de Noirmoutier (French, 5703 GRT, built 1919), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), John Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9071 GRT, built 1934), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Makis (Greek, 3546 GRT, buily 1906), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Rangitane (British, 16733 GRT, built 1929), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Ronin (Panamanian, 5677 GRT, built 1919), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Tahchee (British (tanker), 6508 GRT, built 1914), Tremoda (British, 4736 GRT, built 1928) and Trevorian (British, 4599 GRT, built 1920).

The RFA tanker Oleander (7045 GRT, built 1922) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

Around 1045Q/30, the merchant vessel Oakbank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), which had been late in sailing from Halifax, overtook and joined the convoy.

around 1800Q/30, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 30/31 March 1940, the Makis straggled from the convoy as she was unable to keep up. She arrived in the Downs on 15 April having continued her passage independenly.

Around 0530N/9, in position 50°10'N, 18°05'W, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1600N/9, in position 50°10'N, 15°40'W, the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and sloop HMS Folkestone (Lt.Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) joined followed around 0610 hours the following morning by the destroyers HMS Campbell (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN) and HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.E.F. Hussey, DSC, RN).

Most likely on 10 April the convoy was split into two sections, the west coast / Irish Sea section and the east coast / Channel section.

The west coast / Irish Sea section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelduke (arrived in the Clyde on 12 April), Athelking (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), Boston City (arrived at Milford Haven on 12 April), British Endurance (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), Clumberhall (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), G.S. Walden (arrived in Barry Roads on 12 April), Maja (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), Rodsley (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), San Cipriano (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April), Sirikishna (arrived in the Clyde on 12 April) and Tremoda (arrived at Belfast on 13 April). They were escorted by HMS Warwick (arrived at Liverpool on 11 April) and HMS Folkestone (arrived at Liverpool on 12 April).

The east coast / Channel section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Consuelo (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), Culebra (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), Dalblair (arrived at Portland on 12 April), Darlington Court (arrived at Portland on 12 April), Hannington Court (arrived at Portland on 12 April), Ile de Noirmoutier (destination was La Pallice), Inverilen (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), John Knudsen (arrived at Le Havre on 13 April), Langleecrag (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), Oakbank (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), Oleander (arrived at Plymouth on 12 April), Olympos (arrived at Le Havre on 13 April), Rangitane (arrived in the Downs on 13 April), Ronin (arrived at Le Havre on 13 April), Rothley (arrived at Portland on 12 April), Tahchee (arrived at Le Havre on 13 April) and Trevorian (arrived in the Downs on 13 April). They were escorted by HMS Campbell and HMS Vesper which both arrived at Dover on 12 April. (7)

10 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 34.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Domingo de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Empire Conveyor (British, 5911 GRT, built 1917), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Forsdale (British, 11023 GRT, built 1924), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), (British, GRT, built ), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Lake Halwill (Estonian, 3165 GRT, built 1907), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Oiltrader (British (tanker), 5550 GRT, built 1927), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Port Montreal (British, 5882 GRT, built 1937), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), San Ubaldo (British (tanker), 5999 GRT, built 1921), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Texas Ranger (British, 2689 GRT, built 1919), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927) and Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

On the same day of departure HMCS Ottawa collided with a tug and had to return to Halifax for repairs.

The other two Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy on 11 April.

Around 0415Z/20, in position 48°52'N, 23°36'W, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy on 20 April and set course for Gibraltar as she was to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

The Toronto City was last seen around 2000Z/20, in position 49°48'N, 20°23'W. She arrived at Swansea on 26 April.

At 0720Z/20, in position 50°01'N, 19°26'W, it was seen that the Domingo de Larrinaga (arrived at Swansea on 25 April) and Wellfield (arrived at Greenock on 26 April) were no longer with the convoy.

At 2030Z/20, in position 49°54'N, 14°52'W, the Lake Halwill (apparently proceeded to Bristol (?) arrival date not known) and Ross (arrived at Barry on 26 April) were last seen.

On 23 April, in position 50°05'N, 13°10'W, the San Ubaldo dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She arrived at Boulogne-sur-Mer, France on 27 April.

Also on 23 April the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) joined the convoy which was subsequently split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beechwood (arrived in the Clyde on 26 April), Chulmleigh (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Custodian (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Manchester Spinner (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Oiltrader (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Saranac (arrived in the Clyde on 26 April), Scottish American (destination was Scapa Flow but torpedoed and damaged on 27 April north of Loch Eriboll by the German submarine U-13. Towed to Loch Eriboll where cargo was transferred to another tanker), Seminole (destination was Swansea but mined and damaged off Mumbles on 25 April. Then beached but later salvaged and repairs) and Varand (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April). They were escorted by HMS Warwick which arrived at Liverpool on 26 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Colony (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), F.J. Wolfe (arrived at Le Havre on 26 April), Fordsdale (arrived at Portsmouth on 26 April), Generton (arrived at Portland on 25 April), Henry Dundas (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Malancha (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Merchant Prince (arrived at Portland on 25 April), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Parracombe (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Port Montreal (arrived at Dunkirk on 1(?) May), Texas Ranger (arrived at Portland on 25 April) and Thiara (arrived in the Downs on 26 April). They were escorted by HMS Windsor which arrived at Dover on 26 April. (8)

30 May 1940
The troopships Antonia (British, 13867 GRT, built 1921) and Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928) departed Liverpool for Halifax. They both had on board £ 5 million in gold bullion. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN).

Later the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) departed the Clyde escorted by the destroyers HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). HMS Revenge had on board £ 40 million in gold bullion.

The two groups made rendezvous around 0400A/31.

At 2337A/31, the destroyers parted company.

The troopships and HMS Revenge arrived at Halifax on 8 June. They were escorted in by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN). (9)

6 Jun 1940
Around 1300A/6, HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) departed Portsmouth for Greenock. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN).

On leaving Portsmouth auxiliary minesweepers (trawlers) exploded two mines near the Nab Tower.

HMS Nelson, HMS Amazon, HMS Warwick and HMS Witch arrived at Greenock around 1130A/8.

At Greenock HMS Nelson was taken in hand to complete the fitting of new radar equipment. (10)

1 Jul 1940
Heaving completed her repairs at Liverpool HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) departed that place for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN). (11)

2 Jul 1940
HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) and her escorts; HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) and HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN), arrived at Scapa Flow. (11)

7 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 56.

This convoy departed Halifax on 7 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Eastern Trader (British, 5620 GRT, built 1920), Europa (British, 10224 GRT, built 1931), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Forbes Hauptman (British, 5834 GRT, built 1919), Granby (British, 2051 GRT, built 1922), Gunborg (Swedish, 1572 GRT, built 1930), Inger Toft (British (former German), 2190 GRT, built 1920), Kelet (Hungarian, 4263 GRT, built 1913), King Robert (British, 5880 GRT, built 1920), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Shirak (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1926), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Thyra (Norwegian, 1655 GRT, built 1920), Tricula (British (tanker), 6221 GRT, built 1936), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929) and Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924).

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

Both Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy the following day to return to Halifax.

Around 2100Q/7, in position 43°43'N, 62°53'W, the Granby fell our of the convoy with engine trouble. She went back to Halifax where she arrived on 8 July.

Around 0800Q/8, in position 43°29'N, 60°38'W, the Kelet fell out of the convoy being unable to keep up. Her destination was Port Talbot.

Around 0500Z/19, in position 56°55'N, 16°50'W, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) and corvette HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR).

Around 2000Z/19, in position 56°30'N, 13°44'W, the merchant vessel Western Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. She had departed New York on 12 July for an independent passage to the U.K.

Around 1830A/20, in position 56°06'N, 08°25'W, the convoy split up.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 56A was destined for Methil and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (detached to Scapa Flow on 22 July), Bayano, Beechwood, Brynymor, Celtic Monarch, Donacilla, Flowergate, Hopepeak, Inger Toft, Iroquois, King Robert, Kirnwood, Lake Halwill, Uffington Court and Warkworth.

HMS Comorin also proceeded with this convoy as she was to refit at Newcastle on Tyne where she arrived on 23 July.

This section of the convoy arrived at Methill on 23 July escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Rosyth later the same day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 56B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Atheltemplar (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Auris (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Barrgrove (arrived in Barry Roads on 23 July), Beemsterdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Ardour (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Courage (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Bruxelles (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Craftsman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Dalcairn (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 July), Dosinia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Eastern Trader (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Empire Confidence (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Everleigh (arrived at Manchester on 23 July), Forbes Hauptman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Gunborg (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 22 July), Montreal City (arrived at Milford Haven on 23 July), Pacific Grove (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Port Wellington (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Queen City (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Rancher (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Shirak (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Speybank (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Storaas (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Thyra (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Tricula (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July) and Western Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). This section was escorted by HMS Warwick (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), HMS Leith (arrived at Belfast on 21 July) and HMS Heartsease (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). (12)

19 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 59.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Achilles (Dutch, 1822 GRT, built 1906), Antonios Chandris (Greek, 5866 GRT, built 1918), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Convallaria (Swedish, 1996 GRT, built 1921), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Empire Lotus (British, 3696 GRT, built 1920), Hada County (Norwegian, 4853 GRT, built 1921), Hadleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Invella (British, 5026 GRT, built 1924), Justitia (British, 4562 GRT, built 1935), Kathariotisa (Greece, 1877 GRT, built 1913), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Leise Maersk (British (former Danish), 3136 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Middleton (British, 4297 GRT, built 1935), Missourian (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Ootmarsum (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1920), Prins Willem van Oranje (Dutch, 1303 GRT, built 1918), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Schie (Dutch, 1969 GRT, built 1922), Shakespeare (British, 5029 GRT, built 1926), Sicilian Prince (British, 3489 GRT, built 1922), Siremalm (Norwegian, 2468 GRT, built 1906), Soesterberg (Dutch, 1904 GRT, built 1927), Stagpool (British, 4560 GRT, built 1930), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

In the evening of the 19th, the Vestland straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived in the Clyde on 4 August.

On 20 July 1940, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Ottawa arrived at Halifax after having been detached from the convoy.

During the night of 20/21 July 1940, the Kathariotisa and Tautra straggled from the convoy for unknown reasons. They proceeded independently to Liverpool and the Clyde respectively arriving at their destinations on 3 August.

Around 1600P/23, convoy BHX 59, coming from Bermuda, joined convoy HX 59. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Cambridge (British, 10892 GRT, built 1919), Circe Shell (British (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1931), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Donax (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Finnanger (Norwegian (tanker) 9551 GRT, built 1928), Lady Glanely (British, 5497 GRT, built 1938), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919), Mahia (British, 10014 GRT, built 1917), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Norvinn (Panamanian (tanker), 6322 GRT, built 1930), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Simnia (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935) and Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924).

Around 1100N/30, in position 56°06'N, 22°30'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1135Z/31, in position 56°19'N, 16°45'W, the local A/S escort joined, this was made up of the following ships, destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and corvettes HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) and HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR).

The convoy later [time, date and position not given in the convoy report] split up into two sections.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 59A was destined for Methil (arrived on 4 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Achilles, Baron Stranraer, Beaverbrae, Consuelo, Convallaria, Donax, Inger Lise (arrived at Aberdeen on 4 August), Invella, Kingsland, Mahia, Prins Willem van Oranje, Soesterberg and Stagpool. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Fowey and HMS Hibuscus which both arrived at Rosyth on 4 August 1940.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 59B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonios Chandris (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Auditor (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Belinda (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Bollsta (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Cambridge (arrived at Cardiff on 4 August), Circe Shell (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Clausina (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Corner Brook (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Dan-Y-Bryn (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Empire Lotus (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Finnanger (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Hada County (arrived at Avonmouth on 5 August), Hadleigh (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Heina (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Henry Dundas (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Justitia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Lady Glanely (arrived at Cardiff on 4 August), Leise Maersk (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Loriga (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 4 August), Middleton (arrived at Swansea on 4 August), Missourian (arrived in the Clyde on 6 (?) August), Modavia (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Morgenen (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Norvinn (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August), Oilfield (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Ootmarsum (arrived in Barry Roads on 4 August), Ramsay (arrived at Sharpness on 4 August), San Francisco (arrived in the Clyde on 5 (?) August), Schie (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August), Shakespear (arrived at Newport on 4 August), Sicilian Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Simnia (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Siremalm (arrived at Liverpool on 3 August), Temple Inn (arrived at Newport on 4 August), Tredinnick (arrived at Swansea on 4 August), Valldemosa (arrived in the Clyde on 3 August) and Waziristan (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 August). They were escorted by HMS Warwick and HMS Heartsease which both arrived at Liverpool on 3 August. (13)

27 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 61.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Baron Pentland (British, 3410 GRT, built 1927), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Bretwalda (British, 4906 GRT, built 1939), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Erviken (Norwegian, 5019 GRT, built 1921), Florian (British, 3137 GRT, built 1940), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Gyda (British, 1695 GRT, built 1934), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Ioannis M. Embiricos (Greek, 3728 GRT, built 1924), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Leikanger (Norwegian, 4003 GRT, built 1923), Lily (Greek, 5735 GRT, built 1920), Mabriton (British, 6694 GRT, built 1920), Marathon (Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919), Marionga (Greek, 4214 GRT, built 1912), Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Patia (British, 5355 GRT, built 1922), Ramava (Latvian, 2141 GRT, built 1900), Rudby (British, 4846 GRT, built 1924), Saint Dunstan (British, 5662 GRT, built 1919), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), Snefjeld (Norwegian, 1643 GRT, built 1901), Tolosa (British, 5527 GRT, built 1920), Trompenberg (Dutch, 2009 GRT, built 1919), Troubadour (Norwegian, 5808 GRT, built 1920), Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914) and Zypenberg (British, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Ottawa parted company the following day to return to Halifax or proceed to St. John's respectively.

Around 0835P/29, in position 42°06'N, 56°40'W, the Tolosa parted company with the convoy. She was sent back to Halifax by HMS Laconia due to excessive smoking.

During 30 July, the Ramava started dropping astern unable to keep up. She was no longer in sight the following morning and continued passage to her destination, Dublin, independently. [Arrival date not known to us.]

Around 1130P/1, in position 42°43'N, 42°53'W, convoy BHX 61 joined convoy HX 61. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), Dordrecht (British, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Hannington Court (British, 5449 GRT, built 1939), Lise (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, built 1931), Maaskerk (Dutch, 4343 GRT, built 1929), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

On 5 August, the Hindsholm and Cape Clear started dropping astern with engine trouble. Hindsholm was last seen around 1200O/5, in position 53.23'N, 30.09'W. She arrived in the Clyde on 11 August. Cape Clear was last seen at 2000O/5 in position 53°05'N, 29°06'W. She arrived at Greenock on 15 August.

Around 0700Z/8, in position 56°25'N, 16°40'W, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, RN) and corvette HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) joined. HMS Laconia parted company to return to Halifax around 0830Z/8.

At 1220Z/8, HMS Laconia reported that she had picked up a signal from a ship, name not given, that had been torpedoed in position 53°00'N, 15°21'W. At 1500Z/8, HMCS Restigouche (the S.O. of the escort) reported that she had detached HMS Vanquisher to hunt. In the confusion it was for a while thought that HMS Laconia herself had been torpedoed.

At 2016Z/8, HMS Vanquisher was ordered to rejoin the convoy. But in the meantime this destroyer had reported (at 2000Z/8) that she had passed wreckage of a ship and that a name board displaying the name Upwey Grange in position 54°40'N, 15°00'W. [This ship was torpedoed and sunk earlier that day by U-37.] At 2255Z/8, HMS Vanquisher reported that she had picked up 23 survivors in position 55°03'N, 14°53'W. These survivors reported that two more boats with survivors must be in the vicinity. HMS Vanquisher intended to search the area until 0800Z/9.

The destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN), sloop HMS Wellington (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) and corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) which were also in the area and were ordered to keep a sharp lookout for survivors.

Between 2300A/8 and 2400A/8, the Methil section of the convoy which was to separate the following morning as convoy HX 61A, lost touch with the main convoy after two sharp turns. No escort was with this section due to contact being lost.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 61A, destined for Methil (arrived on 12 August 1940), was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Blythswood, Baron Pentland, Blairdevon, Bretwalda, Dordrecht, Florian, Goolistan, Leikanger, Mabriton, Maja, Trompenberg and Winterswijk. They were initially unescorted until around 1700A/9 when HMCS Restigouche joined. Later HMS Deptford also joined. These escorts arrived at Rosyth on 12 August.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 61B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Boston City (arrived at Milford Haven on 12 August), Botwey (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Bristol City (arrived at Milford Haven on 12 August), Carras (arrived in Barry Roads on 12 August), Erviken (arrived at Swansea on 12 August), Grainton (arrived at Avonmouth on 12 August), Gyda (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Hannington Court (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), Ioannis M. Embiricos (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), Lancastrian Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Lily (arrived at Port Talbot on 13 August), Lise (arrived at Swansea on 12 August), Maaskerk (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), Marathon (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Marionga (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Medon (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Nestos (arrived at Swansea on 12 August), Opalia (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Parthenia (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), Patia (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Rudby (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), Saint Dunstan (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), San Conrado (arrived in the Clyde on 10 August), San Gabriel (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Snefjeld (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August), Troubadour (arrived in Belfast Lough on 11 August), Wanderer (arrived at Liverpool on 11 August) and Zypenberg (arrived at Cardiff on 12 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Viscount and HMS Mallow which both arrived at Liverpool on 10 / 11 August.

Around 1500A/9, in position 56°09'N, 09°35'W, the destroyers HMS Achates (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.J.V. Thew, RN) which were returning to the U.K. from an A/S sweep, joined the convoy. These destroyers arrived at Greenock on 11 August.

Around 2130A/9, HMS Vanquisher joined convoy HX 61B.

HMS Vanquisher also at Liverpool on 11 August. (14)

1 Aug 1940
HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) picks up 23 survivors from the Swedish merchant Sigyn, which had been sunk by German U-boat U-59 earlier that day about 70 nautical miles north-west of Tory Island in position 56°10'N, 09°25'W.

8 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 64.

This convoy departed Halifax on 8 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amsterdam (Dutch (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1922), Anna Bulgaris (Greek, 4603 GRT, built 1912), Ardanbhan (British, 4980 GRT, built 1929), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Blommersdijk (British, 6855 GRT, built 1922), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Canada (Swedish, 5527 GRT, built 1921), Cape Corso (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Corsair (British (yacht), 2181 GRT, built 1930), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Mariner (British, 5055 GRT, built 1922), Halcyon (British, 3531 GRT, built 1917), Harbury (British, 5081 GRT, built 1933), Leonidas M. Valmas (Greek, 2042 GRT, built 1915), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Pacific (Swedish, 4978 GRT, built 1914), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Siljan (Swedish, 3063 GRT, built 1920), Trevethoe (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, built 1938).

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

HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS French returned to Halifax on 9 August after having parted company with the convoy.

Around 1800P/10, Convoy SHX 64, coming from Sydney, joined convoy HX 64. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Aracataca (British, 5377 GRT, built 1925), Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baron Jedburgh (British, 3656 GRT, built 1936), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Chr. J. Kampmann (Canadian, 2281 GRT, built 1924), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Erna III (British, 1590 GRT, built 1930), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Flensburg (Dutch, 6421 GRT, built 1922), George J. Goulandris (Greek, 4345 GRT, built 1913), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Ila (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1939), Manistee (British, 5360 GRT, built 1921), Prins Willem II (Dutch, 1304 GRT, built 1939) and Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920).

Around 1630P/12, Convoy BHX 64, coming from Bermuda, joined convoy HX 64. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelmonarch (British (tanker), 8995 GRT, built 1928), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Darlington Court (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Eumila (British, 6207 GRT, built 1937), Fresno City (British, 4955 GRT, built 1929), Holmside (British, 3433 GRT, built 1930), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Stad Alkmaar (Dutch, 5750 GRT, built 1940), Tacoma City (British, 4738 GRT, built 1929) and West Cohas (British, 5647 GRT, built 1929).

Around 2210P/14, in position 49°10'N, 40°02'W, the Leonidas M. Valmas, which had already been trailing the convoy for two days, was lost from sight. She did not rejoin the convoy and was torpedoed and heavily damaged [salvaged but later declared a total loss] on 20 August by the German submarine U-46.

Around 1030N/19, in position 58°55'N, 20°52'W, in thick fog, the Darlington Court and West Cohas lost contact with the convoy. They both arrived in the Clyde on 23 August.

Around 0530N/20, in position 57°29'N, 16°33'W, HMS Rajputana parted company to return to Halifax after the first ships of the local A/S escort had contacted.

The sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) then joined the convoy around 0700Z/20 in position 57°24'N, 16°52'W.

Around 0900Z/20, the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and the corvette HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 0630A/21, the convoy split into two sections.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 64A was destined for Methil (arrived on 24 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amsterdam, Ardanbhan, Ary Lensen, Athelfoam, Baron Lovat, Baxtergate, Blairnevis, Brisk, British Prince, Campus, City of Lancaster, Coulmore, Erna III, Eskdalegate, Fresno City, Hallfried, Holmside, Hopemount, Ila, Inanda, Madras City, Magician, Mathilda, Oilreliance, Prins Willem II, Selvik, Socony, Tacoma City, Trevethoe and Wray Castle. This section was escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMS Gardenia which both arrived at Rosyth on 24 August.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 64B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algerian (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Aracataca (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Athelchief (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Anna Bulgaris (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Athlmonarch (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Baron Jedburg (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Biafra (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Blommersdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Bradburn (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Brant County (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Canada (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cape Corso (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Chr. J. Kampmann (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cistula (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Corair (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Empire Mariner (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Eulima (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Flensburg (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), George J. Goulandris (arrived at Port Talbot on 25 August), Halcyon (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Harbury (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), James J. Maguire (arrived at Avonmouth on 25 August), Lombardy (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Manistee (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Orient City (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Pacific (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Rajahstan (arrived at Newport on 25 August), Siljan (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August) and Stad Alkmaar (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August). They were escorted by HMS Warwick and HMS Mallow which both arrived at Liverpool on 23 August. (15)

18 Aug 1940
HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr M.A.G. Child, RN) picks up 11 survivors from the British merchant Empire Merchant, which had been sunk by German U-boat U-100 two days earlier 186 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°23'N, 13°24'W.

19 Aug 1940
Just before 0200 hours on 19 August 1940 the British merchant ship Ampleforth, a straggler from convoy OA-199, was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-101 west of the Hebrides in position 56°10'N, 10°40'W. Nine crew members were lost. The master and 28 crew members were picked up by the British destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and landed at Liverpool.

20 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 67.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Baron Cawdor (British, 3638 GRT, built 1935), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Belita (Norwegian (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 1914), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Javanese Prince (British, 8593 GRT, built 1926), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924) and Tolosa (British, 5527 GRT, built 1920).

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

Around 2020P/21, the local escort parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 2000P/22, in position 43°40'N, 56°57'W, the Auretta and Baron Cawdor were detached to Sydney as they were unable to keep up with the convoy.

Around 1030P/23, convoy SHX 67 joined convoy HX 67. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), City of Oran (British, 7323 GRT, built 1915), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), Llanashe (British, 4836 GRT, built 1936), Lyra (Norwegian, 1525 GRT, built 1912), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Oberon (Dutch, 1972 GRT, built 1911), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and Zeeland (Dutch, 2776 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0515P/25, in position 44°40'N, 46°15'W, convoy BHX 67 joined convoy HX 67. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Mamura (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0700Z/1, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR), HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR).

Around 1045Z/1, in position 58°32'N, 15°55'W, HMS Laconia parted company to return to Halifax.

Later, most likely on 1 September, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined the convoy.

Later, most likely on 2 September, the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1700A/2, in position 56°36'N, 09°05'W, the convoy split into two sections.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 67A was destined for Methil (arrived on 5 September 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Bradford City, Briarwood, City of Oran, Drupa, Hjalmar Wessel, Lochkatrine, Macra, Mamura, Merchant Prince, Oberon, Saltersgate, Trelissick and Zeeland. They were escorted by HMS Rochester and HMS Bluebell which both arrived at Rosyth on 5 September.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy HX 67B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Appledore (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Basil (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Belita (arrived in Belfast Lough on 3 September), Capsa (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Chelatros (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September), Dalcross (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Dromus (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September), Harpagon (arrived at Newport on 5 September), Javanese Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Kedoe (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Kolsnaren (arrived at Cardiff on 5 September), Lancaster Castle (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September), Llanashe (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September), Lyra (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Nova Scotia (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pacific Pioneer (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pacific Shipper (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Pandias (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Point Clear (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Rimutaka (arrived at Cardiff on 5 September), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 4 September), Titus (arrived in Barry Roads on 5 September) and Tolosa (arrived in the Clyde on 3 September). They were escorted by HMS Warwick, HMS Walker, HMS Mallow and HMS Arabis which all arrived at Liverpoool on 4 September. (16)

6 Nov 1940
Around 1415A/6, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN), departed Plymouth for the Clyde. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN).

Around 0815A/7, the original destroyer screen parted company to proceed on patrol in the western Channel area. They were replaced by [most likely] HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN).

HMS Revenge and her destroyer escort arrived in the Clyde around 2110A/7. (17)

13 Dec 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN). (18)

20 Dec 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (18)

3 Jul 1942
HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y. McCleves, DSO, DSC, RNR) picks up men from the American tanker Gulfbelle that was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-126 21 nautical miles north of Tobago in position 11°40'N, 60°39'W. HMS Warwick towed the damaged tanker to Port of Spain, Trinidad.

21 Dec 1942

Convoy HX 220.

This convoy departed New York on 21 December 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Andrew Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Fort Slave (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Wedderburne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fred W. Weller (Amrican (tanker) 10626 GRT, built 1917), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), John Carver (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mokambo (British, 4996 GRT, built 1938), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), N. T. Nielsen-Alonso (Norwegian, 9214 GRT, built 1900), Nicania (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Pachesham (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Silverash (British, 7750 GRT, built 1926), Southern Sun (American (tanker), 8893 GRT, built 1931), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Stuart Prince (British, 1911 GRT, built 1940), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

The escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role) HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Buttercup (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR), HMS Columbine T/Lt. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMCS Dunvegan (T/Lt. J.A. Tullis, RCNR), HMCS Fennel (T/Lt. R.B. Warwick, RCNVR), HMCS Hepatica (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T. Gilmour, RCNR and the minesweeper HMCS Cowichan (T/Skr.Lt. K.W.N. Hall, RCNR).

The merchant vessel Gulf of Venezuela returned to New York.

On 24 December 1942, the Fred W. Weller and Wallace E. Pratt arrived at Halifax after having detached from the convoy. They were escorted to Halifax by HMCS Dunvegan, HMCS Fennel, HMCS Hepatica and HMCS Cowichan.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy on 24 December coming from Halifax; Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Mathew Luckenbach (American, 7551 GRT, built 1918), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936), Tropic Star (Norwegian, 5047 GRT, built 1926) and Vav (Norwegian (tanker), 6415 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by the corvettes HMCS Arrowhead (Cdr. E.G. Skinner, RCNR), HMCS Chicoutimi (T/Lt. H.G. Dupont, RCNR) and the minesweeper HMCS Digby (T/Lt. S.W. Howell, RCNR). The corvettes joined the convoy while HMS Digby returned to Halifax.

At 1200Z/26, the merchant vessel Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938) departed St. Johns to join the convoy. She was escorted by the corvette HMS Clover (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RNR). They were joined at daylight on the 27th by the destroyers HMS Beverley (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Lavender ( Lt. L.G. Pilcher, RNR) which had departed St. Johns around 1330Z/26. They all joined convoy HX 220 around 1200Z/27 in position 48°07'N, 48°42'W. All current escorts then parted company to proceed to St. Johns where they arrived on the 28th.

During the night of 27/28 December 1942, the Mathew Luckenbach and Tropic Star straggled from the convoy and never rejoined. They proceeded independently to the U.K.

On 28 December 1942, the Andrew Moore and Parcheshamparted company with the convoy to proceed to St. Johns due to defects.

At 1600Z/3, HMS Clover took over as Senior Officer of the escort as HMS Beverley and HMS Winchelsea parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord, Iceland to fuel. Attempts to fuel at sea from the Mosli had been not very successful with only a very limited amount of fuel being transferred to either of the destroyers due to the bad weather conditions. They arrived at Hvalfjord around 0845Z/5.

On 5 January 1943, HMS Clover was able to fuel from the Mosli.

On 6 January 1943, HMS Anemone was able to fuel from the Mosli.

Around 1600Z/6, HMS Battler and the Noesaniwi parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. They were escorted by HMS Asphodel and HMS Lavender which were short of fuel.

On 8 January 1943, the convoy arrived in U.K. waters and was divided in several sections which then proceeded to their respective destinations. (19)

7 Jul 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR). (20)

8 Jul 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Fame (Cdr. R. Heathcote, DSO, RN), HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) T.S.L. Fox-Pitt, RN), HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR) and HMCS La Malbaie (T/Lt. J.S. Davis, RCNVR). (20)

8 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Fame (Capt. R. Heathcote, DSO, RN), HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Burnham (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN). (21)

9 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Fame (Capt. R. Heathcote, DSO, RN), HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) T.S.L. Fox-Pitt, RN). (21)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Clematis (T/Lt. R.H. Farrands, DSC, RNR) and later with HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR). (22)

3 Aug 1943
Around 1400B/3, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Cdr. G.V.M. Dolphin, RN) and the escort carriers HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar / Casablanca.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) and the frigate HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR).

Around 2130B/3, they were joined by the frigates HMS Helford (Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Teviot (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN).

Heavy weather was encountered during the night of 4/5 August 1943 and around 1145B/5, HMS Hunter parted company to return to the Clyde with damage. She arrived at Liverpool around 0845B/7.

The remainder of the force hove too to avoid further damage. HMS Brilliant had lost touch with the force in the bad weather.

Around 0050B/7, the destroyers HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN) joined coming from Plymouth.

Around 2300B/8, the destroyer HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar.

Around 0600B/9, HMS Ramillies parted company with the force to proceed to Casablanca. She took HMS Quality, HMS Inconstant and HMS Brilliant with her. They arrived at Casablanca around 1330B/9.

The remainder of the force arrived at Gibraltar around 2200B/9 except for HMS Warwick which continued on to Algiers where she arrived on 10 August. (23)

28 Sep 1943

Operation Alacrity.

The object of this operation was to land at the Azores (Portugese territory) and establish air bases there.

Negotiations with the Portugese were still ongoing to effect this through diplomatic ways and eventually this succeeded and the airbases were established with Portugese consent.

For this operations three convoys left the U.K., these were the following;
Convoy UA 1.
This convoy departed the Clyde on 28 September 1943 and was made up of the following transports / tankers Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934) and Empire Garden (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1920) which were to proceed to Horta and the Corfirth (British, 1803 GRT, built 1934) and Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937) as well as the landing ship HMS LST 13 (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Crozier, RD, RNR) which were to proceed to Angra. The Corfith and HMS LST 13 were however unable to sail with the convoy and remained behind.

Escort for this convoy was made up of the destroyer HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. G.J. Luther, RN), corvette HMS Lavender (Lt. L.G. Pilcher, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Cape Portland (T/Lt. K.F. Rasmussen, RNR), HMS Saon (T/Lt. J.C. Payne, RNVR), HMS Vascama (T/Lt. H.A.R. Twomey, RNR) and the M/S trawlers HMS Bruray (T/Lt. G.H. Clark, DSC, RNVR), HMS Hayling (T/Lt. G.F. Bryant, RNVR), HMS Mangrove (T/Lt. J.K.M. Warde, RNVR) and HMS Whalsay (T/Lt. F.J.S. Crawford, RNVR).

Convoy UA 2.
This convoy departed the Clyde on 30 September 1943 and was made up of the following transports Empire Outpost (British, 6978 GRT, built 1943) and Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943). The landing ships HMS Bachaquero (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Britten, RD, RNR) and (RFA) Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) were also part of this convoy.

Convoy UA 2 was escorted by the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, DSC, RN), HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. R.J. Jonckheere, RNR), HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Kingston Agate (Lt. J. Simms, RNR), HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR), HMS St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. B. James, RNVR).

Convoy UA 3.
This convoy departed Liverpool on 2 October 1943 and was made up of the troop transport Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923). She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inconstant (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) S. Biskupski). These ships were fist to proceed to Belfast Lough were the destroyers were to be fuelled and then on 3 October 1943 they were to rendezvous with the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) and the destroyers ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko) and HMS Whitehall (Cdr. C.L.de H. Bell, RD, RNR) coming from the Clyde which they had departed also on 3 October 1943. The destroyers HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) and HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) joined coming from Londonderry which they had departed also on 3 October 1943.

The convoys arrived near the Azores on or around 8 October 1943. [Further research is required regarding the exact movements of the convoys and the ships in it.]

18 Oct 1943

Convoy KMS 30.

This convoy was assembled near Oversay on 18 October 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstel (Dutch, 2115 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Begum (British, 5843 GRT, built 1922), Belgian Seaman (Belgian, 7023 GRT, built 1941), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Corfirth (British, 1803 GRT, built 1934), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Olga E. Embiricos (Greek, 4677 GRT, built 1922), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Pennywort (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR). The corvette HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, RNR) was unable to join them due to defects but sailed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea which she did on 20 October.

The Blairdevon and Fort Livingstone collided in position 55°39'N, 07°21'W, not long after assembly of the convoy. Both ships being heavily damaged and the Blairdevon was even in a sinking conditiom but both ships were successfully towed to Moville where they arrived on 19 October. HMS Pennywort remained behind with the damaged ships but later rejoined the convoy.

The convoy encountered heavy weather conditions and several ships were forced to turn back, these were; Amstel, Baron Forbes, Begum, Empire Ballad and Nolisement. The Begum had to be towed back as she had lost her propeller.

On 23 October 1943, the merchant vessels Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943) departed Ponta Delgada, Azores to join the convoy around 1200Z/26 in position 41°53'N, 18°30'W. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) which was not to join the convoy.

From 26 to 28 October 1943, HMS Warwick and HMS Asphodel were not with the convoy as they had to fuel at Ponta Delgada and then rejoin the convoy.

During their absence the destroyer HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. R.J. Jonckheere, RNR) and HMS Lavender (Lt. L.G. Pilcher, RNR) were with the convoy.

Also joining the convoy were the destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN). They had departed Gibraltar on 27 October with orders to join the convoy around 1800A/28 in position 37°37'N, 18°00'W. On these destroyers the three escorts from the Azores were then to part company and return to the Azores.

The convoy arrived off Gibraltar during the night of 31 October / 1 November 1943. The Corfirth arrived at Horta on 3 November after having been detached from the convoy. [or straggled from the convoy ?.] The Cydonia arrived at Lisbon on 1 November after having been detached from the convoy.

The following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Cape Hawke, Carlton, Corfell, Dan-Y-Bryn, Empire Copperfield, Esneh, Fort Tadoussac, Greathope, Lech, Olga E. Embiricos, Scottish Monarch and Stancleeve.

The original escort also proceeded to Gibraltar and was replaced by a new escort made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), escort destroyer HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and the A/S trawler L'Ajacienne.

The following merchant ships joined the convoy off Gibraltar; Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), F.T. Freylinghuysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Mary Odin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920), Nemours (French, 673 GRT, built 1935), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Orminster (British, 5712 GRT, built 1914), Puck (Polish, 1065 GRT, built 1935), Wearfield (British (tanker), 9795 GRT, built 1943), William B. Woods (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 2 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Oran; Coulmore, Empire Tern, George Bancroft, Joseph Warren and Montaigne while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Augustus S. Merrimon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caid (British, 255 GRT, built 1906), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mont Viso (French, 4531 GRT, built 1921), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), William C. Endicott (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon Pike (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The minesweeper HMS BYMS 2186 (?) also joined the convoy.

Around 0051A/3, the merchant vessel Mont Viso was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-593. HMS Bryony went to the assistance of the torpedoed ship but it sank in two minutes. The corvette then picked up the survivors and later obtained an asdic contact on the enemy and attacked with depth charges during which the German submarine sustained damage due to which she was to return to Toulon for repairs.

Around 0900A/3, HMS Colombo was detached to return to Gibraltar. Between around 1100A/3 and 1410A/3 she was in the area where the Mont Viso had been sunk searching for survivors but none were found. She arrived at Gibraltar around 0805A/4.

On 3 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Seaman, Caio, Empire Trent, Eridan, Fort Fairford, Fort Reliance, Lodestone, Orminster and Topsdaldjord as was HMS Haydon, while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Anna Capano (Italian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Chateau Pavie (French, 2047 GRT, built 1930), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), George C. Childress (American, 7245 GRT, built 1943), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Richmond Mumford Pearson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Ronan (British, 1489 GRT, built 1938). HMS Bryony also made a short stop at Oran to land the survivors of the Mont Viso before rejoining the convoy. The corvette HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) also joined the convoy off Algiers.

On 4 November 1943, the Empire Daring arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 4 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Philippeville; George C. Childress, Letitia and Sinnington Court while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cap Padaran (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943) and Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925).

On 4 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Derwent, F.T. Freylinghuysen, John Mary Odin, Jonathan Trumbull, William B. Woods and William Coddington while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Bone; Yenangyaung (British, 5447 GRT, 1937).

On 5 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Anna Capano, George M. Bibb, Grand Quevilly, Kemp P. Battle and Wearfield while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919).

On 5 November 1943 the Errington Court was detached to Bizerta.

On 6 November 1943 the Fort Liard, Puck and Selvik were detached to Malta as was HMS BYMS 2186.

On 6 November 1943 the Afghanistan, Alexander Graham Bell, Augustus S. Merrimon, Baron Stranraer, Benjamin Huntington, British Merit, Cap Padaran, Celtic Monarch, Empire Cameron, Fort de Douaumont, Fort Fork, Fort Lawrence, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClellan, Harberton, Joseph Hewes, Kosciuszko, Lars Kruse, Leland Stanford, Norman Monarch, Pan-Delaware, Prometheus, Richmond Mumford Pearson, Riverton, Robert Dale Owen, Robert F. Stockton, Ronan, Wearwood, William C. Endicott, William F. Cody and Zebulon Pike were detached to Augusta while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).

On 11 November 1943 the Brighton, City of Windsor, Comliebank, Fort la Traite, Fort Pembina, Norjerv, Talma and Yenangyaung arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They took HMS Bergamot and HMS Bryony with them.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said also on 11 November escorted by HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine. HMS Barle then continued on toward Haifa where she arrived on the 12th.

As an Amazon Associate uboat.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases.