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Notable events involving Iroquois include:

This page, displaying the wartime history of HMCS Iroquois was created in April 2024.

30 Nov 1942
At 1240A/30, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is commissioned at Newcastle on Tyne. (1)

3 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conduced D/G trials on the D/G range in the river Tyne. (1)

5 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conduced anchor and compass adjustment trials in the river Tyne. (1)

7 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conduced gunnery trials off the river Tyne. (1)

8 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conduced full power trials off the river Tyne. (1)

10 Dec 1942
Around 0900A/10, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed her builders yard at Newcastle-on-Tyne for Methil where she anchored around 1620A/10. (1)

11 Dec 1942
Around 0845A/11, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) weighed anchor and departed the Methil anchorage for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1545A/11.

At Scapa Flow she is to commence a programme of working up exercises. (1)

18 Dec 1942
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) conducted torpedo exercises at Scapa Flow during which they acted as target for each other. (1)

18 Dec 1942
In the afternoon, HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN). HMCS Iroquois was escorting HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN) on which HrMs O 15 conducted practice attacks. (2)

19 Dec 1942
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Pumphrey, RN, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

20 Dec 1942
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

21 Dec 1942
In late morning and the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Main objective was exercising the AA gun crews with a sleeve target towed by an aircraft. (1)

22 Dec 1942
In late morning and the afternoon, HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN). (2)

23 Dec 1942
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted torpedo exercises with another destroyer [possibly HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN)] at Scapa Flow during which they acted as target for each other.

During the exercises HMCS Iroquois was holed by a practice torpedo. (1)

25 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 12) at Scapa Flow for repairs to her hull. (1)

26 Dec 1942
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN).

[According to the log of HrMs O 15, HMCS Iroquois participated in these exercises. This is however impossible as according to her own log, HMCS Iroquois was in the floating dock at Scapa Flow undergoing repairs to her hull.] (2)

28 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is undocked. (1)

30 Dec 1942
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

On completion of these exercises both destroyers returned to Scapa Flow where HMCS Iroquois carried out D/F calibration trials. (1)

2 Jan 1943
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow, first with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and later with HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki). (2)

3 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

4 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and RHS Miaoulis (?) conducted torpedo exercises at Scapa Flow during which they acted as target for each other.

During the late afternoon / early evening, HMCS Iroquois conducted night LA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

5 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

6 Jan 1943
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and RHS Miaoulis (?). (2)

7 Jan 1943
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted small calibre HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

8 Jan 1943
HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) and HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During these exercises HMS Malaya was screened by HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN). (3)

13 Jan 1943
HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN, 2nd in Command, Home Fleet) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow which included an underway refuelling exercise with HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

It had also been intended for HMS Anson to conduct exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was to be screened by ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN). These exercises were however cancelled. (4)

14 Jan 1943
In the early morning hours, ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted torpedo exercises at Scapa Flow during which they acted as target for each other.

Following these torpedo firing exercises HMCS Iroquois paricipated in A/S exercises later in the morning.

In the early afternoon an underway refuelling exercise was carried out at Scapa Flow following which HMCS Iroquois departed Scapa Flow for screening duty. (1)

14 Jan 1943
In the morining, HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN). (2)

14 Jan 1943
In the second half of the morning, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), conducted radar calibration exercises off Scapa Flow.

The were followed by a rangefinding and inclination exercises with HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) which was being escorted by three destroyers, two of which were HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, DSC, RN) [We are unable to read the name of the third destroyer in the logbook of HMS Howe]. Later in the afternoon HMS Howe had three other destroyers with her during an rangefinding and inclination exercise with HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN). These destroyers were HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

And finally HMS Penelope conducted gunnery exercises for the 6" armamant.

HMS Belfast had first concucted RDF exercises in the morning and then had conducted throw off gunnery exercises with HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN). (5)

14 Jan 1943
HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

Also an underway refuelling exercise was carried out early in the afternoon during which HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) was refuelled. (6)

15 Jan 1943
HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

17 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. First together with HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and later with HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN). (1)

19 Jan 1943
HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises the battleships were escorted by the destroyers HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Montrose (A/Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN). (7)

20 Jan 1943
In the morning, HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Easton (Lt. C.W. Malins, DSC, RN).

In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois and HMS Easton conducted towing exercises at Scapa Flow during which the former took the latter in tow. (8)

22 Jan 1943
In the afternoon and early evening, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

26 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

27 Jan 1943
Around 1700A/27, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the Tyne where she is to be taken in hand for post work-up repairs by the Smith's Dock shipyard.

She arrived at North Shields around 1000A/28. (1)

27 Jan 1943
HMS P 225 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) conduced A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN). (9)

22 Feb 1943
With her post work up repairs completed, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted D/G trials off North Shields. (1)

25 Feb 1943
Around 0930A/25, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed North Shields for Londonderry. (1)

26 Feb 1943
Around 1630A/26, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Londonderry (Moville) from North Shields (Tyne). (1)

28 Feb 1943
Around 1200A/28, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Londonderry for Halifax. (1)

6 Mar 1943
Around 0845P/6 HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Halifax from Londonderry. (1)

10 Mar 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is put on the slipway at Halifax (Darthmouth). (1)

14 Mar 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is put back in the water. (1)

15 Mar 1943
Around 1215P/15, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Halifax for St. John's. (1)

16 Mar 1943
Around 1510OP/16, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at St. John's from Halifax. (1)

19 Mar 1943
Around 1150OP/19, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed St. John's for Scapa Flow. (1)

20 Mar 1943
Around 0915O/20, in approximate position 49°00'N, 44°00'W, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) lost two men overboard in force 9 winds. Both men could not be found. (1)

24 Mar 1943
Around 0810A/24, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow fromSt. John's. (1)

2 Apr 1943
In the morning, HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

8 Apr 1943
The battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN) and HMS Berwick (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) conducted exercises near Scapa Flow during which HMS Duke of York was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN). (10)

9 Apr 1943
HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises HMS Anson was escorted by the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Obedient (?). Later the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) also joined. (11)

12 Apr 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) acted as target during a torpedo firing exercise by HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN). (1)

12 Apr 1943
During 12/13 April 1943, the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. During the exercises HMS Duke of York was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN). (12)

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

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

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

HMS King George V arrived at Rosyth the following day. The escorts then returned to Scapa Flow. (13)

15 Apr 1943
Around 2015B/15, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from escort duty. (1)

16 Apr 1943
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN), HMS Harrier (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN). (14)

18 Apr 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) acted as target during a torpedo firing exercise by HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN). (1)

20 Apr 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) served as target during a torpedo firing exercise by HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN).

On completion of this exercise both destroyers joined an A/S exercise. (1)

20 Apr 1943
Around 0130B/20, the destroyer HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Chiddingfold (?) departed Scapa Flow to conduct an A/S search for a reported enemy submarine off the Butt of Lewis. Later they conducted an A/S search to the west of the practice area.

Around noon the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Scapa Flow to relieve HMS Chiddinfold.

HMCS Iroquois and HMS Mahratta returned to Scapa Flow around 2300B/20. No contact was made with the supposed enemy submarine.

The sighting must have been bogus, no German U-boat was operating in this area. (15)

20 Apr 1943
The battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) departed Gibraltar for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, DSC, RN).

Around 1530B/22, the destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) joined HMS Malaya.

At 1550B/22, HMS Antelope, HMS Velox and HMS Wishart were detached. They arrived back at Gibraltar on April, 24th.

Around midnight during the night of 24/25 April, HMS Matchless, HMS Meteor and ORP Piorun were detached to Londonderry to fuel. They had been relieved by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN). (16)

20 Apr 1943
In the morning, HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN).

In the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN). (17)

22 Apr 1943
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) carried out gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

22 Apr 1943
HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. In the morning A/S exercises were carried out with (at least) HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN). (18)

23 Apr 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) carried out HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

23 Apr 1943
Around 1500B/23, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for escort duty.

Around 2355B/24, in very bad weather conditions, they joined the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) which came from Gibraltar. They relieved the battleships current escort, made up of the destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) which then parted company to proceed to Londonderry.

HMCS Iroquois had meanwhile suffered some hull damage in the bad weather conditions. (1)

26 Apr 1943
Around 0600B/26, the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN) and HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (19)

27 Apr 1943
Around 2045B/27, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. She was to be taken in hand for hull strengthening at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)

29 Apr 1943
Around 1130B/29, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. At Plymouth she commenced to de-ammunition and de-fuel. It was however not possible for the ship to be taken in hand for repairs immediately. (1)

7 May 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is towed to the Devonport Dockyard where she is docked for repairs. (1)

28 May 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) is undocked. (1)

31 May 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth. (1)

3 Jun 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted D/F, compass adjustment and RFG trials off Plymouth. (1)

3 Jun 1943
Around 1600B/3, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.M.K. Keble-White, RN) departed Plymouth for Greenock. She is escorted by the destroyers ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and the escort destroyer HMS Wensleydale (Lt. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR).

Around 1935B/4, ORP Orkan and HMCS Iroquois parted company.

Around 0630B/5, HMS Ramillies and HMS Wensleydale arrived at Greenock. (20)

4 Jun 1943

'Flight K' Landing craft

This group of landing craft and auxiliary vessels departed Falmouth around 0725B/4 bound for Gibraltar.

This group of landing craft was made up of the following landing craft;
HMS LCI(L)-100, HMS LCI(L)-164, HMS LCI(L)-165, HMS LCI(L)-166, HMS LCI(L)-169, HMS LCI(L)-171, HMS LCI(L)-172, HMS LCI(L)-178, HMS LCI(L)-179, HMS LCI(L)-181, HMS LCI(L)-241 and HMS LCI(L)-245.

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Columbine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR).

During 7 June 1943, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) patrolled in the area 'Flight K' was passing through to provide cover.

They arrived at Gibraltar on 10 June 1943. (21)

5 Jun 1943
Around 1330B/5, ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Falmouth from escort duty. (1)

5 Jun 1943
Around 2000B/5, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) departed Falmouth escorting the landing ship HMS Prins Albert (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Peate, RNR) part of her way to Gibraltar.

Around 2300B/6, HMCS Iroquois and ORP Orkan parted company to proceed to provide cover for a convoy of landing craft ('Flight K'). These convoy was however not seen in the bad visibility. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Flight K' Landing craft ' for 4 June 1943.]

Around 2300B/7, HMCS Iroquois and ORP Orkan turned northwards to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived around 1320B/9. (22)

9 Jun 1943

'Flight E' Landing craft

This group of landing craft and auxiliary vessels departed Falmouth around 1630B/9 bound for Gibraltar.

This group of landing craft was made up of the following vessels;
18 LCG(L)'s;
HMS LCG(L)-1, HMS LCG(L)-2, HMS LCG(L)-3, HMS LCG(L)-4, HMS LCG(L)-5, HMS LCG(L)-6, HMS LCG(L)-7, HMS LCG(L)-8, HMS LCG(L)-9, HMS LCG(L)-10, HMS LCG(L)-11, HMS LCG(L)-12, HMS LCG(L)-13, HMS LCG(L)-14, HMS LCG(L)-17, HMS LCG(L)-18, HMS LCG(L)-19 and HMS LCG(L)-20.

6 LCT(R)'s;
HMS LCR(R)-136, HMS LCR(R)-140, HMS LCR(R)-141, HMS LCR(R)-147, HMS LCR(R)-167 and HMS LCR(R)-171.

4 LCF's;
HMS LCF-8, HMS LCF-10, HMS LCF-11 and HMS LCF-12.

5 LCT's; HMS LCT-306, HMS LCT-316, HMS LCT-347, HMS LCT-410 and HMS LCT-418.

2 Tugs;
Empire Larch (British, 482 GRT, built 1941) and Empire Spitfire (British, 232 GRT, built 1943).

3 Oil fuel carriers;
Outpost, Vidonia and Vindelicia.

1 Water carrier;
Empire Faun (British, 846 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the A/S Whaler HMS Southern Gem (T/Lt. P.H. Riseley, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Saltarelo (T/Lt. E.J.M. Jenkins, RNVR).

During part of the passage the light cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) provided cover.

'Flight E' arrived at Gibraltar on 18 June.

10 Jun 1943
The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Plymouth around 1100B/10 to patrol off the Bay of Biscay from an anti-blockade breaker patrol.

Also proceeding on patrol, departing Plymouth around 2100B/10, were the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki).

HMS Charybdis was to proceed to position 43°01'N, 12°59'W and to patrol within 50 miles from this position.

HMCS Iroqouis and ORP Orkan were ordered to return to Plymouth on the 12th. ORP Orkan arrived later on the 12th but HMCS Iroquois remained at sea to provide cover for a convoy of, mainly, landing craft ('Flight E') that was only being escorted by the A/S whaler HMS Southern Gem (T/Lt. P.H. Riseley, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Saltarelo (T/Lt. E.J.M. Jenkins, RNVR).

On the 14th, while HMS Charybdis was on the way back to Plymouth she was also ordered to provide cover for the convoy of landing craft as German forces had been reported at sea. She therefore joined HMCS Iroquois around 1145B/14.

Around 2330B/14, HMCS Iroquois parted company to search for a reported downed Whitley aircraft in position 49°10'N, 06°20'W but no survivors were however found.

Both HMS Charybdis and HMCS Iroquois arrived at Plymouth on the 15th. (23)

15 Jun 1943
Around 1445B/15, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) returned to Plymouth from operations. (1)

22 Jun 1943
Around 1500B/22, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the Lizard.

She returned to Plymouth around 0630B/23. (1)

22 Jun 1943

Convoy XK 9.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 22 June 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following transports; Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

The convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN), destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, DSC, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN). The destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) was local escort, she was detached at 2000B/25 and returned to Gibraltar on 28 June.

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) provided cover for part of the voyage.

The convoy arrived in the U.K. on 28 June 1943.

23 Jun 1943
Around 1545B/23, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the Bay of Biscay.

Around 1700B/25, she joined convoy XK 9.[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy XK 9 ' for 22 June 1943].

Around 0500B/27, HMCS Iroquois and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

At 1336B/27, a signal was received to search for a reported enemy submarine but no contact was made.

HMCS Iroquois and ORP Orkan arrived at Plymouth around 2315B/27. (1)

28 Jun 1943

Convoy SL 132.

This convoy departed Freetown on 28 June 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), City of Lille (British, 6588 GRT, built 1928), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Livingstone (British, 6997 GRT, built 1941), Empire Merganser (British, 6100 GRT, built 1919), Empire Treasure (British, 7022 GRT, built 1943), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Camosun (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Maune (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), New Columbia (British, 6574 GRT, built 1920), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Victory (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Rod-el-Farag (Egyptian, 6369 GRT, built 1910), Salando (Dutch, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Shahzada (British, 5454 GRT, built 1942), Streefkerk (Dutch, 6185 GRT, built 1921) and Takoradian (British, 5452 GRT, built 1937).

The tugs Empire Ace (British, 274 GRT, built 1943) and Empire Dennis (British, 274 GRT, built 1943) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR), HMS Orchis (T/Lt. E.D.A. Dyer, RCNVR), HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR), Aconit and Lobelia and the A/S trawler HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR).

At 2230Z/29, in position 09°32'N, 16°44'W, HMS Keppel obtained a radar contact at 7500 yards which was approaching the convoy from the starboard quarter. This was thought to be a submarine. The submarine was chased and forced to dive by HMS Keppel but contact was subsequently lost. Aconit joined in the hunt. HMS Keppel then made off to rejoin the convoy, which she did around 0215Z/30, leaving Aconit in the area to hunt for the submarine until 0830Z/30 and if not in contact by that time she was to rejoin the convoy. The submarine in question was the German U-333 which managed to slip away.

Around 0500Z/1, in position 12°32'N, 17°54'W, HMS Yestor was detached to Dakar.

Around 1730Z/1, in position 14°05'N, 17°52'W, five merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar. This were the following;
Alsace (French (cable ship), 2092 GRT, built 1940), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922).

A 1338Z/6, south of the Canary Islands, in position 26°26'N, 15°09'W, the escorting Catalina aircraft reported a submarine dead ahead of the convoy at a range of 15 miles. HMS Keppel proceeded ahead to search for the enemy submarine but nothing was found. This must have referred to the German submarine U-193 which was attacked at 1334Z/6, by Catalina P 11, VP 92, Patrol Squadron 73, USN. The German submarine sustained damage two crewmembers were wounded one of which subsequently died. The German U-boat also fired on the plane which was damaged. Among the crew of the plane there was one dead and four wounded. HMS Keppel rejoined the convoy after a brief search.

Around 1430Z/8, in position 30°01'N, 12°00'W, the RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from convoy RS 8. However the Fortol had never fuelled escorts using the astern method and had all hear gear stowed and given the sea conditions prevented from the hatches being opened to get it out, let alone to sea conditions being to rough to refuel underway anyway.

Around 1450Z/10, HMS Keppel arrived at Casablanca to fuel leaving again around 2045Z/10 and rejoined the convoy around 0300Z/11.

Around 0800Z/10, in position 32°46'N, 10°24'W, the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. N.P. Hallowell, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca.

Around 1800Z/10, the three USN patrol vessels parted company to return to Casablanca. The following merchant vessels parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by these patrol vessels;
Alcase, Canada, Charles Schiaffino, Hopestar (with boiler trouble) and Medie II. Also both tugs parted company with the convoy also to proceed to Casablanca.

Around 0630Z/11, in position 34°24'N, 09°21'W, the convoy was joined by convoy MKS 16 coming from Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Audun (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915, came from Lisbon), City of HongKong (British, 9609 GRT, built 1924), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Fort Gibraltar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. James (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942) and Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938). Also with this section was the rescue ship Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936), rescue tug HMS Abeille IV, tug Empire Larch (British, 482 GRT, built 1941) and the trawler Portaferry (British, 356 GRT, built 1943, which was to become the M/S trawler HMS Probe after further outfitting in the U.K.). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), minesweepers HMS Shippigan (Cdr. M.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR) and A/S trawlers HMS Grenadier (A/Skr.Lt. A.G. Day, RNR) (had escorted the Baron Forbes from the vicinity of Lisbon) and HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR).

On this convoy joining, HMS Velox was immediately detached to return to Gibraltar while the other escorts joined the now combined convoy for the moment.

Also on 11 July HMS Narcissus, Aconit and HMS Orchis fuelled from the Fortol in heavy weather. However the fuelling gear was damaged and Lobelia could therefore only be fuelled on 12 July.

Around 1300Z/12, HMS Tadoussac was detached for other duties.

Around 1630Z/12, the destroyer HMS Hurricane (Cdr. E.C. Bayldon, DSC, RN) joined and immediately proceeded to fuel from the Fortol.

Around 1815Z/12, the corvettes HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR) and HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR) joined. These corvettes fuelled from the Fortol on the 13th. Fuelling was completed shortly before midnight and the Fortol then parted company to proceed to Gibraltar escorted by HMS Shippigan and HMS Lady Hogarth. The Empire Ace and Empire Dennis also went with them.

Around 1300Z/14, in position 41°40'N, 13°42'W, the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) joined coming from Casablanca.

At 1515Z/14, the escorting aircraft reported a raft with six occupants in it about 38 miles ahead of the convoy. HMS Hurricane proceeded to search for this raft and at 1648Z/15, in position 42°20'N, 13°51'W, she picked up six survivors from the German submarine U-506 that had been sunk on 12 July 1943 by an aircraft.

Around 2220Z/14, the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) arrived to provide cover just to the eastward of the convoy. She remained to the east of the convoy during the night. Around dawn on the 15th she closed the convoy to exchange some information before she made off to Gibraltar.

Around 2100Z/15, in position 44°53'N, 15°21'W, HMS Hurricane, HMS Borage, HMS Dahlia, HMS Meadowsweet and HMS Monkshood were detached to Gibraltar. HMS Hurricane transferred the six German survivors / POW's to HMCS Iroquois.

Around 0700Z/17, in position 48°51'N, 15°57'W, HMCS Iroquois was detached to Plymouth.

Around 2100Z/17, in position 50°32'N, 15°32'W, the following merchant vessels were detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to their destinations;
City of HongKong, City of Lille, Comliebank, Delius, Macharda and Neleus. [seven merchant vessels were detached according to the report, we have been unable to indentify the 7th vessel for the moment]. These ships all arrived at Liverpool on 20 July. They were escorted by Aconit and Lobelia which arrived at Greenock on 20 July.

Around 2000Z/19, in position 55°02'N, 11°21'W, the Empire Chamois was detached to proceed to Barrow in Furness where she arrived on 22 July.

Around 0400Z/20, in position 55°35'N, 10°04'W, the following merchant vessels were detached to Loch Ewe;
Appledore, Arosa, Cap Cantin, Danby, Dux, Empire Guinevere, Empire Livingstone, Empire Spey, Fort Gibraltar, Fort la Maune, Fort St. James, New Texas, Rod-el-Farag, Salando and Shahzada. Also the tug Empire Larch and trawler Portaferry were part of the Loch Ewe section. They were escorted by HMS Orchis.

HMS Keppel, HMS Narcissus and HMS Tamarisk arrived at Greenock on 21 July.

HMS Grenadier arrived at Liverpool on 22 July.

The remaining merchant vessels arrived in U.K. ports as follows;
On 21 July the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde;
Arlesford, Baron Forbes, Empire Baron, Empire Clive, Fort Camosun, Greathope, Hoperange and Marquesa. Also the Rathlin arrived in the Clyde on this day.

On 21 July the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough;
Algerian, Empire Merganser, Fort Thompson, Kong Haakon VII and Streefkerk.

On 22 July the City of Lancaster, Govert Flinck and Ocean Victory arrived at Barrow in Furness.

The remaining merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool on 22 July.

The destination of the Abeille IV was Milford Haven, arrival date not known but most likely 22 July. (24)

1 Jul 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (1)

8 Jul 1943

Convoy Faith.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 8 July 1943.

It was made up of the troop transports California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923) and Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929) and the merchant vessel Port Fairy (British, 10243 GRT, built 1928).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the frigate HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR).

Around 2000B/10, in position 47°10'N, 15°09'W, the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) joined. As HMCS Iroquois was not to accompany the convoy the entire way Cdr. Holms decided not to assume the role of Senior Officer of the escort but he left Lt.Cdr. Lawson in command.

At 1910A/11, a W/T message from a patrolling aircraft was intercepted reporting an enemy Focke Wulf aircraft sighted in position 40°38'N, 13°33'W. This position was 50 miles to the southeast of the convoy's current position.

At 2030A/11, HMS Moyola hoisted a black flag and a few minutes later an aircraft was seen approaching the convoy from the north-west which was recognised as being a Focke Wulf 200 aircraft when it turned away. Contact was held on this aircraft by radar. Position of the convoy at 2030A/11 was 41°32'N, 15°24'W.

At 2055A/11, on board HMCS Iroquois homing signals were picked up originating from the enemy aircraft and it was thought U-boats were being homed in on the convoy.

Around 2100A/11, a second Focky Wulf 200 aircraft was seen to join the first one and a few minutes later a third one was seen to join. All three enemy aircraft were at 10000 feet and kept relatively close together.

Around 2111A/11, one of the enemy aircraft commenced an attack run down sun and down wind. It attacked the Duchess of York which sustained two bomb hits amidships and was straddled with two more bombs.

Around 2117A/11, another enemy aircraft carried out a similar attack on the California and she too was hit with two bombs.

Around 2127A/11, the third enemy aircraft came in down sun and dropped two bombs on the Port Fairy which straddled her amidships.

By now the Duchess of York was burning furiously and was dropping astern.

Around 2132A/11, a second attack was made on the Duchess of York. Two bombs were dropped which fell close to the ship bow but did not hit.

Around 2136A/11, a Focke Wulf was seen to attempt a bombing run on HMCS Iroquois but effective fire from the 4" HA guns and 2pdr AA guns made it abort it's run. It is also possible that the attack was directed against the Port Fairy which was close to HMCS Iroquois.

Around 2139A/11, another Focke Wulf was seen to close HMCS Iroquois from the starboard bow. Cdr. Holms ordered full ahead and drastic avoiding action was taken. Two bombs fell about 200 yards astern.

Following this last attack the three enemy aircraft were seen withdrawing to the eastward. They were being fired at by the frigate HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) which was about to join the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

With the attacks now over, HMS Moyola closed the Duchess of York and HMS Douglas the California. HMCS Iroquois then commenced an A/S sweep to the west- and northwards of the buring troop transports.

At 2210A/11, the Port Fairy was ordered to remain close to HMCS Iroquois which then commenced to close the Duchess of York.

At 2216A/11, HMCS Iroquois broke off her A/S sweep and stopped on the starboard quarter of the Duchess of York and immediately began to embark survivors.

Around 2235A/11, HMS Swale joined and she was ordered to conduct an A/S sweep around the rescue operations.

At 0119A/12, the Port Fairy was ordered to proceed to Casablanca and HMS Swale was ordered to escort her. HMS Douglas was ordered to torpedo the burning hulks of both troop transports as these were clearly beyond salvage. HMCS Iroquois then left the area to proceed to Casablanca at 28 knots to land the survivors she had picked up as soon as possible. In all she had around 660 survivors on board. HMS Douglas and HMS Moyala were also ordered to proceed to Casablanca at best speed. They had picked up around 600 and 500 survivors respectively. The Port Fairy had picked up around 55 survivors.

The ordeal of the convoy was however not yet over for around 1945A/12, a Focke Wulf aircraft was seen by HMS Swale which then closed the Port Fairy but did not drop bombs on the first run. The enemy aircraft however then turned for another run and managed to hit the Port Fairy with a bomb which disabled the ships steering gear and also started a fire. Position of the attack was 37°18'N, 14°56'W.

A second attack by the same aircraft then followed but the result was a near miss forward.

At 2030A/12, another Focke Wulf aircraft appeared and carried out an attack on the Port Fairy which resulted in a near miss aft.

At 2205A/12, HMS Swale went alongside the Port Fairy to aid in fighting the fire. Also the survivors and the passengers of the merchant vessel were transferred to the frigate. A total of 64 were embarked.

By 0041A/13, the fire was extinguished and HMS Swale cast off.

Around 1400B/14, HMS Swale took the Port Fairy, which could only steer by using the engines, in tow.

Around 1635B/14, the Port Fairy and HMS Swale arrived at Casablanca.

HMCS Iroquois, HMS Douglas and HMS Moyola had arrived on the 13th. (25)

9 Jul 1943
Around 0730B/9, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) departed Plymouth for convoy escort duty with convoy ' Faith '.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy Faith ' for 8 July 1943.] (1)

13 Jul 1943
Around 1000A/13, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Casablanca from convoy escort duty.

After having landed the survivors and having fuelled she departed around 1600A/13 to join the combined convoy SL 132 / MKS 16(G) at sea.

[For more info on this combined convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 132 ' for 28 June 1943.] (1)

18 Jul 1943
Around 1130B/18, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty.

Around 1400B/18, the six German U-boat survivors / POW's, one officer, one petty officer and four ratings, were landed. (1)

19 Jul 1943
Part of the crew of HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) refused to fall in due to grievances with the leadership style of their Commanding Officer. One of the German POW's landed the previous day had been robbed of a badge and Cdr. Holms, not for the first time, held the entire crew responsible and stopped leave.

The situation was resolved when Cdr. Holms had to be hospitalised with health problems and HMCS Iroquois was ordered to proceed to sea under the command of her First Lieutenant who had expressed earlier that he was not in agreement with the punisment of 'stopping leave'.

Cdr. Holms did not return to HMCS Iroquois and a new Commanding Officer assumed command on 30 July.

19 Jul 1943
Around 1800B/19, ' Force W ', made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) departed Plymouth as part of operation ' Musketry / Seaslug '. They were to conduct an A/S patrol off and in the Bay of Biscay.

They were to proceed trough positions (F) 180° - Bishop Rock - 10 nautical miles, (G) 48°58'N, 10°21'W to reach position (H) 45°01'N, 10°21'W around 0800B/21 and then carry out an A/S patrol in area ' Musketry South-East '.

Around 0900B/20, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the Bay of Biscay to provide cover for the A/S forces operating off the Bay of Biscay and also for convoys passing through the area further to the westward.

At dark on 21 July ' Force W ' was to sweep eastwards to reach position (L) 44°05'N, 06°01'W at first light on 22 July and the sweep westwards to return to area ' Musketry South-East '.

' Force W ' was also ordered to discontinue patrol when fuel required and return to Plymouth through positions (G) and (F). (26)

20 Jul 1943
In a signal timed 1615B/20, the C-in-C, Plymouth, ordered ' Force W ', which was made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), to search at daylight on 21 July for a dinghy with survivors from an enemy submarine, that had been sunk by Allied aircraft [this was U-558], an was reported in position 45°32'N, 09°26'W at 1313B/20. They dinghy was however not found. (27)

21 Jul 1943
Around 2220B/21, ' Force W ', which was made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), encountered a small vessel at a range of 2 nautical miles.

Around 2245B/21, this vessel was boarded by the boarding party of HMCS Iroquois. The vessel, which was in the ' forbidden area ' turned out to be the Spanish fishing vessel Manolo. The crew of 14 was taken off and the vessel was then taken under fire at 2315B/21 by HMCS Iroquois and left in a sinking condition.

The Spanish fishing vessel however did not sink and was later towed back to Spain and repaired. (1)

22 Jul 1943
Around 0830B/22, ' Force W ', which was made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), encountered another Spanish fishing vessel in the ' forbidden area '. This was the Isolina Costas. HMCS Iroquois took of the 15 crewmembers and the fishing vessel was then sunk by gunfire.

Around 0925B/22, the Spanish fishing vessel Mascote was sighted which was sunk with a scuttling charge at 0930B/22 by ORP Orkan after she had taken off the 10 crewmembers.

In a signal timed 1217B/22, the C-in-C, Plymouth, ordered ' Force W ' to repeat the sweep that was made on 21/22 July.

So at dark on 22 July ' Force W ' was to sweep eastwards to reach position (L) 44°05'N, 06°01'W at first light on 23 July and the sweep westwards to return to area ' Musketry South-East '.

In a signal timed 1741B/22, the C-in-C, Plymouth, ordered ' Force W ', to conduct the sweep 30 miles further north. Position (L) was now 44°35'N, 06°01'W. (27)

24 Jul 1943
Around 1015B/24, ' Force W ', made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), was apparently attacked by enemy aircraft which were not seen. A bomb hit the water ahead of HMCS Athabaskan.

' Force W ' left patrol around 1900B/24.

Around 1850B/24, HMCS Athabaskan picked up 2 officers (including the Commanding Officer) and 3 ratings from U-558 that had been sunk on 20 July and ' Force W ' had been searching for before [see 20 July.]

The German submarine U-459 was sunk in position 45°53'N, 10°38'W by Allied aircraft on this day. Survivors were reported in the water and ' Force W ' was ordered to pick them up. ORP Orkan picked up 41 German survivors (5 officers and 36 ratings) around 0230B/25. HMCS Iroquois picked up the sole survivor from Wellington Q from 172 Sq. RAF that had been shot down by U-459 around the same time. (28)

26 Jul 1943
Around 0800B/26, ' Force W ', made up of the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), arrived at Plymouth from patrol / operations. (29)

28 Jul 1943
Around 1215B/28, HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (29)

29 Jul 1943
At 0317B/29, in thick fog, in position 278° - South Stack Light - 13.5 nautical miles, HMCS Iroquois (Lt. E.T.G. Madgwick, RCN) and HMS Kingston Beryl (T/Lt. T.C. Kidd, RNVR) collided. The trawler was not damaged but the stem of HMCS Iroquois was broken about 8 feet down from the forecastle deck. HMCS Iroquois was ordered to proceed to Greenock for repairs. She arrived at Greenock late in the afternoon. (30)

2 Aug 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) proceeded from Greenock to Troon where she is to be taken in hand for repairs. (1)

25 Aug 1943
With her repairs completed, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) proceeded from Troon to Greenock.

Also D/G trials were carried out of Helensburg.

Compass adjustment trials and gunnery exercises then followed on completion of which HMCS Iroquois left the Clyde to proceed to Scapa Flow. (1)

26 Aug 1943
Around 1415A/26, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (1)

27 Aug 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), light cruiser HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Isherwood (T/Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN), USS Bell (T/Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN) and the escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) conducted large scale tactical exercises off Scapa Flow. (31)

28 Aug 1943
HrMs O 15 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and USS Isherwood (Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN). (32)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN).

Following these exercises HMCS Iroquois conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (33)

1 Sep 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted independent torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

2 Sep 1943
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted full power trials off Scapa Flow. (1)

4 Sep 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Isherwood (T/Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN), USS Bell (T/Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN) conducted large scale tactical exercises off Scapa Flow. (34)

6 Sep 1943
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

7 Sep 1943
In the morning, HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (1)

8 Sep 1943
As enemy ships were reported off Spitsbergen, ships from the Home Fleet went to sea around 1615A/8 from Scapa Flow to try to intercept. These were the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Isherwood (T/Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN), USS Bell (T/Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN).

The light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) sailed from Hvalfjord, Iceland around 1645Z/8 to make rendezvous north-east of Iceland.

As it would be impossible to be on time to intercept the German before they would be back in their anchorages in Northern Norway all ships set course to return to their ports of origin in the afternoon of September 9th.

Ships from the Home Fleet returned to Scapa Flow around 1215A/10 except for HMS London and the American ships which had been detached for exercises around 2000A/9. They returned to Scapa Flow around 1630A/10.

HMS Belfast and HMS Impulsive arrived back at Hvalfjord around 1500Z/10. (35)

13 Sep 1943
At 1800A/13, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) went alongside HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) and embarked the Chief of Staff to take him to Scrabster.

HMCS Iroquois returned to Scapa Flow the following morning. (1)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and USS Bell (T/Capt. L.C. Peatross, USN).

HMCS Iroquois had already conducted speed trials on the measured mile before joining the A/S exercises. (36)

15 Sep 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

15 Sep 1943
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises during which HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) acted as target. (37)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (38)

20 Sep 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises at and off Scapa Flow. (1)

21 Sep 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) acted as target for HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill) which was conducting torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

During the night of 21/22 September, HMCS Iroquois carried out exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

21 Sep 1943
HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks off Scapa Flow on HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki, ORP) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN).

The battleship herself was meanwhile conducting gunnery exercises. In the evening she conducted a night encounter exercises during which the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) served as target. (39)

22 Sep 1943
In the second half of the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) carried out gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

25 Sep 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMIS Kistna (A/Cdr.(Emgy) R.R. Caws, RIN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

27 Sep 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow.

These were followed by A/S exercises. (1)

27 Sep 1943
In the morning HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) and later HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) joined as well. In the afternoon, HMS Viking carried out A/S exercises with HMS Fraserburgh (Cdr.(Retd.) C. Plumer, RN) and HMS Bootle (Lt.Cdr. A. Ecclestone, RN). (40)

28 Sep 1943
During 28/29 September the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) and USS Capps (T/Cdr. B.E.S. Trippensee, USN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night encounter exercises. (41)

1 Oct 1943
Around 1830A/1, the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Skaalefjord, Faroer Islands where they arrived around 0900A/2. (15)

2 Oct 1943

Operation Holder.

Passage of three destroyers to and from Northern Russia with stores, mail and personnel.

Around 0830Z/2, the heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN) and the destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Hvalfjord to provide cover for the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) which departed from Skaalefjord, Faroer Islands around 1400A/2 for the Kola Inlet. On board were stores, mail and personnel.

HMS Impulsive was topped off with fuel by HMS London in the afternoon of the 3rd.

The cruisers and HMS Impulsive patrolled an area bounded by 76°30'N, 74°30'N, 01°00'W and 03°00'E until 2300A/7 when course was set to return to Hvalfjord where they arrived around 0730Z/10.

The three destroyers arrived in the Kola Inlet around 0430A/6. They then disembarked the stores, mail and personnel and departed again around 2100A/6 having embarked personnel and fuel for the return trip for Skaalefjord where they arrived around 1830A/10. (42)

11 Oct 1943
Around 0600A/11, the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) departed Skaalefjord, Faroer Islands for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1545A/11. (15)

14 Oct 1943
Around 2045A/14, the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN) and USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) departed Scapa Flow for Akureyri (43)

16 Oct 1943
Around 1530A/16, the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN) and USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) arrived at Akureyri from Scapa Flow. (44)

17 Oct 1943

Operation FQ.

The object of this operation was to carry relief personnel and stores to the Norwegian garrison at Spitzbergen and to evacuate survivors of the original garrison which was attacked by a German force the previous month.

Two Forces were deployed for this operation;
Around 0200A/17, ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) and USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) departed Seidisfjord for Hiorthamm, Advent Fiord, Spitzbergen where they arrived on the 19th. USS Tuscaloosa then commenced unloading while the destroyers conducted A/S patrols during which HMS Onslaught rammed and damaged the German submarine U-737. HMS Onslaught also sustained damage which reduced her speed. Force 1 left Spitsbergen late on the 19th and arrived at Seidisfjord around 1000A/22.

Cover for ' Force 1 ' was provided by ' Force 2 ', which was made up of the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN) and USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN). ' Force 2 ' departed Akureyri around 1500A/17.

' Force 2 ' arrived at Scapa Flow around 1915A/22. Around 0600A/22, ' Force 2 ' had been joined by the destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) which came from Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands. (45)

25 Oct 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

25 Oct 1943
In the evening, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and later with HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (46)

26 Oct 1943
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted range and inclination exercises (RIX) at Scapa Flow using HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), which was at anchor, as target.

In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois conducted exercises, including gunnery, off Scapa Flow. (1)

27 Oct 1943
Around 2215A/27, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

Around 2030A/28, the were joined by the destroyer tender HMS Tyne (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, CB, DSO and Bar, RN) joined near the Clyde lightship. HMS Tyne had departed Greenock around 1135A/28 for Scapa Flow.

Around 1530A/30, HMS Tyne and HMCS Iroquois arrived at Scapa Flow after HMS Tyne had carried out gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. HMS Impulsive had already parted company around 0915A/30 to enter Scapa Flow as she had a engine defect. (47)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (48)

7 Nov 1943
USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN) conducted exercises west of the Orkney Islands during which she was escorted by USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN). (49)

8 Nov 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (50)

9 Nov 1943
The battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN), USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruiser USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) and USS Capps (T/Cdr. B.E.S. Trippensee, USN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (51)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1800A/15, HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Seidisfjord, Iceland. (15)

15 Nov 1943

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

Convoy JW 54A

.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe in the afternoon of 15 November 1943.

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

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

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

Around 1800A/17, the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) departed Seidisfjord, Iceland to join the convoy. She was escorting the Russian minesweepers T 116, T 117 and patrol vessels BO 205, BO 207 and BO 212 which were to join the convoy for passage to Northern Russia. [These were the former American minesweepers AM 143 / Arcade, AM 144 / Arch and patrol vessels SC 1287, SC 1074 and SC 721 respectively.]

Around 2300A/17, the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) also sailed from Seidisfjord to join the convoy.

Around 1000A/18, all ships that had departed Seidisfjord the day before joined the convoy. HMS Termagant, ORP Burza and HMS Brissenden then parted company with the convoy. The British ships proceeded to Seidisfjord arriving on the 19th, ORP Burza set course to return to Loch Ewe also arriving on the 19th.

Around 2100A/18, HMS Obedient developed serious rudder defects and she returned to Seidisfjord arriving on the 19th.

On 20 November, HMS Inconstant and HMS Whitehall were able to fuel at sea.

On 22 November, HMCS Huron fuelled at sea.

Around 1900A/23, the Kola Inlet section parted company with the convoy. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Daniel Drake, Edmund Fanning, Empire Carpenter, Empire Celia, James Gordon Bennett, Norlys and Park Holland. The Copeland was also part of this section. They were escorted by HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Impulsive. The Kola Inlet section arrived at it's detinattion on 24 November. The five small Russian craft that had been with the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on the 25th.

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

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Convoy JW 54B

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This convoy departed Loch Ewe in the afternoon of 22 November 1943 for Northern Russia.

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

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

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

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

Around 1000A/25, in position 66°24'N, 09°25'W, the destroyers HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) departed Seidisfjord, Iceland and joined the convoy the following morning around 0700A/26.

On the above ships joining, HMS Saladin, HMS Skate, HMS Middleton and HMS Speedwell then parted company and proceeded to Seidisfjord where they arrived around 2100A/26 except for HMS Speedwell which went to Scapa Flow arriving there on the 29th.

Around 1200A/1, in position 71°37'N, 39°48'E, some of the merchant vessels detached from the convoy, this was the Kola Inlet section and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur L. Perry, San Adolfo, Thomas Kearns and William L. Marcy. The rescue vessel Rathlin was also part of the Kola Inlet section. They were escorted by HMS Saumarez, HMS Savage, HMS Scorpion, HMS Scourge, HNoMS Stord, HMS Hardy, HMS Venus and HMS Vigilant. They proceeded to the Kola Inlet arriving there in the morning of 2 December.

Around 1900A/1, in position 70°35'N, 41°02'E, the Fort McMurray and Ocean Stenght parted company with the convoy to proceed to the Kola Inlet escorted by HMS Halcyon.

At the same time the Empire Stalwart, Fort Columbia and Fort Poplar also parted company to proceed to Port Ekonomiya.

The remaining merchant ships made up the White Sea section and continued on to Archangelsk escorted by HMS Beagle, HMS Dianella, HMS Poppy and HMS Rhododendron.

Around 0700B/2, in position 68°36'N, 40°58'E, the Russian destroyers Razumniy, Valerian Kyubishev and three Russian minesweepers joined the White Sea section.

The remaining ships of the White Sea section arrived at Archangelsk on 3 December.

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Convoy RA 54B

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

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

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

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

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) and Norlys (Panamanian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936) sailed from the Kola Inlet on 27 November to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Orwell, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Impulsive. They joined the convoy shortly before noon on the 28th.

HMS Hussar and HMS Seagull were then detached to the Kola Inlet where they arrived the following day.

On 3 December (1700A/3) HMCS Iroquois was detached to Seidisfjord to fuel. She arrived there the following day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Also a distant cover force was deployed. This was ' Force 2 ', the battle force, which was made up the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN) and the destroyers USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN on board), USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN) and USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) departed Akureyri on 19 November to cover convoy JW 54A from approximate position 73°00'N, 11°00'E.

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

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

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

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

On 4 December ' Force 2 ' arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Matchless also arrived there on the same day. (52)

17 Nov 1943
Around 1000A/17, HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) arrived at Seidisfjord from Scapa Flow.

Around 1800A/17, HMS Onslaught departed Seidisfjord together with the Russian minesweepers T 116, T 117 and the patrol vessels BO 205, BO 207 and BO 212. They were to join convoy JW 54A.

Around 2300A/17, HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron, HMCS Iroquois and HMS Impulsive departed Seidisfjord also to join convoy JW 54A.

[For more info see the event ' Operation FT, passage of convoys JW 54A and JW 54B from the U.K. to Northern Russia as well as convoy RA 54B from Northern Russia to the U.K. ' for 15 November 1943.] (15)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) arrived in the Kola Inlet with the Murmansk section of convoy JW 54A. (15)

28 Nov 1943
HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) departed the Kola Inlet to join convoy RA 54B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Operation FT, passage of convoys JW 54A and JW 54B from the U.K. to Northern Russia as well as convoy RA 54B from Northern Russia to the U.K. ' for 15 November 1943.] (15)

4 Dec 1943
Around 1500A/4, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Seidisfjord from convoy escort duty. (15)

6 Dec 1943
Around 0245A/6, HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Seidisfjord for Scapa Flow. (15)

7 Dec 1943
Around 1030A/7, HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Seidisfjord. (15)

10 Dec 1943
During 10/11 December 1943, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) conducted exercises off the Shetland Islands. During these exercises HMS Furious was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (53)

12 Dec 1943

Operation FV, passage of convoys JW 55A and JW 55B to Northern Russia and RA 55A and RA 55B from Northern Russia and the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst.

Convoy JW 55A

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This convoy departed Loch Ewe in the afternoon of 12 December 1943 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Collis P. Huntington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Pickwick (British, 7068 GRT, built 1943), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Missanabie (British, 7147 GRT, built 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), James A. Farrell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Woodrow (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Lapland (British, 2897 GRT, built 1942), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Philip Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1941), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), minesweepers HMS Harrier (Cdr. H.E.H. Nicholls, RN), HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RD, RNR), HMS Cockatrice (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Armstrong, RNR) and the corvette HNoMS Acanthus (?).

Around 1430A/15, the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt. W.D. Shaw, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands. HMS Harrier and HMS Cockatrice were then detached with orders to proceed to Skaalefjord.

During 16/17 attempts were made to refuel destroyers from the San Ambrosio but the weather conditions were unsuitable.

On 18 December, HMS Musketeer was able to take on board 70 tons of fuel before the hose parted.

At 1605A/18, HMCS Athabaskan obtained a radar contact ahead of the convoy. She proceeded to investigate firing star shell. The radar contact then faded and nothing was disclosed by the illumination.

At 1610A/18, HMCS Athabaskan obtained an A/S contact and attacked it with a full pattern of depth charges. Contact was subsequently lost and not regained. This was indeed a German submarine, the U-354 but she managed to slip away without being damaged.

Around 1100A/20, in position 69°34'N, 35°20'E, and in thick snow, the local escort for the White Sea section joined. This was made up of the minesweepers HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.J. Martin, RNVR), the Russian destroyers Gromkiy, Grozniy, Valerian Kyubishev as well as three Russian minesweepers.

The White Sea section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Archer (destination Molotovsk), Fort Astoria (destination Port Ekonomiya), Fort Missanabie (destination Molotovsk), Fort Thompson (destination Port Ekonomiya), George Weems (destination Molotovsk), James A. Farrell (destination Molotovsk), James Woodrow (destination Molotovsk) and Lucerna (destination Molotovsk). The White Sea section arrived at it's destination on 22 December.

The Murmansk section, made up of the remaining merchant vessels and escorts arrived at its destination during the night of 20/21 December. HMS Milne and HMS Westcot had detached shortly before arrival and had entered port ahead of the convoy.

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Convoy JW 55B

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This convoy departed Loch Ewe in the afternoon of 20 December 1943 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Statesman (British (tanker), 6991 GRT, built 1923), Brockhorst Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cardinal Gibbons (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Vining (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Wanamaker (British, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Norlys (Panamanian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pride (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viceroy (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Thomas U. Walter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Will Rogers (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), minesweepers HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC and Bar, RN), Hound (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.H. Wynne-Edwards, RN), Hydra (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.T.J. Wellard, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR), HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC, RNR), HMS Oxlip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR).

Around 1515A/22, in position 64°28'N, 03°55'W, the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands. HMS Hound, HMS Hydra, HMS Borage and HMS Wallflower were detached to Skaalefjord shortly afterwards.

Around 1600A/22, the merchant vessel Ocean Gipsy (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), which had sailed late, overtook and joined the convoy P.M. on 22 December.

On 23 December, HMS Wrestler was fuelled.

From 23 December onwards the convoy was shadowed by enemy aircraft, U-boats joined them the following day.

On 24 December, HMCS Haida was fuelled.

On 24 December, the convoy reversed it's course for a few hours in order to have the battle cover force ' Force 2 ' close the distance due to the threat to the convoy of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst [see below for more info in the resulting ' Battle of the North Cape '.]

Around 1250A/25, in position 72°20'N, 08°00'E, the destroyers HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago joined the convoy having detached from convoy RA 55A. They took position ahead of the convoy. They were detached around 0445A/26 to conduct a sweep from which they returned around 0815A/26.

On 26 December the convoy was diverted to the north to evade the Scharnhorst. A signal to do so was received around 0605A/26 (C-in-C, Home Fleet's signal timed 0401A/26). At 0705A/26 (C-in-C, Home Fleet's signal timed 0628A/26), the convoy was ordered to proceed to the north-east.

Around 0930A/26, a brisk gun action developed to the south-eastwards. The majority of the destroyers immediately proceeded in that direction at full speed to engage the enemy but they returned to the convoy around 1330A/26 as the enemy was retiring. The convoy meanwhile was ordered to proceed northwards. Around 0951A/26, HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago were ordered to join ' Force 1 '.

Later in the day, following the sinking of the German ship the convoy resumed its normal course.

Around 1200A/28, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron, having the least fuel remaining, were detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Kola Inlet.

Around 1830Z/28, in position 70°38'N, 38°30'W, the convoy split into two sections, one for the Kola Inlet with the original escort and one for the White Sea for which the minesweepers HMS Hussar, HMS Halcyon, HMS Speedwell, the Russian destroyers Razyarenniy, Razumniy, Valerian Kyubishev as well as four Russian minesweepers had just joined. The White Sea section was made up of following merchant vessels; British Statesman (destination Molotovsk), Fort Nakasley (destination Port Ekonomiya), Harold L. Winslow (destination Molotovsk), John J. Abel (destination Molotovsk), Ocean Messenger (destination Molotovsk), Ocean Pride (destination Port Ekonomiya), Ocean Valour (destination Molotovsk) and Thomas U. Walter (destination Molotovsk).

The Ocean Gipsy was no longer with the convoy as she had straggled. her destination was Molotovsk, and she later arrived safely.

The Kola Inlet section arrived at its destination late in the morning of 29 December 1943.

The White Sea section arrived at it's destination a day later.

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Convoy RA 55A

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This convoy departed the Kola Inlet (Murmansk) in the morning of 22 December 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Nigel (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort McMurray (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Yukon (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Gilbert Stuart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Smith (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), Mijdrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1931), Ocean Strength (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Park Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), Thomas Kearns (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Sim Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William L. Marcy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Windom (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943).

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

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Milne, HMS Matchless, HMS Meteor, HMS Musketeer, HMS Opportune, HMS Virago, HMS Ashanti, HMCS Athabaskan, HMS Westcott, HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), minesweeper HMS Jason (Cdr. H.G.A. Lewis, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR) and HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR).

Around 1830A/22, in position 69°29'N, 34°42'E, the merchant vessel Thomas Kearns had to return to the Kola Inlet with engine defects.

Around 0100A/25, south of Bear Island, in position 73°57'N, 19°04'E, HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago were detached to join JW 55B. Shortly afterwards the convoy was ordered to proceed to the north-west.

On 26 December the convoy got partially scattered during a gale but later reassembled.

Around 1140A/26, in position 74°00'N, 09°05'E, HMCS Athabaskan (with condenser defects) and HMS Beagle were detached to Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to fuel where they arrived on the 29th. It had been impossible to fuel at sea.

On the 27th, attempts to fuel escorts were still unsuccesful.

Around 1200A/28, in position 69°18'N, 00°35'E, HMS Ashanti was detached to the Faeroer Islands to fuel.

In the early afternoon of the 29th, HMS Milne and HMS Meteor were detached to Scapa Flow.

Around 1941A/31, the minesweepers HMS Hound, HMS Hydra and the corvettes HMS Borage and HMS Wallflower finally joined the convoy. They had departed Skaalefjord around 1900A/29. They had been unable to make rendezvous with the convoy earlier due to the bad weather conditions.

On 31 December HMS Westcott rejoined the convoy after fuelling at Skaalefiord.

After HMS Hound took over as Senior Officer of the escort in the evening of 31 December, HMS Seagull was detached for Scapa Flow.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 1 January 1944, escorted by HMS Acanthus, HMS Borage and HMS Wallflower.

HMS Hound and HMS Hydra had been detached to return to Skaalefiord where they arrived on 2 January 1944.

HMS Westcott, HMS Dianella and HMS Poppy had been detached to proceed to east coast ports to rejoin the Western Approaches Command. They arrived at their destinations on 2 January 1944.

Convoy RA 55B

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This convoy departed the Kola Inlet (Murmansk) on 31 December 1943 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935) and Thomas Kearns (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Orwell, HMS Impulsive, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron, HMS Whitehall, HMS Wrestler and the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR).

Around 1100A/1, in position 70°40'N, 38°42'E, the merchant vessels Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930) and Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from the White Sea. They were escorted by the minesweepers HMS Halcyon, HMS Hussar, HMS Speedwell which did not join the convoy but proceeded to the Kola Inlet where they arrived the following day.

Around 1100A/6, in position 65°44'N, 03°37'W, HMCS Huron, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron fuelled at Skaalefjord and then departed to rejoin the convoy, except HMCS Huron which joined the destroyers listed below that parted company with the convoy on 7 January to proceed direct to Scapa Flow.

Around 0830A/7, the minesweepers Ready (Cdr. A.V. Walker, RN) and Orestes (Lt.Cdr. A.W.R. Adams, RN) joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands.

Around 0830A/7, the minesweepers Ready (Cdr. A.V. Walker, RN) and Orestes (Lt.Cdr. A.W.R. Adams, RN) joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands which they had departed around 0400A/7.

Around 1215A/7, HMS Onslow, HMS Onslaught, HMS Orwell, HMS Impulsive, HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Haida parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived later the same day. HMCS Huron had joined them around 1430A/7 after having fuelled at the Faeroer Islands.

Around 1920A/7, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron rejoined the convoy after fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

In the early afternoon of 8 January 1944, the convoy arrived at Loch Ewe escorted by HMS Ready and HMS Orestes.

HMS Whitehall, HMS Wrestler, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron had parted company shortly before arrival to proceed to East coast ports to rejoin the Western Approaches Command.

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' Force 1 '

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' Force 1 ' was the cruiser cover force for these convoy's. It was made up of the light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN).

Around 2100A/15, ' Force 1 ', departed Seidisfjord, Iceland to provide cover for Convoy JW 55A.

Around 0010C/20, ' Force 1 ', arrived in the Kola Inlet.

Around 0330C/23, ' Force 1 ', departed the Kola Inlet to provide cover for convoys RA 55A and JW 55B.

Around 1230C/26, ' Force 1 ', was joined by the destroyers HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago and ' Force 1 ' was in action with the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst during which HMS Sheffield and HMS Norfolk were damaged [see below for more info.]

Around 1700C/27, ' Force 1 ' arrived in the Kola Inlet to fuel and make temporary repairs to the damaged ships.

Around 2300C/29, ' Force 1 ' (HMS Belfast, HMS Sheffield and HMS Norfolk) departed the Kola Inlet for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 2315A/1.

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' Force 2 '

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' Force 2 ' was the battle cover force for these convoy's. It was made up of the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill).

Around 1300A/12, ' Force 2 ' had departed Scapa Flow for the Kola Inlet where it arrived around 1300C/16.

Around 0900C/18, ' Force 2 ', departed the Kola Inlet to provide cover from convoy JW 55A.

Around 1145Z/21, ' Force 2 ', arrived at Akureyri, Iceland. ' Force 2 ' was swept in by the minesweepers HMS Loyalty (Lt.Cdr. James Edward Maltby, RNR).

Around 2145Z/23, ' Force 2 ', departed Akureyri to provide cover for convoys JW 55B and RA 55A.

On 26 December 1943, ' Force 2 ' was in action with the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst [see below for more info.]

Around 1245C/27, ' Force 2 ' arrived in the Kola Inlet to fuel and to make some repairs.

Around 1700C/28, ' Force 4 ', made up of HMS Duke of York, HMS Jamaica, HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune, HMS Virago, HMS Savage, HMS Scorpion and HNoMS Stord departed the Kola Inlet for Scapa Flow. HMS Saumarez was unable to sail, her action damage some more repairs.

Around 0930A/1, ' Force 4 ' arrived at Scapa Flow.

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Action with and sinking of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst, 26 December 1943.

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Dispositions at 0400A/26.

At 0400A/26, the situation in the Bear Island area was as follows;

Westbound convoy RA 55A was about 220 nautical miles to the westward of Bear Island in approximate position 74°42'N, 05°27'E, steering 267°, speed 8 knots. This convoy was apparently still not detected by the enemy.

Eastbound convoy JW 55B was about 50 miles south of Bear Island in approximate position 73°31'N, 18°54'E, steering 070°, speed 8 knots.

' Force 1 ', the cruiser force, was in position 73°52'N, 27°12'E (some 150 nautical miles to the eastward of convoy JW 55B. They were steering 235° at 18 knots.

' Force 2 ', the battle force, was in position 71°07'N, 10°48'E, some 350 miles to the south-west of the cruisers. They were proceeding on course 080° at 24 knots. In the weather conditions the destroyers had difficulty keeping up and the bow of HMS Duke of York was almost constantly under water.

Convoy JW 55B had been sighted and shadowed by aircraft for a while and when flying conditions deteriorated U-boats had been in contact with the convoy. Admiral Fraser had no doubt that this convoy would be the target for the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst and the destroyers Z 29, Z 30, Z 33, Z 34 and Z 38 which were known to be at sea. He therefore decided to divert the convoy to the northward in order to increase the enemy's difficulties in finding it. This would entail breaking wireless silence and revealing the presence of covering forces but the decided that the safety of the convoy must be the primery object. At 0628A/26, Convoy JW 55B was ordered to steer 045° and ' Force 1 ' was ordered to close it for support.

' Force 1 ' altered course to 270° at 0712A/26 in order to approach the convoy from the southward and thus, in the event of action, to avoid steaming into the strong south-westerly wind and heavy seas. Course was held for an hour, and after receiving the position, course and speed of the convoy, course was altered to 300° at 0815A/26. Speed was increased to 24 knots.

Meanwhile the German battlegroup had continued to proceed northwards and at 0730 hours was in estimated position 73°52'N, 23°10'E. Soon afterwards the destroyers were detached to form a reconnaissance line 10 miles ahead of the Scharnhorst. Some of the destroyers did not receive this order and as a result they moved ahead but the area of their search was not the one intended. At 0800 hours the German battlegroup altered course to 230°, probably on account of a submarine report on the position of the convoy. At this time the destroyers were some 10 miles ahead of the battlecruiser, spread approximately in line abreast but it seems that soon afterwards the Scharnhorst turned to the north-eastward, and all communication between her and the destroyers broke down. Communication was restored two hours later but the destroyers never rejoined the battlecruiser.

First contact with the enemy.

At 0840A/26, HMS Belfast picked up a radar contact at 35000 yards, bearing 295°. The Belfast's estimasted position was then 73°35'N, 23°21'E and Vice-Admiral Burnett reckoned the convoy was bearing 287°, 48 nautical miles from him. At the same time Capt. McCoy in HMS Onslow placed the enemy about 36 nautical miles, bearing 125°, from the convoy.

In the Belfast the range of the main echo decreased rapidly, and twenty minutes later - at 0900A/26 - a second echo was obtained, bearing 299°, 24500 yards. This second echo remained on a steady bearing till 0930A/26, when, from its estimated speed of 8-10 knots, the Vice-Admiral considered that it was probably a merchant ship from the convoy, and disregarded it. It may well have been, however, one of the enemy destroyers, detached to shadow the convoy.

At 0915A/26 the main echo bore 250°, 13000 yards, speed approximately 18 knots. At this time ' Force 1 ' was formed on a line of bearing 180°, in the order HMS Belfast, HMS Sheffield and HMS Norfolk, HMS Belfast being the northern ship. The line of bearing had just been altered to 160°, when at 0921A/26, HMS Sheffield reported ' enemy in sight ' bearing 222°, 13000 yards. At 0924A/26, HMS Belfast opened fire with starshell and at 0929A/26, ' Force 1 ' was ordered to engage with main armament, course being altered 40° towards the enemy, to 265°. HMS Norfolk opened fire at a range of 9800 yards, but had to drop back to clear the Belfast's range. She continued firing till 0940 and obtained one git, with her second or third salvo, either on the crow's nest of the bridge port director, which caused several casualties, and possible a hit on the forecastle. The 6" cruisers did not fire during this phase of the action, nor did the enemy, whole altered course to about 150°, steaming at 30 knots. ' Force 1 ' altered to 105° at 0938A/26 and to 170° at 0946A/26 by which time the range had opened to 24000 yards and chased to the southward, but the enemy drew away and the range continued to increase.

At 0955A/26, the Scharnhorst altered course to the north-east, and Vice-Admiral Burnett at once appreciated that she was trying to work round to the northward of the convoy for a second attempt to attack it. Possibly this was the result of an exhortation from Admiral Dönitz which appears to have been received and read to her ship's company around this time. In the prevailing weather conditions - wind force 7 to 8 from the southwest - ' Force 1's ' maximimum speed was 24 knots, and as that of the enemy appeared to be 4 to 6 knots faster the Vice-Admiral decided that he must get between the Scharnhorst and the convoy. He therefore altered course to 305° at 1000A/26, and to 325° at 1014A/26, with result that six minutes later contact was lost with the enemy bearing 078°, 36000 yards, and steering to the north-east at about 28 knots.

Meanwhile the Commander-in-Chief had ordered Capt. McCoy, the escort commander, to turn the convoy to the northward at 0930A/26, and to send four destroyers to join ' Force 1 ' at 0937A/26. HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago were detached at 0951A/26. They joined Vice-Admiral Burnett at 1024A/26. By 1030A/26, when it was clear to the Commander-in-Chief that ' Force 1 ' had lost touch with the enemy, and he was again closing the convoy, he ordered convoy JW 55B to resume course 045°.

Second engagement of ' Force 1 '.

Half an hour after losing touch with the enemy ' Force 1 ' made radar contact with the convoy, bearing 324°, 28000 yards, at 1050A/1, and the cruisers commenced zigzagging 10 miles ahead of it, with the four destroyers disposed ahead as a screen.

At 1058A/1, the Commander-in-Chief informed Vice-Admiral Burnett that ' Force 2 ' wound have little chance of finding the enemy unless some unit regained touch with him and shadowed, but in view of the enemy's advantage in speed under the prevailing weather conditions, the Vice-Admiral ' rightly considered it undesirable to split his force by detaching one or more ships to search, feeling confident that the enemy would return to the convoy from the north or north-east '. An hour went by, and the Commander-in-Chief found himself faced with the difficult question of the destroyers fuel situation. He had ' either to turn back or go to the Kola Inlet, and if the Scharnhorst had already turned for home, these was obviously no chance of catching him. This latter contingency was by no means improbable, for ' Force 2 ' had been shadowed from the starboard quarter by three enemy aircraft since about 1000A/26, and their reports had presumably been passed to the Scharnhorst. Then, at 1205A/26, came a signal from HMS Belfast reporting radar contact again with the enemy, and he knew that there was every prospect of cutting him off.

The convoy had remained on a course of 045° till just before noon, when Capt. McCoy, who had been ordered by the Commander-in-Chief at 1122 hours to use his discretion as to its course, altered to 125° in order to keep ' Force 1 ' between the convoy and the probable direction of the enemy. HMS Norfolk had reported a radar contact at 27000 yards at 1137A/26, but had lost it a few minutes later, and by noon, when the convoy was turning to 125°, ' Force 1 ' was in position 74°11'N, 22°18'E, steering 045°, 18 knots, with the convoy about 9 miles on the port quarter. Five minutes later (1205A/26), HMS Belfast radar picked up the enemy bearing 075°, 30500 yards. Vice-Admiral Burnett concentrated his four destroyers on his starboard bow, and at 1219A/26, altered course to 100°. The enemy course and speed was estimated at 240°, 20 knots. A minute later the Scharnhorst appeared to alter course slightly to the westward and at 1221A/26, HMS Sheffield reported ' enemy in sight '. ' Force 1 ' immediately opened fire, and the destroyers were ordered to attack with torpedoes, but were unable to reach a firing position owing to the weather conditions, and the enemy's hurried retirement.

This second action, fought by the cruisers at ranges from 9000 to 16000 yards, lasted about 20 minute, and again the Scharnhorst was ' most effectively driven off the convoy by Force 1's determined attack '. The enemy altered course from west round to south-east, increasing speed to 28 knots, and the range soon began to open. Several hits were claimed by the cruisers, but only one, which struck the port side aft and apparently failed to explode, was subsequently confirmed by prisoners. HMS Musketeer, however, which was herself engaging the enemy at a range of 4500 yards, consided there were others, and the prisoners agreed that the cruisers fire was unpleasantly accurate and filled the air with fragments.

At 1233A/26, 12 minutes after the action started, HMS Norfolk received two hits, one through the barbette of 'X' turret, which was put out of action, and one amidships. All radar, except Type 284, became unsericeable and these were several casualties. One officer and six ratings were killed and five seriously wounded. At the same time an 11" salvo straddled HMS Sheffield, and several pieces of shell, came inboard, fragments penetrated the ship at various points.

By 1241A/26, the enemy was on a course of 110° steaming 28 knots, and the range had opened to 12400 yards. Vice-Admiral Burnett decided to check fire, and to shadow with his whole force until the Scharnhorst could be engaged by ' Force 2 '. He therefore increased speed to 28 knots, and at 1250A/26, the enemy range and bearing were steady at 13400 yards, 138°. The destroyers, to the westward of the cruisers, continued to pursue the enemy in line ahead, their range opeing to 20000 yards and then remaining steady.

Shadowing operations.

The Scharnhorst had by this time given up all idea of attacking the convoy and for the next three hours her course was to the south-east and south. As she was retiring on a course so favourable for interception by ' Force 2 ', Vice-Admiral Burnett did not re-engage, and kept his cruisers concentrated, shadowing by radar from just outside visual range, about 7.5 nautical miles and slightly to the eastward of the enemy's course. The four destroyers of ' Force 1 ', which owing to the heavy sea had been unable to close the enemy sufficiently to attack with torpedoes, was stationed to the westward by the Commander-in-Chief at about 1600A/26 to guard against the Scharnhorst breaking back in that direction towards the convoy or Alten Fjord.

Despite her damage HMS Norfolk kept up with ' Force 1 ' throughout the afternoon, but at 1603A/26, she was obliged to reduce speed to fight a fire and a few minutes later, at 1607A/26, HMS Sheffield dropped back, reporting her port inner shaft out of action and speed reduced to 10 knots. By 1621A/26, she was able to proceed at 23 knots, but the delay and reduction of speed prevented her from rejoining HMS Belfast until about 2100A/26. For the rest of the action she remained some 10 miles astern. HMS Norfolk was able to rejoin HMS Belfast around 1700A/26.

Movements of the German destroyers.

All this time, while the Scharnhorst was being gradually haunded to her doom, the German destroyers had played a singularly ineffective part. After losting contact soon after 0800A/26, they continued on the south-westerly course (230°) to which the force had just turned, spread approximately five miles apart. No orders were received from the Flag Officer, Battle Group, until 1009A/26 - just after the close of the first action with Vice-Admiral Burnett's cruisers - when a signal was received directing the destroyers ' to advance into the immediate vicinity of the convoy '. To this Z 29, the Flotilla Leader, replied that they were advancing according to plan, course 230°, speed 12 knots. Twenty minutes later, Admiral Bey had apparently come to the conclusion that the convoy was further to the north then that he had previously supposed, and at 1027 he ordered the Flotilla to alter course to 070° and to increase speed to 25 knots, an hour later (1135A/26) he ordered a further change of course to 030°.

At 0945A/26, a report from the submarine U-277 had been received in the Scharnhorst placing the convoy in position 73°58'N, 19°30'E, but this seems to have been disregarded by Admiral Bey and it was not until two-and-a-half hours later (1218A/26), that he ordered the destroyers to operate in this area. Course was accordingly altered to 280° and the flotilla concentrated on the northern ship but it was too late and the convoy was well to the north-eastward of the position reported by the U-boat, though the destroyers must have passed within 10 miles of it at about 1300A/26 on passage to the new area, owing to Capt. McCoy's turn to the south-eastward at noon. On this Admiral Bey was unaware, and at 1418A/26, he ordered the destroyers to break off the operation and make for the Norwegian coast. With the excetion of Z 33, which had become separated in the bad weather, the Flotilla - then some 16 nautical miles south-east of Bear Island - at once altered course to 180° and eventually entered Norwegian coastal waters at about 0200A/27.

Z 33 made her own way back, at 1810A/26, she sighted what was believed to be a straggler from the convoy. At this target she fired four torpedoes, which missed, and continued on her way to her base.

Movements of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet ' Force 2 '.

Meanwhile ' Force 2 ', acting on reports of Vice-Admiral Burnett's cruisers, had been steering throughout the day to intercept. During the first two cruiser engagements the composition of the enemy's force was not clear to the Commander-in-Chief, but on confirmation by the Vice-Admiral that only one heavy unit was present, he decided to engage on similar courses, with HMS Jamaica in support, opening fire at about 13000 yards and detaching his destroyers to make a torpedo attack. At 1400A/26 he estimated that if the enemy maintained his course and speed, ' Force 2 ' would engage him at about 1715A/26, but the Scharnhorst altered to the south soon afterwards, and at 1617A/26 the Duke of York's Type 273 radar picked her up at 45500 yards bearing 020°. The range closed rapidly, and soon HMS Belfast was picked up astern of the target. At 1632A/26, a quarter of an hour after the first contact, the Duke of York's Type 284 found the enemy at 29700 yards, apparently zig-zagging on a mean course of 160°. Five minutes later, the destroyers, which had formed sub-divisions on either bow of the flagship shortly after first contact, were ordered to take up most advantageous position for torpedo attack, but not to attack until ordered to do so. The destroyers had formed sub-divisions as follows, HMS Savage with HMS Saumarez and HMS Scorpion with HNoMS Stord.

At 1642A/26, the enemy seemed to alter course slightly to port and two minutes later ' Force 2 ' altered to 080° in order to open 'A' arcs. At 1647A/26, HMS Belfast opened fire with starshell, followed at 1648A/26 by HMS Duke of York. Those from the latter illuminated the enemy at 1650A/26. The Commander-in-Chief then made an enemy report and ' Force 2 ' opened fire with their main armament.

' Force 2 ' engages, 1650-1844 hours, 26 December 1943.

When HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica opened fire at 12000 yards. There was every indication that the Scharnhorst was completely unaware of their presence, her turrets were reported trained fore and aft, she did not immediately reply to the fire of ' Force 2 ' and when she did her fire was erratic. Prisoners subsequently confirmed that she had made no radar contact during the approach of ' Force 2 '. They had been told they would not have to engage anything larger then a cruiser and were badly shaken when informed that a capital ship to the southward was engaging them.

The Scharnhorst altered round at once to the northward, and the Duke of York to 360° to follow and also to avoid torpedoes which the enemy, had he been on the alert, might have been fired. On this, HMS Belfast prepared to fire torpedoes, but the Scharnhorst altered away to the eastward, probably with the double object of avoiding ' Force 1 ' and opening 'A' arcs, and HMS Belfast and HMS Norfolk then engaged her with their main armamant, steering northerly and north-easterly courses in order to prevent her breaking back to the north-westward, until 1712A/26, when she ran out of range, after firing two ineffective salvoes at the cruisers. Vice-Admiral Burnett continued to the north-north-west until 1720A/26, and it was then apparent that the enemy meant to escape to the eastward, gradually altered round to follow. Just then orders were received from the Commander-in-Chief to ' steer 140° ' and join him, and the cruisers steadied on a south-easterly course at 1727A/26.

The hunt was up, and for the next hour there was a chase to the eastward, HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica engaging at ranges which gradually increased, as the enemy's superior speed began to tell. By 1708A/26, the Scharnhorst was steadily on an easterly course and engaging HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica with her main armamant. Her tactics were to turn to the southward, fire a broadside, and then turn on end-on away to the east till ready to fire the next salvo, making the Duke of York's gunners a problem.

By 1730A/26, the situation was as follows. To the south-west of the enemy HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica were engaging him and pursuing similar tactics. ' Force 2's ' destroyers - still well astern of him - were endeavouring to gain bearing to attack with torpedoes, taking individual avoiding action when fired on, HMS Savage and HMS Saumarez edging over to get on his port side while HMS Scorpion and HNoMS Stord remained on the starbord side. To the north-west, HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago, which had turned at 1700A/26, was creeping up on a easterly course roughly parallel to that of the enemy and some miles to the northward. Further to the north-west HMS Belfast and HMS Norfolk were steering to the south-eastward to join the Commander-in-Chief, with HMS Sheffield some distance astern, and dropping owing to her reduced speed. What the German Admiral though of the situation may be judged from his signal to the German War Staff (timed 1724 hours); ' Am surrounded by heavy units '.

HMS Duke of York probably obtained hits with her first and third salvoes, which, accordingly to prisoners, were on the quarter deck close to ' C ' turret, and low down forward. This latter may have put ' A ' turret out of action as it did not fire again. Little is known about other hits during this first engagement, but it seems certain that HMS Duke of York had obtained hits which may have caused some underwater damage that eventually reduced the Scharnhorst speed. HMS Jamaica claimed on hit.

The Scharnhorst's gunfire was erratic to begin with but later improved as the range increased. Between ranges of 17000 - 20000 yards HMS Duke of York was straddled several times. Her hull was not hit but both masts were shot through by 11" shells which fortunately did not explode.

By 1742A/26, the range had opened to 18000 yards and HMS Jamaica then ceased fire, her blind fire at this range considered of doubtful value and liable to confuse the Duke of York's radar spotting. At this time all the cruisers were out of range, and the destroyers had not yet been seriously engaged by the enemy. The gun duel between HMS Duke of York and the Scharnhorst continued till 1820A/26 when the enemy ceased firing at 20000 yards, and reduced speed, though this was not immediately apparent. At the same time the Commander-in-Chief decided to turn south-eastward towards the Norwegian coast, in the hope she would also lead round and so to give his destroyers a chance to attack. At 1824A/26, the range having opened to 21400 yards, HMS Duke of York checked fire. She had fired 52 broadsides, of which 31 have been reported as straddles and 16 as within 200 yards of the enemy.

Just at this moment the Scharnhorst was sending her final signal - a message from Admiral Bey to the Führer - ' We shall fight to the last shell '. This was the last report the German Naval Staff received from her as to her fate, though no doubt they were able to draw their conclusions three-quarters of an hour later (1919A/26) when they intercepted a British signal ' Finish her off with torpedoes '.

First destroyer attack, 1850 hours, 26 December 1943.

At 1824A/26, the Commander-in-Chief was of the opinion that the Scharnhorst might escape and much depended on the four 'S-class' destroyers to damage of sink her. Since 1713A/26, when they had been ordered to attack, they had been gradually gaining bearing on the Scharnhorst, but their progress was very slow and their chances of attack depended on a radical alteration of course by their quarry. Then, at 1820A/26, when they had closed to 12000 yards they started to forge ahead. The enemy had reduced speed. By 1840A/26, the first sub-division (HMS Savage and HMS Saumarez), astern of the enemy, and the second sub-division (HMS Scorpion and HNoMS Stord), on his starboard beam, had each closed to about 10000 yards. Some three minutes earlier, the Commander-in-Chief, observing on his radar plot the enemy's reduction of speed, had altered course directly towards her, and was beginning to close rapidly.

The Scharnhorst opened a fairly heavy, though ineffective, fire on HMS Savage and HMS Saumarez, which they returned when the range closed to 7000 yards. As these two approached from the north-westward, drawing the enemy's fire, HMS Scorpion and HNoMS Stord were closing in apparently unseen, and certainly unengaged from the south-eastward. At 1849A/26, starshells from HMS Savage illuminated the enemy, and she was seen to be turning to the southward. The Scorpion and Stord immediately swung to starboard, each firing eight torpedoes at 2100 and 1800 yards respectively. HMS Scorpion claimed one hit, HNoMS Stord none, probably due to the Scharnhorst combing the latter's tracks. Both destroyers were engaged by the enemy's secondary and light armament while retiring, the the firing was wild and inflicted no damage. They returned the fire and scored several hits on the superstructure. The Scharnhorst continued to alter round to starboar after this attack till on a south-westerly course, thus placing HMS Savage and HMS Saumarez in an excellent position on her starboard bow. Her movements could be followed clearly in the light of their starshell, and HMS Savage with HMS Saumarez on her starboard quarter, hastily training their torpedo tubes to starboard, turned in to attack at 1855A/26, coming under heavy fire from the enemy's entire armament as they did so. HMS Savage fired eight torpedoes from 3500 yards, but HMS Saumarez received damage which prevented her training one set of tubes, and got off only four from 1800 yards. Subsequent analysis credited there attacks with three hits altogether. The destroyers then withdrew to the northward, engaging the Scharnhorst as they did so. Fortunately damage to HMS Saumarez was all above the waterline. Shells had passed through her director and rengefinders without exploding, but she had suffered considerably from splinters which reduced her speed to 10 knots on one engine only. One officer and ten ratings were killed and eleven ratings were wounded.

Second engagement of ' Force 2 '.

As the destroyers withdrew to the northward, HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica coming up from the south-west, re-engaged at a range of 10400 yards, opening fire at 1901A/26. Hits were immediately scored, while the enemy continued to fire at the retiring destroyers. HMS Norfolk, too joined in from the northward, but had difficulty in finding the right target, and checked fire after a couple of salvoes. After five minutes, when the Scharnhorst had been repeatedly hit and fires and flashes from exploding ammunition were flaring up, she shifted her secondary armament fire to HMS Duke of York at a range of about 8000 yards. During this second action she apparently engaged HMS Duke of York and HMS Jamaica with only part of her main armament, and that intermittently.

The battle was then approaching its end. Between 1901A/26 and 1926A/26 the enemy's speed fell drastically from 20 to about 5 knots. At 1915A/26, HMS Belfast opened fire on her at a range of 17000 yards, and a few minutes later she steadied on a northerly course. About this time (1919A/26) the Commander-in-Chief ordered HMS Jamaica and HMS Belfast to close the enemy, who was then almost stationary, and to sink her with torpedoes. HMS Duke of York continued firing - getting of 25 broadsides, of which 21 were straddles - till 1928A/26, when she checked fire to enable the cruisers, which had altered course towards the enemy to diliver their torpedo attacks. According to prisoners HMS Duke of York had obtained at least 10 hits.

Torpedo attacks by HMS Belfast and HMS Jamaica.

In the Scharnhorst - battered by gunfire and crippled by four torpedoes - resistance was pracically at an end as the cruisers closed in from north and south. Prisoners subsequently stated that after sending their final signal to Hitler, assuring him that the Scharnhorst would fight to the last shell, the Admiral and Captain had shot themselves on the bridge but this could not be confirmed.

HMS Jamaica fired three torpedoes to port (one of which misfired) at 1925A/26 from 3500 yards but claimed no hits as the enemy's speed appeared to have been underestimated. Two minutes later HMS Belfast also fired three torpedoes, one of which may have git, though this was subsequently considered unlikely. Both cruisers then hauled round to fire their remaining tubes. Meanwhile HMS Jamaica scored several hits with her main and secondary armamant. The Scharnhorst replied with wild fire from her secondary armamant and light weapons which did no damage and had ceased firing altogether when at 1937A/26, at a range of 3750 yards, HMS Jamaica fired three torpedoes to starboard at the enemy, broadside on and almost stopped. The result could not be seenm as the target was completely hidden by smoke, but underwater explosions were heard after the correct time interval, and it is probable that two torpedoes took effect. Two minutes earlier (1935A/26), HMS Belfast had turned to fire her port torpedoes but then HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago arrived at the scene and HMS Belfast retired to the south to await developments.

Torpedo attacks by the 36th Destroyer Division.

The 36th Division, made up of HMS Musketeer, HMS Matchless, HMS Opportune and HMS Virago, starting the chase well to the westward of the other forces, had been tracking the enemy by radar and slowly gaining bearing on a parallel course to the northward throughout the action. The destroyers now closed in sub-divisions (HMS Musketeer with HMS Matchless and HMS Opportune with HMS Virago) from the north and astern. At 1930A/27 they commenced their attacks, HMS Musketeer and HMS Matchless from the port side and HMS Opportune and HMS Virago from the starboard side. HMS Opportune fired two salvoes of four torpedoes each at 1931A/26 and 1933A/26 from range of 2100 and 2500 yards. She claimed two hits. HMS Virago followed her in, and at 1934A/26 fired seven torpedoes from 2800 yards. Two hits were observed and the sub-division then retired to the westward with HMS Virago firing on the enemy as long as possible.

On the port side, HMS Musketeer fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards at 1933A/26 and observed two and possibly three hits and then withdrew to the westward. HMS Matchless could not fire as her torpedo tubes training had been effected by a heavy sea. She therefore hauled round without firing and then came in to attack again from the enemy's port bow, but before she could fire the Scharnhorst had sunk. She then joined HMS Scorpion in picking up survivors. The German ship was last seen around 1938A/26 though no ship saw her actually sinking. This most probably occured at 1945A/26 when a large underwater explosion was felt.

For the next hour, HMS Belfast, HMS Norfolk and most of the destroyers searched the area for survivors. In all only thirty were picked up in the heavy weather from the icy waters by HMS Scorpion and six by HMS Matchless. No officer was among them. The most senior was the equivalant rating of Acting Petty Officer.

Conclusion.

Around 2100A/26, HMS Sheffield rejoined ' Force 1 ' and all forces in the area were ordered to proceed independently to the Kola Inlet where they all arrived unmolested the next day.

(54)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC and Bar, RN). (55)

16 Dec 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is docked in the floating dock at Scapa Flow. (1)

20 Dec 1943
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is undocked. (1)

20 Dec 1943
Around 1700A/20, the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Skaalefjord, Faroer Islands where they arrived around 1000A/21. (15)

22 Dec 1943
Around 0001A/22, the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) departed Skaalefjord to join convoy JW 55B.

[For more information, see the event ' Operation FV, passage of convoys JW 55A and JW 55B to Northern Russia and RA 55A and RA 55B from Northern Russia and the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst ' for 12 December 1943.] (15)

28 Dec 1943
Around 1200A/28, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) parted company with convoy JW 55B to proceed ahead of it to the Kola Inlet where they arrived around 2330A/28. (1)

31 Dec 1943
The destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), minesweepers HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.J. Martin, RNVR), HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC, RNR), HMS Oxlip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR) departed the Kola Inlet as escorts for convoy RA 55B.

[For more information, see the event ' Operation FV, passage of convoys JW 55A and JW 55B to Northern Russia and RA 55A and RA 55B from Northern Russia and the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst ' for 12 December 1943.] (15)

7 Jan 1944
Around 1215A/7, HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) parted company with convoy RA 55B to proceed direct to Scapa Flow.

Around 1430A/7, HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) joined after having fuelled at Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands.

Around 2250A/7, These destroyers arrived at Scapa Flow. (56)

10 Jan 1944
Around 1700A/10, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. But first, the Vice Admiral destroyers, Vice Admiral I.G. Glennie, CB, RN, which had embarked in HMCS Haida, was transported to Scrabster. (1)

12 Jan 1944
Around 1345A/12, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (1)

17 Jan 1944
Around 1145A/17, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the south-east coast of the U.K. / western part of the English Channel.

They returned to Plymouth around 0200A/18. (1)

18 Jan 1944
Around 1420A/18, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the south-east coast of the U.K. / western part of the English Channel.

They returned to Plymouth around 0050A/19. (1)

19 Jan 1944
Around 1530A/19, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the south-east coast of the U.K. / western part of the English Channel.

They returned to Plymouth around 0530A/20. (1)

21 Jan 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is taken in hand for a few days of repairs and boiler cleaning at the Devonport Dockyard. (57)

29 Jan 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (1)

2 Feb 1944
Around 1815A/2, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol off the south-east coast of the U.K. / western part of the English Channel.

They returned to Plymouth late in the morning of the 3rd. (1)

4 Feb 1944
Around 0900A/4, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (58)

5 Feb 1944
Around 2300A/5, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (58)

8 Feb 1944
The battleships HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. R.G. Lambert) and the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Destroyers were also present to escort the battleships, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) seems to have been among them. (59)

10 Feb 1944

Operation Posthorn.

The object of this operation was to attack shipping on the Norwegian coast in the Stadlandet area with carrier borne aircraft.

A force made up of the battleships HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. R.G. Lambert), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, KBE, DSO, RN), HMS Nigeria and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) left Scapa Flow around 1000A/10 and poceeded to the north-east, arriving in the flying off position around 0900A/11 the following day.

Ten Barracudas, escorted by Twelve Seafires were flown off from HMS Furious. The weather was suitable to flying but cloud conditions were poor for dive bombing. No shipping targets were found under way and attacks were therefore directed at a ship found beached in two halves in Ervik Bay. This ship, which had been hit earlier by airborne and submarine torpedoes, was the Emsland (5180 GRT, built 1901) was seen to have been prepared for towing and at least 4 bomb hits on each part of the vessel were confirmed and the wreck was now thoroughly destroyed.

Enemy fighters were encounted, at least two FW-190's and 3 ME-109's were airborne before the arrival of the striking group. They were engaged by Seafires who claim one of the enemy shot down, one probably shot down and two enemy were claimed to have been damaged. One Seafire was lost. Only light anti-aircraft fire was experienced and the remainder of the striking force returned safely.

The Force was reported by enemy aircraft, but was not shadowed for any length of time. It arrived back at Scapa shortly before noon on the 12th. (60)

13 Feb 1944
HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of which they fuelled and then left Scapa Flow for Plymouth around 1800A/13. (58)

15 Feb 1944
Around 0950A/15, HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (58)

18 Feb 1944
Around 0930A/18, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to proceed to Halifax via the Azores. (1)

21 Feb 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) fuelled at Horta, Azores before continuing her passage to Halifax. (1)

26 Feb 1944
Around 1000P/26, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Halifax where she is to refit. (1)

17 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is wiped and then conducted D/G trials at Halifax. (61)

18 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Halifax. (61)

19 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted post refit trials off Halifax. (61)

20 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted post refit trials off Halifax. (61)

23 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (61)

24 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (61)

25 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (61)

26 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises / trials off Halifax. (61)

30 May 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (61)

1 Jun 1944
Around 1000P/1, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Halifax for St. John's. (61)

2 Jun 1944
Around 1430OP/2, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at St. John's from Halifax. (61)

3 Jun 1944
Around 07150OP/3, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed St. John's for Liverpool. (61)

8 Jun 1944
Around 1030B/8, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Liverpool from St. John's. At Liverpool she was taken in hand to complete her refit. This was mainly to fit the latest radar types, this work not having been possible at Halifax. (61)

14 Jul 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conduced D/G and compass swing trials at Liverpool. (61)

16 Jul 1944
Around 0900B/16, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Liverpool for Scapa Flow. (61)

17 Jul 1944
Around 0945B/17, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Liverpool. (61)

19 Jul 1944
In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (61)

21 Jul 1944
In the morning, and HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

HMCS Iroquois then conducted A/S exercises with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN).

In the afternoon, HMCS Iroquois carried out exercises with HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, CBE, RN) during which HMCS Iroquois was fuelled while underway by HMNZS Achilles and also HMCS Iroquois was taken in tow by HMNZS Achilles. (61)

22 Jul 1944
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

In the afternoon, A/S exercises were carried out together with HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN) and the submarine HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). (61)

24 Jul 1944
During the 24th and early hours of the 25th, HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (62)

26 Jul 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). (61)

28 Jul 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). (61)

29 Jul 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). (61)

30 Jul 1944
During 30/31 July, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included a bombardment exercise. (61)

1 Aug 1944
During 30/31 July, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of which, around 1700B/1 course was set to proceed to Plymouth. (61)

3 Aug 1944
Around 1315B/3, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (61)

4 Aug 1944
Around 1030B/4, ' Force 26 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for an offensive patrol between Belle Ile and Chausses de Seine.

At 1818B/4, the orders for ' Force 26 ' were cancelled. HMS Diadem, HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois set course to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 0345B/5.

HMS Tartar and HMS Ashanti patrolled near position 48°30'N, 06°45'W until 1954B/4. They then proceeded as ' Force 28 ' to patrol within 5 miles each side of a line joining positions 47°13'N, 05°03'W and 47°23'N, 04°32'W as a support to the 2nd and 11h Escort Groups which were on an A/S hunt. ' Force 28 ' was to give support in case of an enemy surface attack.

' Force 28 ' joined ' Force 26 ' for operations around 2130B/5 in position 47°18'N, 04°47'W. (63)

5 Aug 1944
Around 1230B/5, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous at 2130B/5, with Force 28, made up of the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), in position 47°18'N, 04°47'W. They were then to operate as one force and patrol between Ile d'Yeu and Belle Ile.

At 0001B/6, they made contact with an enemy convoy to the north-west of Ile d'Yeu. The convoy was thought to be made up of at least 3 to 4 merchant vessels and 3 to 4 escorts. The action continued until 0240B/6 when the entire convoy with the possible exception of one vessel had been destroyed.

Force 26 then continued its patrol towards Belle Ile and at 0630B/6, contact was made with with another enemy force of 4 or 5 ships, 12 miles to the south-east of Belle Ile proceeding towards St. Nazaire. Owing to the proximity of minefields, and that the ememy was close inshore, the enemy could not be prevented from escaping into harbour. Two ships had probably been hit. HMCS Haida sustained superficial damage as well as 2 killed and 2 wounded.

Force 26, minus HMCS Iroquois, arrived at Plymouth around 1900B/6. HMCS Iroquois had joined the 2nd Escort Group around 1145B/6 to provide extra support to this group. She arrived at Plymouth around 0900B/8 together with ships of the 2nd, 14th and 15th Escort Groups.

During the attack on the first German convoy (convoy nr. 4121) the minesweepers M 263, M 486, patrol vessel V 414 and small transport Otto (217 GRT) were sunk. (64)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1600B/7, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) departed Plymouth to proceed through position 47°34'N, 04°06'W to take up a patrol off the Biscay coast between Chaussee de Sein and Gironde by 0400B/8. The object of the patrol was to destroy enemy shipping and to obtain intelligence on the situation in the area.

At 0719B/8, Force 26 reported having swept to latitude 46°30'N, passing between Belle Ile and Ile d'Yeu. Two French fisherman were taken on board ORP Piorun.

At 1230B/8, HMS Bellona reported that she had bombarded radar installations on Belle Ile, in position 47°18'N, 03°14'W, from a range of 6000 yards, probably damaging them.

During the night of 8/9 August, Force 26 patrolled to the south of Ile d'Yeu.

On the 9th, Force 26 patrolled off the Gironde following which the made a sweep towards Belle Ile. No sign of the enemy had been seen by noon.

Around 1830B/9, in position 47°00'N, 02°52'W, Force 26 was joined by Force 28, which was made up of the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN). HMS Tartar and HMS Ashanti had departed Plymouth around 0900B/8. HMCS Iroquois had departed Plymouth around 2100B/8, with orders to join the other two destroyers at first light on the 9th [She joined around 0700B/9].

All seven ships were now known as Force 26. Patrol was maintained south of Ile d'Yeu during the night of 9/10 August. HMS Onslow and ORP Piorun later parted company and arrived at Plymouth around 0700B/10. During this patrol HMS Tartar was being fired upon by a shore battery situated on the western end of Ile de Groix and at 1936B/9, HMS Onslow was straddled by a small calibre shore battery, on Belle Ile, in approximate position 47°17'24"N, 03°05'48"W. No damage was caused to either destroyer.

Force 26 patrolled between Ile d'Yeu and Ras de Sein during daytime on the 10th.

Force 26 arrived at Plymouth around 0715B/11. (64)

13 Aug 1944
Around 1100B/13, Force 27, made up of the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for patrol in the Bay of Biscay along the French coast from Chausse de Sein reef (near Brest) to the Gironde.

During the night of 13/14 August, Force 27 carried out a sweep from Belle Ile to Les Sables-d'Olonne. Only one fishing vessel was encountered. At daylight they altered their patrol to between position 47°00'N, 03°20'W and Roche Bonne. By 2300B/14, Force 27 had closed the Gironde estuary, sweeping towards Ile d'Yeu during the night.

At 0245B/15, an enemy convoy, made up of one destroyer or torpedo boat, one medium sized merchant ship, one small merchant ship and possibly one minesweeper was engaged to the south of Les Sables-d'Olonne. One merchant ship was driven ashore but the remainder of the convoy, though well shot up, escaped into La Pallice. [The logbook of HMS Mauritius mentions that at this time two ships were engaged.]

When both inside and outside the Pertius Breton, Force 27, came under continuous and fairly accurate fire from a coastal battery.

At 0510B/15, another ship described as a small tanker was heavily damaged and driven ashore just north of Les Sables-d'Olonne.

About an hour and a half later Force 27 engaged a convoy made up of a Sperrbrecher, a medium sized merchant ship and two M-class minesweepers.

The action lasted until 0750B/15 at which time some of the enemy had been driven ashore and all were on fire.

Force 27 continued to patrol throughout the day between Ile d'Yeu and Ile de Glenan subsequently searching the area from Penmarch to Ile d'Yeu during the night but nothing was sighted.

At 1047B/16, Force 27 reported having seen nothing during their night patrol between Belle Ile and Ile d'Yeu. a small calibre coast battery had been engaged at 1000B/16 and return fire was silenced.

At 1100B/16, Force 27 left patrol to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 0630B/17.

The ships encountered at 0245B/15 were the German torpedo boat T 24 and the seaplane tender Richthofen which escaped with damage.

The ships encountered around 0700B/15 were the minesweepers M 275, M 385, Sperrbrecher 157. During the action M 385 was sunk and Sperrbrecher 157 was beached. M 275 escaped with damage. (65)

20 Aug 1944
Around 1600B/20, Force 27, made up of the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for patrol in the Bay of Biscay along the French coast from Ile d'Yeu to the Gironde.

During 21 August 1944, Force 27 extended their patrol as far south as Arcachon (Cap Ferret) in the hope of intercepting shipping between the Gironde and Bayonne but they sighted nothing. In the evening when they were back north a small calibre shore battery near Les Sables-d'Olonne opened up an ineffective fire on them.

On 22 August 1944, Force 27 continued their patrol passing through position 47°48'N, 04°32'W at 2200B/22 and then proceeded on a sweep in Audierne Bay until daylight on 23 August 1944.

During the sweep, at 0205B/23, they encountered enemy vessels thought to be a flak ship, a M-class minesweeper and a small merchant vessel. They were all sunk.

By 0310B/23, more ships had been encountered and it was thought one medium and one small merchant ship had been sunk as well as a minesweeper and two flak ships.

During the engagement Force 27 had also been fired upon by enemy shore batteries but no damage was done to any of HM ships.

The ships engaged by Force 27 were seven auxiliary patrol vessels from the 7th VP Flotilla on passage from Brest to the southwards. All were sunk (or beached ?) during the engagement, the ships in question were; V 702, V 714, V 717, V 720, V 721, V 729 and V 730.

At 1615B/23, HMS Ursa, which had on board 12 POW's as well as captured charts and other documents was detached to Plymouth where she arrived around 2215B/23.

The remainder of Force 27 (HMS Mauritius and HMCS Iroquois) then resumed patrol in Audierne Bay but by 1915B/23 they had seen nothing and course was set to return to Plymouth where they arrived at 0630B/24. (65)

25 Aug 1944
Around 2030B/25, Force 27, made up of the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN) departed Plymouth for patrol in the Bay of Biscay between Arcachon and 47°00'N.

During the night of 25/26 August they encountered nothing between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde. From daylight they swept northward from Cap Ferret, again finding no sign of the enemy. A shore battery (from approximate position 45°25'N, 01°09'W) fired on them but no damage was sustained.

At 1400B/26, they closed Ile d'Yeu to find French flags flying from all buildings. Force 27 investigated and found out that the German garrison of about 600 strong had been evacuated the previous day. A small party with a W/T set was then landed by HMCS Iroquois.

The area between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde was patrolled during the forenoon. Again nothing was sighted from the enemy. During the night of 26/27 Force 27 patrolled between Ile d'Yeu and Les Sables-d'Olonne after which they proceeded to patrol in / off Audierne Bay where they also patrolled during the night of 28/29 August. Again nothing was sighted and course was set for Plymouth at daylight on the 29th.

Force 27 arrived at Plymouth around 1430B/29. (65)

30 Aug 1944
Around 1130B/30, the destroyers HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the cruiser Jeanne d'Arc (Capt. J.E.C. Hourcade) in position (C); 46°00'N, 11°30'W around 1100B/31.

The Jeanne d'Arc, which had members of the French Provisional Government on board, had departed Algiers for Cherbourg on 28 August.

The Jeanne d'Arc was routed trough positions (B); 40°00'N, 11°30'W, (C); [see above], (D); 49°00'N, 06°00'W, (E) 180° - Start Point - 4 nautical miles. From there they were to proceed trough swept channels to Cherbourg.

The two Canadian destroyers indeed joined the French cruiser around 1100B/31. They arrived of Cherbourg around 1350B/1 and the cruiser then entered the harbour. Around 1430B/1, the two destroyers left Cherbourg roads for Plymouth where they arrived around 1945B/1. (66)

5 Sep 1944

Convoy TA 144

This convoy was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936). She had on board Prime Minister Churchill and his entourage.

The Queen Mary departed the Clyde on 5 September 1944 bound for New York via Halifax.

Escort was provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN).

Around 1940A/6, in approximate position 48°55'N, 12°25'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) which had departed Plymouth around 1500B/5.

Around 0800Z/7, HMS Zest and HMS Zambesi were detached. They arrived in the Clyde on 9 September.

Around 1340Z/7, HMS Tartar and HMCS Iroquois parted company to proceed to Horta, Azores to fuel.

Around 0640Z/8, HMS Kent took station on the beam of the Queen Mary.

Around 0725Z/8, in approximate position HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) joined company coming from Ponta Delgada, Azores which she had departed around 1000N/7.

Around 1200Z/8, HMS Kent parted company to proceed to Ponta Delgada.

Around 1330P/10, HMS Berwick arrived at Halifax having parted company with the troopship earlier that day.

The Queen Mary then proceeded unescorted [air escort was provided though] to New York arriving there on the 11th. (67)

9 Sep 1944
Around 0645N/9, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Horta, Azores where they both fuelled.

Around 1320N/9, HMS Tartar had completed fuelling and proceded to sea followed around 1440N/9 by HMSCS Iroquois. They then set course to return to Plymouth. (61)

12 Sep 1944
Around 0915B/12, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived Plymouth from Horta. (61)

14 Sep 1944
From 14 to 18 September 1944, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) cleaned her boilers at Plymouth. (68)

21 Sep 1944
Around 1800A/21, ' Force 28 ', which was made up of the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) to patrol between Belle Ile and the Gironde.

During the night of 22/23 September 1944, ' Force 28 ' did not sight the enemy.

On 23 September 1944, HMCS Iroquois put a landing party ashore at Les Sables-d'Olonne to gather intelligence on the situation on land at La Rochelle and La Pallice. ' Force 28 ' patrolled off the Gironde between 1900A/23 and 2300A/23 and then they swept northwards towards Belle Ile but again nothing was seen.

During the night of 24/25 September 1944 they patrolled of the Gironde and yet again there was no sign of the enemy.

At first light on the 25th, ' Force 28 ' examined Audierne Bay after which they proceeded to Plymouth where they arrived around 1445A/25. (69)

29 Sep 1944
Around 0001A/29, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol between Ile de Yeu and the Gironde.

During the night of 29/30 September only a small French fishing vessel was sighted and examined. During daytime on the 30th a landing party was landed at Les Sables-d'Olonne to gather intelligence.

Around 1200A/30, ORP Blyscawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) departed Plymouth to patrol between positions 45°51'N, 01°44'W and 45°40'N, 01°44'W, and then to make rendezvous with HMCS Iroquois forming ' Force 26 '.

At 0347A/1, HMCS Iroquois was joined by ORP Blyscawica. The Commanding Officer of ORP Blyscawica was the Senior Officer of ' Force 26 '. They then patrolled between positions 45°51'N, 01°44'W and 47°07'N, 01°44'W.

During the night of 1/2 October ' Force 26 ' patrolled off the Gironde after which they proceeded northwards.

' Force 26 ' arrived at Plymouth around 1520A/2. (69)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Plymouth.

These torpedo firing exercises were carried out together with five destroyers / escort destroyers of which HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Albrighton (Lt. J.J.S. Hooker, RN) formed part. (70)

7 Oct 1944
Around 0700A/27, ' Force 27 ', made up of ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), departed Plymouth to patrol between Belle Ile and the Gironde.

During daylight on the 8th ' Force 27 ' patrolled between Les Sables d'Olonne and Belle Ile.

Around 0700A/9, south-west of the Gironde, in position 44°59'N, 02°16'W, two Spanish fishing vessels were boarded and inspected. Both were genuine fishing vessels and were ordered to proceed back to San Sebastian. ' Force 27 ' then swept northwards along the coast up to Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.

During the night of 9/10 October, in an area with a 20 mile radius from position 45°35'N, 03°12'W (west of the Gironde), ' Force 27 ' intercepted no less then 20 Spanish fishing vessels. All had their nets out and were ordered back to their homeports of Vigo and San Sebastian.

During daylight of the 10th, ' Force 27 ' patrolled in the approaches to the Gironde before proceeding towards the north and west on the way back to Plymouth where they arrived around 1200A/11. (69)

16 Oct 1944
Around 1830A/16, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (61)

18 Oct 1944
Around 0830A/18, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (61)

23 Oct 1944
Around 1845A/23, the destroyer tender HMS Tyne (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. She is escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN). (71)

25 Oct 1944
Around 07005A/25, HMS Tyne (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (71)

25 Oct 1944
Around 1800A/25, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Greenock to proceed towards Rosyth for escort duty. (61)

27 Oct 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Rosyth around 0700A/27. Off May Island she was joined by her escort, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800A/27. (72)

1 Nov 1944
During the night of 1 / 2 November 1944, HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted night encounter exercises off Scapa Flow. (61)

2 Nov 1944
In the morning, HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) carried out torpedo firing and range and inclination (RIX) exercises at Scapa Flow. (61)

2 Nov 1944
In the afternoon, HMS Virulent (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Lord Lloyd (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Flaaten, RNR) and HNoMS Risor. (73)

6 Nov 1944
Around 1800A/6, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth, via the Clyde. (71)

7 Nov 1944
Around 1715A/7, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (71)

9 Nov 1944
Around 0900A/9, HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth where she is to dock.

Around 0945A/9, she was joined by the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN).

Around 2230A/9, the destroyer ORP Blyscawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN) joined.

Around 0800A/10, the escort destroyer HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN) joined. HMCS Iroquois then parted company to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 1115A/10, the destroyers HMS Brilliant (Cdr. J. Pringle, RN) and HMS Watchman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Clarke, DSC, RNVR) joined. ORP Blyscawica, HMS Tanatside and HMS Brissenden then parted company. ORP Blyscawica was to proceed to Plymouth with HMS Tanatside and HMS Brissenden were to take over the escort of the troop transport Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) which was on passage from Portsmouth to the Clyde and had been brought out by HMS Brilliant and HMS Watchman.

Around 1150A/10, the destroyer HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) joined company.

Around 1455A/10, the destroyers were detached off the Nab.

Around 1600A/10, HMS Indefatigable anchored in Spithead. (74)

10 Nov 1944
Around 0900A/10, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Plymouth. (61)

10 Nov 1944
Around 2100A/10, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth for Milford Haven where she arrived around 0830A/11. (61)

11 Nov 1944

Convoy TA 163A.

This convoy departed Liverpool on 11 November.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport USS West Point (American, 26454 GRT, built 1940). On board were 746 troops and other military personnel and 7 civilians.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) which came from Milford Haven and joined in the St. Georges Channel.

Around 1415A/12, HMS Tartar and HMCS Iroquois parted company to return to Milford Haven. USS West Point then proceeded unescorted.

USS West Point arrived at Newport News, Virginia on 18 November 1944. (75)

11 Nov 1944
Around 1530A/11, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Milford Haven for escort duty with convoy TA 163A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TA 163A ' for 11 November 1944.] (76)

13 Nov 1944
Around 0815A/13, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Milford Haven from convoy escort duty. (76)

13 Nov 1944

Convoy TA 162.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 13 November.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) which came from Milford Haven and joined in the St. Georges Channel [185° - Tuskar Rock - 20 nautical miles] around 0445A/14.

Around 1000A/14, speed had to be reduced from 28 to 25 knots due to the heavy weather conditions and the fact that the destroyers were sustaining weather damage. HMCS Iroquois had sustained more damage then HMS Tartar.

Around 1245A/14, the destroyers parted company, being unable to keep up in the current weather conditions without sustaining further weather damage.

The Queen Mary then continued on unescorted and arrived at New York on 19 November 1944. (77)

14 Nov 1944
Around 0145A/14, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) departed Milford Haven for escort duty with convoy TA 162.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TA 162 ' for 13 November 1944.] (78)

15 Nov 1944
Around 0835A/15, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Milford Haven from convoy escort duty.

Around 2000A/15, HMS Tartar and HMCS Iroquois departed Milford Haven for Plymouth. (78)

16 Nov 1944
Around 0930A/16, HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Milford Haven.

HMCS Iroquois was to be taken in hand at the Devonport Dockyard to repair the weather damage sustained on 14 November.

HMS Tartar later went on to the Humber where she is to refit. (79)

21 Nov 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is towed to the Devonport Dockyard where she is taken in hand for repairs. (61)

11 Dec 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is docked at the Devonport Dockyard. (61)

21 Dec 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) is undocked. (61)

24 Dec 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted D/G and compass adjustment trials in Cawsand Bay off Plymouth. (61)

26 Dec 1944
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (61)

4 Jan 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (61)

5 Jan 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (61)

6 Jan 1945

Convoy AT 179A.

This convoy departed New York on 6 January 1945.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport USS Wakefield (24289 GRT, built 1931). On board were 6985, mostly US Army troops [American source, British source says 7002].

Around 0200Z/14, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) joined.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool late in the evening of 14 January 1945. The destroyers did not enter Liverpool harbour until after noon on the 15th. (80)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (61)

9 Jan 1945
Around 0800A/9, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN), HMS Eskimo (Lt. Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) departed Plymouth for the Clyde.

Early in the evening of the 9th, the American merchant vessel Jonas Lie was damaged by an underwater explosion near Milford Haven. It was thought that the ship had either been torpedoed or mined. The four destroyers were ordered to participate in the hunt for the possible attacker. [In fact the Jonas Lie was torpedoed by the German submarine U-1055].

The destroyers arrived at Greenock, after an unsuccessful A/S hunt, around 0915A/11. (61)

13 Jan 1945
Around 0845A/13, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) departed Greenock for escort duty with convoy AT 179A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 179A ' for 6 January 1945.] (61)

15 Jan 1945
Around 1330A/15, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) entered Liverpool harbour. (61)

18 Jan 1945

Convoy TA 179A.

This convoy departed Liverpool early in the afternoon of 18 January 1945.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport USS Wakefield (24289 GRT, built 1931). On board were 1938 personnel, including POW's.

On departure from Liverpool the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki).

Around 2230A/18, the destroyers were falling behind, being unable to keep up at high speed in the bad weather conditions.

The convoy arrived at New York late in the morning of 27 January 1945. (80)

18 Jan 1945

Convoy AT 183.

This convoy departed New York on 18 January 1945.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Pasteur (British (former French), 29253 GRT, built 1938). On board were 4461 military personnel.

Around 0830A/25, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) joined.

Around 0155A/26, when off Liverpool, ORP Piorun was detached to proceed to Plymouth.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 26 January 1945.

HMCS Iroquois did not enter harbour and patrolled in Liverpool bay until about 1400A/28 when she set course for Belfast Lough. (81)

19 Jan 1945
Around 2020A/19, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (61)

21 Jan 1945

Convoy TA 181.

This convoy departed Greenock in the evening of 21 January 1945.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Ile de France (British (former French), 43450 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki).

Around 1330A/22, the destroyers parted company to return to the Clyde.

The convoy arrived at New York on 28 January 1945. (81)

23 Jan 1945
Around 0820A/23, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (61)

24 Jan 1945
Around 1100A/24, HMS Vengeance (Capt. D.M.L. Neame, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Chaser (Capt. R.G. Poole, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Belfast Lough. During this passage they were escorted by HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki).

Around 1640A/24, the destroyers parted company off Belfast Lough to make rendezvous with the incoming convoy AT 183 and then escort it to Liverpool.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 183 ' for 18 January 1945, on the pages of HMCS Iroquois and ORP Piorun only.] (82)

28 Jan 1945
Around 1930A/28, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) arrived in Belfast Lough. She proceeded to Belfast harbour the following day. (81)

31 Jan 1945
Around 1145A/31, the escort carrier HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow.

On leaving the boom, she was joined by the frigate HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN).

Around 1400A/31, they were joined by the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) coming from Belfast which she had departed around 0915A/31.

Around 0655A/1, in the Minches, the escorts were relieved by the destroyers HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) which came from Scapa Flow .

HMS Puncher, HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Sioux arrived at Scapa Flow around 1445A/1. (83)

31 Jan 1945

Convoy AT 187A.

This convoy departed New York on 31 January 1945.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport USS Wakefield (24289 GRT, built 1931). On board were 6950, mostly US Army troops [American source, British source says 7002].

Around 1430Z/7, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) joined but about an hour later the fell behind being unable to keep up in the heavy seas.

Around 1615Z/7, the destroyers HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) and HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN) joined.

Around 0350A/8, the original escort was able to rejoin and HMS Carron and HMS Cambrian proceeded to the Clyde arriving there later the same day.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 8 February 1945. (84)

1 Feb 1945
Around 2100A/1, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) arrived at Greenock from escort duty. (61)

5 Feb 1945

Convoy CU 57.

This convoy departed New York on 5 February 1945.

On departure it was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Alden Besse (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927), Cape Corwin (American, 5124 GRT, built 1943), Cape Nome (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Carnifex Ferry (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Chatterton Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Esso Camden (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Examiner (American, 6737 GRT, built 1942), Fort Fetterman (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Grand River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Java (Dutch, 9250 GRT, built 1939), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Eagle (American, 11500 GRT, built 1943), Marine Panther (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944), Mobile Bay (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Ocala Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1945), Pit River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Raphael Semmes (American, 6165 GRT, built 1942), Rosemont (Panamanian, 4956 GRT, built 1938), Sandy Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Yellow Tevern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944) and York (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943).

The following ships were also part of the convoy; escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role) HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and naval troop transport USS Hermitage (23254 GRT, built 1925) (T/Capt. J.T. Talbert, USN).

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyers USS McDougal (T/Cdr. E.W. Logsdon, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.5, T/Capt. E.D. Poole, USN, on board), USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Sedgwick, USNR) and the destroyer escorts USS Robert E. Peary (Lt. D. McKinlay, Jr., USNR), USS Blair (Lt. W. Gadsby, Jr., USNR) and USS Sturtevant (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Mertz, USNR).

On 6 February the Boston Section of the convoy departed that place, it was made up of the following ship;
Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Cape Borda (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Cape Race (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Kokomo Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1945), Oneida Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Pachaug Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from New York this section was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Jacob Jones (Lt. Frank L. Sullivan, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 3, T/Cdr. C.W. Musgrave, USN, on board), USS Brough (Lt. M.A. Stein, USNR), USS Roy O. Hale (Lt. H.C. Pogue, Jr., USNR) and USS Dale W. Peterson (Lt.Cdr. A.S. Bigelow, USNR).

Around 1015Q/7, the Boston Section of the convoy joined the main convoy. USS Simpson then parted company to proceed to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Around 1800O/9, the merchant vessel Waiwera (British, 12435 GRT, built 1934) joined the convoy coming from the Panama Canal.

Around 0950O/10, the destroyer escorts USS Hammann (Lt.Cdr. C.L. Gould, USNR) and USS Martin H. Ray (Lt. H.V. Tucker, Jr., USNR), which had been delayed in sailing with the convoy due to the need for repairs, joined the convoy.

Around 1915N/11, the merchant vessels Hororata (British, 13945 GRT, built 1942) and Westerley Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from the Panama Canal and Horta, Azores respectively.

Around 1530N/12, the merchant vessel Empire Rawlinson (British, 9912 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Ascension.

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Around 1700N/12, the Irish Sea / west coast section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arawa, Carnifex Ferry, Chatteron Hill, Empire Rawlinson, Esso Camden, Fort Stevens, Grand River, Hororata, Mobile Bay, Pit River, Rangitata, Sandy Creek, The Yakima, Waiwera and York. HMS Pursuer was also part of this section. They were escorted by USS Jacob Jones, USS Hammann, USS Robert E. Peary, USS Brough and USS Roy O. Hale.

Around 1245Z/13, the merchant vessel Empire Grace (British, 13478 GRT, built 1942) joined the Irish Sea / west coast section. She came from the Panama Canal.

Around 1645A/15, ' Force 33 ' (21st Escort Group) reinforced the escort. This were the frigates HMS Conn (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Byron (Lt. J.B. Burfield, DSC, RN), HMS Deane (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Redmill (Lt. J.R.A. Denne, RN) and HMS Rupert (Lt. P.C.S. Black, RN).

Around 1730A/15, HMS Redmill was detached for other escort duties.

Around 1945A/15, ' Force 37 ' (31st Escort group) joined and took over from ' Force 33 ' which then parted company. ' Force 37 ' was made up of the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Heron, RNVR) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Joliffe, RNR).

Around 2140A/15, the Esso Camden parted company to proceed to the Clyde. USS Brough went with her as escort. They arrived in the Clyde the following morning.

Around 2225A/15, HMS Pursuer was detached to Belfast Lough where she arrived around an hour later.

Around 0200A/16, ' Force 37 ' parted company having been relieved by the 19th Escort Group which was made up of the frigate HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN) and HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR).

Around 0300A/16, the Bristol Channel section of the convoy parted company. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arawa, Chatterton Hill, Empire Grace, Fort Stevens and Pit River. They all arrived at Avonmouth on 16 / 17 February 1945. USS Robert E. Peary and USS Roy O. Hale went with them as escorts and they arrived at Cardiff in the evening of 16 February. This section of the convoy was supported by ships of the ' 25th Escort Group ' from 0700A/16 until the vicinity of Milford Haven. The 25th Escort Group was made up of the frigates HMCS Orkney (A/Cdr. V. Browne, RCNR), HMCS La Hulloise (Lt.Cdr. J. Brock, RCNVR), HMCS Strathadam (A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Quinn, DSC, RCNVR) and HMCS Thedford Mines (Lt. J.A.R. Allan, DSC, RCNVR).

The remaining ships of the Irish Sea / west coast section arrived off the Bar light ship off Liverpool around 1030A/16 and the ships then started to enter the harbour.

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The remaining ships made up the Channel / east coast section.

Around 1200A/15, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 0355A/16, the Java suffered a steering defect and collided with the Westerly Victory. HMS Tanatside was ordered to standby them. They arrived at Plymouth later on the 16th. Java being towed into port by the rescue tug HMRT Allegiance.

Around 0730A/16, the Fort Fetterman and Yellow Tavern were detached to Weymouth Bay where they arrived later the same day.

Around 1000A/16, HMS Faulknor, HMCS Iroquois and HMS Brissenden parted company after the destroyer HMS Vidette (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.S. Wooley, RNVR), frigates HMS Hargood (Cdr. P.G. MacIver, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Kingsmill (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN) and L'Escarmouche joined.

Around 1400A/16, the ' London ' Section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vesssels;
Chicamauga, Hubbardton and Karsten Wang. HMS Vidette went with them as escort.

The remaining ships arrived in Le Havre Roads in the evening of 16 February. (85)

6 Feb 1945
Around 1130A/6, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) departed Greenock for escort duty with convoy AT 187A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 187A ' for 31 January 1945.] (61)

8 Feb 1945
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) arrived at Liverpool with convoy AT 187A. (61)

9 Feb 1945
Around 0845A/9, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) departed Liverpool for Plymouth.

Around 1200A/9, HMS Impulsive was detached to Greenock having received orders to proceed there instead. (61)

10 Feb 1945
Around 1530A/10, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Liverpool. (61)

12 Feb 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) is taken in hand for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (61)

14 Feb 1945
Around 2130A/14, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with convoy CU 57.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 57 ' for 5 February 1945.] (61)

17 Feb 1945
Around 1900A/17, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) arrived at Plymouth (Cawsand Bay) from escort duty.

After having parted company with convoy CU 57, an American merchant vessel had been escorted to the Bristol Channel. (61)

19 Feb 1945

Convoy MKS 84(G).

[This convoy needs to be further investigated, information if incomplete.]

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 19 February 1945.

On departure from Gibraltar this convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941), Empire Niger (British, 7887 GRT, built 1920), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Fort Camosun (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Penhale (British, 4071 GRT, built 192), Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Wellington (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Hague, RNR), corvettes HMS Oakham Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Lyons, RNVR), HMS Spiraea (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Reid, RANVR) and HMS Willowherb (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.A. Shillan, RNVR).

Around 2100Z/20, the Casablanca section of the convoy joined in position 36°26'N, 09°13'W. This section had departed Casablanca on 19 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (British (tanker), 8881 GRT, built 1930), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samfreedom (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927) and Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels Le Ruse, L'Emporte, L'Effronte and Tirailleur which did not join the convoy.

Around 1500Z/21, in position 38°31'N, 10°09'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Lisbon;
Charles MacIver (British (trawler), 500 GRT, built 1936) and Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929).

Around 0845Z/22, in position 40°53'N, 10°23'W, HMS Wellington, HMS Spiraea and HMS Willowherb parted company.

Around 1600Z/24, in position 47°08'N, 07°47'W, the sloop HMS Londonderry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.M. Newns, RNVR), corvette HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, RNR) and rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) joined.

Around 2230Z/24, in position 47°58'N, 07°21'W, the corvettes HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR) and HMS Narcissus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. O.B. Medley, RNVR) joined.

The corvette HMCS Mimico (T/Lt. J.B. Elmsley, RCNVR) also joined P.M. on the 24th.

Around 0715Z/25, it was noticed that the Charles MacIver was 13.5 miles astern of the convoy being unable to keep up due to bad coal. She was ordered to proceed indepently to Falmouth.

Around 0800Z/25, in position 49°09'N, 06°57'W, the frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) joined.

Around 1045Z/25, in position 49°30'N, 06°46'W, the Irish Sea / west coast section parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Atlantic (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), City of Lyons (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Empire Darwin (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Empire Moonrise (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Empire Scott (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 27 February), Empire Summer (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Fort Camosun (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Fort St. Francois (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Gothland (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), New York City (arrived at Bristol on 27 February), Saint Bertrand (arrived at Dublin on 27 February), Sambre (arrived at Avonmouth on 26 February), Samfreedom (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Silverguava (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Thistleford (arrived at Workington on 28 February) and Trevaylor (arrived at Avonmouth on 26 February). They were escorted by HMS Oakham Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), HMS Camellia (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), HMS Clover (arrived at Liverpool on 28 February) and HMCS Mimico (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 February).

Support for the Irish Sea section was given from 1200A/26 and 2200A/26, by the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) from the 23rd Escort Group.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Basil (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Belgian Veteran (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Eemland (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Empire Niger (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Empire Zephyr (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Harberton (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Lagarto (arrived at Le Havre on 27 February), Ocean Volunteer (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Penhale (arrived at Southend on 27 February) and Samesk (arrived at Southend on 27 February). They were escorted by HMS Londonderry (arrived at Plymouth on 26 February), HMS Barbados (arrived at Plymouth on 27 February) and HMS Narcissus (arrived at Plymouth on 26 February).

Around 1915A/25, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined the Channel / east coast section.

Around 0800A/26, the Channel / east coast section was joined by the 6th Escort Group. [as per log of HMCS Iroquois to be further investigated as according to ship movement cards the ships of the 6th Escort Group were at Portsmouth on the 26th and only left on the 27th.]

Around 1200A/26, HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron parted company to join convoy UC 58A. (86)

19 Feb 1945

Convoy CU 59.

This convoy departed New York on 19 February 1945.

On departure it was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Allatoona (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Briar Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Cape Avinof (American, 5124 GRT, built 1945), Cape Diamond (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Crow Wing (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Edge Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Empire Bounty (British (tanker), 12000 GRT, built 1944), Fort Ridgley (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), French Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), James Lykes (American, 6760 GRT, built 1940), Lightning (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Marine Devil (American, 11757 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Marine Wolf (American, 11757 GRT, built 1944), Noonday (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Ocean Mail (American, 6440 GRT, built 1941), Paulus Hook (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Pine Bluff (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Queenston Heights (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Robin Locksley (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Salmon Falls (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Scotts Bluff (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1945), Sea Nymph (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Sea Robin (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sea Serpent (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Surprise (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Towanda Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Waxhaws (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Woodstock Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) and Yaka (American, 6165 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carrier, HMS Battler (A/Capt. H. Norman, RN) [in an aircraft ferry role] and troop transport USS Monticello (Capt. L. Frisco, USNR) were also part of the convoy as was the RFA tanker Wave Empreror (8196 GRT, built 1944),

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with T/Capt. W.L. Benson, USN on board (Commander Task Group 61.1)) and the destroyer escorts USS Thomas W. Gary (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Ayer, USNR, with Cdr. T.G. Murrell, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 57)), USS Brister (Lt.Cdr. R.D Tucker, USNR), USS Finch (Lt.Cdr. C.D. LeHardy, USNR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG) and USS Richey (Lt. R.J. Auge, USCG).

At 0720Q/20, the Woodstock Victory had to stop due to engine trouble. USS Richey was detailed to escort her. They rejoined the convoy around 1930Q/20.

Around 1830Q/20, the Boston section of the convoy joined. This had departed Boston on the 19th and was made up of the following ships Bienville (American, 7626 GRT, built 1943), Hastings (American, 6065 GRT, built 1944), John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 21329 GRT, built 1905) and USS Lejeune (T/Capt. F.W. MacDonald, USN).

On departure from Boston this section was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Sellstrom (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Morrison, USCG with Cdr. J.H. Forney, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 23)), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Rhodes (Lt. A.C. Wagner, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Norton, USCGR).

At 0530O/24, the Cape Diamond had to stop due to engine trouble. USS Ramsden was detailed to escort her. They rejoined the convoy around 1800N/25.

At 0730N/26, in approximate position 47°49'N, 22°45'W, the Irish Sea section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following ships; Allatoona, Briar Creek, Churubusco, Empire Bounty, Fort Ridgley, French Creek, Paulus Hook, Wave Emperor and HMS Battler. USS Thomas W. Gary, USS Brister and USS Savage went with them as escorts.

Shortly before 1200A/28, to the west of Brest, the escort of the Channel section was reinforced by the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN).

At 0030A/1, HMCS Iroquois was detached.

At 0045A/1, the escort of the Channel section was further reinforced by the frigates HMCS New Waterford (T/A/Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Teme (T/Lt. D.P. Harvey, RCNVR), HMCS Loch Achanalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Hart, RCNVR), HMCS Loch Morlich (T/Lt. G.F. Crosby, RCNVR) and HMS Hotham (A/Lt.Cdr. S. Ayles, RNR).

At 0145A/1, the Pine Bluff and Sea Serpent were detached to Cherbourg escorted by HMCS New Waterford, HMCS Loch Achanalt and HMS Hotham.

At 0500A/1, the Edge Hill was detached to Southampton. Apparently unescorted.

At 0800A/1, the Cape Avinoff, Crow Wing, James Lykes, Lightning, Ocean Mail, Queenston Heights, Salmon Falls, Scotts Bluff and Waxhaws were detached to proceed to ports on the east coast of the U.K / Antwerp. They were escorted by HMS Tanatside and HMS Brissenden.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in Le Havre roads around 1330A/1. HMCS Teme and HMCS Loch Morlich were detached.

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The Irish Sea section had meanwhile proceeded towards the North Channel and was joined at 1635A/28, to the north of Ireland, in position 56°14'N, 07°59'W, by Force 33, which was made up of 4 corvettes of the 30th Escort Group; HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR), HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H. Hutchinson, RN), HMS Kenilworth Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.J. Allon, RNR) and HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR).

At 2345A/28, in position 55°08'N, 05°50'W the Empire Bounty was detached to Belfast escorted by USS Savage.

At 0500A/1, west of the Isle of Man, in position 54°04'N, 05°06'W the British support group Force 33 parted company.

At 0605A/1, in position 53°45'N, 05°08'W the Barry Roads section of the convoy was detached escorted by USS Brister. It arrived in the Bristol Channel late on the 1st.

USS Thomas W. Gary meanwhile continued with the Liverpool section, which included HMS Battler. The Liverpool section arrived at its destination in the afternoon of the 1st.

21 Feb 1945

Convoy UC 57A.

The Channel section of this convoy departed The Solent on 21 February 1945.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fetterman (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Memnon (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Wacosta (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Yellow Tavern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944).

On departure from The Solent the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS McDougal (T/Cdr. E.W. Logsdon, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.5, T/Capt. E.D. Poole, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Blair (Lt. W. Gadsby, Jr., USNR) and USS Martin H. Ray (Lt. H.V. Tucker, Jr., USNR).

Around 2245A/21, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined.

Around 0435A/22, the Santa Rosa and Sea Tiger parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 0745A/22, the Alcoa Pointer, Memnon and Waipawa parted company with the convoy to proceed up the Irish Sea. HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron went with them as escorts.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of four sections, coming from the Clyde, Belfast Lough, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Esso Camden (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944) and Paraguay (British, 7555 GRT, built 1944). The (midget) submarine tender HMS Bonaventure (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.R. Fell, DSC, OBE, RN) is also part of the Clyde Section. The Clyde Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Brough (Lt. M.A. Stein, USNR). The frigates HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and HMS Rupert (Lt. P.C.S. Black, RN) provided support for this section of the convoy.

The Belfast Lough Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Australia Star (British, 11122 GRT, built 1935) and Roxburgh Castle (British, 8003 GRT, built 1945). The Belfast Lough Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Hammann (Lt.Cdr. C.L. Gould, USNR).

Around 1700A/21, the Clyde Section and Belfast Lough Section joined company.

The Liverpool Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Carnifex Ferry (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Darro (British, 9733 GRT, built 1943), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Grand River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Mobile Bay (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Sandy Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and York (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943). The Liverpool Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Jacob Jones (Lt. Frank L. Sullivan, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 3, T/Cdr. C.W. Musgrave, USN, on board). The frigates HMS Byron (Lt. J.B. Burfield, DSC, RN), HMS Deane (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Brock, RCNVR) provided support for this section of the convoy. The frigate HMS Conn (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN) later joined as well.

Around 2300A/21, the Liverpool Section joined the Clyde / Belfast Lough Section. The five British frigates now proceeded to sweep ahead of the convoy for which they were joined around 0100A/22 by the frigates HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) and HMS Nyasaland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Scott, DSC, RNVR) from the 23rd Escort Group joined.

Around 0230A/22, HMS Conn, HMS Byron, HMS Deane, HMS Fitzroy and HMS Rupert set course to proceed to Belfast Lough. Three more frigates from the 23rd Escort Group joined; HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Loch Gorm (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Johnston, RNR).

Around 1025A/22, ' Force 34 ' joined, made up of ships of the 22nd Escort Group. This were the sloops HMS Hart (A/Cdr.(Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN), HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Symonds, DSC, RN), HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Wren (Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, DSC, RD, RNR).

The frigates of the 23rd Escort Group then parted company.

Around 1130A/22, the Bristol Channel Section of the convoy joined. This section had departed also on 21 February 1945 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aiken Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Chatterton Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), De Soto (American, 6165 GRT, built 1944), Delaires (American, 6509 GRT, built 1942), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Golden Fleece (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Jamaica Producer (British, 5464 GRT, built 1934), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1940), Pipiriki (British, 10057 GRT, built 1944), Pit River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943) . This section was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Robert E. Peary (Lt. D. McKinlay, Jr., USNR) and USS Roy O. Hale (Lt. H.C. Pogue, Jr., USNR).

Around 1300A/22, USS Jacob Jones parted company with the Irish Sea Section to return to Liverpool.

Around 1420A/22, ' Force 34 ' parted company with the Irish Sea Section.

Around 1530A/22, USS Roy O. Hale parted company with the Irish Sea Section to return to Milford Haven.

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Around 2300A/22, the Channel Section of the convoy was joined by the Irish Sea Section of the convoy.

Around 0335Z/25, the following ships parted company wih the convoy to proceed independently to their destinations;
HMS Bonaventure (arrived at Ponta Delgada on 26 February), Pipiriki (arrived in the Panama Canal zone on 6 March) and Roxburgh Castle (arrived at Buenos Aires on 12 March).

Around 0330P/2, in bad weather conditions, the following merchant vessels parted company wih the convoy to proceed independently to their destinations;
Jamaica Producer (arrived at Halifax on 3 March) and Midnight (arrived at New York on 5 March).

Around 0500P/2, USS Hammann and USS Robert E. Peary were detached to go to the assistance of two vessels in distress.

The convoy arrived at New York on 5 March. (87)

21 Feb 1945
Around 1700A/21, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with the English Channel Section of convoy UC 57A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UC 57A ' for 21 February 1945.] (61)

23 Feb 1945
Around 0810A/23, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from escort duties.

After having parted company with convoy UC 57A around 0745A/22, HMCS Iroquois had escorted ships to the Bristol Channel after which course was set for Plymouth. (61)

25 Feb 1945
Around 1600A/25, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with with the English Channel Section of convoy MKS 84(G) and the English Channel Section of convoy UC 58A.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy MKS 84(G) ' for 19 February 1945 and ' Convoy UC 58A ' for 26 February 1945.] (61)

26 Feb 1945

Convoy UC 58A.

The Channel section of this convoy departed St. Helens Roads around 1015A/26.

This section was made up of seven merchant vessels;
Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Hegra (Norwegian (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Marine Panther (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944) and four, so far not identified merchant vessels which were later to be detached to the Bristol Channel (Mumbles Roads).

On departure from St. Helens Roads the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Davis (T/Lt.Cdr. T.D. Cunningham, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.6, T/Capt. J.A. Glick, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Hurst (Lt. E.B. Winslow, USCG), USS Howard D. Crow (Lt. J.M. Nixon, USCG), USS Pettit (Lt. W.B. Rich, USCGR) and USS Koiner (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Judson, Jr., USN).

Around 1400A/26, they were joined by the following merchant vessels which came from Southend;
Bemis Heights (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Chesapeake Capes (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Markay (American (tanker), 10342 GRT, built 1942) and North Point (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944).
[Their escort, identity currently not known to us, did not the convoy.]

Around 1425A/26, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined.

Around 0235A/27, HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron parted company. They took the four, so far unidentified merchant vessels with them to escort them to the Bristol Channel (Mumbles Roads).

Around 0820A/27, USS Hurst and USS Koiner parted company to proceed to Southampton.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of three sections, coming from the Clyde, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 26 February and was made up of only one merchant vessel, the Cottonwood Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944). She was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Kretchmer (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Wing, USNR).

The Liverpool Section of the convoy departed on 26 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Clan Chattan (British, 9545 GRT, built 1944), Durham (British, 10893 GRT, built 1934), Fort Robinson (American (tanker, 10172 GRT, built 1945), Fort Schuyler (Dutch (tanker), 10297, built 1944) and Idaho Falls (American (tanker, 10448 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escort USS Marchand (Maynard F. Young, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 20, Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG, on board).

Around 1700A/26, the Clyde section joined the Liverpool section.

Around 2145A/26, the Fort Schuyler was detached to Milford Haven with engine trouble.

Around 2230A/26, two British escort vessels joined, this were the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) from the 23rd Escort Group.

Around 0300A/27, the Bristol Channel Section of the convoy joined but did immediately merged with the convoy due to the thick fog. By 1035A/27, the Sections had fully merged.

The British Channel Section had departed on 26 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943), Black Warrior (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), Bulkfuel (American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1944), Finnmark (Norwegian (tanker) 10297 GRT, built 1945), Memnon (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Mesa Verde (American (tanker) 10448 GRT, built 1944) and Prairie Grove (American (tanker) 10297 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Ricketts (Lt. L.F. Sudnik, USCG) and USS O'Reilly (Donald R. Shaul, USNR).

Around 0800A/27, HMS Montserrat and HMS Papua parted company.

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Around 1700A/27, the Channel Section and Irish Sea Section joined company.

Around 1820A/27, USS Marchand and USS O'Reilly parted company to proceed to Liverpool.

Around 1230N/3, the Clan Chattan and Durham were detached to proceed independently to their destination, Christobal, Panama Canal Zone where they arrived on 11 March.

Around 2025P/7, the Idaho Falls was detached to Port Arhur where she arrived on 14 March.

Around 1415Q/8, the Bemis Heights was detached to Baltimore where she arrived on 10 March.

Around 1430Q/8, the Alcoa Pointer was detached to Hampton Roads where she arrived on 9 March.

Around 0530Q/9, the Fort Robinson, Hegra, Mackay, Prairie Grove were detached to Philadelphia where they arrived later the same day.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York in the morning of 9 March. (88)

27 Feb 1945
Around 1715A/27, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) arrived at Falmouth from escort duty.

After having parted company with the Channel Section of convoy UC 58A, they had escorted four merchant vessels to the Bristol Channel and then proceeded to Falmouth. (61)

28 Feb 1945
Around 0525A/28, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Falmouth to join the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) which had departed Plymouth around 0200A/28.

HMCS Iroquois joined the escort destroyer around 1015A/28.

All three then joined convoy CU 59 shortly before 1200A/28.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 59 ' for 19 February 1945.] (89)

1 Mar 1945
Around 0520A/1, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty. (61)

2 Mar 1945
Around 1300A/2, ' Force 26 ', made up of the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (?), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) departed Plymouth for escort duty with convoy UC 58B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UC 58B ' for 2 March 1945. (90)

2 Mar 1945

Convoy UC 58B.

The Channel section of this convoy departed The Solent around 1100A/2.

This section was made up of 15 merchant vessels;
The troop transport (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) and naval troop tranports USS General W.H. Gordon (17811 GRT, built 1944) (Capt. R.E. Wood, USCG) and USS General William Weigel (17811 GRT, built 1945) (Capt. T.Y. Awalt, USCG) were among them. [The identity of the remaining 12 ships is currently not known to us.]

On departure from The Solent the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Koiner (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Judson, Jr., USN), USS Hurst (Lt. E.B. Winslow, USCG) and USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR).

Around 1325A/2, the frigates HMCS New Waterford (T/A/Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, DSC, RCNR) and HMCS Loch Morlich (T/Lt. G.F. Crosby, RCNVR) joined.

Around 1430A/2, the frigates HMCS Loch Achanalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Hart, RCNVR) and HMCS Teme (T/Lt. D.P. Harvey, RCNVR) joined.

Around 1910A/2, ' Force 26 ', made up of destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (?), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) joined.

Around 2355A/2, USS Ramsden parted company to escort three ships coming from Plymouth to the convoy. This were the following ships;
Troop transports Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927) and General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942). The landing ship HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Bromley, RNR) was also with them. They joined the convoy around 0150A/3. The corvettes HMS Narcissus (T/Lt. R. Stott, RNR) and HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RCNVR) also escorted the ships to the rendezvous and then returned to Plymouth.

Around 0245A/3, 13 ships, including HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte were detached to proceed up the Irish Sea. USS Ramsden and all the British and Canadian escorts went with them.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of three sections, coming from the Clyde, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 2 March and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Empire Paladin (British (tanker), 8141 GRT, built 1944) and Empire Paragon (British, 9888 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escort USS O'Reilly (Donald R. Shaul, USNR).

Around 1010A/2, ' Force 37 ', made up of the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.C.S. Garwood, RN), HMS Berry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Pirie, RNVR), HMS Cooke ( Lt. N.D. Cornwall, RN), HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR), HMS Essington (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.A. Lampard, RNVR) and HMS Rowley (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined.

Around 1745A/2, ' Force 37 ' parted company.

Around 1910A/2, the Liverpool section of the convoy joined. This had departed Liverpool on 2 March and was made up of the escort carriers USS Bogue (T/Capt. G.J. Dufek, USN) and USS Card (T/Capt. R.C. Young, Jr., USN) were also part of the Liverpool section. The Liverpool section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Marchand (Maynard F. Young, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 20, Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG, on board).

Around 2235A/2, the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) of the 23rd Escort Group joined the convoy.

Around 0325A/3, the Bristol Channel section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Chapel Hill Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Exminster (American, 6683 GRT, built 1944), Fort Schuyler (Dutch (tanker), 10297, built 1944), Malden Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) and Washington Express (Norwegian, 3643 GRT, built 1933). They were escorted to the rendezvous by four British escorts [so far unidentified] which did not join the convoy.

Around 1330A/3, the Empire Paragon parted company with engine trouble. She set course for Milford Haven escorted by HMS Papua.

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Around 1730A/3, the Channel section and Irish Sea section joined company. HMS Montserrat was then detached.

Around 2355Q/11, USS Bogue and USS Card parted company to proceed to Norfolk, Virginia escorted by USS Hurst.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York in the morning of 12 March. (91)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Malaya (Capt. J. Hughes-Hallett, DSO, RN) departed the Clyde area for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. H.R.A. Kidston, RN), HMS Inman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Petre, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).

Around 0215A/3, the escort was reinforced by HMS Geranium (T/Lt. C. Blackshaw, RNVR).

Around 1220A/3, HMS Geranium was detached.

Around 1315A/3, 'Force 26' joined the escort, it was made up of HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (?), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN).

HMS Malaya and her escorts arrived at Plymouth around 0830A/4. (92)

6 Mar 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) is taken in hand for some repairs and boiler cleaning at the Devonport Dockyard. (61)

16 Mar 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) carried out D/G trials off Plymouth.

Around 1600A/16, she departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (61)

18 Mar 1945
Around 0615A/18, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (61)

19 Mar 1945

Operation Cupola.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the southern entrance to the Askenvold anchorage (61°19'5"N, 05°04'E).

Around 1100A/19, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), light cruiser ana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, Senior Officer for the operation) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

They were to arrive in position 'AA' (61°52'N, 01°45'E) at 0700A/20 but bad weather was encountered on the way and the operation had to be postponed to the afternoon.

Around 1325A/20, the strike, composed of eight Avengers of 856 Squadron from HMS Premier and twenty Wildcats from HMS Searcher commenced flying off. They took departure at 1353A/20 from position 61°52'N, 01°54'E. Landfall was made at the correct location at 1420A/20, with the weather just beginning to lift on the coast and good visibility in the Leads. The Avengers turned north when over Bygdefeld, a conspicuous hill to the south of Askevold. The approach was made to the laying position unopposed, and at 1429A/20 seven mines were laid in the shipping channel, close south of Prestoy Island. One aircraft was unable to release its mine due to material failure and returned with it to the carrier.

The fighters, in close support, also experienced little resistance to their stafing of shore targets. All aircraft returnend safely to the carriers in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1350A/21.

Result of this operation was that the enemy had to divert shipping to pass to the west of Atloy Island resulting in an attack on a convoy by MTB's on March 26th. (93)

22 Mar 1945
Around 0700A/22, the escort carrier HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1500A/23.

She was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) which subsequently returned to Scapa Flow arriving back there around 0600A/24. (94)

24 Mar 1945

Operations Muscular and Prefix.

Object of these operations was to destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast.

Operation Prefix was a daylight strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.

Operation Muscular was a night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund.

Operation Prefix 2 was a daylight strike in an area which was to be decided upon while the operations were ongoing.

The force taking part in these operations was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN). This force departed Scapa Flow around 2000A/24.

No sizeable shipping was encountered during these operations. Two fighters attacks some merchant vessels and minesweepers. An attack by six to nine ME 109's was prevented and three were shot down by Wildcats and two more were damaged. During operation Prefix 2, two ships and flak position at Alesund and a W/T station at Vigra were attacked.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1015A/29. (95)

2 Apr 1945
In the evening HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) conducted excercises off Scapa Flow. (61)

3 Apr 1945

Operation Foxchase.

Anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between Lister and Stavanger.

Around 1000B/3, ' Force 3 ' made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Foxchase, an anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between the Lister Lighthouse and Stavanger.

Around 1640B/3, they reached the western end of the searched channel where speed was reduced. They then proceeded through the searched channel and turned south until 2115B/4 when course was altered to 090° to make Lister Light.

Around 2200B/3, an enemy aircraft approached and continued to shadow and orbit the force until about midnight. Lister Light was sighted around 2330B/3 and at 2345B/3 course was altered to 045°. At midnight course was altered to 000° and the sweep commenced.

Shortly before, HMS Zealous, which ship was responsible for plotting as the equipment in HMS Onslow was out of date, reported an echo bearing 059° at 25000 yards. This was plotted and it became obvious that a convoy was proceeding on a course of approximately 310° along the eastern edge of the minefield between Lister and Josing Fjord.

As the force had been shadowed for the last two hours, Capt. Browning thought that the convoy would most likely return to Lister or one of the numerous fjords in that area. But after plotting for about a quarter of an hour it became obvious that the convoy would emerge from the minefield around 0030B/3. Capt. Browning decided to attack the convoy at that time.

To attack Capt. Browning decided to bring ' Force 3 ' up the western edge of the minefield and then turn east along the northern edge. This would mean that the action would have to be fought in the narrow bit of water between the Siregrunden Shallows and the northern edge of the minefield.

Capt. Browning had reckoned that the convoy's course was 310°, speed 7 knots and it was his intention to get inshore of the convoy and do an attack on opposite courses, then leading round the stern of the convoy and attacking again from the seaward on similar courses.

At 0027, when the range had closed to 4000 yards the convoy was illuminated by HMCS Iroquois. This revealed four ships. The leading ship was a good sized motor vessel of about 3000 to 4000 tons. The second ship was about 1500 tons. The third ship was a tanker of about 5000 tons and the rear ships was about 1000 tons. Fire was opened and HMS Onslow soon hit the leading ship and HMCS Iroquois was seen to be hitting the 'tanker' with her fist salvo. The tanker immediately caught fire and HMCS Iroquois continued to hit it. HMS Zest was meanwhile engaging the rear ship and four straddles and three hits were observed from onboard HMS Onslow. HMS Zealous was engaging a trawler or M-class minesweeper. This was not observed from onboard HMS Onslow.

Shortly afterwards Capt. Browning realised that ' Force 3 ' had got inside the port screen of the convoy as they were now being fired upon. Also enemy shore batteries had joined in and enemy aircraft were dropping flares overhead. Things were getting 'warmer' and then two echoes were picked up close on the port side. These were thought to be enemy motor torpedo boats. At 0029B/4, Capt. Browning then turned to port and fired torpedoes at the convoy. HMS Zealous did not fire as she had no target in sight at that moment.HMS Zest and HMCS Iroquois also did not fire at that moment and when they realised that they could do so it was too late. From the torpedoes fired by HMS Onslow it was thought two had hit.

It was then the intention to open the range and then come in for another run against the convoy. However, at 0035B/4, HMCS Iroquois reported two U-boats 1500 yards on her starboard beam. Capt. Browning then decided to break off the action and it was hoped to catch another enemy convoy further to the west as before sailing Capt. Browning had been told that up to three convoys ran each way in a night.

' Force 3 ' then commenced a sweep to the north-west along the coast at 28 knots while keeping 5 miles from the shore.

At 0048B/4, off Egersund an echo was picked up which subsequently proceeded into Egersund harbour.

At 0107B/4, another echo was plotted and was shown to turn as if it was proceeding out between the known German deep minefields. This echo was visually seen to blow up with a tremendous splash and a very heavy explosion was reported from the engine rooms of all four destroyers. Immediately after this explosion the echo faded out. Shortly afterwards the big searchlight on Egero Point was switched on and commenced sweeping for ' Force 3 ' but it picked up and held two German motor torpedo boats which were running parallel to ' Force 3 ' about 7000 yards away. Unfortunately before fire could be opened the searchlight was switched off and the radar could not pick up the echoes as they were close under the land. From then on the sweep did not pick up further echoes.

The withdrawal was done so as not to give away the searched channel. A course of 300° was steered until 50 miles from the coast and then course was altered to pass through the searched channel.

Around 0630B/4, ' Force 3 ' was joined by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and course was set for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1300B/4. Also Mosquito's joined as fighter escort. HMS Dido had departed Scapa Flow around 2100B/3 to provide AA cover for ' Force 3 ' during the return trip.

The convoy attacked was made up of the merchant vessels Diana (1359 GRT, built 1922), Elmshorn (819 GRT, built 1940) and Eschenburg (976 GRT, built 1910). The were escorted by the minesweeper M 407, auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1706, UJ 1755, UJ 1756, auxiliary patrol vessel V 1812 and motor minesweeper R 404. The submarines U-299 and U-1163 were also operating in the area covering the convoy. At 0106B/4, (in Grid AN 3196, which is off Egersund), U-299 fired three torpedoes at two destroyers hearing two explosions. It was thought that a destroyer had been sunk but this was not the case. (96)

8 Apr 1945
Around 0800B/8, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 1800B/8. (97)

12 Apr 1945
Around 1730B/12, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Rosyth for the Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands. She is escorting 16 Russian submarine chasers [identity currently not known to us] which were to join convoy JW 66. (97)

16 Apr 1945

Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 66.

This convoy departed the Clyde around midnight during the night of 16/17 April 1945.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Kronprinsen (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

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

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by three groups;
Group I was made up of the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus (T/Lt. T.S. Cox, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR).

Group II was made up of the destroyer HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR).

Group III was made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi).

Around 1000B/17, the Flower-class corvettes of Group I proceeded ahead to the Faeroer Islands to fuel.

Around 1915B/17, HMS Allington Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow with steering defects. It was hoped that temporary repairs could be made quickly and that she could rejoin the convoy later but in the end this did not materialise.

Around 1130B/18, the escort carriers HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN) and destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN) joined coming from Greenock which they had departed around 1500B/17

Around 0745B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa were was detached to the Faeroer Islands to refuel as the weather conditions was considered unsuitable to refuel at sea.

Around 2040B/19, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) joined coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed around 1200B/18. On departure from Scapa Flow she had carried out exercises first on completion of which course was set to join the convoy.

Around 1310B/19, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron rejoined having completed fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

Also joining around the same time, coming from the Faeroer Islands, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) with them were sixteen Russian submarine chasers which now joined the convoy as well.

Around 2230B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa rejoined on completion of fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

In the early afternoon of 20 April, HNoMS Stord and HMS Zealous fuelled at sea from the Laurelwood and Black Ranger.

Around 0950B/21, the refuelling of the Russian submarine chasers by the Laurelwood and Black Ranger began. This was completed, except for two remaining, by 0100B/22. During refuelling operations HMCS Haida provided a lee.

Between 0500B/22 and 1300B/22, the two remaining Russian submarine chaser were refuelled by the Black Ranger.

During 22 April, HMS Zephyr, HMS Oxlip and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Laurelwood and HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois from the Black Ranger.

Around 0515B/25, the Russian local escort was detected ahead by radar and around 0640B/25, the White Sea (Archangelsk) section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Respect, Cecil N. Bean, David B. Johnson, Empire Garrick, John Gibbon, Keith Palmer, Lord Delaware, Nelson W. Aldrich, Relald Fernald, William D. Byron and William Tyler Page. This section was joined by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Valerian Kyubishev, Zarkij, Zostkij, Derzkij, Dostojnyj and a number of small craft. The White sea section arrived at Archangelsk on the 28th.

Around 0605B/25, the two Norwegian ships, Kong Haakon VII and Kronprinsen were detached to Kirkenes under the escort of the corvette HNoMS Eglantine which had just joined. They arrived at Kirkenes the following day.

Around 0655B/25, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest and HMS Zealous parted company to proceed to the ' flying off area ' in position 70°10'N, 36°10'E.

Meanwhile the 19th Escort Group, made up of the HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) were also sweeping in the approaches to the Kola Inlet to support the convoy. They had departed Scapa Flow around 2000B/17 and had proceeded direct to entrance of the Kola Inlet to patrol there in advance of the arrival of the convoy. They arrived in their patrol area around 1530B/22 and commenced patrolling.

The Murmansk section of the convoy, made up of the remaining merchant vessels, commenced entering the Kola Inlet in the afternoon of the 25th. The last ships of the escort entered the Kola Inlet in the second half of the evening of the 25th.

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Convoy RA 66.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet around 2300B/29.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonough (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

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

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron.

The 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton, HMS Goodall and HMS Anguilla had departed the Kola Inlet around 1900B/29 to sweep ahead of the convoy.

The 7th Escort Group, HMS Cygnet and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnwick Castle, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Lotus (this last one was temporary attached to the 7th Escort Group) departed around 1815B/29 also to sweep ahead of the convoy and then join it around 2300B/29 on leaving the Kola Inlet.

A 1856B/29, in position 065° - Syet Navalok - 3.7 nautical miles, HMS Loch Insh obtained a contact and two minutes later she attacked with Squid. An enemy submarine then surfaced which was engaged with gunfire by HMS Loch Insh, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Cotton and HMS Cygnet until it sank at 1904B/29. HMS Loch Insh then picked up 14 survivors from U-307 while being covered by HMS Cygnet and HMS Lotus. The remainder of the 19th Escort Group meanwhile proceeded to continue the A/S patrol ahead of the convoy.

At 1926B/29, in position 015° - Syet Navalok - 4 nautical miles, HMS Goodall obtained a good contact and three minutes later, while adjusting speed to attack with Hedgehog, she was hit by a torpedo abreast the bridge. HMS Loch Shin immediately turned towards, obtained a contact and attacked with Squid at 1943B/29 followed immediately by HMS Anguilla which attacked with depth charges. HMS Cotton then obtained contact and attacked with depth charges forcing the enemy submarine to bottom. Diesel oil and wreckage were then observed and another pattern of depth charges were dropped on the oil slick. It is considered that this U-boat was destroyed. This was indeed the case as U-287 is considered to have been sunk in these attacks. It is thought that this U-boat had attacked and sunk HMS Goodall.

HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle meanwhile took off the survivors of HMS Goodall and landed then at Vaenga. Some of them, which were fit to travel, were then embarked in HMS Vindex before departure.

At 2056B/29, in position 69°32'N, 34°00'E, a torpedo was seen to miss HMS Alnwick Castle which subsequently obtained a definite submarine contact and carried out two Squid attacks before contact was lost. This was most likely an attack by U-968 which reported attacking an escort vessel with two torpedoes around this time. HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Rhodondendron remained patrolling in the area but contact was not regained. It is not considered this U-boat was destroyed.

The convoy, escorted by the destroyers listed above, passed Toros Island around midnight during the night of 29/30 April having been delayed for an hour. The 7th Escort Group, less HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle joined the screen around 0023B/30. The 19th escort group joined the screen around 0241B/30.

At 0148B/30, HMS Zealous and HMS Zodiac were detached to follow up on a U-boat sighting by a Russian aircraft about 6 nautical miles to the north-eastward of the convoy and at 0253B/30, HMS Zodiac sighted the enemy which dived and was immdiately attacked. Contact was not regained following the attack but HMS Cotton and HMS Loch Shin were ordered to remain in the vicinity until HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona had passed.

Around 0300B/30, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona proceeded to overtake and join the convoy. They were met around 0440B/30 off Toros Island by all eight destroyers which had doubled back at high speed to escort them to the convoy.

Around 0800B/30, the convoy was detected by the radar on board HMS Vindex bearing 015° at a range of 32 miles. HMS Zest and HMCS Iroquois were then detached to proceed ahead and join the convoy which they did around 0935B/30. The other ships joined the convoy around 1345B/30.

On 1 May, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus and HMS Offa fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 1700B/2, in position 73°57'N, 12°39'E, the 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton and HMS Anguilla were detached with instructions to search for the destroyers HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) which were escorting the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941).

Also on 2 May, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Black Ranger.

While refuelling HMCS Huron, the Black Ranger switched over tanks and passed over 20 tons of water which put out the boiler fires on board HMCS Huron which then came to a halt at 2140B/2. HNoMS Stord and HMS Offa went to her assistance and carried out an A/S patrol around the stricken destroyer until she was able to get underway around 2214B/2.

Around 1755B/3, when in position 72°22'N, 01°27'E, HMS Bellona reported an unidenified aircraft bearing 165° at a range of 18 nautical miles. Fighters were scrambled and the aircraft turned out to be a JU 88 which was heavily damaged before it was able to retire into the clouds at 1845B/3.

Also on 3 May, HNoMS Stord, HMS Zealous, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Oxlip fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 0900B/4, in position 69°48'N, 00°12'W, HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell and the Blue Ranger joined the convoy.

At 1347B/4, HMS Bellona, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa and HMS Obedient were ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow at best speed. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1600B/5. Due to a decyphering error HMS Bellona was not detached but she followed at 1724B/4. She arrived at Scapa Flow, actually just ahead of the destroyers, around 1545B/5.

Also during 4 May, HMCS Huron fuelled from the Blue Ranger.

Around 1500B/6, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Orwell parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they (except for HMS Orwell, see below) arrived around 2330B/6. Around 1945B/6, HMS Orwell was detached to rejoin the convoy and then escort the Black Ranger and Blue Ranger to Scapa Flow together with the A/S trawler HMS Preston North End (T/Lt. E. Winebloom, RNVR). These ships parted company with the convoy around 2030B/6.

Around 0650B/7, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Stalwart, Fort Boise, Fort Massac and Fort Yukon. They were escorted by HMS Lotus.

Around 1240B/7, HMS Lotus rejoined the convoy.

Around 1855B/7, the 30th Escort Group joined. This Escort Group was made up of the frigate HMS Byron (Lt. J. Burfield, RN) and the corvettes HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR).

Around 2125B/7, HMS Lotus was detached to Londonderry where she arrived on the 8th.

Around 0340B/8, the 30th Escort Group parted company.

Around 1130B/8, the convoy arrived in the Clyde.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 8 May 1945. (98)

9 May 1945
Around 2120B/9, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) and destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where they arrived around 0730B/10. (99)

11 May 1945

Operation Kingdom.

The object of this operation was to transport the Norwegian Crown Prince, together with Norwegian Government officials and military commanders and also members of the Allied Shaef mission (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force).

For this operation the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), fast minelayers HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN), HMS Ariadne (Capt. F.B. Lloyd, OBE, RN), destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Campbell (Lt. B.W. Meaden, RN), escort destroyer HNoMS Arendal departed Rosyth around 1630B/11. They arrived at Oslo in the afternoon of the 13th.

The were swept in by the minesweepers HMS Catherine (Cdr. Kenneth Hillam Fraser, RN), 6541 HMS Cynthia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.L. Chatwin, RNVR), HMS Elfreda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L. Jolly, RNVR), HMS Grecian (T/A/Cdr. C.R. Fraser, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Gazelle (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN), HMS Maenad (Cdr. C.E. Duggan, RD, RNR), HMS Steadfast (T/A/Lt. A.H. Hall, RNVR) and HMS Tattoo (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR) which had come from Copenhagen. (100)

18 May 1945
Around 1845B/18, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Oslo for Copenhagen. (101)

19 May 1945
Around 1700B/19, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Copenhagen from Oslo.

During passage of Swedish territorial waters they had first been escorted by the Swedish destroyer Karlskrona and later by the destroyers Ehrensköld and Nordenskjöld. (101)

24 May 1945
Around 1230B/24, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Copenhagen escorting the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen and light cruiser Nürnberg to Wilhelmshaven.

During the passage through Swedish territorial waters they were escorted by the Swedish destroyer Norrköping.

HMS Devonshire and HMS Dido parted company around 0800B/26 west of Helgoland in position 54°10'N, 07°21'E and then set course for Rosyth.

The German cruisers continued on to Wilhelmshaven escorted by HMCS Iroquois and HMS Savage. They arrived at Wilhelmshaven around 1700B/26. (102)

27 May 1945
Around 1645B/27, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Wilhelmshaven.

Around 1950B/27, they were joined by the minesweeper Hound (Cdr. A.D. Holden, OBE, RNZNR).

Around 2300B/27, HMS Hound parted company with the destroyers.

Around 1300B/28, the destroyers parted company with each other. (61)

28 May 1945
Around 2240B/28, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Rosyth. (61)

29 May 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) proceeded from Rosyth to Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day. She left Scapa Flow for the Clyde even later on the 29th. (103)

30 May 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived in the Clyde from Scapa Flow. (103)

4 Jun 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed the Clyde for St. John's, Newfoundland. (103)

8 Jun 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland from the Clyde. (103)

9 Jun 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed St. John's, Newfoundland for Halifax. (103)

10 Jun 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Halifax from St. John's, Newfoundland. At Halifax she is taken in hand for refit. (103)

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