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Notable events involving Mallow include:

9 Jul 1940

Convoy SL 39.

This convoy departed Freetown on 9 July 1940.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alioth (Durch, 4583 GRT, built 1937), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Borgland (Norwegian, 3636 GRT, built 1918), British Advocate (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), British Strength (British (tanker), 7139 GRT, built 1931), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Dundee (British, 5273 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacIndoe (British, 4635 GRT, built 1920), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1925), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Elg (British, 4014 GRT, built 1930), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Henzada (British, 4161 GRT, built 1934), Kioto (British, 3297 GRT, built 1918), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Limbourg (Belgium, 2396 GRT, built 1938), Makalla (British, 6677 GRT, built 1918), Malaya (British, 8654 GRT, built 1921), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Mount Athos (Greek, 3578 GRT, built 1913), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Olga S. (British (former Danish), 2252 GRT, built 1938), Onoba (British (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Orfor (British, 6578 GRT, built 1921), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Salamaua (British, 6754 GRT, built 1920), Samnager (Norwegian, 4276 GRT, built 1918), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sydland (Swedish, 5134 GRT, built 1920), Tewkesbury (British, 4600 GRT, built 1927), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926) and Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937).

The convoy departed Freetown around 0600N/9, seven of these transports sailed around 1800N/9 to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN).

At 0302N/10, in bad weather, HMS Hermes (A/Rear-Admiral R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) and HMS Corfu collided with each other. The ships got stuck together and only came loose around 0520N/10. Most of the crew of the heavily damaged Corfu had evacuated to the Hermes but later the engine room staff returned. HMS Hermes then proceeded to Freetown while HMS Corfu got underway for Freetown also at dead slow speed and proceeding astern under escort by HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN).

Around 1900N/10, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Freetown to take over the escort duties as HMS Corfu was unable to continue. She joined the convoy around 1830N/11.

On 19 July [date to be checked, no mention of them joining in the log of HMS Dunvegan Castle] convoy SLF 39, made up of the transports Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Autolycus (British, 7621 GRT, built 1922), City of Brisbane (British, 8006 GRT, built 1920), City of Canberra (British, 7484 GRT, built 1927), City of Marseilles (British, 8317 GRT, built 1913), Clan Colcuhoun (British, 7914 grt, built 1918), Clan MacPherson (British, 6940 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Jamaica (Norwegian, 3105 GRT, built 1936), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Nestor (British, 14629 GRT, built 1913), Seaforth (British, 5459 GRT, built 1939), Titan (British, 9035 GRT, built 1906) and Yoma (British, 8131 GRT, built 1928) merged with convoy SL 39. This convoy had departed Freetown on 11 July 1940. Due to the damage to HMS Corfu this convoy had been unescorted. It had originally been intended to had it escorted by HMS Dunvegan Castle.

Around 0800A/25, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and corvette HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1015A/25, the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN) joined. HMS Dunvegan Castle then parted company to proceed to Greenock.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 29 July 1940.

23 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 60.

This convoy departed Halifax on 23 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oriole (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Andrea Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 10173 GRT, built 1940), Baron Minto (British, 4637 GRT, built 1937), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Beatus (British, 4885 GRT, built 1925), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Belcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Bilderdijk (Dutch, 6856 GRT, built 1922), British General (British (tanker), 6989 GRT, built 1922), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Clumberhall (British, 5198 GRT, built 1930), Dalblair (British, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938)), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Springbuck (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Graigwen (British, 3697 GRT, built 1926), Heron (British (trawler), 355 GRT, built 1919), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), King Idwal (British, 5115 GRT, built 1920), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loch Lomond (British, 5452 GRT, built 1934), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Papalemos (Greek, 3748 GRT, built 1910), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), San Marcos (British, 5759 GRT, built 1919), Saturnus (Dutch, 2741 GRT, built 1909), Sea Giant (British (tug), 778 GRT, built 1920), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Tafelberg (South African (whale factory ship serving as tanker), 13640 GRT, built 1930), Thala (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Thornlea (British, 4261 GRT, built 1929), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) and W. Hendrik (British, 4360 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. H.G. Norman, RN), destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and auxliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS Ottawa and HMCS French were to part company half an hour after sunset on 23 July and then return to Halifax.

During the passage to the U.K. the following ships straggled from the convoy [dates and positions are not given in the convoy report.];
Heron, Levant, Papalemos, Porjus and Sea Giant. The Porjus rejoined the convoy later (4 August). Also the Lewant must have rejoined the convoy before that time.

Around 1000P/27, in position 40°53'N, 46°17'W, convoy BHX 60 joined convoy HX 60. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Amastra (British (tanker), 8031 GRT, built 1935), Anglo Peruvian (British, 5457 GRT, built 1926), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Boka (Panamanian, 5399 GRT, built 1920), Catrine (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dalfonn (British (tanker), 9860 GRT, built 1928), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Indora (British, 6622 GRT, built 1938), Rosewood (British (tanker), 5989 GRT, built 1931), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928) and Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939).

Around 0315A/4, red rockets were observed and it became apparent that an enemy submarine had attacked the convoy. Two ships had been hit of which the King Alfred broke in two, the forepart sinking immediately. The aft part remained floating for a while. The other ship torpedoed was the Gogovale which remained afloat for a while before sinking. The attacking submarine had been the U-52.

Around 0510A/4, the convoy was joined by the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and the destroyer HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN).

Around 0543A/4, HMS Vanoc was ordered to proceed to the assistance of the torpedoed ships. She picked up survivors and scuttled the aft part of the King Alfred and then made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 0545A/4, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) joined the convoy.

Around 0820A/4, the convoy executed an emergency turn of 90° to port and a few minutes later it was reported that the Geraldine Mary had been torpedoed. Following this attack HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent dropped depth charges on A/S contacts. During this time, the attacker, once again U 52 was depth charged and sustained damage.

Around 1014A/4, the Geraldine Mary broke in two with the after end sinking immediately and the fore end partly submered bottom up.

Around 1120A/4, HMS Vanoc was sighted and at 1217A/4, she and HMCS St. Laurent were ordered to keep an A/S patrol in the area while HMS Sandwich picked up survivors. [HMS Vanoc also picked up four.]

At 1223A/4, HMS Vanoc reported that she was short of fuel so she was ordered to rejoin the now unescorted convoy.

At 1233A/4, HMCS St. Laurent was ordered to continue to search the area for the attacker and also to scuttle the still drifting forepart of the Geraldine Mary.

At 1311A/4, the C-in-C, Western Approaches ordered the corvettes HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) and HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) to sweep to position 56°59'N, 16°32'W and then take over the escort of the damaged Gogovale, which was thought to be salvageable, from HMS Vanoc. Also the rescue tug HMS Brigand departed Kirkwall to tow the damaged Gogovale to the Clyde.

At 1316A/4, HMS Sandwich, having picked up 30 survivors, made off to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1510A/4, HMS Sandwich saw HMCS St. Laurent was seen approaching. She had to abandon the A/S search due to fuel shortage.

Around 2000A/4, HMS Sandwich rejoined the convoy. The convoy escort was now made up of HMS Sandwich, HMCS St. Laurent and HMS Vanoc. Besides these ships, two additional destroyers had meanwhile joined the convoy, this were HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN).

Around 1645A/5, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 60A was destined for Methil (arrived on 8 August 1940 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amastra, Anglo-Peruvian, Beatus, Beaverhill, Belcrest, Boka, British General, Catrine, Clea, Dalblair, Llanishen, Loch Lomond, Maasdam, Rosewood (arrived at Scapa Flow on 8 August), Saturnus, Scottish Heather (arrived at Invergordon on 11(?) August) and Uganda. This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Sandwich and HMCS St. Laurent which both arrived at Rosyth on 8 August.

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Convoy HX 60B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
American Oreole (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Andrea Brovig (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Athelviscount (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Baron Minto (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bassano (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Bilderdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Cape Nelson (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Clumberhall (arrived at Newport on 9 August), Custodian (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Dalfonn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Daphnella (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Davila (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Dromore (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Empire Springbuck (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Explorer (arrived at Liverpool on 7 / 8 August), Graigwen (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Indora (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), King Idwal (arrived at Swansea on 8 August), Langleetarn (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lewant (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Lyras (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Margarita Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Moveria (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Olaf Bergh (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Porjus (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Ringstad (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), San Felix (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), San Marcos (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), Simonburg (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 August), Tafelberg (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August), Thala (arrived in Barry Roads on 7 August), Thornlea (arrived in Belfast Lough on 6 August), Solfonn (arrived in the Clyde on 6 August) and W. Hendrik (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Mackay (arrived at Liverpool on 7 August), HMS Vanoc (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August) and HMS Winchelsea (arrived at Liverpool on 6 August). (1)

27 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 61.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 July 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Vanquisher also at Liverpool on 11 August. (2)

8 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 64.

This convoy departed Halifax on 8 August 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Convoy HX 64B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algerian (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Aracataca (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Athelchief (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Anna Bulgaris (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Athlmonarch (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Baron Jedburg (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Biafra (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Blommersdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Bradburn (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Brant County (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Canada (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cape Corso (arrived at Newport on 24 August), Chr. J. Kampmann (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Cistula (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Corair (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Empire Mariner (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Eulima (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Flensburg (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), George J. Goulandris (arrived at Port Talbot on 25 August), Halcyon (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Harbury (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), James J. Maguire (arrived at Avonmouth on 25 August), Lombardy (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Manistee (arrived in the Clyde on 22 August), Orient City (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Pacific (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August), Rajahstan (arrived at Newport on 25 August), Siljan (arrived at Liverpool on 23 August) and Stad Alkmaar (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 August). They were escorted by HMS Warwick and HMS Mallow which both arrived at Liverpool on 23 August. (3)

20 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 67.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 August 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 Nov 1940

Convoy HX 87.

This convoy departed Halifax on 14 November 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Edwy R. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Kelso (British, 3956 GRT, built 1924), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Nemea (Greek, 5101 GRT, built 1919), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Ostende (Belgian, 4528 GRT, built 1903), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935) and Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) and HMCS St.Francis (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Pullen, RCN).

Around 1700Q/15, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

The Sydney section of the convoy (SHX 87) was to join around 1200Q/16 but it would take about a day before all ships had joined due to the thick fog encountered around this time. The Sydney section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), Hel (Polish, 1066 GRT, buil 1935), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Thirlby (British, 4888 GRT, built 1928) and Weirbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925).

At dawn on 22 November 1940, some ships were missing from the convoy but all except the Rockpool managed to rejoin the convoy. The Rockpool arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland with weather damage on 26 November 1940.

Around 1030O/22, the merchant vessels Helle (Norwegian, 2467 GRT, built 1918) and Michalis (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1919) joined after they had become separated from convoy HX 88 in fog.

At dawn on the 24th, the Brant County (arrived in the Clyde on 28 November 1940), Helle (arrived in the Clyde on 28 November 1940) and Nemea (arrived at Liverpool on 29 November 1940) were seen to be missing from the convoy.

At dawn on the 25th, the Barrington Court and Selvik were seen to be missing from the convoy. They both arrived independently at Oban [exact date not known but possibly 2 December 1940].

Around 1100N/25, in position 55°02'N, 21°41'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1315Z/26, in position 55°50'N, 18°18'W, the Charles F. Meyer straggled from the convoy due to engine trouble. At 1220A/26, she reported having been attacked and damaged by a U-boat in position 56°00'N, 13°52'W. The destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN) and HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) reported at 1244A/26 being in position 55°31'N, 15°11'W. HMS Verity was then detached to go to the aid of the damaged tanker but eventually could not find her [HMS Verity's signal timed 1931A/27]. At 1206A/28, the Charles F. Meyer reported that she was still being chased by the enemy submarine in position 55°33'N, 08°47'W but that the enemy was now dropping astern. Another submarine report was made by the Charles F. Meyer at 2145A/28 but this was false and soon cancelled. On 2 December 1940, it was reported that the damaged Charles F. Meyer had meanwhile arrived safely at Rothesay Bay. The attacker of the Charles F. Meyer must have been the German submarine U-104 which failed to return from patrol and is thought to have been mined in minefield SN 44 in approximate position 55°30'N, 08°00'W shortly afterwards. [This minefield had been laid by the 1st Minelaying Squadron on 8 November 1940.]

Around 1600Z/26, in approximate position 56°00'N, 17°00'W, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy as A/S escort.

Also part of the A/S escort were the destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR) and HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR). [No further details are given in the convoy report.] HMS Broke, HMS Anemone and HMS Mallow were detached on 27 November 1940 to convoy HX 88.

On 28 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Augvald, Barrdale, Bradburn, Gitano, Hercules, Kelso and Nyanza.

On 28 (29 ?) November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Generton, Hel, Nicolaou Virginia, Ostende and Rapana.

On 28 November 1940, the following Thirlby arrived in Belfast Lough.

On 29 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Corner Brook, Edward F. Johnson, El Mirlo, John A. Brown, Lekhaven, Michalis and Weirbank.

On 20 November 1940, the following merchant vessels arrived in Barry Roads; Acavus, Edwy R. Brown, Montreal City and Narragansett.

Of the escort; HMS Havelock, HMS Hesperus and HMS Hurricane arrived at Liverpool on 29 November 1940. HMS Witherington arrived there on 30 November 1940. (5)

17 Nov 1940
HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) picks up 18 survivors from the British merchant Saint Germain that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-137 north-north-west of Tory Island in position 55°40'N, 08°40'W.

10 Dec 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR) and HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR). (6)

11 Dec 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR). (6)

15 Mar 1941

Convoy HG 56.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 15 March 1941 and arrived in U.K. waters on 1 April 1941.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Aymeric (British, 5196 GRT, built 1919), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Baron Nairn (British, 3164 GRT, built 1925), Baron Pentland (British, 3410 GRT, built 1927), Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927), Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937), Cressado (British, 1228 GRT, built 1913), Dayrose (British, 4113 GRT, built 1928), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Fendris (British, 1018 GRT, built 1925), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 19341927), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 1927), Magne (Swedish, 3103 GRT, built 1912), Margareta (British, 1173 GRT, built 1904), Ocean Coast (British, 1173 GRT, built 1935), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Procris (British, 1033 GRT, built 1924), Rhineland (British, 1381 GRT, built 1922), Rimfakse (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1921), Thurso (British, 2436 GRT, built 1919), Treminnard (British, 4964 GRT, built 1922), Ulea (British, 1574 GRT, built 1936), Uskside (British, 2708 GRT, built 1937) and Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919).

[It is possible some of these ships did not sail from Freetown but joined the convoy at sea.]

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Folkestone (Lt.Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and the submarine HMS Olympus (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dymott, RN).

HMS Velox, HMS Geranium and HMS Verbena parted company on 16 March to return to Gibraltar.

The light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) joined the convoy around 0900Z/23.

At 1600Z/24, HMS Olympus parted company with the convoy and proceeded to join convoy OG 56.

Around 1130Z/25, the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0800Z/27, the destroyer HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou) and Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) joined the convoy.

Around 1000Z/27, the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1700Z/27, the destroyers HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR) and rescue ship Zaafaran (1559 GRT, built 1921) joined.

Around 0930A/29, the destroyer HMS Broadwater (Lt.Cdr. W.M.L. Astwood, RN) joined the convoy.

9 Apr 1941

Convoy SC 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 April for Liverpool where it arrived on 28 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aeas (Greek, 4729 GRT, built 1915), Akabahra (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1929), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Anna Bulgaris (Greek, 4603 GRT, built 1912), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Despina (Greek, 3016 GRT, built 1907), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Euthalia (Greek, 3553 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Katvaldis (British, 3163 GRT, built 1907), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kisnop (British, 5874 GRT, built 1919), Manatee (British, 5948 GRT, built 1920), Matronna (Greek, 2846 GRT, built 1902), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Prins Willem van Oranje (Dutch, 1303 GRT, built 1918), Rossum (Dutch, 2118 GRT, built 1928), Runswick (British, 3970 GRT, built 1930), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924) and West Amargosa (British, 5462 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN).

Around 1615Q/11, the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0915P/13, the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived in the vicinity of the convoy. The battleship provided cover for both the convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

In the morning of the 13th, the Runswick dropped out of the convoy. HMS Chital doubled back for her but she was not seen again.

In the afternoon of the 18th, the Bernhard dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

In the morning of the 19th, the Kisnop dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1720P/19, HMS Talisman left the convoy to return to Halifax.

Also on the 19th, convoys HX 120 and SC 28 closed and from then until the 24th they remained in close company of each other.

Around 1900O/20, HMS Royal Sovereign left the vicinity near the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/21, HMS Chital left the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik.

When Chitral left the destroyer HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN) and several other escort vessels (identity currently not known to us, further research is required) joined convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

On 24 April 1941 the destroyer HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN) and HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, RN) joined the convoy. The minesweepers departed later the same day. On the 26th, corvette HMS Mallow was detached. The destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) joined on the 27th.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on the 28th.

30 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 124.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 20 May 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Alchiba (British, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Echodale (British (tanker), 8150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Steel (British (tanker), 8138 GRT, built 1941), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Morska Wola (Polish, 3208 GRT, built 1924), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached later the same day.

On 2 May the convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). She detached from the convoy on 9 May.

On 11 May the destroyer HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) joined the convoy

On 12 May the destroyers HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR), HMS Notts County (T/S.Lt. R.H. Hampton, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0600Z/13, the destroyers HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1715Z/14 the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyers HMS Scimitar, HMS Malcolm, corvettes HMS Aubretia, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Hollyhock, HMS Mallow, HMS Nigella, HMS Verbena, HMS Veronica and all the A/S trawlers were detached on 14 May.

Around 1200Z/15, the tanker British Industry and the transport Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923) [from convoy SC-30] were detached to Reykjavik escorted by HMS Mallow and HMS Verbena.

HMS Circassia, HMS Watchman and HMS Burwell were detached around 1810Z/15 while on the same day the destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), minesweepers HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Niger (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), and catapult ship Ariguani joined the escort.

On 18 May the destroyer HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy. Also on this day HMS Leamington and HMS Anemone were detached.

On 19 May the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined the escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 20 May 1941.

19 Oct 1941
German U-boat U-204 was sunk near Tangier, in position 35°46'N, 06°02'W, by depth charges from the British corvette HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN).

26 Nov 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. W.A. Phillimore, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, RNR). (7)

8 Nov 1942

Convoy KMS 3.

This convoy departed the U.K. (Clyde) on 8 November 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Alexander Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Baltonia (British, 2013 GRT, built 1925), Begum (British, 5843 GRT, built 1922), Belgian Seaman (Belgian, 7023 GRT, built 1941), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Bretwalda (British, 4906 GRT, built 1939), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Cardium (British (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1931), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), City of Venice (British, 8762 GRT, built 1924), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Dahomain (British, 5277 GRT, built 1929), Eastern City (British, 5185 GRT, built 1941), Empire Banner (British, 6699 GRT, built 1942), Empire Centaur (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Empire Webster (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Babine (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chilcotin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Hindustan (British, 5245 GRT, built 1940), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Kong Sverre (Norwegian, 7238 GRT, built 1941) Luther Martin (British, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mobile City (British, 6157 GRT, built 1920), Ocean Coast (British, 1173 GRT, built 1935), Ocean Pelgrim (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Victory (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wayfarer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Prins Harald (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1942), Rajput (British, 5497 GRT, built 1925), Tawali (Dutch, 8178 GRT, built 1931), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Trentbank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Troubadour (British, 5808 GRT, built 1920) and William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The tanker British Chivaldry (British, 7118 GRT, built 1929) was also with the convoy as escort oiler.

The boom carrier HMS Leonian (5424 GRT, built 1936) (A/Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Lundy, OBE, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from the U.K. the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. H.D. Horwood, RD, RNR), HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR), HMS Myosotis (Lt. G.P.S. Lowe, RNVR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. W.E. Harrison, RCNVR) and HMCS Weyburn (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.M.W. Golby, RCNR).

On 20 November 1942, to the West of Gibraltar, the convoy was attacked by the German submarine U-263 which managed to torpedo and sink the Grangepark and Prins Harald.

On 21 November 1942, the Gibraltar section of the convoy of five transports [identity to follow] parted company as did HMS Fowey, HMS Black Swan, HMS Carnation, HMS La Malouine, HMS Mallow and HMS Myosotis. HMCS Lunenburg also proceeded to Gribraltar with defects to her Asdic installation. After repairs she departed again later the same day to rejoin the convoy. The transport Hindustan also made a short stop at Gibraltar before rejoining the convoy.

On 21 November the RFA tankers Dingledale and Brown Ranger departed Gibraltar to join the convoy as did the destroyers HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Stewart, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), sloops HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN) and the corvettes HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR).

On 23 November the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN), HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) coming from Oran. They had conducted an A/S sweep while en-route to join the convoy.

The AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN) joined the convoy on 23 November 1942 coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. The minesweepers HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR) and HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR) also joined the convoy at some time.

The convoy was later split up into several sections, for Oran, Algiers, Bougie and Bone.

The Oran Section of 11 ships and HMS Leonian arrived there (around 1030A) on 23 November 1942 escorted by HMS Quality, HMS Quentin and HMAS Quiberon.

On 24 November German aircraft torpedoed and sank the Trentbank (which was to proceed to Bougie) in position 36°40'N, 01°11'E.

The Algiers Section arrived there on 24 November 1942 escorted by HMS Alynbank, HMS Enchantress, HMS Coreopsis, HMS Jonquil, HMS Brixham and HMS Polruan.

The convoy was joined on 24 November by some escorts coming from Algiers. These were the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN), HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN) and the corvettes HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR). Also the motor minesweepers HM MMS 9, HM MMS 47, HM MMS 80, HM MMS 81, HM MMS 135 and HM MMS 184 joined the convoy for passage to Bone.

The Bougie section of KMS 3 arrived there on 25 November 1942. [Details to follow.]

The Bone section of KMS 3 was attacked by enemy aircraft near Cap de Fer around 1400A/25. No damage was reported.

The Bone section of KMS 3 arrived there on 26 November 1942. [Details to follow.]

12 Jan 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed Rothesay for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR). (8)

1 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR), HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSC, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR). (9)

2 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSC, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR). (9)

3 Feb 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNVR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR) and HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR). (10)

5 Feb 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Mallow (Lt. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR). (10)

23 Mar 1943
HMS H 28 (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Dianthus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and USS Spencer. (11)

25 Mar 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR). (12)

26 Mar 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR), HMS Keppel (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) and HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR). (13)

21 May 1943

Combined convoy OS 48 / KMS 15G.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 21 May 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Boronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), City of Adelaide (British, 6589 GRT, built 1920), City of Canberra (British, 7484 GRT, built 1927), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1925), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Empire Livingstone (British, 6997 GRT, built 1941), Empire Miranda (British, 7054 GRT, built 1943), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stanley (British, 6921 GRT, built 1941), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Trumpet (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lac La Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Incomati (British, 7369 GRT, built 1934), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), John Vining (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Kaituna (British, 4914 GRT, built 1938), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915), Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Panaghis (Greek, 5187 GRT, built 1920), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942), Wearpool (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

The RFA tanker Celerol (British (tanker), 2649 GRT, built 1917) was also with the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR), HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR). The minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN), which was en-route to the Mediterranean Station was also part of the escort.

Distant cover during part of the convoy's passage was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the destroyer ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) which had departed Plymouth on 23 May.

On 29 May the merchant vessels; Empire Envoy (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Forest (British, 7025 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and another merchant vessel (?) joined coming from Gibraltar. They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), corvette HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR).

The convoy then split up shortly afterwards.

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Convoy KMS 15G proceeded to Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Baron Herries, Benjamin Williams, Bradford City, City of Adelaide, City of Canberra, City of Khios, Clan MacIver, Dalhanna, Duke of Sparta, Empire Miranda, Empire Prospero, Empire Rosalind, Empire Splendour, Empire Stanley, Empire Sunbeam, Empire Tide, Empire Trumpet, Fort Churchill, Fort Finlay, Fort Lac La Ronge, George Chamberlain, Hardingham, Industria, Investor, John Vining, Kaituna, Kindat, Madras City, Nairung, Ocean Valour, Ocean Vista, Ocean Wanderer, Pundit, Regin, Vancouver City and Wearpool.

RFA tanker Celerol was also with them.

They were escorted by HMS Alynbank, HMS Lauderdale, HMS Sharpshooter, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS Convolvulus and HMS Foxtrot.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 30 May 1943.

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Convoy OS 48 proceeded to Freetown. This convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Baronesa, Delane, Empire Livingstone, Empire Trent, Fort Jemseg, Fort Steele, Hermiston, Historian, Incomati, Johilla, Lodestone, Margalau, Narbada, Nela, Panaghis, Port Melbourne, Rookley, Stuyvesant, Thysville, Tudor Star, Urlana and Zypenberg.

Shortly after the convoy's had split five more merchant vessels joined the convoy; Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) coming from Casablanca. They were escorted by ?. [ADM 199/639 gives the escort as the sloop HMS Folkestone but this ship was refitting in the UK so this can't be correct.]

And there was also the Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) which joined coming from Safi.

After the convoy's split, convoy OS 48 was escorted by HMS Fowey, HMS Campion, HMS La Malouine, HMS Mallow, HMS Myosotis, HMS Stonecrop.

During the passage the merchant ships Empire Barrie and Fort Steele were detached to Dakar.

The merchant vessel Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Dakar.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 7 June 1943.

11 Jun 1943
Argo conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN), HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR) and HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR). (14)

13 Jun 1943

Convoy SL 131.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 June 1943.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1943 where it split into several sections which then proceeded to their repective destinations. (15)

17 Jul 1943
HMS Proteus (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN) and HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR). (16)

19 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN). (17)

19 Jul 1943

Combined convoy OS 52 / KMS 21G.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 19 July 1943.

On assembly it was made up of the transports; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), Bothnia (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Contractor (British, 6004 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), El Argentino (British, 9501 GRT, built 1928), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glen (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Empire Kingsley (British, 6996 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mountain (British, 2906 GRT, built 1943), Empire Samson (British (tug), 261 GRT, built 1943), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Fernhill (British, 4116 GRT, built 1926), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Forresbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Fort Brule (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Buffalo (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Enterprise (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Longueuil (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Wringley (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Highwear (British, 1173 GRT, built 1936), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Hughli (British, 6589 GRT, built 1943), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kofresi (British, 4934 GRT, built 1920), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Lwow (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Madalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Nurjehan (British, 5424 GRT, built 1923), Ocean Vigour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2870 GRT, built 1940), Parklaan (Dutch, 3807 GRT, built 1911), Pegu (British, 7838 GRT, built 1943), Recorder (British, 2276 GRT, built 1902), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922), Spurt (Norwegian, 2061 GRT, built 1918), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN), frigate HMS Berry (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

Later the escort was reinforced with the corvette HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR) which departed Liverpool on 24 July 1942 to overtake the convoy. She proceeded via the south of Ireland.

The merchant vessels Antilochus and Highwear were forced to return due to defects.

On 26 July 1943, the convoy was attack by German Focke-Wulf reconnaissance aircraft which managed to sink the El Argentino in position 39°50'N, 13°36'W. The Empire Brutus was damaged shortly afterwards and was taken in tow by the tug Empire Samson towards Lisbon. They were escorted by HMS Jonquil. They arrived at Lisbon on 30 July.

On 27 July 1943, the convoy was again attacked by German aircraft and the Halizone was damaged in position 38°04'N, 12°59'W. She finally sank on 30 July in position 37°22'N, 13°03'W. HMS Berry had been standing by her for a short period but as she could not be spared from the A/S screen she was soon ordered to rejoin the convoy. From Gibraltar the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN) and tug Prosperous was sent out. She found the ship on 30 July but she sank soon afterwards.

On 26 July 1943, the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 52 [see below for the ships in this section] had departed Gibraltar to make rendezvous with the combined convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), minesweepers Shippigan (Cdr. M.H. Brown, DSC, RN), Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. J.R.T. Broom, RNVR), HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR), HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. G.B. Angus, DSC, RNVR).

They made rendezvous with the combined convoy on 27 July which then split up. The ships coming from Gibraltar then joined the ships continuing on towards West Africa. They were escorted by the ships of the original escort. HMS Southern Pride joined them as she was to join the West Africa Command.

The ships making up convoy KMS 21G set course for Gibraltar.

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Convoy KMS 21G was now made up of the following transports; Avristan, City of Lyons, Clan MacBrayne, Contractor, Empire Carpenter, Empire Celia, Empire Glen, Empire Heath, Empire Kingsley, Empire Mountain, Empire Voice, Finland, Forresbank, Fort Brule, Fort Buffalo, Fort Enterprise, Fort Longueuil, Fort Wringley, Glaisdale, Grondo, Hallfried, Highwear, Hughli, Kana, Kofresi, Levernbank, Lwow, Magician, Mandalay, Masirah, Nurani, Nurjehan, Ocean Valour, Ottinge, Parklaan, Pegu, Recorder, Spero and Temple Arch.

They were escorted by HMS Isis, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS Shippigan, HMS Tadoussac, HMS Haarlem, HMS Lady Hogarth and HMS St.Nectan.

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined them late in the evening of the 27th.

The convoy arrived at/ off Gibraltar on 29 July 1943.

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Convoy OS 52 continued on towards the south. It was made up of the following transports; Amberton, Barrgrove, Bothnia, Cordillera, Deido, Empire Highway, Flimston, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Nakasley, Governor, Henri Jaspar, Hopecrest, Jenny, Kyklades, Mary Kingsley, Silvermaple, Sobo, Themistocles, Thomas Holt and Wellington Court.

They were escorted by the sloop HMS Fowey, frigate HMS Berry, corvettes HMS Campion, HMS Mallow, HMS Myosotis, HMS Stonecrop, HMS Friso and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride.

As the convoy split they were joined by the Gibraltar section made up of the following transports; Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Belgian Airmen (Belgian, 6959 GRT, built 1942), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Kristianiafjord (British, 6759 GRT, built 1921), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928) and Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).

Later the following transport joined coming from Casablanca; Alsace (French (cable ship), 2092 GRT, built 1940), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), La Pampa (British, 4149 GRT, built 1938), Nivose (British, 9200 GRT, built 1932) and Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930).

These ships were escorted out by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR).

The following ships were detached to Casablanca; Fort Chesterfield and Fort Nakasley. They were escorted by the three USN patrol vessels listed above.

HMS Berry, HMS Mallow and HMS Stonecrop from the escort fuelled at Casablanca before rejoining the convoy. HMS Berry departed Casablanca at 1500A/29, HMS Mallow at 1700A/29 and HMS Stonecrop at 0500A/30.

Later the following transport joined coming from Dakar; Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Fort Lac La Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942) and Schiaffino Freres (French, 3314 GRT, built 1910).

The following ships were detached to Dakar; Alsace, Canada, Fort Vercheres, Henri Jaspar, Nivose and Thomas Holt.

Detached to Bathurst was the Bothnia.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 7 August 1943.

12 Nov 1943
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Windrush, HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) and HMS Mallow. (18)

13 Nov 1943
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) and HMS Mallow, HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and HMS Windrush. (18)

18 Nov 1943
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Hadleigh Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.V. Gordon, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Mallow. (18)

5 Jan 1944
HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Mallow. (19)