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Notable events involving Heartsease include:

13 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 50.

This convoy departed Halifax on 13 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonis (Greek, 3729 GRT, built 1930), Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Balla (Norwegian, 2578 GRT, built 1923), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Falsterbo (Swedish, 4085 GRT, built 1925), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Joannis (Greek, 3667 GRT, built 1909), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Louis L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Manchester Commeerce (), Marathon (Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Rio Dorado (British, 4507 GRT, built 1924), Risanger (Norwegian, 5489 GRT, built 1921), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trecarrel (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924) and Vigrid (British, 4765 GRT, built 1923).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Voltaire (Capt.(Retd.) C.L. Bate, DSO, RN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMCS Acadia (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR) and HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

The auxiliary patrol vessels were to part company with the convoy about half an hour after sunset on the 13th.

Around 2130P/15, in position 41°15'N, 53°40'W, the Arona dropped out of the convoy. She did not rejoin and arrived in Barry Roads on 26 June.

Around 1330P/19, Convoy BHX 50, coming from Bermuda, join the the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Athelduke (British (tanker), 8966 GRT, built 1929), Athelmonarch (British (tanker), 8995 GRT, built 1928), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), British Viscount (British (tanker), 6895 GRT, built 1921), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Culebra (Panamanian, 5260 GRT, built 1919), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Queen Victoria (British, 4937 GRT, built 1936), Raranga (British, 10043 GRT, built 1916), Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929) and Zealandic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928).

Most likely around 2200N/22, in approximate position 49.00'N, 25.00'W the Louis L.D. deserted the convoy. Messages regarding the French armistice had been received and she had been ordered to proceed to a British port instead of a French one. The ship most likely made independently for a French port.

Around 1215N/24, in position 50°21'N, 17°43'W, HMS Voltaire parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy now proceeded unescorted for the moment.

Around 1130A/25, in position 50°30'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and the corvettes HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. A. Blewett, RNR) and HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 1600A/25, HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer parted company to proceed to hunt the enemy submarine which had torpedoed and sunk the merchant vessels Windsorwood and Saranac that had been torpedoed and sunk in convoy OA 172. The attackhad been the German submarine U-51. HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer rejoined convoy HX 50 around 2015A/25.

Around 0800A/26, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduke (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Athelmonarch (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Athelprincess (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Auretta (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Balla (arrived in Barry Roads on 27 June), Baltrover (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Bradford City (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), British Viscount (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Canadian (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Chelsea (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Conus (arrived in the Clyde on 28 June), Ekaterini Coumantarou (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Grey County (arrived at Belfast on 2 July (???), Haakon Hauan (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Joannis (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Macra (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Manchester Commerce (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Marathon (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Mill Hill (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Monkleigh (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Solisement (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), Queen Victoria (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Raranga (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Somerville (arrived at Liverpool on 28 June), Toronto City (arrived at Milford Haven on 27 June), and Trecarrel (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 29 June). They were escorted by HMS Whirlwind and HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool on 28 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonis (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Appalachee (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), City of Hankow (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Cornish City (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Culebra (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Falsterbo (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 28 June), Gitano (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Kingswood (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Michael L. Embiricos (arrived at Southampton on 28 June), Pacific President (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Prins Maurits (arrived at Weymouth on 28 June), Rio Dorado (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Risanger (arrived at Falmouth on 28 June), Urla (arrived in the Downs on 28 June), Vigrid (arrived at Falmouth on 28 June) and Zealandic (arrived at Weymouth on 28 June). They were escorted by HMS Arabis and HMS Heartsease which arrived at Dover on 28 June. (1)

15 Jun 1940
HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Portland together with HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) and two minesweepers. (2)

7 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 56.

This convoy departed Halifax on 7 July 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Convoy HX 56B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Atheltemplar (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Auris (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Barrgrove (arrived in Barry Roads on 23 July), Beemsterdijk (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Ardour (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), British Courage (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Bruxelles (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Craftsman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Dalcairn (arrived in Belfast Lough on 22 July), Dosinia (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Eastern Trader (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Empire Confidence (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Everleigh (arrived at Manchester on 23 July), Forbes Hauptman (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Gunborg (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 22 July), Montreal City (arrived at Milford Haven on 23 July), Pacific Grove (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Port Wellington (arrived at Avonmouth on 23 July), Queen City (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Rancher (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Shirak (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Speybank (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Storaas (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 21 July), Thyra (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), Tricula (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July) and Western Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). This section was escorted by HMS Warwick (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July), HMS Leith (arrived at Belfast on 21 July) and HMS Heartsease (arrived at Liverpool on 22 July). (3)

19 Jul 1940

Convoy HX 59.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 July 1940.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 63.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Andalusian (British, 3082 GRT, built 1918), Arletta (British, 4870 GRT, built 1925), Ashworth (British, 5227 GRT, built 1920), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Barrwhin (British, 4998 GRT, built 1929), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), Diala (British (tanker), 8106 GRT, built 1938), Edwy R. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Eurylochus (British, 5723 GRT, built 1912), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), Incemore (British, 4098 GRT, built 1921), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929) and Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1610P/4, the Rajahstan parted company to return to Halifax with a defective compass.

Around 2100Q/4, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Saguenay parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1430P/6, in position 41°58'N, 54°07'W, convoy SHX 63 joined convoy HX 63. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Baron Carnegie (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Blairspey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Cairnglen (British, 5019 GRT, built 1926), Cairnvalona (British, 4929 GRT, built 1918), Corrientes (British, 6863 GRT, built 1920), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Harpenden (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), Inginer N. Vlassopol (Romanian, 3595 GRT, built 1911), Kyleglen (British, 3670 GRT, built 1917), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Marstenen (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1915), Melmore Head (British, 5273 GRT, built 1918), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Sir Ernest Cassel (Swedish, 7739 GRT, built 1910), Somersby (British, 5168 GRT, built 1930) and Thistleglen (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929).

Around 0845P/8, in position 40°57'N, 46°27'W, convoy BHX 63 joined convoy HX 63. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Conch (British (tanker), 8376 GRT, built 1931), Egba (British, 4989 GRT, built 1914), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Katendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 5099 GRT, built 1925), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Loreto (British, 6682 GRT, built 191), Megara (British (tanker), 7981 GRT, built 1929), Mirza (Dutch (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1929), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Oporto (British, 2352 GRT, built 1928), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Standard (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), Sithonia (British, 6723 GRT, built 1919), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Surrey (British, 8581 GRT, built 1919) and Tasso (British, 1586 GRT, built 1938).

During the night of 13/14 August, in approximate position 53°42'N, 30°48'W, the Barrwhin straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 19 August.

Around 0800N/16, in position 58°12'N, 16°32'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax after the first ships of the local escort had joined. This were the sloop HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) and corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR).

Around 2100Z/16, in position 58°04'N, 13°42'W, the convoy split into two sections. The local A/S escort for convoy HX 63B had not yet joined.

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Convoy HX 63A was destined for Methil (arrived on 19 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Andalusian, Arletta, Baron Carnegie, Baron Ruthven, Blairspey, Cairnglen, Cairnvalona, Darina, Diala, Graiglas, Harpenden, Helder, Inginer N. Vlassopol, Kyleglen, Lunula, Rapana, Scottish Standard (arrived at Scapa Flow on 18 August), Somersby, Stad Arnhem and Surrey. They were escorted by HMS Leith and HMS Hibiscus which both arrived at Rosyth on 19 August.

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Convoy HX 63B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashworth (arrived at Swansea on 20 August), Baltrover (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Conch (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Corrientes (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Dakotian (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 August), Edwy R. Brown (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Egba (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Elax (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Eurylochus (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Ferncastle (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 August), Garonne (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Incemore (arrived at Manchester on 20 August), Inventor (arrived at Manchester on 20 August), Katendrecht (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Llanover (arrived at Swansea on 20 August), Loreto (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Manchester Commerce (arrived at Manchester on 20 August), Marstenen (arrived in Belfast Lough on 18 August), Megara (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Melmore Head (arrived in Belfast Lough on 18 August), Mirza (arrived at Avonmouth on 22 August), Nicolaou Virginia (arrived in the Clyde on 19 August), Oporto (arrived at Larne on 19 August), Pomella (arrived in Belfast Lough on 18 August), Rothermere (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), San Roberto (arrived at Liverpool on 19 August), Sir Ernest Cassel (arrived at Cardiff on 21 August), Sithonia (arrived at Swansea on 20 August), Standalla (arrived at Dublin on 19 August), Tasso (arrived at Larne on 19 August) and Thistleglen (arrived at Newport on 20 August). This section of the convoy was initially unescorted.

Around 0900Z/17, in position 57°12'N, 11°00'W, the corvette HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 0925Z/17, in position 57°12'N, 10°55'W, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) joined.

These two escort vessels arrived at Liverpool on 19 August. (5)

16 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 66.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antiope (British, 4545 GRT, built 1930), Bassa (British, 5267 GRT, built 1918), Chaucer (British, 5792 GRT, built 1929), Coultarn (British, 3759 GRT, built 1938), Eli (Norwegian, 4332 GRT, built 1931), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Empire Scout (British, 2185 GRT, built 1936), Empire Tiger (British, 4954 GRT, built 1919), Gandia (Belgian, 9629 GRT, built 1907), Hjelmaren (Swedish, 2467 GRT, built 1922), Kyno (British, 3950 GRT, built 1924), Mill Hill (British, 4318 GRT, built 1930), Sesostris (Egyptian, 4008 GRT, built 1915), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Thistlegorm (British, 4898 GRT, built 1940) and Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN).

Around 1800P/16, HMCS Ottawa was detached to intercept the Estonian merchant vessel Kotkas (2085 GRT, built 1919).

Around 1200P/17, HMCS Assiniboine was detached.

Around 0630P/19, Convoy SHX 66 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Progress (British, 5249 GRT, built 1918), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Fana (Norwegian, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Gloxinia (British, 3336 GRT, built 1920), Grado (Norwegian, 3103 GRT, built 1918), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Ornefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 1334 GRT, built 1937), Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922), Vaalaren (Swedish, 3406 GRT, built 1936) and Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917).

Around 1515P/20, Convoy BHX 66 joined the convoy. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Arinia (British (tanker), 8024 GRT, built 1936), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Empire Puma (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Helgoy (Norwegian, 7116 GRT, built 1920), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), Norne (Norwegian, 3971 GRT, built 1930), Nyland (Norwegian, 1374 GRT, built 1940), Oakworth (British, 4968 GRT, built 1925), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), Port Townsville (British, 8661 GRT, built 1935), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), Sabor (British, 5212 GRT, built 1920), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935) and Weirbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925).

During the night of 20/21 August the Empire Scout straggled from the convoy. She rejoined the convoy, section HX 66B, on 29 August.

During the night of 25/26 August, the Helgoy straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 30 August.

Around the same time the Norne, Queen Maud and Weirbank had also straggled from the convoy but they rejoined around 1100N/27 after having been rounded up by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) which was on an A/S sweep.

Around 1200N/27, HMS Ausonia parted company after the minesweeper HMS Jason (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Terry, RN) and corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) had joined the convoy. HMS Highlander also remained with the convoy until dark on the 27th.

Around 1700A/28, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and corvette HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1955A/28, in position 58°09'N, 13°14'W (D.R. position), the merchant vessel Kyno sounded her syren and shortly afterwards she was struck by a torpedo. Survivors were picked up by the Queen Maud. The ship had been torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-28.

Around 2100A/28, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 66A was destined for Methil (arrived on 31 August 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cairnesk, Chelsea (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Cordelia (arrived at Scapa Flow on 30 August), Dornoch, Empire Progress, Esmond, Fana, Grado, Gregalia, Mill Hill (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Norne (torpedoed and sunk on 30 August), Nyland, Oakworth, Ornefjell, Queen Maud, Rothley, Skeldergate, Thistlegorm and Weirbank. They were escorted by HMS Jason and HMS Hibiscus which both arrived at Rosyth on 31 August.

At 0125A/30, a loud explosion was heard on the port quarter of the convoy. Around 0138A/30 two flashes were seen. At daylight it was seen that the Mill Hill, Chelsea and Norne were missing from the convoy. Of these ships the Chelsea remained afloat for a while but later foundered. The destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) were ordered (at 0219A/30) to hunt the attacker which was the German submarine U-32. The rescue tugs Thames and Superman were sent to the area but they found no ships to salvage. At 1701A/30, both tugs were ordered to return to Stornoway.

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Convoy HX 66B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antiope (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Arinia (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 September), Bassa (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Boreas (arrived at Preston on 31 August), Chaucer (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Coultarn (arrived at Newport on 1 September), D.L. Harper (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Eli (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Empire Penguin (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Empire Puma (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Empire Scout (arrived at Bristol on 1 September), Empire Tiger (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Gandia (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Gloxinia (arrived in Belfast Lough on 30 August), Helgoy (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Hjelmaren (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), Industria (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Karamea (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 September), New York City (arrived at Swansea on 1 September), Otina (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Port Townsville (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Sabor (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August), San Alvaro (arrived at Swansea on 1 September), Sesostris (arrived at Dublin on 31(?) August), Southgate (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Toronto City (arrived at Milford Haven on 31 August), Tynebank (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August), Vaalaren (arrived at Liverpool on 31 August) and Valparaiso (arrived in the Clyde on 30 August). This section of the convoy was escorted by HMS Mackay and HMS Heartsease which both arrived at Liverpool on 31 August.

During the night of 29/30 August the D.L. Harper had collided with the Boreas but only minor damage was sustained. (6)

28 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 69.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard (Norwegian, 3677 GRT, built 1925), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), Siris (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Tapanoeli (British, 7031 GRT, built 1924), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Ulysses (Dutch, 2655 GRT, built 1918), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).

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

Around 2100P/28, HMCS French parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 2010P/29, in position 43°03'N, 59°15'W, HMCS Assiniboine parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1300P/30, in position 42°49'N, 56°44'W, the Sydney section (Convoy SHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Stad Maastricht (Dutch, 6907 GRT, built 1924) and Vestvard (Norwegian, 4319 GRT, built 1925). It's escort from Sydney, the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) had been detached around 0800P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Sydney section (SHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the Halifax section (HX 69).

Around 1000/1, in position 43°20'N, 48°20'W, the Bermuda section (Convoy BHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Cape St. Andrew (British, 5094 GRT, built 1928), Condor (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922, 3963 GRT, built 1922), Tricula (British (tanker), 3963 GRT, built 1922, 6221 GRT, built 1936) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926). It's escort from Bermuda, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) had been detached around 0715P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Bermuda section (BHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the main convoy (HX 69).

Around 2015N/8, in position 58°28'N, 19°05'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.

Between 0700Z/9 - 0800Z/9, in position 58°47'N, 16°22'W, the destroyers HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), corvettes HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 56°34'N, 18°42'W, the convoy split into two sections.

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Convoy HX 69A was destined for Methil (arrived on 13 September 1940) and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama, Barrdale, Botlea, Cape St. Andrew, Dalfram, Kelbergen, Lord Byron, Martand, Parracombe, Roxby, Traveller, Tricula, Voco and Yselhaven. HMS Fowey and HMS Camellia went with them as escorts and they arrived at Rosyth on 13 September.

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Convoy HX 69B was destined for ports in the Irish Sea area.

Around 1000A/11, in position 55°09'N, 05°48'W, the Clyde section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard, Buesten, Delilian, Dolabella, Narraganset, Pontfield, Rowanbank, San Casimiro, Tornus and Winamac. HMS Arrow and HMS Ambuscade also parted company and proceeded to Greenock.

Around 1315A/11, in position 54°48'N, 05°26'W, the Olympos parted company to proceed to Belfast Lough.

Around 2015A/11, in position 53°45'N, 05°08'W, the Liverpool section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn, Condor, Dosinia, Haakon Hauan, Iddesleigh, Oropesa, Penrose, Siris, Tapanoeli, Taron and Vestvard and W.B. Walker. They took HMS Winchelsea, HMS Clarkia and HMS Heartsease with them as escorts.

Around 1200A/12, in position 50°35'N, 05°30'W, the Inger, and Lylepark parted company to proceed to Milford Haven.

Around 2300A/12, following ships arrived in Barry Roads; Amakura, Beaverdale, Bridgepool, Charles F. Meyer, Lapland, Gold Shell, Stad Maastricht and Ulysses. (7)

22 Sep 1940
HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) picks up 31 survivors from the Norwegian merchant Simla that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-100 west of Ireland in position 55°11'N, 17°58'W.

18 Oct 1940
HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) picks up 9 survivors from the British merchant Thistlegarth that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-103 45 nautical miles west-north-west of Rockall in position 58°43'N, 15°00'W on 15 October.

21 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 116.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 9 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Anna Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9057 GRT, built 1931), Birgitte (British, 1595 GRT, built 1930), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN).

On 23 March the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) joined the convoy.

On 31 March HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy.

On 4 March 1941 HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy after the destroyers HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR) had joined. The destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined on 5 April. The destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and corvette HMS Orchis (Lt. A.D. White, RNR)both joined on 6 April. HMS Orchis was detached on 7 April.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 9 April.