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Notable events involving Kenilworth Castle include:

5 Jan 1944
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN), HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR). (1)

6 Jan 1944
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Ettrick (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.J.T. Monsarrat, RNVR). (1)

7 Jan 1944
HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Ettrick (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.J.T. Monsarrat, RNVR), HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). (1)

15 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 65 / KMS 39.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 15 January 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Alcor (Dutch, 3526 GRT, built 1920), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), City of Derby (British, 6616 GRT, built 1921), City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918)), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nipigon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Fort St.Nicolas (British, 7154 GRT, built 1943), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, 1943), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), Manchester Shipper (British, 7881 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913), Mimosa (Greek, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pilar de Larringa (British, 7046 GRT, built 1918), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Prospector (British, 6202 GRT, built 1944), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919), Samhain (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

The boom carrier HMS Ethiopian (5424 GRT, built 1936, A/Cdr.(Retd.) K.A.S. Phillips, RNR) was also part of the convoy as were the rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) and the rescue tugs HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN), corvettes HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR), HMS Narcissus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR), HMS Orchis (T/Lt. B.W. Harris, RNVR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawler HMS Northern Foam (T/Lt. J.A. Crockett, RNR). As additional escorts the frigates HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR), HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Prescott (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McIsaac, RCNVR), HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) and HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) were also present until 19 January 1944 when they were detached to northbound convoy SL 145/ MKS 36.

On 16 January 1944, HMS Verity was detached to join another southbound convoy KMF 28.

On 17 January 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR) joined the convoy after having departed the Clyde late on the 15th.

On 18 January 1944, the frigate HMS Towy (Cdr. M.J Evans, OBE, RN) joined the convoy after having departed Londonderry on the 17th.

On 19 January 1944, the German U-boat U-641 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Ireland, in position 50°25'N, 18°49'W by HMS Violet.

On 21 January 1944, the tanker / transport Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918) departed the Azores to join the convoy.

While en-route, around 19/20 January 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined at sea from northbound convoy SL 145/ MKS 36.

On 27 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 65 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 33 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 65 was made up of the merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Bornholm, Congonian, Dordrecht, Gascony, John Holt, Mimosa, Princesa, Royal Star and Silvermaple. The corvettes Aconit, Lobelia and Roselys remained with the convoy initially.

On 26 January 1944, the merchant vessels Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Belgian Seaman (Belgian, 7023 GRT, built 1941), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) which were to escort the convoy to Freetown.

On 27 January 1944, the transport Mimosa and the corvettes Aconit, Lobelia and Roselys arrived at Casablanca after having been detached from the convoy.

On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Casablanca to join the convoy; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941) and Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt.(jg) A.W. Silverstein, USNR). The patrol vessels did not join the convoy but proceeded to make rendezvous with convoy OT 12.

On 3 February 1944, the El-Biar and arrived Marrakech arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Sant-Louis (French, 5202 GRT, built 1913) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 6 February 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 39, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with most of the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Agia Marina, Baron Ruthven, City of Keelung, City of Lancaster, Dromore, Empire Thackeray, Empire Usk, Esturia and Surula. The rescue ship Melrose Abbey, escort oiler San Tirso and HMS Ethiopian arrived at Gibraltar as did the following escort vessels / rescue tugs; ORP Burza, HMS Towy, HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Narcissus, HMS Orchis, HMS Violet, HMS Kilbirnie, HMS Northern Foam, HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent. HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Violet had probably arrived early to fuel before rejoining the convoy.

The following ships meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Alcor, Baron Napier, Belgian Trader, Blairnevi, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, City of Derby, Coulmore, Dunelmia, Empire Derwent, Empire Grebe, Empire Voice, Fort Cumberland, Fort Frontenac, Fort Lennox, Fort Nipigon, Fort St.Nicolas, Generton, Glaucus, Innerton, King Edgar, Manchester Shipper, Nicolas, Peleus, Pilar de Larrinaga, Prospector, Recorder, Samhain, Slemmestad, Stamos, Tobruk and Van Ostade.

They were joined by transport Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918) coming from Gibraltar. Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Gloxinia (?), HMS Meadowsweet, HMS Violet, A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR). The minesweeper HMS Rosario (A/Cdr. F.E. Brooking, RN) was also with the convoy as was the submarine Pipinos (Lt.Cdr. Rallis).

On 29 January 1944, the transports Blairnevis and Van Ostade arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander R. Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elihu Yale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Hyde (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942).

On 30 January 1944, the transports Alcor, Coulmore, King Edgar, Peleus and Stamos arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Far (Norwegian, 2475 GRT, built 1921), Fort Connally (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samholt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920).

On 30 January 1944, the transports Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910) and Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) departed Bougie to join the convoy.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Innerton and Nicolas arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gloucester (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) and Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Belgian Trader, John McKinley, Ward Hunt and William Kent as well as the AA cruiser HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 1 February 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle arrived at Tunis after having parted company with the convoy

On 2 February 1944, the transports Baron Napier, Baronesa and Selvik as well as the minesweeper HMS Rosario arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tanker Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920) and Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

During 2/3 February 1944, the transports Alexander R. Lillington, Chertsey, Chloris, Colin P. Kelly, Jr., Dunelmia, Elihu Yale, Empire Derwent, Empire Grebe, Empire Guinevere, Empire Tristram, Far, Fort Connolly, Fort Cumberland, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Gloucester, Fort Lennox, Fort St.Nicolas, Fort St.Regis, Indiana, Ingertre, J.E.B. Stuart, John W. Brown, John Wise, John Hopkins, Joseph H. Nicholson, Loke, Ocean Vesper, Pilar de Larrinaga, Richard Bassett, Riverton, Samholt, Samson, Slemmestad, Star, Thomas W. Hyde and Tobruk arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Augusta which they had departed on 2 February 1944.

On 6 February 1944, the transports / tankers Empire Cameron, Empire Capulet, Fort Ash, Fort Cadotte, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Glenogle, Prospector, Samarina, Sambrake, Sampa and Samwater arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Dart, HMS Gloxinia and HMS Meadowsweet of the escort.

On 7 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield, City of Derby, Empire Copperfield, Empire Glory, Empire Path, Empire Voice, Fort Kootenay, Fort Nipigon, Fort Senneville, Glaucus, Grena, Manchester Shipper, Recorder, Samhain and Samshire arrived at Port Said after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Violet and HMS Wolborough of the escort.

On 9 February 1944, the submarine RHS Pipinos arrived at Beirut after having parted company with the convoy.

8 Feb 1944

Convoy ON 223.

This convoy was assembled in the North Channel on 8 February 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alabaman (American, 7033 GRT, built 1921), Alcoa Cutter (American, 5057 GRT, built 1918), Alcoa Trader (American, 5590 GRT, built 1920), Ameriki (Greek, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Atlanta City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Caxton (British, 7271 GRT, built 1943), Ceronia (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Champ Clark (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Charles C. Jones (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Columbian (American, 6310 GRT, built 1913), Daghestan (British, 7248 GRT, built 1941), Duala (Norwegian, 1800 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Empire MacAlpine (British (MAC ship), 7954 GRT, built 1943), Empire Sceptre (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Fagerfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1935), Fort Moose (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Berkeley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawaiian (American, 6270 GRT, built 1919), Hindustan (British, 5245 GRT, built 1940), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joel R. Poinsett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joshua B. Lippencott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Katrina Luckenbach (American, 5854 GRT, built 1918), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mexican (American, 8030 GRT, built 1907), Naranio (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Raranga (British, 10043 GRT, built 1916), Riverview Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Roger Griswold (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926), Walter Raleigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Webb Miller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Grayson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William Paca (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William Tilghman (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Conn ( Lt. C.D.T. Williams, RN), HMS Chelmer (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Cherry, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR), HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR), HMS Pink (Lt. W.K. Tadman, RNR) and HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, DSC, RCNVR).

A support group made up of the escort carriers HMS Striker (Capt. F.M. Walton, RN), HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) and the sloops HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN), HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR), HMS Hart (Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN) and the frigates HMS Spey (Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN, Senior Officer of the A/S vessels of the group), HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR), HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Lt.Cdr. Gerald MacClelland, DSC, RN) was also with the convoy until 11 February 1944 when left to conduct A/S operations in the central North Atlantic.

Several of the merchant vessels were forced to return to the U.K., these were the Alabaman, Joel R. Poinsett, Katrina Luckenbach and Lombardy. Of these the Alabaman had lost her rudder on the 11th and she then fell out of the convoy and had to be towed back. HMS Pink remained with her for A/S protection.

On 18 February 1944, the merchant vessel J.L. Luckenbach and the current escort parted company with the convoy to proceed to Newfoundland. The transport and HMS Sunflower proceeded to St. Johns while the two frigates and the two Castle-class corvettes proceeded to Argentia. On these ships parted company a new escort took over. This was made up of the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Judges, RCNVR), HMCS Timmins (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.S. Maxwell, RCNVR), HMCS Trail (T/Lt. G.M. Hope, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMCS Winnipeg (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.D.F. Johnston, RCNR). They had departed St. Johns on 17 February 1944.

On 21 February 1944, the merchant vessels Champ Clark, Duala, rescue ship Zamalek, Mac Ship Empire MacAlpine and the current escort parted company with the convoy to proceed to Halifax where they arrived on 22 February 1944. On these ships parted company a new escort took over. This was made up of the corvettes HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR), HMCS Shediac (T/Skr.Lt. J.B. Cooper, RCNR) and the minesweeper HMCS Wallaceburg (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.R. Naftel, RCNVR).

The convoy arrived at New York on 24 February 1944.

6 Mar 1944
After unsuccessful attempts at towing the boat to port German U-boat U-744 was sunk at 1830hrs on 6 March 1944 in the North Atlantic, in position 52°01'N, 22°37'W, after being torpedoed by the British destroyer HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN). U-744 was attacked for over 30 hours by depth charges from HMS Icarus, the Canadian frigate HMCS St. Catharines (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR with Cdr. P.W. Burnett, DSC, RN escort group commander onboard), Canadian corvettes HMCS Fennel (A/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Moffat, RCNVR), HMCS Chilliwack (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Coughlin, RCNVR), Canadian destroyers HMCS Chaudiere (A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Nixon, RCN), HMCS Gatineau (A/Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and the British corvette HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR).

11 May 1944

Convoy SL 158.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 May 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR).

Around 1130Z/12, in position 09°14'N, 16°31'W, the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul joined the convoy. They were then ordered to sweep 30 miles ahead of the convoy as a Support Group which they did until daylight on the 17th.

Around 0800Z/13, in poosition 11°02'N, 18°02'W, the Isaac Coles was detached to proceed independently to Trinidad.

Around 1115Z/14, in position 14°16'N, 17°58'W, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918) and Rutenfjell (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1935) as well as the submarine Atalante. Two of the convoy's merchant vessel parted company and proceeded to Dakar, these were Antilochus and Topsdalfjord.

Around 0700Z/14, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942) and Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau and Hoggar with them as well as the submarine Atalante.

At 1155Z/17, in position 22°49'N, 18°25'W, the Sheaf Crown straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to Gibraltar where she arrived on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/22, in position 35°10'N, 10°04'W, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 49(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

On this convoy joining HMS Ness parted company with the convoy to escort the Generton to Lisbon while HMS Enchantress and HMS Pimpernel parted company to escort the Empire Strength to Gibraltar.

Convoy MKS 49(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

The following warships were also part of the convoy; submarines HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), boom carriers HMS Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933, Cdr.(Retd.) A. McD. Harvey, RN), HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) and the landing ships USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).

Also parted of the convoy were the rescue ship Dewsbury (British, 1631 GRT, built 1910) and the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920)).

On its departure from Gibraltar convoy MKS 49(G) was escorted by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

During the afternoon of 24 May, HMS Highlander fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1215Z/25, in position 38°42'N, 18°22'W, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN) and the frigates HMS Louis (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and HMS Inglis (Lt. R.S. Beveridge, RN) joined the convoy.

At 0106Z/26, the frigate HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She had been unable to sail with convoy MKS 49(G) and had departed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

Around 0800Z/26, the frigate HMS Lawson (Lt. J.P. Somerville, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1630Z/28, in position 45°15'N, 21°47'W the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0730Z/29, 46°45'N, 21°42'W, in position the escort carrier HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMCS Meon (T/Lt.Cdr. S. Balfour, RCNVR), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR) joined.

On these ships joining, HMCS Meon and HMCS Stormont fuelled from HMS Emperor and HMCS Swansea fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1030Z/29, HMS Louis, HMS Lawson and HMS Inglis were detached.

Around 1500Z/29, in position 47°19'N, 21°41'W, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbrooke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle were detached. The escort oiler Scottish American also went with these ships.

Around 1530Z/29, HMCS Swansea, HMCS Stormont and HMCS Meon were detached.

On 31 May 1944, in position 53°19'N, 14°29'W, HMS Highlander and HMS Kenilworth Castle were detached to escort the three USN LST's to Port Talbot.

During the night of 31 May / 1 June, the Empire Governor straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 1330Z/1, 53°19'N, 14°29'W, in position HMS Emperor was detached to proceed independently to Moville where she arrived on 2 June.

Around 1800Z/2, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached escorted by HMS Bayntun. Also HMS Nairana left the convoy to proceed to the Clyde ahead of the convoy, arriving there on 3 June. The Loch Ewe section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Elphinstone, Belgian Sailor, Benrinnes, Bestik, Blackheath, Bornholm, Caithness, Capitaine Saint Martin, City of Norwich, Cydonia, Empire Cavalier, Empire Grebe, Empire Melody, Empire Tristram, Fort Brandon, Fort Douglas, Fort la Traite, Fresno Star, Glenpark, Gorjistan, Jonathan Holt, Lyras, Penrith Castle, Peterston, Porjus, Queen Adelaide, Rutenfjell, Stamos, Tilsington Court and Tordene. HMS Bayntun then went on to Londonderry where she arrived on 4 June.

The following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde on 3 June;
Celtic Monarch, Dewsbury, Empire Peacock, Fort la Baye, Helmwood and Modasa. HMS Devon City, HMS Kirriemoor, HMS Trespasser and HrMs Dolfijn also went to the Clyde.

The following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough during the night of 3 June / 4 June;
Empire Governor and Ocean Stranger.

The following merchant vessels arrived in Liverpool on 4 June;
Atlantic, City of Leicester, Glaucus and Thomas Holt.

The Empire Spey arrived at Port Talbot on 5 June.

The escorts arrived as follows; HMS Highlander arrived at Swansea on 2 June en then went to Londonderry arriving on 3 June. HMS Kenilworth Castle arrived at Londonderry on 3 June as did HMS Foley, HMS Helmsdale and HMS Portchester Castle.

HMS Nairana arrived (2)

20 May 1944

Convoy MKS 49(G).

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 20 May 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

The following warships were also part of the convoy;
Submarines HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), boom carriers HMS Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933, Cdr.(Retd.) A. McD. Harvey, RN), HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) and the landing ships USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).

Also parted of the convoy were the rescue ship Dewsbury (British, 1631 GRT, built 1910) and the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920)).

On its departure from Gibraltar convoy MKS 49(G) was escorted by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

Around 1400Z/22, the convoy joined convoy SL 158 coming from Freetown. The now combined convoy now continued it's passage to the U.K. as the combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49(G). (3)

12 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 12 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports; Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Cape Breton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Philips Wouwerman (Dutch, 7089 GRT, built 1943), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939) and Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917).

The tanker (escort oiler) Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) was to join later at sea after having parted company with the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

The rescue ship Syrian Prince (British, 1990 GRT, built 1936) was also with the combined convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

On 13 June 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth arrived in the Clyde and the Jenny arrived at Liverpool after having forced to return to the U.K.

On 16 June 1944, the Caduceus arrived in the Clyde after having forced to return to the U.K.

The Empire Prosepero was detached en-route to Horta, Azores.

Around 0500Z/22, HMS Searcher, HMS Highlander and HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51 which they did around 0920Z/22. HMS Highlander and HMS Bayntun then parted company to rejoined the combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54, most likely tanking the tanker (escort oiler) Esturia with them.

Also on 22 June the convoy split into convoy OS 80 and KMS 54.

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Convoy OS 80, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports; Cap Cantin, Deido, Empire Buckle, Empire Galahad, Hilversum, Ispingo, Llanberis, Sansu and Souliotis.

They were joined on 22 June 1944 by the transports Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925) and King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928). These ships had departed Gibraltar on 21 June together with the new escort for convoy OS 80 which was made up of the frigates HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).

On 23 June 1944, the transports Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) and Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed the day before. They were escorted by the destroyer Trombe, minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. The French escort vessels did not join the convoy. On 30 June 1944, the Agen, Cap Cantin, Chelma, Montaigne, Paul de Rousiers and Souliotis arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Convoy OS 80 arrived at Freetown on 1 July 1944 though some of the ships proceeded to other destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 54 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports Baharistan, Baron Fairly, Cape Brenton, City of Worcester, Clan Matheson, Empire Zephyr, Esturia, Fort Chambly, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Fort Stager, Framlington Court, Govert Flinck, Keilehaven, Ottinge, Philips Wouderman, Radmanso and Syrian Prince.

On 23 June 1944, the Cape Breton, Empire Zephyr, Esturia and Syrian Prince arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Highlander, HMS Bayntun, HMS Foley, HMS Helmsdale, HMS Kenilworth Castle and HMS Portchester Castle.

From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tankers Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy.

Escort was now provided by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and RHS Apostolis.

On 24 June 1944, the transports Cape Brenton and John Howland arrived in Oran Bay after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Sidi-Brahmin (British, 2439 GRT, built 1910) and Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. With them came also the tug AST-76 (Army tug) and the salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR).

On 25 June 1944, the transports Fomalhaut, Fort Stager, Keilehaven and Sidi-Brahmin arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. With them the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) also joined the convoy.

USS Restorer was soon detached to Dellys.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Ottinge arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 June 1944, the transports Anatina (Norwegian, 4986 GRT, built 1939) and William M. Stalwart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone. With these ships the M/S trawler HMS Ruskholm (T/S.Lt. R.V. Brown, RNVR) also joined the convoy.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Darien as well as HMS Caledon and HMS Ruskholm arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927), David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918)), Monte Cucco (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944) and Samual V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Radmanso arrived at Tunus (La Goulette) after having parted company with the convoy.

On 28 June 1944, the transport Monte Cucco arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the tanker Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 29 June 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander J. Dallas, Chloris, Corchester, Empire Usk, Esneh, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Framlington Court, Gallia, George Davis, Govert Flinck, Henry Dundas, James Moore, John Stagg, John Trumbull, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Ocean Faith, Paul H. Harwood, Samesk, Samuel V. Shreve, Sheaf Crown, Tabitha Brown and William M. Stewart arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy as did the tug AST-76. RHS Apostolis also proceeded to Augusta.

The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940), Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Samblade (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

On 2 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria; Bantria, Empire Brook and Morialta. With these ships the escorts Fleetwood, Hazard, Anemone and Bergamot also arrived at Alexandria.

On 3 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria; Anatina, Badarpur, Baharistan, Baron Fairly, City of Worcester, Clan Mathesonn, David Holmes, Fort Chambly, Garonne, Ninella, Norissia, Northia, Philips Wouderman, President de Vogue, Samblade, Tobruk and Wallace E. Pratt . With these ships the escorts Coltsfood and Convolvulus also arrived at Alexandria.

20 Jul 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) and HMS Kenilworth Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.J. Allon, RNR). (4)

11 Nov 1944
The depth charge attacks carried out by the British corvettes HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VD, RNVR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR), HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) and HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J. Allon, RNR) south of Ireland, in position 50°24'N, 09°10'W, formerly credited with the destruction of the German U-boat U-1200, were actually made against a non-sub target.

19 Feb 1945

Convoy CU 59.

This convoy departed New York on 19 February 1945.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At 0030A/1, HMCS Iroquois was detached.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR). These included night exercises. (5)

16 Apr 1945

Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 66.

This convoy departed the Clyde around midnight during the night of 16/17 April 1945.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Kronprinsen (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tankers Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

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

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by three groups;
Group I was made up of the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus (T/Lt. T.S. Cox, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR).

Group II was made up of the destroyer HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR).

Group III was made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi).

Around 1000B/17, the Flower-class corvettes of Group I proceeded ahead to the Faeroer Islands to fuel.

Around 1915B/17, HMS Allington Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow with steering defects. It was hoped that temporary repairs could be made quickly and that she could rejoin the convoy later but in the end this did not materialise.

Around 1130B/18, the escort carriers HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN) and destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN) joined coming from Greenock which they had departed around 1500B/17

Around 0745B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa were was detached to the Faeroer Islands to refuel as the weather conditions was considered unsuitable to refuel at sea.

Around 2040B/19, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) joined coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed around 1200B/18. On departure from Scapa Flow she had carried out exercises first on completion of which course was set to join the convoy.

Around 1310B/19, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron rejoined having completed fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

Also joining around the same time, coming from the Faeroer Islands, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) with them were sixteen Russian submarine chasers which now joined the convoy as well.

Around 2230B/19, HMCS Huron and HMS Offa rejoined on completion of fuelling at the Faeroer Islands.

In the early afternoon of 20 April, HNoMS Stord and HMS Zealous fuelled at sea from the Laurelwood and Black Ranger.

Around 0950B/21, the refuelling of the Russian submarine chasers by the Laurelwood and Black Ranger began. This was completed, except for two remaining, by 0100B/22. During refuelling operations HMCS Haida provided a lee.

Between 0500B/22 and 1300B/22, the two remaining Russian submarine chaser were refuelled by the Black Ranger.

During 22 April, HMS Zephyr, HMS Oxlip and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Laurelwood and HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois from the Black Ranger.

Around 0515B/25, the Russian local escort was detected ahead by radar and around 0640B/25, the White Sea (Archangelsk) section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Respect, Cecil N. Bean, David B. Johnson, Empire Garrick, John Gibbon, Keith Palmer, Lord Delaware, Nelson W. Aldrich, Relald Fernald, William D. Byron and William Tyler Page. This section was joined by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Valerian Kyubishev, Zarkij, Zostkij, Derzkij, Dostojnyj and a number of small craft. The White sea section arrived at Archangelsk on the 28th.

Around 0605B/25, the two Norwegian ships, Kong Haakon VII and Kronprinsen were detached to Kirkenes under the escort of the corvette HNoMS Eglantine which had just joined. They arrived at Kirkenes the following day.

Around 0655B/25, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest and HMS Zealous parted company to proceed to the ' flying off area ' in position 70°10'N, 36°10'E.

Meanwhile the 19th Escort Group, made up of the HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) were also sweeping in the approaches to the Kola Inlet to support the convoy. They had departed Scapa Flow around 2000B/17 and had proceeded direct to entrance of the Kola Inlet to patrol there in advance of the arrival of the convoy. They arrived in their patrol area around 1530B/22 and commenced patrolling.

The Murmansk section of the convoy, made up of the remaining merchant vessels, commenced entering the Kola Inlet in the afternoon of the 25th. The last ships of the escort entered the Kola Inlet in the second half of the evening of the 25th.

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Convoy RA 66.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet around 2300B/29.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonough (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also with the convoy.

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

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron.

The 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton, HMS Goodall and HMS Anguilla had departed the Kola Inlet around 1900B/29 to sweep ahead of the convoy.

The 7th Escort Group, HMS Cygnet and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnwick Castle, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Lotus (this last one was temporary attached to the 7th Escort Group) departed around 1815B/29 also to sweep ahead of the convoy and then join it around 2300B/29 on leaving the Kola Inlet.

A 1856B/29, in position 065° - Syet Navalok - 3.7 nautical miles, HMS Loch Insh obtained a contact and two minutes later she attacked with Squid. An enemy submarine then surfaced which was engaged with gunfire by HMS Loch Insh, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Cotton and HMS Cygnet until it sank at 1904B/29. HMS Loch Insh then picked up 14 survivors from U-307 while being covered by HMS Cygnet and HMS Lotus. The remainder of the 19th Escort Group meanwhile proceeded to continue the A/S patrol ahead of the convoy.

At 1926B/29, in position 015° - Syet Navalok - 4 nautical miles, HMS Goodall obtained a good contact and three minutes later, while adjusting speed to attack with Hedgehog, she was hit by a torpedo abreast the bridge. HMS Loch Shin immediately turned towards, obtained a contact and attacked with Squid at 1943B/29 followed immediately by HMS Anguilla which attacked with depth charges. HMS Cotton then obtained contact and attacked with depth charges forcing the enemy submarine to bottom. Diesel oil and wreckage were then observed and another pattern of depth charges were dropped on the oil slick. It is considered that this U-boat was destroyed. This was indeed the case as U-287 is considered to have been sunk in these attacks. It is thought that this U-boat had attacked and sunk HMS Goodall.

HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle meanwhile took off the survivors of HMS Goodall and landed then at Vaenga. Some of them, which were fit to travel, were then embarked in HMS Vindex before departure.

At 2056B/29, in position 69°32'N, 34°00'E, a torpedo was seen to miss HMS Alnwick Castle which subsequently obtained a definite submarine contact and carried out two Squid attacks before contact was lost. This was most likely an attack by U-968 which reported attacking an escort vessel with two torpedoes around this time. HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Rhodondendron remained patrolling in the area but contact was not regained. It is not considered this U-boat was destroyed.

The convoy, escorted by the destroyers listed above, passed Toros Island around midnight during the night of 29/30 April having been delayed for an hour. The 7th Escort Group, less HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Farnham Castle joined the screen around 0023B/30. The 19th escort group joined the screen around 0241B/30.

At 0148B/30, HMS Zealous and HMS Zodiac were detached to follow up on a U-boat sighting by a Russian aircraft about 6 nautical miles to the north-eastward of the convoy and at 0253B/30, HMS Zodiac sighted the enemy which dived and was immdiately attacked. Contact was not regained following the attack but HMS Cotton and HMS Loch Shin were ordered to remain in the vicinity until HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona had passed.

Around 0300B/30, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier and HMS Bellona proceeded to overtake and join the convoy. They were met around 0440B/30 off Toros Island by all eight destroyers which had doubled back at high speed to escort them to the convoy.

Around 0800B/30, the convoy was detected by the radar on board HMS Vindex bearing 015° at a range of 32 miles. HMS Zest and HMCS Iroquois were then detached to proceed ahead and join the convoy which they did around 0935B/30. The other ships joined the convoy around 1345B/30.

On 1 May, HMS Oxlip, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus and HMS Offa fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 1700B/2, in position 73°57'N, 12°39'E, the 19th Escort Group, HMS Loch Shin, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Cotton and HMS Anguilla were detached with instructions to search for the destroyers HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) which were escorting the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941).

Also on 2 May, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron fuelled from the Black Ranger.

While refuelling HMCS Huron, the Black Ranger switched over tanks and passed over 20 tons of water which put out the boiler fires on board HMCS Huron which then came to a halt at 2140B/2. HNoMS Stord and HMS Offa went to her assistance and carried out an A/S patrol around the stricken destroyer until she was able to get underway around 2214B/2.

Around 1755B/3, when in position 72°22'N, 01°27'E, HMS Bellona reported an unidenified aircraft bearing 165° at a range of 18 nautical miles. Fighters were scrambled and the aircraft turned out to be a JU 88 which was heavily damaged before it was able to retire into the clouds at 1845B/3.

Also on 3 May, HNoMS Stord, HMS Zealous, HMS Rhododendron and HMS Oxlip fuelled from the Black Ranger.

Around 0900B/4, in position 69°48'N, 00°12'W, HMS Obedient, HMS Orwell and the Blue Ranger joined the convoy.

At 1347B/4, HMS Bellona, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa and HMS Obedient were ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow at best speed. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1600B/5. Due to a decyphering error HMS Bellona was not detached but she followed at 1724B/4. She arrived at Scapa Flow, actually just ahead of the destroyers, around 1545B/5.

Also during 4 May, HMCS Huron fuelled from the Blue Ranger.

Around 1500B/6, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMS Orwell parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they (except for HMS Orwell, see below) arrived around 2330B/6. Around 1945B/6, HMS Orwell was detached to rejoin the convoy and then escort the Black Ranger and Blue Ranger to Scapa Flow together with the A/S trawler HMS Preston North End (T/Lt. E. Winebloom, RNVR). These ships parted company with the convoy around 2030B/6.

Around 0650B/7, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Stalwart, Fort Boise, Fort Massac and Fort Yukon. They were escorted by HMS Lotus.

Around 1240B/7, HMS Lotus rejoined the convoy.

Around 1855B/7, the 30th Escort Group joined. This Escort Group was made up of the frigate HMS Byron (Lt. J. Burfield, RN) and the corvettes HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR).

Around 2125B/7, HMS Lotus was detached to Londonderry where she arrived on the 8th.

Around 0340B/8, the 30th Escort Group parted company.

Around 1130B/8, the convoy arrived in the Clyde.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 8 May 1945. (6)