| Navy | The Royal Hellenic Navy |
| Type | Escort destroyer |
| Class | Hunt (Type II) |
| Pennant | L 84 |
| Built by | Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd. (Wallsend-on-Tyne, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 20 Dec 1939 |
| Laid down | 21 Dec 1940 |
| Launched | 25 Jul 1941 |
| Commissioned | Dec 1943 |
| End service | |
| History | Former HMS Hursley. Commissioned by the Royal Hellenic Navy in December 1943. Returned to the Royal Navy 12 November 1959 and subsequently scrapped. |
| Former name | HMS Hursley |
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Notable events involving Kriti include:
17 Nov 1943
Combined convoy MKF 26 / XIF 4.
This convoy departed Port Said on 17 November 1943.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer RHS Kriti.
On 18 November 1943, the (troop) transports; Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) departed Alexandria to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos which also joined the convoy.
On 21 November 1943, the bulk of the convoy, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Tegelberg escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Paladin, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kriti arrived at Augusta. Meanwhile the Cuba and Staffordshire had been detached to Taranto where they arrived on 22 November 1943 escorted by HMS Beaufort, RHS Kriti and RHS Pindos.
The ships that had arrived at Taranto (convoy XIF 4) departed from there again on 24 November 1943 and arrived at Augusta the following day.
Convoy MKF 26 departed Augusta on 27 November. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna, Staffordshire and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp, escort destroyers HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos. The destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC, RN) joined coming from Malta which she had departed on the same day.
On 28 November 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) joined the convoy escort coming from Bizerta while the Cuba was detached to Bizerta.
Later on the 28th, the troop transport Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.
On 29 November 1943, the Karamea was detached to Algiers as were the following escorts; HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos.
The following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920). Also joining from Algiers were the following escorts; sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).
Later on the 29th, the (troop) transport Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. Also joining from there were the USN transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN), USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Barnett (T/Capt. G.E. Maynard, USN), USS Charles Carroll (T/Capt. H. Biesemeier, USN), USS Frederick Funston (T/Cdr. J.E. Murphy, USN), USS James O'Hara (T/Capt. C. Allen, USN), USS Joseph T. Dickman (Capt. R.J. Mauermann, USCG), USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, Jr., USN), USS Procyon (T/Cdr. B.A. Hartt, USN) and USS Thomas Jefferson (T/Capt. P.P. Welch, USN).
Around 1945A/30, USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Algiers. HMS Nubian also parted company with the convoy on the 30th to fuel at Gibraltar and then rejoin the convoy when it passed through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Around 0445A/1, HMS Colombo was detached from the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. Also on 1 December 1943 the following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943) and City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937). The destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) also joined the convoy off Gibraltar.
HMS Velox fuelled at Horta, Azores during 3/4 December 1943 and then rejoined the convoy.
Around 1800O/4, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 1800Z/6.
The Margrethe Bakke was detached in the North Atlantic and arrived at New York on 12 December 1943.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8/9 December 1943.
2 Mar 1944
Convoy MKF 29.
This convoy departed Port Said on 2 March 1944.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Dunnotar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Mormacswan (American, 7194 GRT, built 1939), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932). They were escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) Wszechwlad Maracewicz, ORP), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Mendip (Lt. P.D. Davey, RN) and RHS Themistocles.
The troop transport Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) departed Port Said later the same day to overtake and join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and RHS Miaoulis.
In the afternoon of 5 March 1944, the troop transport Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Augusta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Blencathra (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN).
Around the same time the troop transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Malta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) and RHS Kriti.
On these ship joining the troop transports Ascania, Derbyshire and Sobieski parted company with the convoy to proceed through the Messina Strait towards Naples where they arrived on the 6th. They were escorted by HMS Farndale, HMS Blankney, HMS Blencathra and RHS Kriti and RHS Themistocles.
HMS Tetcott returned to Augusta.
Also on 5 March the Naples section of the convoy departed that place. Convoy SNF 16 also formed part of the Naples section which was then made up of the following troop transports; Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), LLangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and the following from convoy SNF 16; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Letitia ((British, 13595 GRT, built 1925) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
The Naples section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN, HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Curzon (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Diggins, DSC, RN) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).
On the 6th, off Palermo, the Naples section was joined by the troop transport Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931).
The Naples section merged with the main convoy around 1745A/7. The troop transport Leopoldville then proceeded to Bone while the Hai Lee arrived at Philippeville later the same day after having straggled from the convoy.
On 8 March 1944, the troop transport Winchester Castle was detached to Algiers while the troop transports Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 8 March 1944, the (troop) transports Almanzora, Champollion, Circassia,Letitia and Mormacswan were detached to Oran.
On 9 March 1944, the convoy arrived at Gibraltar where part the current escort; HMS Colombo, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck, ORP Slazak, HMS Catterick, HMS Mendip and RHS Miaoulis. ORP Krakowiak and HMS Haydon had already arrived at Gibraltar the previous day after having proceeded ahead of the convoy.
Coming from Gibraltar the folling (troop) transports joined the convoy; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
Also joining from Gibraltar were the battleship HMS Warspite (A/Capt. D. Edwardes, RN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN), destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and the sloops HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RN), HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) and HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN).
On 11 March 1944, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Horta, Azores which she had departed the previous day. She parted company with the convoy early on 15 March and arrived at Greenock later the same day.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 16 March 1944.
29 Mar 1944
Convoy IXF 12.
This convoy departed Taranto on 29 March 1944.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Taranto the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kriti, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos.
Around 1340A/30, HMS Caledon was detached. She was to proceed to Bizerta.
On 30 March 1944, the (troop) transport Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) departed Malta to join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).
On 1 April 1944, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos were detached to Alexandria with the Derbyshire.
The escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and destroyer HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) joined coming from Alexandria.
The convoy arrived at Port Said on 2 April 1944.
9 May 1944
Convoy MKS 49.
This convoy departed Port Said on 9 May 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Fort Turtle (British, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).
At 2230C/9, the Elise and HMS Hyderabad collided between Port Said and Alexandria. HMS Hyderabad put into Alexandria but was later able to rejoin the convoy.
On 10 May 1944 the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), J.C. Osgood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932) and Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).
The boom carrier HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) was also in company with the convoy.
Also the escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) and A/S trawler HMS Bream (A/Skr.Lt. S.C. Larner, RNR) joined coming from Alexandria.
On 11 May 1944, the Empire Ballad arrived at Alexandria after having been detached due to engine trouble.
On 15 May 1944, the Also on 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Augusta;
Bialystok,
Boskoop,
Fort Grant,
Fort Turtle,
Hart Crane,
J.C. Osgood,
John A. Brown,
Nordnes and
while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Augusta;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Le Conte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Samave (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samnethy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914),
William Few (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 16 May 1944, the transports Edward Livingston and Sampan were detached to Bizerta while the transports
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943),
Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Bizerta. Also the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Fort Lennox, Harlesden, Ocean Traveller and Sampford were detached to Bone while the rescue tug HMS Hengist joined the convoy.
On 18 May 1944, the transports and tanker
Empire Beatrice,
Empire Noble,
Empire Wyclif,
Esso Nashville,
Fort de Douaumont,
Fort Gaspereau,
James Gordon Bennett,
John Sullivan,
Joseph le Conte,
Lornaston,
Ocean Gallant,
Richard Bassett,
Samaye,
Samboston,
Samoa,
Samphire,
Samwash,
Stancleeve,
Thelma,
William Few and
William W. Campbell as well as USS Restorer arrived at Algiers while the transports / tanker
Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919),
Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914),
Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924) and
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.
On 19 May 1944, the transports
Empire Conrad,
Jared Ingersoll,
John Sergeant,
Josiah Bertlett,
Luther Martin,
Roger Williams,
Samaffric,
Samnethy,
Silverelm and
Tabitha Brown arrived at Oran having been detached from the Convoy. The transports / tanker
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942),
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936),
Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938),
Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910),
Dartmouth (American, 9879 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) and
Lookout Mountain (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Oran. With them were also the LST's 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).
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 20 May 1944. 20 May 1944 23 May 1944 This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 May 1944.
It was made up of the following transports;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939),
Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914),
Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933),
Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924),
Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928),
Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917),
Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918),
Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942),
Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929),
Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924),
Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935),
Inverbank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924),
Lago (Norwegian, 2552 GRT, built 1929),
Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937),
Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937),
Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929),
Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919),
Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918),
Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928),
Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and
Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).
The rescue ship Pinto (British, 1346 GRT, built 1928) was also with the combined convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigates HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR), HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR), HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN) and the corvettes HMNZS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Seelye, RNZNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN).
The transport Stanhope had to return to the U.K. arriving in the Clyde on 25 May 1944.
The tanker Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) later joined at sea having parted company with convoy MKS 49. This ship was to refuel the escorts.
Around 1030Z/27, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with the convoy to temporary join northbound combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 which they did around 1540Z/28.
Around 1505Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 taking the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) with them. They rejoined combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 around 1650Z/30.
On 30 May 1944, HMNZS Arabis parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bermuda arriving there on 6 June 1944.
Around 0300Z/3, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle parted company with combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 to join northbound combined convoy SL 159 / MKS 50 which they did around 0600Z/3. HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle then immediately parted company again to rejoin combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.
On 4 June 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 78 and KMS 52.
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Convoy OS 78, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports;
Clunepark,
Godfrey B. Holt,
Northleigh and
Stuyvesant.
They were joined by the following transports coming from Gibraltar;
Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929),
Fort Glenyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942),
Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938) and
Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).
With these ships came also the new escort for this convoy which was made up of 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 patrol vessel HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR).
Also from Casablanca the the following transports joined on the 4th or the 5th;
Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918),
Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938),
Samdart (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and
Samderwent (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944).
These ships had departed Casablanca on the 4th , escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which did not join the convoy and returned to Casablanca on the 5th.
On 11 June 1944, the transport Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) departed Dakar to join the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the Clunepark, Gabriel Guist'Hau and Northleigh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.
Convoy OS 78 arrived at Freetown on 14 June 1944. Actually only the Slesvig and Stuyvesant arrived at Freetown with the escort. The other ships proceeded to other destinations independently.
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Convoy KMS 52 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports / tanker;
Adviser,
Alex,
Baron Elgin,
Carslogie,
Dago,
Empire Falcon,
Empire Wolfe,
Fort Churchill,
Historian,
Hopecrest,
Inverbank,
Lago,
Mathilda,
Nailsea Moor,
Pinto,
Redgate,
Robert Morris,
Scottish American,
Thistleford,
Troilus and
Yearby.
On 6 June 1944, the Carslogie, Empire Wolfe, Pinto, Scottish American and Thistleford arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Exe, HMS Ascension, HMS Berkeley Castle, HMS Carisbrooke Castle, HMS Dumbarton Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle.
From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tanker;
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926),
David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) and
Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy.
Escort was now provided by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR).
On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran Bay after having been detached from the convoy; HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, Benjamin Tay and Sheaf Crown.
On 7 June 1944, the following transports / tanker joined coming from Oran Bay;
Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929),
Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937),
Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927),
Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922),
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942),
Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909).
Also joining from Oran Bay were the LST's USS LST-602 (Lt. J.H. Mehus, USNR) and USS LST-603 (Lt. W.B. Sweet, USN).
On 8 June 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers;
Alex,
David Holmes,
Empire Gareth,
Hopecrest,
Mathilda and
Norbryn.
On 8 June 1944, the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934),
Elise (Greek, 1986 GRT, built 1919),
Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Valour (British, 1906 GRT, built 1943),
Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917),
Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942),
Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921),
Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943),
Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922),
Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922),
Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929),
Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938),
Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943),
Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and
Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930). With these ships was also the salvage vessel USS Tackle (Lt. D.V. van Sand, USNR) which also joined the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the transport Lago arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the transports
Dago,
Elise,
Hardingham,
Ingertre,
Lucia C.,
Samaye and
Samuel V. Shreve arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the following transports joined coming from Bone.
Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938),
Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943),
Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932),
Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922) and
Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936).
On 10 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy;
Baron Elgin,
Corchester,
Empire Gain,
Gezina,
Jennings,
Sarah Orne Jewett and
Zacapa.
Also HMS Caledon, RHS Kriti, USS LST-602 and USS LST-603 arrived at Bizerta the same day after having been detached from the convoy.
On 10 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Andrew W. Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925),
Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) and
Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).
On 10 June 1944, the transport Oregon arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the transports
Empire Falcon,
Empire Strength,
Palermo and
Yearby arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy. Also the escorts HMS Evenlode and HMS Smilax arrived at Malta.
On 11 June 1944, the transports / tanker;
Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920),
Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Beausejour (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941),
Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914),
Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 12 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy;
Andrew Moore,
Anglo-African,
Beaconsfield,
Bourgogne,
Bret Harte,
Chateau Latour,
Cornfell,
Daniel H. Hill,
Edward Burleson,
Egbert Benson,
Empire Dickens,
Empire Valour,
Empire Wyclif,
Felix Grundy,
Fort Frobisher,
George G. Meade,
George Leonard,
James Rumsey,
John W. Brown,
Josiah Barlett,
Louisa M. Alcott,
Luther Martin,
Nailsea Moor,
Ocean Vulcan,
Odysseus,
Ousel,
Redgate,
Richard Rush,
Roger Williams,
Thistledale,
Tobruk,
Tristram Dalton and
Ulla. With these ships also USS Tackle had proceeded to Augusta.
On 15 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria;
Fort Beausejour,
Fort Chesterfield,
Fort Marin,
Fort Meductic and
Trajanus. With them also HMS Gloxinia, HMS Primula and HMS Wolborough arrived at Alexandria.
On 16 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said;
Adviser,
British Chemist,
British Governor,
Destro,
Empire Collins,
Empire Noble,
Empire Unicorn,
Fort Churchill,
Fort Cumberland,
Historian,
Inverbank,
Kyklades,
Marit Maersk,
Meline,
Nordnes,
Ocean Gallant,
Port Melbourne,
Robert Morris,
Sambre,
Skagerak and
Troilus. With them HMS Dart and HMS Shiel arrived at Port Said. 6 Jun 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 ' for 23 May 1944.
10 Jun 1944 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) all arrived at Gibraltar with convoy MKS 49. (1)Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.
The escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) departed Gibraltar and joined convoy KMS 52 for escort duty.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and RHS Kriti arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy KMS 52.