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Notable events involving Yestor include:

10 Jun 1942
HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Holy Loch for Loch Ewe. She was escorted by HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR).

For the daily positions of the HMS P 615 during the passage from Holy Loch to Reykjavik, Iceland see the map below.

(1)

22 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN). (2)

23 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Lansdale, USS Plunkett, HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). (3)

25 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR) and HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN). (3)

26 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR), HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN), USS Babbitt, USS Spencer, HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR). (3)

25 Mar 1943

Passage of floating dock AFD 24 from Trinidad to Freetown.

On 25 March 1943, the dock in tow of the tugs HMS Frisky and HMS Zwarte Zee departed Trinidad. Escort was provided by the sloop HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G. MacClelland, RN), corvettes HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR), HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the ASW trawlers HMS Morris Dance (T/Lt. S.A. MacKechnie, RNVR) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). A third tug was also present as stand by tug, this was HMS Oriana.

On 1 April 1943, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) departed Trinidad to overtake and join the 'convoy'. HMS Alcantara was to fuel the oil firing sloop and corvettes at sea during the passage to Freetown. The coal firing trawlers were to coal in Brazilian ports.

On 24 April 1943, the corvette HMS Snowdrop (Lt. P.A. Tinne, RNVR) and the motor launches HMS ML 296 (T/Lt. R.C. Breckenridge, RCNVR), HMS ML 289 (?), HMS ML 287 (T/Lt. J.B. Bramwell, RNVR), HMS ML 281 (T/Lt. P.S. Castle, RNVR), HMS ML 266 (T/Lt. D.R. Beverley, RCNVR) and HMS ML 209 (T/Lt. A.M.C. Scott, RNVR) departed freetown to make rendezvous with the convoy which did at 1130Z/26. ML 281 had however returned to Freetown on the 26th after having been detached due to a defective Asdic installation.

On 27 April 1943, the A/S yacht HMS Virginia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Dobson, RNR) and corvettes HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) and HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) departed Freetown to join the convoy which they did early in the evening of the same day.

The dock and it's escorts arrived at Freetown on 28 April 1943.

7 May 1943
Le Centaure conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G. MacClelland, RN), HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR), HMS Woodruff (Lt. F.H. Gray, RNR) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). (4)

25 Jun 1943
Argo conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). (4)

28 Jun 1943

Convoy SL 132.

This convoy departed Freetown on 28 June 1943.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Grenadier arrived at Liverpool on 22 July.

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

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

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

The remaining merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool on 22 July.

The destination of the Abeille IV was Milford Haven, arrival date not known but most likely 22 July. (5)

13 Jul 1943

Convoy SL 133.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 July 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Cypria (Norwegian, 4366 GRT, built 1931), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Desirade (British, 9645 GRT, built 1921), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cougar (British, 5758 GRT, built 1919), Empire Forest (British, 7025 GRT, built 1942), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tremblant (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Gambian (British, 5452 GRT, built 1937), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), John Holt (British, 4964 GRT, built 1943), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Mafuta (Belgian, tanker, 6322 GRT, built 1920), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), New Northland (Canadian, 3445 GRT, built 1926), Norma (Norwegian, 4487 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Hope (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and Wearpool (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Anchusa ( T/Lt. H.V. Gordon, RNVR), HMS Columbine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR), HMS Coreopsis (T/Lt. B.C. Hamilton, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RD, RNR).

Around 0600Z/15, in position 10°49'N, 17°02'W, the Wearpool was detached to proceed to Buenos Aires.

Around 1900Z/15, HMS Enchantress was detached to fuel at Dakar.

Around 0230Z/15, HMS Amazon was detached to fuel at Dakar.

Around 0600Z/16, the merchant vessel Kaipara was torpedoed and damaged by the German U-boat U-306. She was able to proceed to Dakar under her own power escorted by HMS Violet until this corvette was relieved by HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR).

Around 1230Z/16, in approximate position 14°34'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessel Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Bathurst.

Around 1330Z/16, in position 14°36'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessel New Northland was detached to Dakar. The Fort Douglas was also detached to Dakar with engine defects at the same time. They were escorted to Dakar by the ASW trawler HMS Fandango (T/Lt. A.G. Fisher, RNR) which had also brought out the Dakar section of the convoy (see below).

Around 1330Z/16, in position 14°36'N, 17°47'W, the merchant vessels El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909) and Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

Around 1430Z/16, in position 14°35'N, 17°50'W, HMS Enchantress and HMS Amazon returned from fuelling at Dakar.

Around 0830Z/22, in position 29°12'N, 18°48'W, HMS Columbine and HMS Coreopsis were detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2030Z/22, in position 30°08'N, 17°00'W, HMS Anchusa and HMS Violet were detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 1200Z/24, in position 33°54'N, 09°46'W, HMS Columbine and HMS Coreopsis returned from fuelling at Casablanca. HMS Leith was then detached to fuel at Casablanca. She rejoined on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/24, in position 34°04'N, 09°46'W, the El-Biar, Finistere and Grand Quevilly were detached to Casablanca. The patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR), USS PC-482 (Lt. N.P. Hallowell, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) had come out from Casablanca to escort them.

Around 1500Z/24, in position 34°14'N, 09°35'W, HMS Amazon was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived the following day.

Around 1200Z/24, in position 34°17'N, 10°30'W, HMS Anchusa and HMS Violet returned from fuelling at Casablanca.

Around 1700B/24, in position 35°45'N, 11°15'W, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 18G coming from Gibraltar.
This convoy was made up of the following ships; Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Eastern City (British, 5185 GRT, built 1941), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Schiaffino (French, 3236 GRT, built 1929), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

The landing ship Ennerdale (British, 8280 GRT, built 1941) and the tug HMRT Allegiance towing the damaged escort destroyer Derwent (Lt. P.R.C. Higham, RN) was also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Hurricane (Cdr. E.C. Bayldon, DSC, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR) and HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR). Off these, HMS Rockingham could only use one propeller and her speed was limited to 15 knots.

Around 0750B/28, in approximate position 41°30'N, 16°04'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

In the evening of the 28th, the convoy was attacked by German FW 200 bombers / reconnaissance aircraft. No damage was done and one of the attackers was shot down. HMS Hurricane picked up six survivors of this aircraft. Four of them wounded.

Around 0930B/29, the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) joined the convoy.

In the second half of the morning of the 29th, the convoy was once more attacked by German aircraft but again no damage was done though bombs landed near HMS Scylla, HMS Rockingham, HMS Borage and HMS Meadowsweet.

Around 2225B/29, in approximate position 46°30'N, 16°00'W, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around an hour before the departure of HMS Scylla eleven of the merchant vessels split off from the main convoy and formed the ' fast section '. These then proceeded ahead escorted by the original escort of the convoy which had been with the convoy on departure from Freetown (minus HMS Amazon which had been detached to Gibraltar earlier).

Around 2200B/30, in position 50°01'N, 15°24'W, HMS Enchantress was detached from the 'fast section' to proceed to the Clyde via the south of Ireland.

Around the same time, HMS Sheffield parted company from the 'slow section' to proceed to

The 'fast section' of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 2 July 1943.

The 'slow section' of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1943. (6)

11 Feb 1944

Convoy SL 149.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 February 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ann Stathatos (Greek, 5685 GRT , built 1918), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Olaf Bergh (Norwegian, 5811 GRT, built 1921), Ragnhildsholm (Swedish, 2818 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922), William Hawkins (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Zarembo (American, 4957 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) and the patrol vessels HMS Kildwick (T/Lt. P. Pannell, RNVR) and HMS Kilkenzie (T/Lt. B.C. Sheen, RNVR). The A/S trawler HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR) and the M/S trawler HMS Copinsay (Skr. J.A. MacTean, RNR) were with the convoy of the day of the convoys departure only.

On 14 February 1944, the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Fort Archambault (French, 5549 GRT, built 1918) and the coastal transport RHS APc-75 (?) departed Dakar to join the convoy. With them was the minesweeping sloop Gazelle which also joined the convoy.

At some point, presumably not too long after departure from Freetown, the William Hawkins and Zarembo were detached to Trinidad.

On 15 February 1944, the Olaf Bergh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.

Also on 15 February 1944, HMS Kildwick and HMS Kilkenzie arrived at Freetown after having been detached from the convoy the previous day.

On 21 February 1944, the mechant vessel Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did the following day. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).

On 22 February 1944, the Canada and the Fort Archambault were detached to Casablanca with the Gazelle, USS PC-475 and USS PC-481. They arrived at Casablanca on 23 February 1944.

On 22 February 1944, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 40(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Clan MacInnes (British, 4672 GRT, built 1920), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Drammensford (Norwegian, 5329 GRT, built 1920), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Gatineau Park (Canadian, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Mariposa (British, 3702 GRT, built 1914), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Rideau Park (Canadian, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Samark (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambut (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samzona (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943) and Shahzada (British, 5454 GRT, built 1942). With these ships were also the LST's HMS LST 324 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bell, RNR), HMS LST 362 (Lt.Cdr. Reginald Harry Andrew Clark, RD, RNR), HMS LST 413 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.J.W. Crowdy, RNVR) and HMS LST 427 (T/Lt. W.R.G. Carling, RNR).

The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) was also with this convoy.

Convoy MKS 40(G) was escorted by the sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). The damaged escort destroyer HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) was also with the convoy for passage to the U.K. where she was to undergo repairs. She had only one engine available.

The original escort of convoy SL 149 and APc-75 then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 24 February 1944.

Around 1500N/26, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

On 1 March 1944, the four LST's, HMS LST 324, HMS LST 362, HMS LST 413 and HMS LST 427 were detached to Plymouth escorted by HMS Rockwood.

Around 0350A/2, the German submarine U-744 fired a salvo of four torpedoes in position 48°00'N, 17°23'W at what was thought to be a convoy of four tankers. It was thought that three of the tankers were hit and sunk but in fact only one ship HMS LST 362 was hit. The LST broke in two with the fore part sinking immediately without any survivors from that part. The after part remained afloat for a while and 73 surivors, on of which later died, were picked up by HMS LST 324. The U-boat was then attacked with depth charges by HMS Rockwood. The U-boat then fired a gnat, acoustic homing torpedo at the escort destroyer but this missed, most likely due to the limited speed of the escort destroyer which had only one engine operational. HMS Rockwood later picked up another 22 surivivors of which unfortunately two later died.

At 0700A/2, HMS Tavy was detached from the convoy to proceed to the aid of the detached LST's and HMS Rockwood. Also aircraft from HMS Fencer were sent to the area of the attack.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 6/7 March 1944. The Jersey Hart had been detached en-route [no further details currently available].

13 Mar 1944

Convoy SL 152.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 March 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Dordrecht (Dutch, 4402 GRT, built 1928), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Franklin (British, 7292 GRT, built 1941), Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rhodes (British, 7030 GRT, built 1941), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941), Rippingham Grange (British, 10365 GRT, built 1943), Schiaffino Freres (French, 3314 GRT, built 1910), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) and Walker Taylor (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), cutter (sloop) HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR), corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Dunkery (T/Lt. E. Ross, RNVR), HMS Portsdown (T/Lt. L.G. Bradley, RNVR) and HMS Yestor (T/Lt. H. Sidmouth-Willing, DSC, RNVR).

Around 1800Z/13, HMS Dunkery dropped astern due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy and proceeded direct to Bathurst.

At 1525Z/15, in position 12°56'N, 17°46'E, HMS Aubretia obtained a good contact thought to be an enemy submarine. HMS Portsdown was ordered to assist her in the hunt. [No German submarine was in the area though.]

Around 2015Z/15, in position 13°31'N, 17°58'W, the merchant vessels Kedoe and Thomas W. Owen were detached to Bathurst escorted by HMS Yestor.

Around 0530Z/16, HMS Aubretia rejoined the convoy. HMS Portsdown never rejoined the convoy but returned to Freetown.

Around 0630Z/16, in position 14°44'N, 17°47'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Dakar;
Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Rena (Norwegian, 5242 GRT, built 1924) while the Schiaffino Freres was detached to Dakar.

Around 0800Z/23, in position 34°07'N, 09°33'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Casablanca;
Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Kingsland (British, 3669 GRT, built 1930), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906) and Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929). They had been escorted from Casablanca to the rendezvous by USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, Jr., USNR), USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). The Paul de Rousiers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS PC-475.

Around 0930Z/23, in position 34°16'N, 09°31'W, the frigate HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR) joined coming from Gibraltar with the LST's LST's HMS LST 9 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Windle, RNR), HMS LST 62 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rayer, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR), HMS LST 322 ( A/Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS 401 (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Devitt, RNR), HMS 402 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Sprigge, RNR), HMS 408 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Cook, RNR), HMS 409 (A/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Dixon, RANVR), HMS 416 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Braine, RNR), HMS 419 (T/Lt. H.A. Standfield, RNR), HMS 423 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomson, RNR), HMS 428 (T/Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hamlyn, RNR), HMS 430 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.H. Laws, RD, RNR).

Around 1030Z/23, in position 34°30'N, 09°30'W, the Bardistan and Walker Taylor were detached to Gibraltar taking HMS Totland with them as escort.

Around 1230Z/24, Convoy MKS 43(G), coming from Gibraltar, was astern of Convoy SL 152. Convoy MKS 43(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cadet (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Simba (British, 5647 GRT, built 1918), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937)), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

Also part of the convoy were the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alaunia (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolley, RN), Quercy (French), monitor HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) and naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR).

The escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) and rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) were also part of convoy MKS 43(G).

Convoy MKS 43(G) was escorted by escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigate HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR) which also joined the combined convoy SL 152 / MKS 43(G).

Joining up was still ongoing but HMS Ballinderry, HMS Aubretia and HMS Cyclamen parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived around 1900A/25.

By 1500Z/24, the combined convoy had completely formed up in position 36°06'N, 12°08'W.

Around 0645Z/25, in position 36°20'N, 14°23'W, the Empire Might and Rippingham Grange parted company to join convoy MKF 29A.

Around 1415Z/29, in position 48°19'N, 18°22'W, the Scottish American was detached to the southbound combined convoy OS 72 / KMS 46.

Around 0800Z/1, in position 53°30'N, 13°19'W, the Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and HMS Alaunia (arrived at Greenock on 2 April).

Around 0600Z/2, in position 55°06'N, 09°33'W, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Trader, Blairnevis, Bridgepool, Caduceus, City of Khios, Cragpool, Dalhanna, Duke of Sparta, Eemland, Empire Brutus, Empire Franklin, Empire Highway, Empire Mariott, Empire Rhodes, Empire Simba, Empire Thackeray, Fort Churchill, Fort Livingstone, Fort Reliance, Grainton, Gudrun Maersk, Kingsland, Marquesa, Porjus, Rembrandt, Rena, Romney, Samdel, Samphill, Snar, Sutherland, Tiba, Tudor Prince, Tweedbank, Vancouver City and Yearbank. HMS Armeria and HMS Clarkia went with them as escorts.

Around 0700Z/2, in position 55°07'N, 09°23'W, HMS Exe and HMS Burdock parted company. They arrived in the Clyde on 3 April 1944.

Around 0800Z/2, in position 55°13'N, 09°19'W, the Henri Jaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April) and the Quercy (arrived at Milford Haven on 3 April) parted company.

Around 1000Z/2, in position 55°18'N, 09°01'W, HMS Roberts was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

Around 1300Z/2, in position 55°27'N, 08°31'W, HMS Striker was detached. She arrived in the Clyde on 3 April.

On 3 April 1944, the Innerton arrived at Oban.

On 3 April 1944, the Clyde section arrived in the Clyde. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashbury, Astrid, Baron Haig, Beckenham, Drakepool, Empire Gareth, Fastnet, Rajput and Thysville. All 13 LST's also proceeded to the Clyde. Some of these had also been detached earlier.

On 3 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough;
Empire Cadet and Langleebrook.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Workington;
Blairdevon, Ioannis Frangos and Lisbeth.

On 4 April 1944, the following merchant vessels arrived at Barrow;
Fairwater and Pendeen.

On 4 April 1944, the Liverpool section arrived at Liverpool. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cetus, David Livingstone, Dordrecht, Empire Baron, Forest, Fort George, Helder, Houston City, MacGregor Laird, Mandalay, Norman Star, Pandorian, Samneva, Samos and Slemmestad.

On 4 April 1944, the Bristol Channel section arrived in Barry Roads. The Bristol Channel section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Empire Nerissa, Errington Court, Fort Poplar and Souliotis.

USS ATR 47 arrived at Falmouth on 5 April.

The remaining escort not yet described arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Moloya (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April), HMS Berkeley Castle (arrived in the Clyde on 3 April) and HMS Fusilier (arrived at Liverpool on 3 April). (7)