| Navy | The US Navy |
| Type | Oiler |
| Class | Chiwawa |
| Pennant | AO 70 |
| Built by | Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Sparrows Point, Maryland, U.S.A.) |
| Ordered | |
| Laid down | |
| Launched | 29 Sep 1942 |
| Commissioned | 30 Jan 1943 |
| End service | 12 Dec 1945 |
| History | Decommissioned on 12 December 1945 Escalante's first assigned voyage was to Houston, Texas to pick up aviation fuel to transport to Cristobal, in the Canal Zone. Upon her return from Cristobal to Norfolk, Virginia she was assigned duty to the Atlantic Fleet, operating with Task Force 60 and 61. Her primary task was to transport fuel from Norfolk, Virginia to North Africa ports and refueling ships at sea. She made one voyage to Glascow, Scotland, prior to the Normandy Invasion, with the fueling of invading ships as her primary objective. Escalante's last voyage in the Atlantic was to Oran Algeria, which brought her a total of eight trans-Atlantic voyages. Escalante returned to the Norfolk Navy Yard for overhaul to fit her for duty in the Pacific. On 4 December 1944 she loaded fuel at Aruba, passed through the Panama Canal and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 26 December. She reported to Service Squadron 10 to operate mainly from Ulithi in refueling units of the 3d and 5th Fleets at sea and thereby taking part in the action against Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Japanese homeland. From 26 September 1945 until 20 October she fueled ships in Tokyo Bay and then set sail for San Francisco, arriving there on 31 October. |
Commands listed for USS Escalante (AO 70)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | |
| 1 | Cdr. Cliff(ord) L. Bolton, USNR | 30 Jan 1943 | 3 Jul 1943 (1) |
| 2 | Cdr. Charles L. Kiewert, USNR | 3 Jul 1943 | 21 Aug 1944 |
| 3 | Cdr. John Marshall Paulsson, USNR | 21 Aug 1944 | 3 Dec 1944 |
| 4 | William I Stevens, USNR | 3 Dec 1944 | 12 Dec 1945 |
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Notable events involving Escalante include:
14 Mar 1944
Convoy UGS 36.
This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 March 1944.
It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), E. Kirby Smith (American, 7193 GRT, built 1943), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Frederick C. Howe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ignace Paderewski (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jubal A. Early (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis Hennepin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Robert R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Walter Releigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William B. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Dall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943). The LST's USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN), naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and stores ship USS Polaris (8222 GRT, built 1939, T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) were also part of the convoy.
On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and the French patrol vessel Sabre.
Around 1130Z/14, USS Sellstrom parted company to proceed the Portsmouth Navy Yard to effect repairs to her sound gear. She rejoined the following day.
Around 1600Z/14, the tanker Petter parted company to proceed to New York.
Around 1200Z/15, the transport Charles Crocker parted company to return to the USA. USS Tomich was ordered to escort her and then rejoin the convoy.
Around 1400Z/15, USS Sellstrom rejoined the convoy.
Around 1200Z/16, the destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) joined the convoy. She had been unable to depart with the convoy on the 14th.
Around 0800Z/17, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy.
During 17 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple, USS Alden, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford and Sabre fuelled from USS Escalante.
Around 0225Z/18, radar contact was obtained on two vessels which proved to be the transport Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929) and her escort, the minesweeper USS Despite (Lt.(jg) F.T. Peck, Jr., USNR), coming from Bermuda. The transport subsequently joined the convoy and the minesweeper returned to Bermuda.
On 20 March 1944, USS Sloat fuelled from USS Escalante.
On 23 March 1944, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.
Around 1300Z/24, Hoke Smith and Iroquois were detached from the convoy to proceed to the Azores. They were escorted by USS John D. Edwards whivh had first fuelled from USS Escalante.
On 26 March 1944, USS Decatur fuelled from USS Escalante.
Around 1330Z/27, USS John D. Edwards rejoined the convoy.
Around 1545Z/27, USS John D. Ford was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar to obtain written orders and other paperwork so that the Task Force would to be able to operate in the Mediterranean. Before parting company she fuelled from USS Escalante.
At 0554Z/28, the transport A.J. Cermak and USS Richey collided but damage to both was minor.
On 28 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.
At 0330Z/29, USS John D. Ford collided with the British auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Agate (T/Lt. R.J. Langley, RANVR) in Gibraltar harbour. The destroyer sustained extensive damage and one of her crew was killed and five were wounded. USS Alden was then detached to take over the duties of USS John D. Ford.
Around 0800Z/29, the transport Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, corvette Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports Edward Burleson, Edwin L. Godkin, Howell E. Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, Oregon and USS Escalante with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 30 March 1944.
Around 2320Z/29, USS Alden rejoined from Gibraltar.
Around 2330Z/29, USS John D. Edwards parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to refuel and then rejoin the convoy.
Around 0940Z/30, the Gibraltar section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the transports Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Don (British, 1037 GRT, built 1924) and Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940). At the same time USS Polaris parted company to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran. To escort her the destroyers USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) had arrived on the scene.
Around 1000Z/30, USS Decatur briefly stopped in Gibraltar Bay to embark a British liaison officer.
Around 1100Z/30, British (controlled) escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN). Also the submarine HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and motor minesweeper MMS 300 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.W. Lawn, RNVR) joined for passage. The rescue tug HMRT Mindful also joined. The American minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).
Around 1100Z/31, the following ships were detached to Oran; A.J. Cermak, Dilworth, Frithjof Nansen, James Rumsey, John Catron, John Sedgwik, Norfjell, Patrick C. Boyle, Peter Cartwright, Samuel Moody, Stephen C. Foster, Walter Raleigh and William L. Yancey. From the escort, USS Richey and Sabre were also detached to Oran.
At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Abernethy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
Around 0300A/1, the convoy was attacked by about 20 German aircraft in approximate position 36°52'N, 01°43'E. They attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Two enemy aircraft were claimed to have been shot down. The Jared Ingersoll was hit by a torpedo. USS Mills picked up the crew and together with HRMT Mindful then effected the salvage of the ship. The damaged ship arrived at Algiers later the same day.
Around 1030Z/1, USS Richey rejoined from Oran after having effected repairs there.
Around 1145Z/1, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Donacilla, Fort Dauphin, Solor and Woodrow Wilson. HMS Black Swan was also detached to Algiers.
At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).
Around 1130Z/2, the transport Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.
Around 1630Z/2, the transport Don was detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Lidvard (Norwegian, 4785 GRT, built 1939) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).
Around 0115Z/3, USS Mills rejoined the convoy from Algiers.
Around 0515Z/3, the Bizerta section of the convoy made up of the following ships parted company with the convoy; B.F. Shaw, British Diligence, George Abernethy, John A. Brown, Kemp B. Battle, Lawrence D. Tyson, Paul H. Harwood, Titus and William H. Dall. Also the complete American escort proceeded to Bizerta as did all the LST's and HMS Colombo. The tanker Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.
On 3 April 1944, the transport Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.
On 4 April 1944, the Indiana, HMS Sirdar and HMMS 300 arrived at Malta while the transport Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 4 April 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 5 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Angelo, Atle Jarl, Bruse Jarl, Corstar, Coulgorm, E. Kirby Smith, Empire Grebe, Erodona, Fort Frobisher, Fort Gaspereau, Fort la Prairie, Fort Sturgeon, George Bancroft, George M. Bibb, Henry Baldwin, Henry W. Longfellow, Ignace Paderewski, James McHenry, Jan Lievens, John C. Fremont, John Trumbull, Lincoln Steffens, Lucretia Mott, Macuba, Marion McKinley Bovard, Morialta, Ocean Fame, Samannan, Samleven, Samstrule, Samtyne, Serula, Sun, Sun-Yat-Sen, Tarleton Brown, Theodoric Bland., Trondheim, Ulla, William D. Moseley and William F. Cody.
On 8 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Blackheath, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Empire Unicorn, Eridan, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Glenora, Fort Grant, Fort Lennox, Fort Meductic, Frederick C. Howe, Harlesden, Samlyth, Samshire, Samsteel and Stancleeve. Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, HMS Amethyst and HMS Deptford.
The remaining ships in the convoy arrived at Port Said on 9 April 1944.
25 Mar 1944
Convoy GUS 35.
This convoy departed Port Said on 25 March 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports; Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Chippewa Park (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Reynolds (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samcree (British, 7210 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and Wendell Phillips (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS HMSAS Southern Isles (Lt. J.K. Mallory, SANF).
On 26 March 1944, the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Souris (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Henry H. Blood (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Perak (British, 1188 GRT, built 1906), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940).
They were escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).
On 31 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Cyrus W. Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Traveller (British (tanker), 8201 GRT, built 1943), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Far (Norwegian, 2475 GRT, built 1921), Frederick Banting (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Jacques Cartier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Guthrie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Robert Y. Hayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sambay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sestriere (Italian, 7992 GRT, built 1942), Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William Sturgis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Thornton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
These ships have been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the escort destroyer HMS Wilton (Lt. G.G. Marten, DSC, RN), the torpedo boat Indomito (C.C.(Lt.Cdr.) E.F. Perucca), and the corvettes Gabbiano and Cormorano.
On the Augusta section joining the following ships of the convoy were detached to Augusta where they arrived on 1 April 1944 escorted by the ships that had brought out the Augusta section; Belgian Sailor, Empire Beatrice, Empire Conrad, Empire Daring, Fort Cumberland, Fort Erie, Fort Souris, Ocean Glory, Perak, Samcree, Samphire, Temple Inn and Van Honthorst.
On 1 April the Eridan arrived at Tripoli after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 April 1944, the landing ship HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN) and the transport Samovar (British, 7219 grt, built 1943) departed Malta to join the convoy.
Around 1900B/2, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy near Bizerta. Also from Bizerta came the transport Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936).
at 0035A/3, the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) joined as additional escort.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Blairesk, City of Canterbury, Cyrus W. Field, Djebel Aurus, Hugh Williamson, Joseph H. Hollister and Mary Wilkins Freeman.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy; Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910), Christopher Gadsen (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909). Also with them was the boom defence vessel HMS Barova (T/Lt. J.R. Radley, RNR) and the salvage vessel USS Extricate (Lt. C.H. Rooklidge, USNR).
The Empire Trent was detached to Tunis arriving there on 3 April 1944.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Bone to join the convoy; Samforth (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell, Empire Copperfield, Everleigh, Far, Jacques Cartier, Lewant, Novasli and Robert Y. Hayne.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports departed Philippeville to join the convoy; Jeanne Schiaffino (French, 1032 GRT, built 1922) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Also on 3 April the sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 4 April 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Algiers to join the convoy; British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Jacinth (British, 650 GRT, built 1937), James Shields (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Pan Aruba (Norwegian, 9231 GRT, built 1931), Pan Delaware (American, 8128 GRT, built 1918), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), Samchess (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922).
The following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and arrived at Algiers on 4 April 1944; Atlantic City, British Pride, Caudebec, Clan Cameron, Empire Capulet, James Guthrie, Jeanne Schiaffino, Samaritan and William J. Bryan. HMS Royal Scotsman and USS Extricate also proceeded to Algiers.
On 5 April 1944, the following transports departed Oran to join the convoy; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Edwin Markman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lambert Cadwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Richard Jordan Gatling (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
The following transports parted company with the convoy and arrived at Oran on 5 April 1944; Christopher Gadsen, Star and William Thornton.
Around 1400A/5, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1555A/5, USS Seer parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1030A/6, The USN Task Force 63 joined the convoy and took over the escort duties from the current escort which was then detached. Task Force 63 was made up of the destroyers USS Nelson (T/Cdr. T.D. McGrath, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63 also COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), USS Glennon (T/Cdr. C.A. Johnson, USN), USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. Leo William Nilon, USN), USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with COMDESDIV 34, T/Capt. W.L. Benson, on board), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN) and the escort destroyers USS Jordan (Cdr. F.C. Billing, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR) and USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR).
On 6 April 1944, the following transports departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; John W. Mackay (British (cable laying ship, 4049 GRT, built 1922) and Largs Bay (British (damaged), 14182 GRT, built 1921).
The following transports / tanker parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar on 6 April 1944; British Chancellor, Charlton Hall, Chippewa Park, Empire Austen, Jacinth, Joshua Hendy, Pilar de Larrinaga, Solarium and Umberleigh. HMS Barova was also detached to Gibraltar.
On 6 April 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Casablanca to join the convoy. Linda (Danish, 962 GRT, built 1936) and Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929). The naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) was also with them. They joined the following day and had been escorted out of Casablanca by the patrol vessels; USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).
The following transports were detached to Casablanca escorted by the four patrol vessel listed above; Egton, Empire Damsel, Frederick Banting, Sambay, Samchess and Samovar. They arrived at Casablanca on 8 April 1944.
On 11 April 1944, the transport James Schureman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy near Horta, Azores.
On 12 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled all twelve escort vessels.
On 15 April 1944, the Richard Jordan Gatling straggled from the convoy. USS Jeffers was ordered to screen her. The Richard Jordan Gatling arrived at Bermuda on 21 April 1944. USS Jeffers had been relieved earlier that day by HMCS Q 090 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.C. Campbell, RCNVR). USS Jeffers then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did the following day shortly before the 'New York' section arrived at New York.
On 16 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled USS Nelson and USS Newman.
On 17 April 1944, the Bellerophon and Samforth parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda as the Bellerophon had engine (boiler) defects and the Samforth had uncontrollable leaks. they were escorted by USS Newman. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944. USS Newman had been relieved around dawn that day by HMCS Q 100 (T/Lt. D.A. Dobson, RCNVR). USS Newman then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did in the evening.
On 19 April 1944, USS Escalante parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda. To escort her the destroyer escorts USS Dennis (Lt.Cdr. S. Hansen, USNR) and USS Eversole (T/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Marix, USN) had joined. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944.
On 21 April 1944, the convoy split into two sections. 14 ships with 4 escorts set course to proceed to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. 35 ships with the remaining 7 escorts proceeded towards New York / Philadelphia.
The four escorts for this section were the following; USS Gherardi, USS Herndon, USS Liddle and USS Kephart.
The 'Chesapeake Bay' section arrived there on 22 April 1944.
The 'New York / Philadelphia ' section was escorted by USS Nelson, USS Glennon, USS Butler, USS Shubrick, USS Jordan, USS Newman and USS Cofer.
Around dusk the George Sharswood parted company to proceed to Philadelphia.
The remaining ships of this section arrived at New York on 22 April 1944.
4 Jul 1944
Convoy UGS 47.
This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 4 July 1944.
On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy made up of the following transport / tankers; Abner Doubleday (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), American Trader (American (tanker), 8862 GRT, built 1923), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Backhuysen (Dutch (tanker), 8194 GRT, built 1942), Barendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 9385 GRT, built 1938), Booker T. Washington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Baxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Chung Shan (Chinese, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Chung Tung (Chinese, 7120 GRT, built 1944), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Frank Springer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Granville (Norwegian, 5745 GRT, built 1930), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Hilary A. Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Ford Rhodes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Jerome K. Jones (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Juaquin Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Chandler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Davey (American, 7209 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Edwards (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Elmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Augustin Chevalier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Jotunfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8264 GRT, built 1937), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Leslie M. Shaw (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Maine (American (tanker), 7237 GRT, built 1936), Peter Minuit (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), R.S. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944), Samfaithful (British, 7210, built 1944), Samindoro (British, 7210, built 1944), Samlouis (British, 7219, built 1943), Samluzon (British, 7210, built 1944), Samnethy (British, 7210, built 1944), Samoland (British, 7255, built 1944), Samskern (British, 7210, built 1944), Samtana (British, 7210, built 1944), Samuel Blatchford (American, 7200, built 1943), Silverster Gardiner (American, 7176, built 1943), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176, built 1943), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), Westmount Park (Canadian, 7133, built 1943), William L. Smith (American, 7196, built 1943), William P. Fessenden (American, 7176, built 1942) and William S. Young (American, 7176, built 1943).
Also with the convoy were the naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and the petrol carrier USS Gauger (Lt. G.V. Davis, USNR).
On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. J.C. Sowell, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Harding, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDI5 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. S.N. Gleis, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Cody, Jr., USNR), USS Dobler (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Butler, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR), USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR), USS Gillette (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Daniel, Jr. USNR, with COMCORTDIV 56, T/Cdr. W.L. Harmon, USN on board), USS Underhill (Lt.Cdr. S.R. Jackson, USNR), USS Henry R. Kenyon (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Berliss, Jr., USNR), USS Gunason (Cdr. H.G. White, USNR), USS Major (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Weeden (Lt.Cdr. C.F. Tillinghast, Jr., USNR).
Also with the convoy were the patrol vessels, USS PC-1140 (Lt. F.H. Beardsley, USNR), USS PC-1168 (Lt. R.R. Hart, USNR), USS PC-1169 (Lt.(jg) R.S. Mueller, USNR), USS PC-1173 (Lt. R.S. Cathcart, USNR), USS PC-1174 (Lt. W.B. Tyler, USNR), USS PC-1244 (Lt. E.W. Stacy, USNR), USS PC-1246 (Lt. W.L. Smith, USNR), USS PC-1595 (Lt.(jg) L.H. Nightengale, USNR), USS PC-1597 (Lt. R.P. Harris, USNR) and Dague which were all on passage to the Mediterranean.
Around 0542Q/7, USS Gunason parted company to proceed to Bermuda with an appendicitis patient from USS Escalante. She rejoined the convoy around 2300Q/7.
Around 0610Q/7, the patrol vessels USS PC-1593 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Foley, USNR), USS PC-1594 (Lt. G.A. Tredick, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-1596 (Lt. J.C. McKay, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Bermuda.
At 0612Q/7, the Aztec broke down. It was estimated repairs would take six hours. USS Decker was ordered to remain behind with the stricken ship. They rejoined the convoy around 0700P/8.
On 9 July 1944, USS Escalante fuelled all the patrol vessels that had been with the convoy on departure from Hampton Roads in the following order; USS PC-1173, Dague, USS PC-1595, USS PC-1174, USS PC-1169, USS PC-1140, USS PC-1597, USS PC-1244, USS PC-1169 and USS PC-1246.
On 10 July 1944, USS Escalante fuelled the following escort vessels; USCGC Campbell, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Gillette, USS Decker, USS Major, USS Wyffels, USS Henry R. Kenyon, USS Dobler, USS Weeden, USS Smartt, USS Evans, USS Gunason, USS PC-1593 and USS Underhill.
Around 1100N/14, the tanker Var (French, 7935 GRT, built 1931) and transport Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from the Azores. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR). HMS Paynter did not join the convoy.
Around 1030N/15, the Button Gwinnett broke down. Repairs were estimated to take about four to six hours. USS Decker was ordered to stand by. They rejoined the following morning.
During the 16th, all the escorts were fuelled by USS Escalante in the following order; USS PC-1593, USS PC-1169, USS PC-1173, USS Dague, USS PC-1596, USS PC-1140, USS PC-1174, USS PC-1597, USS PC-1595, USS PC-1593, USS PC-1168, USS PC-1246, USS PC-1594, USS Walter S. Brown, USCGC Campbell, USS PC-1244, USS Henry R. Kenyon, USS Wyffels, USS Gunason, USS Dobler, USS Major, USS Decker, USS Weeden, USS Smartt, USS Evarts, USS Gillette and USS Underhill.
Around 1630A/17, the James J. Maguire broke down. USS Decker was ordered to stand by the stricken vessel. They rejoined the convoy on the 19th.
Around 1615A/18, the following transports / tankers parted company with to convoy to proceed to Casablanca; Booker T. Washington, Jonathan Edwards, Pan-Maine and Var. They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the patrol vessels L'Ardent and Le Resolu which had departed Casablanca earlier on the 18th. The 'Casablanca section' arrived there on the 19th.
On 19 July 1944, in the Straits of Gibraltar the transport Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy as did the rescue tugs HMRT St. Day and HMRT Aspirant.
Around 1600B/20, the following transports / tankers; Aztec, Button Gwinnett, Dromus, Joel Chandler Harris, Jonathan Elmer, Richard Bassett and USS Gauger parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran Bay.
Around the same time the following transports joined coming from Oran Bay; Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Moses Rogers (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Sidi-Brahim (British (former French), 2427 GRT, built 1910), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Ville d'Ajaccio (French, 2444 GRT, built 1929) and Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Around 1700B/20, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
Around 1734B/20, the destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) joined the convoy to serve as jamming ship against possible German radio controlled bomb attacks.
Around 1415B/21, the following transports; American Trader, Britannia, Gouverneur General Lepine, Henry Baldwin, James J. Maguire, Kong Haakon VII, Samoland, Sidi-Brahim, Silvester Gardiner, Ville d'Ajaccio and Walter E. Ranger parted company with the convoy to proceed to Algiers. The patrol vessel Dague was also detached to Algiers.
Around the same time the following transports / tankers joined coming from Algiers; Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Gypsy (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).
Around 1800B/22, the transports Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937) and Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917) joined coming from Bone. The rescue tug HMRT Aspirant was detached to Bone.
Around 2200B/22, USS Madison was detached to proceed to Oran.
Around 0730B/23, a British escort group relieved the American escorts which then proceeded to Bizerta with HMS Caledon, USS Escalante and the transport Howard A. Kelly in company. the British escorts were the following; 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) and HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR).
On 24 July 1944, the transport Changte (British, 4324 GRT, built 1925) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 24 July 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940) and Samfaithful (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944). These ships were most likely escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the A/S trawler HMS Gavotte (T/Lt. W.A. Swain, RNVR) and HMS Tango (T/Lt. R.F. Giles, RNVR) and M/S trawler HMS Egilsay (T/Lt. J.F. Squires, RNVR).
On these ships joining the following transports / tankers were detached to Augusta where they arrived on 25 July 1944; Abner Doubleday, Alfred Moore, Archbishop Lamy, Backhuysen, Barendrecht, Benjamin Tay, Bernard N. Baker, Caleb Strong, Carter Braxton, Chiswick, Dwight W. Morrow, Egret, Empire Spartan, Ezra Cornell, Fort Gasperea, Fort Kootenay, Fort Pembina, Fort Richelieu, Harlesden, Hilary A. Herbert, Isaac Coles, James Barbour, James Ford Rhodes, Jerome K. Jones, Juaquin Miller, John Chandler, John Fiske, John Harvard, John Sullivan, Jonathan Trumbull, Joseph Leidy, Jotunfjell, Kwai Sang, Leslie M. Shaw, Magdala, Moses Rogers, Ocean Gypsy, Ocean Rider, Peter Minuit, Robert Dale Owen, Samindoro, Samluzon, Samskern, Samuel Blatchford, Theodoric Bland, Thomas R. Marshall, Timothy Dwight, Viggo Hansteen, William Smith, William P. Fessenden and William S. Young. They were most likely escorted to Augusta by the three above mention trawlers.
On 28 July 1944 the transports / tankers; Changte, Crista, Granville, Joseph Augustin Chevalier, Morialta, Reverdy Johnson and Samaffric arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. HMS Hazard, HMS Anemone and HMS Coltsfood also arrived at Alexandria.
On 29 July 1944, the transports / tankers; Anna Odland, Badarpur, Buccinum, Chung Shan, Chung Tung, Edward Rutledge, Fort Drew, Empire Rock, Frank Springer, Henry Middleton, James Gordon Bennett, John Davey, John W. Davis, R.S. Wilson, Samfaithful, Samlouis, Samnethy, Samtana and Westmount Park arrived at Port Said escorted by HMS Fleetwood.