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Destroyer HMS Decoy (H 75)

1 Mar 1942
HMS Griffin (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Bombay. HMS Decoy and HMS Fortune departed for Colombo later the same day. HMS Griffin remained at Bombay for some repairs. (1)

4 Mar 1942
HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Colombo. (2)

6 Mar 1942
HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee around 1730 hours. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN). (3)

7 Mar 1942
HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Trincomalee around 1800 hours.

En-route, at 0840 hours, HMS Ramillies had reported a periscope in position 06°36'N, 82°02'E. 20 minutes before HMS Decoy had already reported an A/S contact but this was soon determined to be non-sub. HMS Fortune was now detached to search for the submarine but again no contact could be gained. (4)

10 Mar 1942
The aircraft carrier, HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), escorted by the destroyers, HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), departed Trincomalee around 0700 hours for Aden. (5)

16 Mar 1942
HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Aden. (5)

19 Mar 1942
HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Aden for Addu Atoll. (6)

24 Mar 1942
HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll. (6)

1 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Colombo with defects. (7)

17 Apr 1942
With her defects made good, HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay. (7)

19 Apr 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Bombay. (7)

20 Apr 1942
Shortly after midnight 'Force A' of the Eastern Fleet departed Bombay for Colombo. 'Force A' was now made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNN) and the destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN). (3)

23 Apr 1942
Around 0830F/23, HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) arrived at Colombo. This last destroyer had joined the previous day coming from Cochin. (3)

24 Apr 1942
Around 0800F/24, Force A departed Colombo. Force A was made up of; the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNN) and the destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN). The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) E.N. Kershaw, RN) also sailed with 'Force A'. She had on board many staff personnel that she was to take to Kilindini where the HQ of the Eastern Fleet was going to be based for the moment.

Aircraft of the carriers had to be flown on during the day but bad weather conditions prevented this and it had to be postponed. HMS Alaunia was therefore sent ahead escorted by HMS Emerald. They rejoined 'Force A' on 27 April.

At 1810F/26 HMS Indomitable escorted by HMS Paladin and HMS Panther were detached to fuel in the Seychelles and then proceed on other duties. (3)

30 Apr 1942
'Force A', now made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNN) and the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived off the Seychelles.

As not all ships could fuel at the same time the force had to to be split into two groups. It was also decided that fuelling would be done during daylight. Therefore HMS Formidable escorted by HMS Newcastle were ordered to make a detour to the west. The other ships, including all four destroyers, proceeded to Port Victoria to fuel. Fuelling was completed at 1800/30 and the ships returned to sea less the Dutch AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck which was to depart for South Africa the next morning to make repairs to her rudder for which she was to be docked.

At dawn on 1 May rendez-vous was made with HMS Formidable and HMS Newcastle after which they were detached with the four destroyers for Port Victoria to fuel there. They rejoined at 2100/1. HMS Warspite, HMS Emerald and HMS Enterprise had made a detour to the southwest during the day.

So in the evening of the 1st of May all ships in 'Force A' had completed fuelling. (3)

1 May 1942
'Force A', made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) had completed fuelling in the Seychelles and now set course to provide cover for the upcoming landings in Madagascar. Force A' was to reach position 12°00'S, 59°50'E at 0900/3.

During the forenoon of the 3rd an air search was conducted by aircraft from HMS Formidable. These reported having sighted nothing on their return. Course was then set to proceed to the northwest to a rendez-vous position for the following forenoon. (3)

4 May 1942
At 0830/4, in position 11°00'S, 56°00'E, 'Force A', made up of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), made rendez-vous with 'Force B', made up of the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Griffin (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN).

The whole force then proceeded to the south-east but later they proceeded to the north-west again.

At 0700/5 they reached their pre-arranged position of 220 nautial miles 070° from Diego Suarez.

It was intended that the whole force (Force A and Force B) would proceed to Kilindini on the 6th if the landings in the north of Madagascar went well. But they did not go as planned and a cover force was required in the area longer. As several ships did not have the endurance (due to shortage of fuel and water that would develop in several ships), HMS Resolution, HMS Emerald, HMS Enterprise, HMS Dragon, HMS Caledon, HMS Griffin, HMS Hotspur and HMS Fortune were detached at noon on the 6th with orders to proceed to Kilindini.

'Force A' (now less the E-class cruisers) remained in the area to provide cover for 'Operation Ironclad' until 1700/7 when they too set course to proceed to Kilindini. (3)

10 May 1942
Early in the afternoon the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Kilindini from operations of Madagascar. (3)

18 May 1942
Ships from the Eastern Fleet departed Kilindini in the morning for several days of exercises, these were; light cruisers HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Griffin (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN).

They were joined in the afternoon by the battleships HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN, flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN) (the C-in-C had transferred his flag to HMS Adamant temporary), light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN).

Exercises continued on 19 and 20 May although several ships returned to harbour. HMS Dauntless (A/Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) joined the exercises on the 19th.

At dawn on the 20th the last exercises were concluded and the ships proceeded as follows;

HMS Revenge, HMS Warspite, HMS Dauntless, HMS Caledon, HMAS Napier, HMAS Nestor, HMAS Norman and HMS Foxhound proceeded to Zanzibar.

HMS Newcastle, HMS Birmingham, HMS Griffin, HMS Fortune and HMS Decoy proceeded to Tanga, returning to Kilindini the following day.

HMS Emerald and HMS Enterprise proceeded to Manza Bay.

At dawn on 21 May, HMS Caledon and HMS Dauntless departed Zanzibar for Tanga where they were to join the ships that had proceeded there on their departure from Tanga.

Around 0800 hours all the other ships left their anchorages and proceeded to sea. Some ships were to conduct gunnery exercises (including night exercises), these were; HMS Revenge, HMS Warspite, HMS Decoy and HMAS Napier. They used a target that was being towed by HMS Dragon which had come from Kilindini.

The other ships returned to Kilindini on that day.

The ships that had been involved in the gunnery exercises returned to Kilindili on 22 May. (8)

26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Kilindini on a target that was being towed by HMS Guardian (A/Capt. H.A.C. Lane, RN). (9)

31 May 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Kilindini for Diego Suarez loaded with submersible pumps and diving gear. (9)

2 Jun 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez. (9)

3 Jun 1942
HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN) departed departed Diego Suarez for Durban. She is escorted by HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN). (9)

9 Jun 1942
HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN), HMS Duncan ( Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Durban. (9)

7 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) conducted post refit trials off Durban. She departed for Kilindini later the same day. (10)

12 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (7)

16 Aug 1942
The battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN), HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Dauntless (A/Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN), destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises.

HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN) joined the exercises as she was just arriving from Durban.

17 Aug 1942
HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN , flying the flag of A/Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, DSO, RN), HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN), HMS Dauntless (A/Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) make rendez-vous with ' Force A ' which came from Colombo. ' Force A ' was made up of HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN).

Exercises were then carried out on the 17th and on the 18th all ships entered Kilindini / Mombasa. HMS Dauntless proceeded to Diego Suarez via Mayotte.

1 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini for Durban. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Duncan ( Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN).

6 Sep 1942
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN), HMS Duncan ( Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Durban.

All four ships were to be refitted, HMS Royal Sovereign was on passage to the U.S.A. while the destroyers were to proceed to the U.K.

7 Sep 1942

Convoy CF 5

This convoy departed Durban on 7 September 1942.

It was made up of the following troop transports; Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1929) and Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN).

The convoy arrived at Capetown on 10 September 1942.

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The convoy, augmented by the troop transport Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921) departed Capetown for Freetown on 18 September 1942. It was now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) J.P. Landon, RN).

On 27 September 1942, the destroyer HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Freetown on 25 September 1942.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 September 1942.

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The convoy, in the same composition, but augmented by the (troop) transport Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) departed Freetown on 30 September 1942. It was now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu and the destroyers HMS Wivern and HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN).

On 2 October 1942, the destroyers HMS Griffin and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Antelope parted company later the same day escorting the Hai Lee to Bathurst.

On 3 October 1942, HMS Griffin parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bathurst.

On 4 October 1942, HMS Wivern and HMS Velox parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bathurst.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 14 October 1942.

14 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Simonstown for Porte Noire. (11)

18 Sep 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Pointe Noire.

They departed again later the same day for Freetown, via Lagos, escorting the Dutch light cruiser HrMs Sumatra (Cdr. J.L. Willinge, RNN). (12)

21 Sep 1942
HrMs Sumatra (Cdr. J.L. Willinge, RNN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived off Lagos. The destroyers then in turn entered Lagos to fuel before all three ships continued on towards Freetown escorting the troopship Highland Princess (14133 GRT, built 1930). (12)

23 Sep 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) picks up 13 survivors from the Dutch merchant Breedijk that was torpedoed and sunk on 15 September by the German U-boat U-68 in the South Atlantic in position 05°05'S, 08°54'W.

25 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The troopship Highland Princess (14133 GRT, built 1930) arrived at Freetown with her escort made up of HrMs Sumatra (Cdr. J.L. Willinge, RNN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN). (12)

29 Sep 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Freetown for Bathurst. (13)

30 Sep 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) parted company with HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) to proceed southwards again to make for the position of a reported enemy submarine. She also make rendez-vous with the Spanish merchant ship Eldecoa that had picked up 41 survivors from the British merchant vessel Quebec City that had been torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-156 north-north-west of the Ascension Island in position 02°12'S, 17°36'W on 19 September.

HMS Decoy also picked up 5 survivors from the British merchant Bruyère that had been torpedoed and sunk on 23 September by the German U-boat U-125 southwest of Freetown in position 04°55'N, 17°16'W.

HMS Decoy then set course to return to Freetown.

1 Oct 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Freetown. (13)

3 Oct 1942

Convoy SL 124

This convoy departed Freetown on 3 October and arrived at Liverpool on 22 October 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albert L. Ellsworth (Norwegian (tanker), 8309 GRT, built 1937), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bullmouth (British (tanker), 7519 GRT, built 1927 (returned to Freetown)), Catrine (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), City of Baroda (British, 7219 GRT, built 1918), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Empire Kingsley (British, 6996 GRT, built 1941), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Harbury (British, 5081 GRT, built 1933), Lafonia (British, 1961 GRT, built 1911 (returned to Freetown)), Lagosian (British, 5412 GRT, built 1930), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Marcella (British, 6492 GRT, built 1928), Meliskerk (Dutch, 6045 GRT, built 1919), Minister Wedel (Norwegian (tanker), 6833 GRT, built 1930), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Orville Harden (Panamanian (tanker), 11191 GRT, built 1933), Port Saint John (British, 5668 GRT, built 1938), Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), Salabanka (Dutch, 6586 GRT, built 1920), Sheridan (British, 4665 GRT, built 1918), Tarifa (Norwegian, 7229 GRT, built 1936) and Ville de Strasbourg (British (former French), 7159 GRT, built 1920).

Escort on departure from Freetown was provided by the destroyer HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), sloops HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN) and the corettes HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, DSC, RNR).

HMS Decoy parted company with the convoy on 5 October and set course for Bathurst.

On 14 October 1942 they were joined by the merchant vessels; Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Empire Franklin (British, 7292 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gazelle (British, 4848 GRT, built 1920), Norlys (Panamanian (tanker), 9892 GRT, built 1936), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924) and Tintern Abbey (British, 2471 GRT, built 1939). These ships had departed Gibraltar on 12 October 1942 as convoy SL 124 G escorted by the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the M/S trawlers HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR) and HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR). After the rendez-vous these ships returned to Gibraltar.

HMS Honeysuckle was detached from the escort on 18 October. (13)

5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On 5 or 6 October 1942, HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), arrived at Bathurst.

9 Oct 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Bathurst to make rendez-vous with the British troopship Oronsay (20043 GRT, built 1925). However, Oronsay was torpedoed and sunk later this day by the Italian submarine Archimede in position 04°29'N, 20°52'W (04°08'N, 20°57'W according to Italian sources). HMS Decoy was then ordered to search for survivors. (13)

13 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Freetown having been unable to find any survivors. HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) had taken over the search. (13)

16 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Freetown for Bathurst. (7)

18 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived at Bathurst. (13)

19 Oct 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Bathurst to make rendez-vous with the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and the troopship Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) that are en-route to the U.K. from Freetown, having departed there on 18 October, escorted by HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) and HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN).

After HMS Decoy had joined HMS Carnarvon Castle in the afternoon of the 19th, HMS Brilliant parted company and returned to Freetown, arriving on 21 October.

HMS Wivern parted company with HMS Carnarvon Castle early on the 20th and proceeded to Bathurst, arriving there later the same day. (13)

23 Oct 1942
In the afternoon of 23 October, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and troopship Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) and their escort, the destroyer HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) were joined by the destroyer HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) coming from Ponta Delgada, Azores. HMS Decoy was then detached to fuel at Ponta Delgada. She returned on the 25th. (14)

26 Oct 1942
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) picks up 16 survivors from the American merchant Steel Navigator that was torpedoed and sunk on 19 October 1942 by German U-boat U-610 in the North Atlantic in position 49°45'N, 31°20'W. The destroyer landed the survivors at Greenock on the 29th.

29 Oct 1942
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and troopship Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) and one their escorting destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived in the Clyde. The other escorting destroyer, HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), had been detached earlier in the day with orders to proceed to Londonderry. (14)

30 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) departed Greenock for the Tyne. (7)

1 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) arrived in the Tyne.

She was taken in hand by a local yard for refit and reconstruction to escort destroyer on 3 November 1942.

Before this was completed she was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy. (7)

Destroyer HMS Tuscan (R 56)

14 May 1943
HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) is damaged when she hits a drifting mine in the Bristol Channel. She is out of action for about 4 months.

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