Reginald Frederick Nichols, RN
| Born | 9 Sep 1900 | Worthing, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 7 Aug 1984 | (83) | View Royal, British Columbia, Canada |
 | Ranks
Retired: 8 Jan 1952 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Reginald Frederick Nichols, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Caledon (D 53) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 10 Dec 1943 | 21 Nov 1944 |
| HMS Ready (J 223) | Capt. | Minesweeper | Jan 1945 | mid 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Caledon (D 53)
23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) is docked in No.5 Dock at the Chatham Dockyard. (1)
24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
No.5 Dock at the Chatham Dockyard, with HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) in it is flooded. She only left the dock on 28 December 1943. (1)
31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (1)
1 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted D/G trials off Sheerness. (2)
3 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sheerness. (2)
11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
12 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
13 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (2)
17 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On completion of the A/S exercises HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)
19 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN) both conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow on completion of they carried out a night encounter exercise.
Both cruisers returned to Scapa Flow early the following day. (3)
20 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
23 Jan 1944
Around 1200A/23, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth.
She is to proceed to the Mediterrean to join the Mediterrean Station. (2)
26 Jan 1944
Around 0200A/26, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow.
At Plymouth she was taken in hand for post work-up repairs. (2)
11 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials off Plymouth. (4)
12 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted full power trials off Plymouth on completion of which she departed for Gibraltar. (4)
16 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900A/16, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth.
After having fuelled she departed for Algiers around 1800A/16. (4)
17 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415A/17, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (4)
18 Feb 1944
Around 1715A/18, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Algiers for Alexandria. (4)
21 Feb 1944
Around 1715A/21, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Algiers. (4)
28 Feb 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN) conducted rangefinding and inclination exercises (RIX) off Alexandria on completion of which HMS Ajax entered harbour.
HMS Caledon then conducted RIX exercises with the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski) and HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN). Following the RIX exercises night encounter exercises were carried out following which they all entered harbour. (5)
29 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Alexandria.
These were followed by A/S exercises with the submarine Alagi (T.V.(Lt.) S. Puccini). The Alagi also made a practice attack on HMS Caledon.
Finally HMS Caledon conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises with the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN) on completion of which they all returned to harbour. (4)
4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (6)
7 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (6)
8 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. She also served as target during torpedo attack exercises by motor torpedo boats. (6)
14 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria.
These were followed by RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises with the destroyers HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN). (6)
15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. They were briefly joined by HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) which was on passage from Port Said to Alexandria. (7)
23 Mar 1944
Convoy XIF 12.
This convoy departed Port Said on 23 March 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN) and HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN).
On 24 March 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Croome (A/Lt.Cdr. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and RHS Miaoulis departed Alexandria to join the convoy which they did later on the 24th.
Also joining from Alexandria were the (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
Around 0745A/25, the escort destroyer RHS Pindos joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.
Around 2230A/26, HMS Frobisher parted company with the convoy.
The convoy arrived at Taranto on 28 March 1944 minus the Circassia and Volendam which had been detached to Augusta and Naples respectively. They had been detached around 0600A/27. HMS Croome and HMS Liddesdale went with the Volendam to Napels where they arrived on the 28th.
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.
29 Mar 1944
Convoy IXF 12.
This convoy departed Taranto on 29 March 1944.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Taranto the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kriti, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos.
Around 1340A/30, HMS Caledon was detached. She was to proceed to Bizerta.
On 30 March 1944, the (troop) transport Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) departed Malta to join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).
On 1 April 1944, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos were detached to Alexandria with the Derbyshire.
The escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and destroyer HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) joined coming from Alexandria.
The convoy arrived at Port Said on 2 April 1944.
29 Mar 1944
Combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.
Convoy KMF 30.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 29 March 1944.
The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Alcantara (British, 22209 GRT, built 1922), Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).
The naval transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN) and USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Cepheus (Capt. R.B. Hall, USCG) and USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) were also part of the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR).
On 30 March 1944, the troop transport Queen of Bermuda (British, 22575 GRT, built 1932) departed Plymouth to join the convoy. She was escorted by the frigate HMS Wear (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G.L. Hone, RNVR) which had departed Swansea also on 30 March 1944.
When approaching Gibraltar several ships of the convoy were detached for destination not in the Mediterreanean, these were the following; Antenor, Boissevain, Clan Campbell, Duchess of Richmond and Silversandal.
On 5 April 1944, the destroyers ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) and HMS Isis (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy which they did later the same day. Black Swan On 6 April 1944, the Nieuw Holland and Ormonde arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy while the troop transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar as did the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN).
On 6 April 1944, HMCS Prince Robert parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar later the same day. HMS Byard also made a short stop at Gibraltar but rejoined the convoy.
Convoy NSF 19.
This convoy departed Oran Bay on 6 April 1944.
It was made up of the following naval transports; USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (Cdr. W.A. Wiedman, USNR), USS Florence Nightingale (T/Cdr. F.J. Nelson, USN), USS Lyon (Capt. T.C. Sorensen, USNR) and the troop transports Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. A.T. Morgan, RNVR) and the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR).
Around 2000B/6, convoy NSF 19 merged with convoy KMS 30 in position 35°53'N, 00°38'W.
On convoy NSF 19 merging with convoy KMF 30 the four USN transports; USS Andromeda, USS Arcturus, USS Cepheus, USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) and the troop transports Highland Princess and Orduna parted company and proceeded to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
On 7 April 1944, HMS Nadder and HMS Wear arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy.
Around 0900B/7, the 'Algiers' section of the now combined convoy joined in position 36°54'N, 03°12'E. It was made up of the troop transports Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939). With them the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN) which also joined the convoy.
Around 0230B/8, the 'Bone' section joined in position 37°08'N, 07°49'E. It was made up of the troop transport Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914).
At 1200B/8, the 'Naples' section of the convoy split off. It was made up of the Almanzora, Capetown Castle, Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle, Leopoldville, Ranchi, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale and USS Lyon.
The 'Naples' section was escorted by HMS Caledon, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder, HMS Drury, HMS Lochy and USS Seer.
The Naples' section of the convoy arrived at it's destinsation on 9 April 1944.
The remaining ships continued on to Port Said where they arrived on 12 April 1944. HMS Catterick remained with the convoy until Port Said. The Tegelberg had been detached to Alexandria where she also arrived on the 12th as did HMS Farndale, HMS Calpe and HMS Cleveland.
31 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730A/31, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty. (6)
2 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1750B/2, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Bizerta to join convoy GUS 35.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 35 ' for 25 March 1944.] (8)
5 Apr 1944
Around 1540B/5, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Oran from convoy escort duty with convoy GUS 35. (8)
8 Apr 1944
Convoy MKF 30.
This convoy departed Port Said on 8 April 1944.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Mahanada (British, 8489 GRT, built 1943), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
The landing ship Keren and dock landing ship Highway were also part of the convoy.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir ( Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos.
They were later joined by the escort destroyer HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) which had departed Alexandria on 8 April 1944.
On 11 April 1944, HMS Highway, Strathnaver, Takliwa and most likely also HMS Keren parted company with the convoy. HMS Highway arrived at Messina later the same day. Most likely HMS Keren was with her but the movements of this ship are not clear to us.
On 12 April 1944, the Strathnaver and Takliwa arrived at Naples.
On the above ships parting company with the convoy they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), which had departed Benghazi on 10 April and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) which had departed Malta on 11 April. These destroyers arrived at Naples also on 12 April 1944.
Meanwhile, on 11 April 1944, the ' Napels ' section of the convoy had departed that place. It was made up of the following troop transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) and the naval transports USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (Cdr. W.A. Wiedman, USNR), USS Florence Nightingale (T/Cdr. F.J. Nelson, USN), USS Lyon (Capt. T.C. Sorensen, USNR)
The ' Napels ' section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR).
Around 1000A/12, the minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.
On 12 April 1944, the following troop transports; Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle and Ranchi arrived at Bone after having been detached to Bone escorted by RHS Miaoulis.
On 14 April 1944, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale, USS Lyon were detached to Oran Bay as did HMS Antwerp, USS Speed and HMS Byard. HMS Byard rejoined the convoy taking the troop transport USS General A.E. Anderson (17832 GRT, built 1943, T/Capt. W.E. Miller, USN) with her.
On 14 April 1944, HMS Beaufort and HMS Calder arrived at Gibraltar.
On 15 April 1944, HMS Caledon, HMS Belvoir and RHS Pindos arrived at Gibraltar and the destroyer HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. HMS Calder also rejoined the convoy.
In the Atlantic near Gibraltar the transport Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy. This ship came from Rio de Janeiro.
On 20 April 1944, HMS Wishart arrived at Plymouth after having parted company with the convoy. HMCS Prince Robert arrived there the following day.
On 21 April 1944, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder and HMS Drury arrived at Belfast.
On 22 April 1944, Almanzora, Cameronia, General A.E. Anderson and Leopoldville arrived in the Clyde.
On 22 April 1944, Capetown Castle, Devonshire, Franconia, Lancashire, Mahanada, Orontes, Stratheden, Troilus and HMS Lochy arrived at Liverpool.
9 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) arrived at Naples with the 'Naples' section of the combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.
11 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) departed Naples escorting the ' Napels ' section of convoy MKF 30.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 30 ' for 8 April 1944.]
15 Apr 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN) and RHS Pindos arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty with convoy MKF 30. (9)
16 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN) and RHS Pindos departed Gibraltar for Oran / Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived the following day. (10)
17 Apr 1944
Convoy NSF 20.
This convoy departed Oran Bay on 17 April 1944.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
On 18 April 1944, the (troop) transports Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) departed Algiers to join the convoy which they did around 0700B/18. They were escorted by HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) which also joined the convoy.
On 18 April 1944, the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938) and Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) departed Bone to join the convoy which they did around 0310B/19.
Around 0825B/19, USS Herbert C. Jones was detached to Bizerta where she arrived around 1050B/19.
Also on the 19th, the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from Bizerta.
The convoy arrived at Naples on 20 April 1944.
21 Apr 1944
Convoy SNF 20.
This convoy departed Naples on 21 April 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Naples the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos, RHS Themistocles and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
Around 1847B/21, the minesweeper USS Steady (Lt.Cdr. B. Orella, USNR) joined the convoy having departed from Palermo around 1633B/21.
Around 1010B/22, the Takliwa parted company to proceed to Bizerta briefly escorted by HMS Beaufort.
Around 1100B/22, HMS Beaufort rejoined the convoy.
Around 1635B/22, the Christiaan Huygens and Ranchi were detached to Bone.
Around 1130B/23, the Hai Lee was detached to Algiers escorted by HMS Beaufort.
Around 1630B/23, HMS Beaufort rejoined the convoy.
Around 0800B/24, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.
On 24 April 1944, the Durban Castle, Orduna and Strathnaver arrived at Oran Bay as did HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Themistocles and USS Steady.
HMS Caledon arrived at Gibraltar around 1715B/24.
23 Apr 1944
Convoy UGS 40.
This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 23 April 1944.
It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Abraham Lincoln (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Albino Perez (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dickson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Braxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. Dana (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Wickliffe (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Clement Clay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Elijah White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Fernbrook (Norwegian, 4633 GRT, built 1932), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Francis M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Watterson (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James J. Pettigrew (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), James Whitcomb Riley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Janet Lord Roper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John F. Myers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John W. Griffiths (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Hooker (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Laurentide Park (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Neocardia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1943), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Peter Minuit (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Peter Zenger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Samdaring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samderry (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samdonard (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samfairy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samfield (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samharle (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samkansa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samlea (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sampenn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspelga (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Stephen A. Douglas (American, 7219 GRT, built 1942), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nuttall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas W. Bickett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Laer Black (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), William B. Giles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Aspinwall (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), William H. Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zachery Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 61 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. J.C. Sowell, USN on board), destroyers USS Dallas ( Lt.Cdr. J.W. Coolidge, USNR, with COMDESDIV 60, T/Cdr. N.C. Barker, USN, on board), USS Ellis (Lt. P. Cutler, USNR), escort destroyers USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 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. E.F. Butler, USNR), USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR), USS Wilhoite (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Roth, USN), USS Cockrill (Lt.Cdr. S. Farnham, USNR), Tunesien and patrol vessel Cimeterre.
The naval tanker USS Chicopee (Cdr. C.O. Peak, USNR) was also with the convoy.
Around 1030Q/23, the escort destroyer USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR) joined.
Around 2000Q/23, the transport Eastgate suffered engine failure. She was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.
Around 2302Q/23, the transport Timothy Dwight and USS Cockrill collided. Both sustained damage and were detached to return to Hampton Roads escorted by USS Dobler. USS Dobler was ordered to rejoin the convoy later.
Around 1900Q/24, the destroyer Bernadou (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meredith, USNR) joined the convoy having been sent to replace USS Cockrill.
Around 2000Q/24, the transport Fort Venago developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.
Around 1930Q/25, USS Dobler rejoined the convoy.
On 29 April 1944, USS Chicopee fuelled the following escort vessels; USCGC Campbell, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Dobler, USS Decker, USS Ellis, USS Dallas, USS Bernadou, USS Wilhoite and the Cimeterre.
On 1 May 1944, USS Chicopee fuelled the following escort vessels; USS Evarts, USS Wyfels, USS Smartt, USS Inch (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Frey, USN), USS Snowden (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Swanson, USNR), USS Frost (J.H. McWhorter, USNR), USS Huse (R.H. Wanless, USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USN). The last five of these destroyer escorts were not escorts of the convoy but members of hunter-killer group (Task Group 21.15) operating in the area.
Around 0530O/2, the transport Samdonard broke down. Repairs were expected to take four hours. USS Decker was ordered to standby the stricken ship. They rejoined around 0800N/3.
Around 1200N/3, the transports Charles A. Wickliffe and George Matthews were detached to the Azores escorted by USS Walter S. Brown until position 36°20'N, 28°37'W after which USS Walter S. Brown rejoined the convoy around 2000N/5.
Between 1515Z/7 and 1800Z/7, USS Dallas and USS Bernadou were fuelled by USS Chicopee
Around 1900Z/7, the transports George H. Dern, James Whitcomb Riley, John Stevens, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, William B. Giles and William Mulholland were detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran / Mers-el-kebir where they were to discharge personnel and then to rejoin the convoy. They were escorted by USS Dallas, USS Ellis and USS Bernadou. They arrived at their destination on 10 May 1944.
Around 1015A/8, the tanker Esso Concord and the transports Alexander Lillington, Elijah White, Henry Watterson, Irvin MacDowell and Joseph Hooker were detached to Casablanca. They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). They arrived at Casablanca the following day.
At 0800B/9, USS Dobler was detached to Gibraltar with a medical case she had taken off from James W. Fannin. She rejoined the convoy later the same day.
Also in the moning of the 9th, USS Chicopee refuelled the Cimeterre.
Around 1300B/9, the tanker Kobad was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived later the same day.
Around 1500B/9, Hengist joined the convoy as rescue tug.
Around 1515B/9, the transport Joseph N. Teal was detached to Gibraltar where she arrived later the same day. The reason was engine trouble and she was no longer able to keep up with the convoy.
At 0220B/10, the destroyer USS Benson (T/Cdr. J.B. Williams, USN) and the minesweepers USS Steady (Lt.Cdr. B. Orella, USNR) and USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy.
Around 1615B/10, the transports / tankers Alfred Moore, Dwight W. Morrow, James Barbour, John Fiske, John Jay, Joseph Leidy, Noah Webster, Pan-Rhode Island, Peter Minuit, Reverdy Johnson, Robert H. Harrison and the naval tanker USS Chicopee were detached to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
Around the same time the transports George H. Dern, Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Grenville M. Dodge (American, 7194 GRT, built 1942), James Whitcomb Riley, John Stevens, Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, William B. Giles and William Mulholland joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
Around 1630B/10, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
Aroud 1800B/10, USS Dallas, USS Ellis and USS Bernadou rejoined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
Around 1900B/10, the destroyers USS Champlin (T/Cdr. F.E. Fleck, Jr., USN) and USS Laub (T/Cdr. A.C. Roessler, USN) joined the convoy temporarily.
Around 0200B/11, USS Champlin and USS Laub parted company with the convoy.
At 1500B/11, the transports Charles A. Dana, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Louisa M. Alcott, Samderry, Samdonard and Samfield were detached to Algiers and the transports Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914) and Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from Algiers.
Between 2100B/11 and 2144B/11, the convoy was attacked by between 40 to 60 German aircraft but no damage was done.
Around 1730B/12, the transports Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort La Baye (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943) and Ocean Gypsy (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
The transport Cap-Pinede (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938) had joined the convoy already earlier coming from Philippeville.
Around 1800B/12, HMS Hengist was detached to Bone.
Around 2200B/12, USS Benson and USS Sustain were detached to return to Oran.
Around 0157B/13, USS Evarts, USS Dobler, USS Walter S. Brown< and USS Bernadou were detached to hunt a reported submarine.
Around 0533B/13, USS Steady was detached to Bizerta.
Around 0600B/13, the U.S. escort was relieved by a British escort. The U.S. escort then proceeded to Bizerta taking the transports Empire Stalwart, Fort La Baye, Gezina, Magdala and Srbin with them to Bizerta. HMS Caledon also proceeded to Bizerta. The four escorts that had been detached earlier for the U-Boat hunt arrived at Bizerta later the same day after the hunt had been called off.
The British escort that joined was made up of the sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR). They had the transports Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929) and Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920) with them which also joined the convoy.
On 13 May 1944, the transport Cap-Pinede arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 14 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; James W. Fannin and Port Melbourne.
The James W. Fannin was only briefly at Malta as she later rejoined the convoy.
On 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Abangarez, Abraham Lincoln, Ben H. Miller, Benjamin Huntington, Carter Braxton, Chloris, Conrad Weiser, Cornelius Gilliam, Djebel Aures, Empire Alliance, Essex Trader, Fort Astoria, Fort Michipicoten, George H. Dern, Grenville M. Dodge, James W. Fannin, James Whitcomb Riley, Janet Lord Roper, John Banvard, John Dickinson, John Stevens, Norman Monarch, Ocean Gipsy, Odysseus, Salamis, Samgallion, Samkansa, Samuel Moody, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas W. Bickett, Van Laer Black, William B. Giles, William Mulholland and Zachery Taylor.
From Augusta the transports Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy.
On 18 May 1945, the Neocardia, Norelg, Ocean Messenger, Pronto, Samfairy and William H. Moody arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. HMS Pheasant, HMS Alisma and HMS Spiraea also arrived at Alexandria.
On 19 May 1945, the Albino Perez, Ben F. Dixon, Clement Clay, Cornelius Harnett, Fernbrook, Francis M. Smith, James J. Pettigrew, James M. Gillis, John F. Myers, John W. Griffiths, Junecrest, Laurentide Park, Peter Zenger, Samdaring, Samharle, Samlea, Sampenn, Samspelga, Thomas L. Clingman, Thomas Nuttall, William H. Aspinwall and William Patterson arrived at Port Said escorted by HMS Bideford and HMS Saxifrage.
29 Apr 1944
Around 2000B/29, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where she arrived around 0900B/30. (8)
30 Apr 1944
Convoy NSF 21.
This convoy departed Oran Bay on 30 April 1944.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).
The amphibious command ship USS Catoctin (T/Capt. C.O. Comp, USN) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
Around 0625B/1, off the Algiers swept channel, USS Catoctin was detached and entered that port.
Around 0640B/1, the transport Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) joined company coming from Algiers as did her escort, the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis.
Around 0100B/2, the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927) and Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) joined coming from Bone.
Later that day the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from Bizerta.
The convoy arrived at Naples on 3 May 1944.
4 May 1944
Convoy SNF 21.
This convoy departed Naples on 4 May 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).
On departure from Algiers the convoy was escorted by AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Calpe (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR), HMS Wheatland (Lt. H.A. Corbett, DSC, RN) and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
Around 2026B/5, the Takliwa parted company to proceed to Bizerta.
Around 2320B/5, HMS Wheatland was detached to investigate a darkened ship which gave no reply to challenges. She rejoined the convoy around 0237B/6.
Around 0230B/6, the Durban Castle was detached to Bone escorted by HMS Beaufort. HMS Beaufort later rejoined the convoy.
Around 2318B/6, the Hai Lee and Tegelberg were detached to Algiers escorted by HMS Wheatland. They arrived at Algiers early on the 7th. HMS Wheatland did not rejoin the convoy.
The convoy arrived in Oran Bay on 7 May 1944.
HMS Antwerp continued on to Gibraltar where she arrived on 8 May 1944.
9 May 1944
Convoy MKS 49.
This convoy departed Port Said on 9 May 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Fort Turtle (British, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).
At 2230C/9, the Elise and HMS Hyderabad collided between Port Said and Alexandria. HMS Hyderabad put into Alexandria but was later able to rejoin the convoy.
On 10 May 1944 the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), J.C. Osgood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932) and Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).
The boom carrier HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) was also in company with the convoy.
Also the escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) and A/S trawler HMS Bream (A/Skr.Lt. S.C. Larner, RNR) joined coming from Alexandria.
On 11 May 1944, the Empire Ballad arrived at Alexandria after having been detached due to engine trouble.
On 15 May 1944, the Also on 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Augusta;
Bialystok,
Boskoop,
Fort Grant,
Fort Turtle,
Hart Crane,
J.C. Osgood,
John A. Brown,
Nordnes and
while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Augusta;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Le Conte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Samave (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samnethy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914),
William Few (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 16 May 1944, the transports Edward Livingston and Sampan were detached to Bizerta while the transports
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943),
Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Bizerta. Also the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Fort Lennox, Harlesden, Ocean Traveller and Sampford were detached to Bone while the rescue tug HMS Hengist joined the convoy.
On 18 May 1944, the transports and tanker
Empire Beatrice,
Empire Noble,
Empire Wyclif,
Esso Nashville,
Fort de Douaumont,
Fort Gaspereau,
James Gordon Bennett,
John Sullivan,
Joseph le Conte,
Lornaston,
Ocean Gallant,
Richard Bassett,
Samaye,
Samboston,
Samoa,
Samphire,
Samwash,
Stancleeve,
Thelma,
William Few and
William W. Campbell as well as USS Restorer arrived at Algiers while the transports / tanker
Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919),
Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914),
Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924) and
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.
On 19 May 1944, the transports
Empire Conrad,
Jared Ingersoll,
John Sergeant,
Josiah Bertlett,
Luther Martin,
Roger Williams,
Samaffric,
Samnethy,
Silverelm and
Tabitha Brown arrived at Oran having been detached from the Convoy. The transports / tanker
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942),
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936),
Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938),
Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910),
Dartmouth (American, 9879 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) and
Lookout Mountain (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Oran. With them were also the LST's USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 20 May 1944. 10 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UGS 40 ' for 23 April 1944.] (11) 13 May 1944 16 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 49 ' for 9 May 1944.] (11) 20 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 May 1944 This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 May 1944.
It was made up of the following transports;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939),
Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914),
Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933),
Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924),
Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928),
Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917),
Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918),
Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942),
Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929),
Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924),
Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935),
Inverbank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924),
Lago (Norwegian, 2552 GRT, built 1929),
Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937),
Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937),
Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929),
Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919),
Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918),
Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928),
Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) and
Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).
The rescue ship Pinto (British, 1346 GRT, built 1928) was also with the combined convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigates HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR), HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR), HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN) and the corvettes HMNZS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Seelye, RNZNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN).
The transport Stanhope had to return to the U.K. arriving in the Clyde on 25 May 1944.
The tanker Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) later joined at sea having parted company with convoy MKS 49. This ship was to refuel the escorts.
Around 1030Z/27, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with the convoy to temporary join northbound combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 which they did around 1540Z/28.
Around 1505Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbroke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle parted company with combined convoy SL 158 / MKS 49 taking the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) with them. They rejoined combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 around 1650Z/30.
On 30 May 1944, HMNZS Arabis parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bermuda arriving there on 6 June 1944.
Around 0300Z/3, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle parted company with combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 to join northbound combined convoy SL 159 / MKS 50 which they did around 0600Z/3. HMS Ascension and HMS Berkeley Castle then immediately parted company again to rejoin combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.
On 4 June 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 78 and KMS 52.
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Convoy OS 78, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports;
Clunepark,
Godfrey B. Holt,
Northleigh and
Stuyvesant.
They were joined by the following transports coming from Gibraltar;
Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929),
Fort Glenyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942),
Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938) and
Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).
With these ships came also the new escort for this convoy which was made up of the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR).
Also from Casablanca the the following transports joined on the 4th or the 5th;
Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918),
Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938),
Samdart (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and
Samderwent (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944).
These ships had departed Casablanca on the 4th , escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR), USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which did not join the convoy and returned to Casablanca on the 5th.
On 11 June 1944, the transport Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) departed Dakar to join the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the Clunepark, Gabriel Guist'Hau and Northleigh arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy.
Convoy OS 78 arrived at Freetown on 14 June 1944. Actually only the Slesvig and Stuyvesant arrived at Freetown with the escort. The other ships proceeded to other destinations independently.
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Convoy KMS 52 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports / tanker;
Adviser,
Alex,
Baron Elgin,
Carslogie,
Dago,
Empire Falcon,
Empire Wolfe,
Fort Churchill,
Historian,
Hopecrest,
Inverbank,
Lago,
Mathilda,
Nailsea Moor,
Pinto,
Redgate,
Robert Morris,
Scottish American,
Thistleford,
Troilus and
Yearby.
On 6 June 1944, the Carslogie, Empire Wolfe, Pinto, Scottish American and Thistleford arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Exe, HMS Ascension, HMS Berkeley Castle, HMS Carisbrooke Castle, HMS Dumbarton Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle.
From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tanker;
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926),
David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) and
Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy.
Escort was now provided by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR).
On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran Bay after having been detached from the convoy; HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, Benjamin Tay and Sheaf Crown.
On 7 June 1944, the following transports / tanker joined coming from Oran Bay;
Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929),
Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937),
Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927),
Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922),
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942),
Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909).
Also joining from Oran Bay were the LST's USS LST-602 (Lt. J.H. Mehus, USNR) and USS LST-603 (Lt. W.B. Sweet, USN).
On 8 June 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers;
Alex,
David Holmes,
Empire Gareth,
Hopecrest,
Mathilda and
Norbryn.
On 8 June 1944, the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934),
Elise (Greek, 1986 GRT, built 1919),
Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Valour (British, 1906 GRT, built 1943),
Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917),
Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942),
Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921),
Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943),
Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922),
Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922),
Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929),
Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938),
Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943),
Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and
Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930). With these ships was also the salvage vessel USS Tackle (Lt. D.V. van Sand, USNR) which also joined the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the transport Lago arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the transports
Dago,
Elise,
Hardingham,
Ingertre,
Lucia C.,
Samaye and
Samuel V. Shreve arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.
On 9 June 1944, the following transports joined coming from Bone.
Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938),
Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943),
Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932),
Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922) and
Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936).
On 10 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy;
Baron Elgin,
Corchester,
Empire Gain,
Gezina,
Jennings,
Sarah Orne Jewett and
Zacapa.
Also HMS Caledon, RHS Kriti, USS LST-602 and USS LST-603 arrived at Bizerta the same day after having been detached from the convoy.
On 10 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Andrew W. Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925),
Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) and
Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).
On 10 June 1944, the transport Oregon arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the transports
Empire Falcon,
Empire Strength,
Palermo and
Yearby arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy. Also the escorts HMS Evenlode and HMS Smilax arrived at Malta.
On 11 June 1944, the transports / tanker;
Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920),
Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Beausejour (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941),
Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914),
Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 12 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy;
Andrew Moore,
Anglo-African,
Beaconsfield,
Bourgogne,
Bret Harte,
Chateau Latour,
Cornfell,
Daniel H. Hill,
Edward Burleson,
Egbert Benson,
Empire Dickens,
Empire Valour,
Empire Wyclif,
Felix Grundy,
Fort Frobisher,
George G. Meade,
George Leonard,
James Rumsey,
John W. Brown,
Josiah Barlett,
Louisa M. Alcott,
Luther Martin,
Nailsea Moor,
Ocean Vulcan,
Odysseus,
Ousel,
Redgate,
Richard Rush,
Roger Williams,
Thistledale,
Tobruk,
Tristram Dalton and
Ulla. With these ships also USS Tackle had proceeded to Augusta.
On 15 June 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria;
Fort Beausejour,
Fort Chesterfield,
Fort Marin,
Fort Meductic and
Trajanus. With them also HMS Gloxinia, HMS Primula and HMS Wolborough arrived at Alexandria.
On 16 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said;
Adviser,
British Chemist,
British Governor,
Destro,
Empire Collins,
Empire Noble,
Empire Unicorn,
Fort Churchill,
Fort Cumberland,
Historian,
Inverbank,
Kyklades,
Marit Maersk,
Meline,
Nordnes,
Ocean Gallant,
Port Melbourne,
Robert Morris,
Sambre,
Skagerak and
Troilus. With them HMS Dart and HMS Shiel arrived at Port Said. 23 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 May 1944 This convoy departed Oran Bay on 24 May 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports;
Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925),
Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935),
Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and
Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).
Around 0730B/25, the (troop) transports;
Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924),
Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938),
Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and
Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming off Algiers.
Around 0800B/26, the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming off Benghazi.
The convoy arrived at Naples on 27 May 1944.
The Ville d'Oran had been detached to Taranto where she too arrived on 27 May 1944 escorted by HMS Atherstone 28 May 1944 This convoy departed Naples on 28 May 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports;
Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925),
Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924),
Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935),
Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938),
Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and
Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921),
Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and
Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Naples the convoy was escorted by AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).
On the same day the (troop) transport Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) departed Taranto escorted by HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN). They joined the convoy the following day.
On 29 May 1944, the Hai Lee arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 May 1944, the Champollion and HMS Atherstone arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy.
The remaining (troop) transports of the convoy arrived at Oran / Mers-el-Kebir on 31 May 1944 escorted by HMS Aldenham, HMS Cleveland and HMS Brecon.
HMS Caledon and HMS Haydon continued on to Gibraltar arriving there on 31 May 1944. 3 Jun 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 3 June 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers;
Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),
Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929),
Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Charleston (American (tanker), 7949 GRT, built 1938),
Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort St. Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943),
Francis M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Glacier Park (Canadian, 7137 GRT, built 1943),
Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918),
L.H. McNelly (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Louis A. Sengteller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
R.M. Williamson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Susan V. Luckenbach (American, 7435 GRT, built 1918),
Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930),
Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) and
Waigstill Avery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by
frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR).
On 4 June 1944, the transports
Empire Kinsman (British, 6744 GRT, built 1942),
Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920),
Samfairy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944),
Samsylvan (British, 7219 grt, built 1943) and
William H. Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Alexandria. With these ships were also the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).
On 8 June 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy;
Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941),
Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938),
Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918),
F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943),
Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Hooker (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925),
Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Mary Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Pride (Britsh, 7173 GRT, built 1942),
Roger Sherman (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel Johnston (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).
On 9 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy;
Bantria,
Dallington Court,
Empire Brook,
Esso Charleston,
Pronto,
Samsylvan and
Vasco.
On 9 June 1944, the transports
Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Hermes (Dutch, 2739 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from Malta. Also joining for passage to Gibraltar was the submarine HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN).
On 10 June 1944, the transports / tankers
joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942),
G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930),
J.C. Osgood (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James W. Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943),
Motia (Italian, 2336 GRT, built 1918),
Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937),
Pierre Gibault (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). Also the current escort, which arrived at Bizerta on 10 June 1944, was relieved by a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 63, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN on board), destroyer escorts USS Eisner (Lt.Cdr. D. McVickar, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. R.P. Walker, USN on board), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Purdy, USNR), USS Thornhill (Lt. J.B. Shumway, USNR), USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN), USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Jordan (Lt.Cdr. D. Bontecou, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN on board), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Gammelgard, USNR) and the minesweeper USS Pioneer (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR).
On 11 June 1944, the Empire Usk and Hermes arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the Harlesden, Motia, Samsteel and Wellington Court arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the transports
Bialystok (Polish, 7173 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943) and
Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 12 June 1944, the Empire Harbour, Ocean Pride, Thorshaven and HMS Caledon arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy.
On 12 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
David Bushnell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Elijah White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942),
Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937)
Malplaquet (British, 499 GRT, built 1940),
Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925),
Samuel Adams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930),
Walter Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 13 June 1944, the following transports parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Oran Bay;
Alexander J. Dallas,
Empire Damsel,
Hart Crane,
Howell E. Jackson,
John Lawson,
Malplaquet,
Sinnington Court and
William Blount. USS Pioneer proceed to Mers-el-Kebir.
On 13 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir;
David Lubin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943),
G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937),
John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lambert Cadwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
Samfield (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samkansa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).
The naval tanker (escort oiler), USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR) also joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
On 14 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Gibraltar;
Bialystok
Empire Foam,
Fort Rouille,
Fort St. Joseph and
King James. HMS Taurus also parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar.
On 14 June 1944, the tankers British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923) and British Energy (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. The following day the British Commodore developed engine trouble and was ordered to proceed to Casablanca but she returned to Gibraltar instead where she arrived on 16 June 1944.
On 15 June the transports;
Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941),
Charles Carroll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Souris (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942),
Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938),
John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Samderry (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 14th. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret.
On the above ships joining the convoy the transport Loch Dee parted company to proceed to Casablanca with the French escort vessels. They arrived at Casablanca later on the 15th.
Around 1730Z/16, the Pierre Gibault developed engine trouble and parted company with the convoy. USS Eisner was detached to escort her. They rejoined the convoy around 1200Z/17.
On 18 June 1944, USS Macleish, USS Liddle, USS Jordan, USS Kephart, USS Newman, USS Lloyd and USS Cofer fuelled from USS Cowanesque.
On 19 June 1944, the transport Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Horta, Azores. She was escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Cape Comorin (/Lt. F.K. Turner, RNVR) which did not join the convoy.
On 23 June, USS Cowanesque refuelled USS Macleish, USS Jordan, USS Kephart, USS Lloyd, USS Cofer and USS Newman.
Around 0630Q/26, USS Cowanesque was detached to Bermuda. To escort her to Bermuda the escort destroyers USS Hodges (Lt.Cdr. V.B. Staadecker, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 74, T/Cdr. C.F. Hooper, USN on board) and USS William Seiverling (Cdr. C.F. Adams, Jr., USNR) had just made rendezvous with the convoy. They arrived at Bermuda the following morning.
Around 1710Q/27, the Glacier Park was straggling and unable to regain her station was ordered to proceed to St. John, New Brunswick.
Around 1940Q/27, the ' New York ' section of the convoy of 41 ships was detached, they were escorted by USS Macleish, USS Eisner, USS Wingfield, USS Thornhill, USS Rinehart and USS Roche.
The ' Chesapeake Bay ' section of the convoy was made up of the following ships;
Ben H. Miller,
Cornelius Harnett,
Daniel H. Lownsdale,
Daniel Huger,
David Bushnell,
David Lubin,
Elbridge Gerry,
Empire Alliance,
Empire Nerissa,
Empire Stalwart,
Fort Souris,
Francis M. Smith,
G.S. Walden,
Hannis Taylor,
Henry George,
James McCosh,
James Turner,
James W. Johnson,
John P. Holland,
Joseph Hewes,
Joseph Hooker,
Joseph N. Teal,
Levi Woodbury,
Robert H. Harrison,
Samuel Adams,
Samuel Johnston,
Thomas Cresap,
Thomas Nelson Page,
Walt Whitman,
Walter Reed and
William H. Moody. They were escorted by USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd.
The ' Chesapeake Bay ' section arrived at its destination on 28 June 1944. The ' New York ' section arrived at its destination on 29 June 1944. 6 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 ' for 23 May 1944.
10 Jun 1944 10 Jun 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' GUS 42 ' for 3 June 1942.] 12 Jun 1944 This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 12 June 1944.
It was made up of the following transports;
Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928),
Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925),
Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927),
Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927),
Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933),
Cape Breton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940),
City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927),
Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919),
Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928),
Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943),
Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924),
Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920),
Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930),
Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928),
Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919),
Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928),
Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940),
Philips Wouwerman (Dutch, 7089 GRT, built 1943),
Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914),
Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939) and
Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917).
The tanker (escort oiler) Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) was to join later at sea after having parted company with the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.
The rescue ship Syrian Prince (British, 1990 GRT, built 1936) was also with the combined convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).
On 13 June 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth arrived in the Clyde and the Jenny arrived at Liverpool after having forced to return to the U.K.
On 16 June 1944, the Caduceus arrived in the Clyde after having forced to return to the U.K.
The Empire Prosepero was detached en-route to Horta, Azores.
Around 0500Z/22, HMS Searcher, HMS Highlander and HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51 which they did around 0920Z/22. HMS Highlander and HMS Bayntun then parted company to rejoined the combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54, most likely tanking the tanker (escort oiler) Esturia with them.
Also on 22 June the convoy split into convoy OS 80 and KMS 54.
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Convoy OS 80, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports;
Cap Cantin,
Deido,
Empire Buckle,
Empire Galahad,
Hilversum,
Ispingo,
Llanberis,
Sansu and
Souliotis.
They were joined on 22 June 1944 by the transports
Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942),
King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925) and
King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928). These ships had departed Gibraltar on 21 June together with the new escort for convoy OS 80 which was made up of the frigates HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).
On 23 June 1944, the transports
Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921),
Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939),
Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920),
Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) and
Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed the day before. They were escorted by the destroyer Trombe, minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. The French escort vessels did not join the convoy.
On 30 June 1944, the
Agen,
Cap Cantin,
Chelma,
Montaigne,
Paul de Rousiers and
Souliotis arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.
Convoy OS 80 arrived at Freetown on 1 July 1944 though some of the ships proceeded to other destinations independently.
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Convoy KMS 54 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports
Baharistan,
Baron Fairly,
Cape Brenton,
City of Worcester,
Clan Matheson,
Empire Zephyr,
Esturia,
Fort Chambly,
Fort Columbia,
Fort Kullyspell,
Fort Stager,
Framlington Court,
Govert Flinck,
Keilehaven,
Ottinge,
Philips Wouderman,
Radmanso and
Syrian Prince.
On 23 June 1944, the
Cape Breton,
Empire Zephyr,
Esturia and
Syrian Prince arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy;
HMS Highlander,
HMS Bayntun,
HMS Foley,
HMS Helmsdale,
HMS Kenilworth Castle and
HMS Portchester Castle.
From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tankers
Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939),
Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937),
John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy.
Escort was now provided by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and RHS Apostolis.
On 24 June 1944, the transports Cape Brenton and John Howland arrived in Oran Bay after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924),
Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936),
Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931),
George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
James Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Sidi-Brahmin (British, 2439 GRT, built 1910) and
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. With them came also the tug AST-76 (Army tug) and the salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR).
On 25 June 1944, the transports Fomalhaut, Fort Stager, Keilehaven and Sidi-Brahmin arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker
Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919),
Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930),
Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and
Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. With them the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) also joined the convoy.
USS Restorer was soon detached to Dellys.
On 26 June 1944, the transport Ottinge arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 26 June 1944, the transports
Anatina (Norwegian, 4986 GRT, built 1939) and
William M. Stalwart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone. With these ships the M/S trawler HMS Ruskholm (T/S.Lt. R.V. Brown, RNVR) also joined the convoy.
On 27 June 1944, the transport Darien as well as HMS Caledon and HMS Ruskholm arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers
Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910),
Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927),
David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918)),
Monte Cucco (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943),
Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944) and
Samual V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.
On 27 June 1944, the transport Radmanso arrived at Tunus (La Goulette) after having parted company with the convoy.
On 28 June 1944, the transport Monte Cucco arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the tanker Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 29 June 1944, the transports / tankers
Alexander J. Dallas,
Chloris,
Corchester,
Empire Usk,
Esneh,
Fort Columbia,
Fort Kullyspell,
Framlington Court,
Gallia,
George Davis,
Govert Flinck,
Henry Dundas,
James Moore,
John Stagg,
John Trumbull,
Laurent Meeus,
Lincoln Steffens,
Ocean Faith,
Paul H. Harwood,
Samesk,
Samuel V. Shreve,
Sheaf Crown,
Tabitha Brown and
William M. Stewart arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy as did the tug AST-76. RHS Apostolis also proceeded to Augusta.
The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Augusta;
Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),
Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941),
Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940),
Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943),
Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944),
President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935),
Samblade (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and
Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).
On 2 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria;
Bantria,
Empire Brook and
Morialta. With these ships the escorts Fleetwood, Hazard, Anemone and Bergamot also arrived at Alexandria.
On 3 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria;
Anatina,
Badarpur,
Baharistan,
Baron Fairly,
City of Worcester,
Clan Mathesonn,
David Holmes,
Fort Chambly,
Garonne,
Ninella,
Norissia,
Northia,
Philips Wouderman,
President de Vogue,
Samblade,
Tobruk and
Wallace E. Pratt . With these ships the escorts Coltsfood and Convolvulus also arrived at Alexandria. 12 Jun 1944 20 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54 ' for 12 June 1944.] (13) 24 Jun 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 24 June 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers;
Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940),
British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926),
British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942),
Cardinal Gibbons (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Fernbrook (Norwegian, 4633 GRT, built 1932),
George K. Fitch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Jan Slievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
John Fitch (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1932),
Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927),
Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sherman O Houghton (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Wayne Macveach (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
William M. Meredith (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR, with Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR, (S.O. 49th Escort Group) no board) and minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN).
On 25 June 1944 the following transports joined the convoy coming from Alexandria;
Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.
On 28 June 1944 the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy;
Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938),
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939),
Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Cobbett (British (tanker),
9811 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Nugget (British (tanker), 9807 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Stength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936),
Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943),
Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
M.M. Guhin (American, 7180 GRT, 1943),
Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936),
Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940),
Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940),
Moses Rogers (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920),
Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937),
Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928),
Thomas Hart Benton (American, 7187 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas Sumter (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939),
Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920).
The following transports / tankers were detached to August where the arrived on 28 June 1944;
British Tradition,
Empire Lionel,
Fort Meductic,
George K. Fitch,
Jan Lievents,
Malvina,
Oscar Underwood,
Sampford and
Samphire.
On 29 June 1944, the transport Robert Newell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 30 June 1944, the transport Meonia arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 June 1944, the transports
Baron Herries ,
Empire Harbour,
Furnifold M. Simmons and
Hopestar arrived at Benghazi after having been
detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Benhazi;
Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935),
Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916),
Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931),
Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943) and
Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).
Also the current escort, which arrived at Bizerta on 30 June 1944, was relieved by a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), the cutter USCGC Ingham (Cdr. K.O.A. Zittel, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. W.R. Headden, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Price (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Higgins, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 58, T/Cdr. E.E. Garcia, USN on board), USS Stanton (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Tiffany, USNR), USS Strickland (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Hopkins, USNR), Forster (Lt. J.N. Clayton, USNR), Stockdale (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Luther, USNR), Hissem (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Low, USNR), USS Otter (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kerr, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 62, T/Cdr. J.F. Bowling, Jr., USN), USS Hubbard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Mabley, USNR), USS Hayter (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Theriault, USNR), USS Varian (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Petrie, USNR), USS Scroggings (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Kriloff, USN) and USS Jack W. Wilke (T/Cdr. R.D. Lowther, USN).
Around 0037B/1, the destroyers USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) and USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).
Around 0415B/1, the transports Beaconsfield, Kola and Pronto were detached to Bone. Later the Jobshaven was detached to Philippeville.
Around 0550B/1, the rescue tugs HMRT Mindful and HMRT Aspirant joined the convoy.
Around 0643B/2, the transports / tankers Beckenham, British Governor, Fort Clatsop and Zaanstroom as well as HMRT Mindful were detached to Algiers.
Around 0715B/2, the transports / tankers
Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937),
Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918),
Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936) and
Peribonka (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Algiers.
Around 0410B/3, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.
At 0620B/3, USS Madison and USS Livermore parted company to proceed to Oran Bay taking the transports Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Edwin L. Godkin, Joseph T. Robinson, Louis McClane, M.M. Guhin, Moses Rogers, Tarleton Brown, Thomas Hart Benton and Thomas Sumter with them. Around the same time the following transports joined from Oran Bay; Belgian Airman (Belgian, 6960 GRT, built 1942), Gulfcoast (American, 7140 GRT, built 1937) and Samhope (7210 GRT, built 1944). Also joining were the naval tanker USS Merrimack (T/Capt. R.A. MacKerracher, USN), stores ship USS Polaris (T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) and the tug USS Cocopa (Lt. J.C. Hutcheson, USNR) which was towing the damaged destroyer USS Laub (T/Cdr. A.C. Roessler, USN).
Around 0815A/4, the following transports Empire Strength, Moray Coast and Peribonka were detached to Gibraltar.
At 1740A/4, the following tankers Haakon Hauan, Neritina and Trondheim were detached to Casablanca escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessels L'Eveille and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).
Around the same time the transports Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935) and Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) as well as the tug USS Cherokee (Lt. L.G. Johnson, USN) which was towing the damaged destroyer escort USS Barr (Lt.Cdr. P.T. Dickie, Jr., USNR) joined coming from Casablanca. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the same escorts that were now escorting the above listed vessels to Casablanca.
On 6 July 1944, all escorts fuelled from USS Merrimack.
Around 0400O/9, USS Menges parted company to contact the ships joining from the Azores. Around 0800O/9 she returned with the tanker Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941) as well as the tug USS Carib (Lt. A.T. Terrio, USN) which was towing the damaged destroyer escort USS Menges (Lt.Cdr. F.M. McCabe, USCG). These ships 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 0615Q/16, when in position 35°31'N, 65°40'E, USS Merrimack parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda. To escort her to that place the escort destroyers USS Jesse Rutherford (Lt.Cdr. B.M. Henry, USNR), USS Traw (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Kilbreth, Jr., USNR) and USS Leland E. Thomass (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rosenberg, USNR) had joined. They arrived at Bermuda around 2130Q/16.
Around 1320Q/16, the three tugs with their tows were detached to Bermuda. To escort them the escort destroyers USS Price and USS Stockdale. They arrived at Bermuda around 2000Q/17. The two destroyer escorts remained out patrolling of Bermuda and arrived at Bermuda around 0600Q/18.
Around 1900Q/16, the ' Chesapeake Bay Section ' of the convoy made up of 15 transports / tankers parted company. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Hubbard (which now had COMCORTDIV 62 on board), USS Hayter, USS Scroggings and USS Jack W. Wilke. The ' Chesapeake Bay Section ' entered Chesapeake Bay in the morning of the 17th. The four destroyer escorts then proceeded to New York.
Around 0800Q/17, the ' Delaware Section ' of the convoy, which was made up of thee tankers (Gulfcoast, Norsol and Sun), parted company escorted by USS Varian. Around 0348Q/18, the tankers entered the swept channel and USS Vervain parted company to proceed to New York where she arrived in the afternoon.
The bulk of the convoy arrived at New York in the morning of 18 July 1944. 24 Jun 1944 This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 24 June 1944.
It was made up of the following transports / tankers;
Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Arthur St. Clair (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944),
Benjamin D. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Benjamin H. Latrobe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Charles Goodnight (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944),
Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Frederick L. Dau (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Irvin McDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
James Madison (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943),
John H. Reagan (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931),
Kildonan Park (Canadian, 7132 GRT, built 1943),
Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921),
Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941),
O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
R.F. Peckham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939),
Samavon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samcolne (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samlistar (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samsoaring (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samspeed (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samtorch (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937),
Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920),
Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939),
Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942),
Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Tibia (Dutch (tanker), 10356 GRT, built 1939),
Toltec (Honduran, 5527 GRT, built 1929),
Tulsa (American, 5083 GRT, built 1919),
Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).
Also part of the convoy were the LST's; USS LST-548 (Lt. J.B. Brady, USN), USS LST-550 (Lt. V.A. Meehan, USNR), USS LST-561 (Lt. V.W. Foster, USNR), 11715 655 (T/Lt. D.D. Sumrall, USN), USS LST-656 (Lt. F.T. McCahill, USNR), USS LST-664 (Lt. J.R. Burke, USNR), USS LST-665 (Lt. H.L. Jones, USNR), USS LST-690 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Reif, USNR), USS LST-691 (Lt. J.H. Monroe, USNR), USS LST-692 (Lt. R.B. Carothers, USNR), USS LST-913 (Lt. L.C. Gwin, USNR), USS LST-914 (Lt. A.W. Meyer, USNR), USS LST-994 (Lt. R.P. Gonder, USNR), USS 995 (Lt. G.W. Chamberlain, USNR), USS LST-996 (Lt. C.A. Leach, Jr, USNR), USS LST-997 (Lt. L.R. Dhuyvetter, USNR), USS LST-1019 (Lt. N.C. Ross, USNR), USS LST-1020 (Lt. P.D. Tracy, USNR), USS LST-1021 (Lt. R.W. Erickson, USNR),
The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) (transporting aircraft) was also part of the convoy as was the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR).
On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR), USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN), Somali and the sloop Dumont d'Urville.
On 26 June 1944, the transport Tulsa developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.
On 28 June 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.
On 3 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb.
On 4 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.
At 1108O/4, the tanker Norsol was detached to Horta, Azores escorted by USS Leslie L.B. Knox. At 0419N/5, the escort of the tanker was taken over by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR) and USS Leslie L.B. Knox then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did around 2026N/5.
On 5 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Chambers, USS Calcaterra, USS Vance and USS Merrill.
On 7 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled the ships of Hunter Killer Task Group 22.5, the escort carrier USS Wake Island (T/Capt. J.R. Tague, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Farquhar (Delton E Walter, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Bane, USNR), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. A.S. Archie, USNR) and USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Stokey, USNR). Task Group 22.5 was operating in the area also covering the passage of the convoy.
Around 1900Z/9, in position 34°23'N, 08°47'W, the transport Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted out by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, La Boudeuse and Commandant Delage.
These three French escort vessels now proceeded to Casablanca escorting HMS Trouncer and the transports / tankers Alexander Lillington, Esso Nashville, George Shiraz, Henry L. Ellsworth, John T. Holt, Joseph Habersham and Samtucky. They arrived at Casablanca on the 10th. With them was also the Dumont d'Urville.
Around 1730Z/10, the transports Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) joined coming from Gibraltar. With these ships the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), submarine HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.
Around 1650B/12, the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR) joined the convoy.
Around 1700B/11, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran Bay
Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943),
John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Luctretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas Hart Benton (American, 7187 GRT, built 1943) and
Thomas Sumter (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) while the following ships parted company with the convoy and entered Oran Bay;
David J. Brewer,
Howard A. Kelly,
James E. Howard,
Katy,
USS LST-561,
USS LST-664,
USS LST-665,
USS LST-691,
USS LST-994,
USS LST-995 and
USS LST-1020. The LST's however later rejoined the convoy.
On 12 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.
Also on 12 July 1944, the following ships joined the convoy off Algiers;
Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943),
Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943),
Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943),
Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934),
Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914),
Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937),
Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Pride (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942),
Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938),
Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931),
Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) with the following transports Fort Grahame and Thomas Hart Benton parted company and entered Algiers harbour.
On 13 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb, USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Vance, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill.
On 13 July 1944, the transports Chertsey and Essex Trader arrived at Bougie after having straggled from the convoy.
On 13 July 1944, the transport Middlesex Trader arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.
On 14 July 1944, the tankers
Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943),
Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and
Vittorino Zanibon (Italian (tanler), 1622 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta. Also the new (British) escort joined the convoy, this was made up of the sloop Pheasant and the corvettes Alisma, Saxifrage and Spiraea.
When the above ships joined the convoy the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta Hai Lee, Mattaponi, San Cipriano and Tibia. Also all the USN escort vessels and the naval tanker proceeded to Bizerta as did HMS Caledon and the French Somali. Also the LST's had entered Bizerta.
On 14 July 1944, the transport Thomas Stone arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy. Around the same time the transport Prosper Schiaffino must also have left the convoy. She arrived at Sfax on 15 July 1944.
On 15 July 1944, the tanker Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. HMS Virtue arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 15 July 1944, the transports / tankers
Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921),
Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930),
Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) and
Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to joined the convoy.
On 16 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy;
Albert G. Brown,
Benjamin H. Latrobe,
Charles Goodyear,
Coulgorm,
Edward N. Hurley,
Edward Richardson,
Empire Gain,
Felix Grundy,
Fitzhugh Lee,
George Matthews,
Gideon Welles,
Iceland,
Irvin McDowell,
James Hoban,
James Rumsey,
John B. Hood,
John Howland,
Joseph Holt,
Joyce Kilmer,
Joseph Goldberg,
Marshall Elliott,
Memphis City,
Ocean Pride,
Pan-Maryland,
Salamis,
Samavon,
Samsoaring,
Samstrule,
Samuel Gorton,
Samuel Livermore,
Taria,
Thaddeus Kosciuszko,
Theodore Sedgwick,
Thomas Hill,
Thomas Sumter,
Toltec,
Vittorino Zanibon,
Ward Hunt,
William D. Moseley,
William L. Yancey,
William Moultrie and
Zaanstroom.
The Empire Harbour arrived at Catania on the same day.
On 19 July 1944, the following transports
Marit Maersk,
Samcolne,
Samleven,
Sammex arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Alisma and HMS Saxifrage arrived at Alexandria.
On 20 July 1944, the following transport / tankers arrived at Port Said;
Algorab,
Ammla,
Anson Jones,
Arthur St. Clair,
Benjamin D. Wilson,
Benjamin Lundy,
Benjamin Williams,
Charles Goodnight,
Empire Coleridge,
Fort la Prairie,
Fort Venango,
Frederick L. Dau,
James Harlan,
James Madison,
John C. Spencer,
John H. Reagan,
Joseph Goldberger,
Kildonan Park,
Kobad,
Lorraine,
Louis McLane,
Lucretia Mott,
O'Henry,
Ponce de Leon,
R.F. Peckham,
Samesk,
Samlista,
Samport,
Samspeed,
Samstrae,
Samtorch,
Samtyne,
Samwye,
Socotra,
Steel Engineer,
Suderholm,
Teucer,
Thomas F. Cunningham and
Vernon L. Kellogg. Also HMS Pheasant and HMS Spiraea arrived at Port Said. 27 Jun 1944 30 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 44 ' for 24 June 1944]. 3 Jul 1944 4 Jul 1944 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. 8 Jul 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 8 July 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers;
Arizonan (American, 5816 GRT, built 1920),
Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922),
Clydebank (British, 5156 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Mist (British, 7241 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Outpost (British, 6978 GRT, built 1943),
English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943),
Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937),
Falkefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 7927 GRT, built 1931),
Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942),
Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942),
Horace Mann (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James J. Pettigrew (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935),
Robert L. Hague (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Samguadie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvette HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR).
On 9 July 1944, the transports / tankers
British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936),
Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910),
Elise (Greek, 1986 GRT, built 1919),
Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941),
Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940) and
Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Alexandria. They were escorted by the corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).
On 13 July 1944, the transports / tankers;
British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925),
Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936),
Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942),
F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924),
Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939),
Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937),
Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Isaac Sharpless (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937),
Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944)),
Peter Trimble Rowe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Robert M.T. Hunter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and
Steel Inventor (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 14 July 1944, the transports / tankers;
Arizonan,
Badarpur,
Buccinum,
Empire Clarion,
Empire Mist,
Empire Outpost ,
Falkefjell,
Fort Frobisher,
Kyklades,
Morialta,
President de Vogue,
Samwash and
Thorshavn arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy.
On 14 July 1944, the tanker British Power arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 15 July 1944, the transports
Clydebank and
Horace Mann arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy. Joining from Bizerta were the following transports
Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940),
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Empire Gat (British, 871 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923),
Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and
Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN).
On 16 July 1944, the transports
Empire Planet and Steel Inventor arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421 GRT, built 1942) and Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from Bone.
On 17 July 1944, the transports / tankers
Baron Herries,
British Chemist,
The following transports joined the convoy off Algiers;
Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943),
Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929),
Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923),
Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916),
Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943)
Sidi-Brahim (British (former French, 2427 GRT, built 1910) and
Ville d'Ajaccio (French, 2444 GRT, built 1929).
On 17 July 1944, the transports
Chateau Latour,
Empire Gat,
F.A.C. Muhlenberg,
Gouverneur General Lepine,
Haym Salomon,
Henry W. Longfellow,
Isaac Sharpless,
Jobshaven,
John H. Eaton,
Jonathan Worth,
Meyer Lissner,
Peter Trimble Rowe,
Robert M.T. Hunter,
Sidi-Brahim and
Ville d'Ajaccio arrived at Oran Bay after having been detached from the convoy. The transport Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939) joined the convoy from Oran Bay.
On 19 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar;
Empire Flame,
Empire Moonrise,
Empire Torrent,
Fort Colville,
Fort Connolly,
Fort Ellice,
Framlington Court,
Glaisdale,
Nailsea Moor,
Ocean Pelgrim and
Radmanso. With them were the escort vessels HMS Evenlode, HMS Usk, HMS Bergamot, HMS Delphinium and HMSAS Southern Sea.
The remaining transports joined convoy MKS 55G for further passage to the U.K. 10 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 46 ' for 24 June 1944. 14 Jul 1944 15 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 55 ' for 8 July 1944.] (14) 17 Jul 1944 18 Jul 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 18 July 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers;
Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942),
Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942),
Durenda (British, 7241 GRT, built 1922),
Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925),
Fort Orleans (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943),
Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943),
Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918),
Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918),
Raymond T. Baker (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Samana (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sambur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942),
Troubadour (Panamanian, 6428 GRT, built 1920),
Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) and
Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).
The rescue tug HMRT Hesperia was also part of the convoy
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR).
On 19 July 1944 the convoy was joined by the transports;
Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927),
Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Indiana (Panamanian, 5751 GRT, built 1917),
Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) which came from Alexandria. They were escorted by the minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR).
On 21 July 1944, the Manchester Division arrived at Alexandria apparently having been detached from the convoy.
Around 1750B/23, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy which they did around 0630B/24 in position 36°23'N, 15°08'E;
Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911),
Cotton Valley (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Fay (British (tanker), 814 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Lass (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941),
Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919),
Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938),
Piere Soule (British, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Stephen A. Douglas (British, 7219 GRT, built 1942) and
Vito (Norwegian, 5181 GRT, built 1937). They were escorted by Italian torpedoboat Ardimentoso and the corvettes Driade and Baionetta.]
Around 1600B/24, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy at 0545B/24 in position 36°22'N, 15°13'E;
Canara,
Empire Tide,
Fort Meductic,
Jersey Hart,
Meline,
Raymond T. Baker,
Thistledale,
Van der Capelle and
Vasco. [They were most likely escorting in by the same ships that had escorted the vessels leaving Augusta.]
Around 1630B/24, in position 36°35'N, 13°33'E, the following merchant vessels joined from Augusta (they had sailed late); Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943).
On 24 July 1944, the transports / tankers Antonia (Dutch (tanker), 3357 GRT, built 1938) and Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940) departed Malta to join the convoy which they did at 1100B/24 in position 36°29'N, 14°28'E. Also joining from Malta were the auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) and a reinforcement for the A/S escort the Yugoslavian corvette Nada.
On 25 July 1944, the Antonia, Empire Fay and HMRT Hesperia arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy at 1630B/25 2 nautical miles north of Bizerta while the transport Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy as did the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the landing ship HMS Thruster (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, DSC, RNR) around the same time.
On 26 July 1944, the Vito arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy at 0615B/26 in position 37°23'N, 07°44'E, while the transport Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927) and the tug HMRT Aspirant joined the convoy around the same time.
On 27 July 1944, the Cotton Valley, Empire Baxter, Empire Copperfield, Empire Lass, Fort Dauphin, Indiana, Pan-Maryland, Pierre Soule, Stephen A. Douglas, HMS Thruster and HMRT Aspirant all arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy at 1425B/27 in position 37°04'N, 03°06'E, while the transports Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936) and Lieutenant de la Tour (French, 5844 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy.
On 28 July 1944, the Carrillo, Esneh and Lieutenant de la Tour arrived at Oran Bay after having parted company with the convoy at 1500B/28 in position 36°00'N, 00°38'W, while the the transports Cydonia (British, 3517
GRT, built 1927) and Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916) joined the convoy.
On 29 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar;
Balfe,
Baron Douglas,
Baron Herries,
Caduceus,
Cape Brenton,
Cydonia,
Durenda and
Fort Orleans. With them
HMS Caledon,
HMS Tactician,
HMS Dart,
HMS Shiel,
HMS Sharpshooter,
HMS Gloxinia,
HMS Primula and
Nada also arrived at Gibraltar.
The remaining transports joined convoy MKS 56G for further passage to the U.K. now escorted by a new escort which joined off Gibraltar. This new escort was made up of the destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?). With this new escort also the following merchant vessels joined the convoy;
Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924) and
Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929)
as did the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) and the rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932).
Also on 30 July the Redgate arrived at Gibraltar after having straggled from the convoy.
At 1600B/31, the convoy merged with convoy SL 165 coming from Freetown to form the combined convoy SL 165 / KMS 56. (15) 20 Jul 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UGS 47 ' for 4 July 1944.] (14) 23 Jul 1944 25 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 56 ' for 18 July 1944.] (14) 29 Jul 1944 31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Aug 1944 Operation Preface was a rehearsal for the upcoming landings in Southern France.
Task Force 88, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was the Carrier Force for the upcoming landings in Southern France and was made up of the following Task Groups;
Task Group 88.1, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was made up the following ships;
Light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, DSO, MVO, RN, Capt. D.24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, DSC, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and RHS Navarinon.
Task Group 88.2, under T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN, was made up the following ships;
AA cruisers HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), escort carriers USS Tulagi (T/Capt. J.C. Cronin, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN), USS Kasaan Bay (T/Capt. B.E. Grow, USN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN) and the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN, with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, 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), Herndon (T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN) and USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN).
Task Force 88 departed Malta on 6 August 1944 for exercises in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Excercises commenced around 0600B/7 and were completed around 1200B/7.
Around 1438B/7, USS Jeffers, USS Murphy and USS Shubrick parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to Naples where they arrived around 1607B/7. The remainder of Task Force 88.2, minus HMS Caledon arrived at Naples around 1710B/7.
Around 1100B/8, TG 88.1 plus HMS Caledon arrived at Malta. 12 Aug 1944 Task Force 88, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was the Carrier Force for the upcoming landings in Southern France and was made up of the following Task Groups;
Task Group 88.1, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was made up the following ships;
Light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, DSO, MVO, RN, Capt. D.24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, DSC, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and RHS Navarinon.
Task Group 88.2, under T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN, was made up the following ships;
AA cruisers HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), escort carriers USS Tulagi (T/Capt. J.C. Cronin, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN), USS Kasaan Bay (T/Capt. B.E. Grow, USN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN) and the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN, with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, 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), Herndon (T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN) and USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN).
Task Force 88 departed Malta for the operations area on 12 August 1944.
Early on the 14th, Task Force 88 arrived in the operations area and around 0700B/14, flying operations commenced.
Around 1130B/14, the escort destroyer HMS Wheatland (Lt. H.A. Corbett, DSC, RN), coming from Naples, joined TG 88.1 and relieved HMS Tumult which then proceeded to Ajaccio.
Around 0650B/16, RHS Navarinon and HMS Wheatland were detached by TG 88.1 to fuel. They rejoined around 1330B/16.
Around 1445B/16, HMS Caledon and HMS Colombo were detached to fuel at Ajaccio. After fuelling HMS Caledon rejoined TG 88.2 around 1700B/17. HMS Colombo, which had already rejoined TG 88.2 around 0745B/17, was then ordered to join Task Force 87 operating close inshore. She left TG 88.2 around 1925B/17.
Around 0700B/17, HMS Troubridge and HMS Tenacious were detached by TG 88.1 to fuel. They rejoined around 1335B/17.
Around 0700B/17, USS Butler and USS Murphy were detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. They returned around 1800B/17.
Around 1700B/17, USS Shubrick was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 0600B/18.
Around 1800B/17, HMS Delhi parted company with TG 88.1 and proceeded to the Gulf of St. Tropez. Around the same time HMS Tumult rejoined TG 88.1.
Around 0630B/19, USS Gherardi was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 2115B/19.
Around 1900B/19, HMS Searcher and HMS Teazer were detached by TG 88.1 to proceed ahead of the main force to La Maddalena.
Around 2115B/19, USS Herndon was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 1900B/20.
Around 1930B/19, HMS Khedive, HMS Tuscan and HMS Tyrian were detached by TG 88.1 to join TG 88.2 which they did around 0625B/20. HMS Tuscan then parted company to proceed to La Maddalena.
On 20 August, the bulk of TG 88.1 fuelled at La Maddalena and then departed again to return to the operations area.
Around 0700B/20, USS Jeffers was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, temporary transferred to USS Murphy. She returned around 0130B/21. After dawn COMDESRON 17 transferred back to her.
Around 2200B/20, HMS Khedive and HMS Tyrian parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to La Maddalena to fuel. They arrived at La Maddalena around 1130B/21. On completion of fuelling they departed around 1800B/21 and joined TG 88.1 around 0730B/22.
Around 1130B/21, USS Jeffers parted company with TG 88.2.
On 22 August, the TG 88.2 arrived at La Maddalena from the operations area to re-fuel and re-arm. They departed to return to the operations area the next day.
Around 1445B/23, HMS Delhi joined TG 88.1.
Around 2300B/23, HMS Delhi was detached from TG 88.1 to join TG 88.2 which she did around 0745B/24.
Around noon on 24 August 1944, TG 88.1 arrived at La Maddalena.
Around 1930B/24, HMS Colombo joined TG 88.2 from having operated in the Gulf of St. Tropez. At 2000B/24, she was ordered to join TG 88.1 at La Maddalena and proceeded accordingly. She arrived at La Maddalena around 0910B/25.
Around 0730B/26, HMS Delhi parted company with TG 88.2 and proceeded to the Gulf of St. Tropez.
Around 2050B/27, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Caledon, USS Murphy and USS Shubrick parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to La Maddalena where they arrived the following morning. USS Murphy and USS Shubrick did not enter the harbour though but proceeded to Ajaccio where they arrived early in the afternoon.
On 29 August 1944, the remainder of TG 88.2 arrived at Ajaccio from the operations area. 28 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 30 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 14 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 28 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Oct 1944 21 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 22 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 26 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 31 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 1 Nov 1944 11 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Oran / Mers-el-Kebir for escort duty with convoy UGS 40.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy UGS 40. (11)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Bizerta to join convoy MKS 49.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) all arrived at Gibraltar with convoy MKS 49. (12)Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52.
Around 1815B/23, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 0915B/24.
(11)Convoy NSF 23.
Convoy SNF 23.
Convoy GUS 42.
The escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) departed Gibraltar and joined convoy KMS 52 for escort duty.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and RHS Kriti arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy KMS 52.
The AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 63, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN on board), destroyer escorts USS Eisner (Lt.Cdr. D. McVickar, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. R.P. Walker, USN on board), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Purdy, USNR), USS Thornhill (Lt. J.B. Shumway, USNR), USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN), USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Jordan (Lt.Cdr. D. Bontecou, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN on board), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Gammelgard, USNR) and the minesweeper USS Pioneer (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR) departed Bizerta to join convoy GUS 42.
Combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54.
Around 1115B/12, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Algiers from convoy escort duty with convoy GUS 42. (13)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Algiers. (13)
Around 0800B/24, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Algiers for AA gunnery exercises on completion of which she joined convoy KMS 54.
Convoy GUS 44.
Convoy UGS 46.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy KMS 54. (13)
The AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), the cutter USCGC Ingham (Cdr. K.O.A. Zittel, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. W.R. Headden, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Price (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Higgins, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 58, T/Cdr. E.E. Garcia, USN on board), USS Stanton (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Tiffany, USNR), USS Strickland (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Hopkins, USNR), Forster (Lt. J.N. Clayton, USNR), Stockdale (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Luther, USNR), Hissem (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Low, USNR), USS Otter (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kerr, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 62, T/Cdr. J.F. Bowling, Jr., USN), USS Hubbard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Mabley, USNR), USS Hayter (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Theriault, USNR), USS Varian (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Petrie, USNR), USS Scroggings (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Kriloff, USN) and USS Jack W. Wilke (T/Cdr. R.D. Lowther, USN) departed Bizerta for escort duty with convoy GUS 44.
Around 1830B/3, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty with convoy GUS 44. (14)Convoy UGS 47.
Convoy MKS 55.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and HMRT Vagrant departed Gibraltar to join convoy UGS 46.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy UGS 46. (14)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Bizerta to join convoy MKS 55.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Algiers from convoy escort duty with convoy MKS 55. (14)Convoy MKS 56.
Around 0615B/20, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Algiers to join convoy UGS 47.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. J.C. Sowell, USN on board), 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), USS Weeden (Lt.Cdr. C.F. Tillinghast, Jr., USNR), 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-1593 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Foley, USNR), USS PC-1594 (Lt. G.A. Tredick, Jr., USNR), USS PC-1595 (Lt.(jg) L.H. Nightengale, USNR), USS PC-1596 (Lt. J.C. McKay, USNR) and USS PC-1597 (Lt. R.P. Harris, USNR) all arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty with convoy UGS 47.
Around 1530B/25, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Bizerta to join convoy MKS 56.
Around 2000B/29, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty with convoy MKS 56. (14)
Around 1705B/31, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (14)
Around 1530B/2, HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. (16)Operations of Task Force 88 during operation Preface.
Operation Dragoon, the landings in Southern France, operations by Task Force 88, the Carrier Force.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed La Maddalena for Gibraltar. (17)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from La Maddalena. At Gibraltar she was taken in hand for refit by the Dockyard. (17)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at the Gibraltar Dockyard. (18)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) is undocked. (18)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted post-refit gunnery trials off Gibraltar. Trials were successful and then gunnery exercises were carried out. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted compass swing trials off Gibraltar. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) conducted gunnery trials off Gibraltar on completion of which she set course to proceed to Malta. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. After fuelling she departed for Alexandria later the same day. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Alexandria for Skiathos. (19)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Skiathos from Alexandria. (20)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) departed Skiathos for Taranto. (20)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) arrived at Taranto from Skiathos. (20)
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