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Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ausonia (F 53)

9 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 49.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), C.J. Barkdull (Panamanian (tanker), 7204 GRT, built 1917), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Endicott (British, 6319 GRT, built 1919), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Eurylochus (British, 5723 GRT, built 1912), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nevada (French, 5618 GRT, built 1917), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Ontariolite (British (tanker), 8932 GRT, built 1925), Osmussaar (Estonian, 2173 GRT, built 1909), Point Lobos (Panamanian, 4801 GRT, built 1919), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), Randsfjord (Norwegian, 3999 GRT, built 1937), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Mount (British, 5017 GRT, built 1924), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930), Thalia (Greek, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Tregenna (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919) and Tremoda (British, 4736 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers escorted the convoy until about half an hour after sunset on 9 June and then returned to Halifax.

On 10 June, the Endicott dropped out of the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 23 June.

On 11 June, the Thalia dropped out of the convoy. She was briefly seen on the 14th but did not rejoin the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 24 June.

Around 1700P/13, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 49) joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), British Fidility (British (tanker), 8465 GRT, built 1938), British Cincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Confield (British, 4956 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Eli Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9026 GRT, built 1925), Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Glarona (Norwegian (tanker), 9912 GRT, built 1928), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Moordrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1930), Port Huon (British, 8021 GRT, built 1927), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Felipe (British, 5626 GRT, built 1919), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).

On 15 June, the Point Lobos dropped out of the convoy. She arrived Liverpool on 23 June.

Also on 15 June the Osmussaar dropped out of the convoy. She was able to rejoin the convoy on 21 June.

Around 1145N/18, in approximate position 48°27'N, 25°45'W, the Moordrecht and Ontariolite were detachted. The Moordrecht was to proceed independently to La Coruna, Spain but was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-48. The Ontariolite, originally destined for Brest, was ordered to proceed to Aruba but this was apparently later changed and she arrived at Montreal on 8 July.

Around 1700Z/20, HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0545A/21, the sloops HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1912A/21, in position 50°20'N, 10°23'W [British source], the convoy, which had not yet split up, was attacked by the German submarine U-47 which torpedoed the tanker San Fernando. HMS Sandwich reported that the ship could be salvaged if tugs could be sent at once. The crwew had been taken off by the sloops HMS Sandwich and HMS Fowey and that they were now searching for the attacker. At 0232A/22, it was reported that the rescue tugs Marauder and Zwarte Zee had sailed from Falmouth and at 0234A/22, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) was ordered to escort these tugs. The derelict San Fernando however was not found and must have sunk later.

Following this attack the convoy was ordered to scatter but this order was quickly revoked. The ships destined for the the Irish Sea / west coast section apparently did not reform as a convoy and proceeded independently and unescorted. This were the following merchant vessels;
Athelfoam (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Athellaird (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 24 or 25 June), British Sincerity (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Cadillac (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), Charles F. Meyer (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Collegian (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Confield (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Director (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Eli Knudsen (destination was Swansea but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Eurybates (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Eurylochus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Glarona (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Hekoria (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Jean L.D. (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Jhelum (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Luculus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Nevada (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Port Huon (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Randsfjord (destination was Liverpool but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Regent Lion (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), San Felipe (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Sheaf Mount (arrived at Swansea on 23 June), Snar (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Solarium (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Strinda (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Suderholm (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Torborg (arrived at Manchester on 24 June) and Tregenna (arrived at Swansea on 23 June).

Of these ships two were torpedoed by German submarines.

At 0158A/22, the Randsfjord was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30.

At 0236A/22, the Eli Knudsen was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-32. A salvage attempt was undertaken for which the tug Coringa (287 GRT, built 1914) escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Agate (Lt. A.T. Board, RN) were sent out from Milford Haven around 1400A/22. An attempt by HMS Fowey to take the damaged tanker in tow had meanwhile failed. At 0445A/23, HMS Agate reported that the Coringa had sunk due to flooding of the stokehold and that she was picking up survivors.

HMS Sandwich arrived at Liverpool and HMS Fowey arrived at Plymouth, both on 23 June.

The Channel / east coast section was reformed as a convoy and proceeded unescorted [HMS Fowey was to have escorted them but she remained behind to search the area for the attacker]. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Appledore (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Barrdale (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), British Fidility (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), C.J. Barkdull (arrived at Southampton on 24 June, having been detached around 2030A/23), Campus (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Cromarty (arrived at Plymouth on 23 June, having been detached around 0230A/23), Gallia (arrived at Southampton on 26 (?) June, she had apparently straggled from the Channel / east coast section), Harmonic (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Nellie (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), New Westminster City (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Osmussaar (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), R.J. Cullen (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Stakesby (arrived in the Downs on 24 June) and Tremoda (arrived in the Downs on 24 June).

Around 0630A/23, the Channel / east coast section was joined by the corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) which came from Plymouth. HMS Hibiscus arrived at Dover on 24 June. (1)

Battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (00)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Cdr. R.C. Haskett-Smith, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay.

On completion of today's exercises Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, joined the ship and took command. (2)

17 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (2)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (2)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (2)

22 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) returned to Norfolk, Virginia after an exercise period. (2)

26 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Hampton Roads for Bermuda. They were escorted by the destroyer Harrison (T/Cdr. C.M. Dalton, USN) and the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN). (3)

28 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) arrived at Bermuda from Hampton Roads.

Harrison (T/Cdr. C.M. Dalton, USN) did not enter and set course to proceed to Boston. (4)

30 Jun 1943
Around 1000Q/30, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Bermuda for the U.K. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC, RN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN).

At 1240Z/5, HMS Phoebe parted company to proceed to Barrow-in-Furness where she arrived on 7 July to completed her refit there.

The other ships arrived at Plymouth on 8 July. HMS Queen Elizabeth went to the Devonport Dockyard to complete her refit there. (5)

12 Jul 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is docked in No.10 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (6)

10 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
No.10 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard, with HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) in it is flooded. The ship is however not undocked at this moment. (7)

20 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (7)

27 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth. (8)

28 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Plymouth around 1615A/28 for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN), HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Pumphrey, RN, DSO and 2 Bars, DSC, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN).

Around 1830A/29, the original screen parted company when the destroyers HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) joined.

Around 1430A/30, HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Scorpion and HMCS Huron arrived at Scapa Flow. (8)

13 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. On completion of these D/G trials were carried out. (9)

14 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (9)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (9)

24 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted H/F D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by 15" gunnery exercises. (9)

25 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted H/F D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by 15" and 4.5" gunnery exercises. (9)

26 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted H/F D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (9)

28 Sep 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN).

On return to Scapa Flow HMS Queen Elizabeth conducted gunnery exercises inside the Flow. (9)

5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

7 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN) and USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN). (10)

13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN) and HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN). (10)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery and bombardment exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. the Hon. D.D.E. Vivian, RN). (10)

20 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by the destroyer HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN).

Also a range and inclination exercise was carried out with HMS Royalist (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN). (10)

11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) proceeded from Portland to Portsmouth where she went to the Portsmouth dockyard for repairs and some modifications. (11)

12 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is berthed in D-Lock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (11)

13 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is docked down in D-Lock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (11)

22 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (11)

13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) proceeded from the Portsmouth Dockyard to Spithead. (11)

14 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000A/14, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), after having first carried out D/G trials, departed Portsmouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Stevenstone (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.M. Duff-Still, DSO, RNVR) and La Combattante (Lt.Cdr. A. Patou).

Around 1515A/14, the original destroyer escort parted company upon them being replaced by the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). They remained in company until around 2000A/14.

At 0940A/15, the destroyers HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN) and HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) joined and HMS Queen Elizabeth started a bombardment exercise.

At 1130A/15, HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined and more exercises were carried out.

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived at Scapa Flow around mid-afternoon. (12)

15 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (12)

20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (12)

22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She does not appear to have been escorted. (12)

24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Swift (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN). (12)

28 Jan 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey, DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt. T.F. Hallifax, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee around 1230FG/28.

HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) had arrived around dawn to embark the Commodore (D) S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, who was to take charge of the destroyers entering the harbour. (13)

6 Mar 1944
At 1230FG/6, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. She is escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN).

At 1735FG/6, HMAS Napier, which had acted as target for a gunnery exercises of HMS Queen Elizabeth, parted company.

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived at Colombo around 1700FG/7.

HMAS Nizam, HMS Quality and HMAS Quickmatch then returned to Trincomalee arriving there around 1000FG/8. (14)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Cox, RNethN). (14)

14 Mar 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Cox, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (14)

16 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet hoisted his flag in HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN). (15)

2 May 1944
During 2/3 May, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) and light cruiser HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. The battleship was possibly escorted by the destroyers HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN). On 2 May 1944, HMNZS Gambia also conducted A/S exercises with the submarine HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, RN). (16)

4 May 1944
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN).

HMS Queenborough and HMAS Quickmatch later turned back to Trincomalee. (17)

5 May 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (17)

29 May 1944
Around 0745FG/29, the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) and Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (17)

30 May 1944
Around 0930FG/30, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (17)

9 Jun 1944
The battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN). Later the destroyer HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN) also joined. (18)

10 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (18)

28 Jul 1944
Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, struck his flag on board HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN). (19)

6 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. She is escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN). (20)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (20)

18 Aug 1944
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). At sea they joined submarine tender HMS Wolfe (A/Capt. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN) which were en-route from Bombay to Trincomalee. (20)

19 Aug 1944
Around 1800FG/19, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Wolfe (A/Capt. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (21)

21 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Diego Suarez. (22)

28 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez. After fuelling she departed for Durban later the same day. (22)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) arrived at Durban where she was to refit. (23)

6 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed de-ammunitioning, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), is taken in hand for refit at the Durban Dockyard. (23)

20 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is docked at the Durban Dockyard. (23)

10 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (24)

24 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted basin trials at the Durban Dockyard. (24)

3 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted trials off Durban. During these trials she was escorted by the destroyer HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) and the frigate HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, DSC, RNR). (25)

5 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted D/F calibration and manoeuvering trials off Durban. During these trials she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) and the frigate HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, DSC, RNR).

On completion of these trials, she and her escorts set course for the Seychelles.

At 1200D/7, HMS Test parted company to return to Durban. (25)

13 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel.

While there were fuelling the corvette HMS Thyme (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.E. Eastman, SANF(V)) conducted an A/S patrol off the Bay.

After fuelling the battleships and the two destroyers departed for Trincomalee later the same day. (25)

19 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (25)

20 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN hoisted his flag in HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN). (25)

3 Jan 1945
From 3 to 5 January 1945, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises and trials off Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN).

Before the start of the exercises Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN, temporary transferred his flag to Tyne (Capt. S. Boucher, RN). The flag was transferred back upon HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to harbour. (26)

9 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 9/10 January 1945, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. During these exercises she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN).

Before the start of the exercises Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN, temporary transferred his flag to HMS Wayland (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN). The flag was transferred back upon HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to harbour. (26)

18 Jan 1945

Operation Matador.

Operation Matador was the assault on Ramree Island.

On 18 January 1945, the escort carrier HMS Ameer (A/Capt. J.H. Lewes, OBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Ramree Island. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

Later the same day (around 1515FG/18) the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN) also departed Trincomalee for the operation. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN). They were first to proceed to Akyab where they arrived on the 20th (around 1530FG/20).

On the 18th the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN) and frigate HMS Spey (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR) departed Vizagapatam for the operation.

On 20 January the frigate HMS Teviot (Cdr.(Retd.) T. Taylor, DSC, RN) departed Vizagapatam to relieve HMS Redpole.

The landing took place on 21 January. Naval support was provided by the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth, escort carrier HMS Ameer, light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. S.M. Raw, CBE, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), HMAS Norman, HMS Pathfinder, HMS Raider, HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), sloops HMS Flamingo (Lt.Cdr. T.H.B. Pounds, RN), HMS Redpole, HMIS Kistna (A/Cdr. S.G. Karmarkar, RINR) and the frigates HMS Spey and later also HMS Teviot. Some of these ships had already been operating off the coast of Burma.

During the morning of 21 January, bombardments were carried out by the warships and air strikes were carried out by aircraft of HMS Ameer.

With her job done, HMS Queen Elizabeth departed the area for Trincomalee in the afternoon of the 21st. She was escorted by HMAS Napier and HMS Redpole. The other ships remained in the area to support the army if called upon and also for upcoming operations.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMAS Napier arrived at Trincomalee on 24 January. HMS Redpole did not enter and went on to Colombo. HMAS Napier also left Trincomalee for Colombo later on the 24th.

The other ships had returned ot Akyab. (27)

12 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The flag of Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN, was transferred from HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) to HMS Empress (Capt. H.A. Traill, OBE, RN).

HMS Queen Elizabeth then departed Trincomalee around 1530FG/12 for Colombo. She was escorted by HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN).

At 1615FG/13, HMS Queen Elizabeth entered Colombo harbour, the destroyers having parted company off the harbour entrance to return to Trincomalee.

(28)

26 Feb 1945
Around 1130FG/26, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. She was being escorted by HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

They arrived at Trincomalee around 1030FG/27. (28)

27 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 27/28 February 1945, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and HMS Saumarez (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (28)

7 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The flag of Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN, was transferred from HMS Empress (Capt. H.A. Traill, OBE, RN) to HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN). (29)

27 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (30)

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