Horace Geoffrey Norman, RN
| Born | 25 May 1896 | Putney, Middlesex, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 16 Apr 1992 | (95) | Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, U.K. |
| Ranks
Retired: 1 Dec 1950 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Horace Geoffrey Norman, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Ausonia (F 53) | Capt. | Armed Merchant Cruiser | 9 Jun 1940 | 12 Sep 1940 |
| HMS Queen Elizabeth (00) | Capt. | Battleship | 16 Jun 1943 | 1 Apr 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
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. (1)
17 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (1)
18 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (1)
21 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chasepeake Bay. (1)
22 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) returned to Norfolk, Virginia after an exercise period. (1)
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). (2)
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. (3)
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. (4)
12 Jul 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is docked in No.10 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (5)
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. (6)
20 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (6)
27 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth. (7)
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. (7)
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. (8)
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. (8)
15 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
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). (8)
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. (8)
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. (8)
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. (8)
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. (8)
5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)
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). (9)
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). (9)
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). (9)
20 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)
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). (9)
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. (10)
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. (10)
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. (10)
22 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (10)
13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) proceeded from the Portsmouth Dockyard to Spithead. (10)
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. (11)
15 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (11)
20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (11)
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. (11)
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). (11)
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. (12)
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. (13)
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). (13)
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. (13)
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). (14)
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). (15)
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. (16)
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. (16)
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). (16)
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). (16)
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. (17)
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. (17)
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). (18)
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). (19)
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. (19)
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. (19)
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. (20)
21 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Diego Suarez. (21)
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. (21)
3 Oct 1944
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) arrived at Durban where she was to refit. (22)
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. (22)
20 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is docked at the Durban Dockyard. (22)
10 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) is undocked. (23)
24 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted basin trials at the Durban Dockyard. (23)
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). (24)
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. (24)
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. (24)
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. (24)
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). (24)
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. (25)
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. (25)
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. (26)
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.
(27)
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. (27)
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. (27)
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). (28)
27 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (29)
Sources
- ADM 53/118384
- ADM 53/118365 + ADM 53/118384
- ADM 53/118365 + ADM 53/118384 + Deck log of USS Harrison for June 1943
- ADM 53/118365 + ADM 53/118366 + ADM 53/118384 + ADM 53/118385
- ADM 53/118385
- ADM 53/118386
- ADM 53/119386
- ADM 53/118387
- ADM 53/118388
- ADM 53/118389
- ADM 53/118390
- ADM 53/119575 + ADM 53/120303 + ADM 53/120675
- ADM 53/120305 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120306
- ADM 53/120307
- ADM 53/120307 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120308 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120309
- ADM 53/120310 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120310 + ADM 53/120758 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120311
- ADM 53/120312
- ADM 53/120313
- ADM 53/120314
- ADM 53/122068
- ADM 53/120821 + ADM 53/121978 + ADM 53/122068 + ADM 199/1457
- ADM 53/122069
- ADM 53/121329 + ADM 53/122070
- ADM 53/122070
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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