Charles Livingston Robertson, RN
| Born | 2 Sep 1900 |
| Ranks
Retired: 8 Jul 1949 Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Charles Livingston Robertson, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Royal Sovereign (05) | Cdr. | Battleship | 19 Oct 1939 | 27 Nov 1939 |
| HMS Capetown (D 88) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 1 Apr 1943 | Aug 1943 |
| HMS Kenya (14) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 4 Sep 1943 | 25 Jun 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (05)
9 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Cdr. C.L. Robertson, RN) is undocked. She continued her refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)
Light cruiser HMS Capetown (D 88)
4 Apr 1943
Convoy AB 6.
This convoy departed Aden on 4 April 1943.
It was made up of the transports; Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).
The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the corvette HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).
The convoy arrived at Bombay on 11 April 1943. (2)
11 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is docked in the Hughes Dry Dock at Bombay. (3)
19 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is undocked. (3)
21 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (3)
23 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (3)
25 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Diego Suarez via the Seychelles. (3)
29 Apr 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) fuelled at Port Victoria, Seychelles and then departed for Kilindini / Mombasa, her destination being changed. (3)
2 May 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. (4)
11 May 1943
Convoy KA 6.
This convoy departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Aden on 11 May 1943.
It was made up of the transports; Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
Escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN).
The convoy arrived at Aden on 17 May 1943.
20 May 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Aden for Kilindini. (4)
25 May 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa.
[No more logs are available for HMS Capetown after May 1943 so some details will be lacking for the remainder of her career.] (4)
8 Jun 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), having just completed boiler cleaning, departed Kilindini / Mombasa to make rendezvous with the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) coming from Durban. (5)
15 Jun 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. (5)
15 Jun 1943
Convoy KR 5.
This convoy departed Kilindini / Mombasa on 15 June 1943.
it was made up of the following (troop) transports; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Ascanius (British, 10048 GRT, built 1910), Cap Tourane (British, 8009 GRT, built 1923), City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11348 GRT, built 1914) and Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937).
The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.V.H. Harris, DSC, MVO, RN).
On 20 June 1943, the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) joined. She had departed Port Victoria earlier that day.
On 24June 1943, the sloop HMIS Hindustan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Wilson, DSO, RINR) and the RFA tanker Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) joined. HMIS Hindustan had departed Colombo on 22 June 1943 for Addu Attol to collect the Appleleaf and then join the convoy.
On 27 June 1943 the convoy arrived at Colombo.
8 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay.
Later that day she reported to have sighted a periscope north-west of Colombo in position 07°04'N, 78°59'E. (6)
11 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo. (7)
15 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Bombay for Bandar Abbas. (7)
18 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bandar Abbas from Bombay for service with the Persian Gulf Division. (8)
20 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Bandar Abbas for Shatt Al-Arab. (9)
22 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Abadan from Bandar Abbas. (9)
23 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) proceeded from Abadan to Basra. Her gold bullion from India was offloaded. (9)
26 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Basra from Bandar Abbas. (9)
27 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bandar Abbas from Basra. (9)
28 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Bandar Abbas for Muscat. (9)
29 Jul 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Muscat from Bandar Abbas. She departed again to return to Bandar Abbas later the same day. (9)
30 Jul 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bandar Abbas from Muscat. She departed for Bahrein later the same day. (9)
31 Jul 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bahrein from Bandar Abbas.
[No details are available on her movements for the first half of August 1943.] (9)
15 Aug 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN or A/Cdr. C.J. Grenfell, RN) departed Bandar Abbas for Aden. She is to return to the U.K. to be paid off. (9)
19 Aug 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN or A/Cdr. C.J. Grenfell, RN) arrived at Aden from Bandar Abbas. (6)
21 Aug 1943
HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN or A/Cdr. C.J. Grenfell, RN) departed Aden for Alexandria. (8)
Light cruiser HMS Kenya (14)
4 Sep 1943
Durning 3 / 4 September 1943, HMS Kenya (Cdr. T.E. Podger, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. These included night exercises.
HMS Hawkins, HMAS Norman, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Rapid had joined coming from escort duty with convoy WS 32. (10)
9 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 9 / 10 September 1943, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) and HMS Ceres (A/Capt. R.C. Harry, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. These included night exercises. (11)
15 Sep 1943
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Kilindini. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Manza Bay, Tanzania. (12)
18 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) proceeded from Manza Bay to Kilindini. En-route she serves as target for HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) which made a practice torpedo attack. (12)
30 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (13)
1 Oct 1943
In the morning HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted an RIX (range and inclination) exercise off Kilindini.
In the afternoon, HMS Kenya conducted exercises with the submarine HMS Osiris (T/Lt. M.H. Atkinson, RNR). These were followed by gunnery exercxises.
HMS Suffolk conducted exercises with aircraft in the afternoon as well as gunnery exercises. (14)
3 Oct 1943
HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. On completion of the exercises, HMS Suffolk set course for Durban while HMS Kenya anchored off the harbour to await the departure of convoy KR 7 which she was to escort to Colombo. (14)
3 Oct 1943
Convoy KR 7
This convoy departed Kilindini on 3 October 1943 and arrived at Colombo on 12 October 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following (troop)transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Kilindini the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN).
At 0605E/7, HMS Quality and HMAS Quiberon parted company with the convoy to return to Kilindini where they arrived on the 9th.
Around 1200F/10, the minesweeper HMIS Rajputana (Lt. W.G. Coltham, RIN) joined the convoy escort.
Around 1730F/10, the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN) joined the convoy escort.
The convoy arrived at Colombo in the afternoon of October 12th. (15)
28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (15)
29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (15)
3 Nov 1943
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (16)
4 Nov 1943
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (16)
5 Nov 1943
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (16)
9 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay. (16)
11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bombay. (16)
12 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted a shore bombardment exercise off Bombay. (16)
15 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted a shore bombardment exercise off Bombay. (16)
16 Nov 1943
Around 1800FG/16, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Kilindini.
Around 2330E/19, the destroyers parted company to proceed to Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. (17)
22 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (16)
1 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), returned to Mauritius from operations. After fuelling and watering she departed for Simonstown in the evening. (18)
7 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Simonstown. (18)
10 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed de-ammunitioning, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is taken in hand for refit at the Simonstown Dockyard. (18)
15 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is docked at the Simonstown Dockyard. (18)
10 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is undocked. (19)
5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is fumigated at the Simonstown Dockyard. (20)
14 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), conducted gunnery exercises off Simonstown. On completion of the exercises she proceeded to Capetown. (20)
15 Apr 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) ran over the DG range off Capetown and also conducted compass swing trials on completion of which she set course for Durban. (20)
18 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Durban. (20)
19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Durban for Kilindini. (20)
24 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (20)
27 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted gunnery and HA gunnery exercises off Kilindini. (20)
28 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Kilindini for Colombo. (20)
4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (21)
5 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN) to HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN). (22)
26 May 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) returned to Colombo from operations. (21)
5 Jun 1944
Rear-Admiral Read then transferred his flag from HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) to HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN).
Both cruisers then departed Colombo for Trincomalee where they arrived the following day. En-route exercises had been carried out. (23)
9 Jun 1944
HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) proceeded from Trincomalee to Palk Bay. En-route exercises had been carried out. (23)
10 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted exercises in / off Palk Bay. (23)
12 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Palk Bay for Trincomalee where they arrived the following day. En-route exercises had been carried out. (23)
15 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted an underway refueling exercise during which she fuelled from the RFA tanker Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941). (24)
6 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (25)
7 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) embarked passengers at Colombo and then departed for Addu Atoll. (25)
8 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll. (25)
9 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Addu Atoll for Colombo. (25)
10 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (25)
12 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (25)
13 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (25)
8 Aug 1944
During 8/9 August 1944, HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.T.C. Walker, CB, RN) and HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. On completion of the exercises HMS Nigeria and HMS Kenya proceeded to Palk Bay where they arrived in the afternoon of the 10th. HMS London returned to Trincomalee and HMNZS Gambia proceeded to Madras. (26)
11 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises in Palk Bay / Palk Strait. On completion of the exercises they set course to proceed to Trincomalee. (27)
12 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (27)
29 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (28)
10 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (29)
11 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (29)
14 Sep 1944
Operation Light.
Carrier raid against the railway repair and maintenance centre at Sigli, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies by ships of the Eastern Fleet.
Around 1200FG/14, ships from the Eastern Fleet put to sea from Trincomalee, Ceylon. This was ' Force 63 ' which was made up of the following ships; battleship HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN), light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for operation Light.
On the 18th the target area was attacked by aircraft from the carrier. Some hits were reported in the target area but the raid did not inflict much damage. One Barracuda aircraft was lost but the crew of three was picked up by the submarine HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN).
' Force 63 ' returned to Trincomalee shortly before noon on the 20th.
25 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya, (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle. (29)
3 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya, (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (30)
14 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Fremantle as escort for the troopship Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936).
On departure from Fremantle a local A/S escort was present made up of the mineseepers HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)) and HMAS Parkes (Lt.Cdr. N.O. Vidgen, RANR). These returned to Fremantle after a few hours. (30)
23 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon of 23 October 1944, the destroyers HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. M.C. Morris, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN) took over the escort of the troopship Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936) from HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) which then set course to proceed to Addu Atoll. (30)
25 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll. After fuelling she departed for Colombo later the same day. (31)
26 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. She departed for Bombay later the same day. (31)
28 Oct 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bombay where she was immediately docked. (31)
3 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) is undocked. (32)
6 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Bombay. (32)
8 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Bombay for Trincomalee. (32)
11 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (32)
16 Nov 1944
During 16/17 November 1944, HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. S.M. Raw, CBE, RN) and HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. During the exercises HMS Howe was escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN). (33)
20 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Trincomalee. (32)
21 Nov 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Trincomalee.
She then joined HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) and four destroyers (two of which were HMAS Napier (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) for night exercises and returned to harbour the following day. (32)
5 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (34)
14 Dec 1944
The Commander-in-Chief Eastern Fleet, A/Adm. A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) which then departed Trincomalee for Chittagong. (34)
16 Dec 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN) arrived at Chittagong. (34)
18 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN) proceeded from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar. (34)
19 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN) departed Cox's Bazar for Calcutta. (34)
20 Dec 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN) arrived at Calcutta.
A/Adm Power struck his flag in HMS Kenya the following day. (34)
27 Dec 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Calcutta for Trincomalee. (34)
29 Dec 1944
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (34)
3 Jan 1945
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Trincomalee.
She later joined 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) for exercises during the night of 3/4 January 1945. (35)
5 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. (35)
8 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bombay.
After embarking landing craft she departed later the same day to return to Trincomalee. (35)
11 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (35)
19 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 19/20 January 1945, HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. Before joining HMS Nigeria for the exercises, HMS Kenya conducted DG trials. (36)
3 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (37)
4 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (37)
10 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (37)
11 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (37)
13 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included an A/S exercise with the submarine HMS Terrapin (Lt. R.H.H. Brunner, RN). (37)
14 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMS Empress (Capt. H.A. Traill, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (38)
20 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (37)
22 Feb 1945
Operation Stacey
Photographic reconnaissance of Penang and the Kra Isthmus between latitudes 7°N and 10°N, and of Northern Sumatra.
On 22 February 1945, ' Force 62 ', made up of the escort carriers HMS Empress (Capt. H.A. Traill, OBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.T.C. Walker, CB, RN), HMS Ameer (A/Capt. J.H. Lewes, OBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), destroyers HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) and the frigates HMS Spey (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Swale (A/Lt.Cdr. P.V. Collings, DSC, RNR).
The escorts were refuelled in the morning / early afternoon of February 24th. HMS Volage and HMS Vigilant were fuelled by HMS Kenya. A tanker force was also deployed, ' Force 61 ', which was made up of the RFA tanker Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the frigate HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR). They departed Trincomalee on 26 February 1945.
In the evening of 26 February HMS Spey was detached with defects. She joined the refuelling force.
Photographic reconnaissance of the Kra Isthmus and Penang was carried out successfully between 26th and 28th February. Three enemy aircraft were shot down by Allied fighters without loss.
Force 62 proceeded to rendezvous with the oiling force on 2 March 1945 and continue the operation.
Force 62 then proceeded to a flying off position north west of Simalur Island. On 4 March 1945 a successful photographic reconnaissance was made of the northeast coast of Sumatra, and of Niass, Simalur, and Banjak Islands.
Force 62 arrived at Trincomalee on 7 March 1945. (39) 28 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 13 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 May 1945 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Durban via the Seychelles. (40)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles. After fuelling she departed again to continue her passage to Durban. (41)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Durban. (41)
At the Durban Dockyard the 'X' 6" gun turret of HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) was hoisted out. (41)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Durban for Capetown. (41)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Capetown. (41)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Capetown for Freetown. (41)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Freetown. (42)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Freetown for Casablanca. (42)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Casablanca. (42)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Casablanca for Sheerness. (42)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (42)
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit which would last until March / April 1946. (42)
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