William Geoffrey Arthur Robson DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 10 Mar 1902 | Ceylon | |
| Died | 25 Dec 1989 | (87) |
| Ranks
Retired: 7 Jul 1958 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for William Geoffrey Arthur Robson, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Kandahar (F 28) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 31 Aug 1939 | 20 Dec 1941 |
| HMS Hardy (ii) (R 08) | Capt. | Destroyer | 10 Dec 1943 | 30 Jan 1944 |
| HMS Superb (25) | Capt. | Light cruiser | Jun 1945 | Apr 1947 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMS Kandahar (F 28)
11 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed the Clyde for Portland (via Plymouth) to commence her work-up period there. (1)
12 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (1)
14 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) commenced her work-up period at Portland.
[As no logbooks are available for HMS Kandahar few details can be given.]
27 Oct 1939
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Portland after having completed her working up programme there.
At Plymouth she was taken in hand to repair some defects. (1)
2 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (2)
3 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she joined the Home Fleet. (2)
4 Nov 1939
The destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the force of Admiral Forbes (made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. E.N. Syfret, RN), battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. C.S. Daniel, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN), HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. B. Jones, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN)) at sea which they did the following day.
6 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. (2)
18 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. (2)
20 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol off the Orkney's. She returned to Scapa Flow on 22 November. (2)
27 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. (3)
28 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Scapa Flow to search for a reported submarine west of the Orkney's in position 59°04’N, 03°30’W. The suspected submarine had been reported by aircraft at 1157/28.
Nothing was found and Kandahar then proceeded to join the Home Fleet at sea.
1 Dec 1939
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. She departed Scapa again later the same day for escort duty with the west coast section of convoy HN 3.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HN 3 ' for 30 November 1939.]
HMS Kandahar returned to Scapa Flow on 3 December. (4)
6 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After a period of repairs, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow. (4)
7 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), arived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (4)
17 Jan 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Rosyth from operations, she was then taken in hand for repairs. (4)
20 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (5)
2 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) is undocked. (5)
19 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations with the Northern Patrol. (4)
29 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Greenock. She returned the following day. [No further details known for the moment.] (6)
9 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Hull where she was to be taken in hand for structural repairs and refit. (4)
10 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Hull. (4)
5 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her repairs and refit, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Hull for Rosyth. (4)
6 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (4)
7 May 1940
At 2200 hours, the troopship Chobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939") departed Leith for the Narvik area. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN).
On the 8th these destroyers were relieved by the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow at 1230/8.
HMS Kandahar and HMS Hostile then returned to Rosyth at high speed but before they entered harbour they were ordered to join HMS Birmingham and a group of destroyers (see the event for 9 May 1940 for the continuation of events.] (7)
14 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed the Tyne for Portsmouth. She was selected to serve with the Mediterranean Fleet. (4)
15 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (4)
31 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) departed Aden to relieve their sister ships HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) on the Perim patrol. (4)
5 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) returned to Aden from the Perim Patrol. (8)
10 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for patrol. (8)
15 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (8)
20 Jun 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden. She put a prize crew on board the captured Italian submarine Galileo Galilei which was then taken to Aden under her own power.
HMS Kandahar remained on patrol. (8)
23 Jun 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden to land their prisoners from the Italian submarine Evangelista Torricelli.
HMS Kandahar departed Aden again later the same day to resume her patrol. (9)
23 Jun 1940
Convoy BN 1.
This convoy departed Bombay on 23 June 1940 for the Suez where it arrived on 12 July 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Architect (British (tanker), 7388 GRT, built 1922), British Hope (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), Svenor (Norwegian (tanker), 7616 GRT, built 1931), Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN).
HMS Cathay parted company with the convoy on 2 July after the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) had joined the escort.
HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy on 4 July.
The destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the convoy on 5 July 1940. HMIS Hindustan then parted company.
Off Aden the merchant vessels Alavi and Beaconstreet parted company with the convoy. They arrived at Aden on 6 July.
Off Aden the RFA tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) also joined the convoy.
Also off Aden the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy.
On 9 July HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston parted company with the convoy.
On 10 July HMNZS Leander, HMS Flamingo and HMS Shoreham parted company with the convoy being relieved as escorts by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). (10)
24 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (8)
26 Jun 1940
RAF reconnaissance reported a large Italian ship leaving Assab and proceeding Northwards. HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) which was on patrol was ordered to intercept but she did not sighted the reported ship.
She however did encounter the Italian submarine Perla which was returning to Massawa from patrol. HMS Kingston then opened fire on her. The submarine crash dived and was then hunted and depth charged by HMS Kingston.
The light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden to search for the wreckage of the submarine which was thought to have been probably sunk and also to invite action with Italian surface ships.
The submarine was located on the 27th laying beached midway between Assab and Messina. It was then bombarded and bombed. No enemy surface craft were encountered but Leander, Kandahar and Kingston were shadowed by enemy aircraft and also bombed by them but they sustained no damage. It was thought the beached submarine was either a total-loss or if not it would at least take months to repair her. [Perla was indeed out of action for months, She ran post repair trials in mid-December.] (11)
1 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (8)
2 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden either for patrol or to join te light cruiser HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) which was en-route from Suez to Aden with troops. (9)
3 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden. (8)
6 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden most likely for convoy escort duty [see the event ' Convoy BN 1 ' for 23 June 1940 for more info on this convoy]. (12)
7 Jul 1940
Convoy BS 1.
This convoy departed Suez on 7 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 15 July 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Athelmere (British (tanker), 5566 GRT, built 1918), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Bronxville (Norwegian, 4663 GRT, built 1929), Bullmouth (British (tanker), 7519 GRT, built 1929), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Gogra (British, 5190 GRT, built 1919), Herstein (Norwegian, 5100 GRT, built 1939), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Orwell (Norwegian (tanker), 7920 GRT, built 1905), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
On 10 July 1940, HMIS Clive and HMS Grimsby parted company with the convoy as escort was taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).
The merchant vessel Khosrou parted company (on the 10th ?) to proceed to Port Sudan arriving there on the 11th. (10)
9 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan after escort duty with convoy BN 1. She departed again later the same day for escort duty with convoy BS 1 [for more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 1 ' for 7 July 1940]. (4)
14 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden after convoy escort duty. (8)
15 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden, most likely for patrol [no further details known]. (13)
17 Jul 1940
Convoy BN 2.
This convoy departed Bombay on 17 July 1940 for the Suez where it arrived on 5 August 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Consul (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), Clydefield (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1928), Cornwall (British, 10605 GRT, built 1920), Daviken (Norwegian, 2922 GRT, built 1926), Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911), Germa (Norwegian, 5282 GRT, built 1920), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Jalarashimi (British, 4449 GRT, built 1918), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924),Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Nawab (British, 5430 GRT, built 1915), Olivia (Dutch (tanker), 6307 GRT, built 1939), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN).
On 20 July two of the merchant ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to other destinations, these were the tankers British Consul (to Trincomalee) and Clydefield (to Colombo).
On 26 July the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay and HMAS Westralia parted company with the convoy while the light cruisers HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) joined the convoy.
On 27 July the sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) joined the convoy to provided A/S escort while the convoy was approaching Aden.
On the 29th the merchant vessels Jerhangir and Varsova split off from the convoy and proceeded to Aden escorted by HMS Ceres.
The following merchant ships joined the convoy at Aden; Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Judge (British (tanker), 6735 GRT, built 1921), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Mathura (British, 8890 GRT, built 1920), Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940) and Peshawur (British, 7934 GRT, built 1919).
On 30 July the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy to escort it partly through the Red Sea. HMIS Hindustan and HMS Shoreham parted company with the convoy on 30 July.
On 3 August the following merchant vessels split off to proceed to Port Sudan; Daviken, Grena, Marija Petrinovic and Ozarda. They were escorted to there by HMS Kimberley.
Also on 3 August 1940 HMS Leander, HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar and HMS Flamingo parted company with the convoy, while the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined the convoy to escort it on it's last leg to Suez.
18 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden. (13)
25 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden. She returned the following day [no further details known]. (8)
30 Jul 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for convoy escort duty [see the event ' Convoy BN 2 ' for 17 July 1940 for more information on this convoy]. (13)
31 Jul 1940
Convoy BS 2.
This convoy departed Suez on 31 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 9 August 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; African Prince (British, 4653 GRT, built 1939), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Esneh (British, 1928 GRT, built 1919), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938) Tweed (British, 2697 GRT, built 1926) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).
On depature from Aden the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) until position 21°30'N, 63°37'E on 3 August.
Two more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan on 3 August, these were the Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
Escort was then taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).
The convoy was dispersed on 9 August 1940. Three of the merchant vessels proceeded to Aden as did the escorts. (10)
3 Aug 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan from convoy escort duty. She departed again later the same day to escort convoy BS 2 [see the event ' Convoy BS 2 ' for 31 July 1940 for more information on this convoy]. (8)
9 Aug 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from convoy escort duty. (14)
10 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden, most likely for patrol [no further details known]. (15)
13 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden. (15)
14 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden, most likely for patrol [no further details known]. (15)
16 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden. She departed again later the same day for Berbera. (15)
16 Aug 1940
Evacuation of Berbera.
From 16 to 19 August 1940, Allied troops from Berbera, Italian Somaliland, were evacuated to Aden.
The troops were evacatuated by the transports Akbar (4043 GRT, built 1924), Laomedon (6491 GRT, built 1912), the hospital ship Vita (4691 GRT, built 1914) as well as the armed boarding vessels HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Chantala (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E.I. Gibbs, RN).
Cover for the evacuation was provided by the light cruisers HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN), HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN), AA -cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN), HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN), HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN), HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN), HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN), minesweeper HMS Derby (Lt.Cdr. F.C.V. Brightman, RN) and the netlayer HMS Protector (Capt. W.Y la L. Beverley, RN).
On 17 August, HMS Ceres bombarded Italian Army targets which temporarily halted the Italian advance.
On 18 August, HMS Caledon and HMS Kandahar bombarded enemy units on the Bulhar-Berbera road.
The evacuation was completed on the 18th. Over 7000 men had been evacuated.
The last men were taken off by HMAS Hobart at Berbera early on the 19th. She left around 0845C/19 for Aden with the last of the Army personnel and the demolition parties which had demolished the harbour facilities. HMIS Indus proceeded along the coast to pick up stragglers. (10)
18 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Berbera for Aden. (4)
19 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden. (15)
20 Aug 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for patrol [no further details known]. (15)
25 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (15)
31 Aug 1940
Around 1700C/31, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden with Convoy RS 5.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy RS 5 ' for 24 July 1940.]
At 0900/3, rendezvous was made in position 23°20'N, 37°42'E with convoy BS 3A which came down from Suez. Escorts were then exchanged and both convoy's proceeded to their destinations.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 3A ' for 1 September 1940.] (10)
1 Sep 1940
Convoy BS 3A.
This convoy departed Suez on 1 September 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 6 September 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
At 0910C/3, the escort was passed to the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN).
The following moring the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) joined the convoy as escorts.
On the 5th the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was inflicted by the enemy.
Also on the 5th, in the afternoon, the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) joined. She was fuelled by HMAS Hobart between 1830C/5 and 2011C/5. 53 tons of FFO being supplied.
The convoy was dispersed around 1830C/6 in position 12°34'N, 47°07'E after which HMAS Hobart and HMS Kandahar proceeded to Aden where they arrived around 0700C/7. (10)
3 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan to refuel. Having done so she departed again to make rendez-vous with convoy BS 3A later this day. (4)
7 Sep 1940
Around 0700C/7, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden after convoy escort duty. (16)
10 Sep 1940
Convoy AP 3.
This convoy departed Liverpool on 10 September 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 22 October 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Brisbane Star (British, 12791 GRT, built 1937), Brittanic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Clan Campbell (British, 7255 GRT, built 1937), Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1935) and Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from the U.K. the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN), HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN). They remained with the convoy until 12 September.
In the morning of 11 September the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) joined the convoy until 0745/12 when she returned to the Clyde after having been ordered to do so.
Ocean escort joined around the time the destroyers left and was made up of the armed merchant cruisers HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) and HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN). They remained with the convoy until it arrived at Freetown on 23 September 1940.
On 25 September 1940 the convoy departed Freetown escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN).
Around noon on the 27th, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) also joined coming from Freetown.
The convoy arrived at Capetown on 4 October 1940
On departure from Capetown on 6 October 1940, the convoy was escorted by HMS Canton until 1140B/9 when she was relieved by HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) which had joined the convoy around 0900B/9. This armed merchant cruiser remained with the convoy until 1220C on 15 October when she was relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) which remained with the convoy until 20 October.
On 18 October the convoy was near Aden and the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined.
The escort parted company with the convoy on 20 October except HMS Kandahar which remained with the convoy until it's arrival at Suez two days later. On arrival at Suez two more ships were escorting the convoy, these were the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and the minesweeper HMS Stoke (Cdr.(Retd.) C.J.P. Hill, RN). Presumably these had joined on 20 October.
11 Sep 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for escort duty with convoy WS 2 [see the event ' Convoy WS 2 ' for 6 August 1940 for more info on this convoy]. (17)
14 Sep 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan from escort duty with convoy WS 2. She had parted company with this convoy in the evening of the 13th.
After oiling she departed again later on the 14th.
At 1600/14 she joined the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) which was escorting the southbound troopship Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931). (4)
16 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden after convoy escort duty. (10)
19 Sep 1940
Convoy BN 5A.
This convoy departed Bombay on 19 September 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 29 September 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).
On departure escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN).
The Ormonde was not ready to depart on the 19th and she departed one day later with orders to overtake the convoy. Until she made rendez-vous with the convoy she was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).
The convoy arrived off Aden on 25 September and HMS Colombo and HMS Kanimbla were relieved by the light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).
Light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) had also been with the convoy (briefly) but parted company on 26 September 1940.
On 27 September the southbound convoy SW 1 was sighted and the destroyers HMS Kandahar, HMS Kimberley and sloop HMS Flamingo joined that convoy as escorts. The convoy then continued northwards escorted by HMS Ajax and HMS Coventry.
Çonvoy BN 5A arived at Suez safely on 29 September 1940. (10)
24 Sep 1940
Convoy SW 1.
This convoy departed Suez on 24 September 1940 for Durban where it arrived on 8 October 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Suffolk (British, 11145 GRT, built 1939).
Around 1200C/25, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) as escort. She had departed Suez around 0200C/25 to overtake the convoy.
Around 0720C/26, the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the escort. She came from Port Sudan.
Around 0715C/27, the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy having just parted company with the northbound convoy BN 5A.
The convoy arrived off Aden around 1715C/28, where the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN) took over the escort.
Also the merchant vessel California Star left the convoy and proceeded to Aden.
The transport Otranto proceeded to Mombasa, arriving there on 4 October.
The convoy arrived at Durban on 8 October 1940. (10)
25 Sep 1940
Light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Aden to join convoy BN 5A as escort.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BN 5A ' for 19 September 1940.] (10)
29 Sep 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from convoy escort duty. She departed Aden again later the same day. Presumably for the Perim Patrol.
[See the events ' Convoy BM 5A ' for 19 September 1940 and ' Convoy WS 1 ' for 24 September 1940 respectively for more info.] (4)
1 Oct 1940
Convoy US 5A.
This convoy departed Sydney on 1 October 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 2 November 1940.
On departure from Sydney the convoy was made up of the troopship; Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920).
On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN).
On 2 October 1940 the troopship Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy in Bass Strait. This troopship came from Melbourne.
The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 7 October 1940.
The convoy departed Fremantle on 8 October 1940 still escorted by HMAS Perth.
Around 1330H/9, in approximate position 27°00'S, 109°50'E the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) joined. One hour later HMAS Perth parted company and set course for Melbourne.
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 17 October 1940.
On 21 October the convoy left Colombo for Aden escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN). The convoy arrived off Aden on 28 October where the merchant vessels City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), Clan Campbell (British, 7255 GRT, built 1937), Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy as did the following escort vessels; heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN). HMS Caledon then parted company and proceeded to Aden.
On 30 October the Ulster Prince was detached to Port Sudan. She left there the next day to proceed independently to Suez.
The convoy arrived at Suez on 2 November escorted by HMS Kandahar. The other escorts had parted company on 30 October. (18)
3 Oct 1940
Late in the evening HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden. (19)
4 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0530 hours HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden. She returned to Aden around 1900 hours. [Nu further details available.] (20)
8 Oct 1940
HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN), HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) all departed Aden to join convoy US 5 as escort through the southern part of the Red Sea.
See the event ' Convoy US 5 ' for 14 September 1940 for more info on this convoy. (21)
8 Oct 1940
Convoy SW 2.
This convoy departed Suez on 8 October 1940 for Durban where it arrived on 22 October 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amra (British, 8314 GRT, built 1938), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Sydney Star (British, 12696 GRT, built 1936) and Waiotira (British, 11090 GRT, built 1939).
On departed from Suez the convoy was apparently not escorted.
On 9 October 1940 two more ships joined the convoy. These came from Port Sudan. They were the merchant vessels Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).
Around 0800C/10, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined for onward escort until off Aden.
These ships parted company around 0900C/12 when the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN).
This heavy cruiser escorted the convoy until 04°50'N, 30°00'E where the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) took over around 1220C/15.
The convoy arrived at Durban on 22 October 1940 minus three merchant vessels which had proceeded to other destinations; Amra and Waiotira proceeded to Bombay and Colombo respectively while Ormonde arrived at Mombasa on 18 October. (10)
12 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN), HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty.
[See the events ' convoy US 5 ' and ' convoy WS 2 ' for 22 September 1940 and 8 October 1940 respectively for more information on the convoy's they had been escorting.]
18 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Aden to join the escort of convoy AP 3.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (10)
22 Oct 1940
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Suez from convoy escort duty. She departed again later the same day to escort the transport Denbighshire (British, 8983 GRT, built 1938) towards the vicinity of Aden. (22)
26 Oct 1940
Around 1245B/26, HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden from escort duty. (23)
28 Oct 1940
Around 1130C/28, HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN), HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Aden for convoy escort duty with Convoy US 5A.
[For more info see the event ' Convoy US 5A ' for 1 October 1940.]
2 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden with convoy US 5A. She departed again later the same day [no further details known.] (24)
5 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1650 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), arrived at Aden. (25)
7 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. (24)
13 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Bombay for a docking and repairs. (24)
14 Nov 1940
Convoy US 7.
This convoy departed Sydney on 14 November 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935).
On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).
Around 1000K/17, the troopship Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) joined in Bass Strait coming from Melbourne.
Around 1600J/18, the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) joined and took over escort from HMAS Adelaide which then parted company to proceed to Melbourne.
Around 1800J/18, the troopship Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Adelaide.
The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 21 November 1940.
Sailing of the convoy from Fremantle was then delayed due to enemy raiders being active in the Indian Ocean and the escorting cruisers being used to search for these.
The convoy finally departed Fremantle on 28 November 1940 still escorted by HMAS Perth. Later on the day of departure the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) which also came from Fremantle but departed a little later to overtake the convoy.
On 3 December 1940, HMAS Canberra was relieved by HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN).
On 5 December 1940 the convoy arrived at Colombo.
The convoy and escort (still HMAS Perth and HMS Capetown) departed Colombo on 7 December to continue it's passage to Suez.
On 11 December 1940, HMAS Perth was relieved by HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN). HMAS Perth then proceeded to Aden to fuel arriving and leaving there on 12 December 1940 to rejoin the convoy. Also from Aden on the 12th additional escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN). HMS Capetown and HMS Caledon then parted company with the convoy.
HMS Kingston parted company with the convoy oround midnight during the night of 13/14 December and proceeded to Port Sudan to fuel.
The following morning HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle parted company with the convoy to join southbound convoy BS 10A. US 7 then continued on to Suez escorted by HMS Kandahar. US 7 arrived at Suez on 15 December 1940.
1 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Bombay for Aden. (24)
4 Dec 1940
Convoy BS 10.
This convoy departed Suez on 4 December 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 11 December 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alice Moller (British, 4986 GRT, built 1914), Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Hope (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), British Renown (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1928), British Sailor (British (tanker), 5576 GRT, built 1918), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), City of Lille (British, 6588 GRT, built 1928), Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1935), Ioannis P. Goulandris (Greek, 3750 GRT, built 1910), Katingo Hadjipatara (Greek, 3661 GRT, built 1913), Katy (Norwegian, 6825 GRT, built 1931), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Marcella (British, 4592 GRT, built 1928), Margot (British, 4545 GRT, built 1926), Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936), Rosalie Moller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1910), Roxane (British, 7813 GRT, built 1929), Speybank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926) and Vacport (British, 6774 GRT (tanker), built 1930).
They were escorted on departure from Suez by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).
On 7 December 1940 five ships joined coming from Port Sudan. These were; Ayamonte (British, 845 GRT, built 1899), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Helen Moller (British, 5259 GRT, built 1918), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).
They had left Port Sudan on the 6th.
Around 1200C/7 the convoy escort was taken over by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN). Around 1300C/7, HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined. She had come with the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) from Port Sudan. On HMIS Indus joining, HMS Kimberley parted company with the convoy to escort the Talma to convoy BN 10 which she was to join. After doing so HMS Kimberley rejoined convoy BS 10 around 0700C/8.
At 0630C/8, the patrol yacht HMS Sagitta (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.H. Straight, RNR) joined the convoy.
The destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) also joined convoy BS 10, apparently on the 8th.
Around 0635C/9, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) joined convoy BS 10.
Around 1830C/10, HMS Carlisle and HMS Kandahar parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.
Around 1800C/11, HMS Auckland and HMS Sagitta were detached with the ' Aden portion ' of the convoy which was made up of the following ships Ayamonte, Elpis and Khosrou, Roxane.
Around 2030C/11, the transport Vacport was detached to Aden due to a reported case of smallpox.
Around 0400C/12, HMAS Hobart and HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden. The convoy went on to it's dispersal point escorted by HMS Kimberley.
The convoy was dispersed later on the 12th. (26)
5 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden following a docking and repairs at the Bombay Royal Dockyard. (24)
7 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for convoy escort duty with convoy BS 10 coming southwards from Suez. [See the event ' Convoy BS 10 ' for 4 December 1940 for more info on this convoy.] (24)
11 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0640 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (27)
12 Dec 1940
At 1020 hours, HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden to join convoy US 7 for passage northwards throug the Red Sea.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 7 ' for 14 November 1940.] (27)
18 Dec 1940
The merchant vessels President Doumer (British, 11898, built 1935) and El Madina (British / Indian, 3962, built 1937) departed Suez with troops for Port Sudan. They were escorted by HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN). They arrived at Port Sudan on 20 December 1940. (10)
20 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan with the two troop laden merchant vessels. She then left Port Sudan for Aden. At sea she made rendez-vous with HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN). (28)
22 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900 hours, HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), arrived at Aden. (27)
25 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) joined northbound convoy WS 4B to escort it though the Red Sea.
[For more info on this convoy, see the event 'Convoy WS 4B' for 18 November 1940.] (10)
1 Jan 1941
Convoy SW 4A.
This convoy departed Suez on 1 January 1941 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 6 January 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928), Memnon (British, 7506 GRT, built 1931), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN).
Further escort vessels joined on 4 January, these were the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN).
The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 6 January. (29)
6 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden after convoy escort duty in the Red Sea. (4)
11 Jan 1941
Convoy BN 12A.
This convoy departed Aden on 11 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 15 January 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Boringia (British, 5821 GRT, built 1930), Chinese Prinsei (British, 8593 GRT, built 1936), City of Bombay (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Pretoria (British, 8049 GRT, built 1937), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937) and Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938).
On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).
On the 13th the merchant vessel Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan.
In the afternoon of the 13th the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined the convoy and the destroyers HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley parted company.
On the 14th, HMS Carlisle parted company with the convoy and joined a southbound convoy.
The convoy arrived at Suez on 15 January 1941 escorted by HMS Grimsby. (29)
12 Jan 1941
Convoy SW 4B.
This convoy departed Suez on 12 January 1941 for Durban where it arrived on 25 January 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Dunedin Star (British, 11168 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929).
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN). However, HMAS Sydney had been delayed in her passage through the Suez Canal and had to overtake the convoy. As the convoy was to the East of her intended route it was not found on HMAS Sydney only joined the convoy in the morning of the 14th.
Three more escorts joined the convoy in the morning of the 14th; the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).
Late on the 15th HMAS Sydney arrived at Aden with the Empress of Canada. They had been detached from the convoy late on the 14th. After fuelling of HMAS Sydney and the Empress of Canada embarking some passengers they left again to rejoin the convoy.
Early on the 16th HMS Kimberley was detached from the convoy and proceeded to Aden where she arrived early in the afternoon.
In the late afternoon of the 16th, HMS Carlisle and HMS Kandahar parted company with th convoy and proceeded to Aden arriving in the morning of the 17th.
Some ships from the convoy split off to proceed to India while the ones from South Africa continued on escorted by HMAS Sydney until this cruiser was relieved on the 20th by HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN).
The convoy arrived at Durban on 25 January 1941. (29)
13 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan from escorting a northbound convoy. They departed again later the same day to join the escort of a southbound convoy.
[See the event ' Convoy BN 12A ' for 11 January 1941 for more info on the northbound convoy and ' Convoy SW 4B ' for 12 January 1941 for more info on the southbound convoy.]
16 Jan 1941
Convoy US 8A.
This convoy departed Colombo on 16 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 28 January 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following troopships / merchant vessels; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Nevassa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) and Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Colombo the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN). The heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) provided cover to the south of the convoy until the 18th after which she returned to Colombo on 19 January 1941. While berthing there she hit a pier and sustained some damage.
On 22 January the convoy escort was taken over by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).
On 23 January two more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Aden, these were the City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938) and the Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).
On the 24th HMS Capetown rejoined the convoy.
Early in the evening of 26 January HMS Carlisle and HMAS Yarra parted company with the convoy to proceed to Port Sudan where they arrived the following day. HMS Capetown and HMS Kimberley also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden where they arrived on the 27th.
On the 27th the sole remaining escort, HMS Kandahar was relieved by HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). HMS Kandahar then proceeded to Port Sudanwhere she arrived on the 28th.
The convoy arrived at Suez also on 28 January 1941. (29)
17 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Aden from convoy escort duty.
22 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) departed Aden for escort duty with convoy US 8A.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 8A ' for 16 January 1941.]
25 Jan 1941
Convoy BS 13A.
This convoy departed Suez on 25 January 1941 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 1 February 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Sovereign (British (tanker), 3657 GRT, built 1917), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Port Wyndham (British, 11005 GRT, built 1935) and Waiwera (British, 12435 GRT, built 1934).
Another merchant vessel later joined the convoy, this was the Rahmani (British, 5463 GRT, built 1928) which came from Jeddah.
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) until 28 January 1941 when HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) took over.
Also three of the merchant vessels were detached to Port Sudan where they arrived on the 28th, these were; City of Florence, Delius and Dunera.
The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 1 February 1941. (29)
26 Jan 1941
Convoy BNF 1.
This convoy departed Bombay on 26 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 6 February 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Felix Roussel (French, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
She remained with the convoy until around 0800/31 when the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) took over the convoy.
On 31 January the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) departed Aden to join the convoy after which HMS Kingston was to proceed to Aden.
On 1 February the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) sailed from Aden to join the convoy. Also from Aden sailed four merchant ships which were to join the convoy, these were; Baluchistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Hav (Norwegian, 5062 GRT, built 1939), Peter Maersk (British, 5476 GRT, built 1932) and Rinda (Norwegian, 6029 GRT, built 1917).
HMS Kandahar, HMS Flamingo and HMAS Parramatta arrived at Port Sudan on 3 February. The merchant vessel Varela also proceeded to Port Sudan.
The convoy arrived at Suez on 6 February escorted by HMIS Hindustan. (29)
28 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Port Sudan from escort duty.
She departed Port Sudan again later the same day with HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) to take over the escort of the southbound convoy BS 13A.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 13A ' for 25 January 1941.] (29)
1 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (30)
1 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) departed Aden for convoy escort duty with convoy BNF 1.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BNF 1 ' for 26 January 1941.] (31)
1 Feb 1941
Convoy BSF 1.
This convoy departed Suez on 1 February 1941 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 7 February 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Cap St.Jacques (French, 8009 GRT, built 1922), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Ima (Norwegian (tanker), 6842 GRT, built 1930), Itria (British, 6845 GRT, built 1940), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1931), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
On 4 February 1941 the escort was reinforced by the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) which came from Port Sudan and a northbound convoy respectively.
On 7 February 1941 the convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden. The escorts arrived at Aden also on the 7th. (29)
3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) arrived at Port Sudan from convoy escort duty. (31)
4 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Port Sudan to join the escort of southbound convoy BSF 1.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BSF 1 ' for 1 February 1941 for more info.] (31)
7 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (31)
8 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for the coast of Italian Somaliland and then onwards to Mombasa.
She is to provide A/S protection for the ships of 'Force T' that are to operate off the coast of Italian Somaliland. (31)
11 Feb 1941
Operation Canvas
The object of this operation was the capture of Kismayu by land militery forces with the support of Naval and Air Force co-operation.
Regarding the naval side of the operations there were two objectives for which they were to assist the Army forces; 1) Bombarding the coast road and demonstrations off Brava (Barawe) and Merca (Marka). 2) Bombardment and bombing of Kismayu prior to the assault.
Purely naval objectives were; 1) The interception, capture or sinking of enemy merchant vessels escaping from Kismayu or Mogadishu. 2) Sweeping Kismayu clear after capture. 3) The arrangement and protection of seaborne military supplies in former Italian ports. 4) The taking over and establishment of a Naval Base at the port of Kismayu.
For the naval side of the operation ' Force T ' was formed. It was made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN, Senior Officer), HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN), light cruisers HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN), HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN).
Of these ships HMS Hermes and HMS Hawkins had departed Kilindini / Mombasa around 1300C/10.
HMS Kandahar had already departed Aden on 8 Febraury.
A bombardment for coast road to the North of Kismayu was set for 13 and 14 February.
Bombardment and bombing of Kismayu was set for 15 and 16 February.
Air reconnaissance photographs taken on 30 January 1941 had shown 16 merchant ships off Kismayu, 10 of which were Italian and 4 German.
Air reconnaissance photographs taken on 5 and 6 February 1941 had shown that the German Tannenfels (7840 GRT, built 1938) had sailed.
Air reconnaissance, carried out on 11 February, showed a merchant vessel 26 miles south of Brava, and two self propelled lighters 10 miles south of Brava proceeding North, while three larger ships, one tug and one coaster were observed in the Northern anchorage at Kismayu and five merchant ships in the Southern anchorage.
11 February 1941.
On 11 February 1941, The Italian ships Adria (3809 GRT, built 1914) and Savoia (5490 GRT, built 1922) were captured by HMS Hawkins. Prize crews were put on board and the ships were taken to Kilindini / Mombasa. The captured Adria came across another Italian merchant ship, the Erminia Mazzella (5644 GRT, built 1917). This ship was then also captured. On this day HMS Ceres departed Kilindini / Mombasa to arrive in the operations area the following day.
Air reconnaissance, carried out on 12 February, showed that many of the merchant vessels had sailed. Four merchant vessels were seen in the Southern anchorage. In the Northern anchorage nine lighters were spotted.
Around 1630C/11, HMS Shropshire and HMS Ceres departed Kilindini / Mombasa for operations.
12 February 1941.
On 12 February 1941, The Italian ships Manon (5652 GRT, built 1901) and Leonardo da Vinci (7432 GRT, built 1937) were captured by HMS Hawkins and HMS Hermes respectively. Later the German Uckermark (7021 GRT, built 1930) was intercepted by HMS Hawkins but before she could be closed and captured she was scuttled by her crew. She did not sink however but no ship could be spared to try to salvage her at this moment in the operation as HMS Kandahar had been detached to fuel at Kilindini / Mombasa where she arrived on this day and HMS Capetown only departed Kilindini / Mombasa on this day to arrive in the operations area the following day. The small German ship Askari, with 'white' troops on board, is attacked by aircraft from HMS Hermes and driven ashore by near Brava.
Around 0830C/12, HMS Capetown departed Kilindini / Mombasa for operations.
13 February 1941.
On 13 February 1941, the Senior Officer of ' Force T ' was ordered, given the speedy advance on land, to reconnoitre Kismayu. HMS Kandahar, which had returned from Kilindini / Mombasa , was ordered to do this. She fired three salvoes from 10000 yards. There was no answering fire and it appreared the town had been abandoned by the enemy. Aircraft reported that there was oil all over the harbour and that no AA fire was encountered. HMS Shropshire showed herself of Mogadishu and bombarded a merchant vessel in the anchorage. This was later found out to be the Italian Pensilvania (6268 GRT, built 1903). On retiring from the area HMS Shropshire was bombed by a single Caproni bomber. She sustained no damage. HMS Shropshire also carried out a successful bombardment of an encampment and military lorries near Brava.
14 February 1941.
On 24 February, HMS Shropshire bombarded the Kismayu Island Battery for 22 minutes and then the Mtanga Ya Papa Battery for 15 minutes. They were engaged from ranges between 20000 and 25000 yards. There was no reply from either battery and numerous fires were started. As a result ground forces were able to enter Kismayu at 1415Z/14, six days ahead of shedule. The remainer of ' Force T ' patrolled so as to try to intercept enemy shipping. HMS Ceres left the area to fuel at Kilindini / Mombasa. She briefly towed the scuttled, but still not sunken, Uckermark but in the end the German ship could not be saved and she finally sank in the afternoon.
15 February 1941.
On 15 February 1941, HMS Shropshire carried out a bombardment of targets off Brava. With Kismayu fallen and the Italians in full retreat, the plan developed into an advance on Mogadishu, where it was proposed that HMS Shropshire, HMS Hermes and HMS Hawkins should bombard and bomb the defences as well as shipping. This proposal was, however, cancelled on receipt of an Admiralty message that no merchant vessel was to be sunk that could possibly be saved, and information that the advance on Mogadishu could not start for four day in view of the opposition encountered at the Jubba River. A supply convoy and minesweepers (these were most likely the 109th M/S Group made up of the M/S whalers, Skudd 3 (Lt. A.F. Harkness, RNR), Skudd 4 (T/Lt. K. Tholfson, RNR), Skudd 5 (S.Lt. R.A.N. Cox, RNR) and Swona (T/Lt. A.C.C. Seligman, RNR)) had left Kilindini / Mombasa for Kismayu. HMS Ceres arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa.
16 February 1941.
On 16 February HMS Shropshire remained in the Jubba River / Brava area in support of the ground troops. HMS Hermes and HMS Hawkins left the area for Kilindini / Mombasa, sweeping well to seaward during their passage south to look for enemy shipping. HMS Capetown remained on patrol off Mogadishu. HMS Ceres and HMS Kandahar were employed in giving protection to the supply convoy and the minesweepers.
17 February 1941.
On 17 February, HMS Shropshire relieved HMS Capetown on the Mogadishu patrol, HMS Capetown then proceeded to Kilindini / Mombasa to fuel and clean boilers. The Military hospital ship Tairea (7934 GRT, built 1924) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. The Admiralty suggested the withdrawal of HMS Hermes from this operation, and she was therefore sent to Kilindini / Mombasato fuel and clean boilers. In the meantime discussions were ongoing about the future of the operation. If not required HMS Hermes was to operate in the Indian Ocean together with the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C. Annesley, DSO, RN) which was also proceeding to Kilindini / Mombasa. On land the Army was in contact with the enemy near the Jubba River.
18 February 1941.
On 18 February, HMS Shropshire left patrol off Magadishu and set course for Kilindini / Mombasa. HMS Ceres took over the Mogadishu patrol after arrival of the minesweepers and part of the supply convoy at Kismayu. HMS Capetown arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. It was decided that ships involved in the operation would prepare for the next move, presumably to Mogadishu. It was confirmed that HMS Hermes was to clean boilers and then team up with HMS Enterprise for trade route protection. HMS Kandahar was to return to Aden to rejoin the Red Sea force. HMS Shropshire, HMS Ceres and HMS Capetown would remain on patrol off Mogadishu, one cruiser only at a time.
19 February 1941.
On 19 February, the remainder of the supply convoy arrived at Kismayu. HMS Shropshire, HMS Hermes, HMS Hawkins and HMS Kandahar arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa.
20 February 1941.
On 20 February, the Army crossed the Jubba River in force and captured Jumbo (Jamame). It was decided that the Army was to capture Mogadishu if possible but that they should also prepare to release a South African division for deployment in Eritrea at short notice if required.
21 February 1941.
On 21 February, an inter-service conference was held at Kismayu and, in brief, the following plans were made; 1) On 22 and on 23 February bombardments from seaward were to be carried out on the Brava area. HMS Shropshire was detailed for this duty. 2) On 24 February Brava was to be captured. 3) On 27 February Merca was to be captured. 4) On 1 March the attack on Magadishu was to commence. Also on 21 February HMS Shropshire left Kilindini / Mombasa for the Brava area and HMS Ceres left the Mogadishu patrol to return to Kilindini / Mombasa.
22 February 1941.
The ships in the operation were now designated as ' Force W '. HMS Shropshire bombarded Modun over Brava. Considarable damage was inflicted including direct hits on targets. Many casualties were reported. It was later learnt that the bombardment had been a decisive factor in the Italian rout. After the bombardment HMS Shropshire proceeded to join the hunt for the German pocket battleship sighted in the Indian Ocean and HMS Ceres was ordered to take over.
23 February 1941.
On 23 February 1941, HMS Ceres arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. On land the rapid military advance continued and over 3000 prisoners were taken.
24 February 1941.
On 24 February 1941, the Army occupied Modaneun (?) and Brava.
25 February 1941.
On 25 February 1941, the Army occupied Merca and Vittorio (?). HMS Ceres departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Kismayu.
26 February 1941.
On 26 February 1941, HMS Ceres arrived at Kismayu. The army captured Mogadishu, three days before the assualt had been sheduled to start. (29)
12 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Mombasa after passage from Aden and some operations of Italian Somaliland with 'Force T'. She departed again later the same day for more operations of Italian Somaliland with 'Force T'. (32)
16 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Mombasa from perations of Italian Somaliland with 'Force T'. After fuelling she departed again later the same day for more operations of Italian Somaliland with 'Force T'. (4)
19 Feb 1941
On 19 February 1941, the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN), HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) all returned to Kilindini / Mombasa from operations off the coast of Italian Somaliland. (29)
22 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Mombasa to escort a detachment from convoy WS 5B into port. She returned to Mombasa late in the morning.
[See the event ' Convoy WS 5B ' for 7 January 1941 for more info on this convoy.] (4)
27 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Mombasa for Aden. (33)
2 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from Mombasa. (34)
4 Mar 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Aden at 0645C/4 and 0730C/4 respectively to join 'Force Z' made up of the landing ships HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN), HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) and HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) Sir J.F. Paget, RN) and their escort, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN). They were to escort these vessels to 21'N and then return to Aden. HMS Kandahar joined around 1000C/4 and HMS Flamingo around 1130C/4.
HMS Kandahar and HMS Flamingo parted company around 0645C/6. (35)
7 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden after escort duty in the Red Sea. (36)
10 Mar 1941
At 1500 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Aden. [No further details known.] (37)
12 Mar 1941
At 0715 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) returned to Aden. (37)
12 Mar 1941
Convoy US 9B (or 9/2).
This convoy departed Bombay on 12 March 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 23 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920) and Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN).
Around noon on 18 March 1941, while near Aden, the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy with two merchant vessels; Amerika (British, 10218 GRT, built 1930) and Wairangi (British, 12436 GRT, built 1935). The newbuilt Turkish minelayer Yuzbasi Hakki was also in company. [It appears HMS Flamingo remained with the convoy until 20 March 1941.]
Shortly after 1400C/18, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (A/Cdr. C.S. Britton, RN) took over from HMS Capetown which then parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Aden. The destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy on this day.
HMS Kandahar and HMS Flamingo parted company with the convoy around dawn on 20 March 1941 and proceeded to Port Sudan. HMS Flamingo took the Port Sudan Section of the convoy with her. The Port Sudan Section was made up of the Amerika and Wairangi.
The convoy arrived off Suez on 22 March and entered port on 23 March 1941. (29)
14 Mar 1941
Operation 'Appearance'.
Invasion of occupied British Somaliland.
In the late afternoon of 14 March 1941 the first group of warships; the British destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), armed boarding vessels HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Chantala (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E.I. Gibbs, RN), patrol vessels HMIS Netravati (Lt. D.A. MacDonald, RIN), HMIS Parvati (Lt. H.M.S. Choudry, RIN) and the cargo ships Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938) and Tuna (British, 662 GRT, built 1907), carrying troops and towing three tugs and six lighters left Aden for the coast of British Somaliland.
Shortly after leaving however there was a problem with a tow which parted and the rope ending up in a propeller. It was decided that it would take to long to clear and delays loomed. HMS Kandahar then left the tugs and lighters to be towed by the cargo ships and in the afternoon of the 15th HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) was sent out to assist.
Also in the afternoon of the 15th a second group of warships left Aden, these were the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN), HMS Caledon (A/Cdr. C.S. Britton, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN). They were loaded with troops. They were to make rendez-vous with the first group.
By 0100C/16 the forces were split up as follows; HMS Glasgow, HMS Caledon, HMS Chantala, HMS Chakdina, HMIS Netravati, HMIS Parvati were to land their troop to the west of the Berbera lighthouse while HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston were to land commando troops to the east of the lighthouse.
At 0358C/16 the gap in the reef to the western beach was found and 0417C/16 HMS Glasgow opened fire with her 4" guns and pompoms after which the landing forces went in.
The gap in the reef to the eastern beach had already been found at 0330C/16 and the landing zone was bombarded for 10 minutes from 0425C/16 by HMS Kandahar following which the commandoes were landed by HMS Kingston.
The landing on both beaches were succesful.
The town of Berbera was captured around mid-morning of the 16th. More troops were then landed as by now the first group had now also arrived.
18 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Aden to join convoy US 9/2 that was to proceed to Suez.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 9/2 ' for 12 March 1941.] (34)
18 Mar 1941
Convoy SU 2.
This convoy departed Suez on 18 March 1941 for Durban where it arrived on 4 April 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels / troopships; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20020 GRT, built 1928), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Nieuw Holland (British, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).
The convoy was unescorted until 20 March 1941 when the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined.
The damaged aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Cdr. G.S. Tuck, RN) departed Suez on 21 March 1941 and was to join the convoy near Aden on 24 March. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) from 0800/23.
The convoy arrived at Aden on 22 March and departed again on 24 March but now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN).
At sea they were joined by HMS Illustrious and HMS Kimberley.
HMS Kimberley parted company at 1030/25 and proceeded to Aden. The convoy then continued towards the south escorted by HMS Illustrious and HMS Glasgow.
The heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) left Kilindini / Mombasa to make rendez-vous with the convoy and relieve HMS Glasgow on 29 March. HMS Glasgow then proceeded with Arundel Castle to Kilindini / Mombasa.
The convoy arrived at Durban on 4 April escorted by HMS Illustrious and HMS Hawkins. (29)
20 Mar 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Sudan after convoy escort duty. She departed again later the dame day for escort duty with convoy SU 2. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SU 2 ' for 18 March 1941 '.] (34)
22 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden following convoy escort duty. (38)
23 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) departed Aden to perform a landing to the east of Aden to land 150 Government Guard to take over the palice of the recalcitrant Sultan Saleh bin Fadhl. The Sultan managed to escape but he later turned himself in at Aden and was removed from power. (36)
24 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) returned to Aden. (39)
25 Mar 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Aden around 1800 hours. [No further details known.] (40)
30 Mar 1941
At 0750 hours (GMT), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) intercepted the German merchant vessel Bertram Rickmers (4188 GRT, built 1923) off the Eritrean coast in position 14°07'N, 41°42'E. Before the German ship could be captured it was scuttled by it's own crew.
HMS Kandahar then apparently proceeded to Aden where she arrived at following day. (29)
7 Apr 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) Returned to Aden. [We have been unable to find out when she had departed.]
She departed again later the same day apparently for the Perim area. [No further details available.] (36)
11 Apr 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Sudan from the Perim area. She departed for Suez later the same day. (41)
13 Apr 1941
HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) both arrived at Port Said. They left for Alexandria later the same day. They arrived at Alexandria around 1730B/13. (42)
14 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria at 0630 hours. She returned at 1430 hours. [Presumably she had been on exercises.] (43)
24 Apr 1941
Convoy AG 14.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 24 April 1941 for Suda Bay. In the end the convoy did not enter Suda Bay.
The convoy was made up of the following transports / troopships; City of London (City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Salween (British, 7093 GRT, built 1937) and Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924).
The convoy was being escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN).
The convoy was to proceed to Suda Bay via the Kaso Strait. The convoy entered the Aegean around dawn on the 26th but did not proceed to Suda Bay. The ships were split into three groups and went on to the places where troop were to be embarked during Operation Demon. (44)
4 Aug 1941
Around 1300C/4 HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for gunnery and torpedo exercises. On completion of these they proceeded to Port Said.
The following morning, around 0600C/5, they were joined at sea by HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN).
They arrived at Port Said around 1000C/5. (45)
7 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), departed Alexandria to operate off the Libyan coast against enemy supply traffic.
When off Mersa Matruh they were recalled.
They arrived back at Alexandria around 1355/8 (46)
9 Aug 1941
A dinghy was reported about 180 nautical miles north-west of Alexandria. It was thought the crew of a downed aircraft were in it so HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria around 1800C/9 followed by HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) around 2200C/9 with orders to search for the dinghy.
It was later realised that the crew in the dinghy were German so both destroyers were recalled.
They both returned to Alexandria around 0800C/10. (47)
10 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1310 hours, HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), departed Alexandria to operate off Mersa Matruh against enemy supply traffic if this was being reported.
Nothing was however sighted and they arrived back at Alexandria around 1050/11. (46)
12 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria around 0845 hours for Mersa Matruh where they were to pick up supplies and with which they were to proceed to Tobruk.
They returned to Alexandria in the afternoon of the 13th. (46)
14 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk where they were to land stores.
They returned to Alexandria around 1320/15. (46)
16 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria around 0900 hours with stores for Tobruk.
They returned to Alexandria around 1330/17. (46)
24 Oct 1941
Around 0600B/24, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria with supplies for Tobruk. They unloaded during the night of 24/25 October 1941.
They returned to Alexandria around 1340B/25(HMS Abdiel and HMS Kandahar) and 1510B/25 (HMS Kingston and HMS Griffin). This was 'Serial 9' of 'Operation Cultivate'. (48)
12 Nov 1941
Around 0830B/12, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for gunnery exercises. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN). They were joined around 1100B/12 by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN).
They returned to harbour around 0100B/13. (49)
14 Nov 1941
At 0805 hours the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for an A/S hunt.
They were joined at sea by the escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) coming from Port Said.
They arrived at Alexandria on the 16th. (HMS Hasty at 1440 hours, the other three at 1830 hours). (49)
17 Nov 1941
Around 1115B/17 the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), and HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria to bombard the Sollum area during the night of 17/18 November 1941. The bombardment however had to be cancelled due to the bad weather conditions. The ships then joined the Mediterranean Fleet which had departed Alexandria in the morning of the 18th at noon on the 18th.
They returned to Alexandria with the Fleet on the 19th.
[For more info see the event ' Operation Chieftan ' for 16 November 1941.] (49)
Media links
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Sources
- ADM 187/2
- ADM 187/3
- ADM 199/2557
- ADM 199/2558
- Rosyth Dockyard docking register
- ADM 187/6 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/363 + ADM 199/376
- ADM 187/8 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/8 + ADM 199/383 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/383
- ADM 199/378
- ADM 53/112626
- ADM 53/112626 + ADM 187/8 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/112627 + ADM 187/8 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/9 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/383 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for September 1940
- ADM 53/112628 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/383 + Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Canberra from 28 August to 17 October 1940
- ADM 53/111652 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/111652
- ADM 53/111740 + ADM 53/112629 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for October 1940
- ADM 187/10
- ADM 53/112629 + ADM 187/10+ ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/10 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/112630 + ADM 187/10 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/383 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for December 1940
- ADM 53/112631
- ADM 53/111742 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114564
- ADM 187/11 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 187/11 + ADM 199/408 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/11 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/12 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/114310 + ADM 53/114565 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 199/408 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/114565
- ADM 187/12 + ADM 199/408 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/114565 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 53/114564 + ADM 187/12 + ADM 199/2558
- ADM 187/12
- ADM 53/114863 + ADM 53/115211
- ADM 53/115211
- ADM 199/414
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for August 1941
- ADM 53/115213 + ADM 199/415
- ADM 53/115213 + ADM 199/415 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for August 1941
- ADM 53/115215 + ADM 199/415
- ADM 53/115216 + ADM 199/415
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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