Gerald Seymour Tuck DSO, RN
| Born | 6 May 1902 | Hartley Wintney, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 27 Jul 1984 | (82) | Chichester, England, U.K. |
 | Ranks
Retired: 20 Apr 1951 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Gerald Seymour Tuck, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Illustrious (87) | A/Capt. | Aircraft Carrier | 19 Feb 1941 | 12 Aug 1941 |
| HMS California (F 55) | A/Capt. | Armed Merchant Cruiser | Oct 1941 | 23 Dec 1941 |
| HMS Bellona (63) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 20 Jan 1945 | 1 Jul 1946 |
Career information
CO "Ben Lomond" & SO 5th LST Flotilla 9/48-6/49.Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Bellona (63)
1 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2330A/1, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0915A/2. (1)
3 Feb 1945
Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.
Convoy JW 64.
This convoy departed the Clyde on 3 February 1945 for Northern Russia.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Edwin L. Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941), F.T. Frelinghysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Crevecoeur (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (American, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), George Steers (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).
On 3 February 1945, the M/S trawler HNoMS Oksoy departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy. The destroyer HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) was with her and she too joined the convoy.
On 6 February 1945, the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) joined the convoy as escort oiler. She had departed Scapa Flow on 4 February 1945 escorted by the destroyer HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G. Butcher, DSC, RNVR) which both also joined the convoy.
On 6 February 1945, the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt. J. Monroe, RN) departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy.
On 6 February 1945, HMS Zebra arrived at Skaalefjord with defects. She departed the following day to overtake and rejoin the convoy but she was unable to do so and proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving on the 8th.
Around 1500A/12, the White Sea section of the convoy parted company. They were escorted by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Zivuchij, Zostkij and several smaller vessels.
At 0012A/13, the German submarine U-992 attacked with three torpedoes hitting and damaging the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle. The damaged corvette was towed to the Kola Inlet where she later capsized and was declared a total loss.
The kola Inlet section of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 13 December 1945.
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Convoy RA 64.
This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 17 February 1945 for Loch Ewe.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alanson B. Houghton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noves (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis C. Harrington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.D. Yeager (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John la Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lebaron Russell Briggs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American, 6610 GRT, built 1918), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R. Ney McNeely (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).
The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall, sloops HMS Cygnet, HMS Lapwing, HMS Lark and the corvettes HMS Bluebell, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Bamborough Castle.
Before the convoy departed the escorts conducted an A/S sweep of the area during which the German submarine U-425 was sunk around 0136A/17 by HMS Lark and HMS Alnwick Castle.
Around 1125A/17, the German submarine U-968 torpedoed and damaged HMS Lark. The damaged sloop was towed back to the Kola Inlet but was later declared a total loss.
Around 1148A/17, the Thomas Scott was hit and sunk, also by U-968. All crew and passengers could be picked up.
Around 1528A/17, HMS Bluebell was hit and sunk, by the German submarine U-711. There was only one survivor.
Late on the 18th and on the 19th the convoy was in very heavy weather and the convoy got scattered but was mostly reassembled the following day.
On 23 February 1945, the Henry Bacon, which had not rejoined the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by German aircraft in position 67°40'N, 05°19'E.
The bulk of the convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 28 February 1945.
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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN). These ships departed Scapa Flow around 1200A/5. They joined the convoy around 1100A/6. The destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) also joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord.
Shortly after 2100A/12, the cover force parted company with the convoy and proceeded ahead of it to the Kola Inlet where they arrived around 0200A/13.
The cover force departed the Kola Inlet with the convoy on 17 February 1945.
Also on the 17th, the destroyers HMS Zebra, HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.
On 23 February 1945, the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.
On 25 February 1945, HMS Zealous, HMS Zebra, HMS Opportune arrived at Thorshavn, Faeroer Islands after having parted company with the convoy. HMS Orwell, HMS Savage, HMS Scourge and HMS Serapis arrived there on the 26th. HMS Myngs and HMS Scorpion arrived there on the 27th.
Around 1830A/26, HMS Campania, HMS Nairana, HMS Bellona, HMS Zambesi, Zest, HMS Onslow and HMCS Sioux parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1000A/27. HMS Cavalier also arrived at Scapa Flow on the 27th.
HMS Onslaught arrived in the Clyde on the 27th. (2)
3 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)
5 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/5, the escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for escort / cover duty with convoys JW 64 and RA 64.
[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 3 February 1945] (3)
27 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000A/27, HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort / cover operations. (3)
14 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by speed trials on the measured mile and some exercises. (4)
19 Mar 1945
Operation Cupola.
The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the southern entrance to the Askenvold anchorage (61°19'5"N, 05°04'E).
Around 1100A/19, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), light cruiser ana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, Senior Officer for the operation) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.
They were to arrive in position 'AA' (61°52'N, 01°45'E) at 0700A/20 but bad weather was encountered on the way and the operation had to be postponed to the afternoon.
Around 1325A/20, the strike, composed of eight Avengers of 856 Squadron from HMS Premier and twenty Wildcats from HMS Searcher commenced flying off. They took departure at 1353A/20 from position 61°52'N, 01°54'E. Landfall was made at the correct location at 1420A/20, with the weather just beginning to lift on the coast and good visibility in the Leads. The Avengers turned north when over Bygdefeld, a conspicuous hill to the south of Askevold. The approach was made to the laying position unopposed, and at 1429A/20 seven mines were laid in the shipping channel, close south of Prestoy Island. One aircraft was unable to release its mine due to material failure and returned with it to the carrier.
The fighters, in close support, also experienced little resistance to their stafing of shore targets. All aircraft returnend safely to the carriers in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.
The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1350A/21.
Result of this operation was that the enemy had to divert shipping to pass to the west of Atloy Island resulting in an attack on a convoy by MTB's on March 26th. (5)
24 Mar 1945
Operations Muscular and Prefix.
Object of these operations was to destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast.
Operation Prefix was a daylight strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.
Operation Muscular was a night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund.
Operation Prefix 2 was a daylight strike in an area which was to be decided upon while the operations were ongoing.
The force taking part in these operations was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), Puncher, HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), Nairana, light cruisers Dido, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN). This force departed Scapa Flow around 2000A/24.
No sizeable shipping was encountered during these operations. Two fighters attacks some merchant vessels and minesweepers. An attack by six to nine ME 109's was prevented and three were shot down by Wildcats and two more were damaged. During operation Prefix 2, two ships and flak position at Alesund and a W/T station at Vigra were attacked.
The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1015A/29. (2)
16 Apr 1945
Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.
Convoy JW 66.
This convoy departed the Clyde on 16 April 1945 for Northern Russia.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Kronprinsen (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Laurelwood (British, 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).
The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) were also with the convoy.
The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.
On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR).
On 17 April 1944, the frigates HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Antigua (A/Lt.Cdr. E.L. Donkin, RNR) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.
On 19 April 1945, the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus ( T/Lt. T.S. Cox, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR) departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy. Also departing from there were sixteen Russian submarine chaser [identity currently unkown to us] which were to join the convoy for passage to Northern Russia.
On the 25th the russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Valerian Kyubishev, Zarkij, Zostkij, Derzkij and Dostojnyj joined the convoy as did some smaller Russian vessels.
The convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 26 April 1945.
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Convoy RA 66.
This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 29 April 1945 for the Clyde.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonough (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).
The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) were also with the convoy.
The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.
On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Cygnet and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnwick Castle, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron.
The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 8 May 1945. HMS Lotus had parted company on the 7th and arrived at Liverpool on the 8th.
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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN).
Around 1500B/17, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa and HMCS Huron departed the Clyde to overtake and join the convoy which they did around 1200B/18.
Around 2030B/18, HMS Bellona joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed earlier in the day.
On 19 April 1944, the destroyers HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy. With them was also HMCS Huron which had fuelled at Skaalefjord after having been detached from the convoy earlier.
Around 0700B/25, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Kola Inlet where they arrived at midninght.
The cover force, still made up of HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois departed the Kola Inlet with convoy RA 66 on 29 April 1945.
Around 1300B/4, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa were detached to proceed at best speed to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 5th.
Around 1730B/4, HMS Bellona also parted company with the convoy to proceed at best speed to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1545B/5.
Around 2330B/6, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois arrived at Scapa Flow. (2)
18 Apr 1945
Around 1200B/18, HMS Bellona departed Scapa Flow for exercises on completion of which she set course to join convoy JW 66.
[For more info on this convoy and the return convoy from northern Russia see the event ' Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 16 April 1945. (6)
5 May 1945
Around 1530B/5, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort / cover duty. (7)
6 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0230B/6, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where they arrived around 1140B/6. (8)
16 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) is docked in No.1 Dock at the Rosyth dockyard and taken in hand for repairs and a short refit. (7)
7 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) is undocked. (9)
10 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0805B/10, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1945B/10. (9)
14 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)
15 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery and fighter direction exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)
19 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.
Around 2130B/19, she departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (9)
20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730B/20, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (9)
27 Jun 1945
around 1415B/27, the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) and the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Oslo where they were to participate in victory celibrations. (10)
29 Jun 1945
Around 0730B/29, the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) and the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) arrived at Oslo from Rosyth. (10)
1 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900B/1, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Oslo for Bergen. (11)
2 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/2, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Bergen from Oslo. (11)
5 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900B/5, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Bergen for Rosyth. (11)
6 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730B/6, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Bergen. (11)
16 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0430B/16, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1615B/16. (11)
22 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1855B/22, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (11)
23 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700B/23, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (11)
25 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted refuelling at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth with the RFA tanker Wave Regent (8184 GRT, built 1945). (11)
26 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted refuelling at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth with the RFA tanker Wave Regent (8184 GRT, built 1945). (11)
3 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted ammunitioning at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth. (12)
10 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The Rear-Admiral commanding the 10th cruiser squadron, Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN, hoisted his flag on board HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) which then left Rosyth around 1310B/10 for Sheerness where she arrived around 1015B/11. She proceeded to the Chatham Dockyard early in the afternoon. (12)
14 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530A/14, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Chatham for Rotterdam where she arrived around 0915B/15. (12)
25 Aug 1945
Around 0730B/25, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Rotterdam for Rosyth where she arrived around 0715A/26. (12)
26 Aug 1945
Around 1715A/26, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Golspie where she arrived around 0730A/27. (12)
30 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630A/30, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Golspie for Invergordon where she arrived around 1850A/30. (12)
31 Aug 1945
Around 1710A/31, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Invergordon for Rosyth where she arrived around 0715A/1.
Rear-Admiral Cunninghame-Graham then transferred his flag to HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).
[Post war HMS Bellona initially remained in Home Waters. She was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy on 17 April 1946.] (13)
Sources
- ADM 53/120968
- ADM 199/1440
- ADM 53/120968 + ADM 53/121064 + ADM 53/121870 + ADM 199/1440
- ADM 53/120969
- ADM 53/120969 + ADM 53/122004 + ADM 53/122058 + ADM 53/122203 + ADM 199/1440 + ADM 234/560
- ADM 53/120970
- ADM 53/120971
- ADM 53/12097 + ADM 199/1440
- ADM 53/120972
- ADM 53/120972 + ADM 53/121231 + ADM 199/1440
- ADM 53/120973
- ADM 53/120974
- ADM 53/120974 + ADM 53/120975
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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