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Battleship HMS Rodney (29)

26 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) proceeded from Malta to Augusta. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN). (1)

30 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) proceeded from Augusta to Malta. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN). (1)

26 Oct 1943
Around 1415A/26 the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) and HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Malta for Algiers. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN). (2)

28 Oct 1943
Around 1045A/28, HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) and HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers. (2)

29 Oct 1943
Around 1600A/29, the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) and HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Algiers for the UK. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN).

At 1745A/30, the destroyers HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar after which HMS Tartar and HMS Offa parted company to fuel at Gibraltar.

At 0310A/31, HMS Tartar and HMS Offa rejoined.

At 0845A/31, HMS Troubridge, HMS Tumult, HMS Tyrian and ORP Piorun parted company.

At 0400A/4, HMS Rocket and HMS Teazer parted company.

At 0430A/4, the remainder of the screen, HMS Tartar, HMS Offa and HMS Obedient, parted company due to fuel shortage.

At 1830A/4, HMS Rodney parted company with HMS Nelson to proceed to the Clyde where she arrived in the evening of November 5th.

HMS Nelson continued on to Rosyth where she arrived in the early afternoon of the 6th. At Rosyth she was taken in hand for repairs but she remained on short notice for sea. The destroyers HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) had departed Scapa Flow around 1700A/5 and made rendezvous around 2055A/5. They remained with the battleship until around 1100A/6 when off May Island. They returned to Scapa Flow around 2000A/6. (3)

7 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

11 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted a bombardment exercise with the 6" battery in the Clyde area. (4)

12 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted a bombardment exercise with the 16" main battery in the Clyde area. (4)

13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted a bombardment exercise with the 6" battery in the Clyde area. (4)

14 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted gunnery exercises with the 16" main battery in the Clyde area. (4)

16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted gunnery exercises with the both the 16" main battery and 6" secondary battery in the Clyde area. Upon completion of the exercise course was set to proceed to Scapa Flow (unescorted). (4)

17 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (4)

22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted 16" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)

28 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted first AA gunnery and then 16" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)

29 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and Richelieu (Capt. R.G. Lambert) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

16 Jan 1944
Around 2100A/16, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), which was well overdue for a major refit, departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Capt. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN).

HMS Rodney arrived at Rosyth around 0900A/17.

The destroyers returned to Scapa Flow after their escort duty. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800A/17. (5)

28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Rosyth to be taken in hand for repairs to make her fit for duty.

Only the minimum amount of work was to be carried out to make her fit for service. HMS Rodney was in a poor state and had not had a major refit for many years. As she was required for bombardment duties for the upcoming landings in Normandy there was no time to take her in hand for a long time. Also it was not considered a high priority to give the ship a major refit due to congestion in British shipyards. (6)

28 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) is undocked. (7)

31 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. She was apparently not escorted. (7)

1 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (8)

5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow.

In the evening HMS Rodney conducted 16" and 6" gunnery exercises. (7)

5 Apr 1944
In the morning, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted 16" and 6" gunnery exercises.

Later on the day she conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was brielfy escorted by HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte). (7)

11 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) conducted 16" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)

14 Apr 1944
During 14/15 April 1944, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN). (7)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (7)

22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600B/22, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. They were escorted until 1510B/22 by the Greek destroyer RHN Salamis.

The battleships arrived in the Clyde around 0815B/23. (8)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery / bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

27 Apr 1944
In the morning, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted maneuvering exercises in the Clyde area with the minesweepers HMS Grecian (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) C.D.A. Irvine, RN), HMS Gorgon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Mugford, RNR) and HMS Gazelle (Lt. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN).

In the afternoon 4.7 AA gunnery exercises were carried out by HMS Rodney. (8)

30 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted maneuvering exercises in the Clyde area with the minesweepers HMS Grecian (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) C.D.A. Irvine, RN) and HMS Gazelle (Lt. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN).

In the afternoon gunnery exercises were carried out by HMS Rodney. (8)

30 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted maneuvering exercises in the Clyde area with the minesweepers HMS Grecian (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) C.D.A. Irvine, RN) and HMS Gazelle (Lt. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN).

In the afternoon gunnery exercises were carried out by HMS Rodney. (8)

6 May 1944
Around 1300B/6, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1745B/7. En-route exercises had been carried out. (10)

9 May 1944
Briefly welcomed General Sir Bernard Montgomery on board at Scapa Flow during a visit to "pay respects to the senior service". (11)

20 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 20/21 May 1944, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. First with the destroyer HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and later with four other destroyers, these were most likely HMS Savage (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (12)

23 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (with Cdr. S.J.S. Board, RN, temporary in command as Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN was absent on duty to be informed on the upcoming operation) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (13)

26 May 1944
The battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN). On completion of the exercises HMS Rodney set course for the Clyde, apparently unescorted. (14)

28 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) arrived in the Clyde. (13)

29 May 1944
During the night of 29/30 May 1944, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. H. Dalrymple-Smith, RN), HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN), ORP Dragon (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S.T. Dzienisiewicz) and escorts and minesweepers [identity not known to us at the moment] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

3 Jun 1944
The battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Sirius (Capt. R.L.M. Edwards, CBE, RN) departed the Clyde for Portsmouth. They were assigned to the Eastern Task Force for the upcoming landings in Normandy as reserve bombandment ships. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Westcott (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and frigate Riou (Lt. F.L. Boyer, RN).

On the 4th, when in the St.George's Channel these ships were informed that Operation Neptune was postponed 24 hours. Course was then reversed and when off Anglesey they kept steaming up and down. Late in the evening they were ordered to continue their passage southwards.

In the morning of the 6th, HMS Westcott parted company and the escort destroyer HMS Bleasdale (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) joined.

The ships arrived in Spithead, near Portsmouth around 1930B/6. (16)

7 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0215B/7, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. R.L.M. Edwards, CBE, RN), HMS Bleasdale (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) and Riou (Lt. F.L. Boyer, RN) departed Spithead for the beaches ('Sword' and 'Juno' beaches).

At 1115B/7, HMS Rodney dropped anchor in position 49°22'25"N, 00°17'5"W (off Ouistreham, ' Sword ' beach).

At 1833B/7, HMS Rodney opened fire with her 16" main battery.

At 1856B/7, HMS Rodney opened fire with her starboard 6" battery.

Several more times fire was opened before fire was ceased at 2034B/7. The targets had been elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division 'Hitlerjugend' which were in fights with the Canadians to the north-west of Caen.

At 2135B/7, HMS Rodney weighted anchor and proceeded to the ' Juno ' night anchorage where she dropped anchor at 2300B/7. (16)

8 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0633B/8, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) weighted anchor and proceeded to her new anchorage where she dropped anchor at 0720B/8.

At 0907B/8, she opened fire with her port 6" battery. Fire was ceased at 0930B/8.

At 1335B/8, she opened fire again with her port 6" battery. Fire was ceased at 1455B/8.

The main targets had again been elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division 'Hitlerjugend'.

At 2045B/8, HMS Rodney got underway for the night anchorage where she dropped anchor at 2207B/8. (16)

9 Jun 1944
At 0310B/9, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Fire was ceased 0350B/9. Target had been elements of the 21st SS Panzer Division.

At 0410B/9, fire was opened again with the 16" main battery. At 0450B/9 fire was ceased. Target was again the 21st SS Panzer Division.

At 0505B/9, HMS Rodney weighted anchor and got underway. She dropped anchor closer inshore at 0618B/9.

At 0903B/9, she opened fire with her port 6" battery. [unknown when fire was ceased.] The target had been a German troop concentration.

at 1102B/9, the port 6" battery again opened fire on a German troop concentration. [unknown when fire was ceased.]

At 1441B/9, fire was opened with the 16" main battery on the Houlgate shore battery. Fire was ceased at 1449B/9.

At 1514B/9, the port 6" battery opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1540B/9. The target had again been German troops.

At 1610B/9, HMS Rodney got underway only to drop anchor again 6 minutes later.

At 1635B/9, her port 6" battery again opened fire which was ceased at 1654B/9.

At 1657B/9, HMS Rodney weighted anchor again and got underway. Shorty afterwards she engaged German fighter aircraft with her AA guns.

At 1807B/9, HMS Rodney set course to departed the bombardment area for Milford Haven together with ORP Dragon (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz). They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Bleasdale (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) and the frigate Riou (Lt. F.L. Boyer, RN). They arrived at Milford Haven to re-ammunition around 1600B/10. (16)

11 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200B/11, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Milford Haven for Spithead. She was being escorted by HMS Bleasdale (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) and Riou (Lt. F.L. Boyer, RN).

At 2058B/11, HMS Riou obtained an A/S contact and she dropped depth charges at 2100B/11. Another pattern of depth charges was dropped at 2110B/11. During these attacks HMS Riou sustained damage to her engines and she was detached to Plymouth for repairs.

HMS Rodney and HMS Bleasdale arrived at Spithead around 0800B/12. (16)

18 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/18, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Spithead for 'Juno' beach.

At 0845B/18, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN).

HMS Rodney dropped anchor at 1412B/18. (16)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) started a bombardment with her 16" main battery at 0819B/26. Fire was ceased at 0954B/26.

HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) apparently also participated in this bombardment. [No log for this ship is available, so more details can be given.]

HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) also participated in this bombardment. She opened fire around 0800B/26.

The targets were the 1st, 9th and 12th SS Panzer Divisions.

At 1232B/26, HMS Rodney opened fire with her 16" main battery. Target was Carpiquet airfield. Fire was ceased at 1326B/26.

Around 1615B/26, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and HMS Diadem opened fire on a shore battery. (16)

30 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1420B/30, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Target was Carpiquet airfield. Fire was ceased at 1530B/30. (16)

3 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1731B/3, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Target was Carpiquet airfield. Fire was ceased at 1758B/3. (17)

6 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1854B/6, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Target were building in the docks at Le Havre harbour where it was though that German midget submarines were based. Fire was ceased at 2045B/6. (17)

7 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1636B/7, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Target was the German 9th SS Panzer Division on 'Hill 112' to the south-west of Caen. Fire was ceased at 1722B/7. (17)

8 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0830B/8, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Fire was ceased at 0852B/8.

Fire was re-opened at 1050B/8 and ceased at 1109B/8.

Fire was re-opened at 1806B/8 and ceased at 1853B/8.

Fire was re-opened at 1921B/8 and ceased at 2015B/8.

Fire was re-opened at 2205B/8 and ceased at 2238B/8.

The targets during this day had mainly been the German 12th SS Panzer Division and the 16th Luftwaffe Field Division. (17)

9 Jul 1944
At 0850B/9, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), opened fire with her 16" main battery. Targets were elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division in or near Caen.

At 1000B/9, HMS Rodney was taken in tow to be towed clear of the beachhead area. Tow was only slipped at 1841B/9. In the meantime at 1430B/9, the destroyer HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Bleasdale (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN) and ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. B. Wronski) had joined to escort HMS Rodney to Spithead.

HMS Rodney and her escorts arrived at Spithead around 2300B/9. (17)

15 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) proceeded from Spithead to Plymouth where she was to be taken in hand for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (17)

9 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) proceeded from Plymouth to Portland. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr.(Retd.) C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi). (18)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Portland to carry out a bombardment of coastal batteries on Alderney. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr.(Retd.) C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) and HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN).

As the weather conditions were considered unsuitable HMS Rodney however soon returned to Portland and the bombardment was postponed and sheduled for the next day.

The next day the weather was still considered to be unsuitable and the bombardment was postponed another 24 hours. (18)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Portland at 0742B/12 to carry out a bombardment of coastal batteries on Alderney. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr.(Retd.) C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN) and HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN).

At 1412B/12, HMS Rodney opened fire on the enemy battery. She had anchored 20 miles away behind Cap la Hague to be out of sight of the enemy battery. An aircraft reported the fall of shot. The shooting lasted for two hours and thirty-one minutes and 75 round were fired. It was thought that three out of four guns of the battery had been destroyed [this was actually not the case].

HMS Rodney arrived back at Portland at 2212B/12 having been escorted there by HMS Faulknor and HMS Jervis. (19)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) proceeded from Portland to Plymouth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. R.A. Currie, DSC, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) and HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN). (18)

12 Sep 1944
Around 1545B/12, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Skate (Lt. J.H. Macalister, RNVR), HMS Scimitar (Lt. P. Archer-Shee, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR).

At 0740B/13, the escort was relieved by the frigates HMS Fitzroy (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. McCullogh Miller, DSC, RNVR), HMS Redmill (Lt. J.R.A. Denne, RN) and HMS Deane (Lt. V.A. Hickson, DSO, RN).

HMS Rodney arrived at Scapa Flow around 1445B/14. Before entering gunnery exercises had been carried out. (20)

15 Sep 1944

Convoy JW 60.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 15 September 1944 and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 23 September 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), Cardinal Gibbons (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), David Stone (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dexter W. Fellows (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Edward A. Savoy (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Edward E. Spafford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis Scott Key (Amercian, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Frederic A. Kummer (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Frederic W. Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George T. Angell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Vining (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Woolman (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Julius Olsen (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker for refueling the escorts), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Nathaniel Alexander (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Noreg (Norwegian (tanker), 7605 GRT, built 1931), Raymond B. Stevens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Richard M. Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas U. Walter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also with the convoy.

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

A group of destroyers; HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) also departed Loch Ewe with the convoy. The destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) later joined at sea having departed Scapa Flow at 2359B/14.

To provide cover for this convoy the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Scapa Flow around 1300B/16.

At 0720B/17, the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN) joined. These destroyers had departed Scapa Flow at 2100B/15 and had fuelled at Skaalefiord in the Faroer Islands on the 16th. Upon these destroyers joining HMS Myngs, HMS Zambesi, HMS Savage and HNoMS Stord then parted company to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived at 1900B/17.

The cover force joined the convoy around 1030B/17. HMS Rodney and the escort carriers took station in the convoy.

The convoy and it's escort arrived in the Kola Inlet unmolested on 23 September.

On arrival Rear-Admiral McGregor transferred his flag to HMS Rodney. Shortly before leaving the Kola Inlet with the return convoy he transferred back to HMS Campania.

28 Sep 1944

Convoy RA 60.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 28 September 1944 and arrived in the Clyde on 5 October 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Dauray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Clark Howell (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward L. Grant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elijah Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Glenora (American, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Frank Gilbreth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), John La Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Josephine Shaw Lowell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Noreg (Norwegian (tanker), 7605 GRT, built 1931), Oakley Wood (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samcalia (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samconstant (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samidway (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samloyal (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsuva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samtredy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas H. Sumner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

Two rescue ships were with the convoy Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) and Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921).

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

A cover force was with the convoy made up of HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN).

On 29 September 1944 the merchant vessels Edward H. Crockett and Samsuva were sunk during an attack by the German submarine U-310. Following the sinking the rescue ships picked up the survivors and the wreck of the Edward H. Crockett was scuttled by HMS Milne and the wreck of the Samsuva by HMS Bulldog and HMS Musketeer. The German submarine was hunted and depth charged but managed to escape undamaged.

HMS Diadem arrived at Scapa Flow at 0700A/3 having parted company with the convoy at 2030B/1.

Around 1800A/3, HMS Rodney, HMS Campania, HMS Striker, HMS Saumarez, HMS Scorpion, HMS Venus, HMS Virago, HMS Volage and HMCS Sioux parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0800A/4.

The remaining destroyers, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Musketeer, HMS Verulam and HMCS Algonquin parted company with the convoy later and arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800A/4.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 5 October 1944.

11 Oct 1944
Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, transferred his flag from HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN) to HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN). (21)

13 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/13, HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 0745A/14.

She was escorted until May Island by the destroyers HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) and HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN). which then returned to Scapa Flow arriving there around 1400A/14. (22)

17 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, struck his flag on board HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) following which HMS Rodney is docked in No.3 Dock. (23)

24 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) is undocked. (23)

27 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN) departed Rosyth around 0700A/27. Off May Island she was joined by her escort, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800A/27. (22)

30 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, hoisted his flag on board HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN). (24)

7 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (25)

16 Nov 1944
Around 0845A/16, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for exercises off Scapa Flow. [unknow which destroyers were present as escorts].

HMS Norfolk returned around 1700A/16.

HMS Rodney and HMS Dido returned around 2145A/16.

HMS Implacable remained out for night flying training / exercises and only returned around 1030A/17. (26)

22 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, struck his flag on board HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN). (25)

29 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, hoisted his flag on board HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN). (25)

29 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (27)

26 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (28)

14 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted Anti-Aircraft gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (29)

27 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (29)

8 Mar 1945
During 8/9 March 1945, ships from the Home Fleet conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. The ships that participated in the exercises were the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L. St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN). [It is possible more ships participated.] (30)

29 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (31)

21 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (32)

23 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L. St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN). (32)

22 May 1945
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. They were escorted by HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN). (33)

23 May 1945
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (34)

12 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) proceeded from Rosyth to Scapa Flow. (35)

27 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) and ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Rosyth. En-route they were joined by the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) and HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN). (36)

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