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Light cruiser HNMS Tromp ()

21 Jul 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for exercises in Madoera Strait. (1)

25 Jul 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya. (1)

29 Jul 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for exercises in Madoera Strait and the Java Sea. (1)

1 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya. (1)

6 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for exercises in Madoera Strait. (1)

9 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya. (1)

12 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for exercises in the Java Sea and Madoera Strait. (1)

16 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya. (1)

21 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises in Madoera Strait. She returned to Surabaya upon completion of these exercises. (1)

25 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for Batavia. (1)

27 Aug 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Batavia from Surabaya. (1)

2 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Batavia for Ambon.

For the daily positions during the period of 2 September 1941 to 20 September 1941, see the map below.

(1)

6 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Ambon from Batavia. (1)

9 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Ambon for a short patrol to the north Moluccas. (1)

12 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) anchored off Ambon where she was fuelled by the Dutch naval tanker TAN 8 (2770 GRT, built 1927, former merchant tanker Petronella). She then proceeded to sea again. (1)

13 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) anchored off Naira Island (Pulau Naira), Banda Islands. (1)

16 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Naira Island (Pulau Naira) for Ambon. (1)

17 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) briefly anchored off Ambon before she departed for Surabaya later the same day. (1)

20 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Surabaya. (1)

23 Sep 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) commenced a refit at Surabaya. (1)

24 Oct 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was docked at Surabaya. (1)

27 Oct 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was undocked. (1)

29 Oct 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was docked again at Surabaya. (2)

31 Oct 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was undocked. (2)

6 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for trials and exercises in the Java Sea. (2)

8 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya. (2)

9 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for Batavia. (2)

10 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Batavia. (2)

12 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Batavia to patrol in the Sunda Strait. This was done to prevent the Vichy-French from transporting rubber for the Germans from Indo-China to France. Their ships were now mostly in convoy when they passed the Sunda Strait and some 'fire power' was needed to bolster the Sunda Strait patrol.

For the daily positions during the period of 12 November 1941 to 1 December 1941, see the map below.

(2)

19 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Batavia for fuel and stores. (2)

20 Nov 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Batavia to resume her patrol in the Sunda Strait. (2)

25 Nov 1941
In the early morning hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), is ordered to proceed to Batavia for fuel and stores and then to proceed into the Indian Ocean along the route to Fremantle, Australia to search for the missing Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney.

She departed Batavia later the same day for the Indian Ocean. (2)

27 Nov 1941
After dawn, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), had launched her aircraft for a search. When the aircraft returned it was damaged while landing in the rough seas. It was taken on board but was beyond repair by the ships crew. (2)

1 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Surabaya. (2)

2 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya to patrol in the Gaspar and Karimata Straits together with the submarines HrMs K IX (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) and HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN) (this was the 2nd Dutch submarine division).

For the daily positions during the period of 2 December 1941 to 9 December 1941, see the map below.

(2)

8 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) is on patrol to the north of Stait Karimata when she received a signal that war had broken out with Japan. Course was then set to return to Surabaya. (2)

9 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived back at Surabaya.

At 2100 hours HrMs Tromp departed Surabaya for Strait Sapé (the strait between Sumbawa and Flores Islands).

For the daily positions during the period of 9 December 1941 to 23 December 1941, see the map below.

(3)

10 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was fuelled by the Dutch naval tanker TAN 8 (2770 GRT, built 1927, former merchant tanker Petronella) north of Pulau Panjang in the northern end of the Lombok Strait. (3)

11 Dec 1941
In the morning, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), joined the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) that were already patrolling Sape Stait.

Ater fuelling from naval tanker TAN 2, HrMs Tromp, together with HrMS Banckert, while HrMS Piet Hein had already gone ahead, proceeded at high speed towards the Java Sea as a Japanese aircraft carrier was reported in the Java Sea. Early the next morning a signal was received that the report was false (The carrier was in fact an American merchant vessel with two tugs). Course was then reversed to return to Strait Sape. (3)

13 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the two destroyers were ordered to return to Surabaya. (3)

14 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was ordered to return to Surabaya where she arrived later the same day. (3)

15 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya for the Java Sea where at 1213 hours she made rendes-vous with HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN).

Course was then set for the Kumai Bay, south Borneo where the ships anchored late on this day and all Commending Officers went to the flagship for a breefing. With the breefing over the ships departed Kumai Bay at 0830/16 for Strait Karimata. (3)

18 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN). anchored in the Sampit Bay, south Borneo. HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) had already left the formation at 1600 hours the previous day to return to Surabaya for repairs.

In the afternoon destroyer Piet Hein went alongside and fuelled from the Tromp.

Early the next day Tromp and destroyer Banckert fuelled from the tanker TAN 3 (3126 GRT, built 1928, former merchant tanker Djirak). (3)

19 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed Sampit Bay, south Borneo to patrol to the south of Borneo. (3)

21 Dec 1941
Late in the morning, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN). anchored off the coast of south Borneo to the west of Sampit Bay. (3)

22 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) returned to Surabaya where they arrived late in the afternoon. (3)

26 Dec 1941
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya together with HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) for Batavia via Strait Bali, the south coast of Java and the Sunda Strait.

For the daily positions during the period of 26 December 1941 to 29 December 1941, see the map below.

(3)

29 Dec 1941
The task force, made up of HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN), arrived at Batavia. (3)

30 Dec 1941

Convoy DM 1

This convoy was formed at sea near Mombasa on 30 December 1941.

It arrived at Addu Atoll (Port T) on 4 January 1942 and departed from there for Singapore on 5 January 1942. The convoy arrived at Singapore on 13 January 1942.

This convoy was made up of the following ships;
American liner (troopship) Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1933), British liners (troopships) Narkunda (16227 GRT, built 1920), Aorangi (17491 GRT, built 1924), British cargo vessel Sussex (11062 GRT, built 1937), Dutch passerger / cargo ship Abbekerk (7906 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy was escorted by British light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) until Addu Attol. From Addu Atoll onwards HMS Emerald was reinforced by the British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) and the Indian sloop HMIS Jumna (Cdr. W.R. Shewring, RIN).

On 9 January, the British light cruiser HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), joined the escort in position 04°27'N, 94°47'E.

On 10 January, the Dutch light cruiser HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) joined the escort for three hours in position 05°22'N, 100°34'E. Rear-Admiral Doorman then boarded HMS Emerald to discuss the route and policy with the commanding officer. After Rear-Admiral Doorman returned to his flagship HrMs De Ruyter parted company with the convoy.

Later on 10 January 1940 the British destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and the Australian destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) joined the escort in position 05°30'S, 100°55'E.

Shortly before 1800 hours on 11 January the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) bolstered the escort of convoy DM 1. The Dutch ships remained with the convoy until 0745/13. (3)

1 Jan 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed Batavia. They were to bolster the escort of convoy BM 9A that was en-route to Singapore. The Dutch ships joined the British convoy at 1345 hours.

The Dutch ships remained with the convoy until 2000/2.

Convoy BM 9A was made up of the following ships; liner (troopship) Devonshire (11275 GRT, built 1939), passenger (or in this case troops) / cargo ships Lancashire (9445 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (8478 GRT, built 1926), Ethiopia (5575 GRT, built 1922) and Varsova (4691 GRT, built 1914). They were escorted by the Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), the British light cruisers HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) and the British destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and the Australian destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN). The convoy arrived arrived at Singapore on 3 January. (3)

1 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily positions during the period of 1 January 1942 to 14 January 1942, see the map below.

3 Jan 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) arrived at Banten Bay (to the west of Batavia). (3)

4 Jan 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed Banten Bay to bolster the escort of convoy BM 9B that was en-route to Singapore. The Dutch ships joined the British convoy around 1200GH/4.

The Dutch ships remained with the convoy until 2000/5.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BM 9B ' for 22 December 1941.] (3)

7 Jan 1942
After having released convoy BM 9B at 2000/5 HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) returned to the Sunda Strait, passed it and proceeded on a sweep into the Indian Ocean towards Pulau Enggano. After reaching Enggano around 0700 hours on this day course was reversed to return towards the Sunda Strait. (3)

8 Jan 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) put into the Keizersbay (near Lampung), southern Sumatra where they were fuelled by the naval tanker TAN 8 (2770 GRT, built 1927, former merchant tanker Petronella). Later the same day the task force departed for the Indian Ocean. (3)

8 Jan 1942

Convoy BM 10.

This convoy departed Bombay for Singapore on 8 January 1942.

On departure from Bombay it was made up of the following ships; British passenger / cargo ships Talthybius (10224 GRT, built 1912), Rohna (8602 GRT, built 1926), Cap St. Jaques (8009 GRT, built 1922), Takliwa (7936 GRT, built 1924), Islami (5879 GRT, built 1934), Ekma (5128 GRT, built 1911), British cargo ships Subadar (5424 GRT, built 1929), Jalavihar (5330 GRT, built 1911), Ekma (5128 GRT, built 1911), Jalakrishna (4991 GRT, built 1937), Loch Ranza (4958 GRT, built 1934) and Brittany (4772 GRT, built 1928)

Escort was initially provided by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN).

Around 2030F/12, the light cruisers HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C. Annesley, DSO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. J.W. Cuthbert, RN) took over from HMS Caledon in position 05°41'N, 80°00'E. They had come from Colombo escorting the British transports Jalaratna (3865 GRT, built 1930) and Silverlarch (5122 GRT, built 1924) which joined the convoy.

Around 1045F/14, the sloop HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) joined the convoy in position 03°52'N, 83°20'E coming from Trincomalee.

Around 0830FG/18, the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Danae (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) joined the convoy in position 00°41'S, 95°14'E. HMS Glasgow was detached half an hour later and returned to Colombo.

Around 1700GH/20, the destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Pretor-Pinney, RN) and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined the convoy in position 05°00'S, 100°57'E.

On 22 January 1942, the convoy passed through the Sunda Strait. Early in the morning of that day the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed Batavia (Jakarta), Java, Netherlands East Indies, escorting the US cargo ship Collingsworth (5101 GRT, built 1920), the Dutch passenger / cargo ship Rochussen (2680 GRT, built 1904), British cargo ship Yuen Sang (3229 GRT, built 1923) and the Norwegian cargo ship Hermelin (1683 GRT, built 1940). These ships joined the convoy around 1100GH/22. When the Dutch escorts joined the destroyers HMS Electra and HMS Stronghold left the convoy and proceeded to Batavia.

Around 1110GH/24, HMS Exeter parted company and proceeded to Batavia. Later the Dutch ships also parted company.

On 25 January 1942, the convoy and escort arrived at Singapore at dawn. (3)

9 Jan 1942
At 1930 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) are ordered by Rear Admiral Doorman aboard HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN) to proceed towards Pisang Island (Pulau Pisang) on the south-west coast of Sumatra where they were to refuel. (3)

10 Jan 1942
Shortly after 1030 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) dropped anchor off Pisang Island (Pulau Pisang). There they were fuelled by the Dutch naval tanker TAN 8 (2770 GRT, built 1927, former merchant tanker Petronella). The three Dutch warships departed around 2300 hours to rejoin HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) in the Indian Ocean which they did at 0645/11. (3)

14 Jan 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) arrive at Batavia (Jakarta), Java. (3)

19 Jan 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) depart Batavia (Jakarta), Java to escort the Dutch passenger / cargo ships Poelau Tello (9272 GRT, built 1929) and cargo ship Straat Malakka (6439 GRT, built 1939) through the Sunda Strait into the Indian Ocean.

Duning the night of 19/20 January, in a very dark night with heavy rain, contact was lost with the destroyer Banckert.

At 1700/20 the convoy was disbanded and HrMS Tromp and HrMs Piet Hein set course to return to Batavia.

At 0030/21, and again in heavy rain, Tromp lost contact with the Piet Hein as well. Borth ships re-joined company arond 0600 hours that morning. They then arrived at Batavia at 1100/21. (3)

22 Jan 1942

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 22 January 1942 to 28 January 1942, see the map below.

(3)

25 Jan 1942
Early in the morning HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed the escort of convoy BM 10 and proceeded to Pladjoe (Pladju, Palembang) to refuel. They arrived at Pladjoe (Pladju) to refuel at 1800 hours. (3)

26 Jan 1942
At 1130 hours, HMS Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) departed the Pladjoe (Pladju, Palembang) for Batavia (Jakarta), Java. (3)

27 Jan 1942
While en-route to Batavia (Jakarta), Java from Pladjoe (Pladju, Palembang, Sumatra), HMS Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) are ordered, at 0330 hours, to proceed at high speed towards a position 60 nautical miles to the north-west of Strait Karimata as a convoy of 16 Japanese ships is reported to be heading south in that direction. HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN), who is also in the area is also ordered to proceed to that position.

At 1430 hours this order is cancelled and Tromp and her two escorting destroyers are ordered to proceed to Surabaya, Java. (3)

28 Jan 1942
At 1500 hours, HMS Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN), arrive at Surabaya, Java. (3)

29 Jan 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was docked at Surabaya. (3)

31 Jan 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was undocked. (3)

3 Feb 1942
After a short maintenance period, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), departed Surabaya for Strait Madoera around 1300 hours. At 1835 hours she dropped anchor north of Gili Raja Island (Pulau Gili Raja) near HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN). Cdr. de Meester then went aboard the flagship for a conferance with the Squadron Commander Rear-Admiral Doorman with the Commanding Officers of all ships present.

For the daily positions during the period of 3 February 1942 to 8 February 1942, see the map below.

(3)

4 Feb 1942
At 0130 hours, the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN), HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) and HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN) departed their anchorage to the north of of Gili Raja Island (Pulau Gili Raja) for the Java Sea.

At 0500 hours they made rendes-vous with the US heavy cruiser USS Houston (Capt. A.H. Rooks, USN), the US light cruiser USS Marblehead (Capt. A.G. Robinson, USN) and their escorting destroyers USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Smith, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN), USS Barker (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN) and USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Harris, USN). These American ships had also been anchored the north of of Gili Raja Island (Pulau Gili Raja) but had left a little earlier then the Dutch ships. The mission of the joint Dutch-US task force was a 'hit and run' raid into Strait Makassar.

Around 0955 hours the task force came under air attack in the by the Japanese in the Bali Sea in approximate position 07°28'S, 115°37'E and USS Houston and USS Marblehead were damaged. Houston was hit on the roof of her rear 8" gun turret heavily damaging it and it could not be repaired. (When USS Houston sank about four weeks later she still had only two operational 8" gun turrets). USS Marblehead was hit twice and also straddled and received serious damage resulting in that she had to be sent to the USA for repairs. The raid into Makassar Stait was now cancelled.

USS Houston had been sent towards Tjilatjap (Cilacap) on the south coast of Java for repairs. USS Tromp was later ordered to give her protection during her passage there and proceeded after her. She caught up with her to the south of Atlas Stait and both ships then proceeded in company until 0000/5 when Tromp left USS Houston again and proceeded to re-join the task force as ordered which she did at 1325/5 when she made rendes-vous with HrMs De Ruyter and the three Dutch destroyers. (3)

8 Feb 1942
HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN), HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) and HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN) arrive at Tjilatjap (Cilacap) on the south coast of Java.

At Tjilatjap HrMs Tromp was fuelled by the US naval oiler USS Pecos (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Abernethy, USN).

Around 1800 hours Tromp departed Tjilatjap together with HrMS De Ruyter. (3)

8 Feb 1942

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 8 February 1942 to 16 February 1942, see the map below.

(3)

9 Feb 1942
Around 0800 hours, HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), were joined by eight US destroyers USS Whipple (Lt.Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Pound, USN), USS Edsall (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Nix, USN), USS Alden (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Coley, USN), USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Smith, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN), USS Barker (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN) and USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Harris, USN).

At 1700 hours the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN), HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) and HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN) also joined. Van Ghent developed engine trouble and was later replaced by HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN). (After repairs Van Ghent re-joined the task force on the 11th.)

Around 2130 hours the US destroyers USS Edsall and USS Alden were detached and sent to Tjilatjap. (3)

11 Feb 1942
At 1800 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), arrived at the Prigi Bay on the south coast of Java where she was fuelled by TAN 8 (2770 GRT, built 1927, former merchant tanker Petronella). (3)

12 Feb 1942
At 0200 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), departed the Prigi Bay on the south coast of Java. Outside the bay she waited for HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) which had also fuelled there. While leaving the bay De Ruyter collided with the US destroyer USS Whipple (Lt.Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN) (or it was the other way round, Whipple colliding with De Ruyter, depending on what sources one reads, Dutch or American, sic.).

At sea the Dutch cruisers made rendes-vous with the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN), HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN), HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN) and HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN). The task force then set course towards the Sunda Strait.

At 1600 hours, HrMS Van Ghent and HrMs Kortenaer departed the formation and at 1830 hours HrMs Piet Hein and HrMs Bankert also left.

Both cruisers then continued their passage towards the Sunda Strait unescorted. (3)

13 Feb 1942
Around 1400 hours HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrive in the Sunda Stait which was then entered and passed northbound. Course was then set towards the Gaspar Staits.

At 1830 hours they were joined by the third Dutch cruiser in the Dutch East Indies, HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN). As by now there were still no destroyers with the cruisers for an intended hit and run raid northwards the cruisers turned around and headed for Oosthaven (Bandar Lampung), Sumatra. (3)

14 Feb 1942
Around 1600 hours, an Allied task force, now made up of five cruisers; the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), the British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) and the Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN). They were escorted by a total of ten destroyers, four Dutch and six American; HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN), HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN), HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN), HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN), USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Smith, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN), USS Barker (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN), USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Harris, USN), USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Pound, USN) and USS Parrott (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hughes, USN) depared Oosthaven (Bandar Lampung), Sumatra for a hit and run raid to the north of the Gaspar Straits to attack a reported Japanese convoy. (3)

15 Feb 1942
Around 0315GH/15, the Allied Striking Force entered the Stolze Strait (to the east of Mendanau Island (Pulau Mendanau). The task force was clear of the strait around 0800GH/15 but not before the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Ghent (Lt.Cdr. P. Schotel, RNN) had hit a reef around 0500GH/15 resulting in the loss of this vessel. The Dutch destroyer HrMs Banckert (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNN) remained behind to render assistance to her stranded sister but it was soon apparent that the ship was beyond salvage. Several valuable items of the equipment were however taken off and by 1700 hours the wreck of HrMs Van Ghent was destroyed by HrMs Banckert. The Banckert now made off for Surabaya with the crew of the Van Ghent on board.

Meanwhile around 1150GH/15, the first Japanese air attack on the remainder of the Allied Striking Force started. The attacks, which came in five waves, lasted until about 1745GH/15. No major damage was done to the Allied ships which had reversed course shortly after 1300GH/15. The Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart reported some minor damage, mostly from splinters and the US destroyers USS Barker (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN) and USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Harris, USN) required repairs to their badly shaken up machinery spaces due to near misses.

The task force was then split up with HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN), HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN), HMAS Hobart and the destroyers USS Barker and USS Bulmer proceeding to Batavia to refuel. HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN) and the remaining US destroyers (USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Smith, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN), USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Pound, USN) and USS Parrott (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hughes, USN)) proceeded to the Ratai Bay to refuel and the two remaining Dutch destroyers (HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN) and HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN)) to Oosthaven to do the same. (3)

17 Feb 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Batavia for Surabaya. (3)

18 Feb 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Surabaya from Batavia. (3)

19 Feb 1942

Battle of Badoeng Strait

It was expected that the Japanese would soon land (night of 19/20 February 1942) on the south-east coast of Bali (Badoeng Strait). Rear-Admiral Doorman therefore wanted to attack them in three waves. The first wave came from Tjilatjap on the south coast of Java and consisted of the Dutch light cruisers HrMs De Ruyter (Cdr. E.E.B. Lacomblé, RNN and flagship of Rear-Admiral K.W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) and HrMs Java (Capt. P.B.M van Straelen, RNN), escorted by the Dutch destroyers HrMs Piet Hein (Lt.Cdr. J.M.L.I. Chompff, RNN) and HrMs Kortenaer (Lt.Cdr. A. Kroese, RNN) as well as the US destroyers USS John D. Ford (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Cooper, USN) and USS Pope (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Blinn, USN). However while leaving Tjilatjap in the evening of the 18th the Dutch destroyer Kortenaer grounded and was only able to get of at high tide therefore was no longer part of this force.

The second wave was made up of the Dutch light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and four US destroyers; USS Stewart (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Smith, USN), USS Parrott (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hughes, USN), USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Pound, USN) and USS John D. Edwards (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Eccles, USN). They sailed from Surabaya in the afternoon of the 19th

Finally the third wave was made up of the Dutch Motor Torpedo Boats; HrMs TM-4 (Lt. J.E. Gobée, RNN), HrMs TM-5 (S.Lt. E.J. Hoeksel, RNN), HrMs TM-6 (S.Lt. P. van Rees, RNN), HrMs TM-8 (Lt. J.G. Treffers, RNN), HrMs TM-9 (Lt. J.A. van Beusekom, RNN), HrMs TM-10 (S.Lt. J.W. Boon, RNN(R)), HrMs TM-11 (S.Lt. A.A.F. Schmitz, RNN), HrMs TM-15 (Lt. H.C. Jorissen, RNN). HrMs TM-13 (?) was also part of this force but acted as 'rescue boat'. Shortly after their sailing from Surabaya in the evening of the 18th HrMs TM-6 was forced to return due to engine trouble. These Motor Torpedo Boats proceeded through Strait Bali and anchored in three bay's on the Java side to refuel which took the whole day. In the evening of the 19th they departed for Badoeng Strait.

The Japanese attack on Bali was carried out by two transport ships Sasako Maru (7180 GRT, built 1941) and Sagami Maru (7189 GRT, built 1940). They had on board part of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 48th Infantry Division and had departed Makassar for Bali during the night of 17/18 February. They were escorted by four destroyers; Asashio (Lt.Cdr. G. Yoshii), Oshio (Cdr. K. Kikkawa) Arashio (Cdr. H. Kuboki) and Michishio (Lt.Cdr. M. Ogura). Distant cover was provided by the light cruiser Nagara (Capt T. Naoi, flagship of Rear-Admiral K. Kubo) escorted by three destroyers Hatsushimo (Lt.Cdr. S. Kohama), Nenohi (Lt.Cdr. T. Chihagi) and Wakaba (Lt.Cdr. M. Kuroki).

The Japanese landed around 0200/19 on the south coast of Bali. The transports were attacked unsuccessfully by the American submarine USS Seawolf. Seawolf herself was then counter attacked with depth charges by the destroyers but managed to escape.

During the day the Japanese transports were attacked from the air and the Sagami Maru was damaged. She left the landing zone escorted by the destroyers Arashio and Michishio. The undamaged Sasako Maru remained in the landing zone to pick up the landing barges. The destroyers Asashio and Oshio remained with her.

The allied first attack wave arrived south of Bali around 2130/19. A line was then formed in the order, HrMs De Ruyter, HrMs Java, HrMs Piet Hein, USS John D. Ford and finally USS Pope. Speed was increaded to 27 knots and they proceeded up Badoeng Strait. Around 2230 hours HrMs De Ruyter and HrMs Java opened fire on the Japanese which were taken by surprise. The Asashio turned a searchlight on which was quickly taken out by a salvo from the Java. The Dutch cruisers claimed heavy damage on the enemy but according to Japanese reports on the battle damage was only minor and after being initially taken by surprise the Japanese soon counter attacked. By that time however the Dutch cruisers had moved on.

The Allied destroyers were further behind the cruisers then intended and now arrived on the scene. Piet Hein was a little ahead of the US destroyers and opened fire with her 4.7” guns and also fired two torpedoes. Shortly afterwards two more torpedoes were fired but none found their intended target. Piet Hein then turned around towards the US destroyers with the intention to attack the Japanese again. While doing so her smoke generator was started. It is not completely clear but it is possible that one of these US destroyers then engaged Piet Hein with gunfire thinking she was Japanese. It is also possible that it were the Japanese that engaged Piet Hein. At this time Piet Hein was hit several times, resulting in her to come to a stop. After about 15 minutes Piet Hein was illuminated by a Japanese searchlight and taken under fire. The crew was ordered to abandon the doomed destroyer and she soon sank.

USS John D. Ford and Pope sighted a Japanese transport vessel (this must have been the Sasaga Maru) and what they thought to be a Japanese cruiser but this must have been the destroyer Oshio. They launched torpedoes (Ford – three, Pope - five) and turned away. Asashio and Oshio when went after them. The Americans thought they faced a very powerful enemy, even heavy cruisers were thought to be present. Both destroyers then retired to the south-east to return to Tjilatjap. Shortly afterwards they heard gunfire. This gunfire was coming from both Japanese destroyer that were now engaging each other by mistake. After a few minutes the mistake was noticed and both Japanese destroyer retired up the Strait to the north.

Meanwhile the Allied second attack wave was nearing the scene of the action. They had arrived south of Bali around 0100/20. The four US destroyers were ahead of the Tromp. It was intended that the four US destroyer would enter Badoeng Strait and attack with torpedoes first and that the Tromp would come behind them to finish off the Japanese after the confusion of the torpedo attack. During the torpedo attack a total of fifteen torpedoes were fired, six each by USS Stewart and USS Pope and three by USS Pillsbury. Their targets, Asashio and Oshio were not hit and both Japanese destroyers now went after their attackers. Stewart was then hit with gunfire. The US destroyers then set course to the east to leave Badoeng Strait. Now Tromp went in. Soon she was illuminated by a searchlight and the Japanese opened fire. Thy obtained eleven hits on the Tromp causing heavy damage to the Dutch cruiser. The Oshio on her turn was seriously damaged by the Tromp. The action was over around 0215/20 and Tromp retired from the Strait to the north-east. When north of Bali she went to full speed and returned to Surabaya for repairs.

Japanese Rear-Admiral Kubo, on board the Nagara, had meanwhile ordered the Arashio and Michishio to return to Badoeng Strait (Nagara and her three escorting destroyers were too far off). When the two Japanese destroyers entered the Strait they encountered the four US destroyers. Both sides launched torpedoes but all missed their intended targets and then a gunfight was started. During this gunfight the Michishio was heavily damaged and in the end she had to be towed back to Makassar. The US destroyer meanwhile continued to retire from the area.

The third wave then entered the Strait. The Dutch MTB’s had seen the second wave attacking but when they entered Badoeng Strait the Japanese were not sighted and they left without being able to fire torpedoes.

The Allies were at that time under the impression that they had obtained a victory. They thought to have sunk a Japanese cruiser and have damaged two more cruisers and two destroyers. This was not the case, one Japanese destroyer was heavily damaged and one seriously. In return the Japanese sank a Dutch destroyer and damaged the Dutch cruiser Tromp heavily. As the Dutch naval base at Surabaya was now under daily air attack it was deemed wise to sent the Tromp to Australia for repairs.

20 Feb 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Surabaya for repairs. She had suffered 10 dead and 30 wounded (including her Commanding Officer) during the action in Badoeng Strait. (3)

23 Feb 1942
At 1700 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Surabaya to proceed to Sydney, Australia (via Fremantle) for repairs.

Tromp proceeded to the Indian Ocean via Strait Madoera and Strait Bali. She was clear of Strait Bali at 0215/24.

For the daily positions during the period of 23 February 1942 to 4 March 1942, see the map below.

(3)

27 Feb 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Fremantle, Australia. She departed for Sydney later the same day. (2)

4 Mar 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Sydney, Australia. (2)

6 Mar 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) shifted to one of the docks of the Cockatoo Dockyard for repairs to her action damage. (2)

26 Mar 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was undocked. She then continued her refit at the Cockatoo Dockyard. (2)

25 Apr 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) completed her repair / refit period at Sydney. During this period two 3" AA guns, six 20mm Oerlikons, Asdic and radar were installed. (2)

27 Apr 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) started a period of post repair trials / exercises off Sydney. (2)

2 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Sydney. (2)

9 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was docked at Sydney. (2)

10 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was undocked. (2)

17 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney for sea. She was ordered to perform an A/S search off Sydney together with the brand new Australian destroyer HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and the US destroyer USS Perkins (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Ford, USN).

The previous day the Russian freighter Uelen (5106 GRT, built 1913) was attacked to the north of Sydney by the Japanese submarine I-29.

All three Allied ships returned to Sydney later the same day having found no enemy submarine. (2)

18 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney for convoy escort duty together with HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN). They were to escort convoy ZK 8 (Sydney - Townsville) northwards. Convoy ZK 8 was made up of four Dutch merchant vessels Bantam (3322 GRT, built 1930), Bontekoe (4668 GRT, built 1923), Van Heemskerk (2996 GRT, built 1909) and Van Heutsz (4588 GRT, built 1926).

For the daily positions during the period of 18 May 1942 to 24 May 1942, see the map below.

(2)

23 May 1942
At 1000 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), turned over the escort of convoy ZK 8 over to HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Travis, RAN), HMAS Goulburn (Lt. B. Paul, RANR(S)) and HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)).

HrMs Tromp and HMAS Arunta then reversed course to return to Sydney. (2)

24 May 1942
Very late in the evening, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), arrived back at Sydney. (2)

25 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney to escort the Dutch merchant vessel Swartenhondt (4661 GRT, built 1924) northwards.

For the daily positions during the period of 25 May 1942 to 31 May 1942, see the map below.

(2)

28 May 1942
At 0830 hours, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) released the Dutch merchant vessel Swartenhondt (4661 GRT, built 1924) which she had been escorting northwards from Sydney.

Tromp then reversed course to return to Sydney. (2)

31 May 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Sydney. After fuelling she departed for yet another convoy mission.

Convoy ZK 9 was to be escorted northwards. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; American Robert Gray (7176 GRT, built 1942) (joined off Melbourne on 2 June), Stephen A. Douglas (7176 GRT, built 1942) (joined off Melbourne on 2 June), Australian Katoomba (9424 GRT, built 1913), Ormiston (5815 GRT, built 1922) and Dutch Japara (3323, built 1930) (joined off Melbourne on 2 June). Besides Tromp they were escorted by the US destroyer USS Selfridge (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Reynolds, USN) and the Australian sloop HMAS Warrego (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, RAN). (2)

31 May 1942

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 31 May 1942 to 7 June 1942, see the map below.

(2)

4 Jun 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), the American destroyer USS Selfridge (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Reynolds, USN), the American merchant Stephen A. Douglas (7176 GRT, built 1942), the Australian merchant Stephen A. Douglas (7176 GRT, built 1942) and the Dutch Japara (3323, built 1930) split off from the convoy off Rockhampton and proceeded towards that harbour.

After fuelling Tromp and Selfridge departed for Sydney later the same day.

7 Jun 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Sydney where she went to the Cockatoo Island Dockyard for repairs. (2)

15 Jun 1942
With her repairs completed HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (2)

19 Jun 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney to escort the Australian auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) to Nouméa, New Caledonia and back to Sydney.

For the daily positions during the period of 19 June 1942 to 2 July 1942, see the map below.

(2)

24 Jun 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Australian auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) arrived at Nouméa, New Caledonia. (4)

27 Jun 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Australian auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) departed Nouméa, New Caledonia for Sydney. (4)

2 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the Australian auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) arrived at Sydney. (4)

4 Jul 1942

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 4 July 1942 to 14 July 1942, see the map below.

(4)

4 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney as escort for convoy ZK 11 that was to proceed to Fremantle. Convoy ZK 11 was made up of the Australian liner Duntroon (10346 GRT, built 1935) and the Australian Armed Merchant Cruisers HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (A/Capt. (emergency) H.V. Hudson, OBE, RAN).

The American destroyer USS Flusser ( Lt.Cdr. L.H. Miller, USN) was also part of the escort until 0600/5 when she returned to Sydney as previously ordered. (4)

14 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. (4)

20 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle for Albany. (4)

22 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Albany. (4)

24 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Albany as escort for the US submarine tender USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN) and the US submarines USS Seal (Lt.Cdr. K.C. Hurd, USN) and USS Saury (Lt.Cdr. L.S. Mewhinney, USN). (4)

25 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN) and the US submarines USS Seal (Lt.Cdr. K.C. Hurd, USN) and USS Saury (Lt.Cdr. L.S. Mewhinney, USN) arrived at Fremantle.

27 Jul 1942

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 27 July 1942 to 31 July 1942, see the map below.

(4)

27 Jul 1942

Convoy ZK 12.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 27 July 1942.

It was made up of the transport Duntroon (10346 GRT, built 1935) and the armed merchant cruisers HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (A/Capt.(Emgy.) H.V. Hudson, OBE, RAN).

The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN).

The convoy merged with convoy ' Schooner A ' at 1015H/28, in position 33°28'S, 113°48'E. (4)

29 Jul 1942
Around 1900H/29, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN), parted from the combined convoy ' Schooner A / ZK 12 '. (5)

31 Jul 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (4)

2 Aug 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle for a rendes-vous in the Indian Ocean with the British passenger (troops) / cargo ship Stirling Castle (25550 GRT, built 1936) to take over the escort from the British light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN).

For the daily positions during the period of 2 August 1942 to 10 August 1942, see the map below.

(4)

6 Aug 1942
At 1015 hours, in position 32°05'N, 96°00'E, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) made rendes-vous with the British passenger (troops) / cargo ship Stirling Castle (25550 GRT, built 1936) and her escort from the British light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN). (4)

9 Aug 1942
Around 1210H/9, in position 38°06'N, 115°44'E, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) made rendevous with HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and turned over the escort of the troopsship Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) to her. Hrms Tromp then set course to return to Fremantle. (4)

10 Aug 1942
HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived back at Fremantle. (4)

23 Aug 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) made a short A/S patrol off Fremantle. Possibly the US submarine USS Gar (Cdr. D. McGregor, USN) was briefly escorted part of the way south to Albany. Tromp returned to Fremantle later the same day. (4)

1 Sep 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to bolster the escort of convoy US 16 that was coming from Sydney. This convoy was made up of the British liner (troopship) Devonshire (11275 GRT, built 1939), passenger (troops) / cargo ships Rajula (8478 GRT, built 1926) and Aronda (8328 GRT, built 1941), their escort, if any, is currently unknown to us.

Tromp joined the escort of the convoy at 0845/2. (4)

3 Sep 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. (4)

7 Sep 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle as escort for convoy US 17 that left Fremantle for Durban, South-Africa. This convoy was made up of the British liner (troopship) Felix Roussel (16774 GRT, built 1931, former French), Dutch liner (troopship) Westernland (16313 GRT, built 1918), American cargo ship Lillian Luckenbach (8739 GRT, built 1919) and British passenger / cargo ship Ekma (5128 GRT, built 1911).

For the daily positions during the period of 7 September 1942 to 14 September 1942, see the map below.

(4)

11 Sep 1942
Around 1140FG/11, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), turned over the escort for convoy US 17 to HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN). HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Tromp then set course to return to Fremantle. (6)

14 Sep 1942
Around 1100H,14, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (6)

24 Sep 1942
Around 0825H/24, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) departed Fremantle for exercises. (6)

26 Sep 1942
Around 0745H/26, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from exercises. (6)

30 Sep 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (4)

6 Oct 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle for Sydney via Melbourne. On departure she carried out exercises with HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN).

For the daily positions during the period of 6 October 1942 to 16 October 1942, see the map below.

(4)

12 Oct 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Melbourne. (4)

16 Oct 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Sydney for a maintenance period. (4)

20 Oct 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) is docked at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (4)

28 Oct 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) is undocked. (4)

20 Nov 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted trails off Sydney. (4)

22 Nov 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney for Melbourne.

For the daily positions during the period of 22 November 1942 to 11 December 1942, see the map below.

(4)

25 Nov 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Williamstown, Melbourne. (4)

2 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Williamstown, Melbourne for Burnie, Tasmania. (4)

3 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Burnie, Tasmania. (4)

7 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Burnie, Tasmania to make rendezvous with the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939) coming from Fremantle. (4)

11 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Sydney. (4)

12 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Sydney for Wellington, New Zealand escorting the British liner (troopship) Mauretania (35738, built 1939).

For the daily positions during the period of 12 December 1942 to 20 December 1942, see the map below.

(4)

15 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Wellington. (4)

16 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Wellington for Melbourne. (4)

20 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Melbourne. (4)

22 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Melbourne for Fremantle. During this passage the British passenger (troops) / cargo ship Nestor (14501 GRT, built 1913) was escorted.

For the daily positions during the period of 22 December 1942 to 30 December 1942, see the map below.

(4)

30 Dec 1942
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. (4)

2 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to briefly escort the British passenger (troops) / cargo ship Nestor (14501 GRT, built 1913) southwards. (4)

3 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (4)

5 Jan 1943
Around 0615I/5, the troopship Ile de France (British, 43548 GRT, built 1927, former French) departed Fremantle for Bombay.

She was being escorted by the light cruisers HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) of which the last one acted in the A/S role.

Around 2100I/5, HrMs Tromp parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 2000GH/5, HMAS Adelaide parted company with the Ile de France to return to Fremantle.

The troopship then continued on unescorted and arrived at Bombay on the 14th. (7)

6 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (4)

8 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to briefly escort the US cargo vessel Adabelle Lykes (5093 GRT, built 1942). (4)

9 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (4)

11 Jan 1943
During 11 and 12 January 1943, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (4)

15 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to escort the US Navy cargo ship USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920).

For the daily positions during the period of 15 January 1943 to 18 January 1943, see the map below.

(4)

16 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) relaesed the Australian passerger / cargo ship Reynella (9780 GRT, built 1926, former Italian Remo). She then was to make rendes-vous with the Australian passerger / cargo ship Reynella (9780 GRT, built 1926, former Italian Remo) but this ship failed to show up at the rendes-vous and Tromp eventually set course to return to Fremantle. (4)

18 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (4)

20 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (4)

25 Jan 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Thresher (T/Cdr. W.J. Millican, USN). (4)

27 Jan 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) departed Fremantle for exercises about 100 nautical miles west off Rottnest Island.

They returned to Fremantle on the 29th. (7)

1 Feb 1943

'Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943.

This convoy, made up of the troop transports Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936), Aquitania (British, 45647 GRT, built 1914), Ile de France (British, 43548 GRT, built 1927, former French), Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN) (22575 GRT, built 1933) were transporting 30000 men of the Australian 9th Division from Suez to Melbourne and Sydney. [HMS Queen of Bermuda also served in the role of troopship.]

This convoy had departed Suez on 1 February 1943 and were escorted during their passage through the Red Sea by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, DSO, RHN) and the escort destroyer Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN).

The convoy was joined around 1545C/4 by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN).

Around 1800E/6, HMS Hero and HMS Derwent parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 2000E/6, HMS Pakenham, HMS Petard, HMS Isis and RHS Vasilissa Olga parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 1230FG/9, the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy entered Addu Atoll late in the afternoon / early in the evening of the 9th where all warships fuelled.

The convoy departed Addu Atoll to continue its passage to Australia in the afternoon of the 10th. The light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) had joined the convoy escort.

Around 0030FG/11, HMS Quilliam and HMS Foxhound parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll.

Around 0840H/16, the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate postion 26°06'S, 101°09'E.

Around 2000H/16, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 27°41'S, 104°35'E.

Around 2000H/17, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined the convoy in approximate position 30°30'S, 112°52'E.

In the afternoon of the 18th the convoy arrived off Fremantle.

Around 1800I/20, the convoy, minus HMS Queen of Bermuda departed Fremantle now escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes.

Around 2300I/21, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1645KL/24, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN) and the destroyers USS Henley (Lt.Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN) and USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Chambers, USN). The New Amsterdam escorted by HMAS Adelaide, HrMs Heemskerk and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes then departed the convoy and proceeded to Port Phillip where they arrived arrived around 1000L/25. The other ships continued to Sydney.

In the afternoon of the 26th the HrMs Heemskerck rejoined the convoy. Later in the afternoon the destroyer Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) also joined.

The convoy arrived at Sydney on the 27th.

2 Feb 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to make rendes-vous with the British aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) in estimated position 33°52'S, 109°23'E in the afternoon of the following day and then to escort that vessel to Fremantle.

For the daily positions during the period of 2 February 1943 to 8 February 1943, see the map below.

(4)

3 Feb 1943
Around 1400 hours, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN), made rendes-vous with the British aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) in position 33°42'S, 109°33'E. (4)

4 Feb 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle escorting the British aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR). (4)

6 Feb 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle escorting the British aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) southwards until 1200/7. (4)

7 Feb 1943
At 1840 hours, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), made rendes-vous with the British liner (troopship) Mauretania (35738, built 1939) to escort her to Fremantle. Later that evening the were joined by the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (4)

8 Feb 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle escorting the British liner (troopship) Mauretania (35738, built 1939). (4)

10 Feb 1943
Around 0730I/10, the troopship Mauretania (British, 35738 GRT, built 1939) departed Fremantle for Bombay. On departure from Fremantle she was escorted by the light cruisers HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

HrMs Tromp and HrMs Van Galen were to escort the Mauretania until dark (around 2100I/10) this day acting as A/S escort and were then to return to Fremantle. HMAS Adelaide was to remain with the Mauretania until near longitude 100°E. She parted company with the Mauretania around 0700H/18 and set course to return to Fremantle.

The troopship arrived at Bombay on 19 February 1943. (8)

11 Feb 1943
Around 1100I/11, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) retuned to Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (9)

13 Feb 1943
Around 2000I/13, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle to join convoy 'Pamphlet' at sea.

[For more info on the Pamplet convoy see the event for 1 February 1943.] (9)

20 Feb 1943
HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to act as escort for the US troopship USS Monticello (Cdr. B.B. Lanier, USNR) (25661 GRT, built 1928, former Italian liner Conte Grande).

HrMs Tromp was detached to return to Fremantle around 2030I/21. (10)

23 Feb 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

3 Mar 1943

Convoy OW 2.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 3 March 1943.

It was made up of only one transport, the Mormacdove (American, 6711 GRT, built 1942).

The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) and the armed merchant cruiser Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) which also departed Fremantle on 3 March.

In the evening of 4 March, HrMs Tromp parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1025F/7, in position 20°22'S, 91°00'E, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) took over the escort of the convoy from HMS Queen of Bermuda which then parted company and set course for Durban.

The convoy arrived at Colombo in the morning of 13 March 1943. (10)

6 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

8 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle as escort for convoy OW 5 (Fremantle - Colombo) which was made up of the American cargo ships Cape Charles (5094 GRT, built 1942) and Fairisle (6165 GRT, built 1942). Tromp escorted the convoy until dark the following day. (10)

10 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

13 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to briefly escort the American cargo ship Extavia (6535 GRT, built 1941). (10)

14 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

15 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with USS Grenadier (Cdr. J.A. Fitzgerald, USN). (10)

16 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with USS Isabel (Lt. F.D. Buckley, USN) and USS Grenadier (Cdr. J.A. Fitzgerald, USN). (10)

19 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle for exercises. (10)

21 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

23 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to briefly escort (until dark this day) the British liner (troopship) Ile de France (43548 GRT, built 1927, former French) when she was on passage near Fremantle. (10)

24 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

26 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (10)

30 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (11)

31 Mar 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to briefly escort (until dark this day) the American cargo ship Carlos Carrillo (7176 GRT, built 1943). (10)

1 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

6 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (10)

13 Apr 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (10)

20 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Gar (T/Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN). (10)

21 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with USS Gar (Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN). (10)

27 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to make rendes-vous with the US Naval tanker USS Trinity (Cdr. W.W. Angerer, USN) coming from the Persian Gulf and escort her to Fremantle.

For the daily positions during the period of 27 April 1943 to 30 April 1943, see the map below.

(10)

28 Apr 1943
Around 1330 hours, in approximate position 29°00'S, 109°06'E, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) made rendes-vous with the US Naval tanker USS Trinity (Cdr. W.W. Angerer, USN). (10)

30 Apr 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

5 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. N.G. Weber, RANR(S)) and USS Tambor (Lt.Cdr. R. Kefauver, USN). (10)

7 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with USS Tautog (Cdr. W.B. Sieglaff, USN) and USS Tambor (Lt.Cdr. R. Kefauver, USN). (10)

8 May 1943
Around 0830H/8, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. A/S escort was provided by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) until around 1800H/8. She then set course to return to Fremantle. (12)

9 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (10)

11 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN). (10)

12 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN). (10)

15 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to escort the US Naval tanker USS Trinity (Cdr. W.W. Angerer, USN) on her way from Fremantle to the Persian Gulf until dark the following day. (10)

17 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

18 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with USS Grayling (T/Cdr. J.E. Lee, USN). (13)

19 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (13)

20 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

HrMs Van Galen only participated in the exercises briefly as she soon joined the outgoing transport Alcoa Prospector (American, 6796 GRT, built 1941) and escorted her until 2300H/20. HrMs Van Galen returned to Fremantle around 0900H/21. (14)

21 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to escort the British liner (troopship) Dominion Monarch (27155 GRT, built 1939) towards that port. Dominion Monarch was already escorted by the Australian light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN). (13)

23 May 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

2 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

8 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (13)

9 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN). (13)

17 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with USS Gar (T/Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN). (13)

18 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) briefly conducted exercises off Fremantle (13)

22 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (13)

24 Jun 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to make rendes-vous with the Dutch liner (troopship) Nieuw Amsterdam (36287 GRT, built 1938).

Later this day Tromp was ordered to make rendes-vous with the American cargo ship William M. Gwin (7176 GRT, built 1943) to take off a member of the armed guard that was stricken with appendicitis.

For the daily positions during the period of 24 June 1943 to 1 July 1943, see the map below.

(13)

25 Jun 1943
At 1150 hours, in position 30°06'S, 108°13'E, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN), made rendes-vous with the American cargo ship William M. Gwin (7176 GRT, built 1943) and took over a crewmember stricken with appendicitis. (13)

28 Jun 1943
Around 1400 hours, in position 24°31'S, 90°44'E, the Dutch light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN), made rendes-vous with the troopship Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) and her escort the British heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN). HrMs Tromp then took over the escort from HMS Sussex which then set course towards Mauritius. (13)

1 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

6 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (15)

7 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to proceed at high speed towards position 27.29'S, 106.29'E where the American cargo ship American Manufacturer (6678 GRT, built 1941) reported being attacked by an enemy submarine. This alert was later cancelled and Tromp was recalled to Fremantle. (13)

8 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

13 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (15)

14 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with the US submarine USS Finback (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Tyree, Jr., USN). (13)

15 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with the US submarine USS Finback (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Tyree, Jr., USN). (13)

28 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle together with the US submarine USS Grayling (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Brinker, USN). (13)

30 Jul 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (16)

4 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 4 August 1943 to 12 August 1943, see the map below.

(13)

4 Aug 1943

Convoy US 20.

This convoy departed Freemantle on 4 August 1943 and was dispersed on 16 August 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Cape Henlopen (American, 5094 GRT, built 1942), Cape St.George (American, 5105 GRT, built 1942), Tarakan (Dutch, 8183 GRT, built 1930), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937) and Tawali (Dutch, 8152 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Fremantle, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

At dusk on the 5th (1800H/5), HrMs van Galen parted company and returned to Fremantle.

At 1400FG/9, in position 21°13'S, 93°04'E, HrMs Tromp turned over the escort of the convoy the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN).

At 1900F/15, HMS Kenya the convoy was dispersed in position 00°10'N, 70°09'E. (17)

9 Aug 1943
Shortly after 1400 hours, in position 21°13'S, 93°04'E, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was relieved as escort for convoy US 20 by the British light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN). (13)

12 Aug 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) returned to Fremantle. (13)

13 Sep 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) conducted compass calibration trials off Fremantle. (18)

22 Sep 1943
Around 0530H/22, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) departed Fremantle to escort the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) to Melbourne.

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) was with them until 1600H/22 when she parted company. (19)

26 Sep 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) arrived at Melbourne. (18)

27 Sep 1943
HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) was docked at Melbourne. (18)

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