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Light cruiser HMS Phoebe (43)

20 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted post repair trials off New York. (1)

21 Apr 1942
Around 0800Q/21, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Gravesend Bay for Hampton Roads where she arrived around 2130Q/21. On departure full power trials were carried out. (1)

23 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (1)

24 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (1)

26 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (1)

27 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600Q/27, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Chesapeake Bay for Plymouth. (1)

6 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/6, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Chesapeake Bay. At Plymouth she was to be taken in hand at the Devonport Dockyard for further repairs and modifications that had not been possible in the U.S.A. (2)

26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is docked in No.8 Graving Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (2)

27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is undocked. (2)

6 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth. (3)

7 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0745B/7, HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) departed Plymouth for Loch Foyle, Scapa Flow and the Clyde respectively. (4)

9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2355B/9, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. At Scapa Flow she was to conduct a post refit work-up programme. (3)

17 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow on completion of which she left Scapa Flow for gunnery exercises and exercises with aircraft. She returned to Scapa Flow on completion of these exercises. (3)

22 Jun 1942
Around 0730B/22, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Stranraer (Loch Ryan). (3)

23 Jun 1942
Around 0630B/23, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Stranraer (Loch Ryan) from Scapa Flow. (3)

24 Jun 1942
At 0830B/24, at Stranraer (Loch Ryan), His Majesty, King George VI, the Queen consort and their entourage boarded the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) which shortly afterwards then departed for Belfast, Northern Ireland where she arrived around 1210B/24. The King and Queen then left the ship. During the passage HMS Phoebe had been escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) and HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN). (5)

26 Jun 1942
Around 1355B/26, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) and HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN) departed Belfast for Larne where they arrived around 1630B/26.

The King and Queen then boarded HMS Phoebe after which the three ships left for Stranraer (Loch Ryan) where they arrived around 1925B/26.

HMS Phoebe then left Stranraer for Scapa Flow around 2200B/26. (3)

27 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2000B/27, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Stranraer (Loch Ryan). (3)

28 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (3)

30 Jun 1942
In the morning, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the destroyer HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) conducted rangefinding and inclination exercises (RIX) off Scapa Flow.

In the afternoon HMS Phoebe also conducted exercises with aircraft. (3)

1 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (6)

3 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. Before leaving Scapa Flow HMS Phoebe conducted torpedo firing exercises. (7)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

On completion of the exercises they returned to Scapa Flow except HMS Phoebe which set course for the Clyde. (8)

9 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1245B/9, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (6)

11 Jul 1942
Around 1600B/11, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet. (6)

15 Jul 1942
Around 0800B/15, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Greenock. (6)

16 Jul 1942
Around 0700B/16, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (6)

20 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000Z/20, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (6)

24 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315Z/24, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Freetown to make rendezvous with the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) coming from Capetown. (6)

26 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) acted as target for aircraft from HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN).

Around noon, after the exercises had been completed, HMS Phoebe, in position 00°15'N, 08°19'W, made rendezvous with HMS Indomitable and her escorting destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN). Course was then set for Freetown. (9)

28 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845Z/28, HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown. (9)

31 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was at sea off Freetown to pump out contaminated oil fuel from her bunkers. (6)

1 Aug 1942
Around 0700Z/1, HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) departed Freetown to make rendezvous with other fleet units near the Azores on 6 August 1942.

[See also the event ' Convoy WS 21S and Operation Pedestal ' for 2 August 1942 for subsequent events.] (10)

9 Aug 1942
Around 0015B/9, HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Freetown and the exercises near the Azores. After fuelling they departed around 0445B/9 for operation Pedestal.

[See the event ' Convoy WS 21S and Operation Pedestal ' for 2 August 1942 for subsequent events.] (10)

15 Aug 1942
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Operation Vigorious.

Shortly after arrival, Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN, then hoisted his flag in HMS Sirius. (11)

16 Aug 1942
Around 1130B/16, the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyer HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown.

Two hours later the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN) also departed Gibraltar to overtake and join the other ships. (12)

22 Aug 1942
Around 1045Z/22, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar.

HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN) had meanwhile been detached to Bathurst where she had arrived on 21 August. (13)

24 Aug 1942
Around 1845Z/24, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Freetown for Capetown. (13)

3 Sep 1942
Around 1100B/3, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Capetown from Freetown. They were temporary attached to the South Atlantic station. (14)

7 Sep 1942
Around 1510B/7, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Capetown for Port Elizabeth. Before departure they both conducted D/G trials. (15)

8 Sep 1942
Around 1700B/8, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Port Elizabeth from Capetown. Both cruisers then commenced boiler cleaning. (16)

16 Sep 1942

Operation Volley, part I.

Around 1630C/16, the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Port Elizabeth to patrol to the south of South Africa to try to intercept enemy blockade breakers. Five auxiliary minesweepers from the South African navy were also deployed for this operation. These were the following; HMSAS Roodepoort, HMSAS Stellenberg, HMSAS Florida, HMSAS Southern Barrier and HMSAS Terje.

The cruisers parted company at 1000C/17 to patrol independently.

The operation was broken off on 20 September 1942 due to the bad weather conditions.

HMS Sirius arrived at Simonstown around 1500C/21.

HMS Phoebe arrived at Durban around 0945C/23. (17)

24 Sep 1942
Around 0030B/24, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Durban for Simonstown. She was escorting the troop transport Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925) part of her way to Capetown. (18)

26 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/26, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Simonstown. (18)

30 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Operation Volley, part II.

Between 0900C/30 and 1000C/30, the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Simonstown to patrol to the south of South Africa to try to intercept the expected German blockade breaker Dresden (5567 GRT, built 1937). This ship had departed Yokohama, Japan on 20 August 1942. The enemy ship was however not sighted and arrived at Bordeaux on 3 November 1942.

The cruisers returned to Simonstown around 0900C/6. (19)

9 Oct 1942

Operation Volley, part III.

Around 1700C/9, the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Simonstown to patrol to the south of South Africa near position 40°00'S, 15°00'E to try to intercept a suspected German blockade breaker passing through the area. This most likely was refering to the German blockade breaker Kulmerland (7363 GRT, built 1929) which had departed Dairen on 26 August 1942 and arrived at Bordeaux on 7 November 1942.

The operation was abandoned on 12 October and the cruisers returned to Simonstown around 0815C/13. (20)

18 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2050C/18, HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Simonstown for Pointe Noire. (21)

23 Oct 1942
At 0756B/23, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was torpedoed by U-161 off Pointe Noire. After the hit, the corvette HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) coming up from the harbour attacked the enemy submarine and prevented the U-boat to finish off the cruiser. Forty-two crew members of the cruiser were killed in the attack.

HMS Phoebe arrived at Pointe Noire around 1845B/23. Temporary repairs were to be undertaken before she would be able to proceed to the USA for repairs. (22)

2 Dec 1942
Around 1745A/2, the damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Pointe Noire for Takoradi. She was escorted by the corvettes Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves, FFS Commandant Drogou and the motor launches HMML 244 and HMML 272. (23)

6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130A/6, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves, FFS Commandant Drogou, HMML 244 and HMML 272 arrived at Takoradi from Pointe Noire. (23)

7 Dec 1942
Around 1630A/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR), FFS Commandant Drogou, HMML 273 and HMML 274 departed Takoradi for Freetown. The motor launches were local escort only though. (23)

11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830Z/11, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) and FFS Commandant Drogou arrived at Freetown from Takoradi. (23)

14 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715Z/14, the damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Freetown for Pernambuco. She is escorted by the sloop HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN) and the corvette HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR). (23)

21 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700P/21, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN) and HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR) arrived at Recife (Pernambuco) from Freetown. (24)

23 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2000P/23, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN) and HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR) departed Recife (Pernambuco) for Trinidad. (24)

30 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1745Q/30, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN) and HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR) arrived at Trinidad from Recife (Pernambuco). (24)

1 Jan 1943

Convoy TAG 33.

This convoy departed Trinidad on 1 January 1943.

On departure from Trinidad the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Liebre (American (tanker), 7057 GRT, built 1921), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Socony-Vacuum (American (tanker), 9511 GRT, built 1935), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was also tanking passage in this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Tarbell (T/Cdr. W.M. Foster, USN), corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. S. Darling, RANVR) and the patrol vessels PC-469 (Cdr. R.E. Morrell, USCG) and PC-567 (Lt. J.E. Allen, USNR).

On 3 January 1943, the convoy was joined by the following tankers coming from Curacao; Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), Axtell J. Byles (American, 9059 GRT, built 1927), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Francis T. Hart (Honduran, 9623 GRT, built 1938) and Nortind (Norwegian, 8221 GRT, built 1941).

Also the tanker F.Q. Barstow (American, 9003 GRT, built 1917) joined coming from Aruba.

In the morning of January 5th, the Nordeflinge and Settler detached from the convoy.

Early in the afternoon the convoy was joined by the destroyer USS Dickerson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN), corvette USS Temptress (?), patrol vessels USCGC Triton (?), USS PC-562 (Lt. S.H. Johnson, USNR) and USS PC-619 (Lt. J. van Brown, USNR). They then took over the convoy to proceed with it towards New York. The convoy was now renumbered GN 33.

The Athelprince, Francis T. Hart and HMS Phoebe however parted company with the convoy to proceed to Guantanamo Bay escorted by USS Tarbell, HMS Clarkia and PC-567. PC-469 proceeded to Guantanamo Bay independently. Francis T. Hart was however later detached.

The Athelprince, HMS Phoebe, USS Tarbell, HMS Clarkia and PC-567 arrived at Guantanamo Bay on 6 January 1943.

7 Jan 1943

Convoy GK 720.

This convoy departed Guantanamo Bay on 7 January 1943.

On departure from Guantanamo Bay the convoy was made up of the following transports; Atlantida (Honduran, 4191 GRT, built 1924), Comol Cuba (Panamanian, 5036 GRT, built 1919), Domino (American, 3170 GRT, built 1919) and Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929).

The damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was also tanking passage in this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the patrol vessels USS SC-634 (Ens. J.R. Reuter, Jr., USNR), USS SC-660 (Lt.(jg) D.C. Sharp, USNR) and USS SC-661 (Lt. L.F. Loutrel, Jr., USNR).

In the late afternoon of 10 January 1943, a new escort joined the convoy. This was made up of the minesweeper USS YMS-62 (Lt. H.V. Brown, USNR) and the patrol vessels USS SC-500 (Ens. C.P. Schneider, USNR), USS SC-508 (Ens. P. leBoutillier, USNR) and USS SC-653 (Ens. J.H. Robertson, USNR). The convoy was then renumbered KP-433 and set course for Pilottown.

HMS Phoebe and the original escort then proceeded to Key West arriving there in the evening of 10 January 1943.

11 Jan 1943
Around 1700Q/11, the damaged light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Key West for New York.

She is escorted by the minesweepers USS YMS-36 (Lt. L. de Boer, USNR) and the patrol vessels USS SC-682 (Lt.(jg) J. Gay, USNR) and USS SC-692 (Lt.(jg) E.P. Stafford, USNR).

On 13 January 1943, USS YMS-36 and USS SC-692 were relieved by USS SC-659 (Ens. R.W. Hahn, USNR).

On 14 January 1943 USS SC-659 parted company after having been relieved. [We have been unable to find out the identity of the vessel which relieved her.]

HMS Phoebe and her escort arrived at Gravesend Bay around 2030Q/15.

12 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) proceeded from Gravesend Bay to the New York Navy Yard where she is to be taken in hand for repairs. (25)

16 Jun 1943
With her damage repairs / refit completed, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) proceeded from the New York Navy Yard to Bayonne. (26)

17 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) proceeded from Bayonne to Gravesend Bay. (26)

19 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted D/F trials in Gravesend Bay. (26)

20 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) proceeded from Gravesend Bay to Norfolk, Virginia. En-route full power trials were carried out. (26)

22 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (26)

23 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (26)

24 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (26)

7 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600B/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Barrow-in-Furness from Bermuda. She was then taken in hand to complete her refit by the Vickers Armstrong shipyard. (27)

1 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1240B/1, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Barrow-in-Furness to proceed to Scapa Flow where post-refit work-up exercises were to be conducted. (28)

2 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1520B/2, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Barrow-in-Furness. (28)

6 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery and A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. Also D/F calibration trials were carried out. (28)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. Also compass swing trials were carried out. (28)

15 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230A/15, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN, with H.M. the King on board) departed Scapa Flow for Scrabster. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) and HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN).

They returned to Scapa Flow around 1540A/15. (28)

18 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

Around 1930A/18, she left Scapa Flow to make rendezvous with the US Task Group 121.1 on passage from Halifax to Scapa Flow.

Rendezvous was made around 0600A/19 with the US Task Group which was made up of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruisers USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN) and the destroyers USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Isherwood (T/Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN) and USS Bell (T/Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN). (29)

19 Aug 1943
Around 1145A/19, the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), heavy cruisers USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Capt. C.M. Jensen, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN), USS Isherwood (T/Cdr. R.E. Gadrow, USN) and USS Bell (T/Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (29)

31 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1300A/31, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. (30)

2 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015A/2, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (31)

3 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1805A/3, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyer HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol about 30 miles to the north of Ushant to provide cover for a commando raid on that island.

They returned to Plymouth around 0750A/3. (31)

5 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2015A/5, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol along the north coast of Brittany, France for an ant-shipping sweep.

Nothing was sighted and they returned to Plymouth around 0620A/6. (32)

6 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2020A/6, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol along the north coast of Brittany, France for an ant-shipping sweep.

Nothing was sighted and they returned to Plymouth around 0615A/7. (32)

8 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2005A/8, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol along the north coast of Brittany, France for an ant-shipping sweep.

Nothing was sighted and they returned to Plymouth around 0710A/9. (32)

10 Sep 1943
Around 2040A/10, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol along the north coast of Brittany, France for an ant-shipping sweep.

Nothing was sighted and they returned to Plymouth around 0640A/11. (32)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is docked in No.9 Graving Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (33)

19 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is undocked. (33)

28 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715A/28, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet. (33)

1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1745A/1, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. (34)

3 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1920A/3, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (34)

4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1440A/4, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (34)

5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/5, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. (34)

6 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/5, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Malta from Algiers. (34)

7 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315A/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Malta for Augusta where she arrived around 1715A/7. En-route, AA gunnery exercises had been carried out. (34)

8 Oct 1943
Around 1800A/8, the light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Augusta for Naples. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC and Bar, RN).

They arrived at Naples around 0730A/9. (35)

11 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1925A/11, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for Alexandria. (34)

13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/13, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Naples. (34)

14 Oct 1943
Around 0630C/14, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean.

At 1900C/14, HMS Belvoir and HMS Beaufort were detached to patrol east of Leros and then anchor in Turkish waters.

HMS Phoebe, HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury patrolled west of Leros and Kalymnos and then retired to the north of Rhodes before daylight. Eventually they anchored off Kastelorizo around 1410C/15. HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury then received each 100 tons of fuel from HMS Phoebe.

At 1225C/15, HMS Belvoir and HMS Beaufort were ordered to intercept an enemy convoy of two transports and two landing craft which had been reported to the east of Naxos proceeding towards Kos. The two escort destroyers were bombed by enemy aircraft at 1728C/15, 1820C/15 and 1833C/15. They were not damaged. they searched for the enemy until 2130C/15 but sighted nothing as the enemy convoy had escaped to the north-west. The two escort destroyers then swept along the north coast of Amorgos before retiring to the south. The enemy convoy they were ordered to intercept had departed Piraeus around mid-afternoon on the 14th for Kos and was made up of the transports Kari (1925 GRT, built 1920, former French Ste. Colette, former Norwegian Kari, offsite link) and Trapani (1855 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2109, UJ 2110 and the motor minesweepers R 211. The convoy was transporting around 1000 German troop reinforcements.

Around 1740C/15, HMS Phoebe, HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury departed Kastelorizo for renewed operations in the Aegean. At 2024C/15, two small craft were sighted and after they failed to give the correct recognition signal were engaged but they turned out to be friendly motor launches and fire was soon ceased.

Around 2355C/15, HMS Faulknor was detached to patrol east of Kalymnos.

HMS Phoebe and HMS Fury patrolled north of Levitha. At 0137C/16, they were bombed by an enemy aircraft in position 37°01'N, 26°40'E but sustained no damage. At 0218C/16, they left patrol to proceed to the Scarpanto Strait and eventually Alexandria.

Around 1200C/16, HMS Faulknor rejoined HMS Phoebe and HMS Fury and they arrived at Alexandria around 1900C/16.

HMS Belvoir and HMS Beaufort had patrolled as far north as Amorgos during the night of 15/16 October and then set course to return to Alexandria where they arrived around 1545C/16. (36)

18 Oct 1943
Around 0630C/18, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean.

At 1930C/18, HMS Hurworth and HMS Beaufort were detached. During the night of 18/19 October they bombarded roads on Kos firing a total of around 300 rounds. HMS Beaufort was hit by a 88 mm shell and one of her crew was killed.

HMS Phoebe and HMS Fury during the night bombarded Port Kalymnons and examined the coast of Kos for enemy landing barges.

Both groups proceeded to Kastelorizo upon completion of their operations. They arrived around noon on the 19th. HMS Phoebe then fuelled HMS Fury and HMS Beaufort before she left for Alexandria around 1720C/19 together with HMS Hurworth. (36)

20 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1045C/20, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Kastelorizo. (34)

23 Oct 1943
Around 0630C/23, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean.

During the night of 23/24 October 1943, they swept to the west of Kalymnon before retiring through the Scarpanto Strait to Kastelorizo where they arrived around 1405C/24. There the escort destroyers fuelled from HMS Phoebe. (36)

24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900C/24, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Kastelorizo for Alexandria.

Around 2100C/24, HMS Phoebe is ordered to proceed to Limasol, Cyprus instead and fuel there. (34)

25 Oct 1943
Around 0645C/25, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Limasol, Cyprus where she went alongside the RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) to fuel.

On completion of fuelling HMS Phoebe departed Limasol around 1030C/25. She was to rendezvous around 1700C/25 with destroyers coming from Alexandria. (34)

25 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0300C/25, the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean.

Around 1715C/25, they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) coming from Limasol.

Around 1900C/25, HMS Faulknor, HMS Belvoir and HMS Beaufort parted company with HMS Phoebe. The destroyers were to patrol to the west of Leros during the night together with the escort destroyers HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) which came from Mandelyah Gulf. On completion of their night patrol the destroyers retired to the south. HMS Phoebe meanwhile provided cover. (36)

26 Oct 1943
Around 0150C/26, the destroyer HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and Miaoulis departed Alexandria with 310 troops and 40 tons of equipment for Leros.

Around 0800C/26, they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) in approximate position 35°10'N, 29°40'E.

Around 1850C/26, when between Rhodes and Kastelorizo the destroyers parted company to proceed on their assigned mission while HMS Phoebe kept patrolling in the area to the west of Kastelorizo. (36)

27 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700C/27, south of the Scarpanto Strait, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) made rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) which were returning from operations in the Aegean. Course was then set to Alexandria where they arrived around 1930C/27. (36)

31 Oct 1943
Around 1800C/31, the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean. The light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) joined to escort them towards the Aegean.

Around 1800B/1, HMS Phoebe parted company with the destroyers which then proceeded to the Gulf of Doris where they were to anchor. They were to pass to the north of Rhodes.

HMS Phoebe then set course to return to Alexandria where she arrived around 0920B/2. (37)

2 Nov 1943
Around 2330B/2, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Limasol, Cyprus. On board were around 750 troops and 80 tons of stores for Leros. The light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) joined them.

They arrived at Limasol around 1100B/3. The destroyers then commenced to fuel from HMS Phoebe. (38)

3 Nov 1943
Around 1500B/3, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN), which had troops and stores for Leros on board, departed Limasol. They were first to proceed to the Gulf of Doris passing to the north of Rhodes. The destroyers spent the night of 3/4 November in the Gulf of Doris and landed the troops and stores at Leros during the early hours of the 5th.

On departure from Limasol the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) accompanied them until 1800B/3. HMS Phoebe then patrolled between Rhodes and Cyprus during the night of 3/4 November. (38)

4 Nov 1943
At 0617B/4, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and Miaoulis which were coming Alexandria. Course was then set for Limasol where they arrived around 0805B/4. The escort destroyers were then fuelled by HMS Phoebe which on completion of fuelling the destroyers left Limasol around 1000B/4 for Haifa where she arrived around 1600B/4. The escort destroyers proceeded to the Aegean. (39)

5 Nov 1943
Around 0100B/5, having completed fuelling, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Haifa for Limasol where she arrived around 0825B/5.

At 0907B/5, the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN), which had arrived from Alexandria, came alongside HMS Phoebe to fuel.

HMS Phoebe departed Limasol around 1800B/5 to make rendezvous with destroyers coming from the Aegean. (39)

6 Nov 1943
Around 0600B/6, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) made rendezvous with the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) which came from the Aegean through the Scarpanto Strait.

Around 0900B/6, HMS Phoebe parted company with the destroyers which then continued on towards Alexandria where they arrived around 1555B/6.

Around 1550B/6, while west of Cyprus HMS Phoebe was joined by the destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN) coming from Limasol.

Around 1800B/6, HMS Phoebe parted company with the destroyers which then proceeded into the Aegean via the route to the north of Rhodes. HMS Phoebe set course for Alexandria. (38)

7 Nov 1943
Around 0805B/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (39)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria.

Around 2100B/11, she departed Alexandria for Limasol, Cyprus where she arrived around 0915B/12. (39)

12 Nov 1943
Around 0945B/12, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Limasol. The destroyers were to enter the Aegean via the route north of Rhodes. at 1800B/12, they parted company and HMS Phoebe set course to return to Limasol but at 1955B/12 she was ordered to rejoin the destroyers and enter the Aegean and course was set accordingly. However at 2235B/12 this order was cancelled and HMS Phoebe again set course to return to Limasol where she arrived around 0800B/12. (38)

13 Nov 1943
Around 1130B/13, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN) departed Limasol.

Around 1945B/13, the cruiser and destroyers parted company to the south-east of Kastelorizo and the latter then set course for the Aegean.

HMS Phoebe then remained patrolling in the area to make rendezvous with destroyers coming from the Aegean the following morning. (39)

14 Nov 1943
Around 0555B/14, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was joined by the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos which came from the Aegean. Course was then set for Limasol where they arrived around 1620B/14. (39)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1130B/13, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer fury and the escort destroyers HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz) departed Limasol.

They parted company around 2005B/15 and the destroyers then set course for the Aegean while HMS Phoebe remained patrolling in the area to make rendezvous with destroyers coming from the Aegean the following morning. (38)

16 Nov 1943
Around 0555B/14, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was joined by the destroyer HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) which came from the Aegean. Course was then set for Limasol where they arrived around 1400B/16.

HMS Phoebe then commenced fuelling the destroyers on completion of which all three ships departed Limasol for Alexandria around 1810B/16. (39)

17 Nov 1943
Around 0800B/17, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. R.H.C. Wyld, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Limasol. (39)

19 Nov 1943
Around 0615B/19, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers Le Fantasque (Capt. C.Y.F.M. Perzo) and Le Terrible (Cdr. P.J.G.M. Lancelot) departed Alexandria. The destroyers were to conduct an anti-shipping sweep in the Aegean.

Around 1620B/19, they were attacked by around 20 Ju-88 bombers and HMS Phoebe and Le Fantasque were near missed but sustained no damage. A second attack took place around 1711B/19 during which the destroyers were attacked but again sustained no damage.

Around 1740B/19, the destroyers parted company with HMS Phoebe and proceeded to enter the Aegean.

During the night of 19/20 November 1943, Le Fantasque carried out a sweep around Levitha and Amorgos. Le Terrible patrolled a bit further to the north. Both sighted nothing during their patrols and then retired to the south to rejoin HMS Phoebe.

Le Terrible rejoined HMS Phoebe around 0640B/20 and twenty minutes later also Le Fantasque rejoined. Course was then set to return to Alexandria where they arrived around 1545B/20. (38)

23 Nov 1943
Around 0945B/23, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers Le Fantasque (Capt. C.Y.F.M. Perzo) and Le Terrible (Cdr. P.J.G.M. Lancelot) departed Alexandria. The destroyers were to conduct an anti-shipping sweep in the Aegean against German Crete-Rhodes shipping traffic.

Around 1730B/23, the destroyers parted company with HMS Phoebe and proceeded to enter the Aegean.

Around 0620B/23, HMS Phoebe sighted Le Terrible approaching and at 0650B/23, Le Fantasque was also sighted. The destroyers had patrolled around Scarpanto Island and then one astwards towards Alimia Island and the other westwards towards the Gulf of Mirabella, Crete. Both had sighted nothing though.

After the destroyers had rejoined course was set for Alexandria where they arrived around 1520B/23. (38)

16 Dec 1943
Around 1410B/16, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Alexandria for Limasol. (40)

17 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/17, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Limasol from Alexandria. (40)

20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2330B/20, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Limasol for Haifa. (40)

21 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/21, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Haifa from Limasol. (40)

23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415B/23, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria. (40)

24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0655B/24, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. (40)

27 Dec 1943
Around 0630B/27, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Lt. T.F. Hallifax, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) departed Alexandria for a sweep to the south of the Kaso Strait during the night of 27/28 December 1943.

They returned to Alexandria around 1615B/28. (41)

29 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700B/29, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Lt. T.F. Hallifax, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) departed Alexandria for a sweep to the south of the Kaso Strait during the night of 29/30 December 1943.

However at 1400B/29, they were ordered to return to Alexandria as air reconnaissance had shown no sign of enemy shipping in the area.

They arrived back at Alexandria around 1945B/29. (41)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415B/30, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Alexandria for Naples with urgent stores which were required there. (41)

1 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1635A/1, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Naples from Alexandria. (42)

2 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600A/2, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for Malta. (42)

3 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915A/3, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Malta from Naples. She is then taken in hand for a short refit at the Malta Dockyard. (42)

5 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is docked in No.5 Graving Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (42)

8 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is undocked. (42)

24 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0020A/24, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Malta for Naples.

Around 0630A/24, she received orders to return to Malta so course was reversed.

She arrived back at Malta around 1605A/24. Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out. (42)

28 Jan 1944
Around 1655A/28, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Malta for Naples. (42)

29 Jan 1944
Around 0855A/29, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Naples from Malta. (42)

30 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0200A/30, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for the operations area of Anzio where she arrived around 0930A/30.

Around 1240A/30, she joined USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN).

Around 1600A/30, the cruisers retired from the coast to proceeded to seaward for the night. USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN) had now joined for A/S protection. (43)

31 Jan 1944
In the morning, around 0845A/31, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) parted company with USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN).

HMS Phoebe then proceeded to ' Area P ' near Anzio for fire support duty. She was joined by HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Fire support was given to the army in the afternoon.

again retired from the inshore area for the night to return the following morning. (43)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) returned to the operations area off Anzio for fire support duty. She was again in company with HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Fire support was given to the army in the late morning and afternoon.

HMS Phoebe again retired from the inshore area for the night to return the following morning. (44)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) returned to the operations area off Anzio for fire support duty. She was again in company with HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Around 1120A/2, HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) joined. HMS Dido had departed Naples around 0630A/2. She was to take over from HMS Phoebe. Fire support was given to the army in the late morning and early afternoon.

Around 1325A/2, HMS Phoebe retired from the area to proceed to Naples where she arrived around 1650A/2.

(44)

8 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130A/8, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for the operations area off Anzio where she arrived around 1415A/8 and then joined HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN).

Bombardments to give fire support for the army were carried out in the second half of the afternoon.

Around 1700A/8, HMS Orion and HMS Phoebe left the area. They then joined USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN) and all four set course to the Gulf of Pozzuoli where they arrived around 2100A/8 and anchored for the night. (45)

9 Feb 1944
Around 0520A/8, the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) departed the Gulf of Pozzuoli to return to the Anzio area for bombardment duties.

During these bombardments they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) and USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. V. Huber, USN on board).

Around 1100A/9, HMS Loyal was hit by enemy gunfire sustaining some minor damage.

All ships returned to Naples in the evening except for USS Brooklyn and USS Trippe which set course for Palermo. (46)

12 Feb 1944
Around 0400A/12, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for fire support duty in the Anzio area. During fire support duties she was escorted / assisted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Wolsey (Lt. F.W. Hayden, RN).

HMS Poebe returned to Naples (Gulf of Pozzuoli) around 1915A/12. (47)

13 Feb 1944
Around 0450A/13, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed the Gulf of Pozzuoli for fire support duty in the Anzio area. During fire support duties she was again escorted / assisted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Wolsey (Lt. F.W. Hayden, RN).

HMS Poebe returned to Naples around 1900A/13. (47)

14 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Naples, Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN) to HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN). (46)

18 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0645A/18, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for the Anzio area.

Around 0807A/18, she was informed that HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) had been torpedoed and sunk when she was also on passage from Naples to Anzio. HMS Phoebe then discontinued her passage to the Anzio area and eventually returned to Naples where she arrived around 1000A/18. (44)

25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Naples, Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) to HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN). (46)

25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600A/25, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Naples for Malta. (44)

26 Feb 1944
Around 1000A/26, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Malta from Naples. At Malta she commenced to boiler clean. (44)

13 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500A/13, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. She is to join convoy convoy KMF 29A for the passage.

[For more info see the event ' Convoy KMF 29A ' for 3 March 1944.] (48)

16 Mar 1944
Around 0630B/16, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (48)

18 Mar 1944
Around 1545B/18, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Alexandria for Suez where she arrived around 1645B/19. (48)

22 Mar 1944
Around 0545B/22, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Suez for Alexandria where she arrived around 0700B/23. At Alexandria she was taken in hand for repairs to her boilers. (48)

1 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (49)

2 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (49)

3 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is docked in the Gabbari Graving Dock at Alexandria. (49)

6 May 1944
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) is undocked. She then left Alexandria for Suez around 1620C/6. (49)

7 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600C/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Suez from Alexandria. (49)

8 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises off Suez on completion of which she departed for Aden. She is to join the Eastern Fleet at Trincomalee. (49)

11 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0645C/11, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez. (49)

14 May 1944
Around 0935C/14, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. While en-route she was ordered to proceed to Colombo instead of Trincomalee. (49)

19 May 1944
Around 1810FG/19, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (49)

22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0825FG/22, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. On departure from the harbour D/G trials were carried out. (49)

23 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0945FG/23, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (49)

6 Jun 1944
During 6/7 June 1944, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night encounter exercises with four destroyers, which most likely were HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN). (50)

15 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800FG/15, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) departed Trincomalee for exercises off that port. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN).

Around 1550FG/15, the escort carrier HMS Atheling (Capt. R.I. Agnew, OBE, RCN) and the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) departed Trincomalee to join the exercises.

Around 1750FG/15, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Trincomalee also to join the exercises.

All ships involved in the exercise returned to Trincomalee around 1800FG/16. (51)

11 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1405FG/11, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. On departure from Trincomalee full power trials were carried out. (52)

12 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500FG/12, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (52)

21 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1345FG/21, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (52)

22 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0750FG/22, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (52)

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