Allied Warships

HMAS Adelaide (D 47)

Light cruiser of the Birmingham class

HMAS Adelaide as seen after her 1942 conversion

Navy	The Royal Australian Navy
Type	Light cruiser
Class	Birmingham
Pennant	D 47
Built by	Cockatoo Island Naval Dockyard (Sydney, Australia)
Ordered
Laid down	20 Nov 1915
Launched	27 Jul 1918
Commissioned	5 Aug 1922
End service	13 May 1946
History	Design: HMAS Adelaide was an improved version of the British Town-class light cruisers. The ship was of the same basic design as the HMA Ships Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. She was originally equipped to burn both coal and oil fuel. Fitting out and completion were very seriously delayed due to the loss by enemy action of important forgings for the turbines and other machinery parts wich could not, at that time, be made in Australia. Replacement, due to the war conditions, took over two years. The decision to corporate extensive modifications as a result of war experiance of other ships resulted in further delays. In fact, HMAS Adelaide for a time was known as 'HMAS Long-delayed'. Modifications: In 1938 HMAS Adelaide was taken in hand for an extensive refit and modernisation at Cockatoo Island Dockyard. The refit wich was completed in March 1939, included conversion to burn oil fuel only, involving removal of the two forward boilers, the forward funnel and uptakes, and the construction of additional oil fuel tanks. Several alterations were made to the armament, including the removal of one 6-Tinch gun, the 3-inch anti-aircraft gun and the torpedo tubes. (The 12-pdr. gun had been removed in 1937). Three 4-inch anti-aircraft guns were fitted and the gunnery control positions were rearranged. During her May-July 1942 refit the armament was strengthened by the fitting of six 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns. During her June-September 1943 refit there were further alterations to her armament. Two six-inch guns were removed from the waistand replaced by six depth-charge throwers. One of these 6-inch guns was relocated on the centreline, above and forward of the quarterdeck 6-inch gun so as to fire over it. This rearrangement enabled the retention of five 6-inch guns on the broadside. The 4-inch anti-aircraft gun displaced by the relocated 6-inch gun was landed. The heavy armoured shields on the 6-inch guns were replaced by a new type of square and comparatively light bullet-proof shields. Service: Before her extensive 1938-refit Adelaide was more than ten years in reserve. She recomissioned on 13 March 1939 under the command of Captain H.L. Howden, RAN, and after trials and practises Adelaide proceeded from Sydney to participate in trade defence exercises in company with units of the Australian Squadron, the New Zealand squadron, mercantile marine and aircraft from the RAAF. These exercises were completed in April 1939. Adelaide returned to Sydney and paid off to reserve on 17 May 1939, her crew being transferred to SS Autolycus on 15 May, for passage to England to commission HMAS Perth. For the wartime service of HMAS Adelaide see the 'events' below. HMAS Adelaide was paid off into reserve on 26 February 1945 but recommissioned on 19 May 1945 as a tender (accomodition ship ?) to the Sydney shore establishment HMAS Penguin. On 13 May 1946 Adelaide was finally paid off. The ships hulk was sold on 21 January 1949 to Australian Iron and Steel Pty Ltd., her gear and equipment having been sold in 1947.

Commands listed for HMAS Adelaide (D 47)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

	Commander	From	To
1	Cdr. Henry Arthur Showers, RAN	1 Sep 1939	4 Jun 1942
2	A/Capt. James Claude Durie Esdaile, OBE, RAN	4 Jun 1942	23 Jul 1944
3	A/Capt. Laurence Ernest Tozer, RAN	23 Jul 1944	14 Dec 1944
4	A/Cdr. Glen Loftus Cant, RAN	14 Dec 1944	25 Feb 1945

5	Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) Herbert William Goodchild, RAN	19 May 1945

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Notable events involving Adelaide include:

The page of HMAS Adelaide was last updated in November 2022.

1 Sep 1939
At the Garden Island Naval Base, HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) is commissioned from Care & Maintenance with a complement of 23 officers and 279 ratings.

At the moment the ship is undergoing refit. Over the coming days further crew was to join the ship. (1)

15 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted trials off Sydney. (1)

19 Sep 1939
On 19 September the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloops HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Prevost, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) all conducted exercises off Sydney.

HMAS Canberra, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Waterhen continued their exercises during the night of 19/20 September and entered Jervis Bay on the morning of the 20th.

HMAS Vendetta briefly returned to harbour on completion of the exercises. She departed later the same day for Melbourne together with the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) which had completed her refit at Sydney on this day. (2)

21 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) both arrived at Williamstown (near Melbourne) from Sydney. (3)

22 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Philip. (1)

25 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Philip. These included gunnery exercises. (1)

28 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Philip. These included gunnery exercises. (1)

30 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Melbourne for ' Operation OY 1 ' and subsequent passage to Sydney.

[For more information see the event ' Operation OY 1 ' for 1 October 1939.] (1)

1 Oct 1939

Operation OY 1.

The object of this operation was to test the air reconnaissance capabilities of the RAAF.

By 0600K/1, HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) had taken up positions of the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria.

Aircraft took off from Laverton, Richmond and Archerfield to search to a depth of 80 miles. Aircraft also took off from Canberra to search to a depth of 160 miles.

The exercises were completed around 1900K/1.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Canberra, HMAS Hobart and HMAS Adelaide set course for Sydney. HMAS Australia set course for Melbourne. (4)

2 Oct 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney. (5)

5 Oct 1939
From 5 to 7 October 1939, HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (4)

11 Oct 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney on completion of which she commenced patrol to the eastward of Port Jackson. (5)

12 Oct 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Jervis Bay from patrol. While en-route a full power trial had been carried out.

She departed to return to Sydney later the same day. (5)

13 Oct 1939
HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney before they entered harbour. (5)

19 Oct 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney on completion of which she commenced patrol between Sydney and Newcastle. (5)

20 Oct 1939
HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (5)

24 Oct 1939
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney on completion of which both proceeded on patrol.

HMAS Australia arrived in Port Philip from patrol on 26 October and HMAS Adelaide returned to Sydney on the same day. (6)

2 Nov 1939
During 2/3 November 1939, HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (7)

8 Nov 1939
During 8/9 November 1939, HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises late afternoon of the 9th, HMAS Canberra and HMAS Australia returned to Sydney while HMAS Adelaide set course for Brisbane. (8)

11 Nov 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Brisbane. (9)

13 Nov 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Brisbane for Sydney. (9)

15 Nov 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Brisbane. (9)

17 Nov 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) coming from Jervis Bay. Sheduled exercises however had to be cancelled due to the bad weather conditions and all ship entered Sydney harbour around 1200K/17 instead. (8)

20 Nov 1939
HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises in the evening, HMAS Canberra and HMAS Australia set course for Melbourne while HMAS Adelaide remained on patrol off Sydney returning to harbour the following morning. (8)

23 Nov 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) is taken in hand for a short refit at the Garden Island Naval base at Sydney. (9)

3 Dec 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) completed her short refit at Sydney. (10)

6 Dec 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. On completion of the exercises course was set for Fremantle. (10)

13 Dec 1939
Around 0700H/13, HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Sydney. (10)

18 Dec 1939
Around 1130H/18, HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for exercises. On completion of these exercises she proceeded on patrol.

The liner Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938) was given cover from 0600H/19 to 1500H/20. (10)

21 Dec 1939
Around 0505H/21, HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) anchored in Gage Roads on her return from patrol.

Around 1430H/21, she weighed anchor and proceeded on exercises near Rottnest Island. She anchored near Rottnest island around 2130H/21 on completion of these exercises. (10)

22 Dec 1939
Around 0930H/22, HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) weighed anchor and proceeded for gunnery exercises. She entered Fremantle harbour around 1200H/22. (10)

28 Dec 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. On completion of these exercises she anchored off Rottnest Island. (10)

30 Dec 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) returned to Fremantle harbour after having fuelled in Gage Roads from the Australian Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Kurumba (3798 GRT, built 1916). (10)

5 Jan 1940
Around 0500H/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. Before proceeding on patrol though, exercises were carried out.

Around 2100H/5, she commenced to patrol in approximate position 30°30'S, 114°00'E.

Around 2030H/6, patrol was discontinued and course was set to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1340H/7 having first fuelled from the Australian Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Kurumba (3798 GRT, built 1916). (11)

6 Jan 1940

Convoy US 1.

Troop convoy from New Zealand and Australia to Suez.

The convoy departed Wellington, New Zealand on 6 January 1940 and on departure was made up out of the following troopships: Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Wellington the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN).

Two more troopships joined the convoy in New Zealand waters, these were: Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy then set course for Australia.

On 9 January the troopships: Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Orford (British, 19941 GRT, built 1928), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) departed Sydney to join the convoy which they did the next day. They were being escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN).

HMS Leander was then detached while HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) joined the convoy on the 10th but already left again the day after when she was detached at 0238K/11 to search for a missing aircraft. As it was later reported that the aircraft had crashed on land the search was soon abandoned.

HMS Ramillies also made a brief stop for a few hours at Sydney on the 9th before rejoining the convoy.

On the 12th the troopship Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Melbourne.

On 18 January the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) near Fremantle joined the convoy escort.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle later the same day.

On 20 January, the convoy departed Fremantle escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies and the heavy cruisers HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and Suffren (Capt. R.J.M. Dillard).

HMAS Canberra and HMAS Australia had departed a few hours earlier to patrol the area. They returned to Fremantle on 21 January.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 30 January and entered the harbour as did HMS Ramillies. HMS Kent and Suffren kept patrolling off the harbour until the convoy set sail again on 1 February but now escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies, the aircaft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN). HMS Ramillies and HMS Sussex had sailed with the convoy from Colombo, the other two escorts came from Trincomalee. HMS Kent and Suffren then entered Colombo. At Colombo the convoy had been joined by the French troopship Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927).

On 6 February 1940 the destroyer HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) joined the convoy coming from Colombo. On joinig the convoy she was oiled by HMS Sussex.

Early on the 7th, HMAS Hobart proceeded ahead to Aden with three of the troopships.

At dawn of the 8th the convoy arrived off Aden and three more of the troop transports entered the harbour. The remainder proceeded towards the Red Sea now escorted by HMS Sussex and HMAS Hobart. Aircraft from HMS Eagle patrolled in the area while HMS Ramillies fuelled in the outer anchorage.

The transports that had entered Aden left there on 9 February escorted by HMS Sussex as this cruiser had turned back when off the Perim Strait. HMS Sussex and HMS Westcott now escorted these ships until they met HMAS Hobart which had now dispersed the first group of transports in 22°30'N.

HMS Sussex then turned back to proceed to Aden leaving the transports of the second group to HMAS Hobart which then escorted the transports to 22°30'N when they were dispersed. HMS Westcott went on to Suez with the Rangitata. HMAS Hobart then also set sourse to return to Aden. (12)

17 Jan 1940
Around 0530H/17, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to patrol in the approaches to that port.

Around 2230H/17 she ceased patrol and proceeded to make rendezvous with convoy US 1.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 1 ' for 6 January 1940.] (11)

18 Jan 1940
Around 1600H/18, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) anchored in Gage Roads. (11)

19 Jan 1940
Around 0825H/19, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Gage Roads, Fremantle for Melbourne after having fuelled from the Australian Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Kurumba (3798 GRT, built 1916) earlier that morning. (11)

24 Jan 1940
Around 1400K/24, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from Fremantle. (11)

25 Jan 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) proceeded from Williamstown to Port Melbourne. (11)

27 Jan 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip on completion of which course was set for Sydney. (11)

29 Jan 1940
Around 0555H/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Melbourne. (11)

30 Jan 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (11)

1 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) reverted to 48 hours notice for steam and commenced a short refit at the Garden Island Naval base at Sydney. (13)

12 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) reverted to 4 hours notice for steam as her short refit is nearing completion. (13)

16 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) completed her refit at Sydney. (13)

19 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is docked in the Sutherland Dry Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (13)

21 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked. (13)

23 Feb 1940
HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.H. Spurgeon, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) departed Sydney for exercises.

HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) also departed Sydney for trials and then to join the exercises. She carried out a full power trial during which a speed of 24.8 knots reached.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Westralia set course for Melbourne while HMAS Australia set course for Brisbane.

HMAS Canberra and HMAS Manoora returned to Sydney. (14)

24 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown. She proceeded up river to Port Melbourne later the same day. (13)

27 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (13)

28 Feb 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Williamstown for Sydney. (13)

1 Mar 1940
HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.H. Spurgeon, RAN) conducted exercises off Jervis Bay. On completion of the exercises they all proceeded to Sydney arriving there later the same day. (15)

4 Mar 1940
In the morning, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), with Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN, on board conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises she returned to Sydney where the Rear-Admiral was landed. HMAS Adelaide then departed Sydney for Jervis Bay where she arrived early in the evening. (16)

5 Mar 1940
Around 1400K/5, HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) departed Sydney for exercises.

Around 1540K/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Jervis Bay to join the heavy cruiser for exercises.

Exercises were commenced around 2000K/5. They were completed three hours later. HMAS Canberra then set course for Melbourne via Westernport, HMAS Australia set course to return to Sydney and HMAS Adelaide set course to return to Jervis Bay. (15)

6 Mar 1940
Around 0035K/6, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) anchored in Jervis Bay.

During the 6th she got underway twice for exercises inside the bay. (16)

8 Mar 1940
Around 0850K/8, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Jervis Bay for Sydney where she arrived around 1715K/8. (16)

12 Mar 1940
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Prevost, RN) departed Sydney for exercises with HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) which was coming north from Melbourne.

On completion of the exercises, all ships entered Sydney harbour in the morning of 13 March 1940. (15)

13 Mar 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (16)

18 Mar 1940
During 18/19 March 1940, HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. On completion of the exercises the heavy cruisers returned to Sydney while HMAS Adelaide set course for Westernport. (15)

21 Mar 1940
Around 1650K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) anchored off Hann's Inlet, Westernport. (16)

22 Mar 1940
Around 0905K/22, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) weighed anchor and set course for Port Melbourne via Williamstown.

She arrived at Williamtown around 1510K/22 to fuel. Around 1935K/22 she proceeded up river to Port Melbourne. (16)

26 Mar 1940
Around 0900K/26, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Port Melbourne for gunnery exercises in Westernport.

On completion of the exercises she anchored off off Hann's Inlet, Westernport around 1655K/26. (16)

27 Mar 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Westernport. (16)

28 Mar 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises in Westernport. (16)

29 Mar 1940
Around 1800K/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Westernport for Sydney. (16)

31 Mar 1940
Around 0825K/31, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Westernport. (16)

3 Apr 1940
HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. On completion of the exercises HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide returned to Sydney while HMAS Australia set course for Melbourne. (17)

10 Apr 1940
Around 1330K/10, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for Melbourne. (18)

12 Apr 1940
Around 1730K/12, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Port Melbourne from Sydney. (18)

15 Apr 1940

Convoy US 2.

This convoy departed Melbourne on 15 April 1940.

It was being made up of the following troop transports; Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937, 1476 troops), Ettrick (British, 11229 GRT, built 1938, 1476 troops), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912, 1257 troops), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913, 1400 troops) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932, 1564 troops).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 21 April 1940.

The convoy departed Fremantle on 22 April 1940 now escorted by HMS Ramillies and the light cruiser HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN).

At 1100G/28, the French heavy cruiser Suffren (Capt. R.J.M. Dillard) joined west of the Cocos Islands in position 12°19'S, 93°50'E.

At 1230G/28, HMAS Sydney parted company to return to Fremantle.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 3 May 1940. In the approaches distant cover was provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) which also patrolled near the harbour until 4 May while the convoy was in harbour.

The convoy departed Colombo for Aden on 5 May now escorted by HMS Ramillies, HMS Kent and the Suffren.

The convoy arrived at Aden on 12 May.

The convoy departed Aden again later the same day now escorted by battleship HMS Ramillies, heavy cruiser Suffren, light cruiser HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN). Light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) was briefly with the convoy taking the place of the Suffren which was delayed in leaving harbour. The sloop HMS Shoreham (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Miller, RN) apparently joined the escort at sea the next day.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 17 May 1940. (12)

26 Apr 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle on completion of which she anchored off Rottnest Island she returned to Fremantle harbour the following morning. (19)

29 Apr 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle harbour and then anchored off Rottnest Island. (19)

1 May 1940

Convoy US 3.

The troopship Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, 1508 troops) departed Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand (near Christchurch) on 1 May 1940. She was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN).

Around noon on May, 2nd, in Cook Strait they were joined by the troopships Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, 3627 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, 2047 troops) and Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930, 1554 troops) and their escorts, the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN). They came from Wellington.

Early on May, 5th, HMS Leander parted company and proceeded to Sydney. During the forenoon the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936, 5059 troops) came out escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN). Shortly afterwards HMAS Canberra also entered Sydney harbour to pick up correspondence. Around 1600K/5, HMAS Canberra and HMS Leander came out together with the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939, 2616 troops). The convoy then set course for Fremantle.

At 2045K/5, HMAS Perth parted company to return to Sydney where she arrived around 0330K/6.

At 1600K/6, off Melbourne, the troopship Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922, 1615 troops) joined the convoy.

At 0630H/10, when 70 nautical miles from Rottness Island, HMS Leander parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Fremantle.

At 0800H/10, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), joined the convoy and guided into Gage Roads. The transports berthed alongside Fremantle Harbour as arranged except for the Aquitania and Queen Mary. The other transports fuelled and took in water. All ships of the escort berther alongside except for HMAS Adelaide which patrolled in Gage Roads.

At 1200H/12, the convoy started to leave the harbour. On forming up course was set for Colombo.

At 2214G/15, the convoy altered course towards the Cape of Good Hope. It had been decided that the convoy was not to pass through the Mediterranean as the situation with Italy was deteriorating. During the night HMS Leander parted company to proceed to Colombo.

At 1529D/20, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) joined in position 28°13'S, 60°50'E. HMAS Canberra then parted company to return to Australia.

At dawn on May, 26th, the convoy started to pass down the searched channel and entered Table Bay, Capetown.

At 0743B/26, HMS Shropshire set course to proceed to Simonstown.

The Queen Mary and Aquitania anchored in Table Bay while the other troopships berthed alongside the harbour.

At 1350B/26, the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) arrived from Simonstown.

At 0300B/28, the Queen Mary and Aquitania departed Table Bay to proceed to False Bay escorted by HMS Cumberland.

At 1000B/31, the ships at Capetown, less the Empress of Japan commenced to leave the Bay led by HMAS Australia. At sea they were joined by the Queen Mary and Aquitania and their escorts HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland. They had departed from False Bay around 0815B/31. At the rendezvous HMAS Australia then parted company and proceeded to Simonstown.

Course was set for Freetown where the convoy arrived in the morning of June, 7th.

The convoy departed Freetown in the morning of the June, 8th. Still escorted by HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland but now joined by the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN).

At 0035N/10, HMS Hermes parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Dakar.

Around 0900N/12, the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800N/14, the aircraft carrier Argus joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1000/14, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) joined the convoy coming from the U.K. HMS Dorsetshire then parted company.

around 1500N/14, the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) joined followed around 1600N/14 by the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the afternoon of the 16th.

2 May 1940
During 2/3 May 1940, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. (20)

9 May 1940
Around 0800H/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle harbour. A little over an hour later she anchored off Rottnest Island.

Around 1600H/9, she departed to make rendezvous with convoy US 3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 3 ' for 1 May 1940.] (20)

10 May 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Fremantle with convoy US 3. (20)

14 May 1940
Around 0815H/14, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle harbour. She anchored off Rottnest Island around 0940H/14. (20)

16 May 1940
Around 1600H/16, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) returned to Fremantle harbour. (20)

24 May 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (20)

27 May 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. On completion of the exercises course was set for Albany. (20)

28 May 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Albany. (20)

29 May 1940
Around 1700H/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Albany to make rendezvous with the troopship Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937).

Rendezvous was affected around 1055H/30. (20)

31 May 1940
Around 0830H/31, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the troopship Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) arrived at Fremantle.

They departed again around 1800H/31. (20)

2 Jun 1940
Around 1800G/2, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) parted company Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) in position 24°41'S, 101°32'E and set course to return to Fremantle. (21)

3 Jun 1940
Around 1930H/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) intercepted a signal from the Italian passenger ship Remo (9780 GRT, built 1926) that she would arrive at Fremantle on 5 June. It was decided to intercept and shadow this ship. The Italian ship was eventually sighted at 0220H/5 proceeding to Fremantle where it arrived around 0730H/5.

HMAS Adelaide entered Fremantle harbour an hour later. (21)

11 Jun 1940
An armed guard from HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) seized the Italian passenger ship Remo (9780 GRT, built 1926) at Fremantle after war with Italy had been declared. (21)

14 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle on completion of which course was set for Geralton. (21)

15 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Geralton from Fremantle. (21)

16 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Geralton for Fremantle. (21)

17 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Geraldton. (21)

20 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (21)

21 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (21)

27 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle on completion of which she proceeded on patrol. (21)

28 Jun 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) made rendezvous with HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) which was escorting the troopship Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

HMAS Adelaide then took over the escort and escorted the troopship into Fremantle harbour while HMAS Canberra commenced gunnery exercises on a towed target.

After HMAS Canberra had completed her gunnery exercises on the towed target and proceeded into Fremantle harbour around 1400H/28, HMAS Adelaide went out again for her turn of gunnery exercises with the towed target. She returned to Fremantle the following morning. (22)

29 Jun 1940
Around 1600H/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913).

HMAS Adelaide anchored in Gage Roads around 1130H/29, not having made rendezvous with the transport which was apparently delayed. (21)

30 Jun 1940
Around 1335H/30, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) again departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913).

Rendezvous was affected around 1600H/30 and the ships arrived at Fremantle around 1915H/30. (21)

1 Jul 1940
Around 1600H/1, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925).

The transport was not sighted and HMAS Adelaide anchored in Gage Roads around 1335H/2. (23)

2 Jul 1940
Around 1800H/2, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925).

The transport was not sighted and HMAS Adelaide anchored in Gage Roads around 0955H/3. (23)

3 Jul 1940
Around 1615H/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925).

Rendezvous was affected around 1905H/3 and the ships arrived at Fremantle around 2240H/3. (23)

4 Jul 1940
Around 1330H/4, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Acadia (Norwegian, 5002 GRT, built 1938) and escort her to Fremantle for inspection.

HMAS Adelaide did not sighted the Norwegian vessel, possibly due to the bad weather conditions and returned to Fremantle around 1100H/7. The Norwegian vessel had been ordered to proceed to Fremantle on 2 July 1940 and had arrived there unescorted. (23)

11 Jul 1940
Around 1615H/11, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923).

Around 0500H/12, the transport Empire Trader (British, 9990 GRT, built 1908) was encountered and escorted to Fremantle.

While doing so, around 0525H/12, the Menelaus was sighted which then followed into harbour as well.

Around 0655H/12, HMAS Adelaide proceeded to seaward again to make rendezvous with the transport Sussex (British, 13647 GRT, built 1937).

The transport was not sighted and HMAS Adelaide anchored in Gage Roads around 1030H/12. The Sussex arrived around 1530H/12.

Around 1600H/12, HMAS Adelaide weighed anchor and entered Fremantle harbour. (23)

19 Jul 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle on completion of which she anchored in Gage Roads. (23)

20 Jul 1940
Around 0400H/20, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and the troopship Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) coming from Melbourne via Adelaide. (23)

22 Jul 1940
Around 0930H/22, HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and the troopship Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) made rendezvous with HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) in position 35°37'S, 124°10'E which then took over the escort of the troopship towards Fremantle.

HMAS Perth set course for Adelaide. (4)

24 Jul 1940
Around 0700H/24, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the troopship Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) arrived at Fremantle.

They departed again around 1730H/24. (23)

26 Jul 1940
Around 1430H/26, in position 20°54'S, 111°17'E, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) was relieved as escort for the troopship Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) by HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN).

HMAS Adelaide then set course to return to Fremantle. (23)

28 Jul 1940
Around 1815H/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (23)

29 Jul 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (23)

6 Aug 1940
Around 0835H/6, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle for exercises. On completion of the exercises course was set for Sydney. (24)

10 Aug 1940
At 1000K/10, HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) departed Sydney for patrol and exercises.

At 1600K/11, she made rendezvous with HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN). Course was shaped for Sydney. Underway manoeuvres and exercises were commenced.

They arrived at Sydney around 1245K/12. The fitting of the deagaussing equipment on board HMAS Perth then continued while HMAS Adelaide was taken in hand for refit. (25)

22 Aug 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is docked at the Morts Dock Shipyard at Woolwich, Sydney. (24)

24 Aug 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked and then returned to the Garden Island Naval base. (24)

2 Sep 1940
Around 0900K/2, with her refit completed, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. (26)

3 Sep 1940
At 0110K/2, in position 29°46'S, 153°49'E, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) collided with the transport Coptic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928).

Only some minor damage was sustained.

HMAS Adelaide arrived at Brisbane around 1640K/2 to fuel.

Having done so she departed for Vila, New Hebrides around 2220K/2. (26)

7 Sep 1940
Around 0700L/7, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Vila, New Hebrides from Brisbane. (26)

9 Sep 1940
Around 1030L/9, the chartered tanker Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931) arrived at Vila, New Hebrides. At 1320L/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) went alongside the Norden to fuel. (26)

16 Sep 1940

Installation of Free French Government on Noumea.

Around 2135L/16, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the chartered tanker Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931) departed Vila, New Hebrides for Noumea, New Caledonia. On board the Norden were Free French representives which were to be installed at Noumea to take over from the pro-Vichy Governer there.

Around 0605L/18, HMAS Adelaide and the Norden entered the Bulari Passage and arrived off Noumea around 0730L/18. An officer was then sent over from the Vichy French sloop Dumont d'Urville (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) P.G. Toussaint de Quieverecourt) to inquire the purpose of the allied ships arrival.

At 0817L/18, the first Free French flag was observed ashore.

At 1105L/18, Mr. Sautot, the new Free French governor was embarked on board HMAS Adelaide from the Norden. 25 minutes later he was embarked in Pilot Boat no.3 which was under Free French control and proceeded towards Noumea.

At 1135L/18, HMAS Adelaide commenced to patrol off Noumea.

During the afternoon of the 18th, the British consul twice visited HMAS Adelaide.

At 0920L/19, HMAS Adelaide anchored off False Entrance so as to cover all approaches to Noumea and the Dumont d'Urville.

At 0820L/20, HMAS Adelaide was again visited by the British consul.

At 1245L/21, an official objection as to HMAS Adelaide's presence was received from the Dumont d'Urville.

At 1400L/21, a reply was sent to the Dumont d'Urville refuting his objections.

At 1700L/21, another official objection as to HMAS Adelaide's presence was received from the Dumont d'Urville.

At 0800L/22, a reply was sent to the Dumont d'Urville refuting his objections and the commanding officer of the Dumont d'Urville was invited on board HMAS Adelaide to confer.

At 0845L/22, HMAS Adelaide weighed anchor and proceeded only to anchor in Great Road 45 minutes later.

At 1115L/22, the British consul again arrived on board HMAS Adelaide.

At 1130L/23, the commanding officer of the Dumont d'Urville arrived on board HMAS Adelaide. He left at 1255L/23.

At 1400L/23, the British consul left HMAS Adelaide.

At 1630L/23, the Dumont d'Urville shifted anchorage and proceeded inside Noumea harbour.

At 1645L/25, the Dumont d'Urville left Noumea for Saigon. On board were government officials which had remained loyal to the Vichy Government. (26)

2 Oct 1940
At 1330L/2, the chartered tanker Erinna (Dutch, 6233 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Noumea. 45 minutes later HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) went alongside to commence fuelling. She slipped from the tanker at 0755L/3 and anchored again. (27)

5 Oct 1940
Around 0655L/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Noumea for Sydney. (27)

8 Oct 1940
Around 0700K/8, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Noumea. (27)

16 Oct 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (27)

18 Oct 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (27)

21 Oct 1940
Around 0750K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney to patrol off Gabo Island. (27)

23 Oct 1940
Around 1200K/23, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) ended her patrol off Gabo Island and set course to return to Sydney. (27)

24 Oct 1940
Around 0600K/24, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from patrol. (27)

25 Oct 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (27)

30 Oct 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (27)

31 Oct 1940
Around 1645K/31, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the troopship Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936) part of the way to Auckland.

She parted company with the troopship around 0530K/1 and set course to return to Sydney where she arrived around 2125K/1. (28)

6 Nov 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted 4" HA gunnery exercises off Sydney. (29)

7 Nov 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (29)

8 Nov 1940
Around 0515K/8, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for patrol.

Recall had only been given at 0200K/8, so she sailed short of crew.

Around 1700K/9, she entered harbour to pick up 65 ratings that had been absent on sailing before departing again to resume patrol 25 minutes later.

She returned to Sydney from patrol around 1855K/13.

This patrol was due to the transport Cambridge (British, 10892 GRT, built 1919) being mined and sunk on 7 November six miles east of Wilson's Promontory, Bass Strait. HMAS Adelaide was to search for the enemy vessel that had laid the mines. (29)

14 Nov 1940

Convoy US 7.

This convoy departed Sydney on 14 November 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).

Around 1000K/17, the troopship Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) joined in Bass Strait coming from Melbourne.

Around 1600J/18, the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) joined and took over escort from HMAS Adelaide which then parted company to proceed to Melbourne.

Around 1800J/18, the troopship Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Adelaide.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 21 November 1940.

Sailing of the convoy from Fremantle was then delayed due to enemy raiders being active in the Indian Ocean and the escorting cruisers being used to search for these.

The convoy finally departed Fremantle on 28 November 1940 still escorted by HMAS Perth. Later on the day of departure the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) which also came from Fremantle but departed a little later to overtake the convoy.

On 3 December 1940, HMAS Canberra was relieved by HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN).

On 5 December 1940 the convoy arrived at Colombo.

The convoy and escort (still HMAS Perth and HMS Capetown) departed Colombo on 7 December to continue it's passage to Suez.

On 11 December 1940, HMAS Perth was relieved by HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN). HMAS Perth then proceeded to Aden to fuel arriving and leaving there on 12 December 1940 to rejoin the convoy. Also from Aden on the 12th additional escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN). HMS Capetown and HMS Caledon then parted company with the convoy.

HMS Kingston parted company with the convoy oround midnight during the night of 13/14 December and proceeded to Port Sudan to fuel.

The following morning HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle parted company with the convoy to join southbound convoy BS 10A. US 7 then continued on to Suez escorted by HMS Kandahar. US 7 arrived at Suez on 15 December 1940.

19 Nov 1940
Around 2045K/19, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from convoy escort duty. (29)

20 Nov 1940
Around 0900K/20, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Williamstown for Sydney. (29)

21 Nov 1940
Around 2210K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Williamstown. (29)

22 Nov 1940
Around 1520K/22, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) to Brisbane. (29)

24 Nov 1940
Around 1730K/24, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) arrived at Brisbane. (29)

27 Nov 1940
Around 0210K/27, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Brisbane / Moreton Bay and proceeded northwards.

Around 2300K/27, the parted company near Lady Elliot Island. The Zealandia then continued on towards Thursday Island unescorted inside the reefs.

HMAS Adelaide set course for Sydney. (29)

29 Nov 1940
Around 0520K/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from escort duty. (29)

30 Nov 1940
Around 0210K/30, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) part of the way to Auckland.

Around 1250LM/2, HMAS Adelaide was relieved as escort by HMS Achilles (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN).

HMS Achilles and the Aorangi arrived at Auckland on 3 December 1940.

HMAS Adelaide arrived back at Sydney around 0800K/5. (29)

6 Dec 1940
Around 0745K/6, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for patrol.

Around 1730K/6, the Greek merchant vessel Evinos (Greek, 5627 GRT, built 1919) was intercepted and boarded in position 33°02'S, 152°02'E.

The Greek ship was then permitted to proceed to Newcastle.

Around 0120K/7, HMAS Adelaide returned to Sydney. She is then taken in hand for a short refit at the Garden Island Naval base. (30)

11 Dec 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is docked in the Sutherland Dry Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (30)

14 Dec 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked. (30)

18 Dec 1940
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) completed her short refit at the Garden Island Naval base at Sydney. (30)

19 Dec 1940
Around 1230K/19, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the (troop) transport Wairuna (British, 5826 GRT, built 1914) to the vicinity of Suva.

Around 0615M/27, HMAS Adelaide parted company with the Wairuna and then set course for Suva where she arrived around 1115M/27. (30)

28 Dec 1940
Around 0620M/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Suva for Noumea. (30)

30 Dec 1940
Around 0800L/30, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) anchored in Great Road, Noumea coming from Suva. (30)

3 Jan 1941
Around 0625L/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Noumea for Sydney. (31)

5 Jan 1941
Around 1820K/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Noumea. (31)

8 Jan 1941
Around 0430K/8, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for patrol. In the evening gunnery exercises were carried out. (31)

9 Jan 1941
Around 1550K/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) returned to Sydney from patrol and exercises. (31)

13 Jan 1941

Convoy VK 2.

This convoy departed Sydney on 13 January 1942.
[Note, there was also a later Convoy VK 2 in 1942.]

It was made up of the following transports;
City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925) and Maunganui (New Zealand, 7527 GRT, built 1911).

The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) which had first conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney before departing with the convoy around 1515K/13.

Around 0700M/18, the City of Delhi parted company to proceed to Napier unescorted.

Around 0800M/18, the Maunganui parted company and entered Wellington harbour followed shortly afterwards by HMAS Adelaide. (31)

20 Jan 1941
Around 1930M/20, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Wellington escorting the transport Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

Around (31)

23 Jan 1941
Around 1400K/23, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) departed Sydney to join HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) at sea which was done around 1600K/23. HA gunnery exercises were then carried out on a sleeve towed by an aircraft.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Adelaide proceeded to Sydney. just before the exercises started, HMAS Adelaide had been escorting the transport Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) which then made the last few miles to Sydney unescorted.

HMAS Hobart was then joined by the troop transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) and Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) which she was to escort to New Zealand. (32)

26 Jan 1941
Around 0915K/26, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), which had embarked a Military Force which was to be landed on Ocean Island, departed Sydney for Brisbane. (31)

27 Jan 1941
Around 2015K/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney. (31)

29 Jan 1941
Around 1630K/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), still with a Military Force for Ocean Island onboard, departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with three transports and form a convoy at sea for Ocean Island / Nauru.

HMAS Adelaide arrived in the rendezvous position around 0800K/30 and commenced to patrol.

Around 0900K/30, the transport Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932) joined at the rendezvous. She had departed Sydney on 27 January.

Around 1130K/30, the transport Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936) joined at the rendezvous. She had departed Sydney on 27 January.

Around 0700K/1, the transport Maloja (Norwegian, 6400 GRT, built 1930) joined at the rendezvous. She had departed Melbourne on 25 January. The convoy then proceeded towards Ocean Island.

Around 1815L/6, the Maloja was detached and arrived at Nauru the following day.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Ocean Island around 0940L/7. Here HMAS Adelaide landed the Military Force. (33)

11 Feb 1941
Around 2300L/11, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Ocean Island for Suva. (34)

16 Feb 1941
Around 1555L/16, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Suva from Ocean Island. (34)

17 Feb 1941
Around 0630L/17, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Suva for Brisbane. (34)

21 Feb 1941
Around 1525L/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Suva. (34)

25 Feb 1941
Around 1345L/25, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Brisbane for patrol. (34)

5 Mar 1941
Around 1400L/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) returned to Brisbane from patrol. (35)

7 Mar 1941
Around 1330L/7, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Moreton Bay escorting the transports Anatina (Norwegian, 4986 GRT, built 1939), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939) and Thordis (Norwegian (tanker), 8210 GRT, built 1931) towards New Zealand.

Around 1200K/11, the convoy was dispersed in position 32°54'S, 166°24'E. (35)

12 Mar 1941
Around 1700L/12, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) joined the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) to escort her to Sydney where they arrived around 0300K/15. (35)

21 Mar 1941
Around 1755K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) departed Sydney for New Zealand.

Around 1540K/23, HMS Achilles (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) took over the escort duties from HMAS Adelaide which then set course to return to Sydney. (35)

25 Mar 1941
Around 1735K/25, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney. She was then taken in hand for a short refit at the Garden Island Naval base. (35)

15 Apr 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) ended her short refit at Sydney. (36)

16 Apr 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted full power trials off Sydney. (36)

18 Apr 1941
Around 1200K/18, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for gunnery exercises.

On completion of these exercises, HMAS Hobart returned to Sydney around 1645K/18.

HMAS Adelaide then joined the transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) which she was to escort to Rabaul. (37)

25 Apr 1941
Around 1430K/25, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) arrived at Rabaul. (36)

28 Apr 1941
Around 2330K/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Rabaul for Noumea. (36)

4 May 1941
Around 0800K/4, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) arrived at Noumea from Rabaul. (38)

5 May 1941
Around 1500K/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Noumea for Sydney. On board the Zealandia were Free French troops. (38)

9 May 1941
Around 0725K/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) arrived at Sydney from Noumea.

HMAS Adelaide was almost immediately docked in the Sutherland Dry Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (38)

13 May 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard and proceeded to the Garden Island Naval base. (38)

21 May 1941
Around 0430K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) departed Sydney for Auckland. (38)

24 May 1941
Around 1500K/24, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) arrived at Auckland from Sydney. (38)

26 May 1941
Around 1145K/26, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Auckland for Sydney. (38)

30 May 1941
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises both entered harbour. (39)

6 Jun 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (40)

12 Jun 1941
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises both entered harbour. (41)

20 Jun 1941
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises both entered harbour. (41)

24 Jun 1941

Convoy US 11A.

On 24 June 1941, the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) departed Wellington escorted by the light cruiser HMS Achilles (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN). They set course for Bass Strait.

On 28 June 1941, the troopship Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) proceeded from Sydney to Jervis Bay escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).

On 29 June 1941, the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) departed Sydney escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN).

Around 1700K/29, the Queen Mary and HMAS Australia were joined in position 35°00'S, 151°55'E by the Queen Elizabeth and HMAS Adelaide. HMAS Adelaide then parted company to proceed to Auckland.

Around 1200K/30, the Aquitania and HMS Achilles joined the convoy. HMS Achilles then parted company to return to Wellington.

On 4 July 1941, the convoy anchored in Gage Roads off Fremantle.

On 5 July 1941, HMAS Australia entered Fremantle harbour.

On 9 July 1941, the convoy departed Fremantle for Trincomalee still escorted by HMAS Australia.

On 16 July 1941, the convoy arrived at Trincomalee.

On 17 July 1941, the convoy departed Trincomalee for Suez. The convoy was still escorted by HMAS Australia.

Around 1700C/22, near Aden, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) took over the escort of the convoy from HMAS Australia

The convoy was later dispersed in the Red Sea. (42)

28 Jun 1941
Around 0950K/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the troopship Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) departed Sydney for Jervis Bay where they arrived around 1700K/28. (40)

29 Jun 1941
Around 1255K/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the troopship Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) departed Jervis Bay to join convoy US 11A.

Rendezvous was affected around 1700K/29. HMAS Adelaide however did not join the convoy and set course for Auckland.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 11A ' for 24 June 1941.] (40)

3 Jul 1941
Around 1405M/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Auckland. (43)

5 Jul 1941
Around 2355M/5, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) departed Auckland for Sydney. (43)

9 Jul 1941
Around 1500K/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) arrived at Sydney from Auckland. (43)

14 Jul 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted trials off Sydney. (43)

15 Jul 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (43)

16 Jul 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted degaussing trials at Sydney. (43)

17 Jul 1941
Around 1230K/17, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) departed Sydney for Auckland. (43)

21 Jul 1941
Around 1420M/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) arrived at Auckland from Sydney. (43)

22 Jul 1941
Around 0700M/22, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) departed Auckland for Sydney. (43)

25 Jul 1941
Around 2020L/25, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) arrived at Sydney from Auckland. (43)

29 Jul 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is partially fumigated at Sydney. (43)

3 Aug 1941
Around 1640K/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 0030K/7.

HMAS Adelaide then returned to Sydney arriving there around 0550K/9.

HMAS Bungaree was to proceed to Port Moresby. (44)

9 Aug 1941
Around 1000K/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for Wellington. (44)

12 Aug 1941
Around 2245M/12, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Wellington from Sydney. (44)

13 Aug 1941
Around 1650M/13, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915) departed Wellington for Newcastle. (44)

18 Aug 1941
Around 1630K/18, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) parted company with the (troop) transport Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915) which then proceeded into Newcastle harbour.

HMAS Adelaide then proceeded to Sydney arriving there around 0005K/19. (44)

22 Aug 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney on completion of which, around 1800K/22, she was joined by the troop transport Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938). Course was then set for New Zealand. (44)

25 Aug 1941
Around 1515M/25, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) parted company with the troop transport Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938). Both ships entered Auckland harbour shortly afterwards. (44)

26 Aug 1941
Around 0630M/26, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Auckland to return to Sydney. (44)

30 Aug 1941
Around 0750K/30, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Auckland. (44)

2 Sep 1941
Around 1445K/2, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for gunnery exercises.

Upon completion of the exercises, around 1645K/2, she joined the troopship Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) that just had left Sydney harbour for Jervis Bay where they arrived around 2220K/2. (45)

3 Sep 1941
Around 1800K/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the troopship Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) departed Jervis Bay to join convoy US 12A at sea which they did around 2130K/3.

HMAS Adelaide then parted company and set course for Sydney where she arrived around 0625K/4.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 12A ' for 3 September 1941.] (45)

3 Sep 1941

Convoy US 12A.

This convoy departed Sydney on 3 September 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 23 September 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) and Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936).

HMS Queen Mary departed Sydney on 3 September escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Sydney (Capt. J. Burnett, RAN).

They were joined off Jervis Bay around 2200K/3 by the Queen Elizabeth which had arrived there from Sydney on 2 September 1941 and had stayed overnight in the bay protected by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN). On the Queen Elizabeth joining HMAS Adelaide parted company and returned to Sydney.

Around 0700K/6, the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) took over the escort duties from HMAS Sydney which then proceeded to Williamstown.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 8 September.

The convoy departed Fremantle for Colombo on 9 September still escorted by HMAS Canberra.

The convoy arrived at Trincomalee on 15 September 1941 and departed from there on 16 September 1941.

From Trincomalee to Perim the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Cornwall (Capt. P.C.W. Manwaring, RN).

The convoy arrived off Perim on 21 September 1941 and from there on the ships proceeded independently to Suez while HMS Cornwall proceeded to Aden where she arrived later that day. (46)

5 Sep 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is taken in hand for a dynamo overhaul at the Garden Island Naval base at Sydney. (45)

15 Sep 1941

Convoy US 12B.

On 15 September 1941, the troopships Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) and Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930) departed Wellington for Fremantle. She is escorted by the light cruiser HMS Achilles (New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN).

On 17 September 1941 the troopship Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) departed Sydney for Fremantle. She is escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).

At 0830K/18, the two sections joined, HMS Achilles then parting company.

At 1300K/19, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J. Burnett, RAN) took over the escort, HMAS Adelaide then parting company proceeding to Williamstown where she arrived later the same day.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 25 September 1941.

The convoy departed Fremantle for Singapore on 28 September 1941 still escorted by HMAS Sydney.

Around 0700G/3, to the south-east of the Sunda Strait, in approximate position 07°30'S, 103°50'E, rendezvous was made with the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) and HMS Danae (A/Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN). HMAS Sydney then parted company to return to Fremantle.

HMS Danae took over the escort of the Sibajak and escorted her to Singapore arriving there on 5 October.

The remainder of Convoy US 12B proceeded to Colombo escorted by HMS Glasgow. They arrived at Colombo on 8 October 1941.

The convoy departed Colombo on 10 October for Aden still escorted by HMS Glasgow.

The convoy was dispersed on the morning of 16 October 1941 in the Gulf of Aden in approximate position 12°37'N, 47°00'E.

17 Sep 1941
Around 1800K/17, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the (troop) transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927). They were to make rendezvous with convoy US 12B coming from Wellington.

Rendezvous was affected around 0830K/18.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 12B ' for 15 September 1941.] (45)

19 Sep 1941
Around 2015K/19, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from convoy escort duty. (45)

20 Sep 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) proceeded up river from Williamstown to Port Melbourne. (45)

25 Sep 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip.

After completion of the exercises she departed escorting the transport Lanarkshire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940) towards the south-east tip of New Zealand.

They parted company around 0930M/29 in position 47°54'S, 170°06'E.

HMAS Adelaide then proceeded to Wellington where she arrived around 1540M/30.

The Lanarkshire crossed the Pacific and arrived at Balboa, Panama Canal Zone on 16 October 1941. (45)

30 Sep 1941
Around 2120M/30, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Wellington to patrol to the east of Cook Strait

Around 1320M/2, she joined the transport California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938) as escort.

Around 1500M/3, when in position 41°00'S, 171°00'E they parted company. HMAS Adelaide then proceeded to patrol to the northward.

Around 1035M/4, having reached position 36°30'S, 170°45'E course was changed to commence patrolling to the west-south-west.

Around 0645M/6, HMAS Adelaide arrived at Wellington from patrol having been recalled the previous day. (47)

6 Oct 1941
Around 1200M/6, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Wellington to resume her patrol.

She was later ordered to provide escort for the transport City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925) which was en-route from Wellington to Sydney. The transport was however not sighted.

HMAS Adelaide arrived at Sydney around 0635K/13.

The City of Delhi also arrived safely at Sydney on this day. (47)

13 Oct 1941
Around 1500K/13, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the troop transport Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) towards New Zealand.

Around 1300K/15, HMNZS Achilles (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) took over the escort.

HMAS Adelaide set course to return to Sydney. (48)

17 Oct 1941
Around 1650K/17, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) secured in the Sutherland Dry Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard on her return to Sydney after escort duty. The dock was pumped dry by 2145K/17. (48)

20 Oct 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked. (48)

23 Oct 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (48)

27 Oct 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (48)

29 Oct 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Sydney on completion of which, around 1920K/29, she took station ahead of the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) to escort her to Melboune. (48)

1 Nov 1941
Around 0500K/1 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) arrived at Melbourne from Sydney. (49)

2 Nov 1941
Around 1800K/2 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Melbourne for Fremantle. (49)

5 Nov 1941
Around 1715K/5, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J. Burnett, RAN) made rendezvous with the troopship Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) and her escort, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN). HMAS Sydney then took over the escort of the troopship to Fremantle with HMAS Adelaide returning to Melbourne. (50)

7 Nov 1941
Around 2020K/7 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from escort duty. (49)

8 Nov 1941
Around 0750K/8 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Williamstown for Sydney. (49)

10 Nov 1941
Around 0630K/10 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Williamstown. (49)

18 Nov 1941
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. Around 1435K/18, after the exercises had been completed, she took station to escort the transports Clan Macauley (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936) and Orari (British, 10350 GRT, built 1931) which were to cross the Pacific to proceed to Balboa.

Around 1100M/22, off Wellington, HMNZS Achilles (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) took over the escort until the dispersal point.

HMAS Adelaide arrived in Wellington harbour around 1215M/22. (49)

23 Nov 1941
Around 0900K/23, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Wellington for Sydney. (49)

26 Nov 1941
Around 2145K/26, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Wellington. Before entering harbour night gunnery exercises had been carried out. (49)

29 Nov 1941
Around 2030K/29, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the (troop) transport Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) to Port Moresby via Brisbane. (49)

1 Dec 1941
Around 1945K/1, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) entered Moreton Bay. (51)

3 Dec 1941
Around 0100K/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) departed Moreton Bay for Port Moresby. (51)

7 Dec 1941
Around 0630K/7, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) arrived at Port Moresby from Brisbane. (51)

9 Dec 1941
Around 0115K/9, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Port Moresby for Darwin. (51)

11 Dec 1941
Around 0420IK/11, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Darwin from Port Moresby. (51)

14 Dec 1941
Around 1300IK/14, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMAS Ballarat (T/Lt.Cdr. A.D. Barling, RANR(S)) departed Darwin for Ambon, Netherlands East Indies. They were escorting the transports; Both (Dutch, 2608 GRT, built 1931), Patras (Dutch, 2065 GRT, built 1927) and Valentijn (Dutch, 2071 GRT, built 1928).

The convoy arrived at Ambon around 0800HI/17. (52)

18 Dec 1941
Around 1620HI/18, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Ambon for Port Moresby. (51)

22 Dec 1941
Around 0900K/22, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Port Moresby from Ambon.

After fuelling she departed for Sydney around 1440K/22. (51)

27 Dec 1941
Around 0745K/27, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Port Moresby. (51)

3 Jan 1942

Convoy VK 1.

[Note, there had been an earlier Convoy VK 1 in 1940/1941.]

This convoy departed Sydney on 3 January 1942.

It was made up of the following transports;
Admiral Cole (American, 3545 GRT, built 1920), Asphalion (British, 6274 GRT, built 1924), Gabriella (Australian, 1593 GRT, built 1930), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Kairanga (New Zealand, 2830 GRT, built 1922), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Silverbeech (British, 5311 GRT, built 1926), Tuscan Star (British, 11449 GRT, built 1930) and Waroonga (British, 11243 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Sydney, around 1800K/3, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Lithgow (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)) and the auxiliary A/S vessel HMAS Bingera (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN).

Around 0600K/4, HMAS Lithgow was detached.

Around 1950K/4, HMAS Bingere was detached.

Around 1105M/8, the auxiliary M/S trawler HMNZS Rata (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.L. Mackie, RNR) joined.

Around 1400M/8, the auxiliary M/S trawler HMNZS Muritai (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Gilfillan, RNZNVR) joined.

The convoy arrived at Wellington on 9 / 10 January 1942.

12 Jan 1942

Convoy ZT 1.

This convoy departed Wellington on 12 January 1942.

The exact composition of this convoy is currently not known to us.

On departure from Wellington, around 1330M/12, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and some local escort vessels [details unknown to us at the moment.]

Shortly after departure the transport Admiral Chase (British, 3545 GRT, built 1920) developed engine trouble and returned.

Around 1920M/12, the local escort turned back.

Around 1730K/16, the local escort joined, these were the auxiliary A/S vessels HMAS Bingera (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and HMAS Wyrallah (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Livingston, RANR(S)).

Around 2000K/16, the transport Wichita (American, 6174 GRT, built 1921) parted company to proceed to Melbourne.

The convoy arrived at Sydney early in the evening of 17 January 1942. (53)

27 Jan 1942
HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, CB, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMNZS Leander (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) departed Sydney to proceed eastwards to provide cover for a US troop convoy proceeding to Melbourne. HMAS Adelaide was to join the close escort of the convoy.

HMAS Australia, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Leander returned to Sydney on 31 January 1942.

The convoy continued on and arrived at Melboune on 1 February 1942 escorted by USS Phoenix and HMAS Adelaide.

Rendezvous with the US Convoy was made around 1130L/29. The US convoy was made up of the light cruiser USS Phoenix (Capt. H.E. Fischer, USN) and the (troop) transports Mariposa (18017 GRT, built 1931) and President Coolidge (American, 21936 GRT, built 1931). HMAS Adelaide then join the close escort while HMAS Australia, HMAS Perth and HMNZS Leander patrolled ahead of the convoy.

(54)

2 Feb 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown. (55)

5 Feb 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked at Williamstown and then proceeded to Port Melbourne. (55)

9 Feb 1942

Convoy MS 4.

This convoy departed Melbourne on 9 February 1942.

It was made up of five empty tankers [identities currently not known to us] and the cargo ship 's Jacob (Dutch, 2988 GRT, built 1907).

It was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) which before joining the convoy had first conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip.

Around 1200H/15, some 50 miles south of Cape Leeuwin, the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN) made rendezvous with the convoy and HMAS Adelaide proceeded to Fremantle to fuel. She arrived at Fremantle around 1540H/16. Destination had by now been established as being Oosthaven, Sumatra and the convoy was to have been joined by one more empty tanker and two laden merchant vessels from Fremantle.

On the the orders were received to sent all five empty tankers to Fremantle as it was no longer possible to load oil in Sumatra due to the Japanese advance.

Around 0830H/17, HMAS Adelaide rejoined the convoy having departed Fremantle around 2340H/16. On HMAS Adelaide rejoining HMAS Perth proceeded to Fremantle to top off with fuel. HMAS Perth arrived at Fremantle around 1430H/17 and left again around 1800H/17. The two merchant vessels that were to have joined the convoy were delayed and they were ordered to catch up later. These were the Karsik (Dutch, 2191 GRT, built 1938. former German Soneck) and Swartenhondt (Dutch, 4661 GRT, built 1924).

HMAS Perth rejoined the convoy, currently only made up of the 's Jacob, around 2200H/17. HMAS Adelaide then parted company to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 2140H/18.

Around 1000H/18, the first of the two merchant vessels caught up from astern.

Around 1000H/19, the second merchant vessel caught up from astern.

Around 2100H/21, HMAS Perth was ordered to return with the convoy to Fremantle and course was reversed.

Around 1400H/22, HMAS Perth was ordered to disperse the convoy and order the ships to return to Fremantle independently and herself to proceed to Batavia with all despatch. HMAS Perth then set course for the Sunda Strait at 28 knots. (56)

17 Feb 1942

Convoy SJ 3.

This convoy departed Batavia on 17 February 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Darvel (British, 1929 GRT, built 1924), Giang Ann (British, 1265 GRT, built 1902), Krian (British, 845 GRT, built 1911), Oriskany (British, 1644 GRT, built 1924) and E Sang (British, 3370 GRT, built 1934).

The destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) was also part of the convoy. She was in tow of the naval auxiliary HMS Ping Wo (T/Lt. J. Fant, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).

The convoy later split into two sections, one for Colombo made up of the Krian, Oriskany and . It is possible these ships proceeded independently. It seems likely that HMS Electra then parted company on the convoy splitting and then returned to Batavia.

The other section was for Fremantle, and was made up of the Darvel and Giang Ann. Also with this section was HMS Ping Wo towing HMAS Vendetta. HMAS Yarra remained with this section until she was relieved by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) around 1830I/22 in position 15°50'S, 105°07'E.

Around 1830I/27, the Darvel was sent ahead to Fremantle due to being short of water.

The Fremantle section arrived there during the night of 3/4 March 1942. (57)

19 Feb 1942
Around 1315I/19, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with convoy SJ 3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SJ 3 ' for 17 February 1942.] (55)

3 Mar 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Fremantle with convoy SJ 3. (58)

6 Mar 1942
Around 0800I/6, the troopship USS Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1932) departed Fremantle for Adelaide. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN) and USS Bulmer (Lt. D.A. Harris, USN).

Around 1320I/7, the destroyers parted company.

Around 0955I/9, USS Mount Vernon and HMAS Adelaide parted company with each other. The Mount Vernon arrived at Adelaide later the same day.

Around 1900L/10, USS Adelaide arrived at Williamstown. (58)

11 Mar 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) proceeded from Williamstown to Port Melbourne. (58)

18 Mar 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Melbourne around 1620L/18, escorting the transport Monterey (American, 148017 GRT, built 1932) to Fremantle.

Around 1530I/21, the destroyers USS Parrott (Lt. J.N. Hughes, USN) and USS Paul Jones (Lt. C.R. Herms, USN).

Around 1945I/21, they all arrived at Fremantle. (58)

26 Mar 1942
Around 1625I/26, the troopship Westpoint (American 26454 GRT, built 1940) departed Fremantle for Adelaide. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN) and USS Bulmer (Lt. D.A. Harris, USN).

Around 0200I/27, the destroyers parted company.

Around 1830K/29, the Westpoint and HMAS Adelaide parted company with each other. The Westpoint arrived at Adelaide later the same day.

Around 1110K/30, USS Adelaide arrived at Port Melbourne. Shortly before arrival she had conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip. (58)

2 Apr 1942
Around 0830K/2, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Port Melbourne for Sydney. (59)

4 Apr 1942
Around 0645K/4, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Port Melbourne. (59)

6 Apr 1942

Convoy SM 1.

This convoy departed Sydney on 6 April 1942.

It was made up of the transports;
Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) and Van Heutsz (Dutch, 4588 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Rockhampton (Lt. R.T. Salmon, RANR(S)) and the auxiliary A/S vessel HMAS Bingera (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN).

The convoy arrived in Port Phillip Bay on 10 April 1942. (59)

12 Apr 1942

Convoy MN 1.

This convoy departed Melbourne late in the evening of 12 April 1942.

It was made up of the transports;
Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926), Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) and Van Heutsz (Dutch, 4588 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyer USS John D. Edwards (Lt. W.J. Giles, Jr., USN).

The convoy arrived At Noumea around 0845L/19. (59)

19 Apr 1942
Around 1200L/19, the heavy cruiser Australia, light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyer USS John D. Edwards (Lt. W.J. Giles, Jr., USN) departed Noumea for Australia.

Around 1130K/21, HMAS Adelaide parted company to proceed ahead to Sydney where she arrived around 0810K/22.

HMAS Australia and USS John D. Edwards arrived at Sydney around 0845K/22. (60)

22 Apr 1942
Around 1545K/22, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the troopship President Coolidge (American, 21936 GRT, built 1931) and her escort, the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN), which were coming from Melbourne.

Rendezvous was affected around 0645K/23, HMAS Adelaide then took over the escort duties from HMAS Voyager. (59)

26 Apr 1942
Around 1100M/26, in position 25°53'S, 179°45'E, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) turned over the escort duties of the troopship President Coolidge (American, 21936 GRT, built 1931) to USS Richmond (Capt. J.H. Brown, Jr., USN). (61)

27 Apr 1942
Around 1600M/27, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Suva from escort duty. (59)

28 Apr 1942
Around 0800M/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Suva for Sydney. (59)

3 May 1942
Around 0615K/3, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Suva. (62)

4 May 1942
HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) commenced to de-ammunition at Sydney as she is to be taken in hand for refit. (62)

5 May 1942
De-ammunitioning is completed and HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at the Garden Island Naval base at Sydney. (62)

3 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is docked at the Morts Dock Shipyard at Woolwich, Sydney. (63)

7 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is undocked. (63)

8 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is depermed at Sydney. (63)

10 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted degausing trials at Sydney. (63)

11 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted trials and gunnery exercises off Sydney. (63)

13 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (63)

15 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (63)

16 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (63)

20 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted degaussing trials at Sydney. (63)

20 Jul 1942

Convoy ZK 14.

This convoy departed Sydney on 20 July 1942.

It was made up of the following transports; Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913).

They were escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN).

Around 0200K/21, HMAS Stuart parted company and returned to Sydney arriving there later the same day.

Around 1530K/22, the transports Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926) and Van Heutsz (Dutch, 4588 GRT, built 1926) joined coming from Melbourne.

Around 0922H/27, HMAS Wollongong (T/Lt. G.A. Keith, RANR(S)) joined the convoy as local A/S escort in the approaches to Fremantle.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle in the afternoon of 28 July 1942. (63)

31 Jul 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (63)

31 Jul 1942

Convoy Schooner B '.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 31 July 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Kaituna (British, 4914 GRT, built 1938), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926) and Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN), destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Wollongong (T/Lt. G.A. Keith, RANR(S)). HMAS Wollongong most likely was with the convoy only for a short time.

Around 1900H/2, HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Voyager parted company with the convoy to return to Fremantle.

The Elisabeth Bakke arrived at Adelaide on 5 August 1942 after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Melbourne on 7 August 1942. It appears that the Westernland proceeded to Sydney independently.

4 Aug 1942
Around 0800H/4, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (64)

7 Aug 1942
Around 1720H/7, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troopsship Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and her current escort, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNethN). (65)

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. (66)

13 Aug 1942
Around 1050K/13, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the troopsship Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Melbourne. (65)

23 Aug 1942

Convoys US 16 and US 17.

Convoy US 16.

Convoy US 16 departed Sydney on 23 August 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941) and Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN).

The transport Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926) joined the convoy PM on the 27th in position 18°40'S, 140°40'E.

The convoy was joined by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) at 0845H/2.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 3 September 1942.

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Convoy US 17.

Convoy US 17 departed Sydney on 24 August 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Lilian Luckenbach (American, 6339 GRT, built 1919), Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918).

The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN).

At 1415K/28, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) coming from Melbourne.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle on 4 September 1942.

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The now combined convoy US 16 / US 17 departed Fremantle on 7 September. It was now escorted by the light cruisers HMAS Adelaide, HrMs Tromp, armed merchant cruisers HMS Kanimbla, HMAS Manoora and the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN).

Around 0700H/8, HMAS Voyager was detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1000FG/11, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from Colombo. HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Tromp then parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 0930FG/14, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy which was then split up. HMS Mauritius and HMS Kanimbla proceeded to Colombo with convoy US 16. HMS Devonshire proceeded to Durban with convoy US 17. HMAS Manoora returned to Fremantle.

Convoy US 16 was joined by the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) around 0900FG/19. Later the same day HMS Scout developed rudder problems and had to be steered by her engines. She and HMS Kanimbla were then detached to proceed to Colombo in company while HMS Mauritius remained with the convoy. Both the convoy escorted by HMS Mauritius and HMS Scout in company with HMS Kanimbla arrived at Colombo on 21 September 1942.

Convoy US 16 departed Colombo for Aden on 24 September 1942 now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius, sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and the minelayer HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Küller, RNethN).

Around 2000F/26, HrMs Willem van der Zaan parted company with convoy US 16 to return to Colombo where she arrived on 29 September 1942.

Around 0800F/28, HMS Shoreham parted company with convoy US 16 to proceed to Bombay where she arrived on 1 October 1942.

Around 0730E/30, the minesweeper HMS Poole (Lt. W.L.G. Dutton, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1500E/30, the destroyer HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.

Convoy US 16 arrived at Aden on 2 October 1942.

Convoy US 17 meanwhile had arrived at Durban on 23 September 1942.

27 Aug 1942
Around 0930K/27, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Williamstown to join convoy US 17 at sea. She first conducted gunnery exercises inside Port Phillip.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoys US 16 and US 17 ' for 23 August 1942.] (65)

4 Sep 1942
Around 0630H/4, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) arrived at Fremantle with convoy US 17. (67)

7 Sep 1942
The light cruisers HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN), HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) and the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) departed Fremantle escorting the combined convoys US 16 and US 17.

[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Convoys US 16 and US 17 ' for 23 August 1942.] (68)

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. (69)

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. (69)

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. (69)

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. (69)

6 Oct 1942
Around 1340H,6, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) departed Fremantle for exercises.

These were completed around 1000H/7, when HrMs Tromp parted company to proceed to Melbourne.

HMAS Adelaide then conducted some more exercises and returned to Fremantle around 0715H/6. (70)

21 Oct 1942
Around 1740H/21, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN), HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)) and USS Whippoorwill (T/Cdr. C.A. Ferriter, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 0830H/23.

Around 1500H/23, HMAS Cessnock and USS Whippoorwill parted company to proceed to Albany.

USS Pelias and HMAS Adelaide arrived at Fremantle around 2000H/24. (70)

5 Nov 1942
Around 0850H/5, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for exercises and patrol from which she retuned around 1530H/6. (71)

24 Nov 1942

Convoy OW 1.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 24 November 1942.

It was made up of the following transports;
Agwiprince (American, 6679 GRT, built 1941), Tarakan (Dutch, 8704 GRT, built 1930) and Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Fremantle, around 1730H/24, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 2030I/25, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1740I/25, the tanker Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927) and the minesweepers HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)) and HMAS Toowoomba (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Simpson, RANR(S)) joined the convoy.

Around 1416GH/28, HMAS Adelaide sighted a ship two points on the starboard bow. Commenced to close to investigate as did HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

Around 1450GH/28, the ship was considered suspecious. Continued to close and came to first degree of readiness.

Around 1543GH/28, an explosion was observed on the ship. Opened fire on the enemy.

Around 1552GH/28, the enemy ship was seen to sink. Position was 23°46'S, 99°05'E. Closed to pick up survivors. HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck was now ordered to return to the convoy.

By 1650GH/28, 91 survivors had been picked up. 78 Germans and Finns as well as 10 Norwegian and 3 Danes which had been on board as POW's. The ship had been the German Ramses (7983 GRT, built 1926) en-route from Japan to France.

Around 1816GH/28, HMAS Adelaide was back in station on the convoy.

Around 1300GH/29, HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerk parted company with the convoy to return to Fremantle after the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) had joined in position 21°24'S, 95°07'E. The armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. W.L.G. Adams, RN) was also briefly at the rendezvous position before continuing her patrol.

Around 0630F/5, the Goldmouth, HMAS Cessnock and HMAS Toowoomba parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini via first Diego Garcia and then the Seychelles.

Around 1830F/6, HMS Gambia parted company to proceed to Addu Atoll after the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) and HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN) had joined coming from Addu Atoll.

Around 1615F/11, the minelayer HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Küller, RNethN) joined coming from Bombay. HMIS Jumna parted company on this day to proceed to Bombay.

The convoy arrived in the Persian Gulf on 13 December 1942. (72)

28 Nov 1942
While escorting convoy OW 1, the Australian light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the Dutch AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) intercept the German blockade runner Ramses (7983 GRT, built 1926) in the Indian Ocean about 830 nautical miles west-south-west of North West Cape, Australia in position 23°46'S, 99°05'E. However before the German ship can be captured she is scuttled by her own crew.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy OW 1 for 24 November 1942.]

2 Dec 1942
Around 0915I/2, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from convoy escort duty. (73)

5 Dec 1942
Around 0530I/5, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939).

Around 2100I/5, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle. (73)

8 Dec 1942
Around 1800KL/8, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) was relieved of the escort of the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939) by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN). (73)

9 Dec 1942
Around 1500L/9, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from escort duty. (73)

10 Dec 1942
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) shifted from Williamstown to Port Melbourne. (73)

11 Dec 1942

Convoy US 18.

This ' convoy ' departed Wellington, New Zealand on 11 December 1942.

It was made up of one ship only, the troopship Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, 5505 troops)

Escort on departure from Wellington was the light cruiser HMNZS Achilles (Capt. C.A.L. Mansergh, RN).

At 0923L/16, rendezvous was made with the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) which took over from HMNZS Achilles which proceeded to Melbourne to fuel arriving there later the same day.

At 1150IK/19, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as A/S escort.

Around 0730I/20, Aquitania, HMAS Adelaide and HrMS Van Galen arrived at Fremantle.

Around 2000I/21, the Aquitania departed Fremantle escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and with HrMs Van Galen as A/S escort.

Around 2100I/22, HrMs Van Galen parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 0500C/2, near Aden, HMS Devonshire parted company with the Aquitania which then proceeded to Suez unescorted.

The Aquitania arrived at Suez on 5 January 1943.

15 Dec 1942
Around 1300L/15, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Port Melbourne to make rendezvous to the west of Tasmania with convoy US 18.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 18 ' for 11 December 1942.] (73)

20 Dec 1942
Around 0730I/20, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle with convoy US 18. (73)

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. (74)

13 Jan 1943
Around 1630I/13, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from escort duty. (75)

19 Jan 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted D/G trials and gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (75)

22 Jan 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (75)

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. (74)

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.

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 longtitude 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. (76)

15 Feb 1943
Around 0800I/15, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from escort duty. (77)

20 Feb 1943
Around 1800I/20, the Pamphlet convoy departed Fremantle escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' 'Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943 ' for 1 February 1943.] (77)

25 Feb 1943
Around 1000L/25, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived in Port Phillip together with the troopship Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938). (77)

25 Feb 1943
At 1335L/25, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown. (77)

2 Mar 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is undocked. (78)

3 Mar 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) shifted from Williamstown to Port Melbourne. (78)

4 Mar 1943
Around 0840L/4, the submarine tender USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN) departed Melbourne for Fremantle. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN).

Around 0645I/9, the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined as A/S escort. (78)

9 Mar 1943
Around 1315I/9, USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN), HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle. (79)

20 Mar 1943

Convoy OW 3.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 20 March 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Harrison Gray Otis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), Montanan (American, 6415 GRT, built 1917), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Grey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Fremantle, around 0830I/20, the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and the minesweepers HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. N.G. Weber, RANR(S)) and Wallaroo (T/Lt. Eric Sinclair Ross, RANR(S)).

Around 0700H/21, HMAS Dubbo and HMAS Wallaroo were detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1750GH/21, HrMs Van Galen was detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1320FG/25, the convoy was turned over by HMAS Adelaide to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN). HMAS Adelaide then set course to return to Fremantle.

The convoy arrived at Colombo on 2 April 1943. (80)

28 Mar 1943
Around 1700H/28, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from convoy escort duty.

[Note: no report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide is available for the month of April 1943, so some details for this month might be missing.] (78)

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

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes was returning from escort duties and joined HMAS Adelaide for some exercises before entering harbour. (81)

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. (82)

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. (83)

11 May 1943
Around 1340K/11, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Fremantle. (84)

16 May 1943
Around 1355K/16, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Melbourne to make rendezvous with the troop transport Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) to the west of Tasmania.

Rendezvous was to be affected on the 18th, but the troopship was not sighted. HMAS Adelaide then proceeded along the track of the troopship towards Fremantle.

Around 0700K/19, the troopship was sighted and HMAS Adelaide then commenced her escort duties.

Around 1440H/22, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) joined as A/S escort.

Around 1500H/23, the Dominion Monarch, HMAS Adelaide and HrMs Tromp arrived at Fremantle. (84)

25 May 1943
Around 1400H/25, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for exercises and then to proceed to make rendezvous with the troopship USS Hermitage (23254 GRT, built 1925).

Rendezvous was affected around 1030H/27 in approximate position 32°50'S, 109°40'E.

They arrived at Melbourne around 1000K/1. (85)

2 Jun 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) commenced to de-ammunition the ship preparatory to refit. (86)

9 Jun 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) commenced a refit at Melbourne / Williamstown. (86)

24 Jun 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown. (86)

17 Jul 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is undocked. She then continued her refit at Williamstown. (87)

25 Aug 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown for a tilt test. (88)

26 Aug 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is undocked. Her refit is now completed. (88)

28 Aug 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery trials in Port Phillip. (88)

3 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted A/S trials in Port Phillip. (89)

4 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted A/S trials in Port Phillip. (89)

7 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip. (89)

8 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (89)

9 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip. (89)

10 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Port Phillip. On completion of these exercises course was set for Fremantle. (89)

15 Sep 1943
Around 1830H/15, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) dropped anchor in Gage Roads, Fremantle. She entered harbour the following morning. (89)

19 Sep 1943
Around 0920H/19, the transport Sambridge (British, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee.

On departure from Fremantle she is escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

Around 0800H/20, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes is detached to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1650H/20.

Around 1145G/25, in position 20°15'S, 91°55'E, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) takes over the escort duties from HMAS Adelaide which then set course to return to Fremantle where she arrived on 29 September 1943.

Around 0740FG/2, in position 05°26'N, 81°56'E, HMS Canton parted company with the Sambridge after the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN) had joined.

The Sambridge and HMS Scout then proceeded to Colombo arriving on 3 October. HMS Canton also arrived at Trincomalee on 3 October, around 1115FG. (90)

29 Sep 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (89)

5 Oct 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Fremantle. (91)

7 Oct 1943
Around 0920H/19, the troop transport George Washington (American, 25570 GRT, built 1909) departed Fremantle for Bombay.

On departure from Fremantle, around 1030H/7, she is escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Around 1900H/8, HrMs Van Galen was detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1000G/11, the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) took over the escort duties from HMAS Adelaide which was then detached to return to Fremantle.

Around 1300FG/15, near Addu Atoll, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) took over from HMS Hawkins which then proceeded to Addu Atoll to fuel.

Around 0730F/19, in approximate position 16°43'N, 68°45'E, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) joined.

The George Washington, HMS Frobisher, HMAS Nepal and HMAS Norman arrived at Bombay around 0930F/20. (92)

15 Oct 1943
Around 0700H/15, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) dropped anchor in Gage Roads, Fremantle. She entered harbour later the same day. (91)

23 Oct 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. G.E. Porter, Jr., USN). (91)

26 Oct 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. G.E. Porter, Jr., USN). (91)

28 Oct 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Billfish (Cdr. F.C. Lucas, Jr., USN) and USS Bowfin (T/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Griffith, USN). (91)

29 Oct 1943
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (91)

2 Nov 1943
During 2/3 November 1943, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (93)

18 Nov 1943
From 18 to 20 November 1943, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (94)

25 Nov 1943
On 25 November, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Pompon (T/Cdr. E.C. Hawk, USN) and USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. D.T. Hammond, USN). Most of the time however, HMAS Adelaide acted as target ship for the submarines.

HMAS Adelaide remained out for more exercises. (93)

27 Nov 1943
Around 0810H/27, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) returned to Fremantle from exercises.

[Note: no detailed report of proceedings is available for December 1943, during this month she only conducted exercises off Fremantle with American submarines, mostly acting as target for them.] (93)

3 Jan 1944
Around 1100H/3, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the submarine tender USS Orion (T/Capt. C.S. Isgrig, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 0930H/4.

USS Orion and HMAS Adelaide arrived at Fremantle around 0900H/5. (95)

7 Jan 1944
Around 1330H/7, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne.

On leaving harbour she acted as target for the submarine USS Cod (T/Cdr. J.C. Dempsey, USN). (95)

12 Jan 1944
Around 0900L/12, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Port Melbourne from Fremantle. (95)

12 Jan 1944

Convoy US 23A.

This convoy departed Wellington on 12 January 1944.

It was made up of the troop transport Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923).

On departure from Wellington the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Sampson (T/Cdr. T.M. Fleck, USN).

Around 0600L/15, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) took over the escort duties from the USS Sampson (T/Cdr. T.M. Fleck, USN) which then parted company.

Around 1650H/23 the convoy arrived at Fremantle.

The convoy departed Fremantle for Bombay around 1000H/26. It was now escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (A/Capt. M. Everard, RN).

Around 1230FG/4, in approximate position 02°00'S, 73°00'W the convoy was turned over to the destroyer HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN). HMS Sussex then parted company to proceed to Colombo.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 9 February 1944.

13 Jan 1944
Around 1100L/13, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Port Melbourne to make rendezvous with convoy US 23A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 23A ' for 12 January 1944.] (95)

31 Jan 1944
Around 1100H/31, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the transport Mariposa (American, 18017 GRT, built 1931). (95)

1 Feb 1944
Around 0900I/1, HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), turned over the escort of the transport Mariposa (American, 18017 GRT, built 1931) to HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN).

HMS Ceylon arrived at Fremantle later the same day. (96)

5 Feb 1944
Around 0700L/5, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the transport Mariposa (American, 18017 GRT, built 1931) entered Port Phillip. (97)

6 Feb 1944
Around 1430L/6, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the transport Mariposa (American, 18017 GRT, built 1931) departed Port Phillip for Wellington. (97)

8 Feb 1944
Around 1930L/8, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) parted company with the transport Mariposa (American, 18017 GRT, built 1931) and set course to return to Melbourne. (97)

11 Feb 1944
Around 0545L/11, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Williamstown.

She was docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown later the same day. (97)

18 Feb 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) is undocked. (97)

21 Feb 1944
Around 1440L/21, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Williamstown for Fremantle. (97)

26 Feb 1944
Around 0715H/26, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Williamstown. (97)

9 Mar 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) anchored in Gage Roads to provide AA cover for merchant shipping in the anchorage. Apparently a Japanese air attack was expected.

At 1552H/10, air raid warning 'RED' was given followed by the all clear at 1610H/10. (98)

11 Mar 1944
Around 1705H/11, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) weighed anchor and set course for Albany. (98)

12 Mar 1944
Around 1755H/12, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) arrived at Albany. (98)

13 Mar 1944
Around 1345H/13, the submarine tenders USS Orion (T/Capt. C.S. Isgrig, USN) and USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN) departed Albany to return to Fremantle. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN). The submarine rescue vessel USS Chanticleer (T/Cdr. R.E. Hawes, USN) was also with them.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1000H/16. (98)

24 Mar 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (98)

30 Mar 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle acting as target for the submarines USS Flasher (T/Cdr. R.T. Whitaker, USN) and USS Crevalle (T/Cdr. F.D. Walker, Jr., USN). (98)

31 Mar 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (98)

5 Apr 1944
Around 1430H/5, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for exercises. On completion of these exercises she set course to make rendezvous with the troop transport Ruys (British, 14155 GRT, built 1937).

Rendezvous was affected around 0720H/7.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1320H/8. (99)

20 Apr 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. She acted as target for the submarines USS Lapon (T/Cdr. L.T. Stone, USN) and USS Ray (T/Cdr. B.J. Harral, USN).

HMAS Adelaide also conducted gunnery and a range and inclination exercise. (99)

27 Apr 1944
During 27/28 April 1944, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) and USS Puffer (T/Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN). (99)

4 May 1944
Around 0815H/4, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle for exercises with the submarines USS Narwhal (T/Cdr. J.C. Titus, USN), USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. C.M. Henderson, USN) and USS Raton (T/Cdr. J.W. Davis, USN).

On completion of the exercises HMAS Adelaide set course to make rendezvous with the submarine tender USS Griffin (T/Capt. W.B. Throp, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1330H/6 and they arrived at Fremantle around 2130H/7. (100)

6 May 1944

Operation Transom.

Carrier raid against Surabaya by the Eastern Fleet.

On 6 May 1944 the Eastern Fleet put to sea from Trincomalee or Colombo in two task forces;
Task Force 65, which was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), the light cruisers HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNethN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, DSC, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Task Force 66, which was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet) (went to Task Force 65 the next day), the aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), USS Saratoga (T/Commodore J.H. Cassady, USN), light cruisers HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN), USS Dunlap (T/Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (T/Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN).

On 10 May 1944, the Dutch light cruiser Tromp and the destroyers were fuelled at sea by the capital ships and the cruisers. During fuelling from HMS Valiant the Dutch destroyer HrMs Van Galen sustained some minor damage (fractured hull plate on her port side) but the crew of the Van Galen was able to effect emergency repairs.

On 15 May 1944, task forces 65 and 66 were fuelled at Exmouth Gulf, Australia by Task Force 67 which was made up of of six Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers; Eaglesdale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941), Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942), Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937), Pearleaf (5911 GRT, built 1917), Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) and supplyship (used as distilling ship) Bacchus (3154 GRT, built 1936). This force had already left Trincomalee on 30 April and was escorted by the heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN). They had also been escorted near Ceylon by a local escort for A/S purposes, this local escort had been made up of the destroyers HMS Rotherham, HrMs Van Galen and the frigate HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR). The local escort returned to Ceylon on 5 May 1944. The two cruisers mentioned above now joined Task Force 66. Later this day Task Forces 65 and 66 went to sea again for the actual attack on Surabaya. On leaving Exmouth Gulf the fleet was spotted by the merchant vessel Aroona. This ship was now instructed to put into Exmouth Gulf and was held there by HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdale, OBE, RAN) for 24 hours and to impress on the master and crew of this vessel the necessity of not disclosing any information concerning the Fleet on the arrival of their ship at Fremantle (their next port of call).

In the early morning hours of the 17th the carriers launched 45 dive bombers and 40 fighters for an attack on the harbour and oil installations (Wonokromo oil refeniry) of Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies. (USS Saratoga: 12 Avengers (1 had to return with engine trouble shortly after being launched), 18 Dauntless, 24 Hellcats; HMS Illustrious: 18 Avengers (2 of which force landed in the sea shortly after being launched), 16 Corsairs). On the ground they destroyed 12 enemy aircraft (20 were claimed). The damage to the harbour and shipping were over estimated (10 ships were thought to have been hit) as in fact only the small transport ship Shinrei Maru (987 GRT, built 1918) was sunk and patrol vessel P 36, auxiliary submarine chasers CHa-107 and CHa-108, tanker Yosei Maru (2594 GRT, built 1928, former Dutch Josefina) and cargo ships Choka Maru (???? GRT, built ????) and Tencho Maru (2716 GRT, built 1919) were damaged.

On the 18th the US ships were released. The other ships then proceeded to Exmouth Gulf where they arrived to fuel the next day before starting on the return trip to Ceylon less destroyer HMAS Quiberon which was to refit in Australia and was sent to Fremantle.

On 23 May 1944, the Dutch light cruiser Tromp and the destroyers were fuelled at sea by the capital ships and the cruisers.

The ships of Task Force 65 and 66 arrived back at Colombo or Trincomalee on the 26 or 27th.

On 1 June 1944, Task Force 67 arrived at Trincomalee from Exmouth Gulf having been escorted by HMS London and HMS Suffolk until 1700FG/31. On arrival at Trincomalee Task Force 67 had an A/S escort made up of the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and corvette HMS Burnet (Lt. D.S. Charles, RNR). These ships had joined at 2300FG/28 (HMAS Nizam, HMS Roebuck and HMS Burnet) and 0630FG/30 (HMAS Quickmatch and HMS Raider).

During this operation several US Submarine guarded the passages to the Indian Ocean to spot a possible Japanese counter attack. The submarines deployed for this purpose were the following; In the Sunda Strait from 12 to 23 May 1944; USS Angler (T/Cdr. R. I. Olsen, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN).
South of Lombok Strait from 13 to 20 May 1944; USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. W.C. Thompson, Jr., USN) and also the USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. C.M. Henderson, USN) from 13 May until the night of the 16th.
South of Bali Strait from 17 to 20 May; USS Bluefish.
North of Bali Strait; USS Puffer (Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN) during the night of 16/17 May.

The following US Submarines were deployed in the Surabaya area for air/sea rescue duties; USS Puffer in the Madura Strait about 40 miles to the east of Surabaya.
USS Rasher (Cdr. W.R. Laughton, USN) in the Java Sea about 40 miles to the north of Surabaya. (101)

12 May 1944
Around 0545H/12, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) departed Fremantle to participate in operation 'Transom'.

She returned to Fremantle around 1020H/21 with HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) in company.

[For more info on this operation see the event ' Operation Transom ' for 6 May 1944.] (100)

26 May 1944
During 226/27 May 1944, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Hake (T/Cdr. J.C. Broach, USN) and USS Redfin (T/Cdr. M.H. Austin, USN). (100)

1 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Jack (T/Cdr. A.E. Krapf, USN) and USS Paddle (T/Cdr. B.H. Nowell, USN). (102)

8 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (102)

12 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted navigational trials off Fremantle. (102)

16 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HMAS Dubbo (Lt.Cdr. W.J.C. Webb, RANR) and HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Angler (T/Cdr. F.G. Hess, USN), USS Flasher (T/Cdr. R.T. Whitaker, USN) and USS Crevalle (T/Cdr. F.D. Walker, Jr., USN). (102)

22 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Cod (T/Cdr. J.A. Adkins, USN), USS Hoe (T/Cdr. V.B. McCrea, USN) and USS Robalo (T/Lt.Cdr. M.M. Kimmel, USN). (102)

23 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (102)

29 Jun 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Lapon (T/Cdr. L.T. Stone, USN), USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. W.C. Thompson, Jr., USN) and USS Sand Lance (T/Cdr. M.E. Garrison, USN).

30 Jun 1944
Around 0025H/30, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) dropped anchor in Gage Roads after having returned from last days exercises.

She entered harbour around 0845H/30.

[Note: no detailed report of proceedings is available for July 1944 so no details for this month can be given. The only times HMAS Adelaide was at sea during the month of July 1944 was for exercises.] (102)

5 Jul 1944
USS Gurnard (T/Cdr. C.H. Andrews, USN) and USS Ray (T/Cdr. W.T. Kinsella, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle attacking a 'convoy' made up of HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. F.W. Roberts, RANR(S)), HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)) and HMAS Wollongong (T/Lt. J. Hare, RANR(S)). (103)

25 Jul 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN), HMAS Dubbo (Lt.Cdr. W.J.C. Webb, RANR) and HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)) conducted exercises off Fremantle. Due to bad weather gunnery exercises had to be cancelled. (103)

2 Aug 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN), HMAS Dubbo (Lt.Cdr. W.J.C. Webb, RANR) and HMAS Horsham (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Newby, RANR(S)), USS Corpus Christie (Cdr. W.W. Childress, USCG) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines USS Hake (T/Lt.Cdr. F.E. Hayler, USN), USS Harder (T/Cdr. S.D. Dealey, USN), USS Jack (T/Cdr. A.E. Krapf, USN), USS Flier (T/Cdr. J.D. Crowley, USN) and USS Redfin (T/Cdr. M.H. Austin, USN). (104)

5 Aug 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) and HMAS Dubbo (Lt.Cdr. W.J.C. Webb, RANR) conducted radar tracking and gunnery exercises off Fremantle. They then joined USS Corpus Christie (Cdr. W.W. Childress, USCG) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) for exercises with the submarines USS Hake (T/Lt.Cdr. F.E. Hayler, USN) and USS Harder (T/Cdr. S.D. Dealey, USN). (104)

18 Aug 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. On completion of which she joined USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) for conducted exercises with the submarines USS Mingo (T/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Madison, USN) and USS Paddle (T/Cdr. B.H. Nowell, USN). (104)

27 Aug 1944
Around 0730H/27, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the submarine tender USS Euryale (T/Capt. H.A. Guthrie, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1750H/27.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1130H/28. (104)

2 Sep 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) and HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)) conducted exercises off Fremantle with the submarines Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and Hammerhead (T/Cdr. J.C. Martin, USN). (105)

7 Sep 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (105)

11 Sep 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (105)

15 Sep 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. On completion of which she joined USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR) for conducted exercises with the submarines USS Cod (T/Cdr. J.A. Adkins, USN), USS Bluegill (T/Cdr. E.L. Barr, Jr., USN) and USS Hoe (T/Cdr. V.B. McCrea, USN). (105)

17 Sep 1944
Around 0825H/17, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN), departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the damaged submarine USS Crevalle (T/Cdr. F.D. Walker, Jr., USN) coming from Darwin.

Rendezvous was affected around 1815H/19, and HMAS Adelaide took over the escort duties from USS Coucal (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Byerly, USNR).

HMAS Adelaide and USS Crevalle arrived at Fremantle around 1330H/22. (105)

26 Sep 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (105)

8 Oct 1944
Around 1030H/8, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. (106)

13 Oct 1944
Around 0900K/13, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from Fremantle. At Williamstown she commenced de-ammunitioning preparatory to refit. (106)

16 Oct 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at the Williamstown Dockyard. (106)

17 Nov 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) is docked in the Alfred Graving Dock at Williamstown. (107)

29 Nov 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) is undocked. She then continued her refit at the Williamstown Dockyard. (107)

16 Dec 1944
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) completed her refit at the Williamstown Dockyard. (108)

4 Jan 1945
Around 1555K/4, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) departed Williamstown for Sydney. (109)

6 Jan 1945
Around 0715K/6, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. L.E. Tozer, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Williamstown. Preparations were then commenced for paying off into reserve which was eventually done on 28 February 1945. (109)

Sources

Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1939
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron for 15 September 1939 to 2 October 1939 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Stuart for September 1939 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for September 1939 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Waterhen for September 1939
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1939 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for September 1939
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1939
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1939 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Australia for October 1939
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1939
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMS Adelaide for November 1939
Report of proceedings of HMS Adelaide for November 1939
Report of proceedings of HMS Adelaide for December 1939
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1940
ADM 199/382
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1940
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1940
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1940
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1940
ADM 53/113044 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Canberra for June 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for July 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1940
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for December 1940
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for January 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1941
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron for April 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Australia for May 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Australia for June 1941
ADM 199/
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for July 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1941
ADM 199/408
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1941
War diary of HMAS Adelaide for November 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for December 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for December 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Ballarat for December 1941
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1942
Report of proceedings of HMA Squadron + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for January 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Perth for February 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta from 6 December 1941 to 15 April 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1942 + War diary of USS John D. Edwards for April 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1942 + War diary of USS Richmond for April 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for July 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Voyager for August 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1942
File 2.12.03.6850 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1942
Commander Allied Naval Force Western Australia for September 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1942 + File 2.12.03.6850 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1942
ADM 199/2250 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for December 1942
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1943 + File 2.12.03.6850 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1943 + File 2.12.03.6850 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1943 + File 2.12.03.1613 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
ADM 53/118751 + ADM 53/118752 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1943
File 2.12.03.2099 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
File 2.12.03.6851 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1943 + File 2.12.03.6851 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1943 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1943 + War diary of USS Hermitage for May 1943 + War diary of USS Hermitage for June 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for July 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1943
ADM 53/117112 + ADM 53/117113 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1943 + File 2.12.03.2100 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1943
ADM 53/ + Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1943
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1943 + File 2.12.03.2100 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1944
ADM 53/119111`+ Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for February 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for March 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for April 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for May 1944
Files 2.12.03.6853 and 2.12.27.121 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands) and WO 203 / 4767 (British National Archives, Kew, London)
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for June 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Horsham for July 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for August 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for September 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for October 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for November 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for December 1944
Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for January 1945

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.

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