| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Frigate |
| Class | River |
| Pennant | K 298 |
| Built by | Canadian Vickers (Montreal, Canada) |
| Ordered | 6 Oct 1941 |
| Laid down | 29 Apr 1942 |
| Launched | 26 Sep 1942 |
| Commissioned | 30 Apr 1943 |
| End service | 27 Feb 1946 |
| History | Was to be built in Canada for the United States Navy but transferred to the Royal Navy under the lend-lease program. Barle served in the Mediterranean as S.O 43 escort group. She ended her war service with the British Pacific Fleet. Returned to the United States Navy on 27 February 1946. |
Commands listed for HMS Barle (K 298)
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 | Lt.Cdr. Alan Holt Davies, RNVR | 30 Apr 1943 | Aug 1944 |
| 2 | T/A/Lt.Cdr. John Duncan, DSC, RNR | 1 Aug 1944 | late 1945 |
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Notable events involving Barle include:
17 Aug 1943
Combined convoy WS 33 / KMF 22.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 18 August 1943.
On assembly the combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Cameronia (British, 19297 GRT, built 1920), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).
The convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Weston (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMIS Narbada (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN), cutter HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR) and the frigates HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), HMS Ettrick (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) and HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR).
The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined the convoy around 0955B/20.
HMS Charybdis parted company with the convoy around 2210B/21 and proceeded to Gibraltar arriving there on 22 August.
Around 1230B/22, HMAS Shropshire parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown.
The entire combined convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 24 August 1943.
From Gibraltar the convoys continued on as KMF 22 and WS 33.
18 Oct 1943
Convoy KMS 30.
This convoy was assembled near Oversay on 18 October 1943.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstel (Dutch, 2115 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Begum (British, 5843 GRT, built 1922), Belgian Seaman (Belgian, 7023 GRT, built 1941), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Corfirth (British, 1803 GRT, built 1934), Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Olga E. Embiricos (Greek, 4677 GRT, built 1922), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Pennywort (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR). The corvette HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, RNR) was unable to join them due to defects but sailed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea which she did on 20 October.
The Blairdevon and Fort Livingstone collided in position 55°39'N, 07°21'W, not long after assembly of the convoy. Both ships being heavily damaged and the Blairdevon was even in a sinking conditiom but both ships were successfully towed to Moville where they arrived on 19 October. HMS Pennywort remained behind with the damaged ships but later rejoined the convoy.
The convoy encountered heavy weather conditions and several ships were forced to turn back, these were; Amstel, Baron Forbes, Begum, Empire Ballad and Nolisement. The Begum had to be towed back as she had lost her propeller.
On 23 October 1943, the merchant vessels Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Scottish Monarch (British, 7004 GRT, built 1943) departed Ponta Delgada, Azores to join the convoy around 1200Z/26 in position 41°53'N, 18°30'W. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) which was not to join the convoy.
From 26 to 28 October 1943, HMS Warwick and HMS Asphodel were not with the convoy as they had to fuel at Ponta Delgada and then rejoin the convoy.
During their absence the destroyer HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. R.J. Jonckheere, RNR) and HMS Lavender (Lt. L.G. Pilcher, RNR) were with the convoy.
Also joining the convoy were the destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN). They had departed Gibraltar on 27 October with orders to join the convoy around 1800A/28 in position 37°37'N, 18°00'W. On these destroyers the three escorts from the Azores were then to part company and return to the Azores.
The convoy arrived off Gibraltar during the night of 31 October / 1 November 1943. The Corfirth arrived at Horta on 3 November after having been detached from the convoy. [or straggled from the convoy ?.] The Cydonia arrived at Lisbon on 1 November after having been detached from the convoy.
The following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Cape Hawke, Carlton, Corfell, Dan-Y-Bryn, Empire Copperfield, Esneh, Fort Tadoussac, Greathope, Lech, Olga E. Embiricos, Scottish Monarch and Stancleeve.
The original escort also proceeded to Gibraltar and was replaced by a new escort made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), escort destroyer HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and the A/S trawler L'Ajacienne.
The following merchant ships joined the convoy off Gibraltar; Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), F.T. Freylinghuysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Mary Odin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920), Nemours (French, 673 GRT, built 1935), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Orminster (British, 5712 GRT, built 1914), Puck (Polish, 1065 GRT, built 1935), Wearfield (British (tanker), 9795 GRT, built 1943), William B. Woods (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 2 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Oran; Coulmore, Empire Tern, George Bancroft, Joseph Warren and Montaigne while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Augustus S. Merrimon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caid (British, 255 GRT, built 1906), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mont Viso (French, 4531 GRT, built 1921), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), William C. Endicott (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon Pike (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The minesweeper HMS BYMS 2186 (?) also joined the convoy.
Around 0051A/3, the merchant vessel Mont Viso was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-593. HMS Bryony went to the assistance of the torpedoed ship but it sank in two minutes. The corvette then picked up the survivors and later obtained an asdic contact on the enemy and attacked with depth charges during which the German submarine sustained damage due to which she was to return to Toulon for repairs.
Around 0900A/3, HMS Colombo was detached to return to Gibraltar. Between around 1100A/3 and 1410A/3 she was in the area where the Mont Viso had been sunk searching for survivors but none were found. She arrived at Gibraltar around 0805A/4.
On 3 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Seaman, Caio, Empire Trent, Eridan, Fort Fairford, Fort Reliance, Lodestone, Orminster and Topsdaldjord as was HMS Haydon, while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Anna Capano (Italian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Chateau Pavie (French, 2047 GRT, built 1930), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), George C. Childress (American, 7245 GRT, built 1943), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Richmond Mumford Pearson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Ronan (British, 1489 GRT, built 1938). HMS Bryony also made a short stop at Oran to land the survivors of the Mont Viso before rejoining the convoy. The corvette HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) also joined the convoy off Algiers.
On 4 November 1943, the Empire Daring arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.
On 4 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Philippeville; George C. Childress, Letitia and Sinnington Court while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cap Padaran (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943) and Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925).
On 4 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Derwent, F.T. Freylinghuysen, John Mary Odin, Jonathan Trumbull, William B. Woods and William Coddington while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Bone; Yenangyaung (British, 5447 GRT, 1937).
On 5 November 1943 the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Anna Capano, George M. Bibb, Grand Quevilly, Kemp P. Battle and Wearfield while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919).
On 5 November 1943 the Errington Court was detached to Bizerta.
On 6 November 1943 the Fort Liard, Puck and Selvik were detached to Malta as was HMS BYMS 2186.
On 6 November 1943 the Afghanistan, Alexander Graham Bell, Augustus S. Merrimon, Baron Stranraer, Benjamin Huntington, British Merit, Cap Padaran, Celtic Monarch, Empire Cameron, Fort de Douaumont, Fort Fork, Fort Lawrence, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClellan, Harberton, Joseph Hewes, Kosciuszko, Lars Kruse, Leland Stanford, Norman Monarch, Pan-Delaware, Prometheus, Richmond Mumford Pearson, Riverton, Robert Dale Owen, Robert F. Stockton, Ronan, Wearwood, William C. Endicott, William F. Cody and Zebulon Pike were detached to Augusta while the following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).
On 11 November 1943 the Brighton, City of Windsor, Comliebank, Fort la Traite, Fort Pembina, Norjerv, Talma and Yenangyaung arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They took HMS Bergamot and HMS Bryony with them.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said also on 11 November escorted by HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine. HMS Barle then continued on toward Haifa where she arrived on the 12th.
21 Dec 1943
Convoy MKS 35.
This convoy departed Port Said on 21 December 1943.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; City of Eastbourne (British, 5563 GRT, built 1923), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Swiftarrow (American (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR).
On 22 December 1943 the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Louisbourg (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941) and Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935).
They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) which also joined the convoy.
On 26 December 1943, the the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Empire Franklin (British, 7292 GRT, built 1941), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gabriel Duval (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Peter Minuit (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and William H. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 27 December 1943, the following transports arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Fort Bell, Fort Bourbon, Fort Connolly, Fort Fiddler, Fort la Traite, Fort Senneville, Fort St. Regis, Fort Sturgeon and Newbrough.
The ships leaving and proceeding to Augusta, were most likely, escorted to and from the rendezvous with the convoy by the torpedo boats Sagittario, Animoso and the M/S trawler HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR).
On 27 December 1943, the Kepong arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Malta; Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923) and Ocean Coast (British, 1173 GRT, built 1935).
On 28 December 1943, the transport Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from Tunis.
On 28 December 1943, the Afghanistan, Auk, Avon Coast, Benjamin Huntington, British Respect, British Restraint, Fort Reliance, Gabriel Duval, Norfjell, Petter, Swiftarrow, Thorsholm and William H. Jackson arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Amos Kendall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Cap-Penide (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938), Empire Chivalry (British, 6007 GRT, built 1937), Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Felipe de Neve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Francis Amasa Walker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Iredell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935). The tank landing ships HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR) and HMS LST 407 (?) also joined the convoy as did the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN).
On 29 December 1943, the transports John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) joined coming from Bone. Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Mindful.
On 29 December 1943, the transports Betty Zane and Houston Volunteers arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 29 December 1943, the transport Sulev (British (former Estonian), 2233 GRT, built 1908) departed Bougie and joined the convoy.
On 30 December 1943, the Amos Kendall, Cap-Pinede, Empire Clive, Joel Chandler Harris, John Wise, Kemp P. Battle, Marion McKinley Bovard and Newton D. Baker arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the tanker Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 31 December 1943, the Empire Harbour, Felipe de Neve/, Francis Amasa Walker, George Shiras, James Iredell, John Steele, Joseph E. Brown and Peter Minuit arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Orminster (British, 5712 GRT, built 1914), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921) and Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 1 January 1944.
29 Feb 1944
Convoy MKS 42
This convoy departed Port Said on 29 February 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tanker; British Soldier (British (tanker), 5564 GRT, built 1918), Cyrus W. Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935).
On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR).
On 1 March 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Clydefield (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1928), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR).
On 4 March 1944, the Sofala arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy.
On 5 March 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Clark Mills (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Diplodon (British (tanker), 8149 GRT, built 1941), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Havkong (Norwegian, 9666 GRT, built 1937), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John P. Poe (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Morrison R. Waite (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and William Sturgis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 6 March 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; British Soldier, Clydefield, Dallington Court, Empire Path, Everleigh, Fort Erie, Fort Hudson's Hope, Hugh Williamson and Samphire.
On 6 March 1944, the submarines HMS Torbay and (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) departed Malta and joined the convoy.
Also the Kyklades was detached to proceed to Tripoli.
Around 1900A/7, off the Gulf of Tunis the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the escort.
On 8 March 1944, the Clark Mills and Cyrus W. Field were detached to Bizerta while the following ships joined the convoy coming from that place; Armilla (Dutch (tanker), 3007 GRT, built 1931), Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 194), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Richmond Mumford Pearson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 8 March 1944, the Empire Grebe, Empire Guinevere, Fort Cadotte, Helmwood and Linge were detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from that place; Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942) and Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942).
On 8 March 1944, the Brighton was detached to Philippeville while the Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from that place.
On 9 March 1944, the Edward Rutledge and Empire Gareth were detached to Bougie.
Around 2030A/9, near Algiers, HMS Delhi was detached to proceed independently to Mers-el-Kebir.
On 10 March 1944, the Coombe Hill, Diplodon, Dromus, Empire Gain, Frans Hals, Fronenac and Havkong were detached to Algiers while the following ships joined from that place; Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937) and Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943).
On 11 March 1944, the Benito Juarez, Cornelius Harnett, Crosby S. Noyes, Daniel Huger, Empire Southey, James McCosh, John Dickinson, John P. Poe, John Walker, Morrison R. Waite, Richard Montgomery, Richmond Mumford Pearson, Samos, Spindleton, Thomas Nelson Page, William Kent and William Sturgis were detached to Oran while the following ships joined from that place; Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925) and Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928).
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 12 March 1944.
4 Mar 1944
Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44.
This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 March 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Empire Nile (British, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nanceen (French, 2895 GRT, built 1929), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).
The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Dittany (T/Lt. S.W. Lock, RNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR).
The following merchant vessels of the convoy returned to the U.K. after sailing; Angelo, Hopestar and Stal.
On 10 March 1944, the frigate HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 150 / MKS 41 while the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from this convoy.
On 16 March 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 70 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 44 bound for the Mediterranean.
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Convoy OS 70 was made up of the merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer, Cap Cantin, Fort Liard, Groix, Isipingo, Jenny, Porjus, Thomas Holt and Ville de Strasbourg.
On 15 March 1944, the merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929) and Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Gibraltar escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR). These ships joined the combined convoy when it split.
On 16 March 1944, the following transports departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920) and Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloops Chevreuil, Gazelle and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR).
On these ships joining on the 17th, the transports Empire Nerissa, Fort Liard, Langleebrook, Porjus and Romney were detached to Casablanca where they arrived later on the 17th. They were escorted by the two American patrol vessels as the two French minesweeping sloops had joined the convoy.
On 22 March 1944, the transports Finistere, Isaac Coles and Vernon L. Kellogg arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. The two French minesweeping sloops also proceeded to Dakar.
On 23 March 1944, the transports Cap Cantin and Fort Nashwaak arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 25 March 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.
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Convoy KMS 44, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.
On 17 March 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Archangelos, Lorca, Redgate, Slesvig, rescue ship Fastnet and the escort oiler San Tirso arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the combined convoy minus HMS Dittany.
The transports Baron Forbes, Kana, Monkleigh, Radport and Stanhope proceeded directly to Lissabon after the convoy had split. They were possible escorted by HMS Dittany which did not arrive with the other escort at Gibraltar on the 17th but only arrived there on the 20th.
The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Baron Maclay, Bruse Jarl, Carslogie, Empire Nile, Empire Rosalind, Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Eurybates, Fort Aklavik, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Nakasley, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermiston, Janeta, Langleetarn, Leonidas, Matheran, Nanceen, Nurani, Radmanso, Samoa, Topsdalfjord, Urbino and Wyfarer.
On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the transports Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913) and Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada. The submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.
On 18 February 1944, the transports Carslogie, Joshua Hendy and Maycrest arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Crawford W. Long (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mayo Brothers (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
On 19 February 1944, the transports Fort Gaspereau, Hermiston, Janeta, Leonidas and Zapaca arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 20 February 1944, the transports Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942) and Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.
On 20 February 1944, the transports Bruse Jarl, Empire Gain, Fort Rae and Radmanso arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 21 February 1944, the transports Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Mayo Brothers, Nanceen, Parame and Solarium arrived at Bizerta as did HMS Colombo after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tankers Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.
On 22 February 1944, the transports Graiglas, Topsdalfjord arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Spiteful and the Yugoslavian corvette Nada while the tanker Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), transport Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944) and the bouy / lighthouse tender Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 22 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy while the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Augusta; Asa Gray, Benito Juarez, Brighton, City of Canterbury, Crawford W. Long, Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Addison, Empire Cameron, Empire Copperfield, Empire Rosalind, Empire Southey, Empire Wordsworth, Esneh, Fort Aklavik, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Fort Marin, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermelin, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Langleetarn, Lightfoot, Linge, Ousel, Samettick, Sammex, Samoa, Samson, Samuel V. Shreve, Southgate, Spindletop and William Kent.
On 26 March 1944, the transports Beaconsfield, Corfell, Elise, Empire Noble, Empire Peak, Fort Glenlyon, Ocean Vulcan, Riverton, Samnebra and Van der Capelle arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine arrived at Alexandria.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 March 1944.
17 Mar 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada, submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 44.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44 ' for 4 March 1944.] (1)
23 May 1944
Convoy UGS 43.
This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 23 May 1944.
It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Arthur P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Atlanta City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Belgian Airman (Belgian, 6960 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Charles Carroll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Felipe de Neve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ferdinand Westdahl (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fernplant (British, 5274 GRT, built 1939), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Frederick Banting (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Gutzon Borglum (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Heimvard (Norwegian, 4851 GRT, built 1930), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Sharpless (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), James Gunn (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Knute Nelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), M.M. Guhin (American, 7180 GRT, 1943), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Rogers (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Nelson Dingley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944), Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samglory (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samleyte (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samovar (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtrust (British, 7209 GRT, built 1943), Samvigna (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Steel Inventor (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920), Sul Ross (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sverre Helmersen (Norwegian, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Victor Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Wiley Post (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Bradford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Harper (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
The naval tanker USS Kennebec (Cdr. M.D. Mullen, USNR) was also part of the convoy as were the following LCI(L)'s; USS LCI(L)-590 (Lt.(jg) T.E. Boland, USNR), USS LCI(L)-591 (Lt.(jg) W.A. Putnam, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-592 (Lt.(jg) A.H. Swanke), USS LCI(L)-593 (Lt.(jg) B.V. Wilson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-594 (Lt.(jg) W. Campbell, USNR), USS LCI(L)-595 (Lt.(jg) C. Ringle, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-596 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Crawford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-674 (Lt.(jg) W.P. Eckel, USNR), USS LCI(L)-675 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Tobin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-951 (Lt. N.A. Thompson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-952 (?), USS LCI(L)-953 (Lt.(jg) D.J. Stadfeld, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-954 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Ullrich, USNR).
On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyer USS McCormick (T/Cdr. F.A. Brock, USN, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG, on board), USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG), USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Smith, USN), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Earl V. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Jordy, USNR).
Around 2200Z/25, the destroyer escort USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy escort followed an hour later by her sister ship USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR).
During 27 May 1944, USS Kennebec fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Fowler, USS Durik and USS Earl V. Johnson.
During 31 May 1944, USS Kennebec fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Earl V. Johnson, USS Fowler and USS Durik.
Around 0410Z/3, the auxiliary minelayer USS Planter (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Scudder, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy coming from the Azores. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxilary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to return to the Azores taking the transport Joseph Hewes with her.
Around 1335Z/5, USS Kennebec was detached from the convoy to proceed to position 25°00'N, 20°00'W to fuel other USN ships. She was escorted by USS Durik. Before the tanker parted company she fuelled USS McCormick, USS Solar, USS Wiseman, USS Fowler, USS Durik, USS Earl V. Johnson and USS Planter.
Around 2000Z/5, USS LCI(L)-952 staggled from thee convoy due to engine trouble. She rejoined the convoy around 1630Z/6.
Around 1800Z/7, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Charles Carroll, John Barton Payne, Joseph Alston, Lorraine and Samfeugh. To escort them there the patrol vessels 472, 473 and 482 had come out from Casablanca and had joined the convoy around 1630Z/7. The Casablanca section arrived at its destination the following day.
Around 1400Z/8, USS McCormick parted company with the convoy to pick up liason officers at Gibraltar. She rejoined around 1547Z/8.
Around 1830Z/8, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 0805Z/9, the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).
Around 1830Z/9, the Oran section of the convoy parted company. This was mad up of the following ships; Asa Gray, Belgian Airman, Ezra Cornell, Garonne, John Clarke, Newton D. Baker and Pan-Maryland. At the same time two ship joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910) and George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Around 1930Z/9, the destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) and the minesweeper USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined the convoy for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).
Around 1530Z/10, the Algiers section of the convoy parted company. This was mad up of the following ships; Christopher Gale and Clausina. At the same time two ship joined the convoy coming from Algiers, these were the following; Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938) and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920).
At 0318Z/11, USS Tomich was detached to proceed back towards Algiers to land an urgent hospital case there. She rejoined the convoy around 2350Z/11.
Around 2030Z/11, USS Madison and USS Sustain parted company with the convoy.
At 0353Z/12, USS Ramsden parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Bizerta to land the remains of a deceased crew member.
Around 0500Z/12, HMS Colombo parted company to proceed to Bizerta.
Between 0715Z/12 and 0800Z/12, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta; Hiram S. Maxim, J.L. Luckenbach, Norrisia and Portsea. Also USS Planter and all 13 LCI(L)'s entered Bizerta as did the following escort vessels; USS McCormick, USS Sellstrom, USS Mills, USS Rhodes, USS Richey, USS Savage, USS Fowler, USS Tomich and USS Earl V. Johnson.
The following ships joined the convoy off Bizerta; Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Black Hawk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Also a new escort joined off Bizerta, this was made up of the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR).
On 13 June 1944, the Chloris arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 13 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Califonia (American (tanker), 10398 GRT, built 1921), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1932), Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) and Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930).
On 14 June 1944 the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Auk, Benjamin Goodhue, Black Hawk, Cistula, Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Empire Garrick, F.A.C. Muhlenberg, Felipe de Neve, Fort George, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClenllan, George Bancroft, Haym Salomon, Isaac Sharpless, John C. Breckinridge, John B. Eaton, Joshua Seney, M.M. Guhin, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Moses Rogers, Ninella, Northia, Regent Lion, Robert Treat Paine, Steel Inventor, Sun, Thomas Pinckney, Thomas Sumter, Trondheim, Walter E. Ranger, William H. Wilmer and Zaanstroom.
On 17 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria; Empire Lionel, Fernplant, Fort Aklavik, Fort Frontenac, Ocean Messenger, Ocean Vesper, Palermo, Samglory, Samleyte, Samphire and William Harper. Also the following escort ships arrived at Alexandria; HMS Barle and HMS Bryony.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 19 June 1944.
3 Jun 1944
Convoy GUS 42.
This convoy departed Port Said on 3 June 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Esso Charleston (American (tanker), 7949 GRT, built 1938), Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Francis M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Glacier Park (Canadian, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), L.H. McNelly (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Louis A. Sengteller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), R.M. Williamson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Susan V. Luckenbach (American, 7435 GRT, built 1918), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930), Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) and Waigstill Avery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR).
On 4 June 1944, the transports Empire Kinsman (British, 6744 GRT, built 1942), Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920), Samfairy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samsylvan (British, 7219 grt, built 1943) and William H. Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Alexandria. With these ships were also the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).
On 8 June 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Hooker (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Mary Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Pride (Britsh, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Roger Sherman (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Johnston (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).
On 9 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Bantria, Dallington Court, Empire Brook, Esso Charleston, Pronto, Samsylvan and Vasco.
On 9 June 1944, the transports Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Hermes (Dutch, 2739 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from Malta. Also joining for passage to Gibraltar was the submarine HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN).
On 10 June 1944, the transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930), J.C. Osgood (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James W. Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Motia (Italian, 2336 GRT, built 1918), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Pierre Gibault (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). Also the current escort, which arrived at Bizerta on 10 June 1944, was relieved by a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 63, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN on board), destroyer escorts USS Eisner (Lt.Cdr. D. McVickar, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. R.P. Walker, USN on board), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Purdy, USNR), USS Thornhill (Lt. J.B. Shumway, USNR), USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN), USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Jordan (Lt.Cdr. D. Bontecou, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN on board), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Gammelgard, USNR) and the minesweeper USS Pioneer (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR).
On 11 June 1944, the Empire Usk and Hermes arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the Harlesden, Motia, Samsteel and Wellington Court arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy.
On 11 June 1944, the transports Bialystok (Polish, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943) and Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 12 June 1944, the Empire Harbour, Ocean Pride, Thorshaven and HMS Caledon arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy.
On 12 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David Bushnell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Elijah White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937) Malplaquet (British, 499 GRT, built 1940), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925), Samuel Adams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walter Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 13 June 1944, the following transports parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Oran Bay; Alexander J. Dallas, Empire Damsel, Hart Crane, Howell E. Jackson, John Lawson, Malplaquet, Sinnington Court and William Blount. USS Pioneer proceed to Mers-el-Kebir.
On 13 June 1944, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir; David Lubin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambert Cadwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Samfield (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samkansa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).
The naval tanker (escort oiler), USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR) also joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.
On 14 June 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Gibraltar; Bialystok Empire Foam, Fort Rouille, Fort St. Joseph and King James. HMS Taurus also parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar.
On 14 June 1944, the tankers British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923) and British Energy (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. The following day the British Commodore developed engine trouble and was ordered to proceed to Casablanca but she returned to Gibraltar instead where she arrived on 16 June 1944.
On 15 June the transports; Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Charles Carroll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Fort Souris (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Samderry (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 14th. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret.
On the above ships joining the convoy the transport Loch Dee parted company to proceed to Casablanca with the French escort vessels. They arrived at Casablanca later on the 15th.
Around 1730Z/16, the Pierre Gibault developed engine trouble and parted company with the convoy. USS Eisner was detached to escort her. They rejoined the convoy around 1200Z/17.
On 18 June 1944, USS Macleish, USS Liddle, USS Jordan, USS Kephart, USS Newman, USS Lloyd and USS Cofer fuelled from USS Cowanesque.
On 19 June 1944, the transport Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Horta, Azores. She was escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Cape Comorin (/Lt. F.K. Turner, RNVR) which did not join the convoy.
On 23 June, USS Cowanesque refuelled USS Macleish, USS Jordan, USS Kephart, USS Lloyd, USS Cofer and USS Newman.
Around 0630Q/26, USS Cowanesque was detached to Bermuda. To escort her to Bermuda the escort destroyers USS Hodges (Lt.Cdr. V.B. Staadecker, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 74, T/Cdr. C.F. Hooper, USN on board) and USS William Seiverling (Cdr. C.F. Adams, Jr., USNR) had just made rendezvous with the convoy. They arrived at Bermuda the following morning.
Around 1710Q/27, the Glacier Park was straggling and unable to regain her station was ordered to proceed to St. John, New Brunswick.
Around 1940Q/27, the ' New York ' section of the convoy of 41 ships was detached, they were escorted by USS Macleish, USS Eisner, USS Wingfield, USS Thornhill, USS Rinehart and USS Roche.
The ' Chesapeake Bay ' section of the convoy was made up of the following ships; Ben H. Miller, Cornelius Harnett, Daniel H. Lownsdale, Daniel Huger, David Bushnell, David Lubin, Elbridge Gerry, Empire Alliance, Empire Nerissa, Empire Stalwart, Fort Souris, Francis M. Smith, G.S. Walden, Hannis Taylor, Henry George, James McCosh, James Turner, James W. Johnson, John P. Holland, Joseph Hewes, Joseph Hooker, Joseph N. Teal, Levi Woodbury, Robert H. Harrison, Samuel Adams, Samuel Johnston, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, Walt Whitman, Walter Reed and William H. Moody. They were escorted by USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd.
The ' Chesapeake Bay ' section arrived at its destination on 28 June 1944. The ' New York ' section arrived at its destination on 29 June 1944.
28 Jun 1944
Convoy MKS 54.
This convoy departed Port Said on 28 June 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942), Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942), Empire Tweed (British, 5452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Norelg (Norwegian, 6103 GRT, built 1920), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsurf (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917), Tarantia (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942) and Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930).
The aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR).
On 29 June 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Beausejour (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938).
They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR).
On 29 Jun 1944, the Kyklades arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.
On 3 July 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grenville M. Dodge (American, 7194 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).
On 4 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Algorab, Baron Maclay, British Chemist, Destro, Empire Noble, Empire Rosalind, Empire Splendour, Empire Torrent, Empire Unicorn, Fort Aklavik, Fort Beausejour, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Cumberland, Fort Frontnac, Fort Marin, Marit Maersk, Norelg, Palermo, Sambre, StancleeveTide Water Associated.
On 4 July 1944, the transport Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929) and rescue tug HMRT Behest joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 5 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Fort Kootenay, Spindletop and Suderholm while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931). Also the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.
On 6 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Empire Harbour, Nicolaos Michalos, Odysseus and Samnebra while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924) and Runswick (British, 3970 GRT, built 1930).
On 6 July 1944, the Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940) joined the convoy off Philippeville.
On 7 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Avon Coast, Boltonhall, Empire Spartan, Meonia, Ocean Vulcan, Pan-Maryland and Prosper Schiaffino while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Jan (Norwegain, 1946 GRT, built 1920), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 191), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stephen F. Austin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Vigsnes (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1930).
On 8 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; George Bancroft, Grenville M. Dodge, John C. Breckinridge, Newton D. Baker, Thomas R. Marshall, William F. Cody and William H. Wilmer while the Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
Around 0530B/9, HMS Colombo and HMS Athene parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of the convoy to Gibraltar where they arrived around 2000B/9.
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 10 July 1944. Some ships probably did not enter but immediately joined convoy MKS 54G.
2 Oct 1944
Convoy GUS 54.
This convoy departed Port Said on 2 October 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following ships; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 192), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Chung Tung (Chinese, 7120 GRT, built 1944), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Henry H. Sibley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry T. Scott (American, 7216 GRT, built 1944), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), Jose J. Acosta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lankashire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940), Laurentide Park (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Ville d'Anvers (Belgian, 7462 GRT, built 1920) and Westmount Park (Canadian, 7133, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Cdr. A.H. Davies,VRD, RNVR).
On 3 October 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Brittany Coast (British, 1389 GRT, built 1919), John J. McGraw (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samouse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
They were escorted by the corvette HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR).
On 7 October 1944, the submarine HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta while the Brittany Coast was detached to Malta.
Also on 7 October the following ships were detached to Augusta; Destro, Empire Collins, John J. McGraw, Palermo and Samouse while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry S. Sanford (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Josiah B. Grinnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and W.C. Latta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944).
Around 1500A/8, the following ships joined coming from Bizerta; James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and USS Pleiades (Lt. E. Motley Jr., USNR). Also the British escort was relieved by an American escort coming from Palerma. The American escort, Task Forc 61, was made up of the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. W.A.P. Martin, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Harding, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDI5 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. S.N. Gleis, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Cody, Jr., USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. J.C. Murphy, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR).
At 0300A/9, the Balfe and Baron Scott were detached to Bone.
At 0825A/9, the Richard H. Alvey was detached to Philippeville.
Around 0700A/10, the Jose J. Acosta proceeded ahead to Algiers to land the British Commodore there and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1015A/10.
At 0900A/10, the Carlton and Laurentide Park were detached to Algiers while the following ships joined coming from Algiers; Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Around 0435A/11, USS Evarts proceeded ahead towards Oran to escort the joiners coming from Oran.
Around 0830A/11, the John C. Spencer was detached to Oran escorted by the French patrol vessel Le Volontaire which had come out from Oran.
Around 1230A/11, the following ships joined coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Backhuysen (Dutch (tanker), 8194 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Francis Amasa Walker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Henry D. Thoreau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Ward Beecher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leonidas Polk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
The naval oiler USS Escalante(Cdr. J.M. Paulsson, USNR) also joined.
Around 1600A/11, five more ships joined coming from Oran, these were the following; Benjamin Rush (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939) and Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Around 0730A/12, the William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), which had departed Oran late, caught up with and joined the convoy.
Around 1020A/12, HMS Templar left the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.
Around 1155A/12, the Chester O. Swain, Euryades and Lankashire were detached to Gibraltar.
Around 1205A/12, two ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar, these were the following; Havprins (Norwegian (tanker), 8066 GRT, built 1935) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).
Around 1250A/12, the Hoegh Scout which had reported that she still had 4845 tons of aviation fuel on board was detached to Gibraltar to discharge her remaining cargo and then rejoin the convoy. She was escorted to Gibraltar by USS Dobler which was then to wait until the tanker had discharged her cargo and then escort her back to the convoy. Orders were however changed and the tanker was ordered to sail in a later convoy. USS Dobler was ordered to rejoin the convoy which she did later that day.
Around 0815Z/13, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Joshua B. Lippencott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samgaudie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the French patrol vessel L'Ardent which then returned to Casablanca taking the Franz Klasen and Noesaniwi with her.
Also on the 13th, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.
Around 1400N/17, one ship joined coming from Fayal, this was the John S. Bassett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which subsequently returned to the Azores.
On 18 October 1943, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.
At 0650O/19, the Golden Eagle was detached to proceed independently to Hampton Roads.
On 24 October 1943, all escorts again fuelled from USS Escalante.
At 0127Q/25, the Henry D. Thoreau was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.
At 0313Q/25, the Henry S. Sanford was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.
At 0423Q/25, the John S. Bassett was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.
At 0600Q/25, the Josiah B. Grinnell was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.
At 0800Q/25, USS Escalante was ordered to proceed independently to Bermuda. Her escort, the frigate USS Huron (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Collins, USCGR) had failed to make rendezvous.
At 1500Q/26, the Norfolk (Chesapeake Bay) section of the convoy (29 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination escorted by USS Evarts, USS Wyffels and USS Walter S. Brown. It arrived at its destination on the 28th.
At 1850Q/26, the New York section detached the Samgaudie to proceed independently to Baltimore.
At 2050Q/26, the New York section detached the Joshua B. Lippencott to also proceed independently to Baltimore.
At 0530Q/27, the New York section detached the Backhuysen and Benjamin Rush to proceed to Delaware Bay.
At 0630Q/27, the New York section detached the Westmount Park to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick.
The New York section of the convoy made up of 22 ships and the remaining escorts arrived at its destination on 28 October 1944.
6 Jul 1945
In the morning of July 6th, part of the British Pacific Fleet (Task Force 37) departed Manus for operations against the Japanese homeland with the US 3rd Fleet. They were to make rendezvous with the US Task Force 38 around 16 July.
Task Force 37 was made up the following units; CTF 37; battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN, 2nd in command British Pacific Fleet).
CTU 37.1.1; aircraft carriers HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN).
CTU 37.1.4; light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, CB, RN), HMCS Uganda (Capt. E.R. Mainguy, OBE, RCN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. R.A.B. Edwards, CBE, RN), HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).
CTU 37.1.5; HMS Barfleur (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSO, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.H. Edelsten, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Grenville (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN, Capt. D 25), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. B.G.B. Bordes, DSC, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN), HMS Quality (Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt.Cdr. F.G.E. Knox, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Cdr. J.K. Walton, RAN). HMS Troubridge (Capt. G.F. Burghard, RN, Capt. D 24), HMS Teazer ( Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, DSC, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HMS Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN).
HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN) was unable to sail with the fleet due to defects and departed later the same day to overhaul the fleet.
During 7 July destroyers were refuelled by HMS King George V, HMS Newfoundland, HMCS Uganda, HMNZS Gambia and HMNZS Achilles.
At 1800I/7, HMAS Norman and HMS Wrangler parted company to return to Manus where they arrived around 0700I/9.
Around 1045I/10, HMS Undaunted joined the fleet after which she fuelled from HMS Formidable. Two more ships were fuelled on the 10th, these were HMS Black Prince by HMS King George V and HMS Termagant by HMS Victorious.
The fleet proceeded northwards to position 'British Swim' (34°10'N, 155°30'E, about 780 nautical miles east of Tokyo) where fuel (and stores) were embarked during an underway replanishment on 13 July. The first refuelling group was made up of the RFA tankers Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941), San Amado (7316 GRT, built 1935) and Wave Emperor (8196 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Barle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Duncan, DSC, RNR) and HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR).
Oiling continued until the afternoon of the 15th when the Fleet parted company with the oiling force. (2)
3 Aug 1945
Having completed replenishment around noon on 3 August, Task Force 37 set course to proceed to the northwards to the operations area off Japan.
Task Force 37 was at that moment made up the following units; CTF 37; battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN, 2nd in command British Pacific Fleet).
CTU 37.1.1; aircraft carriers HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) and HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN).
CTU 37.1.4; light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, CB, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. R.A.B. Edwards, CBE, RN), HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. W.P. McCarthy, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).
CTU 37.1.5; HMS Barfleur (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSO, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.H. Edelsten, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Grenville (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN, Capt. D 25), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. B.G.B. Bordes, DSC, RN), HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN), HMS Quality (Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt.Cdr. F.G.E. Knox, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Cdr. J.K. Walton, RAN). HMS Troubridge (Capt. G.F. Burghard, RN, Capt. D 24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, DSC, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN) and HMAS Napier (Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN).
While En-route to the operational area a signal was received from the US Fleet Admiral Nimitz to all units of the US 3rd Fleet (which included the British Pacific Fleet) ordering them to cease offensive strikes and do not close the coast of Japan to within 300 miles. This was because the first atomic bomb was about to be dropped. Vice-Admiral Rawlings was informed off this not by signal but some British liaison officers with the US Fleet were put on board the flagship by a US destroyer to inform the Vice-Admiral in person and strict secrecy.
At 0815/6, around the time the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima Task Force 37 was in approximate position 34°30'N, 146°00'E, some 315 nautical miles east of Tokyo.
Shortly afterwards they made rendezvous with Task Unit 112 now made up of the tankers Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941), San Amado (7316 GRT, built 1935), Wave King (8190 GRT, built 1944), stores ships Glenartney (9795 GRT, built 1940), and Fort Wrangell (7213 GRT, built 1944), ammunition ship Robert Maersk (2290 GRT, built 1937), escort carriers HMS Arbiter (Capt. D.H. Everett, DSO, RN), HMS Chaser (Capt. R.G. Poole, RN) and HMS Ruler (Capt. H.P. Currey, OBE, RN). They were escorted by destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN), sloop HMS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), frigate HMS Barle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Duncan, DSC, RNR) and minesweepers/corvettes HMAS Ballarat (A/Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and HMAS Burnie (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Andrewartha, RANR). Replenishment started soon afterwards.
As usual Task Force 37 detached at dusk from Task Unit 112 for the night.
In the morning of the 7th, Task Force 37 continued with replenishment from Task Unit 112. HMAS Nizam detached from Task Unit 112 and joined Task Force 37.
In the late afternoon of the 7th, Task Force 37 completed replenishment and detached from Task Unit 112 and set course for the north-west towards the operations area.
4 Aug 1945
HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN) boarded and investigated the small Japanese hospital ship Kiku Maru (760 GRT, built 1929). She was en-route from Yokusaka to Marcus Island and as no violations of the Geneva Convention could be seen she was allowed to proceed.
Later the same day HMS Arbiter (Capt. D.H. Everett, DSO, RN) and HMAS Nizam joined Task Unit 112.2.2 made up of the minesweepers HMAS Ballarat (A/Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and HMAS Burnie (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Andrewartha, RANR) and the frigate HMS Barle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Duncan, DSC, RNR) which were escorting the RFA tanker Wave Monarch (8159 GRT, built 1944), chartered tanker San Amado (7316 GRT, built 1935) and stores ship Fort Wrangell (7213 GRT, built 1944).
Rendezvous with the Logistic Support Group was affected on the 5th.
[For more information see the event for 3 August 1945.] (3)
7 Aug 1945
Having completed replenishment on 7 August, Task Force 37 set course to close the coast of Japan for flying operations.
Task Force 37 was at that moment made up the following units; CTF 37; battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN, 2nd in command British Pacific Fleet).
CTU 37.1.1; aircraft carriers HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) and HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN).
CTU 37.1.4; light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, CB, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. R.A.B. Edwards, CBE, RN), HMNZS Achilles (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. W.P. McCarthy, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).
CTU 37.1.5; HMS Barfleur (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSO, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), HMS Grenville (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN, Capt. D 25), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. B.G.B. Bordes, DSC, RN), HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Hopkins, RN), HMS Quality (Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt.Cdr. F.G.E. Knox, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Cdr. J.K. Walton, RAN). HMS Troubridge (Capt. G.F. Burghard, RN, Capt. D 24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, DSC, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN).
When Task Force 37 arrived in the operations area on the 8th, the weather was found unsuitable for flying operations. Course was then set to the south-east in search of better weather.
At 0330/9, Vice-Admiral Vian assumed tactical control for the duration of the flying operations. Shortly afterwards, when Task Force 37 was in approximate position 38°35'N, 144°12'E the first Combat Air Patrol and strike aircraft were launched. The target for the first air strikes was Matsushima.
At 0500/9, HMS Newfoundland, HMNZS Gambia, HMS Tenacious, HMS Termagant and HMS Terpsichore were detached from Task Force 37. They were known as Task Unit 37.1.8 and were to join a US Task Unit of battleship, cruisers and destroyers (Task Unit 38.8.1) for a bombardment of the steel works and docks at Kamaishi. The bombardment commenced around 1300/9 and was completed around 1445/9. The detached ships rejoined Task Force 37 around 2100/9.
During the aircraft attacks on this day the Japanese frigate Amakusa (offsite link) is sunk in Onagawa Bay. Ths pilot that hit the ship was killed during the attack and he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (Lt. R.H. Gray, RCNVR).
At 1202/9, the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.
During the attack on the 9th the following damage was claimed to have been inflicted on the ememy; Destroyed; 44 enemy aircraft on the ground (including 17 probably destroyed) as well as hangars and shops at Matsushima. 2 Locomotives and freight cars. Shipping sunk; 2 Destroyers, 1 old destroyer, 1 submarine chaser, 1 freighter, 2 small coasters, 4 junks and 2 launches (some of the above were shared with aircraft from Task Force 38).
Probably sunk were two destroyer escorts (shared with Task Force 38) and a torpedo boat as well as a lot of small craft.
Claimed to have been damaged were 22 aircraft on the ground as well as various ground installations.
Shipping that was claimed to have been damaged were 1 destroyer, 2 destroyer escorts, 1 freighter and many small craft including 9 coasters and 9 luggers.
7 Aircraft including 5 pilots were missing following these attacks.
At dusk, Vice-Admiral Rawlings again took control of Task Force 37.
At 0330/10, Vice-Admiral Vian took control of the force for the duration of the flying operations.
At 0400/10, the first Combat Air Patrol was launched followed about an hour later by the first strike aircraft. The target was shipping in Onagawa Bay and other targets of opportunity in northern Honshu.
During the attack on the 10th the following damage was claimed to have been inflicted on the ememy; Destroyed; 16 aircraft on the ground including one probably damaged, 4 locomotives, 2 coaches, 3 tank cars.
Shipping sunk; 3 freighters, 2 coasters, 8 small craft.
Shipping probably sunk; 1 freighter, 2 luggers,
Aircraft and installations damaged; 31 aircraft on the ground, several freight trains, factories, hangars and other installations.'
Shipping damaged; 2 destroyers, 2 destroyer escorts, 1 merchant vessel, 6 small coasters and 4 luggers.
6 aircraft and 4 pilots and 2 aircrewmen were missing.
At dusk all aircraft were recovered and Vice-Admiral Rawlings again assumed tactical command. Task Force 37 then set course to the eastwards for replenishment.
Around 0430/11, Task Force 37 made rendezvous with Task Unit 112 and fuelling commenced shortly afterwards from five tankers; Olna (12667 GRT, built 1945), San Adolpho (7365 GRT, built 1935), San Amado (7316 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (7410 GRT, built 1935) and Wave Emperor (8196 GRT, built 1944). Also part of Task Unit 112 were the stores ship Fort Wrangell (7213 GRT, built 1944), hospital ship Tjitjalengka (10972 GRT, built 1939) and the escort carrier HMS Ruler (Capt. H.P. Currey, OBE, RN). Task Unit 112 was escorted by the sloops HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, DSC, RN), HMS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), frigates HMS Barle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Duncan, DSC, RNR), HMS Findhorn (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.P. Burnett, RNVR), HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the minesweepers/corvettes HMAS Ballarat (A/Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN), HMAS Burnie (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Andrewartha, RANR), HMAS Geraldton (A/Cdr. A.J. Travis, RAN) and HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)).
HMS King George V fuelled from the American Task Group 30.8 as Vice-Admiral Rawlings had been invited for a conferance by the American Commander-in-Chief aboard USS Missouri.
It had also been decided that the majority of the ships of Task Force 37 were to return to Manus so on the 12th the aircraft carriers HMS Formidable, HMS Victorious, HMS Indefatigable, light cruisers HMS Black Prince, HMS Euryalus, HMNZS Achilles and the destroyers HMS Grenville, HMS Ulysses, HMS Undaunted, HMS Undine, HMS Uranua, HMS Urchin, HMS Quality, HMS Quadrant, HMAS Quiberon and HMAS Quickmatch parted company. They were now known as Task Group 37.3. They arrived at Manus on 18 August 1945.
Sources
- ADM 199/2494
- ADM 199/1457
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for August 1945
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.