| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Frigate |
| Class | River |
| Pennant | K 295 |
| Built by | Smiths Dock Co., Ltd. (South Bank-on-Tees, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 20 May 1942 |
| Laid down | 6 Oct 1942 |
| Launched | 3 Apr 1943 |
| Commissioned | 14 Jul 1943 |
| End service | |
| History | Sold to the Egyptian Navy 1948 and renamed Abikir. |
Commands listed for HMS Usk (ii) (K 295)
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. Robert Martin Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR | 24 May 1943 | Sep 1944 |
| 2 | T/A/Lt.Cdr. George Bradford Medlycott, RNR | Sep 1944 |
You can help improve our commands section
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this vessel.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve this ships page.
Notable events involving Usk (ii) 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.
15 Jan 1944
Convoy GUS 28.
This convoy departed Port Said on 15 January 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Aedanus Burke (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), African Sun (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Banff Park (Canadian, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Chew (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Knute Nelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Rideau Park (Canadian, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samflora (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Primula (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).
On 16 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy Fort Caribou and Kwai Sang while the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Cape Hawke (American, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Gatineau Park (Canadian, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Vetch (Lt. K.M.B. Menzies, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Isles (?) which all also joined the convoy. On these escorts joining the convoy HMS Primula was detached to Alexandria arriving later on the 16th.
On 20 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David Caldwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Hebe II (British, 957 GRT, built 1912), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Mariposa (British, 3702 GRT, built 1914), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Samuel F. Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The Largs Bay however returned the following day.
On 21 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Britannia, Empire Path, Ocean Liberty, Samarina, Samaye, Sampa, Samshire, Samwater and Valldemosa.
On 21 January 1944, the Cape Hawke arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the tanker Empire Traveller (British (tanker), 8201 GRT, built 1943) departed Malta to join the convoy as did the submarine HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN).
On 22 January 1944, the John Harvard arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930) departed Tunis to join the convoy.
On 22 January 1944, the Hebe II, Indiana and Jade arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Agatha (Dutch (tanker), 3369 GRT, built 1927), Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Empire Tana (British, 6275 GRT, built 1922), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Espiguette (French, 1095 GRT, built 1921), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), John Drake Sloat (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Milledge, (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Juan de Fuca (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Trimble (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Swiftarrow (American (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1921) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) departed Bizerta to join the convoy. Also joining the convoy was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the rescue tug HMRT Hengist.
On 23 January 1944, the Chersey, Conrad Weiser, Espiguette, Joseph E. Johnston, Ocean Stranger and Skeldergate, as well as HMRT Hengist arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy as did HMRT Hengist while the transports / tankers Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929) and Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939) departed Bone to join the convoy.
On 23 January 1944, the Hjalmar Wessel arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.
On 24 January 1944, the Benito Juarez, British Vigour, David Caldwell, Empire Addison, Fort Jasper and Ocean Vesper arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Andrew Carnegie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Chantilly (British, 9986 GRT, built 1923), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Chipewyan (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), George Vickers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Grout (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Louis Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912) and Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 25 January 1944, the Agatha, Chantilly, City of Canterbury, F. Marion Crawford, George W. Campbell, Helmwood, James Hoban, John Walker, Lincoln Steffens, Luther Martin, Moray Coast, Neuralia, O'Henry and Theodoric Bland arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Benjamin R. Milam (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Duke (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gulfwing (American (tanker), 10217 GRT, built 1928), James G. Birney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Sirehei (Norwegian, 3888 GRT, built 1907), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
On 26 January 1944, the Empire Falcon, Empire Flame, Empire Gale, Empire Spey, Empire Tana, Fort Chipewyan, Fort Tadoussac, Gard, Gatineau Park, Madras City, Mariposa, Palermo, Rideau Park, Scorton and Stanhill arrived at Gibraltar, as did HMS Colombo and HMS Sickle after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Esso Providence (American (tanker), 9059 GRT, built 1921), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy around 0845A/27 having departed Gibraltar in the afternoon of the 26th escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Pillsbury (Lt. G.W. Cassleman, USNR, with COMDESDIV 4 on board), USS Chatelain (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Foley, USN), USS Pope (T/Lt.Cdr. E.H. Headland, USN), USS Amick (James A Hetherington, 2nd, USNR, with COMDESDIV 15 on board), USS Atherton (Lt. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN) and USS Carroll ( T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN).
Around 1415A/27, the Gibraltar section of the convoy was joined by the destroyer USS Benson (T/Cdr. R.J. Woodaman, USN, with, COMTASKFOR 62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Cooner (T/Cdr. J.M. Stuart, USN), USS Eldridge (Lt. C.R. Hamilton, USNR) and USS Flaherty (Lt. M. Johnston, Jr., USN) and the naval tanker USS Niobrara (T/Cdr. J.W. Marts, Jr., USN).
Around 0845A/27, the Gibraltar section joined with the main convoy after which the British escort, HMS Usk, HMS Jonquil, HMS Vetch and HMSAS Southern Isles parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day.
Around 1400A/27, the Casablanca section of the convoy, which had departed Casablanca on the 26th and was made up of the transports Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925) and Thomas Lynch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR) which did not join the convoy but proceeded back to Casablanca taking the transports Baxtergate, Empire Duke, Finistere, Lambrook, Madagascar, Sirehei, Taria, Zypenberg and with them. They arrived at Casablanca on the 28th.
Around 0800Z/30, USS Eldridge was detached from the convoy to proceed to Horta, Azores to escort the Azores section of the convoy from there to a rendezvous position with the convoy. She arrived at Horta around 0630N/31 but the transport she was to escort had not completed unloading yet. Around 0200N/1, USS Eldridge departed Horta escorting the transport John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They joined the convoy around 1150Z/2 in position 36°14'N, 33°53'W.
In the morning of 5 February 1944, USS Benson fuelled from USS Niobrara.
Around 0300Q/14, the convoy split into the ' Chesapeake Bay section ' and the ' New York section '.
The Chesapeake Bay section was made up of sixteen of the merchant vessels and the USS Niobrara. They were escorted by USS Amick, USS Atherton, USS Cooner and USS Eldridge. On the 15th the Delaware section of the convoy got scattered in heavy weather. Six ships managed to remain together with the escort. Straggles were later brought up to rejoin the convoy. In the early evening of the 15th the convoy entered Hampton Roads.
The New York section of the convoy was made up of the remaining ships of the convoy. Around 0830Q/14, the ' Delaware section ' split off. This was made up of three ships and was escorted by USS Carroll. The Delaware section arrived at its destination in the morning of 15 February 1944.
The ' New York section ' of the convoy arrived at its destination in the morning of 15 February 1944.
25 Mar 1944
Convoy GUS 35.
This convoy departed Port Said on 25 March 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports; Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Chippewa Park (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Reynolds (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samcree (British, 7210 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and Wendell Phillips (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS HMSAS Southern Isles (Lt. J.K. Mallory, SANF).
On 26 March 1944, the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Souris (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Henry H. Blood (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Perak (British, 1188 GRT, built 1906), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940).
They were escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).
On 31 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Cyrus W. Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Traveller (British (tanker), 8201 GRT, built 1943), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Far (Norwegian, 2475 GRT, built 1921), Frederick Banting (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Jacques Cartier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Guthrie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Robert Y. Hayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sambay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sestriere (Italian, 7992 GRT, built 1942), Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William Sturgis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Thornton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
These ships have been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the escort destroyer HMS Wilton (Lt. G.G. Marten, DSC, RN), the torpedo boat Indomito (C.C.(Lt.Cdr.) E.F. Perucca), and the corvettes Gabbiano and Cormorano.
On the Augusta section joining the following ships of the convoy were detached to Augusta where they arrived on 1 April 1944 escorted by the ships that had brought out the Augusta section; Belgian Sailor, Empire Beatrice, Empire Conrad, Empire Daring, Fort Cumberland, Fort Erie, Fort Souris, Ocean Glory, Perak, Samcree, Samphire, Temple Inn and Van Honthorst.
On 1 April the Eridan arrived at Tripoli after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 April 1944, the landing ship HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN) and the transport Samovar (British, 7219 grt, built 1943) departed Malta to join the convoy.
Around 1900B/2, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy near Bizerta. Also from Bizerta came the transport Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936).
at 0035A/3, the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) joined as additional escort.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Blairesk, City of Canterbury, Cyrus W. Field, Djebel Aurus, Hugh Williamson, Joseph H. Hollister and Mary Wilkins Freeman.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy; Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910), Christopher Gadsen (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909). Also with them was the boom defence vessel HMS Barova (T/Lt. J.R. Radley, RNR) and the salvage vessel USS Extricate (Lt. C.H. Rooklidge, USNR).
The Empire Trent was detached to Tunis arriving there on 3 April 1944.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Bone to join the convoy; Samforth (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell, Empire Copperfield, Everleigh, Far, Jacques Cartier, Lewant, Novasli and Robert Y. Hayne.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports departed Philippeville to join the convoy; Jeanne Schiaffino (French, 1032 GRT, built 1922) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Also on 3 April the sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 4 April 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Algiers to join the convoy; British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Jacinth (British, 650 GRT, built 1937), James Shields (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Pan Aruba (Norwegian, 9231 GRT, built 1931), Pan Delaware (American, 8128 GRT, built 1918), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), Samchess (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922).
The following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and arrived at Algiers on 4 April 1944; Atlantic City, British Pride, Caudebec, Clan Cameron, Empire Capulet, James Guthrie, Jeanne Schiaffino, Samaritan and William J. Bryan. HMS Royal Scotsman and USS Extricate also proceeded to Algiers.
On 5 April 1944, the following transports departed Oran to join the convoy; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Edwin Markman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lambert Cadwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Richard Jordan Gatling (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
The following transports parted company with the convoy and arrived at Oran on 5 April 1944; Christopher Gadsen, Star and William Thornton.
Around 1400A/5, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1555A/5, USS Seer parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1030A/6, The USN Task Force 63 joined the convoy and took over the escort duties from the current escort which was then detached. Task Force 63 was made up of the destroyers USS Nelson (T/Cdr. T.D. McGrath, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63 also COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), USS Glennon (T/Cdr. C.A. Johnson, USN), USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. Leo William Nilon, USN), USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with COMDESDIV 34, T/Capt. W.L. Benson, on board), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN) and the escort destroyers USS Jordan (Cdr. F.C. Billing, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR) and USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR).
On 6 April 1944, the following transports departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; John W. Mackay (British (cable laying ship, 4049 GRT, built 1922) and Largs Bay (British (damaged), 14182 GRT, built 1921).
The following transports / tanker parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar on 6 April 1944; British Chancellor, Charlton Hall, Chippewa Park, Empire Austen, Jacinth, Joshua Hendy, Pilar de Larrinaga, Solarium and Umberleigh. HMS Barova was also detached to Gibraltar.
On 6 April 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Casablanca to join the convoy. Linda (Danish, 962 GRT, built 1936) and Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929). The naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) was also with them. They joined the following day and had been escorted out of Casablanca by the patrol vessels; USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).
The following transports were detached to Casablanca escorted by the four patrol vessel listed above; Egton, Empire Damsel, Frederick Banting, Sambay, Samchess and Samovar. They arrived at Casablanca on 8 April 1944.
On 11 April 1944, the transport James Schureman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy near Horta, Azores.
On 12 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled all twelve escort vessels.
On 15 April 1944, the Richard Jordan Gatling straggled from the convoy. USS Jeffers was ordered to screen her. The Richard Jordan Gatling arrived at Bermuda on 21 April 1944. USS Jeffers had been relieved earlier that day by HMCS Q 090 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.C. Campbell, RCNVR). USS Jeffers then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did the following day shortly before the 'New York' section arrived at New York.
On 16 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled USS Nelson and USS Newman.
On 17 April 1944, the Bellerophon and Samforth parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda as the Bellerophon had engine (boiler) defects and the Samforth had uncontrollable leaks. they were escorted by USS Newman. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944. USS Newman had been relieved around dawn that day by HMCS Q 100 (T/Lt. D.A. Dobson, RCNVR). USS Newman then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did in the evening.
On 19 April 1944, USS Escalante parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda. To escort her the destroyer escorts USS Dennis (Lt.Cdr. S. Hansen, USNR) and USS Eversole (T/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Marix, USN) had joined. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944.
On 21 April 1944, the convoy split into two sections. 14 ships with 4 escorts set course to proceed to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. 35 ships with the remaining 7 escorts proceeded towards New York / Philadelphia.
The four escorts for this section were the following; USS Gherardi, USS Herndon, USS Liddle and USS Kephart.
The 'Chesapeake Bay' section arrived there on 22 April 1944.
The 'New York / Philadelphia ' section was escorted by USS Nelson, USS Glennon, USS Butler, USS Shubrick, USS Jordan, USS Newman and USS Cofer.
Around dusk the George Sharswood parted company to proceed to Philadelphia.
The remaining ships of this section arrived at New York on 22 April 1944.
9 May 1944
Convoy MKS 49.
This convoy departed Port Said on 9 May 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Fort Turtle (British, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).
At 2230C/9, the Elise and HMS Hyderabad collided between Port Said and Alexandria. HMS Hyderabad put into Alexandria but was later able to rejoin the convoy.
On 10 May 1944 the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), J.C. Osgood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932) and Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).
The boom carrier HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) was also in company with the convoy.
Also the escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) and A/S trawler HMS Bream (A/Skr.Lt. S.C. Larner, RNR) joined coming from Alexandria.
On 11 May 1944, the Empire Ballad arrived at Alexandria after having been detached due to engine trouble.
On 15 May 1944, the Also on 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Augusta;
Bialystok,
Boskoop,
Fort Grant,
Fort Turtle,
Hart Crane,
J.C. Osgood,
John A. Brown,
Nordnes and
while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Augusta;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Le Conte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Samave (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samnethy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914),
William Few (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 16 May 1944, the transports Edward Livingston and Sampan were detached to Bizerta while the transports
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943),
Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Bizerta. Also the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Fort Lennox, Harlesden, Ocean Traveller and Sampford were detached to Bone while the rescue tug HMS Hengist joined the convoy.
On 18 May 1944, the transports and tanker
Empire Beatrice,
Empire Noble,
Empire Wyclif,
Esso Nashville,
Fort de Douaumont,
Fort Gaspereau,
James Gordon Bennett,
John Sullivan,
Joseph le Conte,
Lornaston,
Ocean Gallant,
Richard Bassett,
Samaye,
Samboston,
Samoa,
Samphire,
Samwash,
Stancleeve,
Thelma,
William Few and
William W. Campbell as well as USS Restorer arrived at Algiers while the transports / tanker
Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919),
Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914),
Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924) and
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.
On 19 May 1944, the transports
Empire Conrad,
Jared Ingersoll,
John Sergeant,
Josiah Bertlett,
Luther Martin,
Roger Williams,
Samaffric,
Samnethy,
Silverelm and
Tabitha Brown arrived at Oran having been detached from the Convoy. The transports / tanker
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942),
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936),
Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938),
Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910),
Dartmouth (American, 9879 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) and
Lookout Mountain (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Oran. With them were also the LST's USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 20 May 1944. 14 May 1944 This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940),
Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929),
Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928),
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942),
Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933),
City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925),
Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928),
Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915),
Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924),
Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929),
Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941),
Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925),
King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920),
Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940),
Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918),
Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923),
Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919),
Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925),
New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920),
Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922),
Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942),
Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923),
Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918),
Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920),
Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919),
Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and
Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).
The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.
The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.
On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.
On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amstelkerk,
Dunelmia,
Marquesa,
Menelaus,
Mount Rhodope,
Nairnbank,
New Brooklyn and
Port Darwin.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934),
Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930),
Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and
Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up;
Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942)
Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943),
Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909),
Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943),
Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and
President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.
On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.
On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy;
Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940),
Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and
Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.
Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Afghanistan,
Bajestan,
Beckenham,
Belgian Trader,
Biafra,
City of Khios,
Cragpool,
Defender,
Drakepool,
Dunelmia,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Mariott,
Esturia,
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
King Frederick,
Madras City,
Melrose Abbey,
Norbryn,
Nordeflinge,
Pendeen,
Stad Arnhem,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].
The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.
The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.
The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships;
Afghanistan,
Bajestan,
Beckenham,
Belgian Trader,
Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943),
City of Khios,
Cragpool,
Defender,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Mariott,
Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936),
King Frederick,
Madras City,
Norbryn,
Nordeflinge,
President de Vogue,
Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Stad Arnhem,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.
The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.
On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran;
Empire Gareth,
Norbryn,
Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran;
Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920),
Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943),
Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and
William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers;
Belgian Trader,
Cragpool,
Edward H. Crockett,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Strenght,
Palermo,
Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910),
Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943),
John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930),
Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and
Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.
On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone;
Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914),
Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta;
Badjestan,
John S. Casement,
John Sergeant,
Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921),
George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930),
Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.
Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships;
Abel Stearns,
Afghanistan,
Albert A. Michelson,
Andrew Pickens,
Beckenham,
Campidoglio,
Charles A. Wickliffe,
Chiswick,
City of Khios,
Defender,
Dwight W. Morrow,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Clarion,
Empire Mariott,
Facto,
Fort Gaspereau,
Fort Marin,
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
George Davis,
George Handley,
George W. McCrary,
Hopestar,
Iceland,
James Jackson,
John B. Hood,
John Cropper,
John Murray Forbes,
John S. Pillsbury,
Kemp P. Battle,
King Frederic,
King S. Woolsey,
Laurent Meeus,
Lincoln Steffens,
Louis McLane,
Madras City,
Marathon,
Marion McKinley Bovard,
Ocean Gallant,
Ocean Rider,
Ocean Traveller,
President de Vogue,
Robert Howe,
Samoa,
Sampan,
Samphire,
Samsteel,
Samuel Griffin,
Stancleeve,
Star,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.
They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea. 20 May 1944 2 Jun 1944 This convoy was formed at sea, south of Sicily, on 2 June 1943 when the two convoys merged.
The combined convoy was made up of the following ships;
Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940),
Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944),
Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936),
British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942),
Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910),
Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943),
City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921),
City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925),
David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915),
Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920),
Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943),
Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941),
Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942),
Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921),
Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943),
Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941),
Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925),
George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930),
Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925),
Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936),
Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943),
Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936),
Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914),
Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944),
James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943),
James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942),
Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943),
John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944),
John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943),
Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944),
Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920),
King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930),
Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 194),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940),
Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930),
Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929),
Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Gallant (),
Ocean Rider (),
Ocean Traveller (),
Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929),
Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918),
Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
President de Vogue (),
Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Robert Howe (),
Robert Lucas (),
Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samvannah (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922),
Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938),
Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911),
William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and
Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) were also taking passage in the convoy.
The combined convoy was escorted by the frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).
Later on 2 June the following transports arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy;
Andrew Pickens and Star. Also HMS Trenchant, HMS Vivid and KB Nada were detached to Malta. the transports Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) and Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
On 2 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the combined convoy;
Algonquin (British, 7229 GRT, built 1920),
Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921),
Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922),
Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927),
British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939),
British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922),
Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943),
Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921),
Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942),
Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943),
Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917),
Limousin (French (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930),
Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927),
Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942),
Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941) and
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 3 June 1943, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the combined convoy;
Abel Stearns,
Albert A. Micholson,
Andrew Briscoe,
A.P. Hill,
Beckenham,
British Confidence,
British Tradition,
Campidoglio,
Charles A. Warfield,
Chiswick,
David G. Farragut,
David L. Swain,
Dilworth,
Dwight W. Morrow,
Empire Clarion,
Empire Mariott,
Ezra Meeker,
Facto,
Fort Frontenac,
Fort Gaspereau,
Fort Manin,
Fort Venango,
George Davis,
George E. Half,
George Handley,
George W. McCrary,
Gylfe,
Harrogate,
Henry L. Benning,
Hopestar,
Hoegh Hood,
Houston Volunteers,
Iceland,
James B. Richardson,
James Jackson,
Jersey Hart,
John B. Gordon,
John B. Hood,
John Cropper,
John E. Schmeltzer,
John Harhorn,
John Murray Forbes,
John S. Pillsbury,
Joseph T. Robinson,
Kamp P. Battle,
King S. Woolsey,
Laurent Meeus,
Lincoln Steffens,
Louis McLane,
Lymann Abbott,
Marathon,
Marion McKinley Bovard,
Maya,
Michael Pupin,
Moses Brown,
Nicholas Gilman,
Nuculana,
Ocean Gallant,
Ocean Rider,
Ocean Traveller,
Pan-Delaware,
Philander C. Knox,
Robert F. Stockton,
Robert T. Hill,
Sambanka,
Samoa,
Sampan,
Samphire,
Samsteel,
Samuel Griffin,
Samwash,
Simon Willard,
Stancleeve,
Tabitha Brown,
Thomas R. Marshall,
William Cushing and
William G. Fargo.
On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy;
Algorab,
British Lord,
City of Khios,
Empire Rosalind,
Eridan,
Fort Astoroa,
Fort Grahame,
Fort Kootenay,
Fort la Prairie,
Gascony,
King Frederick,
Kwai Sang and
Nathaniel Macon.
Also the following ships of the escort arrived at Alexandria;
HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau ,
HMS Jed,
HMS Usk,
HMS Amethyst,
HMS Hyderabad,
HrMs Friso and
HMSAS Protea.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 June 1944 escorted by
HMS Deptford,
HMS Delphinium and
HMSAS Southern Sea. 8 Jul 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 8 July 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers;
Arizonan (American, 5816 GRT, built 1920),
Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922),
Clydebank (British, 5156 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Mist (British, 7241 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Outpost (British, 6978 GRT, built 1943),
English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943),
Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937),
Falkefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 7927 GRT, built 1931),
Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942),
Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942),
Horace Mann (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James J. Pettigrew (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935),
Robert L. Hague (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944),
Samguadie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvette HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR).
On 9 July 1944, the transports / tankers
British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936),
Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910),
Elise (Greek, 1986 GRT, built 1919),
Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941),
Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940) and
Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Alexandria. They were escorted by the corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).
On 13 July 1944, the transports / tankers;
British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925),
Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936),
Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942),
F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924),
Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939),
Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937),
Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Isaac Sharpless (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937),
Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944)),
Peter Trimble Rowe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Robert M.T. Hunter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and
Steel Inventor (American, 5686 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 14 July 1944, the transports / tankers;
Arizonan,
Badarpur,
Buccinum,
Empire Clarion,
Empire Mist,
Empire Outpost ,
Falkefjell,
Fort Frobisher,
Kyklades,
Morialta,
President de Vogue,
Samwash and
Thorshavn arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy.
On 14 July 1944, the tanker British Power arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 15 July 1944, the transports
Clydebank and
Horace Mann arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy. Joining from Bizerta were the following transports
Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940),
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Empire Gat (British, 871 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923),
Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and
Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN).
On 16 July 1944, the transports
Empire Planet and Steel Inventor arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421 GRT, built 1942) and Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from Bone.
On 17 July 1944, the transports / tankers
Baron Herries,
British Chemist,
The following transports joined the convoy off Algiers;
Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943),
Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929),
Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923),
Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916),
Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943)
Sidi-Brahim (British (former French, 2427 GRT, built 1910) and
Ville d'Ajaccio (French, 2444 GRT, built 1929).
On 17 July 1944, the transports
Chateau Latour,
Empire Gat,
F.A.C. Muhlenberg,
Gouverneur General Lepine,
Haym Salomon,
Henry W. Longfellow,
Isaac Sharpless,
Jobshaven,
John H. Eaton,
Jonathan Worth,
Meyer Lissner,
Peter Trimble Rowe,
Robert M.T. Hunter,
Sidi-Brahim and
Ville d'Ajaccio arrived at Oran Bay after having been detached from the convoy. The transport Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939) joined the convoy from Oran Bay.
On 19 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar;
Empire Flame,
Empire Moonrise,
Empire Torrent,
Fort Colville,
Fort Connolly,
Fort Ellice,
Framlington Court,
Glaisdale,
Nailsea Moor,
Ocean Pelgrim and
Radmanso. With them were the escort vessels HMS Evenlode, HMS Usk, HMS Bergamot, HMS Delphinium and HMSAS Southern Sea.
The remaining transports joined convoy MKS 55G for further passage to the U.K. 13 Jul 1944 This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 13 July 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923),
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924),
Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942),
Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),
Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927),
Benedick (British, 6978 GRT, built 1928),
Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920),
Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930),
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Clan Chattan (British, 7262 GRT, built 1937),
Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Empire Fal (British, 4880 GRT, built 1914),
Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Pakeha (British, 8115 GRT, built 1910),
Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919),
English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924),
Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919),
Geologist (British, 6202 GRT, built 1944),
Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921),
Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930),
Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935),
Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917),
Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920),
Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927),
Samcebu (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944),
Samfinn (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944),
Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924) and
Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930).
The rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?).
On assembly the Empire Fal and Tweedbank collided and the returned to port.
On 21 July 1944, the merchant vessel Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.
Around 0615B/22, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 164 / MKS 55 which she did around 1945B/22. She was escorted by HMS Cotton which did not join this convoy but returned to convoy OS 83/ KMS 57.
On 23 July 1944 the convoy split into convoy OS 83 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 53 bound for the Mediterranean.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy OS 83 was made up of the merchant vessels;
Adrastus,
Bactria,
Bornholm,
Clan Chattan,
Empire Chamois,
Empire Clive,
Empire Pakeha,
Fresno Star,
Harberton and
Silverlarch.
These were joined by the merchant vessels
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937) and
Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.
These ships had been escorted by the frigates HMS Aire
(A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), corvette HMS Bellwort (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Banks, RNVR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.
on 24 July 1944, the merchant vessel Samstrudy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. On this ship joining the convoy, the Hamberton parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the Amiral Mouchez. They arrived at Casablanca on 25 July.
On 31 July 1944, the Bactria and Empire Clive arrived at Dakar having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) had joined the convoy coming from Dakar.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 2 August 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy KMS 57 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up the merchant vessels
Ashbury,
Astrid,
Baton Tweedmouth,
Benedick,
Bestik,
Capitaine Paul Lemerle,
Empire Addison,
Empire Derwent,
Empire Derwent,
Empire Melody,
Empire Peacock,
English Monarch,
Fort Lawrence,
Geologist,
Glaucus,
Harpalycus,
Maihar,
Novasli,
Pacheco,
Samcebu and
Samfinn.
The rescue ship Gothland was also with them.
Escort was provided by the escort from combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.
On 25 July 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth, Benedick, Pacheco and Gothland arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy.
Off Gibraltar the merchant vessels
Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928),
Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918),
Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943),
Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy as did a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR) and the A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).
On 26 July 1944, the Empire Derwent and Parame arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels
Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929),
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938),
Elias Boldinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Silverster Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and the net tender USS Pepperwood (Lt. E.F. McLaughlin, USNR) and the self propelled fuel barge USS Gauger (Lt. G.V. Davis, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 27 July 1944, the Alexandre Andre, Astrid, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Chateau Latour, Empire Highway, Empire Melody, Fort Lawrence, Silverster Gardiner, Smith Thompson and William H. Wilmer arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels
Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923),
Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919),
Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943) and
James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939) joined the convoy.
On 28 July 1944, the Empire Tern arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy.
Around 0555B/29, HMS Colombo parted company wth the convoy and set course for Malta where she arrived around 1850B/29.
On 30 July 1944, the Antonio, Aztec, Dromus, Joel Chandler Harris and Novasli arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, the Bestik arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, Avon Coast and Fort Colville arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, the merchant vessels
Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920),
Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921),
Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), and
Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy. With them was also the frigate HMS Awe (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.
On 31 July 1944, the
Ashbury,
Elias Boldinot,
Empire Peacock,
English Monarch,
Fort Grahame,
Fort Hall,
George F. Patten,
Harpalycus,
James E. Howard,
James J. Maguire,
Kola and
Samcebu,
Samfinn,
Silvester Gardiner and
Smith Thompson as well as USS Pepperwood and
USS Gauger all arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 3 August 1944, the Fort Clatsop, James J. Hill, Ocean Vulcan and Zaanstroom arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. With them the HMS Awe, HMS Evenlode and HMS Usk also arrived at Alexandria.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 4 August 1944. 25 Jul 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 83/ KMS 57 ' for 13 July 1944.] 15 Oct 1944 This combined convoy assembled in the North Channel on 15 October 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels thoough some of these only joined later during the passage through the Irish Sea;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939),
Alder Park (Canadian, 7141 GRT, built 1944),
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924),
Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928),
Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915),
Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942),
Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934),
Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936),
City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926),
Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937),
Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922),
Empire Camp (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Flag (British, 7024 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919),
Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924),
Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942),
Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924),
Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940),
Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943),
King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928),
Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917),
Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921),
Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924),
Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925),
Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940),
Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941),
Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941),
Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937),
Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939),
Samfoyle (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944),
St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937),
Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919) and
Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).
Also taking passage in the convoy were the submarines HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as 9 LCT's which were towed by some of the merchant vessels; These 9 LCT's were the following; HM LCT 480 (T/S.Lt. G.R. Sample, RNVR) which was being towed by the City of Lyons, HM LCT 488 (T/S.Lt. A.P.P. Thomas, RNVR) and HM LCT 489 (?) which were being towed by the Samfoyle, HM LCT 491 (T/Lt. W.C. Gray, RNVR) and HM LCT 7015 (T/S.Lt. D.H. Condick, RNVR) which were being towed by the Fort Finlay, HM LCT 494 (T/Lt. J. DSC, Murts, RNVR) and HM LCT 7014 (T/A/S.Lt. J. Farrell, RNVR) which were being towed by the Nairnbank and the HM LCT 7022 (?) and HM LCT 7023 (?) which were being towed by the Ocean Vanity.
The convoy was escorted by and the sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).
The convoy encountered poor weather and by the 17th it had even worsened. Some of the landing craft were now suffering from the weather conditions. Due to the extreme weather conditions the convoy hove to A.M. on the 18th and additional escorts were requisted.
Late in the afternoon of the 18th, HM 480 had to be abandoned by her crew due to the damage she had sustained and water she had shipped from the weather, loose cargo and defective welds. The crew was picked up from Carley floats around 2200A/18 by HMS Allington Castle. She sank to the south of Ireland around 2330A/18 after having been scuttled with gunfire.
HM 488 had sustained damage during the night of the 17th/18th. Around 1000A/18, she slipped her tow and got underway under her own power to try to make for Milford Haven. More and more water entered the landing craft and when a pump failed it became apparent that she most likely would go down. HMS Knaresborough Castle then closed and it was attempted to abandon the landing craft. Some of the crew was taken off but ten men remained on board during the night of 18/19 and tried to keep the ship afloat. By 0415A/19 the ship had to be abandoned as it was about to sink. Red flares were fired and HMS Knaresborough Castle closed. While doing so the landing craft sank and only one of the ten men on board could be picked up. The other nine, including the landing craft's Commanding Officer drowned.
HM LCT 491 got into trouble during the early afternoon of the 18th and as a result she slipped her tow as did HM LCT 7015. By mid afternoon of the 18th she had shipped a very heavy sea which damaged the welding around the door in the bow. More big seas followed and the ship was shipping a lot of water. Around 0100A/19, HMS Allington Castle closed. Around 0330A/19, HM LCT 491 started to sink. HMS Allington Castle went alongside and managed to take off the entire crew.
HM LCT 494 parted her tow around 0845A/18. She was last seen during the afternoon of that day while under her own power. She must have sunk in the evening with the loss of the entire crew.
HM LCT 7014 also slipped her tow in the morning of the 18th and got underway under her own power. By noon power had been lost and she sank not long afterwards. Part of her crew were picked up by the rescue ship, from convoy ON 260, Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) but nine men, including the Commanding Officer lost their lives.
HM LCT 7015 also slipped her tow around 1500A/18. She was not seen afterwards and disappeared with her entire crew.
Meanwhile the frigates HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR) and HMS Zanzibar (T/Lt. F.F. Parker, RNVR) were ordered to detach from convoy HX 312 and join convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.
Three more escorts were also ordered to join, these were the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt. B.H. Brown, RN) corvettes HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR) and HMS Kingcup (T/Lt. T. Cooper, DSC, RNR).
Also on the 19th the City of Lyons parted company with the convoy due to damage sustained. She arrived at Milford Haven the following day.
P.M. on the 19th, HMS Kingcup reported proceeding to Falmouth with HM LCT 7022 and HM LCT 7023. Later the two landing craft were abandoned. HMS Kingcup took on board their crews and proceeded at best possible speed to Falmouth to land an injured men. The frigate HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) was ordered to stand by the two landing craft. Later HMS Kingcup returned with their crews and the landing craft were reboarded.
A.M. on the 20th found the convoy badly scattered.
P.M. on the 20th the Lagarto reported being in distress with weather damage and also having lost a men overboard. HMS Knaresborough Castle was also not in contact with the convoy. A signal was sent to requist more additional escorts. HMS Drury was then ordered to relieve HMS Allington Castle. Lagarto put into Falmouth.
A.M. on the 21st HMS Trident reported that a wire had fouled one of her propellers. HMS Knaresborough Castle was able to rejoin the convoy.
By P.M. on the 22nd, all ships had rejoined the convoy except four.
A.M. on the 23rd a signal was received from FOCNA (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) that the Lisbon / Huelva section of the convoy was to part company on passing 39°N and proceed independently. They did so A.M. on the 24th.
A.M. on the 25th, the Empire Confidence and Nairnbank arrived independently at Gibraltar. P.M. on the 25th the Rodsley also arrived at Gibraltar.
On 25 October the convoy split into convoy OS 92 which continued on towards Freetown and KMS 66 which set course for the Mediterranean.
The three original escorts and the three submarines arrived at Gibraltar P.M. on the 26th.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy OS 92 was made up of the merchant vessels;
Conakrian,
Empire Camp,
Empire Flag,
Jonathan Holt and
Tudor Star.
They were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 24th;
Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936),
Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930) and
Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RD, RNR) which now took over the escort of convoy OS 92.
Also joining at the rendezvous were the merchant vessels Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) coming from Casablanca which they had left on the 24th together with thee merchant vessels Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Sarah Orne Jewitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) which joined convoy KMS 66. They were escorted by the French patrol vessels patrol vessels L'Effronté and Le Resolu. These two French patrol vessels returned to Casablanca on the 26th with the Ragnhild.
On 1 November 1944, the Charles Schiaffino and Chelma arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. With them was also the Empire Stour which had engine defects.
The convoy escorts and some of the merchant vessels arrived at Freetown on 4 November 1944. Some of the merchant vessels continued on independently to their destinations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convoy KMS 66 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Adviser,
Alder Park,
Belgian Trader,
Bosphorus,
Cape Hawke,
Cape Sable,
Elizabethville,
Empire Confidence,
Empire Kangaroo,
Fernbank,
Fort Finlay,
Hardanger,
Hermelin,
King Stephen,
Mantola,
Miguel de Larrinaga,
Nairnbank,
Ocean Vanity,
Ottinge,
Robert Maersk,
Rodsley,
Samfoyle,
Sarah Orne Jewitt,
St. Rosario,
Umgeni and
Vancouver City.
The convoy passed Gibraltar on the 26th. On passing the Strait the following merchant vessels were detached; Miguel de Larrinaga, Ottinge and St. Rosario. These three merchant ships had all sustained weather damage and put into Gibraltar to effect repairs. Also the three submarines and three original escorts put into Gibraltar.
The convoy was joined by a new escort made up of the frigate HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and Nada. Also the merchant vessel Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy.
On 27 October 1944, the merchant vessel Sarah Orne Jewitt was detached to Oran while the merchant vessel Jamaique (French, 10123 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Oran.
On 28 October 1944, the merchant vessel Rodsley was detached to Algiers while the merchant vessel Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 29 October 1944, the merchant vessels Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
On 30 October 1944, the merchant vessel Belgian Trader was detached to Algiers while the tanker Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 31 October 1944, the tanker British Destiny (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The corvette Nada parted company and proceeded to Malta.
On 31 October 1944, the merchant vessels / tankers Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samsperrin (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to join the convoy.
On 1 November 1944, the merchant vessels
Cape Hawke,
Cape Sable,
Empire Kangaroo,
Fort Finlay,
Fort Grahame,
King Stephen,
Lyminge,
Ocean Vanity,
Samaffric and
Vancouver City arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 4 November 1944, the merchant vessels Fernbank, Hardanger, Nairnbank and Sambre arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 5 November 1944. 6 Jul 1945 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) 7 Aug 1945 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. 12 Aug 1945 This force was now named Task Group 38.5 and was to operate as in integrated unit of the American Task Force 38. As the British Fleet Train had now been streched to the limit and the British had to depend on the Americans for fuel.
Also on this day the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral B.A. Fraser, GCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C British Pacific Fleet) and the destroyers HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) departed Guam to join Task Group 38.5 off Japan.
At 0815/13, HMS Indefatigable launched her first strike aircraft to attack targets in the Tokyo area. A second strike was flow off at 1315/13 but the selected targets could not be attacked due to the unsuitable weather conditions.
On this day only 4 luggers were claimed sunk. Some buildings, locomotives and other rolling stock were claimed to have been damaged.
During the day a total of 21 enemy aircraft were shot down by the Combat Air Patrol while trying to approach the fleet.
At 1815/13 flying operations had ceased and course was set to position 31°45'N, 144°00'E to refuel.
During the 14th, Task Group 38.5 fuelled from American tankers. At 1710/14, they set course to return to the operations area. It was noted by Vice-Admiral Rawlings that the state of equipment and efficiency of American tankers was much higher then the British ones. The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary had much to learn on this subject.
At 0400/15, HMS Indefatigable launched her first strike aircraft from position 34°00'N, 142°00'E to attack targets in the Tokyo area. They were unable to attack the selected target due to bad weather in that erea but they spotted a camouflaged factory so it was decided to attack this factory instead. It was successfully bombed. The strike aircraft were intercepted by 12 Japanese fighters but 4 of these were shot down by the escorting fighters while 4 more were probably shot down. One Seafire did not return and one Avenger had to ditch due to being heavily damaged.
At 0700/15, a signal was received that all further strikes were cancelled for the moment.
Four hours later news was received that the Japanese had accepted the Allied peace terms and that all offensive operations had to cease.
At 1120/15, two bombs fell close to HMS Indefatigable as a Japanese aircraft had penetrated the defences unnoticed.
Task Force 38 then set course to proceed to position 32°45'N, 143°20'E to await further instructions.
On the 16th HMS Duke of York, HMS Wager and HMS Whelp joined Task Group 38.5. Vice-Admiral Rawlings however remained in tactical command of the Task Force.
On the 17th, Task Group 38.5 set course to proceed to position ' British Drink ' (32°25'N, 143°30'E) for an underway replenishment by ships from the British Fleet Train.
At 0200/18, they made rendezvous with the tankers San Adolpho (7365 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (7410 GRT, built 1935) and Wave Governor (8190 GRT, built 1945), stores ship Fort Wrangell (7213 GRT, built 1944), escort carrier HMS Ruler (Capt. H.P. Currey, OBE, RN) and their escorts, the sloop HMS Ruler (Capt. H.P. Currey, OBE, RN), frigates HMS Odzani (A/Lt.Cdr. J.N. Burgess, RANVR), HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the minesweepers/corvettes HMAS Ballarat (A/Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and HMAS Burnie (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Andrewartha, RANR).
Fuelling commenced at daylight and continued until 1700/18. The tankers San Adolpho (7365 GRT, built 1935) and San Ambrosio (7410 GRT, built 1935) were empty now and were ordered to proceed to Leyte to refil escorted by HMS Usk and HMAS Burnie.
At dawn on the 19th fuelling continued but now only from the Wave Governor.
Replenishment continued during the 20th. During the day the escort carrier HMS Speaker (A/Capt. U.H.R. James, RN) arrived with aircraft replenishments. She was being escorted by the destroyer HMS Queenborough (Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN). The escort carrier was ordered to transfer all possible aircraft to HMS Indefatigable and HMS Ruler and then prepare to embark Allied POW's from when the Fleet was able to put into Tokyo Bay.
Also the tanker Carelia (8082 GRT, built 1938) joined the Logistics Group. She was being escorted by the minesweepers/corvettes HMAS Cessnock (Lt. A.G. Chapman, RANR(S)) and HMAS Pirie (Lt. C.K. Mackenzie, RANVR). The tanker Wave Governor was then ordered to proceed to Ulithi for rapid refilling and return as soon as possible. She was being escorted by HMS Odzani.
In the afternoon Task Group 38.5 was disbanded and the ships were diveded over two American Task Forces; HMS Indefatigable, HMS Troubridge, HMS Teazer, HMS Tenacious, HMS Termagant, HMS Terpsichore, HMS Wakeful, HMS Wrangler and HMS Barfleur were ordered to join Task Group 38.3 while HMS Duke of York, HMS King George V, HMS Newfoundland, HMNZS Gambia, HMAS Napier, HMAS Nizam, HMS Wager and HMS Whelp joined Task Group 38.4.
On 21 August, Task Force 38, proceeded to the south-west to position 30°30'N, 142°00'E to continue replenishment with typhoon warnings meanwhile coming in. The Logistics Group remained near area ' British Drink ' though. HMS Queenborough had collected mails and was ordered to proceed to Manus via Ulithi.
On 22 August, the destroyers were topped up with fuel and aerial photogaphs were taken off the fleet.
At daylight on 23 August, the British destroyers were topped up with fuel by HMS Duke of York and HMS King George V. At noon the fleet was now in position 33°35'N, 144°08'E. In the afternoon the plan to enter Japanese waters was received and as a consequence HMS Duke of York was detached with HMS Wager and HMS Whelp to form Task Group 30.2 and join the US flagship USS Missouri which formed Task Group 30.1 together with some destroyers.
HMS King George V, HMS Newfoundland, HMNZS Gambia, HMAS Napier and HMAS Nepal formed Task Force 37 again. They were reinforced by two US destroyers, USS Uhlmann (T/Cdr. S.C. Small, USN) and USS Benham (T/Lt.Cdr. W.L. Poindexter, USN).
On August 24th, the ships upperworks were painted and some efforts were made to remove the signs that the ships had been at sea for a long time. The destroyers conducted some exercises.
At daylight on August 25th, the destroyers, including the two US destroyers, were topped up by HMS King George V, HMS Newfoundland and HMNZS Gambia. In the late afternoon or early evening HMAS Quickmatch (Cdr. J.K. Walton, RAN) arrived from Manus with mail and fuelled from HMS King George V while transferring the mail. Later a signal was received to close the Japanese Coast.
On the 26th a signal was received to return to the previous area as weather was still unsuitable to enter Japanese waters. HMAS Quickmatch was ordered to join the Logistics Group and transfer and collect their mails and then return to the southwards. In the afternoon a signal was received to enter Japanese waters (Sagami Wan) on 27 August and Tokyo Bay on 30 August so course was set to get closer to the coast.
On the 27th Task Force 37 entered Sagami Wan and around 1450/27 anchored in their assigned berths. The two US destroyers were ordered to rejoin the US Fleet.
The 28th was spent painting and cleaning the ships. Also the hospital ship Tjitjalengka (10972 GRT, built 1939) arrived and anchored in Sagami Wan. She was being escorted by the sloop HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, DSC, RN).
On the 29th Task Goups 30.1 and 30.2, the American and British flagship groups entered Tokyo Bay at daylight, so HMS Duke of York, HMS Wager and HMS Whelp were the first British ships to enter Tokyo Bay.
On 30 August, HMS Teazer and HMS Terpsichore, which both had minor defects, entered Sagami Wan and joined Task Force 37. Also the destroyer HMS Quality (Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN) joined at daylight, coming from Manus. She was the first destroyer to arrive from the destroyers sent to relieve those still at sea with HMS Indefatigabele.
Later on the day, HMS King George V, HMS Quality, HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam were ordered to enter Tokyo Bay. They anchored off Yokohama. HMS Teazer and HMS Terpsichore also entered Tokyo Bay and secured alongside the battleships to make good their defects. HMS Quality, after having fuelled was sent out to sea to join HMS Indefatigable while HMS Speaker, now fitted out to embark POW's, entered Tokyo Bay.
On 31 August 1945, more British and Commonwealth ships entered Tokyo Bay, these were HMS Newfoundland, HMNZS Gambia from Sagami Wan and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Bataan (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) which came from Okinawa.
Also ships from the Logistics Group entered Tokyo Bay, these were the tankers Carelia, Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941), Wave King (8159 GRT, built 1944), stores ship Fort Wrangell, escort carrier HMS Ruler, sloop HMS Crane, HMS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Woodcock (A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Parsons, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Derg (Lt.Cdr. N.B.J. Stapleton, RD, RNR) and the minesweepers/corvettes HMAS Cessnock, HMAS Pirie and HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)).
On September 1st, HMS Tenacious entered Tokyo Bay having been relieved by HMS Quality. HMS Speaker reported that she had 35 officers and 340 other ranks of former POW's that had already arrived on board. Most of them were in bad shape.
At 0930 hours on 2 September the formal ceremony of surrender took place on board USS Missouri. The war had ended. Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) all arrived at Gibraltar with convoy MKS 49. (1)Combined convoy KMS 51 / UGS 42.
Convoy MKS 55.
Combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR) and the A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 57.
Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.
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.
Having completed replenishment on 7 August, Task Force 37 set course to close the coast of Japan for flying operations.
After fuelling, and with the bulk of Task Force 37 being sent to Manus, Vice-Admiral Rawlings had the following ships left; 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), aircraft carrier HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), 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), destroyers 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), HMS Barfleur (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSO, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN).