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Notable events involving Philante include:

25 Sep 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. A.R. Cheyne, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (1)

16 Oct 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. R.D. Whiteway-Wilkinson, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (2)

17 Oct 1940
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.V. Prowse, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (3)

29 Oct 1940
Around 1500A/29, HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) departed from Holy Loch for a trial run in the Irish Sea during which she was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (4)

30 Dec 1940
HMS Unbeaten (Lt. E.A. Woodward, RN) departed Barrow for Dartmouth. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (5)

9 Jan 1941
HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to perform an anti-Uboat patrol in the North Atlantic and to proceed to Halifax on completion of her patrol. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. (Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN) until 0627/10 (zone +1). (6)

9 Feb 1941

Convoy SL 65.

The bulk of this convoy departed Freetown on 10 February 1941 and arrived in U.K. waters on 8 March 1941.

Part of this convoy departed Freetown on day earlier, on 9 February 1941 and joined up with the main part of the convoy on 14 February 1941. This part of the convoy was known as convoy SLS [SL Slow] 65.

Convoy SLS 65 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agios Vlasios (Greek, 2974 GRT, built 1918), Batna (British, 4399 GRT, built 1928), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Camerata (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hollinside (British, 4172 GRT, built 1930), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), Nevada II (British, 5693 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Coast (British, 1173 GRT, built 1935), Senta (Norwegian, 3785 GRT, built 1917), Trongate (British, 3979 GRT, built 1924), Wearpool (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936) and Zeeland (Dutch, 2776 GRT, built 1930).

SLS 65 had no escort.

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Convoy SL 65 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Belita (Norwegian (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), Benvrackie (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), British Renown (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1928), British Workman (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), Bur (Norwegian, 4343 GRT, built 1917), Chile (British, 6956 GRT, built 1915), City of Adelaide (British, 6528 GRT, built 1920), City of Canton (British, 6692 GRT, built 1916), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), City of Ripon (British, 6368 GRT, built 1915), City of Winchester (British, 7120 GRT, built 1917), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Dunstan (British, 5149 GRT, built 1925), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fernlane (Norwegian, 4310 GRT, built 1927), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), John Holt (British, 4975 GRT, built 1938), Kalewa (British, 4389 GRT, built 1940), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Nariva (British, 8714 GRT, built 1920), Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930), Port Adelaide (British, 8422 GRT, built 1919), Southern Princess (British (tanker), 12156 GRT, built 1915), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Tacoma Star (British, 7924 GRT, built 1919), Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928), Thistlegorm (British, 4898 GRT, built 1940), Thornliebank (British, 5569 GRT, built 1939), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Ville d'Amiens (British, 6975 GRT, built 1924), Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925) and Zamalek (British (rescue ship), 1567 GRT, built 1921).]

[It is possible some of these ships did not sail from Freetown but joined the convoy at sea.]

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) and the sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN).

At 0900N/11, the corvettes HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR).

On 13 February 1941, the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) joined SLS 65 having departed Freetown on 11 February 1941.

Around 0900N/14, convoy SLS 65 merged with convoy SL 65.

At 1820N/14, HMS Milford, HMS Asphodel and HMS Calendula parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown.

At 1100D/20, the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) joined the convoy escort. HMS Kenya then parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy in the afternoon of 1 March 1941 and returned to Gibraltar.

At 1300D/2, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) joined the convoy escort. HMS Bulolo then parted company with the convoy to proceed to the Clyde.

Ships from the local A/S escort commenced to join on 4 March, these were the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Brighton (Cdr. (Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN), HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR), A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN) and the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN). The destroyers HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN) and HMS Woolston (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN) joined on 5 March.

26 Feb 1941

Convoy OG 54.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 26 February 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 24 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Clare Lilley (British, 4969 GRT, built 1917), Hedera (Swedish, 2327 GRT, built 1900), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1924), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rolf Jarl (Norwegian, 1917 GRT, built 1920), Solstad (Swedish, 1379 GRT, built 1924), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).

The Liverpool section (sailed 25 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Avoceta (British, 3442 GRT, built 1923), Baltara (British, 3099 GRT, built 1918), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (Greek, 4271 GRT, built 1906), Memphis (Egyptian, 2324 GRT, built 1920), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929) and Trentino (British, 3079 GRT, built 1919). On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

The Clyde section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alpera (British, 1777 GRT, built 1920), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Bur (Swedish, 1956 GRT, built 1919), Fina (British, 1378 GRT, built 1919), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919), Stornest (British, 4265 GRT, built 1921) and Yorkmoor (British, 4457 GRT, built 1925). The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of this section.

The Oban section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Biela (British, 5298 GRT, built 1918), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919), Empire Fusilier (British, 5404 GRT, built 1921), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Lautaro (British, 6225 GRT, built 1915) and Wigry (Polish, 1893 GRT, built 1912).

On final assembly west of the North Channel on the 26th, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) .

The Yorkmoor almost immediately returned to the Clyde, perhaps she did not even join the convoy.

Around 2000A/27, in position 56°30'N, 10°00'W, the Polarsol straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up. She arrived her destination, Aruba, Netherlands West Indies on 16 March 1941.

Around 0945A/27, in position 56°30'N, 09°30'W, the Wigry parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. as the cargo had shifted.

Around 1330A/27, in position 56°35'N, 10°30'W, the Memphis had to stop and leave the convoy due engine trouble. At 0510A/28, Memphis reported that she was in destress in position 56°24'N, 09°50'W and that she required assistance. At 0528A/28, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) to go to her assistance. At 1120A/28, Memphis reported that water was entering the engine room and that the level was increasing. The fires of the boilers were out. She also reported that she had picked up part of the crew of the torpedoed merchant vessel Benjamin Franklin and that with these survivors on board there was insufficient lifeboat capacity. At 1941A/28, Memphis made an S.O.S. signal in position 56°08'N, 09°28'W. The engine room was full of water and the stern was nearly under water. This was the last heard of the Memphis. No survivors were found.

On 28 February 1941, HMS Kingcup parted company.

The Empire Fusilier arrived at Oban on 1 March 1941 after having straggled from the convoy. Her master apparently having decided to return to the U.K.

During 2 March 1941, in heavy weather the following ships straggled from the convoy; Antonio (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941), Clare Lilley (arrived at New York on 18 March 1941), Fina (arrived in the Clyde on 8 March 1941 having returned to the U.K. due to a leak. The destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) had been sent to her assistance but could not find her), Hedera (arrived at Gibraltar on 13 March 1941), Solstad (arrived at Setubal on 10 March 1941) and Stornest (arrived at Buenos Aires on 4 April 1941).

Also on 2 March 1941, HMS Dianella, HMS Sunflower and HMS Philante parted company.

On 3 March 1941, HMS Keppel and HMS Venomous parted company.

On 4 March 1941, HMS Lincoln and HMS Shikari parted company.

On 5 March 1941, in position 51°25'N, 22°27'W, the Baltara stopped with engine defects due to flooding. The ship reported this in a signal at 0539Z/6. She was joined the next day by the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) which reported at 1640Z/7 that the Baltara had 14 feet of water in the engine room but that the bulkheads were holding. Position was 50°21'N, 22°12'W. It was requested that a rescue tug be sent. The rescue tug Zwarte Zee was ordered to leave Campbelown and to proceed towards the stricken Baltara. The corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) was ordered to escort the rescue tug. However as the Zwarte Zee developed defect the rescue tug Thames was sent instead. Thames and HMS Heather departed Londonderry around 2200A/9. At 1430Z/11, HMS St. Elstan reported that Baltara's condition had not changed and that they were now in position 49°46'N, 23°42'W. The Baltara was successfully salvaged and arrived in Rothesay Bay on 17 March 1941.

Around 1400Z/5, in position 50°13'N, 22°45'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Alpera (arrived at St. Thomas on 23 March 1941), British Tenacity (arrived at Aruba on 21 March 1941), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (arrived at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, on 13 March 1941), King Neptune (arrived at Demerara, Guyana on 23 March 1941), Lautaro (arrived at Bermuda on 19 March 1941), Richard de Larrinaga (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941) and Spero (arrived at Halifax on 18 March 1941).

Around 0800Z/7, in position 44°55'N, 23°00'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Biela (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 29 March 1941), Charlbury (arrived at Montevideo on 29 March 1941), Llancarvan (arrived at Freetown on 22 March 1941), Miguel de Larrinaga (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941), Nikoklis (arrived at Buenos Aires on 1 April 1941), Prome (arrived at Freetown on 15 March 1941), Tordene (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941) and Welsh Trader (arrived at Capetown on 2 April 1941).

Around 0900Z/7, in approximate position 44°50'N, 22°40'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) sighed the convoy which she subsequently joined.

On 8 March 1941, the Zamalek arrived in the Clyde, most likely having detached from the convoy with some of the escort vessels [date of detaching not known to us at the moment.]

Around 2130A/13, in position 35°46'N, 06°23'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Baron Kelvin (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Bur (arrived at Lisbon on 20 (?) March), Finland (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Kellwyn (arrived at Sevilla on 14 March) and Taberg (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 14 March 1941 escorted by HMS Rochester, HMS La Malouine and HrMs O 21. (7)

14 Mar 1941
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). (8)

8 Apr 1941

Convoy SL 71.

This convoy departed Freetown on 8 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Afrika (British, 8597 GRT, built 1920), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Hussar (British (tanker), 6944 GRT, built 1923), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Dagfred (Norwegian, 4434 GRT, built 1930), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Progress (British, 5249 GRT, built 1918), Evinos (Greek, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jedmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Leonidas N. Condylis (Greek, 3923 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Lise (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, built 1931), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916), Mount Mycale (British, 3556 GRT, built 1907), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Newton Ash (British, 4625 GRT, built 1925), Nigerian (British, 5423 GRT, built 1936), Peribonk (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Ravnefjell (British, 1339 GRT, built 1938), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921), Santiago (Panamanian, 3864 GRT, built 1908), St. Lindsay (British, 5370 GRT, built 1921), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938) and Veerhaven (Dutch, 5291 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) and HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

Around 1515N/10, in approximate position 07°38'N, 18°30'W, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 0630N/17, in approximate position 20°40'N, 28°00'W, the four corvettes parted company with the convoy. They were to proceed to Bathurst to fuel.

Around 1000NZ(+0.5)/23, in position 36°20'N, 23°00'W, the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) joined the convoy escort and shortly afterwards HMS Mauritius parted company with the convoy.

Around 0530N/29, the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) joined the convoy in position 49°48'N, 23°03'W and shortly afterwards the armed boarding vessel HMS Malvernian (Cdr. J.W.B. Robertson, RNR) also joined the convoy.

Around 0810A/29, HMS London parted company with the convoy and set course for Scapa Flow.

Around 0430A/30, the destroyer HMS Beagle, (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0645A/30, the corvette HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0715A/30, the corvette HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0930A/30, HMS Cilicia parted company with the convoy in position 52°42'N, 20°32'W.

After the departure of HMS Cilicia more local A/S escorts arrived early in the afternoon, these were the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN), corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and the A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

The convoy was then split up into a fast and slow section.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 May 1941.

27 Apr 1941

Convoy OG 60.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 27 April 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 25 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), Caledonia (British, 1268 GRT, built 1913), East Wales (British, 4358 GRT, built 1925), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937) and Selene (Swedish, 1347 GRT, built 1894). They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Vanity ( Lt. I.W.T. Beloe, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Sphene ( Ch.Skr. W.J.J. Tucker, RNR).

The Liverpool section (sailed 26 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Cressado (British, 1228 GRT, built 1913), Grelhead (British, 4274 GRT, built 1925), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Spinanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7429 GRT, built 1927), Waldinge (British, 2462 GRT, built 1925) and Zurichmoor (British, 4455 GRT, built 1925). With the Liverpool section the following escorts also sailed; destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.J. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR). The corvette HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) was also with them but she was only with the convoy briefly as she arrived at Tobermory on the 27th for A/S exercises after a repair period.

On 27 April 1941, HMS Vanity and HMS Sphene arrived at Belfast.

The Clyde section (sailed 27 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldergrove (British, 1974 GRT, built 1918), Fano (British (former Danish), 1889 GRT, built 1922), Fendris (British, 1018 GRT, built 1925), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Marit (Norwegian (tanker), 5563 GRT, built 1918), Nava (Swedish, 1456 GRT, buil 1928), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Procris (British, 1033 GRT, built 1924), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920) and Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919).

The Oban section (sailed 27 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Hampton Lodge (British, 3645 GRT, built 1911), Henrik Ibsen (Norwegian, 4671 GRT, built 1906), Lily (Greek, 5735 GRT, built 1920), Magne (Swedish, 3103 GRT, built 1912), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) and Varangberg (Norwegian, 2842 GRT, built 1915).

Two further escorts joined coming from Londonderry on its final assembly, these were the sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

All escorts, except HMS Deptford parted company with the convoy on 30 April.

At 1845Z/1, in position 49°48'N, 19°50'W, the Lily left the convoy without orders to do so. She ignored signals to clarify her movements. She arrived at Halifax on 11 May 1941.

The ships with destinations in North America / Carribean parted company with the convoy at an unknown date, time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
British Dominion (arrived at Trinidad on 17 May), Fano (arrived at Sydney, Cape Brenton Island on 14 May), Grelhead (arrived in a Cuban port on 19 May), Marit (arrived at Curacao on 16 May), Norwegian (arrived at Quebec on 11 May), Nueva Granada (arrived at Curacao on 18 May), Snar (arrived at Tampa on 22 May), Spinager (arrived at New York on 15 May) and Zurichmoor (arrived at Halifax on 11 May).

The ships with destinations in the South Atlantic area parted company with the convoy at an unknown date, time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
East Wales (arrived at Durban on 7 June), Hampton Lodge (arrived at Freetown on 19 May) and Queen Anne (arrived at Capetown on 2 June).

Around 1607Z/3, in position 45°25'N, 20°44'W, the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighted the convoy which she then joined shortly afterwards.

The ships with destinations in Portugal and south-west Spain parted company with the convoy at an unknown date [most likely on 10 May], time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
Aldergrove (arrived at Leixoes on 13 May), Baltallinn (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Caledonia (arrived at Leixoes on 12 May), Cara (arrived at Huelva on 11 May), Cressado (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Empire Snipe (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Fanefjeld (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Fendris (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Inga I (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Leonardia (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Magne (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Procris (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Selene (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Sheaf Crown (arrived at Huelva on 11 May), Varangberg (arrived at Huelva on 11 May) and Wallonia (arrived at Seville on 11 May).

The remainder of the convoy continued on to Gibraltar where they arrived on 10 May escorted by HMS Deptford and HrMs O 23.

The Henrik Ibsen continued on past Gibraltar to Melilla where she arrived on 11 May. (9)

16 May 1941

Convoy HX 127.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 May 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Aircrest (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), British Integrity (British (tanker), 8412 GRT, built 1927), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Coimbra (British (tanker), 6768 GRT, built 1937), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Cristales (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Dalcroy (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Elmdale (British, 4872 GRT, built 1941), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Empire Hartebeeste (British, 5579 GRT, built 1918), Empire Hawksbill (British, 5652 GRT, built 1920), Empire Seal (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Gravelines (British (former French), 2477 GRT, built 1925), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Inverness (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), Kheti (British, 2734 GRT, built 1927), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Leiv Eiriksson (Norwegian (tanker), 9952 GRT, built 1936), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Ondina (Dutch, 6341 GRT, built 1939), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Rotterdam (Dutch, 8968 GRT, built 1925), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Spind (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1917), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Teddington (British, 4762 GRT, built 1941), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919), Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930), Winona County (British, 6049 GRT, built 191),

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN) and HMCS Agassiz (Lt. B.D.L. Johnson, RCNR).

Around 2110P/16, both Canadian corvettes parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0500P/17, the Leiv Eiriksson dropped out of the convoy. She subsequently returned to Halifax.

Thick fog was encountered on the 18th and not all ships were in company at dawn on the 19th but all rejoined rather quickly.

Around 1940P/19, in approximate position 43°27'N, 50°05'W, the Trefusis parted company due to condenser trouble. She returned to Halifax where she arrived on 22 May 1941. On the same day the Spind also returned to Halifax with defects. [It is currently not know to us when she parted company with the convoy].

Around 2000P/20, in approximate position 45°21'N, 46°48'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (BHX 127) joined. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Athelqueen (British (tanker), 8780 GRT, built 1928), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Chr. Th. Boe (Norwegian (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1930), Laristan (British (tanker), 6401 GRT, built 1927), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Ranja (Norwegian (tanker), 6355 GRT, built 1928), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), Solfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9925 GRT, built 1939) and Vardefjell (Norwegian (tanker), GRT, built 1940).

Convoy BHX 127 was escorted from Bermuda to the rendezvous by the the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN) which did not join the convoy but set course for Halifax.

Around 1100N/24, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to join the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck and Prinz Eugen.

Around 1800N/26, the corvettes HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR) and HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1645N/28, the destroyer HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) joined the convoy. Later (times / dates unknown) more A/S escorts joined the convoy, these were the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN), A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN), minesweeper HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) also joined [date and times of joining not known].

The escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN), HMS Hambledon (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and sloops HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) and HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700/26 to reinforce the escort of the convoy [date and times of joining not known].

On 31 May 1941, the Mosli arrived at Reykjavik after having been detached from the convoy earlier.

On 31 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban for onward routing to East Coast ports; Acavus, Adula, Aircrest, Barrdale, British Commodore, Coimbra, Cristales, Elmdale, Empire Flamingo, Empire Hartebeeste, Empire Hawksbill, Ganimedes, Harmonic, Ittersum, Laristan, Leiesten, Norefjord, Ondina, President de Vogue, Seapool, Standella, Tilsington Court, Trelissick and Winosa County.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Scapa Flow; Laurelwood and Sepia.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Dalcroy, Empire Seal, Empire Shearwater, F.J. Wolfe, Kheti, Petter, Regent Lion, Solfonn, Stad Vlaardingen, Teddington and Temple Yard.

On 1 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Athelqueen, British Integrity, British Pride, Carelia, Chr. Th. Boe, Comanchee, Dramatist, Inverness, Ranja, Stigstad, Vardefjell and Wellington Court.

On 2 June 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Milford Haven; Boreas, Brasil, Lord Byron, Rotterdam and Skiensfjord.

Local A/S escort vessels involved in escorting HX 127 arrived in port as follows; HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Restigouche and HMS Farndale arrived at Greenock on 1 June 1941.

HMS Hambledon, HMS Stork and HMIS Sutlej arrived at Scapa Flow on 1 June 1941. HMS Hambledon had made a short fuel stop at Loch Ewe on 31 May though before rejoining the two sloops.

HMS Hussar arrived at Stornoway on 1 June 1941.

HMS Skate arrived at Londonderry on 1 June 1941.

HMS Salisbury arrived at Londonderry on 2 June 1941.

HMS St Kenan arrived at Ardrossan on 3 June 1941. She had been involved in the salvage of the forepart of the torpedoed Gravelines which at some point had straggled from the convoy.

The exact movements of HMS Philante are not clear to us at the moment. According to some documents she arrvived at Halifax on 23 June 1941 after being at sea since 23 May 1941, the day she left Londonderry. This is however incorrect and she has been at Iceland in between as well according to other documents. (10)

13 Dec 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. W.A. Phillimore, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. D.T.M. Williams, RNR), HMS Philante (Cdr.(Retd.) H.J.R. Paramore, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR). (11)

2 Apr 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Anchusa (A/Lt.Cdr. D.M. Gibb, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. D.T.M. Williams, RNR), HMS Philante (Cdr.(Retd.) H.J.R. Paramore, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSO, DSC, RN). (12)

28 Sep 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR). (13)

29 Sep 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), HMS Banff (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J. Byron, DSC, RNR), HMS Egret (Cdr. C.R.S. Farquhar, RN) and aircraft. (13)

10 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Dauphin (T/Lt. M.H. Wallace, RCNR), HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR), HMS Ness (Lt.Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN), HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), HMS Folkestone (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, OBE, RN), USS Spencer, USS Campbell and HMCS Rosthern (T/Lt. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR). (14)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). Upon completion of these HMS Satyr departed the Clyde for Londonderry, being escorted by HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. H.E. McArthur, RCNVR). (15)

15 Apr 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) departed Londonderry for Larne. She was escorted by HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR) until 1830 hours when HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) took over. (15)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted convoy attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and ships from Escort Group B 3. [Ships that made up Escort Group B 3, which were not refitting, were the following; destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), ORP Garland (Kpt.mar.(Lt.Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski, ORP) and the corvette HMS Orchis (T/Lt. E.D.A. Dyer, RCNVR).] (16)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry where she was to participate in A/S exercises. She made the passage together with HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN). They were was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (17)

16 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (18)

17 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). These included night attacks. (19)

23 May 1943
HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) departed Larne for the Campbeltown area. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). Off Campbeltown both ships conducted exercises during the night of 23/24 May 1943. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Universal then set course for Londonderry. (20)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and an Escort Group. (21)

15 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and other A/S vessels. (21)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (22)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (23)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), ships from the 41st Escort Group and HMS Bideford (Cdr. J.R. Westmacott, RN).

10 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), ships from B 7 Escort Group, HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN). (24)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), HMCS Drumheller (T/Lt. L.P. Denny, RCNR), HMCS Kamloops (T/Lt. D.M. Stewart, RCNR), HMCS Chambly (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR), HMCS Sackville (Lt. A.H. Rankin, RCNVR) and other ships from a Canadian Escort Group. (25)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and ships from a Canadian Escort Group. (25)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) serving as target. This ship was escorted by the destroyers USS Davison (T/Cdr. J.D. Collett, USN, with COMDESRON 15, T/Capt. C.C. Hartman, USN on board), USS Mervine (T/Cdr. D.R. Frakes, USN), USS Boyle (T/Cdr. B.P. Field, Jr., USN), USS Champlin (T/Cdr. C.L. Melson, USN), USS Nields (T/Cdr. A.R. Heckey, USN), USS Ordronaux (T/Cdr. R. Brodie, Jr., USN), USS Beatty (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN) and USS Tillman (T/Cdr. C.S. Hutchings, USN). (26)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and HMIS Kistna (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) R.R. Caws, RIN). (25)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) which was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Charles Lawrence (Lt. F. Kernan, Jr., USNR, with COMTASKGR 21.6 / COMCORTDIV 6, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN on board), USS Daniel T. Griffin (Lt. F. Denfeld, USNR), USS Donnell (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Billing, USNR), USS Sims (Lt J.A. Moffett, 2nd, USNR), USS Hopping (Lt. L.F. Loutrel, Jr., USNR) and USS Reeves (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Clark, USNR). (27)

30 Oct 1943
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), HMCS Orillia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Mitchell, RCNVR), HMS Nasturtium (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) and ships from Canadian Escort Group C 4. (25)

14 Nov 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (28)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a dummy convoy that was being escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (29)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HNoMS Potentilla (Lt. T. Jacobsen, RNorN) and HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (30)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and a dummy convoy. (28)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (28)

23 Dec 1943
HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a dummy convoy that was being escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). Also a practice attack was made on Philante.

On completion of the exercises HMS Stratagem departed Larne for Holy Loch. (31)

12 Jan 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group C 2. Also a practice attack was made on HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN). (32)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Waskesiu (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Fraser, RCNR), HMCS Edmundston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR), ???? [unable to read the name in the log of HMS Vox], HMCS Prescott (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McIsaac, RCNVR), HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) and ships from the 6th Escort Group. (33)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Chaser (Capt. H.V.P. McClintock, DSO, RN) and HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) as well as ships from the 3rd Escort Group. (33)

20 Feb 1944
HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Gould (Lt D.W. Ungoed, RN), HMS Gore (Lt J. Reeves-Brown, RN), HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) and ships from the 1st Escort Group. (34)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN). (34)

31 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) and ships from the B.2 Escort Group. (35)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN). (36)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Urtica (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne during which HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) served as the target. (37)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included practice attacks on HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (36)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (36)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (38)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (38)

20 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (38)

22 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (38)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (38)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne. The target was HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) which was being escorted by several 'destroyers'. (39)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne. The target was HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) which was being escorted by several 'destroyers'. (39)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. W.A.M.J. Libert, RNR). Also practice attacks were made on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (40)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 26th Escort Group. These were the frigates HMCS Beacon Hill (T/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSO, RCNVR), HMCS Jonquiere (T/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Kidston, RCNVR), HMCS Montreal (T/Lt.Cdr. S.W. Howell, RCNR), HMCS New Glasgow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Hanbury, RCNVR) and HMCS Ribble (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.B. Taylor, RCNR).

Also a practice attack was made on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (40)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks off Larne on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (40)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 31st Escort Group. These were the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR), HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR).

Also night convoy attacks were carried out during the night of 22/23 October 1944 which included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (40)

26 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). Also a practice attack was made. (40)

19 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (41)

25 Jan 1945
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) and HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Loch Alsh. They were escorted by HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (42)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Loch Dunvegan (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Stoner, RN) and HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (43)

24 Mar 1945
HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (44)

24 Mar 1945
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with Escort Group 1 and HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (43)

28 Mar 1945
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with Escort Group 30 and HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (43)

28 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR). These included night exercises. (45)

1 Apr 1945
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with Escort Group 16 and HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (46)

1 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Loch Alsh during which HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) served as the target. During these exercises HMS Philante was escorted by HMCS Charlottetown (T/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Antigonish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR) and HMCS Kirkland Lake (Lt.Cdr. N.V. Clark, OBE, RCNR). (45)

5 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN), HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) and HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from the 2nd Escort Group. Also practice attacks were made on HMS Philante. (45)

16 Apr 1945
At Loch Alsh, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted practice attacks on each other following which they conducted A/S exercises with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from Escort Group 31 which were most likely the following; HMS Berkeley Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. Arthur Charles Palmer, DSC, RNR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Heron, RNVR), HMS Hadleigh Castle (T/Lt. C.C. Kuper, RNVR) and HMS Lancaster Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Joliffe, RNR). (47)

20 Apr 1945
At Loch Alsh, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from Escort Group 23 which were most likely the following; HMS Loch Gorm (Lt.Cdr. R. Johnston, RNR), HMS Loch Scavaig (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Hancock, RNR), HMS Montserrat (A/Lt.Cdr. F.A.J. Downer, DSC, RNR), HMS Nyasaland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Scott, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR). (47)

23 Apr 1945
At Loch Alsh, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from Escort Group 23 which were most likely the following; HMS Conn (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Byron (Lt. J. Burfield, RN), HMS Deane (A/Lt.Cdr. E.L. Cook, DSC, RN), HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Redmill (Lt. J.R.A. Denne, RN) and HMS Rupert (Lt. P.C.S. Black, RN). (47)

25 Apr 1945
At Loch Alsh, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from Escort Group 25 which were most likely the following; HMCS Orkney (Cdr. J.M. Rowland, DSO, RN), HMCS La Hulloise (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Joliette (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.E. Harrison, RCNVR), HMCS Strathadam (A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Quinn, DSC, RCNVR) and HMCS Thedford Mines (Lt. J.A.R. Allan, DSC, RCNVR). (47)