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Notable events involving Murphy include:

5 May 1943

Convoy TA 41B.

This convoy was only made up of one ship, the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936). She departed the Clyde on 5 May 1943 for New York and had on board about 5000 German POW's and also Prime Minister Churchill and his staff.

The AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow in the afternoon of the 4th May 1943 and provided close escort for the troopship.

Around midnight during the night of 4/5 May 1943, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide cover. HMS Glasgow returned to Scapa Flow on 10 May apparently having turned back on 8 May.

Around 1100B/5, the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN) departed Greenock to provide air cover for the Queen Mary during the first part of her voyage. The carrier was escorted by the destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN), HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN). These destroyers had departed Scapa Flow for this duty around 2100B/5. They turned back very late on 6 May and HMS Indomitable returned to the Clyde on the 8th. HMS Matchless and HMS Mahratta were detached on the 8th to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived later on the same day. HMS Eclipse was detached to fuel at Londonderry on completion of which she departed around 1700B/8 for Scapa flow where she arrived around 1700B/9.

Also on 5 May 1943, around 0600B/5, the light cruiser HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the Queen Mary. Rendezvous was effected on 7 May. Most likely HMS Scylla then parted company as she arrived at Plymouth on 8 May. HMS Charybdis parted company around 2100A/8 to return to Plymouth where she arrived on 10 May.

The Queen Mary then continued on escorted by HMS Uganda.

At 1345N/9, the heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN), USS Augusta (Capt. G. Hutchins, USN) and the destroyers USS Fitch (T/Cdr. K.C. Walpole, USN), USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN), USS Hobson (T/Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. L.W. Bailey, USN) joined. They had departed Argentia, Newfoundland on 6 May. HMS Uganda parted company shortly afterwards and proceeded to Argentia, arriving there around 1045OP(+2.5)/11.

In the morning of the 10th the four US destroyers were relieved by four other destroyers, these were USS Mervine (T/Cdr. S.D. Willingham, USN), USS Quick (T/Cdr. P.W. Cann, USN), USS Beatty (T/Cdr. F.C. Stelter, Jr., USN) and USS Tillman (T/Cdr. F.D. McCorkle, USN).

The Queen Mary and her USN escort arrived at New York on 11 May.

(1)

11 Aug 1943
Around 0845/11, the Oran section of a convoy (Task Group 89.6) made up of the US transport USS Merak (6982 GRT, built 1932, Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cawthon, USN) and the US tankers USS Chemung (T/Capt. J.J. Twomey, USN) and Salamonie (T/Capt. L.J. Johns, USN) formed off Mers-el-Kebir. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with the C.O. DesDiv 34, T/Capt. J.B. Rooney, USN, on board), USS Earle (T/Capt. H.W. Howe, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. J.W. Schmidt, USN) and USS Roe (T/Cdr. R.L. Nolan, Jr., USN). Course was set to the westwards.

Around 0215/12, the damaged cruiser HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy for passage to the USA for repairs.

Around 1300/12, the Casablanca section of the convoy departed Casablanca to join the Oran section at sea. They merged around 1530/12. The Casablanca section of Task Group 89.6 was made up of the tanker Buena Vista (10198 GRT, built 1943) and the transports Borinquen (7114 GRT, built 1931), USS Chateau Thierry (9050 GRT, built 1920, Cdr. B.W. Cloud, USN), Evangeline (5043 GRT, built 1927), Mexico (5236 GRT, built 1932), USS Orizaba (6937 GRT, built 1918, Cdr. L.E. Kelly, USN) and Shawnee (6209 GRT, built 1927). They were escorted by the destroyers Cowie (T/Cdr. C.J. Whiting, USN), Glennon (T/Cdr. F.C. Camp, USN), Herndon (T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), Jeffers (T/Cdr W.T. McGarry, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. L.W. Bailey, USN) and Nelson (T/Cdr. M.M. Riker, USN, with the C.O. Destroyer Squadron 17, T/Capt. D.L. Madeira, USN, onboard).

This convoy was transporting POW's from North Africa to the USA.

Early in the afternoon of the 15th, USS Gherardi fuelled from the USS Chemung.

Between 0530/17 and 1000/17, all destroyers fuelled from USS Chemung and USS Salamonie.

At 1743/17, USS Glennon reported sighting a submarine while in position 36°27'N, 42°11'W. The convoy made an emergency turn to starboard and USS Glennon and USS Nelson proceeded to hunt the submarine. At 1805/17, USS Nelson dropped a pattern of five depth charges on a sound contact. At 1813/17, USS Nelson dropped nine depth charges on a sound contact. USS Glennon and USS Nelson continued to hunt the submarine until 2102/17 when they left the scene to rejoin the convoy which they did very early the next day. The sumbarine in question was most likely the German U-760 which reported being attacked by two destroyers at the same time but about 75 nautical miles away in approximate position 35°33'N, 43°18'W.

At 0702/18, USS Nelson obtained a sound contact and the convoy made an emergency turn to starboard. Between 0707 and 0715/18, USS Nelson made two depth charge attacks during which two five charge patterns were dropped. She continued her search until 0745/1 but then set course to rejoin the screen which she did at 0840/18.

At 1623/18, USS Nelson obtained another sound contact and once again the convoy made an emergency turn to starboard. Between 1626 and 1830/18, USS Murhpy and USS Nelson searched the area during which USS Nelson conducted three depth charge attacks (one depth charge, five depth charges and nine depth charges) and USS Murphy two (seven depth charges and seven depth charges), but with no result. At 1830/18, USS Nelson set course to rejoin the convoy which she did at 2054/18. USS Murphy continued the seatch on her own until 1930/18. She rejoined the convoy screen at 2330/18.

Meanwhile, at 2315/18, USS Gherardi had obtained a sound contact close aboard on which she immediately dropped a single depth charge and then turned to investigate. USS Cowie was sent to assist her in the hunt and then take over the search but neither destroyer obtained any further contacts. USS Gherardi rejoined the convoy screen at 0150/19 and USS Cowie at 0330/19.

At 0820/20, HMS Newfoundland parted company to proceed to Boston, Massachusetts escorted by USS Butler and USS Murphy. The destroyers parted company with HMS Newfoundland at 1025/21 which then proceeded to the Boston Navy Yard for repairs to her action damage. She arrived at the Boston Navy Yard around 1500/21. The destroyers then proceeded to Newport, Rhode Island via the Cape Cod Canal. They arrived at Newport around 1630/21.

At 1335/20, USS Chemung, USS Salamonie and USS Merak parted company to proceed to Norfolk escorted by USS Cowie and USS Earle. At 0555/22, USS Merak and USS Cowie parted company to proceed to New York where they arrived around 1800/22. USS Chemung, USS Salamonie and USS Earle arrived at Norfolk around 1930/22.

Around 1100/22, the main body of the convoy arrived at New York.

21 Oct 1943
USS Murphy was rammed off New York by the tanker Bulkoil. The forward section of the ship sank, taking 36 officers and men with it. The stern section was towed to the New York Navy yard where a new forward section was fitted. In all the repairs took some 7 months.

3 Jun 1944
Around 0800B/3, the heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with COMDESDIV 34, T/Capt. W.L. Benson, on board), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) departed Belfast Lough for the operations area of Normandy.

Around 0745B/4, HMS Glasgow, HMS Bellona and USS Murphy parted company off Falmouth.

3 Jun 1944

Passage of the bulk of ' Bombardment Group O ' from Belfast to the operations area.

Shortly after 0200B/3, the battleships USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN), USS Arkansas (Capt. F.G. Richards, USN), USS Nevada (Capt. P.M. Rhea, USN), light cruisers Georges Leygues (Capt. J.E.A. Laurin), Montcalm (Capt. L.M.J.A. Deprez). These ships were, with the exception off USS Nevada, part of ' Bombardment Group O ' (Task Group 124.8).

They were escorted by the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Plunkett (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) and the escort destroyers Amesbury (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Wilbor, USNR) and Blessman (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Gillis, USNR). The escort vessels were not part of the actual bombardment group but of an escort group (Task Group 124.7).

Around 0730B/4, when near Plymouth, the force turned around after a signal was received that the invastion was postponed for 24 hours. Course was set to return to the northwards along the same track.

Around 2200B/4, course was reversed again to return to the southwards.

Around 0730B/5, USS Nevada was detached to join ' Bombardment Group U '. Around the same time the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined the group.

Around 1215B/5, the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN), HMS Talybont (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.

Around 0300B/6, the group began to arrive in the operations area.

21 Jun 1944
Around 2200 - 2230B/21, USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) weighed anchor to proceed from the operations area off Normandy to Portland where they arrived around 0800B/22. With these cruisers were also the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. A.F. Converse, USN, on board), USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Barton (T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN, with COMDESRON 60, T/Capt. W.L. Freseman, USN, on board), USS Laffey (T/Cdr. F.J. Becton, USN) and USS O'Brien (T/Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN). (2)

25 Jun 1944

Bombardment of German batteries off Cherbourg

Task Force 129 was ordered to bombard and take out the large calibre German shore batteries off Cherbourg.

It was decided to split the force in two and also additional ships were added. Group I (Task Unit 129.1) was to attack the German batteries to the west of Cherbourg near Querqueville. Group II (Task Unit 129.2) was to attack the German batteries to the east of Cherbourg near Fermanville.

Group I was made up of the battleship USS Nevada (Capt. P.M. Rhea, USN), heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 7 also COMTASFOR 129, T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. A.F. Converse, USN, on board), USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) and USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN).

Group II was made up of the battleships USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of COMBATDIV 5, T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN) and the destroyers USS Barton (T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN, with COMDESRON 60, T/Capt. W.L. Freseman, USN, on board), USS Laffey (T/Cdr. F.J. Becton, USN), USS O'Brien (T/Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN), USS Plunkett (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN) and USS Hobson (T/Cdr. K. Loveland, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Cdr. L.W. Nilon, USN, on board).

To enable this bombardment, the area had to be swept for mines for which Task Units 129.3.1 and 125.9.3 was deployed.

Task Unit 129.3.1 was made up of the following minesweepers; HMS Sidmouth (Cdr. R.W.D. Thomson, RN), HMS Bangor (Lt. H. Sobey, RNR), HMS Blackpool (A/Lt.Cdr. G.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Boston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Choppin, DSC, RNVR), HMS Bridlington (T/Lt. E.M. Betts, RNR), HMS Bridport (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMS Eastbourne (T/Lt. R.A. Aldred, RNVR) and HMS Tenby (A/Cdr. R.W. Wainwright, RN).
Danlayers (M/S trawlers); HMS Bryher (T/Lt. F.C.C. Knight, RNVR), HMS Dalmatia (A/Skr.Lt. C. Dale, RNR), HMS Ijuin (Skr. T.W. Doddington, RNR) and HMS Signa (T/Skr. J. More, RNR).
Motor minesweepers; HMS BYMS 2032 (T/A/Skr.Lt. P.S. Farmery, RNR), HMS BYMS 2052 (T/Lt. C.E. Haste, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2055 (T/Lt. S.R. Wakefield, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2070 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J. Hobbs, RNR), HMS BYMS 2071 (T/Lt. W.M. Dougall, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2157 (T/Lt. D. McGrath, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2173 (T/Lt. A.L. Mulcare, DSC, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2211 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Davies, DSC and Bar, RNR).
Motor launches; [Four in number, identity currently not known to us.]

Task Unit 125.9.3 was made up of the following minesweepers; USS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. H.I. Pratt, USNR, with CTU 125.9.3, T/Cdr. H. Plander, USN, on board), USS Auk (Lt. D.L. Brantley, USNR), USS Broadbill (Lt.Cdr. O.B. Lundgren, USNR), USS Chickadee (Lt. W.D. Allen, USNR), USS Nuthatch (Lt.Cdr. R.A.L. Ellis, USNR), USS Swift (Lt.Cdr. R.K. Cockey, USNR), USS Threat (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Ferrill, USNR) and HMCS Thunder (A/Cdr. H.D. MacKay, RCNR). This last ship acted as danlayer. Also part of this Task Unit were three motor launches; HMML 139 (T/S.Lt. J.B. Foxlee, RNVR), HMML 257 (T/Lt. G.W. Lambert, RNVR) and HMML 275 (T.S.Lt. F.E.T. Dann, RNVR).

Movements of Group I.

Group I departed Portland around 0500B/25.

Around 1015B/25, Group I arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still clearing the area at at this time.

At 1208B/25, gun flashes were seen on the beach.

At 1211B/25, HMS Enterprise opened fire. USS Rodman reported the coordinates of a battery which was firing on minesweepers sweeping in the area for the bombardment force. [We have been unable to find a detailed report of HMS Enterprise during this operation.]

At 1212B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery. Direct hits were obtained at 1221B/25. Rapid fire was then ordered. By 1229B/25 more hits had been reported. At 1232B/25, it was reported that out of the 8 guns of this target, 6 had been destroyed. By 1236B/25, more hits had been obtained and the Germans showed a white panel but Nevada was told to ignore this as there had been a previous deception. Fire was ceased on this target at 1327B/25. By then 32 two-gun salvos had been fired with excellent results. Fire was only ceased so that the main battery could also be used to engage the battery firing on USS Nevada at that time.

At 1213B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy shore battery that was initially firing on the minesweepers. Fire was ceased on this target at 1257B/25 after a total of 96 rounds of high explosive had being fired. Results were inconclusive according to the air spotter as it had been very difficult to observe the fall of shot as multiple ship had been firing at the same target.

At 1215B/25, more gunflashes were seen on the beach. Also the 5" battery of USS Nevada opened fire. Fire was ceased on this target at 1224B/25.

At 1216B/25, smoke was laid ahead of the minesweepers which were still being fired upon.

At 1218B/25, USS Nevada was straddled.

At 1220B/25, USS Nevada's part of 5" guns opened fire on another target. Fire was ceased after 5 minutes as the results could no longer be observed due to the smoke in the target area. It is believed that this battery was firing at HMS Glasgow.

At 1222B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled.

At 1228B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with 5" firing white phosphorus over one of the Allied destroyers laying a smoke screen which had come under enemy fire.

At 1236B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1252B/25.

At 1237B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled. Two shells landing 300 yards away on her port quarter. USS Nevada manoeuvred to get clear as enemy gunnery became more accurate.

At 1237B/25, enemy shells fell close astern of HMS Glasgow which took evasive action.

At 1240B/25, USS Nevada was straddled once more, now by an enemy salvo of four guns. All landed within 300 yards. Shortly afterwards and enemy three gun salvo landed 100 to 400 yards from the ship.

At 1241B/25, Four more splashed were observed close to USS Nevada landing at range between 100 and 400 yards.

At 1242B/25, a shell was seen to straddle HMS Enterpise at a distance of only 50 yards. USS Nevada was once again straddled by two shells, distance 400 yards.

At 1243B/25, two more shells landed within 50 yards of HMS Enterpise. Six splashes were seen from USS Nevada near HMS Glasgow.

At 1245B/25, a shell landed with 50 yards of USS Nevada.

At 1246B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. USS Nevada opened fire with 5" guns on an enemy battery of four 6" guns. Nevada's gunfire was aided by air spotting. Fire on this target ceased at 1311B/25, with undetermined results.

At 1248B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled followed by a hit amidships on HMS Glasgow which reported being hit in the hangar. Also USS Nevada commenced firing on another target with her 5" guns. Fire was ceased on this target at 1305B/25.

At 1250B/25, an enemy shell straddled USS Nevada by 25 yards. HMS Glasgow was hit again by enemy gunfire. She reported being hit on the after superstructure.

At 1252B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled again.

At 1256B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on another now active battery. fire was ceased at 1302B/25. The battery could not be observed by the spotter aircraft but the salvos were observed from the ship to explode near the enemy gun flashes.

At 1257B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again.

At 1258B/25, USS Emmons opened fire on a small fort where flashes of gunfire were observed. At 1308B/25, he came under fire from another shore battery and was forced to retire to the north making use of smoke that was being laid by USS Rodman. USS Emmons ceased fire at 1313B/25. 64 rounds had been expended.

At 1259B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with her 5" battery. 56 rounds were fired into the target area and hits were reported.

At 1300B/25, three enemy salvos landed 400 yards from USS Quincy. Which then opened fire on a target with her 8" main battery. Fire was ceased at 1310B/25. 10 rounds had been fired and the result was reported as successful.

At 1301B/25, an enemy three gun salvo was seen to straddle HMS Enterprise from USS Quincy.

At 1302B/25, the plane which was spotting for USS Tuscaloosa reported that it had been hit by enemy AA fire and that it was returning to her base.

At 1303B/25, HMS Enterprise was straddled twice.

At 1304B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again. It landed so close on the unengaged side that it was a miracle that it did not hit the ship. Splinters landed on No.4 gun turret.

At 1305B/25, an enemy shell landed 100 yards off the beam of USS Nevada.

At 1310B/25, it appeared that the enemy battery that had been firing on HMS Enterprise shifted target to USS Quincy.

At 1311B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1337B/25 after 54 rounds of HE had been expended. The results were not known.

At 1312B/25, enemy salvos landed astern of USS Quincy which was just ahead of USS Tuscaloosa. Both ships had to take evasive action.

At 1313B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. She ceased fire 4 minutes later to shift target.

At 1315B/25, USS Ellyson was ordered to lay smoke near HMS Glasgow.

At 1316B/25, USS Nevada was straddled by an enemy salvo that landed 200 yards short.

At 1319B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1324B/25 but fire was resumed 2 minutes later for 4 minutes. At 1332B/25 fire was re-opened again for another 4 minutes. Spotting had been very difficult due to smoke and haze near the target.

At 1320B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo by 50 yards.

At 1320B/25, USS Murphy was ordered to conduct a fire support mission and commenced closing her assigned target at high speed. Before fire could be opened USS Murphy came under enemy fire and she was straddled several times. At 1405B/25, USS Murphy retired under smoke.

At 1323B/25, enemy shells landed only 100 yards ahead of USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1324B/25, USS Nevada is straddled again.

At 1329B/25, an enemy salvo landed 200 yards short of USS Nevada's beam. USS Nevada went full speed ahead to throw of the enemy's aim.

At 1335B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo which landed ahead at a range of 100 yards. A minute later three more salvos followed. Closest one was only 50 yards off.

At 1337B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on the enemy gun positions currently firing on her. Range was 21900 yards. Fire was ceased at 1415B/25. Individual results could not be observed as many ships were firing on the same target. During the period that USS Nevada was firing on this target, radical manoeuvring had been necessary due to accurate enemy fire. This continued on until 1434B/25.

At 1337B/25, USS Tuscaloosa established communications with a relief spotting plane.

At 1337B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy three gun salvo. It landed close under her stern.

At 1339B/25, USS Quincy was straddled. HMS Ellyson was ordered shortly afterwards to cover her with a smoke screens.

At 1342B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. It was hoped that the air spotter would be of use now, however at 1343B/25 the aircraft had to make a forced landing. Fire was ceased at 1350B/25 but re-opened 3 minutes later to be checked again at 1355B/25. After reversing course fire was re-opened again as soon as possible but was checked once more at 1414B/25. Yet another aircraft had taken over the spotting but she reported being unable to see anything due to the haze and smoke near the target. Later it was reported that the air spotter operating for HMS Glasgow, which was not firing at this time, had observed a direct hit on the target by USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1342B/25, the damaged HMS Glasgow was ordered to retire to the north. USS Ellyson and USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her.

At 1345B/25, USS Quincy was straddled again, enemy rounds landed 200 yards off. USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her. She too came under fire and was near missed by two salvos.

At 1345B/25, USS Gherardi opened fire on a shore target she had been ordered to engage. Fire was shifted to another target, close to the first one, at 1400B/25. Both targets were reported neutralised by the shore fire control party and fire was ceased at 1405B/25. 110 round of 5" HE had been expended.

At 1348B/25, USS Hambleton laid a smoke screen and two minutes later she opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 14250 yards. On opening fire she ceased making smoke. Only two salvos were fired as USS Hambleton came under heavy fire with many near misses. She quickly retired out of range of the battery manoeuvring radically while doing so.

At 1356B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. 8 salvos were fired before the range became to great.

At 1435B/25, HMS Glasgow was missed by some enemy shells falling ahead. Course was altered to the south-east.

At 1347B/25, USS Quincy was near missed with an enemy shell landing near her starboard bow. USS Emmons commenced to lay smoke to shield the cruiser from the enemy.

At 1405B/25, USS Ellyson commenced laying a smoke screen and then fired 27 rounds of 5" at a German shore battery near Querqueville. Fire was ceased after only one minute because of the inability to observe the fall of shot.

At 1410B/25, USS Gherardi came under enemy fire and then retired northward under smoke.

At 1421B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1443B/25 when the target was no longer in range. 57 rounds of HE had been expended. Several hits had been obtained within 100 yards of the target area.

At 1423B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased after two minutes.

At 1426B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25.

At 1432B/25, USS Hambleton opened fire on a shore target from 14350 yards. While engaging this target radical manoeuvring was carried out to evade return fire. Fire was ceased after six salvos at 1440B/25. She had been forced out of range by enemy fire and retired under smoke.

At 1437B/25, USS Nevada had to radically change course due to a drifting mine being sighted which she just managed to miss.

At 1437B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. The air observed reported he had been able to see the battery but it soon became obscured by smoke so fire was ceased after 6 rounds had been fired.

At 1441B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. She turned away and streamed a smoke float.

At 1444B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25, after the air spotter reported that gunfire had been excellent and that there was no need for further firing on that target.

At 1444B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Fire was ceased at 1545B/25 after a total of 50 rounds had been fired from range between 15000 and 17500 yards. USS Rodman then retired under smoke having come under accurate enemy fire.

At 1446B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled again. This was a very close call. The cruiser went full speed ahead and took evasive action.

At 1458B/25, CTF 129 ordered all ships to withdraw through swept channel 'No.3' and join up at buoy 'Charlie'.

At 1503B/25, USS Nevada came under fire again and was straddled. Fire was then opened with the main battery on the battery firing on Nevada. One hit on this battery was later reported.

At 1505B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by a shore fire control party. Fire was ceased at 1510B/25.

At 1507B/25, a three gun salvo straddled USS Nevada by 300 yards followed one minute later by a three gun salvo which was just 200 yards off.

At 1510B/25, USS Nevada had another close straddle. This one was a large calibre shell which missed by only 25 yards. Large pieces of shrapnel and splinters landed on the deck but there was no damage nor casualties. The main battery of USS Nevada now ceased firing on her current fire and intended to shift target to another enemy gun battery which was believed to be the one now straddling the battleship. The spotting aircraft however had difficulty locating the target due to enemy AA gunfire.

At 1511B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by an air spotter. Fire was ceased at 1530B/25.

At 1513B/25, an enemy salvo landed within 100 yards of USS Nevada which subsequently altered course to evade then enemy's aim.

At 1513B/25, USS Ellyson and USS Hambleton commenced laying smoke to cover the withdrawal of Group I.

At 1515B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on a casemated gun emplacement from a range of 25400 yards. Fire was ceased at 1540B/25. A direct hit was reported with more rounds hitting the immediate area around the casemate.

At 1520B/25, the aircraft spotting for USS Nevada finally located the enemy battery firing on the battleship. Fire was opened with the main battery on this target at 1522B/25. Range was 26300 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 rounds at 1525B/25. All rounds had straddled the target. Fire was ceased upon receiving the order to retire.

Around 1540B/25, Group I entered approach channel 'No.1' to return to Portland.

At 1820B/25, HMS Enterprise was detached to proceed to Portsmouth to re-ammunition there.

Around 1945B/25, Group I arrived at Portland.

Movements of Group II.

Group II departed Portland around 0330B/25. Around 0945B/25, Group II arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still sweeping the area at this time.

At 1208B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 18000 yards. Results were unknown but two hits were thought possible. Fire was ceased at 1245B/25.

At 1228B/25, Group II and accompanying mineweepers were taken under fire by German shore batteries. Their first salvo landed near USS Barton, USS O'Brien and some of the minesweepers. At 1229B/25, USS Barton and USS O'Brien immediately opened counter battery fire after USS Barton had located the source of the enemy gunfire.

At 1230B/30, USS Barton was straddled and also suffered a hit in her after diesel engine room. Fortunately the projectile was a dud.

At 1232B/30, USS Laffey was straddled and also suffered a hit in her port bow near the anchor. This projectile was also a dud.

At 1234B/30, USS Texas was straddled several times and evasive action had to be taken.

At 1235B/30, USS Barton commenced counter-battery fire.

At 1237B/30, USS Barton was ordered to draw further ahead and be prepared to make smoke.

At 1238B/25, USS Texas opened fire on a shore battery. Range was 19200 yards. The results were doubtful as it is believed the spotter aircraft was in error as to the location of the target. Only six rounds were fired.

At 1241B/25, USS Barton, USS O'Brien, USS Laffey and USS Plunkett were now covering the minesweepers with counter-battery fire as indicated by flashes on the beach. The destroyers fire was intermittent due to the difficulty in spotting due to the heavy smoke in the target area.

At 1242B/25, USS Texas was straddled close to starboard.

At 1244B/25, USS Texas shifted fire to another shore battery.

At 1245B/25, USS Texas was straddled by two salvos followed by four more as the enemy had apparently found the range and commenced rapid firing. USS Arkansas reversed course to avoid USS Texas and therefore had to cease firing.

At 1246B/25, USS Texas was straddled to port.

At 1252B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on a new target. 1000 yards from her previous target. Range was 20000 yards. Fire was ceased on this target at 1325B/25.

At 1254B/25, USS O'Brien was straddled followed by a hit which carried away the aft portion of the bridge. 13 of the crew were killed and 19 were injured.

At 1254B/25, USS Texas and USS Arkansas turned to the northwards with USS Hobson and USS Plunkett making smoke and screening. The minesweepers also retired to the northward making smoke.

At 1255B/25, USS Barton positioned herself between the minesweepers and the enemy laying smoke.

At 1256B/25, USS Texas was straddled astern. She then turned westwards with USS Arkansas following.

Between 1302 and 1500B/25, USS Texas fired 170 rounds with her main battery on an enemy shore battery believed to be. Many shells landed in the target area and one direct hit was observed by the air spotter.

At 1316B/25, USS Texas was hit by a large calibre enemy shell which wrecked the pilot house and all control equipment. She immediately altered course to the northward to asses the damage. There was 1 dead and 12 wounded.

At 1317B/25, USS Texas was straddled. She then took avoiding action and the escorting destroyers started to make smoke again.

At 1323B/23, a fire broke out on the stern of USS Texas which was quickly extinguished.

The enemy then concentrated on USS Arkansas which was straddled several times until smoke screens, laid by USS Plunkett and USS Hobson became too dense and the enemy fire was lifted around 1325B/25.

Around 1339B/25, USS Texas turned to the south-east after control of the ship had been transferred to the conning tower.

At 1401B/25, USS Arkansas re-opened fire from 19000 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 minutes when USS Arkansas was straddled. 8 rounds had been fired.

At 1443B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas opened fire. Both fired on different targets.

At 1447B/25, USS Texas was hit by a did on the port side near frame 19 tearing a hole 3" by 2" above the waterline.

At 1454B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas were straddled. It was then decided to retire northwards. USS Plunkett and USS Hobson laying smoke to cover the battleships.

At 1500B/25, both battleships ceased fire.

At 1504B/25, Group II was ordered to return to Portland by CTG 129.

Around 2230B/25, Task Unit 129.2 arrived in Portland Bay after an uneventful passage. (3)

15 Jul 1944
Around 2215B/15, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) and the AA ship / fighter direction ship HMS Ulster Queen (A/Capt. M.H.J. Bennett, RD, RNR) departed Greenock for the Mediterranean.

Around 0645B, they made rendezvous with the battleship USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN) and the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN) and USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN).

Around 0615B, the sloop HMS Stork (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) and the frigate HMS Awe (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) joined.

Around 0945B/22, USS Texas, HMS Emperor, HMS Khedive, USS Jeffers, USS Herndon and USS Shubrick parted company with the other ships.

Around 1730B/22, USS Texas and USS Jeffers arrived at Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 1900B/22, USS Murphy arrived at Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 2245B/22, HMS Searcher, HMS Pursuer, USS Butler, USS Gherardi, HMS Stork and HMS Awe were joined by the destroyer escort USS Marsh (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Jordan, USNR) coming from Oran.

Around 0800B/23, HMS Emperor, HMS Khedive, USS Herndon and USS Shubrick arrived at Algiers. After having embarked stores, they departed again around 1130B/23 to join HMS Searcher and HMS Pursuer and their escort. With them the escort carrier HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), USS Herndon and USS Shubrick also joined.

Around 0930B/25, HMS Attacker, HMS Searcher, HMS Pursuer, HMS Emperor, HMS Khedive, HMS Ulster Queen, USS Butler, USS Gherardi, USS Herndon, USS Shubrick, USS Marsh, HMS Stork and HMS Awe arrived at Malta. (4)

2 Aug 1944
During 2/3 August 1944, the light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN), AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN) destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, DSO, MVO, RN, Capt. D.24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and RHS Navarinon, USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Niblack (T/Cdr. R.R. Conner, USN), USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and the destroyer escort USS Marsh (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Jordan, USNR) conducted exercises off Malta.

6 Aug 1944

Operations of Task Force 88 during operation Preface.

Operation Preface was a rehearsal for the upcoming landings in Southern France.

Task Force 88, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was the Carrier Force for the upcoming landings in Southern France and was made up of the following Task Groups;
Task Group 88.1, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was made up the following ships;
Light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, DSO, MVO, RN, Capt. D.24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, DSC, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and RHS Navarinon.
Task Group 88.2, under T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN, was made up the following ships;
AA cruisers HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), escort carriers USS Tulagi (T/Capt. J.C. Cronin, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN), USS Kasaan Bay (T/Capt. B.E. Grow, USN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN) and the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN, with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, 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), Herndon (T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN) and USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN).

Task Force 88 departed Malta on 6 August 1944 for exercises in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Excercises commenced around 0600B/7 and were completed around 1200B/7.

Around 1438B/7, USS Jeffers, USS Murphy and USS Shubrick parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to Naples where they arrived around 1607B/7. The remainder of Task Force 88.2, minus HMS Caledon arrived at Naples around 1710B/7.

Around 1100B/8, TG 88.1 plus HMS Caledon arrived at Malta.

12 Aug 1944

Operation Dragoon, the landings in Southern France, operations by Task Force 88, the Carrier Force.

Task Force 88, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was the Carrier Force for the upcoming landings in Southern France and was made up of the following Task Groups;
Task Group 88.1, under R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN, was made up the following ships;
Light cruiser HMS Royalist (Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. T.H. Troubridge, DSO and Bar, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN), escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN), HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, DSO, MVO, RN, Capt. D.24), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, DSC, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) and RHS Navarinon.
Task Group 88.2, under T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN, was made up the following ships;
AA cruisers HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), escort carriers USS Tulagi (T/Capt. J.C. Cronin, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.T. Durgin, USN), USS Kasaan Bay (T/Capt. B.E. Grow, USN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN) and the destroyers USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. H.Q. Murray, USN, with COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, on board), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, 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), Herndon (T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN) and USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN).

Task Force 88 departed Malta for the operations area on 12 August 1944.

Early on the 14th, Task Force 88 arrived in the operations area and around 0700B/14, flying operations commenced.

Around 1130B/14, the escort destroyer HMS Wheatland (Lt. H.A. Corbett, DSC, RN), coming from Naples, joined TG 88.1 and relieved HMS Tumult which then proceeded to Ajaccio.

Around 0650B/16, RHS Navarinon and HMS Wheatland were detached by TG 88.1 to fuel. They rejoined around 1330B/16.

Around 1445B/16, HMS Caledon and HMS Colombo were detached to fuel at Ajaccio. After fuelling HMS Caledon rejoined TG 88.2 around 1700B/17. HMS Colombo, which had already rejoined TG 88.2 around 0745B/17, was then ordered to join Task Force 87 operating close inshore. She left TG 88.2 around 1925B/17.

Around 0700B/17, HMS Troubridge and HMS Tenacious were detached by TG 88.1 to fuel. They rejoined around 1335B/17.

Around 0700B/17, USS Butler and USS Murphy were detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. They returned around 1800B/17.

Around 1700B/17, USS Shubrick was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 0600B/18.

Around 1800B/17, HMS Delhi parted company with TG 88.1 and proceeded to the Gulf of St. Tropez. Around the same time HMS Tumult rejoined TG 88.1.

Around 0630B/19, USS Gherardi was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 2115B/19.

Around 1900B/19, HMS Searcher and HMS Teazer were detached by TG 88.1 to proceed ahead of the main force to La Maddalena.

Around 2115B/19, USS Herndon was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. She returned around 1900B/20.

Around 1930B/19, HMS Khedive, HMS Tuscan and HMS Tyrian were detached by TG 88.1 to join TG 88.2 which they did around 0625B/20. HMS Tuscan then parted company to proceed to La Maddalena.

On 20 August, the bulk of TG 88.1 fuelled at La Maddalena and then departed again to return to the operations area.

Around 0700B/20, USS Jeffers was detached from TG 88.2 to fuel at Ajaccio. COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdauch, USN, temporary transferred to USS Murphy. She returned around 0130B/21. After dawn COMDESRON 17 transferred back to her.

Around 2200B/20, HMS Khedive and HMS Tyrian parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to La Maddalena to fuel. They arrived at La Maddalena around 1130B/21. On completion of fuelling they departed around 1800B/21 and joined TG 88.1 around 0730B/22.

Around 1130B/21, USS Jeffers parted company with TG 88.2.

On 22 August, the TG 88.2 arrived at La Maddalena from the operations area to re-fuel and re-arm. They departed to return to the operations area the next day.

Around 1445B/23, HMS Delhi joined TG 88.1.

Around 2300B/23, HMS Delhi was detached from TG 88.1 to join TG 88.2 which she did around 0745B/24.

Around noon on 24 August 1944, TG 88.1 arrived at La Maddalena.

Around 1930B/24, HMS Colombo joined TG 88.2 from having operated in the Gulf of St. Tropez. At 2000B/24, she was ordered to join TG 88.1 at La Maddalena and proceeded accordingly. She arrived at La Maddalena around 0910B/25.

Around 0730B/26, HMS Delhi parted company with TG 88.2 and proceeded to the Gulf of St. Tropez.

Around 2050B/27, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Caledon, USS Murphy and USS Shubrick parted company with TG 88.2 to proceed to La Maddalena where they arrived the following morning. USS Murphy and USS Shubrick did not enter the harbour though but proceeded to Ajaccio where they arrived early in the afternoon.

On 29 August 1944, the remainder of TG 88.2 arrived at Ajaccio from the operations area.

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