uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Dasher include:

This page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Dasher was created in June 2024.

This page was last updated in July 2024.

[Note: information regarding operations by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) aircraft of HMS Dasher is not complete on this page. Further research from first hand sources, read original documents from the National Archives, will have to be undertaken in the (far) future.]

2 Jul 1942
At 1000Q/2, HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) was commissioned at the Brooklyn Navy Yard at New York. At that time she was in dock. (1)

16 Jul 1942
HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) is undocked. (1)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at New York. (1)

24 Jul 1942
HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery trials at New York. (1)

25 Jul 1942
HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in Long Island Sound. During these exercises two aircraft crashed into the sea while trying to land. Both pilots were picked up. (1)

27 Jul 1942
HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) retrurned to New York from Long Island Sound. (1)

15 Aug 1942
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises off New York. (2)

16 Aug 1942
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted compass swing and D/G trials at New York. (2)

24 Aug 1942
Around 1240Q/24, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) departed New York for Boston via the Cape Cod Canal. An air escort had been provided.

It had been intended to sail for the U.K. earlier but engine problems kept her at New York so repairs could be effected. (2)

25 Aug 1942
Around 1515Q/25, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) arrived at Boston from New York. (2)

28 Aug 1942

Convoy BX 35B

This convoy departed Boston on 28 August 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athos (Norwegian (tanker), 8267 GRT, built 1937), Bello (Norwegian (tanker), 6125 GRT, built 1930), Brimanger (Norwegian, 4883 GRT, built 1929), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Glory (British (tanker), 6995 GRT, built 1928), Brush (Norwegian, 1323 GRT, built 1939), City of Bombay (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Denny (Panamanian, 1255 GRT, built 1915), Dettifoss (Icelandic, 1564 GRT, built 1930), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Kamal (British, 7862 GRT, built 1938), Ferncourt (British (tanker), 9918 GRT, built 1938), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), J.L.M. Curry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Kosmos II (Norwegian (whale factory ship serving as tanker), 16966 GRT, built 1931), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Molda (Norwegian, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Nicania (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Merchant (British, 7174 GRT, built1942), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Turrialba (British, 4961 GRT, built 1909), Waroonga (British, 11243 GRT, built 1914), Westland (Dutch, 5888 GRT, built 1931) and William Clark (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Boston the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMCS Annapolis (A/Lt.Cdr. G.H. Davidson, RCN) and the corvettes HMCS Algoma (T/Lt. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Moncton (T/Lt.Cdr. A.R.E. Coleman, RCNR) and HMCS Regina (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.S. Kelley, RCNR).

The convoy arrived at Halifax on 30 August 1942. Some ships may have been detached earlier though.

30 Aug 1942

Convoy HX 205.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 August 1942.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alcoa Master (American, 5114 GRT, built 1919), Alcoa Rambler (American, 5500 GRT, built 1919), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Audacious (Panamanian, 7166 GRT, built 1913), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Bello (Norwegian (tanker), 6125 GRT, built 1930), Brilliant (American (tanker), 9132 GRT, built 1930), Brimanger (Norwegian, 4883 GRT, built 1929), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Glory (British (tanker), 6995 GRT, built 1928), Cefalu (Honduran, 5221 GRT, built 1930), City of Bombay (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Clan MacPherson (British, 6940 GRT, built 1929), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gold (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1941), Empire Kamal (British, 7862 GRT, built 1938), Exchester (American, 4999 GRT, built 1919), Ferncourt (British (tanker), 9918 GRT, built 1938), Fort Amherst (British, 3489 GRT, built 1936), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1931), Kosmos II (Norwegian (whale factory ship serving as tanker), 16966 GRT, built 1931), Lady Rodney (Canadian, 8194 GRT, built 1929), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Lynghaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Minerva (Norwegian, 5883 GRT, built 1930), Molda (Norwegian, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Nicania (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942)), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Nortun (Panamanian, 3663 GRT, built 1940), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard Henry Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Robin Goodfellow (American, 6885 GRT, built 1920), Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Thorshovdi (Norwegian (tanker), 9944 GRT, built 1937), Turrialba (British, 4961 GRT, built 1909), Ulysses (Dutch, 2655 GRT, built 1918), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Waroonga (British, 11243 GRT, built 1914), Westland (Dutch, 5888 GRT, built 1931), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The escort carrier (in an aircraft ferry role), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Vanoc (A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Tyson, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/Lt L.R. Pavillard, RCNVR), HMCS Midland (T/Lt. A.B. Taylor, RCNR) and HMCS Sorel (T/Lt. M.H. Wallace, RCNR).

Around 0930Z/2, the destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Waterhouse, RN) and corvette HNoMS Potentilla joined in position 46°23'N, 51°37'W. HMS Vanoc and HMS Buxton then parted company.

Around 1100Z/2, the corvettes HNoMS Acanthus, HNoMS Eglantine, HNoMS Montbretia and HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR) joined the convoy in position 46°33'N, 51°24'W. HMCS Camrose, HMCS Midland and HMCS Sorel then parted company.

Also on 2 September the Fort Amherst and Lady Rodney left the convoy for St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Around 1310Z/2, HMS Viscount left the convoy due to a machinery defect having developed. She returned to St. Johns, Newfoundland to effect repairs.

Around 1940Z/2, the destroyer HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN) joined as temporary replacement of HMS Viscount.

Around 2000Z/4, HMS Viscount rejoined the convoy in position 50°27'N, 39°41'W. HMS Broke then parted company.

Around 2000Z/8, in position 56°17'N, 18°17'W, the merchant vessel Beaverhill was detached. She took HMS Borage with her as escort. The corvette was to escort her until 07°00'W after which she was to proceed to Londonderry.

Around 0300Z/10, HMS Dasher parted company to proceed independently to the Clyde.

Around 0530Z/10, the Loch Ewe portion of the convoy was detached to proceed there unescorted. At the same time HNoMS Potentilla was detached to proceed to Greenock.

The main portion of the convoy arrived in U.K. water later on the 10th. (3)

10 Sep 1942
Around 1800A/10, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Halifax having made the ocean passage in convoy HX 205.

The aircraft she had ferried to the U.K. were then disembarked.

While anchored off Greenock she was taken in hand for 'refit' during which some alterations were made to her equipment and armament to fit Royal Navy requirements after which she was to undergo a work-up programme. (4)

22 Oct 1942
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (5)

23 Oct 1942
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted flying operations in the Clyde area. (5)

27 Oct 1942
Around 2330A/27, the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, RN) and light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) departed the Clyde for Gibraltar.

Around 0640A/28, they were joined by the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) which had already departed Greenock around 1600A/27 to conduct some flying operations. Also the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) joined. She had departed Belfast around 0315A/28.

Around 0800A/28, near Oversay, the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) joined. They came from Londonderry.

Around 1130A/1, HMS Jamaica parted company to proceed ahead to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1245A/2.

Around 0800A/3, HMS Argus, HMS Dasher, HMS Delhi, HMS Farndale, HMS Bicester and HMS Zetland arrived at Gibraltar. (6)

6 Nov 1942
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the Centre Task Force for Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa.

[For more info see the event ' The landings at Oran as part of Operation Torch ' for 8 November 1942.] (7)

8 Nov 1942

The landings at Oran as part of Operation Torch

For the landings at Oran the Centre Naval Task Force was deployed.

This Task Force was made up of the following warships; battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN), escort carriers HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), submarines HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN), HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN), minesweepers HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR), HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), corvettes HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR), M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR), HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR), motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and the harbour defence motor launches HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139.

Also parted of the Centre Naval Task Force were the following amphibious ships; headquarters ship HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR, flying the flag of Commodore T.H. Troubridge, RN), landing ships infantery HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR), RFA Derwentdale, landing ships tank HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR), HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR).

Also parted of the Oran Attack Force were the ships in convoys KMS O1 and KMF O2.

Around 1700Z/6, convoy KMS O1 passed through the Straits of Gibraltar followed by convoy KMF O1 around 1830Z/6. These convoys then merged to the east of the Straits of Gibraltar. These convoys came direct from the U.K. and were made up of the following (troop) transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), Clan Mactaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delinlian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928)), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Thesues (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of these convoys was the headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships infantery Glengyle, Queen Emma, Queen Beatrix, Royal Scotsman, Royal Ulsterman, Ulster Monarch and RFA Derwentdale.

From the above warships the following had come direct from the U.K. with convoys KMS 1 and KMF 1; escort carrier HMS Biter, AA ship HMS Alynbank, destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloops HMS Aberdeen, HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, frigates HMS Exe, HMS Swale and the corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.

On 2 November 1942, the minesweepers HMS Rhyl, HMS Clacton, HMS Polruan, HMS Rothesay and HMS Stornoway departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 1.

Around 0300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF 1 coming from the U.K.

Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.

Around 0430A/6, the battleship HMS Rodney and the destroyers HMS Bulldog, HMS Boreas and HMS Beagle departed Gibraltar as part of Force H.

Around 1500A/6, the destroyer HMS Vansittart, which had arrived at Gibraltar on the 5th, departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1 with her were also the minesweepers HMS Bude, HMS Brixham and HMS Felixtowe.

A few hours later, shortly after dark on the 6th, the landing ships tank HMS Bachaquero, HMS Misoa and HMS Tasajera departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1. They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen, HMS Horatio, HMS Ronaldsay, HMS Shiant, HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera, the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and the harbour defence motor launches HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139.

Around 2200A/6, the escort carrier HMS Dasher and the destroyers HMS Wivern, HMS Amazon, HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Boadicea and HMS Brilliant departed Gibraltar to join the convoys.

Around 0300A/7, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious, AA cruiser HMS Delhi and the escort destroyers HMS Farndale, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Calpe and HMS Puckeridge departed Gibraltar for the operation.

Around 0300A/7, the destroyers HMS Westcott and HMS Verity departed Gibraltar for the operation.

Landing beaches, Oran

The port of Oran, is situated at the head of a large bight between Cape Falcon, the rocky north-eastern end of the promontory of which Pointe Corales is the north-western extremity, to the west and Cap d'Aguille, to the east. This bight is divided into three bays of nearly equal size by Point Canastel and by Point Mers-el-Kebir which projects in an easterly direction from the foot of Jebel Santon and is surmounted by a powerful fortress. The heights of Jebel Murjajo lie westward of Oran with the conspicuous Fort Santa Cruz at their eastern end. The artificial harbour at Oran consists of six basins. It is protected on its northern side by a stone breakwater extending eastwards about a mile and a quarter from Pointe Mona on which, at the eastern end of the cliffs under Jebel Murjajo, lies Fort Lambourne.

The arrangement of landing beaches at Oran was comparatively simple and consisted of three main beaches; 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' and one subsidiary beach 'R'.

An armoured column from Combat Command 'B' would land at 'X' beach which lay at El Mrairia close to Cape Figalo, with orders to capture La Lourmel airfield, block the main roads north-east and south of La Lourmel, advance south of Debkra, and assist in the capture of the airfields at Tafraoui and Es Senia.

The 26th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Y' beach near Les Andalouses with orders to take control of the Jebel Murjajo heights and capture Oran from the west.

The 18th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Z-Green' beach near Arzew with the orders to capture the coastal defence, the port of Arzew and the port of Oran from the east. The 16th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Z-White' beach to secure a bridgehead for Armoured Combat Command 'B', cover the east flank of the Oran Force and then take part in the capture of Oran.

Combat team 'B' would land at 'Z-Red' beach to capture Tafaraoui, Es Senia and Oggaz airfields and assist in capturing Oran from the south.

A portion of the First Ranger Battalion would made a subsidiary landing at 'R' beach southeast of Cape Carbon to capture the batteries at Fort la Ponte. The remainder of the battalion landed in Arzew harbour.

Meanwhile a parachute battalion was flown from the U.K. and dropped at H-hour near Tafaraoui airfield with orders to neutralise all aircraft on Es Senia airfield and capture Tafaraoui landing ground.

Instructions for Assault, Oran Beaches

The fast assault convoy, KMF O1, after proceeding through the Mediterranean at 11.5 knots under the orders of Commodore Troubridge, would meet the slow convoy, KMS O1, in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W around 1600A on 7 November 1942.

Here the convoys are split into nine groups; For ' X ' beach
Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139.
Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio.

For ' Y ' beach
Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.

For ' Z ' beach
Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale, minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan, HMS Rothesay, HMS Rhyl, HMS Stornoway and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.

Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.

Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.

Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Delhi, destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.

Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa and HMS Tasajera. They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen, HMS Ronaldsay and HMS Shiant.

For ' R ' beach
Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.

Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula and HMS P 54.

HMS Aurora would be stationed ahead of Group II, HMS Jamaica ahead of Group III and HMS Delhi ahead of Group IV. On reaching position 35°52'N, 00°10'5"W, in the Gulf of Arzew, HMS Jamaica would proceed independently for fire support duty off 'Z' beach. On reaching position 35°48'N, 00°54'W, HMS Aurora was also detached from her group to patrol to the north of Mers-el-Kebir to engage, if needed reinforced by HMS Jamaica, any escaping vessels from Mers-el-Kebir during the darkness. During daylight HMS Aurora was to remain outside the range of the shore batteries. Meanwhile around 0400A/8, HMS Delhi, would leave her group to meet the aircraft carriers at 0530A/8 in position 36°07'N, 00°45'W so as to provide additional AA protection.

The battleship HMS Rodney, escorted by HMS Bulldog, HMS Boreas and HMS Beagle, detached from Force H, was to protect the anchorage from attack by heavy enemy units. She too was to join the carriers around 0530A/8.

Initial landings were to be made at all beaches simultaneously at H-hour with the follow up forces being landed as soon as possible.

Oran attack opens, 8 November 1942.

The attack opened, after some delay at 0116A/8. The assault on 'X' beach was delayed by around 35 minutes due to the strong current. The appearance of a small Vichy-French convoy of four ships escorted by a trawler had also caused some delay. One of the merchant vessels, the Eridan (9928 GRT, built 1929) had sabotaged her engines. She was boarded by an armed guard. The other three merchant vessels, the Agen (4186 GRT, built 1921), Carthage (2440 GRT, built 1897) and Montaigne (2770 GRT, built 1920) initially escaped to the north-east but then ran into Allied forces. They then beached themselves south of Cape Figalo.

The appearance of the convoy had the effect that the minesweepers were badly delayed and were almost run over by the ships proceeding to 'X' beach. The minesweepers were then ordered to keep clear and no sweep was carried out ahead of the ships proceeding to 'X' beach.

Despite some delays and other difficulties [it would go to far to give a full account of the landings here] that landings were successful.

HMS Walney's assault on Oran harbour.

It had been decided, that the cutters HMS Walney and HMS Hartland were to attack Oran harbour to prevent the French from performing demolition operations to destroy the ports facilities. They were to attack shortly after 0300A/8.

The cutters were to land American troops and anti-sabotage parties with orders to seize the shore batteries covering the harbour, prevent the scuttling of the dock and harbour works and prevent the blockage of the harbour. The motor launches ML 480 and ML 483 were to provide a smoke screen. HMS Aurora was to provide cover fire if needed and also to distract and confuse the shore batteries.

The attack was carried out under the command of A/Capt. (Retd.) F.T. Peters, DSO, DSC, RN, which was embarked on board HMS Walney. The attack commenced at 0245A/8, when HMS Walney and HMS Hartland with ML 480 and ML 483 in company, approached the harbour entrance. Sirens were heard sounding ashore and all lights in the town had been extinguished. For a time the force circled off the entrance while an announcement was made in French by loud hailer from HMS Walney. The reply was hostile. A searchlight was quickly trained on the Walney and she came under a heavy, though inaccurate, machine gun fire. Followed by the Hartland, she at once turned away northwards coming round in a full circle to charge the booms. At the same time ML 480 went on ahead to full speed, laying a smoke screen, but hit the outer boom, coming to rest under heavy fire half way across it. She got off again at 0310A/8, just as HMS Walney, after completing her circle, charged the two booms at 15 knots, through the smoke and entered the harbour. On reaching it, A/Capt. Peters, slipped three canoes, manned with special parties, but at least one of the was sunk almost immediately by gunfire.

HMS Walney herself was steaming up the harbour to westwards at slow speed was hit by pompom fire from the Ravin Blanc battery. Half way up the harbour she narrowly missed ramming a French destroyer proceeding towards the harbour entrance. It raked her with two broadsides from point blank range, wrecking her main engines, and a few minutes later she came under heavy cross fire from the destroyer Epervier laying alongside to the south and from submarines and destroyers moored to the northward. At last, blazing forward and amidships, she drifted out of control bows on to the jetty ahead of the Epervier. An attempt to get heaving lines ashore failed and she drifted once more slowly out into the harbour. Her guns were out of action, their crew virtually wiped out. Sixteen officers and men were lying dead on her bridge where A/Capt. Peters was the sole survivor. Below only five officers and men of the landing parties remained alive amidst scenes of undescridale carnage. Nothing further could be done and the ship was abandoned, her few survivors, including A/Capt. Peters were taken prisoner. The abandoned wreck rolled over shortly afterwards.

HMS Hartland's assault on Oran harbour.

When HMS Walney entered Oran harbour at 0310A/8, Lt.Cdr. Billot waited five minutes, in compliance with his orders, before heading towards the harbour entrance. As she approached the smoke screen laid by ML 480, HMS Walney was picked up by a searchlight, and came under a devastating fire from the Ravin Blanc battery which killed nearly all her guns crews and temporarily blinded Lt.Cdr. Billot with a splinter. Before he recovered his sight the ship struck the breakwater, but eventually she entered the harbour and made for her objective, the Quai de Dunkerque, under gunfire from point blank range from the destroyer Typhon laying alongside it. Shells bursting inside her hull brought her to a standstill turning her mess decks, on which the troops were waiting, into shambles. Then with fires raging fore and aft, she drifted alongside the mole but she almost immediately was blown back into the harbour where she anchored while being under heavy fire from the French but these then ceased fire so that the ship could be abandoned. By 0410A/8, all survivors had left and at 0525A/8 there was an explosion on board but she remained afloat buring furiously. She later blew up and sank after a huge explosion which caused damage to buildings in a large area around the mole.

Oran captured.

While HMS Walney and HMS Hartland were gate-crashing into Oran Harbour, HMS Aurora was patrolling five miles away to the northward. At 0527A/8, she opened fire on the searchlight illuminating HMS Hartland, successfully extinguishing its beam. Then shortly before first light she engaged and disabled a Vichy-French destroyer of the Simoun-class from a range of 6000 yards. This destroyer later sank and appears to have been the Tramontaine.

Around 0600A/8, two more destroyers of the Simoun-class were seen leaving Oran, but seeing that they were standing by their sinking consort, HMS Aurora for a time withheld her fire. These destroyers were however soon in action with HMS Boadicea and HMS Calpe, and when they fired torpedoes at HMS Aurora she too opened fire from 13600 yards. In the ensuing fight HMS Boadicea was hit forward, and one of the French destroyers, being severely damaged and set on fire by a broadside, was driven inshore [this was the Tornade]. The action ended abruptly at 0727A/8, when the other destroyer, on being hit aft, turned and fled to the direction of Oran [this was the Typhon]. Meanwhile the sloop / minelayer La Surprise was sunk by HMS Brilliant around 0630A/8.

Aircraft from HMS Furious, HMS Biter and HMS Dasher had meanwhile attacked airfield destroying enemy aircraft on the ground and also in the air with only small losses to themselves.

Shore batteries managed to hit the Reina del Pacifico and Llangibby Castle. HMS Rodney proceeded closer inshore and opened fire at 1010A/8 on the Jebel Santon battery from a range of over 20000 yards. The battery was engaged several times during the day before HMS Rodney retired to seaward again.

Fighting continued on 9 November 1942. At 1024A/9, HMS Jamaica and HMS Aurora engaged the Epervier and Typhon. The Epervier was driven ashore in flames south of Cape de l'Aiguille while the Typhon retired to Oran where she too was beached.

The Vichy-French at Oran capitulated around noon on the 10th. (8)

10 Nov 1942
In the mid-afternoon, the escort carriers HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), most likely, escorted by the destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from operations. (9)

12 Nov 1942

Convoy MKF 1X.

This convoy departed Gibraltar for the U.K. on 12 November 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Leinster (British, 4302 GRT, built 1937), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

The escort carriers HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Albrighton (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSC, DSO, RN), HMS Cleveland (Cdr. G.B. Sayer, RN) and HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill).

At 0844 hours on the 14th, the Warwick Castle was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-413.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 18 November 1942.

19 Nov 1942
Around 1300A/19, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) arrived at Liverpool from Gibraltar having made the passage in convoy MKF 1X.

At Liverpool she was taken in hand for alterations. (10)

26 Jan 1943
Around 1400A/26, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) departed Liverpool for Greenock. (11)

27 Jan 1943
Around 1700A/27, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Liverpool. Before anchoring D/G trials were carried out off Helensburg.

HMS Dasher is now to undergo a short work-up period before joining the Home Fleet. (11)

28 Jan 1943
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

29 Jan 1943
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

30 Jan 1943
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Greenock. (11)

31 Jan 1943
HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Greenock.

[No logbook is available for HMS Dasher after the month of January 1943. So some details from February 1943 and onwards might be missing.] (11)

5 Feb 1943
HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) served as target in the Clyde area for aircraft from HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN). During these exercises HMS Oberon was escorted by HNoMS King Haakon VII. (12)

7 Feb 1943
With her work-up programme now completed HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) departed the Clyde around 2100A/7 for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN). (13)

9 Feb 1943
Around 0930A/9, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (14)

15 Feb 1943

Convoy JW 53.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe for Northern Russia on 15 February 1943.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Artigas (Panamanian, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Beaconhill (American, 6941 GRT, built 1919), Bering (American, 7631 GRT, built 1920), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), City of Omaha (British, 6124 GRT, built 1920), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Fortune (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Empire Galliard (British, 7170 GRT, built 1942), Empire Kinsman (British, 6744 GRT, built 1942), Empire Portia (British, 7058 GRT, built 1942), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 141), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Israel Putnam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Bowie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Komiles (Russian, 3962 GRT, built 1932), Llandaff (British, 4825 GRT, built 1937), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Mobile City (American, 6157 GRT, built 1920), Ocean Freedom (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Petrovski (Russian, 3771 GRT, built 1921), Pieter de Hoogh (British, 7168 GRT, built 1941), Tblisi (Russian, 7169 GRT, built 1912), Thomas Hartley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Tobruk (British, 7048 GRT, built 1942).

Three of the above listed ships sailed only on the 16th as convoy JW 53B and were to overtake and join the main convoy [see below].

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMS Jason (Cdr. H.G.A. Lewis, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. E.L. Wathen, RNR) and HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. T.D. Bennett, RNR).

The escort destroyers escort destroyers HMS Meynell (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN), HMS Pytchley (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow on the same day and joined the convoy escort at sea. HMS Hazard however returned to Scapa Flow later the same day with weather damage and presumably never actually joined the convoy. She was replaced by HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L.D. Hoare, RNR) which departed Scapa Flow early on the 16th joining the convoy escort p.m. that day.

Also on the 16th convoy JW 53B, made up of three merchant ships of the above list, and escorted by the corvette HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) departed Loch Ewe to overtake and join the convoy. The destroyers HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join convoy JW 53B which they did the following day after which HMS Bryony was detached to Liverpool as she had sustained weather damage. She arrived at Liverpool on the 18th.

On the 17th, the A/S trawler HMS Lord Middleton was detached with weather damage to Scapa Flow escorted by the corvette HMS Dianella. They arrived at Scapa Flow on the 18th.

On the 18th, one of the ships from convoy JW 53B was detached to Scapa Flow with weather damage. She was escorted by HMS Matchless. The merchant vessel eventually went back to Loch Ewe arriving there on the 22nd. HMS Matchless then went to Scapa Flow arriving there also on the 22nd.

On the 19th, the two remaining ships of convoy JW 53B also turned back, due to the weather conditions they were unable to overtake the main convoy. Three ships from the main convoy also turned back to Loch Ewe with weather damage. These five merchant vessels arrived back at Loch Ewe on 22 February. The destroyer HMS Musketeer proceeded to Akureyri, Iceland arriving there on the 20th.

On the 20th the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Obedient (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) departed Seidisfjord to join the escort of convoy JW 53 as did the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR) and HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR). All these escorts joined the convoy p.m. 20th.

Also on the 20th the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki) departed Akureyri also to join the escort of convoy JW 53 which they did on 21 February.

On the 21st, HMS Middleton and HMS Pytchley were detached from the escort of convoy JW 53 to proceed to Seidisfjord where the arrived p.m. the same day. HMS Middleton was unable to anchor at Seidisfjord and the proceeded to Scapa Flow instead where she arrived on 23 February.

On the 22nd, HMS Meynell and HMS Halcyon parted company with convoy JW 53. HMS Meynell arrived at Seidisfjord p.m. on the 22nd, HMS Halcyon arrived the next day.

On 23 February the convoy was sighted and reported by German air reconnaissance and of the next day the convoy was being shadowed by aircraft and U-boats.

At 2142A/24, the German submarine U-622 attacked a destroyer with torpedoes. She missed but was later depth charged by the destroyer HMS Orwell which most likely had also been the target of her attack. The submarine escaped without damage though.

On 25 February the convoy was attacked around noon by 14 Ju.88's in position 73°41'N, 29°42'E. No damage was done to any ship in the convoy.

Around noon the 26th the convoy was attacked again from the air, in position 71°16'N, 36°54'E and again no damage was done.

Also on the 26th a Russian escort made up of the destroyers Gromkiy, Grozniy, Valerian Kyubishev and Uritsky joined as did the British minesweeper HMS Britomart (Lt.Cdr. S.S. Stammwitz, RN).

Later on the 26th, seven of the merchant vessels were detached to Archangelsk with the Russian escorts as well as the minesweeper HMS Britomart.

The bulk of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 27 February. The Archangelsk section arrived there the following day.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A battle force (distant cover force) for this convoy was also deployed. It departed Akureyri, Iceland on 22 February 1943 and was made up of the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer, HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN).

They arrived in their covering position, 150 miles south-west of Bear Island on 24 February.

On the 26th the distant cover force returned to Akureyri except for HMS Berwick which was detached to Hvalfjord where she arrived on the 27th.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Besides the distant cover force there was also a cruiser / close cover force ' Force R '.

It was made up of the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and the heavy cruisers HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) departed Seidisfjord on 21 February.

' Force R ' arrived in the Kola Inlet on 26 February 1943.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A ' carrier ' force made up of the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Impulsive and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) was also to be deployed from Seidisfjord but as HMS Dasher and HMS Blankney suffered weather damage in the built up stage of the convoy operation so the deployment of the ' carrier ' force was cancelled. HMS Impulsive then went to Akureyri to join the ' battle ' force instead. (15)

16 Feb 1943
Around 0800B/16, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Seidisfjord where they were expected to arrive around 1000Z/18.

When they arrived off the Seidisfjord on the 18th, HMS Dasher was unable to enter due to the extremely bad weather conditions. The two escort destroyers were able to enter the Seidisfjord.

HMS Dasher and HMS Impulsive, which both had sustained weather damage, were then joined by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) and the destroyers ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN).

They then set course for Akureyri where they were also unable to enter due to the extreme weather conditions. They had to hove to off Grimsey Island to ride out the gale.

They finally arrived at Akureyri around 1145Z/20. (16)

20 Feb 1943
Around 1145Z/20, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), ORP Orkan (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S. Hryniewiecki), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Akureyri. (17)

22 Feb 1943
Around 1700A/22, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) departed Akureyri for Scapa Flow where they were expected to arrive around 1100A/25. (16)

25 Feb 1943
Shortly before 1200A/25, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt. D.R.N. Murdoch, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Akureyri. (16)

28 Feb 1943
Around 1715A/28, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. On leaving Scapa Flow she was joined off Hoxa Gate by the destroyers HMS Newark (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS Wells (Lt. F.W.M. Carter, DSC, RN). They were expected to arrive at Dundee around 1000A/1. (16)

1 Mar 1943
Around 1130A/1, HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN) arrived at Dundee from Scapa Flow. She was then taken in hand for repairs which were expected to take three weeks. (18)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Dasher (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN) proceeded from Dundee to Rosyth. (19)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Dasher (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN) is docked in No.1 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (20)

20 Mar 1943
The escort carrier HMS Dasher (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN) is undocked at the Rosyth Dockyard.

She then left Rosyth for Scapa Flow around 1700A/20 escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (21)

21 Mar 1943
Around 0745A/21, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. (22)

22 Mar 1943
Around 1600A/22, the escort carrier HMS Dasher (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde where they are expected to arrive around 1800A/23.

The escort carrier is to conduct flying exercises in the Clyde area especially A/S and fighter intercept exercises for an upcoming convoy to Northern Russia. (23)

28 Jun 2000
On this date a team from the European Technical Dive Centre in Scapa Flow dived 131m / 428 ft to the flight deck of HMS Dasher and laid a Memorial Plaque prepared by the relatives' association in memory of the 379 men who perished when HMS Dasher sank on 27th March 1943. The engraved Memorial Plaque was dedicated by the Reverend J Smith. EU Church. Ardrossan. (24)

As an Amazon Associate uboat.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases.