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Notable events involving Trouncer include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Trouncer was created in August 2023.

31 Jan 1944
HMS Trouncer (A/Cdr. R.B. Cooper, RN) is commissioned at Portland, Oregon, USA. (1)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Trouncer (A/Cdr. R.B. Cooper, RN) departed Portland, Oregon, USA for Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (2)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Trouncer (A/Cdr. R.B. Cooper, RN) arrived at the Burrard Shipyard at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from Portland, Oregon, USA. She is then taken in hand to be modified to meet Admiralty requirements. (2)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Vancouver from Bremerton, Washington, USA. (3)

1 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Bremerton from Vancouver. En-route some trials had been carried out. (3)

4 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) proceeded from Bremerton to Vancouver. (3)

8 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in English Bay off Vancouver. (3)

9 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in English Bay off Vancouver. (3)

10 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in English Bay off Vancouver on completion of which she proceeded to Esquimalt. (3)

14 May 1944
Around 1900T/14, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Esquimalt for San Francisco. (3)

17 May 1944
Around 0740T/17, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at San Francisco from Esquimalt. (3)

19 May 1944
Around 0540T/19, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed San Francisco for Balboa, Panama Canal Zone. (3)

28 May 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) transited the Panama Canal eastbound and arrived at Cristobal. (3)

30 May 1944
Around 0530R/30, the escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) and the frigate HMCS Orkney (A/Lt.Cdr. V. Browne, RCNR) departed Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone for Norfolk, Virginia where they arrived in the early evening of 4 June 1944. (4)

18 Jun 1944
Around 0600Q/18, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Norfolk for New York where she arrived around 0800Q/19. (5)

21 Jun 1944
Around 1515Q/21, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed New York for Hampton Roads where she arrived around 1420Q/22. (5)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in Chesapeake Bay. (5)

24 Jun 1944

Convoy UGS 46.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 24 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Arthur St. Clair (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin D. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin H. Latrobe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Charles Goodnight (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frederick L. Dau (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Irvin McDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Madison (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), John H. Reagan (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931), Kildonan Park (Canadian, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), R.F. Peckham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Samavon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcolne (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlistar (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsoaring (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samspeed (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtorch (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tibia (Dutch (tanker), 10356 GRT, built 1939), Toltec (Honduran, 5527 GRT, built 1929), Tulsa (American, 5083 GRT, built 1919), Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the LST's; USS LST-548 (Lt. J.B. Brady, USN), USS LST-550 (Lt. V.A. Meehan, USNR), USS LST-561 (Lt. V.W. Foster, USNR), 11715 655 (T/Lt. D.D. Sumrall, USN), USS LST-656 (Lt. F.T. McCahill, USNR), USS LST-664 (Lt. J.R. Burke, USNR), USS LST-665 (Lt. H.L. Jones, USNR), USS LST-690 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Reif, USNR), USS LST-691 (Lt. J.H. Monroe, USNR), USS LST-692 (Lt. R.B. Carothers, USNR), USS LST-913 (Lt. L.C. Gwin, USNR), USS LST-914 (Lt. A.W. Meyer, USNR), USS LST-994 (Lt. R.P. Gonder, USNR), USS 995 (Lt. G.W. Chamberlain, USNR), USS LST-996 (Lt. C.A. Leach, Jr, USNR), USS LST-997 (Lt. L.R. Dhuyvetter, USNR), USS LST-1019 (Lt. N.C. Ross, USNR), USS LST-1020 (Lt. P.D. Tracy, USNR), USS LST-1021 (Lt. R.W. Erickson, USNR),

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) (transporting aircraft) was also part of the convoy as was the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR), USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN), Somali and the sloop Dumont d'Urville.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Tulsa developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.

On 28 June 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

On 3 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb.

On 4 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

At 1108O/4, the tanker Norsol was detached to Horta, Azores escorted by USS Leslie L.B. Knox. At 0419N/5, the escort of the tanker was taken over by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR) and USS Leslie L.B. Knox then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did around 2026N/5.

On 5 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Chambers, USS Calcaterra, USS Vance and USS Merrill.

On 7 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled the ships of Hunter Killer Task Group 22.5, the escort carrier USS Wake Island (T/Capt. J.R. Tague, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Farquhar (Delton E Walter, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Bane, USNR), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. A.S. Archie, USNR) and USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Stokey, USNR). Task Group 22.5 was operating in the area also covering the passage of the convoy.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 34°23'N, 08°47'W, the transport Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted out by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, La Boudeuse and Commandant Delage.

These three French escort vessels now proceeded to Casablanca escorting HMS Trouncer and the transports / tankers Alexander Lillington, Esso Nashville, George Shiraz, Henry L. Ellsworth, John T. Holt, Joseph Habersham and Samtucky. They arrived at Casablanca on the 10th. With them was also the Dumont d'Urville.

Around 1730Z/10, the transports Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) joined coming from Gibraltar. With these ships the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), submarine HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

Around 1650B/12, the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1700B/11, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran Bay Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luctretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hart Benton (American, 7187 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas Sumter (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) while the following ships parted company with the convoy and entered Oran Bay; David J. Brewer, Howard A. Kelly, James E. Howard, Katy, USS LST-561, USS LST-664, USS LST-665, USS LST-691, USS LST-994, USS LST-995 and USS LST-1020. The LST's however later rejoined the convoy.

On 12 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

Also on 12 July 1944, the following ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pride (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) with the following transports Fort Grahame and Thomas Hart Benton parted company and entered Algiers harbour.

On 13 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb, USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Vance, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill.

On 13 July 1944, the transports Chertsey and Essex Trader arrived at Bougie after having straggled from the convoy.

On 13 July 1944, the transport Middlesex Trader arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.

On 14 July 1944, the tankers Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Vittorino Zanibon (Italian (tanler), 1622 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta. Also the new (British) escort joined the convoy, this was made up of the sloop Pheasant and the corvettes Alisma, Saxifrage and Spiraea.

When the above ships joined the convoy the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta Hai Lee, Mattaponi, San Cipriano and Tibia. Also all the USN escort vessels and the naval tanker proceeded to Bizerta as did HMS Caledon and the French Somali. Also the LST's had entered Bizerta.

On 14 July 1944, the transport Thomas Stone arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy. Around the same time the transport Prosper Schiaffino must also have left the convoy. She arrived at Sfax on 15 July 1944.

On 15 July 1944, the tanker Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. HMS Virtue arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 15 July 1944, the transports / tankers Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to joined the convoy.

On 16 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Albert G. Brown, Benjamin H. Latrobe, Charles Goodyear, Coulgorm, Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Empire Gain, Felix Grundy, Fitzhugh Lee, George Matthews, Gideon Welles, Iceland, Irvin McDowell, James Hoban, James Rumsey, John B. Hood, John Howland, Joseph Holt, Joyce Kilmer, Joseph Goldberg, Marshall Elliott, Memphis City, Ocean Pride, Pan-Maryland, Salamis, Samavon, Samsoaring, Samstrule, Samuel Gorton, Samuel Livermore, Taria, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Theodore Sedgwick, Thomas Hill, Thomas Sumter, Toltec, Vittorino Zanibon, Ward Hunt, William D. Moseley, William L. Yancey, William Moultrie and Zaanstroom.

The Empire Harbour arrived at Catania on the same day.

On 19 July 1944, the following transports Marit Maersk, Samcolne, Samleven, Sammex arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Alisma and HMS Saxifrage arrived at Alexandria.

On 20 July 1944, the following transport / tankers arrived at Port Said; Algorab, Ammla, Anson Jones, Arthur St. Clair, Benjamin D. Wilson, Benjamin Lundy, Benjamin Williams, Charles Goodnight, Empire Coleridge, Fort la Prairie, Fort Venango, Frederick L. Dau, James Harlan, James Madison, John C. Spencer, John H. Reagan, Joseph Goldberger, Kildonan Park, Kobad, Lorraine, Louis McLane, Lucretia Mott, O'Henry, Ponce de Leon, R.F. Peckham, Samesk, Samlista, Samport, Samspeed, Samstrae, Samtorch, Samtyne, Samwye, Socotra, Steel Engineer, Suderholm, Teucer, Thomas F. Cunningham and Vernon L. Kellogg. Also HMS Pheasant and HMS Spiraea arrived at Port Said.

4 Jul 1944

Convoy GUS 45.

This convoy departed Port Said on 4 July 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Gulf of Mexico (American (tanker), 7807 GRT, built 1917), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Horatio Allen (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dockweiler (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samyale (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sonnavind (Norwegian, 4965 GRT, built 1935), Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944) and William Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR).

On 5 July 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; David G. Burnet (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Henry Durant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and William Harper (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (Lt. D.K.H. Kinloch, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Empire Peak, John Dockweiler, Malancha, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Messenger, Ocean Traveller, Ocean Vesper, Samoa and Sampan while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elias Boudinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George P. McKay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Armstrong (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Pierre L'Enfant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Sherwood D. Anderson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Theodore C. Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

On 9 July 1944, the James M. Gillis was detached to Augusta.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; British Endurance, Chateau Latour and Trevanion while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and Van Lear Black (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also the British escort parted company while an American escort joined the convoy. This escort was made up of the following ships; cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.G. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG), USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), ,USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR) and USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR). With this American escort the escort tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) also joined the convoy. Also joining was the minesweeper USS YMS-303 (Lt. S. Emien, 3rd, USNR).

On 11 July 1944, the tanker Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 11 July 1944, USS YMS-303 is detached to Bougie.

On 12 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Damsel, Fort Carlton, Fort Kootenay, Fort Lennox, Gulf of Mexico and Orpheus while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gasden (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941) and John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Hamilton, Benjamin Goodhue, Bernard N. Baker, Bret Harte, Christopher Gadsden, Egbert Benson, Elias Boudinot, Ezra Cornell, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClellan, George P. McKay, John Armstrong, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Robert Treat Paine, Sherwood Anderson, Theodoric Bland and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Harvey C. Miller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hippopotame (French, 970 GRT, built 1918) and Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Beckenham, Empire Wyclif and Samyale while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Athelchief Fort George and Hippopotame while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Alexander R. Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939) and Wood Lake (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943). The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy. The ships that joined the convoy coming from Casablanca had been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the minesweeping sloop La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels Le Ruse, Le Resolu and L'Effronte which then returned to Casablanca with the ships that had been detached.

On 16 July 1944, the transport Empire Garrick developed engine trouble. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS Burrows which subsequently rejoined the convoy on the 19th.

During 16 July, USCGC Taney, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 19 July, USS Burrows, USS Pride, USS Mosley, USS Newell, USS Falgout and USS Lowe fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 22 July, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At midnight during the night of 27/28 July the convoy split in the Hampton Roads and New York sections. The Hampton Roads section was made up of 18 merchant vessels, HMS Trouncer and USS Cossatot. They were escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber.

2.5 hours later the Delaware section split off from the New York section. The Delaware section was made up of 4 merchant vessels and was escorted by USS Pride and USS Newell. The remaining ships and the remaining escorts made up the New York section. All sections arrived at their destinations later on the 28th.

13 Jul 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Casablanca with the Casablanca section of convoy GUS 45.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 45 ' for 4 July 1944.] (6)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Norfolk, Virginia. (6)

31 Jul 1944
Around 1520Q/31, HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN), departed Norfolk, Virginia for New York where she arrived around 1450Q/1. (7)

11 Aug 1944

Convoy TCU 35.

This convoy departed New York on 22 October 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943), Appomattox (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Athlone Castle (British, 25565 GRT, built 1936), Bantam (Dutch, 9312 GRT, built 1939), Bienville (American, 7626 GRT, built 1943), Black Warrior (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Brookfield (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943), Bunker Hill (American, 10410 GRT, built 1942), California Express (Norwegian, 3649 GRT, built 1934), China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Colombie (French, 13391 GRT, built 1931), Cross Keys (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 22225 GRT, built 1905), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Eros (British, 5888 GRT, built 1936), Esso Scranton (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Exchequer (American, 6683 GRT, built 1943), Four Lakes (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Glorieta (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Harpers Ferry (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925), John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lake Erie (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Monocacy (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1944), Musgroves Mills (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Parima (British, 7543 GRT, built 1944), Petersburg (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928), Ridgefield (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Rosebud (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Sachem (American (tanker), 9910 GRT, built 1943), San Juan Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Santiago (American (tanker), 10318 GRT, built 1944), Sea Serpent (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), South Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928), Wagon Box (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943), Wilson's Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Winchester (American (tanker), 10198 GRT, built 1943).

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy. She served in an aircraft ferry role.

The convoy was escorted by Task Group 21.9 which was made up of the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with ComTaskGr 21.9, T/Capt. J.M.P. Wright, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Marchand (Cdr. G.I. Lynch, USCG, with ComCortDiv20, Cdr. P.B. Mavor, USCG, on board), USS Hurst (Cdr. B.H. Brallier, USCG), USS Camp (Lt.Cdr. R.R. Waesche, Jr., USCG), USS Howard D. Crow (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Bacchus, Jr., USCGR), USS Pettit (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG), USS Ricketts (Lt. L.F. Sudnik, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. John H. Forney, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG).

On 12 August 1944, the Boston section of the convoy departed that place to make rendezvous with and then join the convoy the following morning. This section was made up of the following ships; Explorer (American, 6736 GRT, built 1939), General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930). They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR) and USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG).

Around 1200Z/20, Twenty-one of the ships of the convoy parted company to proceed via the west of Ireland to Loch Ewe and the Clyde. They were escorted by USS Sellstrom and USS Mills. At 1545Z/21, the Loch Ewe section broke off and then proceeded unescorted. Both sections arrived at their destinations on 22 August. The two destroyer escorts then proceeded to Lough Foyle.

Around 0645A/21, HMS Trouncer parted company with the Irish Sea section of the convoy to proceed to Liverpool ahead of the main convoy. USS Pettitt went with her as escort. The orders were however cancelled later and they rejoin the Irish Sea section of the convoy around 1100A/21.

Around 1900A/21, sixteen of the ships in the convoy parted company to proceed towards the Bristol Channel. They were escorted by USS Marchand and USS Ramsden. After having delivered these ships in the Bristol Channel the destroyer escorts proceeded to Lough Foyle.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded to Liverpool arriving on 22 August. All the remaining escorts subsequently proceeded to Lough Foyle.

27 Aug 1944

Convoy UCT 35.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 27 August 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Appomattox (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Australia Star (British, 11122 GRT, built 1935), Bienville (American, 7626 GRT, built 1943), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Brookfield (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943), Bunker Hill (American, 10410 GRT, built 1942), California Express (Norwegian, 3649 GRT, built 1934), Cape Corwin (American, 5124 GRT, built 1943), Colombie (French, 13391 GRT, built 1931), Cross Keys (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Delaires (American, 6509 GRT, built 1942), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 22225 GRT, built 1905), Empire Milner (British (tanker), 8135 GRT, built 1944), Esso Scranton (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Exchequer (American, 6683 GRT, built 1943), Four Lakes (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942), Glorieta (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Harpers Ferry (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925), John Ericsson (American, 16552 GRT, built 1928), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lake Erie (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Monocacy (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1944), Mormacswan (American, 7194 GRT, built 1939), Mosdale (Norwegian, 3022 GRT, built 1939), Musgroves Mills (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Petersburg (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Port Phillip (British, 12439 GRT, 1942), Ridgefield (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Robin Locksley (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Rosebud (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Rosemont (Panamanian, 4956 GRT, built 1938), Sachem (American (tanker), 9910 GRT, built 1943), Santa Catalina (American, 8297 GRT, built 1944), Santa Cecilia (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Santiago (American (tanker), 10318 GRT, built 1944), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920), Sharpsburg (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), South Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930), Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928), Wagon Box (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Washington Express (Norwegian, 3643 GRT, built 1933), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Wilson's Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy. She had no operational aircraft on board.

The convoy was escorted by Task Group 21.9 which was made up of the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with ComTaskGr 21.9, T/Capt. J.M.P. Wright, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Marchand (Cdr. G.I. Lynch, USCG, with ComCortDiv20, Cdr. P.B. Mavor, USCG, on board), USS Hurst (Cdr. B.H. Brallier, USCG), USS Camp (Lt.Cdr. R.R. Waesche, Jr., USCG), USS Howard D. Crow (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Bacchus, Jr., USCGR), USS Pettit (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG), USS Ricketts (Lt. L.F. Sudnik, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Richey (Cdr. John H. Forney, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. R. Ridgely, 3rd, USCG).

Around 2200O/1, USS Ricketts was detached to escort the Wagon Box which had straggled from the convoy and an enemy submarine was suspected in the general area.

Around 2330O/1, the Australia Star and Port Phillip parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to Panama.

Around 2235OP/2, HMS Trouncer was detached to Norfolk, Virginia escorted by USS Howard D. Crow.

From around 0630OP/3, the Santiago, Kernstown and Sachem were detached at one hour intervals to proceed to Curacoa or Aruba.

Around 2000P/3, the Wagon Box and USS Ricketts managed to rejoin the convoy.

Around 2140P/3, the Mosdale was detached to proceed to Halifax independently.

The convoy arrived at New York on 5 September 1944.

5 Sep 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Norfolk, Virginia. Her escort, USS Howard D. Crow (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Bacchus, Jr., USCGR), proceeded to New York after having parted company off the entrance to Chesapeake Bay.

HMS Trouncer was then taken in hand for repairs at the Norfolk Navy Yard. (8)

12 Sep 1944
Around 0715Q/12, after having embarked new aircraft, HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Norfolk, Virginia for Gibraltar. She was not escorted. (8)

22 Sep 1944

Convoy GUS 53.

This convoy departed Port Said on 22 September 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following ships; City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), Evita (Norwegian (tanker), 6346 GRT, built 1927), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Frederick Jackson Turner (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Pacific (British (cable ship), 1570 GRT, built 1903, former Danish), Thomas J. Walsh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the frigate HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR).

They were joined on 23 September 1944, by the following ships coming from Alexandria; Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), John Fitch (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Josiah B. Grinnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samfinn (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944). These were escorted by the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 26 September 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Booker T. Washington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), British Gratitude (British (tanker), 8463 GRT, built 1942), Charles Carroll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Frederick Banting (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Drew (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tibia (Dutch (tanker), 10356 GRT, built 1939), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Waigstill Avery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Wolfskill (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943).

On 27 September 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Empire Lionel, Fort Liard, James Harrod, John Fitch, John M. Harlan, Josiah B. Grinnell, Meroe, Pacific, Samaye and Samfinn.

On 27 September 1944, the Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 28 September 1944, the Empire Sceptre (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

Also off Bizerta the British escort parted company and an American escort joined the convoy. This American escort came from Palermo and was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTAKSFOR 60, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Crafts, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR) and USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN).

In late afternoon of the 28th, the William Coddington parted company to proceed to Bizerta due to engine trouble. USS Riley was ordered to escort her there and then rejoin the convoy which she did early in the morning of the 29th. William Coddington was still in her company the engine trouble apparently being remedied. Shortly afterwards however USS Metivier parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to Oran to effect repairs there and then rejoin.

In the early afternoon of the 29th the Evita parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bone escorted by USS McNulty which rejoined the convoy early on the 30th.

In the late morning, the following ships detached from the convoy to proceed to Algiers; City of Evansville and J.L. Luckenbach while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Banff Park (Canadian, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dorcasia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Jean Ribaut (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samarinda (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).

Early in the morning of 1 October 1944, the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robbins, Jr., USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR) joined temporarily. In the late morning, the Empire Zephye detached from the convoy to proceed to Oran while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Christoper Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Green Mountain (American, 4988 GRT, built 1919), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James A. Bayard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Morehead (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliot (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Phineas Banning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Ellis Lewis (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samite (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), San Veronico (British (tanker), 8189 GRT, built 1942), Sul Ross (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Whipple (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). Also USS Metivier rejoined after having made repairs at Oran. Also joining was the naval escort oiler USS Elokomin (Lt.Cdr. M. Breece, USNR), naval cargo ships USS Capella (Capt.(Retd.) J.H. Jenkins, USN) and USS Saturn (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Marshall, Jr., USNR).

Early in the morning of 2 October 1944, USS Durant and USS USS Frederick C. Davis were detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to Gibraltar.

Around noon on 2 October, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Frederick Banting, Samarind, Samarkand and Samida while the escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also USS Durant rejoined the convoy.

On 3 October 1944, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Empire Sceptre, Fort Ash, Middlesex Trader and Samite while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Fanad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942) and Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels L'Eveille and Le Resolu which then returned to Casablanca with the ships thatwere detached from the convoy.

On 4 October 1944, USS Riley, USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS McNulty, USS Metivier, USS USS George A. Johnson and USS USS Eugene E. Elmore fuelled from USS Elokomin.

Around noon on 7 October 1944 the following ships joined the convoy coming from the Azores; Edward P. Alexander (American, 7201 GRT, built 1942), Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Few (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also on 7 October, USS Vance, USS Lansing, USS Durant, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill fuelled from USS Elokomin.

On 10 October 1944, USS Riley, USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS McNulty, USS Metivier, USS USS George A. Johnson and USS USS Eugene E. Elmore fuelled from USS Elokomin.

On 11 October 1944, USS Riley fuelled from USS Elokomin.

On 13 October 1944, COMTAKSFOR 60, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, USN, and his staff transferred, at sea, from USS Bibb to USS Merrill.

In the morning of 15 October 1944, USS Bibb parted company with the convoy to proceed to Charleston, South Carolina.

On 16 October 1944, the convoy split. The Hampton Roads section proceeded there escorted by USS Vance, USS Lansing, USS Durant, USS Calcaterra and USS Chambers. The remainder of the convoy proceeded to New York minus the Delaware section which parted company with the New York section later on 17 October 1944. All sections arrived at their destinations on 16 / 17 October 1944.

28 Sep 1944
Around 1700A/28, HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Norfolk, Virginia. (8)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Norfolk, Virginia. (9)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Norfolk, Virginia to join convoy CU 44. She was escorted by USS Clarence L. Evans (T/Cdr. W.C. Hughes, USN).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 44 ' for 22 October 1944.] (9)

22 Oct 1944

Convoy CU 44.

This convoy departed New York on 22 October 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; African Sun (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Autossee (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Bienville (American, 7626 GRT, built 1943), Black Jack (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Bulkfuel (American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1944), Bulklube (American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1943), Cape Horn (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Cape Mohican (American, 5094 GRT, built 1942), Cape Race (American, 5124 GRT, built 1944), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Duquesne (American (tanker), 9933 GRT, built 1944), Edmund B. Alexander (American, 21329 GRT, built 1905), Empire Milner (British (tanker), 8135 GRT, built 1944), Esso Scranton (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Fair Wind (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Frederick Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), General W.M. Black (American, 9943 GRT, built 1943), Groveton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), James Lykes (American, 6760 GRT, built 1940), Lake Erie (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Eagle (American, 11500 GRT, built 1943), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Mauvilla (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Pardo (British, 5400 GRT, built 1940), Robin Sherwood (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Robin Tuxford (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Santa Teresa (American, 8095 GRT, built 1939), Santiago (American (tanker), 10318 GRT, built 1944), Saturnia (Italian, 23940 GRT, built 1927), Sea Owl (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), South Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sweepstakes (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922), Tampico (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930), Valverde (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Washington Express (Norwegian, 3643 GRT, built 1933), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943).

The escort carrier, in an aircraft ferry role, HMS Ranee (A/Capt. A.A. Murray, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by Task Group 21.7 which was made up of the destroyer USS Clark (T/Cdr. A.R. Manning, USN, with COMTASKGR 21.7, T/Capt. H.T. Chase, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Price (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Higgins, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 58, T/Cdr. E.E. Garcia, USN on board), USS Strickland (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Hopkins, USNR), Forster (Lt. J.N. Clayton, USNR), Stockdale (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Luther, USNR) and Hissem (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Low, USNR).

On 24 October 1944, the Boston section of the convoy, which had departed Boston the day before, joined, which was made up of the following ships; Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943) and Warrior (American, 6165 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Edsall (Lt. M. MacLean, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 59, T/Cdr. A.W. Slayden, USN on board), USS Stewart (Lt. A.C. Wilson, Jr., USNR) and USS Daniel (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Boynton, USNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 24 October 1944, the escort carrier, in an aircraft ferry role, HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) and the destroyer escort USS Clarence L. Evans (T/Cdr. W.C. Hughes, USN) joined the convoy coming from Norfolk, Virginia, which they had departed on 22 October.

On 31 October the convoy split. The English Channel section parted company with the main part of the convoy and was escorted by USS Edsall, USS Daniel, USS Forster, USS Stockdale and USS Hissem.

On 1 November 1944, the Dominion Monarch parted company with the English Channel section and proceeded into Plymouth escorted by the sloop HMS Londonderry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.M. Newns, RNVR) which had joined for that purpose. The Autossee had already been detached to Falmouth at that time.

On 2 November 1944, two ships of the convoy, the Bulkfuel and Groveton were detached to proceed to Southern-on-Sea escorted by the frigate HMS Hargood (Cdr. P.G. MacIver, DSO, RD, RNR) which had joined for that purpose.

On 2 November 1944, the following ships were detached to Portsmouth; Bienville, Saturnia and Thomas H. Barry. They were escorted by USS Daniel and USS Hissem.

The remaining ships of the Channel section of the convoy, the Cape Race and Marine Eagle arrived at Cherbourg on 2 November 1944 escorted by USS Edwards, USS Foster and USS Stockdale.

The remainder of the convoy had meanwhile proceeded up the Irish Sea destined for various ports. The escorts all proceeded to Greenock.

2 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) arrived at Belfast. (10)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) proceeded from Belfast to Greenock. She then commenced boiler cleaning. (10)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Rothesay. (10)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Greenock. (10)

8 Dec 1944
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Rothesay. (11)

9 Dec 1944
HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for New York. They were to join convoy UC 48A for he passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UC 48A ' for 11 December 1944. (12)

11 Dec 1944

Convoy UC 48A.

This convoy was assembled to the south of Ireland on 11 December 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Bulkfuel (American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1944), Bulklube American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1943(), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944), Cross Keys (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Duquesne (American (tanker), 9933 GRT, built 1944), Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Empire Protector (British (tanker), 8148 GRT, built 1944), Empire Regent (British, 9904 GRT, built 1943), Fisher's Hill (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Four Lakes (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Glorieta (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Groveton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Lightning (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Lone Jack (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marine Raven (American, 11757 GRT, built 1943), Martin Bakke (Norwegian, 5484 GRT, built 1936), Mauvilla (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Mormacswan (American, 7194 GRT, built 1939), Nordahl Grieg (Norwegian (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936), Powder River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943), Santa Leonor (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Santiago (American (tanker), 10318 GRT, built 1944), Sea Owl (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Seatrain Lakehurst (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), South Mountain (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Surprise (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Tampico (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944) and White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carriers (fitted out as aircraft ferries), HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) were also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Somers (T/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Luby, USN, with ComTaskGr 21.5, T/Cdr. J.F. Gallaher, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. J. Parkinson, Jr., USNR), USS Kirkpatrick (Lt.Cdr. V.E. Bakanas, USCG), USS Slater (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Blancq, USNR), USS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Patton, Jr., USNR) and USS Ebert (Lt.Cdr. F. Gibbs, USNR).

Before final assembly on the 11th, the convoy had departed various English ports on 9 and 10 December 1944.

The English Channel section, which was escorted by USS Somers, USS Kirkpatrick and USS Slater was temporarily reinforced from 1730A/10 until 0320A/11 by the frigates HMS Affleck (Cdr.(Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Bentley ( Lt. F.L. Boyer, RN), HMS Capel (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN), HMS Garlies (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.M.M. Stamp, RNVR) and HMS Gore (Lt. J.V. Reeves-Brown, DSC, RN).

Late on 11 December 1944, the City of Capetown and Condesa were detached to proceed independently.

On 12 december 1944, HMS Trouncer reported having a flooded compartment. She requised an escort to proceed to the Azores to effect repairs there. The requist was declined and she was ordered to remain with the convoy and try to make repairs. Early on the 14th she reported that repairs had been succesfully made.

Late on the 14th, the Lightning was ordered to be detached to proceed independently to New York. Due to the weather and the reported enemy submarine situation it was decided that she would remain with the convoy for the moment. She was eventually detached on the 19th.

On 18 December 1944, USS Somers and USS Slater sustained weather damage due to the heavy seas encountered.

On 20 December 1944, USS Somers sustained further weather damage. Also early on this day the Mormacswan was detached.

The convoy arrived at New York on 22 December 1944.

3 Jan 1945

Convoy CU 53.

This convoy departed New York on 3 January 1945.

It was made up of the following ships (New York Section);
Antinous (American, 6126 GRT, built 1944), Borinquen (American, 7114 GRT, built 1931), Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Claymont Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Empire Paragon (British, 9888 GRT, built 1944), Esso Wilmington (American (tanker), 10169 GRT, built 1942), Fort Henry (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Henry Gibbons (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Kernstown (American (tanker), 10317 GRT, built 1944), Lightning (American, 8591 GRT, built 1942), Malvern Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Marina (American, 5086 GRT, built 1942), Markay (American (tanker), 10342 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Mail (American, 7842 GRT, built 1941), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Paoli (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sag Harbour (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Sea Robin (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sirocco (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Spring Hill (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Stony Creek (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943), Sturdy Beggar (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Yellow Tavern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carriers HMS Thane (A/Capt. E.R.G. Baker, RN) and HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) were also part of this convoy carrying replacement aircraft.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Winslow (T/Cdr. W.T. Samuels, USN, with T/Capt. W.L. Benson, USN on board (Commander Task Group 61.1)) and the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Morrison, USCG with Cdr. J.H. Forney, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 23)), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. V. Pfeiffer, USCG), USS Rhodes ( Lt. A.C. Wagner, USCG) and USS Savage (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Norton, USCGR).

Also on 3 January 1945, four ships departed from Boston (Boston Section), these were the following;
General W.M. Black (American, 9943 GRT, built 1943), Santa Rosa (American (tanker), 9135 GRT, built 1932), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944) and Thomas H. Barry (American, 11250 GRT, built 1930).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers USS Gary (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Ayer, USNR, with Cdr. T.G. Murrell, USCG on board (Commander Escort Division 57)), USS Brister (Lt.Cdr. R.D Tucker, USNR), USS Finch (Lt.Cdr. C.D. LeHardy, USNR) and USS Richey (Lt. R.J. Auge, USCG).

The two sections joined company around 1115R/4.

Around 1245Z/12, the convoy was divided into two sections in approximate position 49°20'N, 17°24'W.

English Channel section

This section was made up of the following ships;
Antinous, Borinquen, Brazil, Claymont Victory, General W.M. Black, Henry Gibbons, Karsten Wang, Lightning, Marina, Orpheus, Santa Rosa, Sea Robin, Sea Tiger, Spring Hill, The Yakima, Thomas H. Barry and Yellow Tavern.

The English Channel section was escorted by USS Sellstrom, USS Brister, USS Mills, USS Richey and USS Savage.

Around 0200A/14, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) joined.

Around 0935A/14, the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. D.D. Bone, RN) joined.

Around 1815A/14, ten additional escorts, most of them from the 1st Escort Group joined, with HMS Balfour (Cdr. (Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO, DSC, RN) as senior vessel [no further details available]. On these ships joining HMS Duncan and HMS Icarus parted company.

Around 1950A/14, five of the ships of the convoy parted company for Le Havre escorted by the ships of the British 1st Escort Group.

Around 2310A/14, two of the ships of the convoy parted company for Cherbourg escorted by USS Brister and USS Mills.

Around 0130A/15, four of the ships of the convoy parted company for Southend escorted by USS Richey and a British escort.

Around 0135A/15, the remaining ten ships of the convoy entered the Portsmouth Swept Channel escorted by USS Sellstrom and USS Savage. HMS Faulknor and HrMs Van Galen now parted company and set course for Plymouth.

Irish Sea section

The other section proceeded towards the Irish Sea by a route to the west of Ireland and was made up of the remaining ships and the remaining escorts.

Around 1040A/14, the Hubbardton parted company to proceed to the Clyde. She was escorted to the Clyde lightvessel by USS Rhodes.

Around 1130A/14, HMS Thane was detached to proceed independently to Belfast.

Around 1622A/14, the Bristol Channel section, made up of the Chickamauga, Esso Wilmington, Markay, Ocean Mail and Sag Harbour parted company. They were escorted by USS Gary, USS Finch and USS Ramsden.

Around 1640A/14, USS Rhodes rejoined the Liverpool section of the convoy.

Around 2015A/14, the Liverpool section of the convoy, made up of the Empire Paragon, Fort Henry, Kernstown, Malvern Hill, Paoli, Stony Creek as well as HMS Trouncer arrived at the Western Light Vessel and proceeded via the swept channel to the vicinity of the Bar Light Vessel to anchor. USS Winslow and USS Rhoades patrolled the area pending the entry of the ships of the convoy into Liverpool harbour.

17 Jan 1945
Around 1300A/17, HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed Liverpool for Greenock where she arrived around 0700A/18. (13)

27 Jan 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

28 Jan 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

30 Jan 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

4 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

5 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

7 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

9 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

13 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

17 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

18 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

19 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

20 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

24 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

25 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

1 Mar 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

6 Mar 1945
The light aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (Capt. W.A. Dallmeyer, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.J.H. Harcourt, CB, CBE, RN) and escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Belfast. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. H.R.A. Kidston, RN) and the frigate HMS Inman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Petre, RNR).

At Belfast HMS Trouncer was to be taken in hand for conversion to assault carrier flagship at the Harland & Wolff shipyard. Conversion was completed in late August 1945 but by then the Second World War had ended. (16)