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12 Jun 1944

Convoy UGS 45.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 12 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Anna Howard Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Charles Piez (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Chatham C. Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Denewood (British, 7280 GRT, built 1943), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Felipi de Bastrop (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Francis Marion (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), Gulfcoast (American, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Jocelyn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Heywood Broun (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), Hugh M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Donald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Ashe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John M. Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Martin (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Joseph McKenna (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph S. Emery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Justin S. Morrill (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Langdon Cheves (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Louis D. Brandeis (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mary M. Dodge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Matthew B. Brady (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Mount Revelstoke Park (Canadian, 7144 GRT, built 1943), Nassarius (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944), Nathan Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Roald Amundsen (Norwegian, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Sambay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcono (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samcree (British, 7210 GRT, built 1943), Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samdak (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samearn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samforth (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samfreedom (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samingoy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samouse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsmola (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samteviot (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samtruth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935), Washington Irving (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William A. Richardson (American, 7258 GRT, built 1942), William D. Hoard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) was also with the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 66 which was made up of the 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.H. 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 Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR), USS Fessenden (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Dobbs, USNR) and the patrol vessel Coutelas.

Around 1900Q/13, the transport Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy having been unable to departed with the convoy when it departed from Hampton Roads. She was sailed later on the 12th to overtake and join the convoy.

Around 1900Q/14, the escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) joined the convoy coming from New York which she had departed on 13 June. She was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR) and USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 16 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Chase, USS Barber and USS Laning.

On 18 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled the Coutelas.

Around 0800O/21, in position 33°31'N, 35°35'W, the transport Henry Baldwin was detached to the Azores. She was escorted by USS Falgout and USS Lowe. The destroyer escorts rejoined the convoy around 0945N/23.

During 21 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Laning, USS Barber, USS Chase, USCGC Taney and the Coutelas.

At 1738O/21, the tanker Valldemosa suffered an engine breakdown. USS Joseph E. Campbell was ordered to standby the stricken ship which was able to get underway later to rejoin the convoy which they did on 25 June.

At 1825N/23, the tanker Franz Klasen suffered an engine breakdown. USS Burrows was ordered to standby the stricken ship which was able to get underway later to rejoin the convoy which they did on 25 June.

Around 1400Z/26, the Casablanca section of the convoy broke off. This was made up of the following ships; Samconan, Samshireiu, Smith Thompson and HMS Queen. To escort them there the the minesweeping sloops La Boudeuse, La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) and L'Indiscret. These escorts had departed Casablanca earlier on the 26th. They returned with the Casablanca section of the convoy on 27 June 1944.

During 26 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Chase, USS Laning and USS Barber.

Around 0745A/27, USS Fessenden and USS Falgout were ordered to proceed to Gibraltar. The firs one was to escort an Italian submarine from Gibraltar to Bermuda and the second was to pick up a liason officer and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1300A/27, the transport Samcrest was detached to Gibraltar.

Around 1500A/27, the transport Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941) and the rescue tug HMRT Athlete joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also USS Falgout rejoined.

Around 1700B/28, the following ships were detached to Oran; Betty Zane, Cartago, Gulfcoast, Hugh M. Smith, Joseph Warren, Lucretia Mott and Ponce de Leon.

Around 1800B/28, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Oran were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), destroyers USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN), USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) and the naval tug USS ATR-1 (Lt.(jg) H.L. MacGill, USN).

At 0800B/29, the transport Samfreedom parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Algiers to embark a British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell. They rejoined the convoy around 1400B/29 together with three other ships joining from Algiers, these were the following; Crackshot (British, 2379 GRT, built 1924), Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922) and Motia (Italian, 2336 GRT, built 1918).

Around 1700B/29, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Bret Harte, Jonathan Worth, Meyer Lissner, Samstrae and Thomas F. Cunningham.

Around 1340B/30, the Lucia C. was detached to Philippeville.

Around 1900B/30, HMRT Athlete was detached to Bone while the transport Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 0100B/1, USS Madison and USS Livermore were detached to westbound convoy GUS 44.

At 0730B/1, British escorts joined the convoy. These were the frigate HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR, with Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR, (S.O. 49th Escort Group) on board), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR). With them the transport Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935) also joined;

The entire current escort and the naval tanker USS Cossatot then proceeded to Bizerta as did the following ships of the convoy; Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Bombardier, Longwood, Nassarius and William E. Pendleton.

On 2 July 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939).

On 3 July 1944, following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Andrew Briscoe, Asa Gray, Cape Howe, Carrillo, Charles Piez, Chatham C. Lyon, Crackshot, Dallington Court, Daniel Carroll, Empire Rock, Esso Baltimore, Francis Marion, Franz Klasen, George F. Patten, Henry Jocelyn, Hjalmar Wessel, James Jackson, John Jay, Joseph Goldberger, Joseph H. Martin, Joseph McKenna, Joseph S. Emery, Justin S. Morrill, Kobad, Langdon Cheves, Louis D. Brandeis, Moses Austin, Motia, Norheim, Norholm, Ocean Trader, Paine Wingate, Patrick Henry, Roald Amundsen, Robert F. Stockton, Robert T. Hill, Theodore Foster, Tristram Dalton, Valldemosa, Washington Irving, William G. Fargo Woodbridge N. Ferris and USS ATR-1.

On 6 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Samdak, Samouse, Samtruth, Thistldale and Vasco. The corvettes HMS Gloxinia and HMS Primula also arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 7 July 1944 escorted by HMS Shiel and HMS Sharpshooter.

23 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 23 June 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Katanga (Belgian, 5183 GRT, built 1917), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Lieutenant de la Tour (French, 5844 GRT, built 1917), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Oksywie (Polish, 766 GRT, built 1938), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Van Ruysdael (Dutch, 7862 GRT, built 1938) and Westbank Park (Canadian 7161 GRT, built 1944).

The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy, submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Crosswell, DSC, RN) and the rescue vessel Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), destroyer RHN Salamis, frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On 24 June 1944, the Arosa arrived at Belfast after having been forced to return to the U.K.

On 26 June 1944, the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

On 1 July 1944, the Empire Chamois arrived at Fayal, Azores. She was escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR).

Around 2345A/1, HMS Activity parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 162 / MKS 53 which she joined around 0730A/2. She was escorted by HMS Antigua and HMS Knaresborough Castle which returned to convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 after HMS Activity had made rendezvous.

Around 0900A/3, the convoy split in position 35°11'N, 08°44'W.

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Convoy OS 81, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Veteran, Berwickshire, Bosphorus, Condesa, Katanga, Oksywie, Pilar de Larrinaga, Taxiarchis and Westbank Park.

On the convoys splitting the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 81 joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Fort Panmure (French, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920) and Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922).

They had left Gibraltar on 2 July 1944 and were escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) which now formed the escort of convoy OS 81.

Around the same time the Casablanca section also joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921).

The escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) was also part of the Casablanca section.

They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the mineweeeping sloop La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret and Le Resolve. These French escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca taking the Taxiarchis with them.

Around 1400Z/9, the Dakar section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bosphorus, Medie II, Oksywie, Sandown Castle and Westbank Park.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 12 July 1944. Som ships did not enter harbour but proceeded direct to their respective destinations.

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Convoy KMS 55 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier, Caduceus, City of Delhi, Cochrane, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Copperfield, Empire Planet, Empire Trent, Fairwater, Fort Bourbon, Fort Colville, Fort Dauphin, Fort Frederick, Fort Jasper, Glaisdale, Kindat, Lagarto, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorca, Nijkerk, Teucer and Van Ruisdael.

Also part of convoy KMS 55 were the; Quercy, HMS Truant, Scottish American and Dundee.

The original escort of the combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 went with it to Gibraltar.

On the combined convoy splitting the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 4 July 1944, off Gibraltar, the following merchant vessels parted company and entered Gibraltar; Baron Napier, Clausina, Fairwater and Teucer.

Also HMS Truant and the Scottish American and Dundee entered Gibraltar.

The original escort also entered Gibraltar.

The following merchant vessels Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937) and Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

Also a new escort joined the convoy which was made up of the sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the corvettes HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN) and Nada.

On 5 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Fort Frederick, Smith Thompson and the Quercy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944).

On 6 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Fort Colville, Glaisdale, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorraine, Samshire and Van Honthorst while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 7 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Damsel and Empire Trent while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Empire Titania (British (tug), 258 GRT, built 1943) and Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924).

On 8 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Cartago, Empire Harbour and Empire Planet while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Malta; Cape Brenton, Cochrane, Thomas F. Cunningham and the Empire Titania. The Nada also parted company with the convoy.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Abbazia, Beaconsfield, Betty Zane, Clausina, Daniel H. Hill, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Candia, Empire Copperfied, Fort Bourbon, Fort Dauphin, Fort Jasper, Fort Michipicoten, Furnifold M. Simmons, George E. Hale, Henry L. Benning, John B. Gordon, John Murray Forbes, John S. Casement, Joseph Alston, Josiah Bartlett, Kola, Lawrence J. Brengle, Norman Monarch, Ocean Glory, Samconon, Samcrest, Sarah Orne Jewett, Simon Willard, Solomon Juneau, Thistlemuir and William M. Eastland while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lord (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Caduceus, Empire Lionel, Fort Astoria, Fort Meductic, Kepong, Kindat, Lagarto and Lech. Ocean Liberty

All escorts except HrMs Friso also proceeded to Alexandria.

The remaining ships of the convoy arrived at Port Said on the 14th escorted by HrMs Friso.

6 Feb 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN). (1)

19 Mar 1945

Operation Cupola.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the southern entrance to the Askenvold anchorage (61°19'5"N, 05°04'E).

Around 1100A/19, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), light cruiser ana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, Senior Officer for the operation) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

They were to arrive in position 'AA' (61°52'N, 01°45'E) at 0700A/20 but bad weather was encountered on the way and the operation had to be postponed to the afternoon.

Around 1325A/20, the strike, composed of eight Avengers of 856 Squadron from HMS Premier and twenty Wildcats from HMS Searcher commenced flying off. They took departure at 1353A/20 from position 61°52'N, 01°54'E. Landfall was made at the correct location at 1420A/20, with the weather just beginning to lift on the coast and good visibility in the Leads. The Avengers turned north when over Bygdefeld, a conspicuous hill to the south of Askevold. The approach was made to the laying position unopposed, and at 1429A/20 seven mines were laid in the shipping channel, close south of Prestoy Island. One aircraft was unable to release its mine due to material failure and returned with it to the carrier.

The fighters, in close support, also experienced little resistance to their stafing of shore targets. All aircraft returnend safely to the carriers in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1350A/21.

Result of this operation was that the enemy had to divert shipping to pass to the west of Atloy Island resulting in an attack on a convoy by MTB's on March 26th. (2)

24 Mar 1945

Operations Muscular and Prefix.

Object of these operations was to destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast.

Operation Prefix was a daylight strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.

Operation Muscular was a night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund.

Operation Prefix 2 was a daylight strike in an area which was to be decided upon while the operations were ongoing.

The force taking part in these operations was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), Puncher, HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), Nairana, light cruisers Dido, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN). This force departed Scapa Flow around 2000A/24.

No sizeable shipping was encountered during these operations. Two fighters attacks some merchant vessels and minesweepers. An attack by six to nine ME 109's was prevented and three were shot down by Wildcats and two more were damaged. During operation Prefix 2, two ships and flak position at Alesund and a W/T station at Vigra were attacked.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1015A/29. (3)

6 Apr 1945

Operation Newmarket.

Air attacks on German submarine tenders at Kilbotn, Norway.

The escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700B/6, to conduct air strikes against German submarine tenders off Kilbotn, Norway.

The operation however had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions rendering flying impossible. The ships remained in the area for about three days but weather did not improve.

The ships returned to Scapa Flow around 2130B/12. (3)

1 May 1945

Operation Judgement.

The main object of the operastion was the destruction of U-boat depot ships at Kolbotn. The secondary object was to destroy enemy shipping anchored of Sandnesjoen.

The Force deployed for this operation departed Scapa Flow around 1130B/1 and was made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN), escort carriers HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN).

In the early morning of 3 May the destroyers were fuelled by HMS Norfolk, HMS Searcher, HMS Trumpeter and the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) which had also been deployed.

At 1020B/3, the Blue Ranger parted company escorted by HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell. HMS Orwell escorting the Blue Ranger arrived at Scapa Flow on 7 May. HMS Obedient had been detached and already arrived at Scapa Flow on 5 May.

Around 1600B/4, the escort carrier commenced flying off aircraft to attack the German base at Kilbotn, just south of Harstad. During the attacks the depot ships Black Watch (5035 GRT, built 1939) and Senja (858 GRT, built 1938). Also sunk was the submarine U-711 which was alongside the Black Watch. Aircraft involved were eight Avengers and four Wildcats from 846 Squadron in HMS Trumpeter, eight Avengers and four Wildcats from 853 Squadron in HMS Queen, and twenty Wildcats from 882 Squadron in HMS Queen.

By 1809B/4, all aircraft had landed on except for one Avenger and one Wildcat. All crews were lost.

At 0700B/5, HMS Norfolk and HMS Diadem parted company to proceed ahead to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0800B/6.

The destroyers HMS Carysfort, HMS Zambesi, HMS Savage, HMS Scourge and HMS Opportune also arrived at Scapa Flow, most likely late on the 6th.

The three escort carriers remained at sea and were joined around 2359B/6 by the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) and ORP Piorun (Lt.Cdr. J. Tchorznicki, ORP). (3)

4 May 1945
German U-boat U-711 was sunk at Kilbotn, near Harstad, Norway, in position 68°43,7'N, 16°34,6'E, by depth charges from Avenger and Wildcat aircraft (846, 853 and 882 Sqn FAA) of the British escort carriers HMS Searcher, HMS Trumpeter and HMS Queen.

6 May 1945

Operation Cleaver.

Entry of a naval surface force into the Skagerrak and Kattegat.

The following forces took part in this operation;
' Force 5 ' which was made up of the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN).
This force departed Rosyth in the evening of the 6th.

' Force 6 ' which was made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN, with Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN on board), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN). This force departed Scapa flow early the 7th except to joined the escort carriers HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) which had still been at sea after operation Judgement together with the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) and ORP Piorun (Lt.Cdr. J. Tchorznicki, ORP). The cruisers and the destroyers joined the escort carriers around 1000B/7.

HMS Campania, HMS Obdurate, HNoMS Stord and ORP Piorun then parted company.

And the 40th Minesweeping Flotilla made up of HMS Catherine (Cdr. K.H. Fraser, RN), 6541 HMS Cynthia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.L. Chatwin, RNVR), HMS Elfreda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L. Jolly, RNVR), HMS Grecian (T/A/Cdr. C.R. Fraser, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Gazelle (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Sutcliffe, RN), HMS Maenad (Cdr. C.E. Duggan, RD, RNR), HMS Steadfast (T/A/Lt. A.H. Hall, RNVR) and HMS Tattoo (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR). They departed Rosyth of the 6th.

Force 5 and the 40th M/S Flotilla arrived at Copenhagen, Denmark on 9 May. The 40th M/S Flotilla swept Force 5 through the minefields.

Force 6 returned to Scapa Flow on 10 May. (3)