Allied Warships

HMS Alcantara (F 88)

Armed Merchant Cruiser

Navy	The Royal Navy
Type	Armed Merchant Cruiser
Class	[No specific class]
Pennant	F 88
Built by	Harland & Wolff Ltd. (Belfast, Northern Island)
Ordered
Laid down
Launched	1926
Commissioned	20 Dec 1939
End service	16 Jul 1943
History	Laid down as Amazon, completed as Alcantara. On 25 September 1939 the passenger ship Alcantara of the Royal Mail Lines Ltd., London was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an armed merchant cruiser. Conversion was completed on 20 December 1939. Displacement: 22209 GRT Armament: 8x 6" (8x1), 2x 3" AA (2x1) Speed: 19 knots During a refit in late 1940 / early 1941 she was fitted to carry two Seafox aircraft and a crane to operate these aircraft. On 16 July 1943 turned over to the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT) and converted to troopship.

Commands listed for HMS Alcantara (F 88)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

	Commander	From	To
1	Capt. (Retd.) James Geoffrey Penrose Ingham, DSO, RN	12 Sep 1939	7 Nov 1941
2	A/Capt. (Retd.) John Douglas Harvey, RN	7 Nov 1941	16 Jul 1943

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Notable events involving Alcantara include:

The page of HMS Alcantara was last updated in February 2023.

27 Sep 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) was commissioned at Southampton with a Portsmouth crew. She had not yet been outfitted as armed merchant cruiser though. This was to take place at Malta.

She was briefly used for transport of military personnel to the Mediterranean. (1)

28 Sep 1939

Convoy Red 2.

This convoy departed Southampton on 29 September 1939.

It was made up of the liners (serving as troopships); Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914) and Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923).

The armed merchant cruiser (not outfitted yet) HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. A.G. Talbot, RN) and HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. B. Jones, RN) which joined in Spithead early on the 29th.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 3 October 1939.

The convoy, less the Athlone Castle departed Gibraltar later the same day. The convoy was now escorted by the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, RN) and HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN).

At 0815A/5, the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), which came from Malta, took over from HMS Greyhound and HMS Gipsy which then parted company.

At 1746A/5, HMS Alcantara and the Franconia collided. Both ships were damaged.

The convoy arrived at Malta on 6 October 1939.

The convoy departed Malta on 7 October 1939 but was now only made up of the Empress of Australia. She was now escorted by the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN) and HMS Gipsy (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Crossley, RN).

The convoy arrived at Alexandria on 9 October 1939.

13 Oct 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.

15 Oct 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. At Alexandria she was taken in hand for repairs to her hull caused by the collision on 5 October.

23 Oct 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.

25 Oct 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. She was then taken in hand for conversion to armed merchant cruiser at the Malta Dockyard.

20 Dec 1939
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) completed her conversion to armed merchant cruiser by the Malta Dockyard. She now commenced a work-up period.

No log is available for December 1939, so no further details for this month can be given.] (1)

1 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted compass swing and D/F trials off Malta. Also gunnery exercises were carried out. (2)

2 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Malta. (2)

3 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Malta on completion of which course was set for Gibraltar.

HMS Alcantara was to join the South Atlantic Station. (2)

6 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta. (2)

7 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (2)

13 Jan 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (2)

14 Jan 1940
Around 1800N/14, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was to patrol along the east coast of South America. (3)

11 Feb 1940
Around 1145Q/11, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands from patrol. (4)

15 Feb 1940
Around 1415Q/15, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (4)

20 Feb 1940
At 0610P/20, the heavy cruisers HMS Hawkins (Capt. E. Rotherham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN) and HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), which were still on patrol in the 'Rio de Janeiro focal area' were briefly joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN). The armed merchant cruiser parted company to resume her patrol around 1010P/20. (5)

1 Mar 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed her patrol area in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area for a new patrol area in the ' River Plate ' focal area. (6)

8 Mar 1940
Around 0900P/8, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol.

It had been arranged for her to fuel there as this had earlier been the intention do so at Rio de Janeiro but no fuel had been available there. (6)

9 Mar 1940
Around 0915P/9, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for patrol. She had been ordered to patrol in the ' River Plate ' focal area. (6)

14 Mar 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed her patrol area in the ' River Plate ' focal area to proceed northwards to the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. (6)

29 Mar 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed her patrol area in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area for the ' Permambuco ' focal area and then onwards to Freetown. (6)

6 Apr 1940
Around 1000Z/6, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. At Freetown boiler cleaning was taken in hand. (7)

17 Apr 1940
Around 1500Z/17, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for Dakar. (7)

19 Apr 1940
Around 0815N/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Dakar from Freetown.

Around 1800N/19, she departed Dakar to patrol off the east coast of South America. (7)

24 Apr 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) commenced to patrol in the ' Pernambuco ' focal area. (7)

1 May 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed the ' Pernambuco ' focal area for the ' River Plate ' forcal area. (8)

7 May 1940
Around 0830O/7, the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. E. Rotherham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) made rendezvous at Samborombón Bay where both then anchored.

HMS Alcantara then embarked three crewmembers from HMS Hawkins to take these with her to Simonstown where they were to be hospitalised. The Commanding Officer of HMS Hawkins was among these three. The executive officer, Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Whittaker, RN, took temporary command of HMS Hawkins.

Around 1900O/7, HMS Alcantara weighed anchor and set course for Simonstown where she was to dock and taken in hand for defects.

Around 2110O/7, HMS Hawkins weighed anchor after having fuelled from the RFA tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) to resume her patrol in the River Plate focal area. (9)

19 May 1940
Around 1120B/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived in False Bay near Simonstown. Before anchoring gunnery exercises were carried out. (10)

20 May 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) is docked in the Selborne graving dock at the Simonstown dockyard. (10)

24 Jun 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) is undocked. (11)

26 Jun 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted compass swing, D/F calibration and director trials in False Bay off Simonstown. She departed for and arrived at Capetown later the same day. (12)

27 Jun 1940
Around 1115B/27, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for patrol. She is to patrol off the east coast of South America, first proceeding to the ' River Plate ' focal area. (12)

10 Jul 1940
Around 0945O/10, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) dropped anchor in Samborombón Bay. Later that day the RFA tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) came alongside and fuelled the armed merchant cruiser. (13)

11 Jul 1940
Around 0140O/11, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Samborombón Bay for patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. (13)

17 Jul 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area to patrol in the ' Pernambuco ' focal area. (14)

22 Jul 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) is ordered to proceed towards Trinidade Island to inspect the area and then to patrol to the south-west of this island. (15)

26 Jul 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) inspected Trinidade Island but found no trace of the enemy there. (15)

28 Jul 1940

Battle between HMS Alcantara and the German raider Thor.

Shortly after 1000N/28, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN), which was in position 24°39'S, 33°07'W, sighted the tops of two mast to the east. At 1025N/28, course was altered to intercept. When the range had closed to 23000 yards the unidentified vessel turned towards but shortly afterwards turned away. HMS Alcantara followedbut as the range was opening increased speed to 15 knots and later to full speed. By noon HMS Alcantara was doing 20 knots and one hour later almost 22 knots.

Around 1400N/28, when HMS Alcantara was in position 24°03'S, 31°56'W, the unknown vessel turned to starboard and hoisted the German ensign. She then opened fire with a two-gun salvo from 16000 yards. 2000 yards beyond the extreme range of HMS Alcantara's eight 6" guns. The enemy soon was firing four-gun salvoes.

HMS Alcantara was struck by a shell from the second salvo just abaft her dummy funnel and another shell burst over the quarter deck near P 4 gun killing it's trainer and causing damage to the gun controls. It was probably also this salvo that brought down the main aerial. A shell from the third salvo hit HMS Alcantara abreast the stokers mess deck and another exploded on the quarter deck killing the Officer of Quarters. At 1408O/28, a hit on the water line abreast the engine room resulted in an inrush of water, which resulted in a gradual loss of speed.

Meanwhile HMS Alcantara had opened fire from extreme range and her first salvo fell short of the enemy and to the right. A hail of fragments flying around the Alcantara's fire control prevented the fall of shot from the second salvo to be observed. The enemy, who kept up a high rate of fire, was straddling HMS Alcantara constantly and damage from fragments caused the sights to become out of line and several times HMS Alcantara had to check fire so that the sights could be corrected for range and deflection. Despite this the enemy was straddled several times.

At 1413O/28, HMS Alcantara obtained a hit on the enemy near her foremast. The enemy's foremost starboard gun then fired no more. The enemy's accuracy then decreased as did her rate of fire.

By 1420O/28, the speed of HMS Alcantara was reduced to 15 knots and 10 minutes later the enemy was seen to turn away, while dropping smoke floats and firing her two stern guns. HMS Alcantara was still firing but the range was increasing rapidly.

At 1435O/28, HMS Alcantara obtained a hit on the enemy's stern. The ememy too was still firing and dropped additional smoke floats. By this time HMS Alcantara's speed had dropped to 10 knots and the enemy now drew rapidly away.

The enemy then broke through the her smoke screen and more shots were exchanged but neither side obtained more hits.

By 1515O/28, the action was over. HMS Alcantara was now in position 24°10'S, 31°51'W.

By 1530O/28, the range was 29000 yards and the enemy was last seen steering south with a slight list to port. HMS Alcantara had fired a total of 152 6" rounds. She had suffered two dead and seven wounded.

It was considered that the unfortunate hit in the engine room prevented HMS Alcantara from causing more damage to the enemy. (15)

1 Aug 1940
Around 1110P/1, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro to effect battle damage repairs.

Already on 2 August HMS Alcantara reported that she would be able to resume normal duties as of 5 August. Some damage could not be repaired by then and with the resources available but this was not essential. (16)

5 Aug 1940
Around 1000P/5, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro to resume patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area but further off the coast then usual. (16)

13 Aug 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) proceeded further to the north, towards the Pernambuco focal area but again further into the South Atlantic then before. (16)

18 Aug 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) proceeded further to the south, towards the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. (16)

30 Aug 1940
Around 1000P/30, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) and HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 21°49'S, 31°57'W. A draft coming from the U.K. was then transferred from HMS Asturias to HMS Alcantara before both armed merchant cruisers resumed their patrols. (17)

6 Sep 1940
Around 0930PQ/6, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol.

Already there was HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN, flying the flag of of Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN) which had also on board Commodore F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN, who was to take over command of the South America Division from Rear-Admiral Harwood.

At 1430PQ/6, Commodore Pegram then hoisted his broad pendant in HMS Alcantara assuming command of the South America Division.

Rear-Admiral Harwood then struck his flag in HMS Hawkins after which Commodore Pegram transferred his broad pendant to HMS Hawkins. Rear-Admiral Harwood then boarded HMS Alcantara for passage to Freetown.

Around 1515PQ/6, HMS Hawkins departed Monevideo for patrol proceeding to the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (18)

7 Sep 1940
Around 1130PQ/7, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for Freetown. On board was Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN, who had been relieved as the Commander of the South America division. (19)

17 Sep 1940
Around 0930N/17, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from Montevideo. (19)

3 Oct 1940
Around 0600N/3, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the central mid-Atlantic. (20)

10 Oct 1940
Around 1530N/3, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (20)

12 Oct 1940

Convoy SL 51.

This convoy departed Freetown on 12 October 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baarn (Dutch, 5621 GRT, built 1927), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Balingkar (Dutch, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Barneveld (Dutch, 5597 GRT, built 1928), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bereby (British 5248 GRT, built 1919), Breda (Dutch, 6941 GRT, built 1921), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Mariner (British (tanker), 6996 GRT, built 1922), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), British Prestige (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Reliance (British (tanker), 7000 GRT, built 1928), British Security (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Clan Macfadyen (British, 6191 GRt, built 1923), Clan Mackinlay (British, 6365 GRT, built 1918), Clan Macnair (British, 6096 GRT, built 1921), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Dunkwa (British, 4752 GRT, built 1927), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Harborough (British, 5415 GRT, built 1932), Mahseer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Muncaster Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Pendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 10746 GRT, built 1939), Primero (British, 4414 GRT, built 1925), Sardinian Prince (British, 3491 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930), Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938), Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, 1938).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN).

Around 1020Z/29, the corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 30 October, the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. A.J.S. Anderson, RNR) joined.

On 31 October the destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) also joined. The convoy arrived in U.K. waters later the same day.

3 Nov 1940
Around 1415A/3, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Southampton having passed through the Irish Sea after having parted company with convoy SL 51 on 31 October 1940.

At Southampton she is taken in hand for refit and repairs. (21)

15 Nov 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) is docked in the King George V graving dock at Southampton. (21)

29 Nov 1940
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) is undocked. (21)

24 Feb 1941
With her refit completed, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN), departed Southampton, conducted D/G trials in the Solent and then anchored in Spithead. (22)

25 Feb 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering exercises in Spithead. During her refit she had been fitted with a Seafox aircraft. Also the 6" guns had been replaced with 6" guns with longer range then the ones previously fitted. (22)

26 Feb 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in Spithead. (22)

27 Feb 1941
Late in the evening, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Spithead for the Clyde. (22)

1 Mar 1941
In the afternoon, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Spithead. (23)

2 Mar 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (23)

3 Mar 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (23)

5 Mar 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) and the troopships Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. They escorted by the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN).

On the 6th HMS Alcantara was detached as were all the destroyers.

Around 2200A/8, the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined HMS Repulse, HMS Furious and the Strathmore to escort them to Gibraltar. These destroyers had departed Gibraltar on 7 March.

HMS Repulse and HMS Furious were however ordered to proceed at high speed to Gibraltar which they did escorted by HMS Foxhound. They arrived around 0200A/10. The other destroyers escorted the Strathmore to Gibraltar and arrived later the same day.

14 Mar 1941
Around 1230N/14, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from the Clyde. (23)

18 Mar 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Freetown. (23)

19 Mar 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Freetown. (23)

30 Mar 1941
Around 1830N/30, HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for patrol in the South Atlantic. She was to participate in 'Operation Grab', which was the attempt to intercept Italian submarines en-route from Massawa, Italian East Africa to Bordeaux, France. (23)

30 Mar 1941
HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) departed Freetown for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to participate in a special operation (Operation Grab) in which four Italian submarines coming from the Red Sea and their German supply vessel/tanker were to be intercepted. The British had discovered where these ships were to make rendez-vous though 'Ultra' (code breaking) and decided to spoil 'the party'.

Besides HMS Severn the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Milford (Cdr. (Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) were also involved in this operation. (24)

4 Apr 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) made a short stop at Jamestown, St. Helena before continuing her patrol for ' Operation Grab '. (25)

15 Apr 1941
The Seafox seaplane of HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) damaged her undercarriage during a landing. It was now out of action. (25)

21 Apr 1941
Around 1300Z/21, HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Jamestown, St. Helena from patrol. (25)

23 Apr 1941
Around 1000Z/23, HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Jamestown, St. Helena for Capetown. (25)

27 Apr 1941
Around 1230B/27, HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol / St. Helena. (25)

30 Apr 1941
Around 1430B/30, HMS Alcantara (Capt. (Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Capetown to patrol in the South Atlantic. She is to join the South America Division. (25)

18 May 1941
Around 0720P/18, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Samborombón Bay where she anchored.

She then fuelled from the RFA tanker Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937).

Around 1830P/18, she departed for Montevideo. (26)

19 May 1941
Around 0845P/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from Samborombón Bay. (26)

20 May 1941
Around 0900P/20, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for patrol in the South Atlantic in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. (26)

31 May 1941
Around noon (zone PO = +2.5), HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) south-west of Rio de Janeiro in position 25°33'S, 44°31'W. Shortly afterwards they both proceeded to patrol the area but not in company with each other. (27)

18 Jun 1941
Around 0915P/18, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from patrol. (28)

19 Jun 1941
Around 0845P/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro to resume her patrol in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. She was however soon ordered to patrol the area to the north of Trinidade Island due to enemy raider activity. Later she went to patrol well to the east of Pernambuco and then eventually she went to the area to the north-west of St. Helena. (28)

8 Jul 1941
Around 1125Z/8, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at St. Helena from patrol. (29)

10 Jul 1941
Around 0620Z/10, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed St. Helena for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the central South Atlantic. (29)

10 Jul 1941
Around 0630Z/10, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed St. Helena to patrol in the South Atlantic.

The ships patrolled in the same general area but not always in company with each other. (30)

25 Jul 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed her patrol area in the central South Atlantic for the ' River Plate ' focal area. (29)

31 Jul 1941
Around 1000Q/31, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Buenos Aires from patrol. (29)

2 Aug 1941
Around 0930Q/2, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Buenos Aires for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the ' River Plate ' focal area. (31)

4 Sep 1941
Around 1000P/4, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol. (32)

5 Sep 1941
Around 1600P/5, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. (32)

20 Sep 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) proceeded to patrol between Rio de Janeiro and Trinidade Island. after almost a week she returned briefly to the ' Rio de Janeiro ' focal area. On 28 September she departed her patrol area to proceed to Simonstown via Tristan da Cunha Island. (32)

5 Oct 1941
Around 1000Z/5, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) dropped anchor off Tristan da Cunha. (33)

6 Oct 1941
Around 0415Z/6, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Tristan da Cunha for Simonstown. She landed a party of soldiers on Nightingale Island later in the morning. (33)

10 Oct 1941
Around 1720B/10, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Simonstown from patrol. (33)

16 Oct 1941
Around 1845B/16, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown. (33)

17 Oct 1941
Around 0745B/17, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from Simonstown.

Around 1300B/17, she departed for Port Elizabeth but she carried out D/G trials first. (33)

19 Oct 1941
Around 0730B/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Elizabeth from Capetown. (33)

30 Oct 1941
Around 0500B/30, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed Port Elizabeth for the Durban area where she was to join convoy CF 3 as escort.

Around 1600B/31, she met the troop transport Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922) [Convoy CF 3.] off the entrance to the Durban swept channel. They then proceeded westwards.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CF 3 ' for 31 October 1941.] (33)

31 Oct 1941

Convoy CF 3.

This convoy departed Durban on 31 October 1941.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On leaving Durban the convoy was joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) as escort.

Around 0600B/3, the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) joined and took over escort duties from HMS Alcantara which then parted company to proceed to Simonstown.

Around 0700A/12, the corvette HMS Woodruff (T/Lt. T. Muir, RNVR) joined. HMS Hawkins then parted company to proceed to Freetown.

The convoy arrived at Takoradi on 16 November 1941.

3 Nov 1941
HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Simonstown from escort duty. She was docked in the Selborne dry dock later the same day. (34)

15 Nov 1941
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) is undocked at Simonstown. She departed for Capetown later the same day. (34)

16 Nov 1941
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Capetown from Simonstown. She departed for patrol later the same day. She was ordered to proceed to the ' River Plate ' focal area. (34)

26 Nov 1941
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Samborombón Bay where she fuelled from the RFA tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937).

On completion of fuelling she proceeded on patrol. She was ordered to patrol along the east coast of South America while proceeding to Trinidad. HMS Alcantara was eventually to proceed to Norfolk, USA where she was to refit. (34)

10 Dec 1941
Around 0725Q/10, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Trinidad from patrol.

Around 2005Q/10, having completed fuelling, she departed Trinidad for Norfolk, USA. (35)

15 Dec 1941
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at the Newport News Shipyard where she is taken in hand for refit. (35)

23 Jan 1942
With her refit in the USA completed, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), proceeded from Newport News to Norfolk.

Further work on HMS Alcantara was to be carried out in the U.K. (36)

26 Jan 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (36)

27 Jan 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (36)

28 Jan 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (36)

29 Jan 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (36)

30 Jan 1942
HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (37)

3 Feb 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Hampton Roads for Halifax.

[No logs are available for HMS Alcantara for the period of February to May 1942 so some details for these months will be missing.] (1)

4 Feb 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) picked up three survivors and two dead men from the American tanker W.L. Steed (6182 GRT, built 1918), that had been torpedoed and sunk on 2 February 1942 by the German submarine U-103.

6 Feb 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Halifax from Hampton Roads. (1)

11 Feb 1942

Convoy NA 3.

This convoy departed Halifax on 11 February 1942.

It was made up of the troop transport Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) is also part of this convoy temporarily employed as troopship.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyers ORP Garland (Cdr. H. Eibel), HMS Montgomery (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.L. Puxley, RN) and HMCS St. Francis (Lt. C.A. Rutherford, RCN).

On 14 February 1942, HMCS St. Francis parted company to proceed to St.John's where she arrived on the 16th.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 19th.

19 Feb 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived in the Clyde with convoy NA 3. She was then taken in hand to complete her refit in a commercial shipyard on the Clyde. (1)

24 Mar 1942

Convoy WS 17.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 24 March 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Bhutan (British, 6104 GRT, built 1929), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Athol (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Dunedin Star (British, 11168 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Kina II (British, 9823 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925), Port Wyndham (British, 11005 GRT, built 1935), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922), Winchester Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

The submarine depot ship HMS Adamant (Capt. R.S. Warne, RN) and the landing ships HMS Karanja (British, 9891 GRT, built 1931, Cdr.(Retd.) C. Naylor, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Keren (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930, Lt.Cdr. E.G. Welchman, RN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was being escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HNoMS Newport (?), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

Around 0130A/25, HMS Beverley and HNomS Newport collided, the latter had to proceed to Liverpool for repairs.

Around 0333Z/27, HMS Keppel picked up a U-boat transmitting on her HF/DF. HMS Grove, HMS Aldenham and HMS Leamington were ordered to search for this U-boat. HMS Leamington sigted the U-boat which then dived. A hunt was then started on completion of which HMS Leamington set course to return to the U.K. while HMS Grove and HMS Aldenham set course for the Azores where they were to refuel before rejoining the convoy. The hunt was considered 'not succesfull' but in fact postwar, the German U-boat U-587 is credited to have been sunk in this attack.

Around 0910Z/27, HMS Badsworth parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K.

Around 1500Z/27, HMS Keppel, HMS Volunteer and HMS Beverley parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. Both HMS Badsworth and HMS Volunteer reported after having parted company that U-boats were trailing the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, HMS Lookout parted company with the convoy to proceed to Azores to refuel before she was to rejoin the convoy.

Around 0800Z/29, HMS Grove and HMS Lookout rejoined from fuelling at the Azores. Shortly afterwards HMS Pakenham, HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant parted company to proceed to the Azores to refuel. HMS Aldenham rejoined the convoy later in the day.

HMS Pakenham, HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant arrived at Ponta Delgada around 1300Z/29. HMS Pakenham departed Ponta Delgada around 1910Z/29 followed by the other two destroyers shortly before midnight.

HMS Pakenham rejoined the convoy around 1330Z/30. During her absence HMS Antelope (around 1820Z/29) and HMS Boadicea (around 0915Z/30) had parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. via the Azores.

Around 1730Z/30, in position 31°00'N, 22°42'W, HMS Illustrious parted company with the convoy to proceed direct to Freetown escorted by HMS Pakenham and HMS Rockingham. HMS Lookout, HMS Grove and HMS Aldenham were left with the convoy as A/S escorts.

At 2008Z/30, a message was received by HMS Illustrious from the Admiralty which stated that a large battleship or battlecruiser had been sighted at 0148Z/30 in position 24°48'N, 15°40'W proceeding on a course of 300°. As this course would have brought this vessel in close proximity of the convoy HMS Illustrious decided to remain in close proximity of the convoy. HMS Rockingham was sent back to the convoy to divert the convoy to the westwards. After having transferred the order she set course to return to the U.K. via the Azores. HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant meanwhile joined HMS Illustrious and HMS Pakenham around 1945Z/30.

At 0348Z/31, a message was received that the reported battleships course had been 200° instead of 300°. The convoy was therefore altered course. HMS Illustrious and her escorting destroyers then swept astern of the convoy before setting course direct to Freetown around 0846Z/31. (Position was then 28°50'N, 24°20'W).

At 1430Z/2, HMS Javelin was detached from the screen of HMS Illustrious to proceed to Bathurst to refuel. She later proceeded to Freetown independently.

In the afternoon of 2 April, HMS Shropshire fuelled HMS Grove.

In the afternoon of 3 April, HMS Shropshire fuelled HMS Aldenham.

HMS Illustrious, HMS Pakenham and HMS Inconstant arrived at Freetown around 0830Z/4.

Around 0900Z/4, the destroyer HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 1900Z/4, the corvettes HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) and FFS Commandant Detroyant (?) joined the convoy escort.

The convoy arrived at Freetown in the morning of April 6th. (38)

11 Apr 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the Central mid-Atlantic. (39)

4 May 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol.

[ADM 199/647 gives the date of her arrival as 3 May 1942.] (40)

5 May 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Central mid-Atlantic. (39)

11 May 1942

Convoy WS 19.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 11 May 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), Athlone Castle (British, 25565 GRT, built 1936), Borinquen (American, 7114 GRT, built 1931), Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928), Lanarkshire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), USS Orizaba (American, 6937 GRT, built 1918), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920), Strarthaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Sussex (British, 13647 GRT, built 1937).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN), destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), HMS Castleton (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN).

Around 0400Z/14, HMS Keppel, HMS Volunteer and HMS Leamington parted company with the convoy in approximate position 46°00'N, 21°40'W.

Around 1600Z/14, HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley parted company in approximate position 43°40'N, 22°40'W. They were to fuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Around 0100Z/15, the Akaroa was detached to proceed to Bermuda independently.

Around 2100Z/15, HMS St. Marys parted company in approximate position 37°25'N, 23°30'W.

Around 1600Z/16, HMS Castleton parted company in approximate position 33°08'N, 23°46'W.

Around 1800Z/17, HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley rejoined in approximate position 27°43'N, 24°24'W.

Around 1030Z/19, the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) joined in approximate position 19°45'N, 20°40'W. She came from convoy SL 110.

Around 0845Z/20, the destroyers HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN) and HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) joined, coming from Bathurst, in approximate position 15°27'N, 20°40'W.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 22 May 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 26 May 1942.

It was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius, armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), destroyers HMS Boreas, HMS Velox, escort destroyers HMS Belvoir, HMS Hursley and the sloop HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN).

Around 1900Z/28, HMS Boreas and HMS Velox parted company in approximate position 01°07'S, 13°43'W. HMS Velox was to return to Freetown while HMS Boreas was to proceed to Takoradi taking the Highland Monarch from the convoy with her. The Highland Monarch was later to proceed to the River Plate area.

Around 0800Z/29, HMS Alcantara and HMS Milford parted company with the convoy so that the armed merchant cruiser could top off the sloop with fuel. They rejoined around 1630Z/29. HMS Alcantara then immediately left the convoy again in position 05°18'S, 10°38'W to proceed to St. Helena. HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley went with her so that they could fuel in the lee of St. Helena from HMS Alcantara

Around 2000Z/31, HMS Alcantara, HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley rejoined the convoy in approximate position 15°48'S, 06°02'W

Around 1600A/1, HMS Alcantara parted company with the convoy in approximate position 18°05'S, 02°20'W. She was to patrol in the South Atlantic.

Around 1230B/5, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 32°25'S, 14°20'E.

Around 1700B/5, in approximate position 32°55'S, 14°59'E, HMS Shropshire parted company taking the Clan MacArthur, Moreton Bay, USS Orizaba, Ormonde, Pasteur and Strathaird with her to Durban where they arrived on 9 June. HMS Shropshire then turned back towards the Capetown area to make rendezvous with the Capetown section of the convoy and then escort it eastwards.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded to Capetown where it arrived on 6 June. HMS Mauritius then went on to Simonstown as did the A/S escorts later.

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On 11 June the Athlone Castle, Borinquen, Lankashire, Monarch of Bermuda, Mooltan, Strathnaver, Sussex departed Capetown to continue their voyage. With them was now also the transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cheshire (A/Capt. H.G. Hopper, RN).

Around 1200B/12, HMS Shropshire joined them in approximate position 37°10'S, 19°56'E.

Around 0900C/14, the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley joined.

Around 1100C/15, HMS Cheshire parted company with the convoy off Durban.

Around 1200C/15, the Durban section of the convoy joined. They were being escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN). The Durban section was made up of the Clan Macarthur, Moreton Bay, USS Orizaba and Strathaird. With them were now also the Clan MacInnes (British, 4672 GRT, built 1920), Clan MacTavish (British, 7631 GRT, built 1921), Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922) and Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913).

Around 1100D/18, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius joined the convoy in approximate position 27°28'S, 43°05'E. HMS Shropshire then parted company.

Around 0900C/23, the Clan MacInnes, Clan MacTavish, Empire Trooper, Empire Woodlark and Moreton Bay parted company with the convoy in approximate position 13°51'S, 53°03'E to proceed to Diego Suarez where they arrived on 24 June. They were escorted by HMS Emerald, HMS Belvoir and HMS Hursley.

Around 2000E/26, in approximate position 00°50'S, 51°25'E, the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN) joined coming from Kilindini/Mombasa. She relieved HMS Mauritius which then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini/Mombasa.

Around 1700E/26, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) J.P. Landon, RN) joined the convoy in in approximate position 05°26'N, 52°16'E, The Athlone Castle, USS Orizaba and Strathaird parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bombay where they arrived on 1 July. They were escorted by HMS Devonshire.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded towards Aden escorted by HMS Corfu. They arrived off Aden on 30 June. (38)

23 May 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. (39)

26 May 1942
HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) and HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN) departed Freetown as escorts for convoy WS 19.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 19 ' for 11 May 1942.] (41)

29 May 1942
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) topped off the sloop HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN) with fuel. (39)

31 May 1942
Off St. Helena, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) topped off the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) with fuel. They rejoined the convoy later the same day.

1 Jun 1942
Around 1500Z/1 (1600A/1), HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), parted company with convoy WS 19 and proceeded on patrol in the South Atlantic.

Towards the end of her patrol she was also to give cover to the troop transport Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) passing through the area. (42)

9 Jun 1942
From 9 to 12 June 1942, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), made several attempt to sink the derelict wreck of the transport George Clymer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). (42)

20 Jun 1942
Around 1530B/20, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), arrived at Capetown from patrol. (42)

24 Jun 1942
Around 0800B/24, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), departed Capetown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the South Atlantic.

She was also to provide cover for the troop transport Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) (Convoy WS 19Y) passing through the area.

She also provided cover for cable laying (cable repair) operations near St. Helena. (42)

4 Jul 1942
Around 0720Z/4, in position 11°31'S, 02°13'W, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) and the cable vessel Lady Denison-Pender (British, 1984 GRT, built 1920) were joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN).

HMS Asturias and HMS Largs then parted company to proceed to Freetown while HMS Alcantara was to escort the cable laying vessel to Capetown. (43)

16 Jul 1942
Around 0930B/16, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol and other duties. (44)

17 Jul 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) proceeded from Capetown to Simonstown. (44)

24 Jul 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Simonstown to join the transport Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914) which had departed Capetown on this day. They then proceeded towards Durban. When off Durban on the 28th, HMS Alcantara turned back and proceed to Capetown. (44)

30 Jul 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Capetown from escort duty. (44)

1 Aug 1942
Around 1115B/1, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Capetown for patrol and escort duty in the South Atlantic. (45)

3 Aug 1942
Around 1330A/3, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) took over the escort of the cable laying ship John W. MacKay (British, 4049 GRT, built 1922) from the armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR). (45)

4 Aug 1942
HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) departed Simonstown to make rendezvous with the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and take over the escort of the cable laying ship John W. MacKay (British, 4049 GRT, built 1922).

Rendezvous was effected around 1000B/5.

HMS Caradoc and the John W. MacKay arrived at Capetown on August 7th. (46)

10 Aug 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) made a brief stop at St. Helena to make good an engine defect. She departed for Ascension later the same day. (47)

14 Aug 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Ascension.

She departed again later the same day to patrol off the Island for the night returning the following morning. (47)

16 Aug 1942
In the evening, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), departed Ascension to patrol off the island during the night. She returned the following morning. (45)

18 Aug 1942
Around 0430Z/18, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Ascension with the transports American Press (American, 6778 GRT, built 1941) and China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942).

The two transports joined convoy WS 21 around 1330Z/18. HMS Alcantara did not join this convoy but returned to Ascension arriving back around 0745Z/19. (45)

19 Aug 1942
Around 1150Z/19, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Ascension with the transport James Parker (10021 GRT, built 1939), which she is to escort to Pointe Noire. (45)

23 Aug 1942
Around 1230A/23, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the transport James Parker (10021 GRT, built 1939) parted company near Pointe Noire where the transport arrived later the same day.

HMS Alcantara was to return to Freetown but first she was to search fo an enemy supply ship that had been reported to fuel two U-boats in position 04°18'S, 10°38'E at 0800Z/23.

The Free French destroyer Leopard departed Pointe Noire around 1600Z/23 to team up with HMS Alcantara for the search but she failed to make rendezvous and she returned to Pointe Noire the following day after the search had been called off.

HMS Alcantara then proceeded to make rendezvous with the transport Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926) to escort this ship to Freetown. She joined the transport on the 26th. (45)

29 Aug 1942
Around 0930Z/29, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the transport Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Freetown.

29 Aug 1942

Convoy WS 22.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 29 August 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923), Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Leinster (British, 4303 GRT, built 1937), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937) and Suffolk (British, 11145 GRT, built 1939).

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.V.H. Harris, DSC, MVO, RN), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN), HMS Chesterfield (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN), HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) and the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN).

Around 1800Z/31, ORP Blyskawica was detached to Londonderry due to abnormal high fuel consumption.

Around 0600Z/1, HMS Bulldog, HMS Keppel and HMS Zetland were detached to return to the U.K.

Around 1315Z/1, HMS Bicester was detached to Plymouth.

Around 1520Z/1, HMS Partridge and HMAS Quiberon were detached to fuel at the Azores. They arrived there around 1600Z/2.

Around 1540Z/2, the Leinster parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. The destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) had come from Gibraltar to escort her.

Around 0930Z/3, HMS Partridge and HMAS Quiberon rejoined from fuelling having departed Ponta Delgada around 0200Z/3. HMS Beverley and HMS Chesterfield were then detached to fuel at the Azores.

Around 1400Z/6, the destroyer HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair) joined.

Around 1300Z/7, the escort destroyer RHS Pindos joined.

The convoy arrived at Freetown shortly after noon on 9 September 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown in the same composition around 0700Z/13. One additional vessel had joined the convoy, this was the transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927). The convoy was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), destroyers HMAS Quiberon, HMS Partridge, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope and the escort destroyers HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos.

Around 1800Z/15, the Highland Princess was detached to Takoradi escorted by HMS Boreas. HMS Antelope was also detached to return to Freetown.

Around 1800A/16, HMS Alcantara, HMS Derwent and RHS Pindos were detached to Pointe Noire to fuel. They rejoined the convoy around 1800A/19 after which HMS Aurora, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Partidge parted company with the convoy to fuel at Pointe Noire. They did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1015BC/24, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) joined the convoy coming from Simonstown.

Around 1200BC/24, the convoy split into the Capetown section and the Durban section.

The Capetown section was made up of the Almanzora, Andes, California, Canara, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nea Hellas, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Ruys. The arrived at Capetown on 25 September escorted by HMS Alcantara, HMS Derwent and RHS Pindos.

The Durban section was made up of the Boissevain, Highland Brigade, Highland Chieftain, Mataroa, Orcades, Rangitata, Sibajak and Suffolk. They were escorted by HMS Shropshire.

The Durban section arrived at Durban on 29 September 1942.

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On 29 September 1942, the Capetown section, now made up of the following ships; Almanzora, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nieuw Holland and Orduna departed. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alcantara and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN).

On 3 October 1942, HMS Alcantara parted company with the convoy and entered Durban. The Durban section of the convoy then joined. It was now made up of the following ships; Boissevain, California, Canera, Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Rangitata and Ruys. They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN).

Around 0600D/8, HMS Ranchi parted company with the convoy to fuel at Diego Suarez. She arrived there around 1730D/9. Having completed fuelling she departed again around 2330D/9 to rejoined the convoy which she did around 0600D/11.

Around 1130E/10, the 'heavy' cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Devonshire then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini / Mombasa taking the Almanzora and Rangitata with her. They arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa on the 12th.

Around 0710D/11, HMS Hawkins parted company taking the Bombay section of the convoy with her. The Bombay section was made up of the Boissevain, California, Canara, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Indrapoera, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nieuw Holland and Ruys. They arrived at Bombay on 17 October 1942 minus the Canera which had been detached around 1920EF/15 to Karachi where she arrived on 18 October 1942.

HMS Ranchi escorting the Aden section, made up of the Ekma, Felix Roussel and Orduna , had meanwhile arrived at Aden on 16 October 1942. (38)

13 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown as escort for convoy WS 22.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 22 ' for 29 August 1942.] (48)

18 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos fuelled at Pointe Noire on completion of which they immediately departed to rejoin convoy WS 22.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 22 ' for 29 August 1942.] (48)

25 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos arrived at Capetown with the Capetown section of convoy WS 22. (48)

29 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Capetown with the Capetown section of convoy WS 22.

For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 22 ' for 29 August 1942.] (49)

3 Oct 1942
Around 1200C/3, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Durban after escort duty with convoy WS 22. (50)

7 Oct 1942
Around 1000C/7, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Durban to patrol in the South Atlantic. (50)

20 Oct 1942
Around 1900C/20, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol. (50)

23 Oct 1942
Around 0730C/23, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Capetown for Port Elizabeth. (50)

24 Oct 1942
Around 1600C/24, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Port Elizabeth from Capetown. At Port Elizabeth she is taken in hand for boiler cleaning and repairs to the superheater of her starboard boilers. (50)

29 Oct 1942

Convoy WS 24

This convoy was formed off Oversay on 29 October 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Scotland (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Striling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).

The American seaplane tender Barnegat (Cdr. J.A. Briggs, USN) was also with the convoy.

On forming up the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR), HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN).

The convoy was to take an unusual route for a WS convoy. Due to the Allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch) it was not thought wise to have another troop convoy passing through the same area as the convoys for this operations would be passing through. Therefore it was decided to sent the convoy southwards with a stopover at Bahia, Brasil instead of the usual stopover at Freetown.

The Liverpool section of the convoy made up of the Athlone Castle and Stirling Castle was late at the assembly point due to being delayed by fog. They and their escorts, HMS Sardonyx and HMS Skate only joined the main part of the convoy on 31 October. HMS Sardonyx and HMS Skate then parted company to proceed to Londonderry.

At 1430Z/31, in position 49°46'N, 21°17'W, HMS Onslow, on the port wing of the A/S screen, reported an A/S contact and shorly afterwards sighted a periscope. The convoy then carried out an emergency turn to starboard and HMS Rotherham joined HMS Onslow to hunt the U-boat. Contact was again obtained at 1443Z/31. The first depth charge attacks of both destroyers were probably reasonably accurate as the U-boat went very deep and remained there. A total of seven attacks were made in all by the two destroyers and about 1730Z/31 contact was lost. Both destroyers then carried out a search to regain contact but without success. HMS Rotherham then proceeded to rejoin the convoy leaving HMS Onslow in the area until after dark in case the U-boat should surface. The U-boat attacked was U-563 which sustained damage in the depth charge attacks.

At 0400Z/2, HMS Rotherham parted company with the convoy to proceed to fuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores, where she arrived around 1715Z/2. She departed again to rejoined the convoy at first light on 3rd November. On leaving Ponta Delgada HMS Holcombe was encountered to enter that port to fuel. She was not to rejoin the convoy but to proceed to Bathurst on completion of fuelling.

At 1355Z/2, in position 40°43'N, 25°10'W, USS Barnegat parted company to proceed to French Marocco to join the forces for Operation Torch.

At 1500Z/3, HMS Rotherham rejoined the convoy.

At 1530Z/3, in position 36°40'N, 28°40'W, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1700Z/3, HMS Onslow, HMS Offa and HMS Oribi parted company to proceed to Ponta Delgada to fuel. They too were not to rejoin the convoy.

Around 2100Z/7, in position 15°41'N, 30°56'W, the transport Indochinois started to drop back due to engine trouble.

At 0348Z/8, HMS Queen of Bermuda was detached to proceed ahead to search for the destroyer HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR). This was done due to the convoy arriving late at the arranged rendezvous.

At 1230Z/8, in position 13°16'N, 29°26'W, the troop transport Tamaroa parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown taking HMS Southern Pride with her as escort. HMS Southern Pride had been sighted only half an hour before.

HMS Queen of Bermuda rejoined the convoy at 1930Z/8. HMS Ilex had not been sighted.

At 1120Z/9, HMS Queen of Bermuda was again detached but not to search for the Indochinois using her aircraft to do so. When 50 miles clear of the convoy HMS Queen of Bermuda reported the position, speed and course of the convoy also for the benefit of HMS Ilex which had still not joined the convoy.

At 1500Z/9, in position 08°24'N, 29°22'W, the destroyer HMS Ilex finally managed to join the convoy.

At 0715Z/11, HMS Queen of Bermuda rejoined the convoy. Her Seafox plane had made contact with the Indochinois and had passed instructions to her to rejoin the convoy. Since then she was however not seen and did not rejoin the convoy.

At 1000Z/11, in position 00°14'S, 30°42'W, the light cruiser HMS Despatch (Capt. W.R.C. Leggatt, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 12th, HMS Ilex took in 60 tons of fuel from HMS Queen of Bermuda.

The convoy arrived at Bahia, Brazil on 15 November 1942.

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The convoy departed Bahia for South Africa at 1830Z/19.

It was still made up of the same transports, minus the Indochinois.

Escort on departure from Bahia was provided by the light cruiser HMS Despatch and the destroyers HMS Rotherham and HMS Ilex.

Armed merchant cruiser Queen of Bermuda departed Bahia at 2359Z/19 to overtake the convoy which she did during the forenoon of the 20th.

At 0900Z/23, HMS Ilex was detached to return to Bahia.

At 2000Z/23, HMS Despatch parted company with the convoy to proceed to Pernambuco (Recife).

At 0800Z/28, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) joined.

At 0930Z/29, the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) joined.

At 1350Z/30, in position 34°36'S, 17°40'E, a quantity of wreckage was passed and shortly afterwards survivors were seen clinging to broken boats and rafts. HMS Rotherham picked up seven of these while HMAS Norman picked up another eleven. They were the Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer and 15 men of the Greek merchant vessel Argo that had been torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Ammiraglio Cagni in position 34°45'S, 17°42'E at 2025Z/29. HMAS Norman transferred the survivors she had picked up to HMS Rotherham.

At 1440Z/30, the corvettes HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR) and HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) joined.

At 1520Z/30, the transport Indochinois rejoined the convoy as did her escort, the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN).

At 1610Z/30, HMS Rotherham parted company with the convoy to proceed to fuel at Simonstown where she also landed the survivors of the Argo. She arrived at Simonstown at 1830Z/30.

HMS Thyme parted company with the convoy late in the morning of 1st, December to proceed to Simonstown.

HMS Rotherham rejoined the convoy at 1600Z/1 having departed Simonstown at 0415Z/1. HMS Rockrose then parted company to proceed to Simonstown.

The convoy arrived at Durban at 0500Z/4. HMS Alcantara had parted company at 0400Z/4 to proceed to Simonstown. (38)

17 Nov 1942
Around 1630C/17, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Port Elizabeth for an anti-blockade runner patrol between latitudes 42'S and 44'S and longtitudes 20'E and 22'E.

She was escorted by the corvette HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR) until position 37°00'S, 25°00'E. The corvette parted company around 0730C/18.

HMS Alcantara arrived at Capetown from patrol around 0800C/23. (51)

23 Nov 1942

Convoy CF 8.

This convoy departed Capetown on 23 November 1942.

It was made up of the troop transports;
Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923) and Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Capetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN).

Around 0730C/24, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy to proceed to Simonstown.

Around 1600B/24, HMS Alcantara parted company with the convoy to make rendezvous with convoy WS 24 on the 28th. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' convoy WS 24 ' for 29 October 1942.]

The convoy continued on unescorted and arrived at Freetown on 3 December 1942. In the approaches to Freetown the corvette HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) had joined for A/S protection. (52)

28 Nov 1942
Around 1000B/28, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) joined convoy WS 24.

For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 24 ' for 29 October 1942.] (53)

4 Dec 1942
Around 0700C/4, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) parted company with convoy WS 24 to proceed to Simonstown. (54)

5 Dec 1942
In position 34°41'S, 22°40'E, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) picks up 18 (or 19) survivors from the American merchant Jeremiah Wadsworth that was torpedoed and sunk on 27 November 1942 by the German U-boat U-178 about 270 nautical miles south of Cape Agulhas, South Africa in position 39°25'S, 22°23'E. (55)

6 Dec 1942
Around 0930C/6, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty. (54)

18 Dec 1942
Around 0900C/18, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown where she arrived around 1400C/18. (54)

18 Dec 1942

Convoy WS 25.

The convoy was assembled off Oversay on 18 December 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930, 4955 troops), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Esperance Bay (British, 14204 GRT, built 1922, 1805 troops), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929, 1882 troops), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930, 1930 troops), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922, 1897 troops), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935, 5335 troops), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928, 2598 troops) and Tarifa (Norwegian, 7229 GRT, built 1936).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN), HMS Cheshire (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN), escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN).

Around 1700Z/24, HMS Wolverine, HMS Badsworth and HMS Haydon parted company with the convoy to fuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores. They were not to rejoin the convoy. HMS Quilliam and HMS Rockwood had returned from fuelling at Ponta Delgada in the afternoon of the 24th, These two ships were to continue with the convoy to Freetown.

At 1225Z/26, the destroyer HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2005Z/28, HMS Rockwood parted company to fuel at Bathurst. She rejoined the convoy around 1100Z/30.

At 0900Z/29, HMS Ilex parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown. She rejoined around around 0900Z/31.

At 0545Z/30, the corvettes HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) and HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown in the afternoon of 31 December 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown in the same composition on 3 January 1943.

The convoy was now escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Cheshire destroyer HMS Quilliam, escort destroyer HMS Rockwood, corvette HMS Crocus and the minesweeper HMIS Baluchistan (Lt. D.A. McDonald, RIN).

Around 0715A/6, the corvette Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves joined the convoy coming from Takoradi.

Around 1900A/6, the Highland Brigade was detached to Takoradi escorted by the Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves and HMIS Baluchistan. they arrived at Takoradi on the 7th.

Between 0850A/9 and 1300A/9, HMS Quilliam was fuelled by HMS Alcantara.

At 1000A/9, HMS Crocus was detached to Pointe Noire.

Between 1330A/9 and 1915A/9, HMS Rockwood was fuelled by HMS Alcantara.

Around 1920A/9, HMS Alcantara parted company with the convoy to return to Freetown.

Around 1830C/14, the destroyer HMS Express (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Cartwright, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Quilliam then parted company to proceed to Simonstown.

Around 1600C/14, HMS Quilliam rejoined the convoy after having fuelled at Simonstown. By now HMS Rockwood had also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Simonstown after having been relieved by the corvette HMS Genista (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR). On HMS Quilliam rejoining the convoy HMS Genista was detached.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 18 January 1943. (38)

19 Dec 1942

Convoy CF 10.

This convoy departed Capetown on 19 December 1942.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921) and Straat Soenda (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Capetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the destroyer HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN).

Around 0655B/21, HMS Fortune parted company with the convoy to proceed to Simonstown.

Around 1400A/27, the corvette HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1615Z/28, the escort destroyer HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and corvette Commandant Drogou joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 December 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 1 January 1943 but now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), destroyer HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), escort destroyer HMS Holcombe and corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR).

Around 1940Z/1, HMS Ilex was detached to participate in an A/S hunt off Dakar.

Around 1120Z/2, the corvette HMS Bellwort (A/Lt.Cdr. N.F.R. Gill, RNR) joined, having departed Bathurst on 1 January.

Around 1930Z/3, HMS Ilex rejoined the convoy having first fuelled at Bathurst. At the same time the Largs Bay escorted by HMS Woodruff parted company. The Largs Bay was to proceed to New York escorted part of the way by the corvette. HMS Woodruff arrived at Bathurst on 10 January.

Around 1800Z/4, HMS Holcombe parted company to proceed to Bathurst where she arrived on 6 January.

Around 0800Z/5, the sloops HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, RN) joined.

Around 0840Z/5, HMS Ilex and HMS Bellwort parted company to proceed to Bathurst where HMS Ilex arrived on the 6th and HMS Bellwort on the 7th.

Around 1200A/8, the convoy merged with convoy MKF 6. The three sloops did not join convoy MKF 6 but proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived later on the 8th. (56)

3 Jan 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown as part of the escort of convoy WS 25. On departure the destroyer HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) came alongside to pass a message and while doing so she hit the crane of HMS Alcantara which was trained outboard. The crane was heavily damaged rendering it inoperable. It was therefore impossible for HMS Alcantara to operate her two aircraft.

For more info on this convoy see the event ' convoy WS 25 ' for 18 December 1942.] (57)

14 Jan 1943
Around 0800Z/14, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. (57)

21 Jan 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) departed Freetown for Kingston, Jamaica. They were to proceed there to escort the newly constructed floating dock AFD 24 from New Orleans to Freetown.

While en-route they were ordered to proceed to Trinidad instead. (58)

28 Jan 1943
HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) was fuelled at sea by HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN). (57)

31 Jan 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) arrived at Trinidad from Freetown.

By now it became apparent that the sailing of AFD 24 from New Orleans had been delayed. It was decided to employ both ships for anti blockade runner patrols in the meantime. (57)

4 Feb 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) departed Trinidad for anti blockade runner patrol in the area between Trinidad and Natal.

On 9 February, HMS Woodruff was fuelled at sea by HMS Alcantara. (59)

12 Feb 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) arrived at Recife from anti blockade runner patrol in the area between Trinidad and Natal. (60)

14 Feb 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) departed Recife for Trinidad conducting an anti blockade runner patrol en-route.

On 18 February and 25 February and 3 March, HMS Woodruff was fuelled at sea by HMS Alcantara.

While on patrol they had been ordered to remain on patrol as long as endurance allowed and to arrive at Trinidad not later then March 9th. (61)

7 Mar 1943
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) arrived at Trinidadfrom anti blockade runner patrol. (62)

22 Mar 1943
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Trinidad. (62)

25 Mar 1943

Passage of floating dock AFD 24 from Trinidad to Freetown.

On 25 March 1943, the dock in tow of the tugs HMS Frisky and HMS Zwarte Zee departed Trinidad. Escort was provided by the sloop HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G. MacClelland, RN), corvettes HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR), HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the ASW trawlers HMS Morris Dance (T/Lt. S.A. MacKechnie, RNVR) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). A third tug was also present as stand by tug, this was HMS Oriana.

On 1 April 1943, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) and the corvette HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) departed Trinidad to overtake and join the 'convoy'. HMS Alcantara was to fuel the oil firing sloop and corvettes at sea during the passage to Freetown. The coal firing trawlers were to coal in Brazilian ports.

On 24 April 1943, the corvette HMS Snowdrop (Lt. P.A. Tinne, RNVR) and the motor launches HMS ML 296 (T/Lt. R.C. Breckenridge, RCNVR), HMS ML 289 (?), HMS ML 287 (T/Lt. J.B. Bramwell, RNVR), HMS ML 281 (T/Lt. P.S. Castle, RNVR), HMS ML 266 (T/Lt. D.R. Beverley, RCNVR) and HMS ML 209 (T/Lt. A.M.C. Scott, RNVR) departed freetown to make rendezvous with the convoy which did at 1130Z/26. ML 281 had however returned to Freetown on the 26th after having been detached due to a defective Asdic installation.

On 27 April 1943, the A/S yacht HMS Virginia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Dobson, RNR) and corvettes HMS Armeria (Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) and HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) departed Freetown to join the convoy which they did early in the evening of the same day.

The dock and it's escorts arrived at Freetown on 28 April 1943.

29 Mar 1943
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Trinidad. (62)

3 Jun 1943
Around 0700Z/3, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown for Dakar. (63)

4 Jun 1943
Around 1930Z/4, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Dakar from Freetown. (63)

6 Jun 1943
Around 1830Z/6, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (64)

8 Jun 1943
Around 0830Z/8, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (63)

12 Jun 1943
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Freetown. (63)

17 Jun 1943
Around 1200Z/17, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Freetown for the Clyde. (63)

28 Jun 1943
Around 0800B/28, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Greenock from Freetown. (63)

29 Jun 1943
Around 1845B/29, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Greenock for Liverpool. (63)

30 Jun 1943
Around 1400B/30, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) arrived at Birkenhead (Liverpool) from Greenock. at Birkenhead she was prepared for decommissioning and conversion for trooping duty. (63)

16 Jul 1943
Around 1200B/16, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) is paid off (decommissioned) at Birkenhead (Liverpool) and turned over to the M.o.W.T. (Ministery of War Transport). (65)

Sources

ADM 199/2545
ADM 53/111357
ADM 53/111357 + ADM 199/380
ADM 53/111358 + ADM 199/380
ADM 53/112032
ADM 53/111359
ADM 53/111360
ADM 53/111361
ADM 53/111361 + ADM 53/112402
ADM 53/112402
ADM 53/112403
ADM 53/111362
ADM 53/111363
ADM 53/111363 + ADM 199/381
ADM 53/111363 + ADM 234/324
ADM 53/111364
ADM 53/111364 + ADM 53/111476
ADM 53/111365 + ADM 53/112405 + ADM 199/384
ADM 53/111365
ADM 53/111366
ADM 53/111367
ADM 53/113562
ADM 53/113563
ADM 173/16980 + ADM 199/1886
ADM 53/113564
ADM 53/113565
ADM 53/113565 + ADM 53/114785
ADM 53/113566
ADM 53/113567
ADM 53/113567 + ADM 53/114162 + ADM 53/114192
ADM 53/113568
ADM 53/113569
ADM 53/113570
ADM 53/113571
ADM 53/113572
ADM 53/115292
ADM 53/115292 + ADM 53/115749
ADM 199/1211
ADM 199/647
ADM 187/19 + ADM 199/2545
ADM 199/647 + ADM 199/1211
ADM 53/115293
ADM 53/115379 + ADM 199/2245
ADM 53/115294
ADM 53/115295
ADM 53/115507
ADM 53/115295 + ADM 199/647
ADM 53/115296
ADM 53/115296 + ADM 53/116503
ADM 53/115297
ADM 53/115298 + ADM 199/2336
ADM 199/2336
ADM 53/115298
ADM 53/115299
ADM 53/115299 + ADM 199/1336
ADM 53/115299 + ADM 53/116962 + ADM 199/635 + ADM 199/1035
ADM 53/116879
ADM 53/116879 + ADM 199/635
ADM 53/116880 + ADM 199/2254
ADM 53/116880
ADM 53/116880 + ADM 53/116881
ADM 53/116881
ADM 53/116884
ADM 53/116884
ADM 53/116885

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.

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HMS Alcantara (F 88)

Armed Merchant Cruiser

Commands listed for HMS Alcantara (F 88)

Notable events involving Alcantara include:

Convoy Red 2.

Battle between HMS Alcantara and the German raider Thor.

Convoy SL 51.

Convoy CF 3.

Convoy NA 3.

Convoy WS 17.

Convoy WS 19.

Convoy WS 22.

Convoy WS 24

Convoy CF 8.

Convoy WS 25.

Convoy CF 10.

Passage of floating dock AFD 24 from Trinidad to Freetown.

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