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Notable events involving Ausonia include:

12 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 12.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Box Hill (British, 5677 GRT, built 1920), British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Christoph v. Doornum (British (former German), 3845 GRT, built 1928), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Montrolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Diego (French, 6013 GRT, built 1930), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), Scholar (British, 3940 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936) and Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine Pasteur (Lt. P.E.A.E. Mertz).

Due to the bad weather conditions on leaving harbour the Merchant Royal (arrived Liverpool on 29 December) and Sirikishna (returned Halifax with weather damage on 13 December) never joined the convoy.

The two Canadian destroyers arrived back at Halifax on the 15th, having parted company with the convoy, most likely, around dusk on the 13th.

From the afternoon of the 14th until dawn on the 15th bad weather conditions and fog were encountered and the following merchant vessels straggled from the convoy;
Athelprincess, Baron Maclay, Botwey, Californian Monarch, Domby, King James, Nailsea Moor, San Felix and Scottish Star.

At daylight on the 17th, when the convoy was in position 45°38'N, 46°12'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Mactra and Sandsend.

On 19 December, in position 48°36'N, 40°20'W, the Baron Maclay caught up with the convoy coming from astern.

On 20 December, the Pasteur had to stop to make engine repairs. The Elona was detailed to stand by and this merchant vessel did not rejoin the convoy. She later arrived independently at Liverpool.

At daylight on the 21st, when the convoy was in position 50°01'N, 32°16'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Baron Maclay, Box Hill, Christoph v. Doornum, Medon and Temple Yard.

On 22 December the Temple Yard managed to rejoin the convoy from astern.

Around 0900Z/25, in position 50°51'N, 14°22'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined. HMS Ausonia then parted company to return to Halifax. Around this time also the merchant vessels Baron Maclay and Domby rejoined the convoy.

Around 1600Z/25, the convoy split.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arndale (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Baron Maclay (arrived in the Clyde 29 December), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 December), Corabella (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Domby (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Dunaff Head (arrived at Dublin on 27 December), Riley (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Scholar (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December) and Temple Yard (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Walpole and Wessex.

Around 1010Z/27, HMS Wessex parted company and arrived at Milford Haven around 1300A/27.

HMS Walpole arrived at Liverpool around 0200Z/28.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Barrgrove (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), British Science (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), James McGree (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Montrolite (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Pacific Exporter (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Rockpool (arrived in the Downs on 28 December) and San Diego (arrived in the Downs on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Windsor and HMS Enchantress which both arrived in the Downs on 28 December. HMS Windsor had refuelled at Plymouth on the 27th though before rejoining the convoy.

All ships that had straggled from the convoy and that had not managed to rejoin arrived safely at their destinations. (1)

12 Jan 1940

Convoy HXF 16.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverburn (British, 9874 GRT, built 1927), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Dorcasia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Ondina (Dutch, 6341 GRT, built 1939), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Rotorua (British, 10899 GRT, built 1911) and W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

Around 1545Q/13, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/21, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) joined.

Around 1545Z/21, HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1620Z/21, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) joined.

At 2340Z/21, HMS Wanderer parted company to proceed direct to Liverpool as had been ordered by signal by the C-in-C Western Approaches. She arrived at Liverpool shortly after midnight during the night of 22/23 January 1940.

On 22 January 1940 the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Dorcasia, Drupa, John A. Brown, Manchester Port, Nova Scotia, Oropesa, Politician and W.B. Walker. They were escorted by HMS Mackay which arrived at Liverpool on 24 January 1940.

The other section was the Channel / East Coast section which was made up of the remaining ships. This section was escorted by HMS Antelope and HMS Vesper. Around 1320Z/22, HMS Vesper parted company to proceed direct to Plymouth as had been ordered by signal by the C-in-C Western Approaches. She arrived at Plymouth very early on 23 January 1940. HMS Antelope arrived at Dover on 24 January 1940. The merchant vessels of the convoy proceeded to the Downs. (2)

4 Feb 1940

Convoy HXF 19.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Kohistan (British, 5884 GRT, built 1930), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Middlesex (British, 8569 GRT, built 1921), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Rodney Star (British, 11803 GRT, built 1927), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935) and Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1800Q/5, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

P.M. on 9 February 1940, in gale force winds, the Middlesex straggled from the convoy after having sustained weather damage. She only rejoined on 14 February 1940 just before the destroyers of the local escort joined.

Around noon on 10 February 1940, the Kohistan straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 0830Z/14, in approximate position 50°10'N, 16°00'W, the destroyers HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN). HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax shortly afterwards.

Around 0900Z/15, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Regent Lion, Rodney Star and San Amado. They were escorted by HMS Venetia which arrived at Liverpool on 17 February 1940.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section and were escorted by HMS Witch which arrived at Dover on 17 February 1940. The merchant vessels of this section then proceeded to the Downs.

26 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 23.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 February 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Benvenue (British, 5920 GRT, built 1927), Bolton Castle (British, 5203 GRT, built 1939), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Ferncourt (British (tanker), 9918 GRT, built 1938), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Hartlebury (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Karabagh (British (tanker), 6427 GRT, built 1932), King Robert (British, 5880 GRT, built 1920), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Port Fairy (British, 10243 GRT, built 1928), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Ruperra (British, 4548 GRT, built 1925), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Tekoa (British, 8695 GRT, built 1922) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

Around 1800Q/27, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1945 hours (timezone +3 hours and 20 minutes), in position 42°24'N, 54°32'W, the Loch Dee and Port Fairy collided. Both were ordered to return to Halifax the following morning and arrived on 3 and 4 March respectively.

The Ruperra which was unable to keep up with the convoy returned to Halifax arriving on 4 March.

Around 2100 hours on 1 March (timezone +2 hours and 40 minutes) the destroyer HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), which was on passage from Halifax to the U.K., joined the convoy.

Around 0905Z/9, the local A/S escort joined. HMS Ausonia then parted company to return to Halifax.

The identity of the local A/S escorts is not given in the convoy documents and also not in the logbook of HMS Ausonia.

Analying A/S escorts movements, the A/S escort was most likely made up of the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN) for the Irish Sea / west coast section. The destroyers had departed Liverpool on 5 March escorting outward convoy OB 104. They arrived back at Liverpool on 11 March which would fit exactly with convoy HX 23.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Gregalia (arrived at Avonmouth on 12 March), Hartlebury (arrived at Bristol on 12 March), Iroquois (arrived at Liverpool on 11 March), King Robert (arrived at Liverpool on 11 March), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 11 March), Manchester Division (arrived at Liverpool on 11 March), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived in the Clyde on 12 March), Norwegian (arrived at Avonmouth on 11 March), Price Rupert City (arrived in the Clyde on 12 March), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 11 March) and Tekoa (arrived at Avonmouth on 12 March).

The Channel / east coast section may have been escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) which had departed Portsmouth on 6 March and arrived at Dover on 12 March which is the same day the remaining merchant ships of this section arrived in the Downs. Also the destroyer HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN) may have escorted the Channel / east coast section for part of the way. She had departed Plymouth on 7 March and arrived back there on 11 March. HMS Hereward also arrived at Plymouth on 11 March, most likely after having remained with the Channel / east coast section until that day.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Benvenue (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), Bolton Castle (arrived at Weymouth on 12 March), Cliona (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), Dover Hill (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), Eleni (arrived at Le Havre on 12 March), Ferncourt (arrived at Boulogne, France on 12 March), Karabagh (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), Langleetarn (arrived at Weymouth on 12 March), Oilfield (arrived at Weymouth on 12 March), Pacific Enterprise (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), Pacific Grove (arrived in the Downs on 12 March), San Arcadio (arrived at Boulogne, France on 12 March), San Casimiro (arrived in the Downs on 12 March) and Vancouver (arrived in the Downs on 12 March). (3)

21 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 29.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adelfoi Chandris (Greek, 6176 GRT, built 1919), Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), British Chivalry (British (tanker), 7118 GRT, built 1929), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Condylis (Greek, 4439 GRT, built 1914), Coryton (British, 4553 GRT, built 1928), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Georgios Potamianos (Greek, 4044 GRT, built 1913), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Melmore Head (British, 5273 GRT, built 1918), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Star (British, 7591 GRT, built 1920), Pecten (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Point Arena (Panamanian, 4431 GRT, built 1917), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rudby (British, 4846 GRT, built 1924), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Bévéziers (Lt.Cdr. H. Nicolau).

Around 1745Q/22, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

At dawn on 23 March when in approximate position 42°30'N, 58°00'W, the Adula (arrived in the Downs on 3 April), Point Arena (arrived at Le Havre on 10 April), Suderholm (arrived at Liverpool on 5 April) and the Bévéziers (returned to Halifax on 28 March) were seen to have straggled from the convoy during last night's gale. More ships had straggled but most rejoined during the day. More ships rejoined during the passage east. The last one to rejoin was the Gold Shell on 30 March.

Around 2330N/30, the Pecten (arrived at Greenock on 6 April) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 50°10'N, 22°40'W. The reason for the ship straggling was not known to the convoy Commodore according to his report but the report of HMS Ausonia mentions engine trouble as the reason.

Around 0540Z/2, the local A/S escort joined. This was made up of the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) which were to escort the Irish Sea / west coast section. The escorts for the Channel / east coast section are not mentioned in the Commodore's papers and the log of HMS Ausonia. Given the movements of the escorts it seems likely that the destroyers HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Younghusband, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) also joined.

Later that day, most likely around 1330Z/2, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adelfoi Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Amakura (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Caledonian Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Coryton (arrived at Liverpool on 5 April), Georgios Potamianos (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 8 April, most likely went to Liverpool first), Mactra (arrived at Avonmouth on 4 April), Melmore Head (arrived at Dublin on 4 April), Pacific Star (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Rudby (), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 5 April), Virgilia (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April), Wayfarer (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April) and Wray Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 4 April). They were escorted by HMS Versatile and HMS Winchelsea which both arrived at Liverpool on 4 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), British Chivalry (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Cadillac (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Condylis (arrived at Le Havre on 5 April), Ganges (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Gold Shell (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Harberton (arrived at Weymouth on 4 April), Hartbridge (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Hopecrest (arrived in the Downs on 5 April), Nellie (arrived at Le Havre on 5 April) and Pontfield (arrived in the Downs on 5 April). HMS Ausonia was also with the Channel section until 2030Z/3 when she parted company to proceed to Southampton. This section was, most likely, escorted by HMS Wild Swan (arrived at Dover on 5 April) and HMS Wolverine (arrived at Plymouth on 3 April). (4)

20 May 1940

Convoy HX 44.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Hollinside (British, 4172 GRT, built 1930), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Mahronda (British, 7926 GRT, built 1925), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), San Fabian (British (tanker), 13031 GRT, built 1922), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929) and Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1800Q/21, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

On 24 May, the Stanwell straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 5 June. Around 0830P/25, convoy BHX 44 joined convoy HX 44. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Arakaka (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Charles Racine (Norwegian (tanker), 9957 GRT, built 1937), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), H.H. Rogers (Panamanian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935) and San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939).

On 25 May, the Blairesk and Blairmore straggled from the convoy. They arrived at Falmouth on 2 June and in the Downs on 4 June respectively.

On 26 May, the Olev straggled from the convoy. She arrived at Liverpool (for Warrington) on 4 June.

Around 1230ON/30, 49°34'N, 21°20'W, HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1830A/31, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1315A/1, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1830A/1, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arakaka (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Beckenham (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Charles Racine (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Cordelia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Corner Brook (arrived at Dublin on 3 June), Dramatist (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Goldmouth (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 9 June, via ???), Langleetarn (arrived at Swansea on 3 June), Llanishen (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Newfoundland (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Norman Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Polarsol (arrived in Barry Roads on 3 June, to Avonmouth on 6 June), San Arcadio (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June (?) for Ardrossan where she arrived on 5 June), San Ernesto (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June), San Fabian (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June) and San Gerardo (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 3 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Acavus (arrived in the Gironde on 4 June), Baron Yarborough (re-directed and arrived at Liverpool on 5 June), Europe (arrived at Bordeaux on 6 June), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 5 June), Grainton (re-directed and arrived at Belfast on 5 June), H.H. Rogers (destination was Brest, arrival date not known), Hollinside (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Mahronda (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Malayan Prince (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Nailsea Moor (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Pontfield (arrived at Southampton on 6 June) and Port Melbourne (arrived at Plymouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which arrived at Plymouth on 3 June following an A/S hunt. (5)

9 Jun 1940

Convoy HX 49.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 June 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), C.J. Barkdull (Panamanian (tanker), 7204 GRT, built 1917), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Endicott (British, 6319 GRT, built 1919), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Eurylochus (British, 5723 GRT, built 1912), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Nevada (French, 5618 GRT, built 1917), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Ontariolite (British (tanker), 8932 GRT, built 1925), Osmussaar (Estonian, 2173 GRT, built 1909), Point Lobos (Panamanian, 4801 GRT, built 1919), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), Randsfjord (Norwegian, 3999 GRT, built 1937), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Mount (British, 5017 GRT, built 1924), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Stakesby (British, 3900 GRT, built 1930), Thalia (Greek, 5875 GRT, built 1917), Tregenna (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919) and Tremoda (British, 4736 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers escorted the convoy until about half an hour after sunset on 9 June and then returned to Halifax.

On 10 June, the Endicott dropped out of the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 23 June.

On 11 June, the Thalia dropped out of the convoy. She was briefly seen on the 14th but did not rejoin the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 24 June.

Around 1700P/13, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 49) joined. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athellaird (British (tanker), 8999 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), British Fidility (British (tanker), 8465 GRT, built 1938), British Cincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Cadillac (British (tanker), 12062 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Confield (British, 4956 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Eli Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9026 GRT, built 1925), Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Glarona (Norwegian (tanker), 9912 GRT, built 1928), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Moordrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1930), Port Huon (British, 8021 GRT, built 1927), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Felipe (British, 5626 GRT, built 1919), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).

On 15 June, the Point Lobos dropped out of the convoy. She arrived Liverpool on 23 June.

Also on 15 June the Osmussaar dropped out of the convoy. She was able to rejoin the convoy on 21 June.

Around 1145N/18, in approximate position 48°27'N, 25°45'W, the Moordrecht and Ontariolite were detachted. The Moordrecht was to proceed independently to La Coruna, Spain but was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-48. The Ontariolite, originally destined for Brest, was ordered to proceed to Aruba but this was apparently later changed and she arrived at Montreal on 8 July.

Around 1700Z/20, HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0545A/21, the sloops HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) joined the convoy.

At 1912A/21, in position 50°20'N, 10°23'W [British source], the convoy, which had not yet split up, was attacked by the German submarine U-47 which torpedoed the tanker San Fernando. HMS Sandwich reported that the ship could be salvaged if tugs could be sent at once. The crwew had been taken off by the sloops HMS Sandwich and HMS Fowey and that they were now searching for the attacker. At 0232A/22, it was reported that the rescue tugs Marauder and Zwarte Zee had sailed from Falmouth and at 0234A/22, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) was ordered to escort these tugs. The derelict San Fernando however was not found and must have sunk later.

Following this attack the convoy was ordered to scatter but this order was quickly revoked. The ships destined for the the Irish Sea / west coast section apparently did not reform as a convoy and proceeded independently and unescorted. This were the following merchant vessels;
Athelfoam (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Athellaird (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 24 or 25 June), British Sincerity (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Cadillac (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), Charles F. Meyer (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Collegian (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Confield (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Director (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Eli Knudsen (destination was Swansea but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Eurybates (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Eurylochus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Glarona (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Hekoria (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Jean L.D. (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Jhelum (arrived at Manchester on 24 June), Luculus (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Nevada (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Port Huon (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Randsfjord (destination was Liverpool but torpedoed and sunk on 22 June [see below]), Regent Lion (arrived at Avonmouth on 24 June), San Felipe (arrived at Cardiff on 24 June), Sheaf Mount (arrived at Swansea on 23 June), Snar (arrived at Liverpool on 24 June), Solarium (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Strinda (arrived in the Clyde on 24 June), Suderholm (arrived at Liverpool on 23 June), Torborg (arrived at Manchester on 24 June) and Tregenna (arrived at Swansea on 23 June).

Of these ships two were torpedoed by German submarines.

At 0158A/22, the Randsfjord was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30.

At 0236A/22, the Eli Knudsen was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-32. A salvage attempt was undertaken for which the tug Coringa (287 GRT, built 1914) escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Agate (Lt. A.T. Board, RN) were sent out from Milford Haven around 1400A/22. An attempt by HMS Fowey to take the damaged tanker in tow had meanwhile failed. At 0445A/23, HMS Agate reported that the Coringa had sunk due to flooding of the stokehold and that she was picking up survivors.

HMS Sandwich arrived at Liverpool and HMS Fowey arrived at Plymouth, both on 23 June.

The Channel / east coast section was reformed as a convoy and proceeded unescorted [HMS Fowey was to have escorted them but she remained behind to search the area for the attacker]. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Appledore (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Barrdale (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), British Fidility (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), C.J. Barkdull (arrived at Southampton on 24 June, having been detached around 2030A/23), Campus (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Cromarty (arrived at Plymouth on 23 June, having been detached around 0230A/23), Gallia (arrived at Southampton on 26 (?) June, she had apparently straggled from the Channel / east coast section), Harmonic (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Nellie (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), New Westminster City (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Osmussaar (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), R.J. Cullen (arrived in the Downs on 24 June), Stakesby (arrived in the Downs on 24 June) and Tremoda (arrived in the Downs on 24 June).

Around 0630A/23, the Channel / east coast section was joined by the corvette HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR) which came from Plymouth. HMS Hibiscus arrived at Dover on 24 June. (6)

18 Oct 1940

Convoy BHX 82.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 18 October 1940. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afrika (British, 8597 GRT, built 1920), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929), City of Oxford (British, 2759 GRT, built 1926), Egba (British, 4989 GRT, built 1914), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), Elax (British (tanker), 7403 GRT, built 1927), Empire Gannet (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Onoba (British (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Patella (British (tanker), 7468 GRT, built 1927), Rutland (British, 1437 GRT, built 1935), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927) and Toulouse (Norwegian, 7027 GRT, built 1934).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN).

During the passage from Bermuda to the rendezvous position with convoy HX 82 the following ships had straggled from the convoy; Atlantian (arrived independently at Liverpool on 4 November), (arrived independently at Liverpool on 5 November), Rutland, bound for Larne, was torpedoed and sunk on 31 October 1940 by the German submarine U-124.

The convoy arrived near the rendezvous position with convoy HX 83 on 23 October and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) made rendezvous to guide convoy BHX 82 to the main convoy (HX 82). HMS Ausonia then parted company around 1435Q/23 to return to Bermuda.

Due to the bad weather conditions convoy BHX 82 only merged with convoy HX 82 around 1600Q/24. (7)

21 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 116.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 9 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Anna Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9057 GRT, built 1931), Birgitte (British, 1595 GRT, built 1930), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN).

On 23 March the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) joined the convoy.

On 31 March HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy.

On 4 March 1941 HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy after the destroyers HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR) had joined. The destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined on 5 April. The destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and corvette HMS Orchis (Lt. A.D. White, RNR)both joined on 6 April. HMS Orchis was detached on 7 April.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 9 April.

4 Jun 1941

Convoy WS 9A.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 June 1941.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the transports; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Empire Condor (British, 7773 GRT, built 1940), Empire Curlew (British, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Empire Egret (British, 7169 GRT, built 1939), Empire Widgeon (British, 6737 GRT, built 1940), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).

On assembly of the convoy it was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN), HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR) and HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN).

At 0130Z/7, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea parted company with the convoy.

At 0700Z/7, HMS Ausonia, HMS Cairo and all remaining destroyer parted company with the convoy.

In the afternoon of the 14th the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) joined the convoy escort.

HMS Highland was however soon detached for other duties.

In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) joined the convoy escort.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 16 June 1941.

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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 20 June 1941.

The composition of the convoy was the same in which it had arrived with the addition of the transports Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913) and Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham and the destroyers HMS Boreas, HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Velox and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN).

At 0700ZA(-0.5)/23, the destroyers parted company with the convoy.

In the morning of July 1st, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle, Eastern Prince, Empire Widgeon, Empress of Japan and Llangibby Castle parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Capetown.

At 1400AB(-1.5)/2, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy after the escort had been taken over by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) which came from Mauritius. HMS Birmingham then proceeded to Simonstown.

The Eastern Prince departed Capetown on 2 July to proceeded independently to Durban.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Durban on 4 July 1941.

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On 5 July 1941, the ships of the Capetown section (minus Eastern Prince, see above) departed there escorted by HMS Birmingham which had come from Simonstown.

On 8 July 1941, the transports Aagtekerk, Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Empire Condor, Empire Curlew, Empire Egret and Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) and their escort HMS Hawkins departed Durban to make rendezvous with the Capetown section the following day.

On making rendezvous, HMS Birmingham was detached to return to Simonstown.

At 1415D, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle and Empress of Japan parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bombay. This was known as Convoy WS 9AX. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) which had just made rendezvous with the convoy. They arrived at Bombay at 24 July.

The remainder of the ships continued on to the vicinity of Aden escorted by HMS Hawkins. The convoy was dispersed on 21 July 1941. (8)

4 Apr 1942
Around 1015A/4, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) departed Greenock for Southampton where she was to refit.

Around 1430A/4, she was joined by the AA ship HMS Tynwald (A/Capt.(Retd.) F.T. Peters, DSO, DSC, RN).

Around 2000A/5, in position 49°56'N, 04°47'W, they were joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN) which was to proceed to Portsmouth. She had departed Plymouth around 1700A/5.

They entered The Solent around 0930A/5. (9)