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Notable events involving Hastings include:

29 Nov 1939
HMS Hastings (Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) picks up 37 survivors from the British merchant Ionian that sank off Newarp Lightship in position 52°45'N, 01°56'E after hitting a mine laid on 21 November 1939 by German U-boat U-20.

11 Mar 1940
Convoy FS 119 (ca. 23 ships) departed the Tyne escorted by the AA destroyer HMS Valorous (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, RN) and the sloops HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) and HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN). The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) covered the convoy for part of the way south. These two destroyers arrived in the Humber on 12 March. The convoy arrived at Southend on 13 March. (1)

11 Sep 1940
HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (2)

24 Sep 1940
HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Alison, RN) is undocked. (2)

9 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, RNR), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, RN), HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN). (3)

20 Jan 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO, RN), HMCS Kitchener (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Evans, RCNVR), HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Regina (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Freeland, RCNR) and HMCS Moosejaw (T/Lt. L.D. Quick, RCN). (4)

1 Aug 1943
Around 1700B/1, the destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN) and HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth. They were to patrol on longitude 14°W to provide cover for convoy OG 91 / KMS 22G.

They were to pass through positions (K) 180° - Bishops Rock - 10 nautical miles, (L) 48°40'N, 11°01'W to position (M) 45°01'N, 14°01'W. They were then to patrol on longitude 14°W to provide cover for convoy OG 91 / KMS 22G. After the convoy had crossed 45°N they were to return to Plymouth by reverse route.

In a signal timed 0925B/2, the C-in-C Plymouth ordered HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Grenville to proceed forthwith at best speed to position 47°01'N, 08°01'W to act in support of the 40th Escort Group which is on A/S patrol off the Bay of Biscay. The 40th Escort Group is made up of the sloops HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) T.S.L. Fox-Pitt, RN), HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN) and frigate HMS Waveney (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Willmott, DSC, RNR).

In a signal timed 1053B/2, the C-in-C Plymouth ordered HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Grenville to reduce speed so as to join the 40th Escort Group one hour before last light and then remain in company throughout the night.

Also on A/S patrol off the Bay of Biscay was the 2nd Escort Group which was made up of the sloops HMS Kite (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN, with Capt. F.J. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN, on board), HMS Wild Goose (Lt.Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN), HMS Woodcock (Lt.Cdr. C. Gwinner, DSO, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. R.E.S. Hugonin, DSC, RN) and HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN).

In a signal timed 1644B/2, the C-in-C Plymouth, informed HMCS Athabaskan, HMS Grenville 40th Escort Group and the 2nd Escort Group that three enemy destroyers were sighted by an aircraft (228Sq./Z) at 1620B/2 in position 46°13'N, 10°02'W, course possibly 180°. This was augmented by the aircraft in a signal timed 1645B/2 as the enemy being in position 46°23'N, 10°02'W, course 180°, speed 20 knots.

At 1645B/2, aircraft 461Sq./N reported three 'Narvik-class' destroyers in position 46°50'N, 10°10'W, steering 300° at 25 knots.

At 1655B/2, the 2nd Escort Group reported that the ships reported by the aircraft at 1620B/2 and 1645B/2 were ships of his group.

At 1717B/2, aircraft 228Sq./N reported that three 'Narvik-class' destroyers were now in position 47°07'N, 10°05'W, course 270° at 30 knots. At 1733B/2, this aircraft reported that she was shadowing and requisted instructions.

At 1744B/2, aircraft 105Sq./C reported three destroyers in position 46°20'N, 10°13'W, course 270° at 25 knots.

More reports came in during the evening but with the enemy managed to retire to the east.

At 2019B/2, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) was also ordered to attempt to intercept.

The enemy ships sighted were the German torpedo boats T 25, T 24 and T 22 which had departed Brest around 0330B/2 to make rendzvous with the damaged U-boat U-383 and then escort her back to France. The German U-boat was however not sighted and must have gone down as a result of the damage sustained. Around 1200B/2, it became clear to the Germans after U-383 could not be found and also did not answer signals sent to her that she must have been sunk the torpedo boats were ordered to search the area from which she had last reported. No survivors were however found. The torpedo boats were then ordered to make rendezvous with the also damaged U-106 which had also requested an escort to make it back to France. Around 2255B/2, T 25 managed to pick up 19 survivors from this U-boat and T 24 17 survivors. T 22 patrolled around her sister ships during the rescue operations. The three German torpedo boat arrived back in Brest around 1700B/3.

Around 1000B/3, HMS Charybdis was joined by HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Grenville. They provided cover for the A/S operations of the 2nd and 40th Escort Group between 09°30'W and 10°30'W.

Around 1835B/3, HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Grenville parted company with HMS Charybdis.

Around 1000B/4, in position 46°22'N, 10°08'W, HMS Grenville obtained an A/S contact. Several patterns of depth charges were dropped and the 40th Escort Group took over the hunt which was abandoned around 1900B/4 without success.

HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Grenville arrived at Plymouth in the afternoon of August 5th. (5)

14 Aug 1943

Convoy MKS 21G.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 14 August 1943.

The convoy was made up of the following transports; Bardistan (British, 7264 GRT, built 1942), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Coity Castle (British, 2767 GRT, built 1919), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Wedderburne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Goodwin (British, 1570 GRT, built 1917), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Norfalk (Norwegian, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Ogmore Castle (British, 2481 GRT, built 1919), Ottinge (British, 2870 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Peleus (Greek, 4695 GRT, built 1928), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Saint Bernard (British, 5183 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Shuna (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Sneland I (Norwegian, 1791 GRT, built 1922) and Stanlodge (British, 5977 GRT, built 1943).

The boom carrier HMS Laomedon (6693 GRT, built 1912) (A/Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMS Speedy (A/Cdr. H.J.A.S. Jerome, DSO, RN).

On 15 August 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake the convoy and join the convoy escort for extra AA defence. She joined the convoy later the same day.

During the passage to the U.K. the transport Empire Friendship developed engine trouble. The transport Becheville stood by her to assist as did the corvette HMS Clover. The sloop HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and tug Dexterous were sent out from Falmouth.

At 0515B/20, HMS Charybdis, parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy WS 33 / KMF 22.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 25 August 1943 minus the Empire Friendship and the Becheville which arrived on the 27th.

19 Sep 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr. R.C.S. Woolley, RNR) and HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR). (6)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) both conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area during the night of 7/8 October 1944 with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (7)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. (8)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (9)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. (8)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. HMS Vengeful returned to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (9)

31 Oct 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. These exercises included night exercises. (8)

31 Oct 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (9)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. HMS Vengeful returned to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (10)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from the Clyde for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) and HNoMS Utsira (Lt. S. Valvatne). They are escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (11)

8 Nov 1944
At 0500 hours HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous with their escort, HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (12)

16 Nov 1944
HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde area for Sheerness. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

At 1625/19, off Scapa Flow, HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort of HMS Hastings.

At 1513/20, near Dundee, Sceptre joined HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR) that was escorting HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, DSO, DSC, RN) southwards. (13)

19 Nov 1944
Around 1930A/19, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (14)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the British sloop HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (15)

21 Nov 1944
Around 0800A/21, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for her 24th war patrol (This is the 1st war patrol of her 3rd commission). She is to patrol in the northern part of the North Sea.

She was escorted until HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) 1300A/21 when they parted company in position 59°02'N, 01°35'W. (16)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (17)

9 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (18)

12 Dec 1944
Around 1530A/12, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed from Holy Loch for passage to Ceylon. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. She makes the passage to Gibraltar with convoy OS 98 / KMS 72.

Around 1800A/12 the submarines anchored in Kilchattan Bay where they then spent the night.

Around 0200A/13, the submarines weighed anchor and proceeded to make rendezvous to the south of Ireland with the combined convoy OS 98 / KMS 72. During passage to the rendezvous the submarines were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

The submarines made rendezvous with the convoy north-east of Belfast Lough in position 54°55'N, 05°27'W around 0800A/13. HMS Hastings then parted company and proceeded to Holy Loch.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 98 / KMS 72 ' for 12 December 1944.] (19)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) departed Loch Ranza for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (20)

19 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) and HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Norman, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (17)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (21)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (22)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as he targets. These included night exercises. (17)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. These were followed by night exercises with HMS Hastings. (21)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. On completion of these exercises HMS Stubborn proceeded to Campbeltown. (21)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with Morse (Lt. O. Chauveau) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). These included night exercises. (23)

5 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (24)

7 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (24)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) conducted a deep dive trials in the Clyde area. This trial was followed by exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (23)

8 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Upon completion of these O 24 proceeded to Holy Loch. (24)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). On completion of these exercises HMS Stubborn performed noise trials in Loch Goil. On completion of these noise trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (25)

9 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). These included night exercises. (25)

10 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Upon completion of these O 24 proceeded to Larne. (24)

14 Jan 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Carradale Bay to continue their passage north escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (26)

21 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the targets. (24)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (25)

23 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (24)

27 Jan 1945
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (24)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (27)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (28)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (28)

25 Feb 1945
Around 0820A/25, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. She is escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (29)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN) served as target. Kihna was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (30)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made (part of) the passage Northbound together with HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. H.S. May, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (31)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) both conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (32)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (33)

7 Mar 1945
Around 0015A/7, HMS Taurus (A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage south together with HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) and the French submarine Morse (Lt. O. Chauveau). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (34)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. On departure she first conducted exercises in the Clyde area. She anchored for the night in Brodick Bay together with her escort, HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (35)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) continued her passage to Lerick escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (35)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Morgan Jones (T/A/Ch.Skr. J. Beeson, RNR) until 0227/17 when HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) took over the escort. (36)

17 Mar 1945
HMS Trusty (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Rothesay. She makes the passage together with HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN). They are escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (37)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (33)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR), HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) all conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). (38)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (39)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as targets. (40)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. She returns to Holy Loch upon completion of these exercises. Late in the evening she departed from Holy Loch again for night exercises. She returns to Holy Loch around 0800 hours the next morning. (41)

11 Apr 1945
HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) departed Holy Loch for two days of trials and exercises with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (42)

14 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (43)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (44)

15 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (43)

15 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (44)

16 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted night radar exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (43)

17 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (43)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (44)

18 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Following these exercises O 23 proceeded to Loch Goil for sound trials. Upon completion of these sound trials O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch. (43)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (45)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (46)

11 May 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (47)

11 May 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) acted as target. These exercises were followed by gunnery exercises. (48)

12 May 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. During these exercises HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as escort for HMS Hastings. (48)

12 May 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (47)

23 May 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN), HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN), HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as targets. (49)

24 May 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. (50)

25 May 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) serving as the targets. These exercises included night exercises. (50)

12 Jun 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) is undocked at Holy Loch. She then departed for a few days of exercises in the Rockabill area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (51)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (52)

28 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises during which HMS Sanguine (T/Lt. P.C.S. Pritchard, RNR), HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) and HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the targets. These also included night attacks. (53)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the targets. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Sea Devil proceeded to Holy Loch.

[Note; no log is available for July 1945 so no details of the work-up exercises for this month can be given.] (53)

7 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (43)

7 Jul 1945
HMS Astute (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (54)

10 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (55)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (55)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (55)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (56)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) serving as the target. During these attacks HMS Hastings was escorted by HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN). (55)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the targets. (56)

24 Aug 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (57)

27 Aug 1945
HMS Truculent (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (58)

28 Aug 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Springer (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN). (57)