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Notable events involving Grimsby include:

27 Sep 1939
HMS Snapper (Lt. W.D.A. King, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. These exercises included an A/S exercise with HMS Jade, HMS Amber (Boatswain H.W. Clark, RN) and later with HMS Grimsby (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) and HMS Deptford (Cdr. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN). (1)

30 Sep 1939

Convoy Blue 3.

This convoy departed Port Said on 30 September 1939 for Gibraltar where it arrived on 10 October 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchants; Britannia (British, 8463 GRT, built 1926), British Captain (Tanker, British, 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Commodore (Tanker, British, 6865 GRT, built 1923), British Genius (Tanker, British, 8553 GRT, built 1939), British Grenadier (Tanker, British, 6857 GRT, built 1922), British Officer (Tanker British, 6990 GRT, built 1922), British Sergeant (Tanker, British, 5868 GRT, built 1922), City of Guildford (British, 5157 GRT, built 1919), City of Mandalay (British, 7028 GRT, built 1925), Clan Chisholm (British, 7256 GRT, built 1937), Clan Macbean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Hatasu (British, 3198 GRT, built 1921), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Malvernian (British, 3133 GRT, built 1937), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Registan (British, 5886 GRT, built 1930), Sagaing (British, 7958 GRT, built 1925), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tunisia (British, 4337 GRT, built 1927), Ville de Tamatave (French, 6276 GRT, built 1931), Ville du Havre (French, 5083 GRT, built 1919), War Krishna (Tanker, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, British, 5760 GRT, built 1919), Yorkshire (British, 10183 GRT, built 1920),

British Sergeant parted company with the convoy off Malta.

A/S Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) and the sloops HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN).

When off Malta on 5 October 1939, HMS Defender and HMS Duchess were relieved by HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN). They remained with the convoy until off Algiers on 8 October 1939 when the returned to Malta. The convoy was then escorted only by the two sloops and arrived at Gibraltar on the 10th. (2)

27 Oct 1939
HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) conducted an A/S sweep off the Firth of Forth. (3)

6 Nov 1939
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

Before proceeding on patrol Triton carried out A/S exercises with HMS Grimsby (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN). (4)

20 Jan 1940
HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (5)

24 Jan 1940
HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) is undocked. (5)

25 Jan 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Rosyth with HMS Vega (Cdr. C.I Horton, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 departed Rosyth together with HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) and ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.D. Krawczyk). HMS Ursula was to proceed to Blyth, the other two submarines to Portsmouth. They were however ordered to return to Rothesay where they arrived the next day. The reason for them being recalled was due to the threat of enemy submarines operating along the east coast of the U.K. further to the south. (6)

23 Jun 1940

Convoy BN 1.

This convoy departed Bombay on 23 June 1940 for the Suez where it arrived on 12 July 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Architect (British (tanker), 7388 GRT, built 1922), British Hope (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), Svenor (Norwegian (tanker), 7616 GRT, built 1931), Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN).

HMS Cathay parted company with the convoy on 2 July after the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) had joined the escort.

HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy on 4 July.

The destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the convoy on 5 July 1940. HMIS Hindustan then parted company.

Off Aden the merchant vessels Alavi and Beaconstreet parted company with the convoy. They arrived at Aden on 6 July.

Off Aden the RFA tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) also joined the convoy.

Also off Aden the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy.

On 9 July HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston parted company with the convoy.

On 10 July HMNZS Leander, HMS Flamingo and HMS Shoreham parted company with the convoy being relieved as escorts by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). (7)

7 Jul 1940

Convoy BS 1.

This convoy departed Suez on 7 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 15 July 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Athelmere (British (tanker), 5566 GRT, built 1918), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Bronxville (Norwegian, 4663 GRT, built 1929), Bullmouth (British (tanker), 7519 GRT, built 1929), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Gogra (British, 5190 GRT, built 1919), Herstein (Norwegian, 5100 GRT, built 1939), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Orwell (Norwegian (tanker), 7920 GRT, built 1905), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

On 10 July 1940, HMIS Clive and HMS Grimsby parted company with the convoy as escort was taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

The merchant vessel Khosrou parted company (on the 10th ?) to proceed to Port Sudan arriving there on the 11th. (7)

24 Jul 1940

Convoy RS 5.

This convoy departed Liverpool on 24 July 1940 for Suez.

It was made up of the troopship Reina del Pacifico (17702 GRT, built 1931) and the transport Clan Ferguson (7347 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Liverpool the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H Layman, DSO, RN).

Also on the 24th the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) and the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN) and HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN) departed Greenock. They made rendezvous with the ships coming from Liverpool around 0600A/25.

At 1000A/26, HMS Argus and the destroyers parted company to proceed direct to Gibraltar. They arrived at Gibraltar around 0700A/30.

The convoy, escorted by HMS Maloja, continued on towards Freetown where it arrived on 4 August 1940.

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The then convoy departed Freetown on 5 August 1940 for Capetown.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was now escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN).

Around 1200Z/11, the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Hermes then parted company to proceed independently on patrol and then on to Simonstown.

The convoy arrived at Capetown on 15 August 1940.

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The convoy, still in the same composition and still escorted by HMS Dragon departed Capetown for Durban on 16 August 1940.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 19 August 1940.

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The convoy departed Durban for Aden on 21 August 1940 now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN).

Around 1500C/30, the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined.

The convoy arrived at Aden in the morning of 31 August 1940.

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The convoy departed Aden for Suez on 31 August 1940 now escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN). The armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) was also with the convoy for a while.

At 1830C/2, the Reina del Pacifico parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead to Suez where she arrived on 4 September 1940.

At 1920C/2, HMS Kandahar parted company with the convoy to proceed to Port Sudan to fuel.

At 0910C/3, the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) took over the escort of the Clan Ferguson from HMAS Hobart which in turn took over HMS Grimsby's southbound convoy.

HMS Grimsby and the Clan Ferguson arrived at Suez on 5 September 1940. (8)

31 Jul 1940

Convoy BS 2.

This convoy departed Suez on 31 July 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 9 August 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; African Prince (British, 4653 GRT, built 1939), Deebank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929), Esneh (British, 1928 GRT, built 1919), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938) Tweed (British, 2697 GRT, built 1926) and William Strachan (Norwegian (tanker), 6157 GRT, built 1931).

On depature from Aden the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) until position 21°30'N, 63°37'E on 3 August.

Two more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan on 3 August, these were the Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Escort was then taken over by the light cruiser HMNZS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

The convoy was dispersed on 9 August 1940. Three of the merchant vessels proceeded to Aden as did the escorts. (7)

10 Aug 1940

Convoy BN 3.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 August 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Acadia (Norwegian, 5002 GRT, built 1938), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

Around 1245D/15, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy. Both armed merchant cruisers then parted company with the convoy.

On 16 August 1940, the sloop HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) joined the convoy, she parted company on the 17th.

Off Aden the transports Ethiopia and Khandalla were detached to the port.

Off Aden, on the 17th, seven more transports / tankers joined the convoy, these were the following; British Fusilier (British (tanker), 6943 GRT, built 1923), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919), Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926) and Raby Castle (British, 4996 GRT, built 1925).

The destroyers HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) coming from Aden. The sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) also joined the convoy, she had already been at sea.

On the 19th, a patrolling Wellesley aircraft crashed into the sea near the convoy. The entire crew of the aircraft was rescued by HMS Kingston.

On 21 August 1940 the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined. HMS Leander, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston and HMAS Parramatta then parted company.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 23 August 1940. (7)

13 Aug 1940
Around 2200B/13, the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) departed Port Sudan.

Around 1300B/13, she joined the transport Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911) and took over escort from the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). These ships had departed Suez on 11 August.

HMS Ceres was to escort the Ellenga southwards towards Aden. She parted company with the Ellenga at 1900B/15 and then proceeded towards Berbera to participate in operations there [see the event for 16 August.] (9)

1 Sep 1940

Convoy BS 3A.

This convoy departed Suez on 1 September 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was to be dispersed on 6 September 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

At 0910C/3, the escort was passed to the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN).

The following moring the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the armed boarding vessel HMS Chakdina (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) joined the convoy as escorts.

On the 5th the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was inflicted by the enemy.

Also on the 5th, in the afternoon, the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) joined. She was fuelled by HMAS Hobart between 1830C/5 and 2011C/5. 53 tons of FFO being supplied.

The convoy was dispersed around 1830C/6 in position 12°34'N, 47°07'E after which HMAS Hobart and HMS Kandahar proceeded to Aden where they arrived around 0700C/7. (7)

10 Sep 1940

Convoy BN 5.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 September 1940.

On departure from Bombay is was made up of the following transports; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Jalaganga (British, 4981 GRT, built 1936), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).

On departure from Bombay she was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).

Around 1230D/16, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) took over the escort duties from both armed merchant cruisers which then set course to return to Bombay.

Around 0600D/18, the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Aden; Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Bankura (British, 3185 GRT, built 1912), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Emperor (British (tanker), 3663 GRT, built 1916), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Heron (British, 2374 GRT, built 1937), Nils Moller (British (tanker), 6907 GRT, built 1922), Ovington Court (British, 6095 GRT, built 1924), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tomislav (Yugoslavia, 5387 GRT, built 1928), Treminnard (British, 4964 GRT, built 1922) and Westralia (British, 4568 GRT, built 1937).

The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (?) were also part of the convoy. With her was the salvage vessel Protector (British, 562 GRT, built 1906).

They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and the sloops HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). HMAS Parramatta had actually conducted an A/S sweep ahead of the convoy and then joined it. HMS Caledon remained with the convoy until the vicinity of Perim.

The tanker Crista was detached from the original convoy from Bombay and arrived at Aden on the 19th.

Soon after departure both engines of HMS X 2 broke down and she had to be towed back to Aden arriving on the 20th.

On 20 September 1940, the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.

On 21 September 1940, Italian aircraft again attacked and the merchant vessel Bhima was hit and had to return to Aden being towed by the merchant vessel Ashbury. HMS Caledon and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) were sent from Aden to escort them back there.

On 23 September 1940, six ships from the convoy arrived at Port Sudan having been detached from the convoy the previous day. These were Akbar, Alavi, Bankura, British Emperor, Santhia and Talma. They had been escorted to Port Sudan by HMAS Parramatta.

On 23 September 1940, HMS Leander, HMS Auckland and HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy and sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined.

The eight fastest ships of the convoy arrived at Suez on 26 September 1940 escorted by HMS Grimsby, the remaining eight (slower) ships arrived the following day. They had been unescorted during the last part of their voyage. (7)

23 Sep 1940

Convoy BN 6.

The Karachi section of this convoy departed that place on 23 September 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911) and Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).

On 26 September 1940, the ' Kararchi section ' was joined by the ' Bombay section ' which had departed that place on 25 September 1940.

It was made up of the following transports (one one tanker); Borgestad (Norwegian, 3924 GRT, built 1924), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Marisa (Dutch (tanker), 8029 GRT, built 1937), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nizam (British, 5322 GRT, built 1914), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).

Around 1230C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) took over from the armed merchant cruisers which then parted company to proceed to Bombay.

Around 0800C/3, the sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined.

Around 0830C/4, the ' Bombay / Karachi section ' merged with the ' Aden section '. On doing so, HMAS Hobart parted company and proceeded to Aden.

The ' Aden section ' was made up of the following transports / tankers; Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), City of Singapore (British, 6567 GRT, built 1923), Clan Ross (British, 5897 GRT, built 1914), Cyprian Prince (British, 1988 GRT, built 1937), Devis (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), El Segundo (Panamanian (tanker), 3664 GRT, built 1912), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Helka (British (tanker), 3471 GRT, built 1912), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Jalaputra (British, 4856 GRT, built 1906), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), Lurigethan (British, 3564 GRT, built 1916), Quiloa (British, 7765 GRT, built 1925), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Robert L. Holt (British, 2918 GRT, built 1926), Soli (Norwegian (tanker), 5834 GRT, built 1915), Star of Alexander (Egyptian, 4329 GRT, built 1928), Strix (Norwegian (tanker), 6219 GRT, built 1930), Therese Moller (British, 3930 GRT, built 1905) and Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).

The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).

The convoy now proceeded northwards up the Red Sea.

At dawn on the 5th, the Ayamonte was detached to proceed to Kamaran escorted by HMAS Parramatta.

On the 5th, 6th and 7th of October convoy BN 6 was attacked by high level Italian bombers but no damage was done.

The following ships were detached to Port Sudan where they arrived on 7 or 8 October 1940; Borgestad, Devonshire, El Amin, Garmula, Jehangir, Khandalla, Pundit, Rajput, Ranee, Rohna, Strix, Takliwa and Talamba.

From the escort HMIS Hindustan arrived and left Port Sudan on 7 October 1940, HMAS Auckland arrived and left on 8 October and HMAS Yarra arrived and left on 9 October. HMS Kingston also called at Port Sudan [date currently unknown to us].

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Suez on 11 October 1940. on 9 October 1940, HMS Leander had been replaced as escort by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN). (10)

5 Oct 1940

Convoy BS 6.

This convoy departed Suez on 5 October 1940.

It was made up of the transports / tanker; Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Duffield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Hydroussa (Greek, 2038 GRT , built 1922), Jalapadma (British, 3935 GRT, built 1929), Jessmore (British, 4099 GRT, built 1921), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Phenix (British (tanker), 5920 GRT, built 1920, former French), Raby Castle (British, 4996 GRT, built 1925), Star of Mex (Egyptian, 1116 GRT, built 1911) and Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

On 8 October 1940 the transport Karoa was detached to Port Sudan.

On 9 October 1940 the two sloops were relieved by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division) and the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN).

Also on 9 October 1940 the convoy was joined by the transport Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923) and sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) coming from Port Sudan.

Around 1030C/13, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) which relieved HMS Leander. The transports Baron Erskine, Hydroussa, Phenix and Star of Mex were detached to Aden escorted by HMIS Hindustan. They arrived around 2000C/13.

At dusk, HMAS Hobart parted company with the convoy and set course for Colombo.

The convoy was dispersed later the same day and HMS Auckland and HMAS Yarra proceeded to Aden arriving around 0700C/14. (7)

10 Oct 1940

Convoy BN 7.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 October 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Karagola (British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nurmahal (British, 5419 GRT, built 1923), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

Around 1330D/16, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy. The armed merchant cruisers then parted company.

On the 18th, the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined.

On 19 October the Varsova was detached from the convoy and proceeded to Aden.

Also on the 19th, 24 more transports / tankers joined the convoy off Aden, these were the following; Arundo (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Askot (Norwegian, 1323 GRT, built 1938), Australind (British, 5020 GRT, built 1929), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Erica (South African, 5112 GRT, built 1926), Hannah Moller (British, 2931 GRT, built 1911), Hatarana (British, 7522 GRT, built 1917), Inviken (Norwegian, 4131 GRT, built 1925), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Marcella (British, 4592 GRT, built 1928), Margot (British, 4545 GRT, built 1926), Marion Moller (British, 3287 GRT, built 1909), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nyco (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Odysseus (British, 4577 GRT, built 1913), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919) and Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916).

The Turkish minelayer Sivrihisar that had been built in the U.K. and was on passage to Turkey for delivery was also part of the convoy.

Also the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and the minesweepers HMS Derby (Lt.Cdr. F.C.V. Brightman, RN) and HMS Huntley (Lt.Cdr. H.R.A. King, RNR) joined the convoy.

On 19 October 1940 and also on 20 October 1940 the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.

During the night of 20/21 October 1940, the Italian destroyers Pantera, Leone, Nazario Sauro and Francisco Nullo. No damage was done and the destroyers were driven off by the escort.

At dawn on 21 October one of the Italian destroyers, Francisco Nullo, was seen to be aground on Harmil island. She had been in battle with HMS Kimberley which then closed to finish off the damaged and grounded Italian destroyer. However HMS Kimberley was taken under fire by Italian shore batteries and sustained damage in her engine room. She was towed clear by HMS Leander during which both ships were unsuccessfully bombed. Later the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) took over the tow and she towed her damaged sistership to Port Sudan.

HMS Derby and HMS Huntley arrived at Port Sudan on 22 October 1940.

On 23 October 1940, HMS Auckland, Cranfield, Erica, Felix Roussel, Hatarana, Nevasa and Nurmahal arrived at Port Sudan. After taking on board water the Felix Roussel sailed again to rejoin the convoy.

Also on 23 October 1940, the remaining escorts parted company and the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) had joined.

On 24 October 1940, HMAS Yarra arrived at Port Sudan.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 26 October 1940. (7)

12 Nov 1940

Convoy BN 8½.

[This convoy is sometimes known as convoy BN 8A, official documents however give the name as BN 8½.]

This convoy departed Bombay on 12 November 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1934), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).

Around 1100D/15, HMS Ranchi parted company.

Around 1130D/16, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN).

Around 0930C/17, HMS Hector parted company to 'patrol' towards Colombo.

Around 0700C/18, the sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 0845C/18, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 1100C/18, three more (troop) transports joined coming from Aden, these were the following;
Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922) and Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911). They were escorted out of Aden by the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) which then also joined the convoy.

Around 1800C/20, HMS Carlisle and HMAS Parramatta parted company to proceed to Port Sudan. At the same time HMS Flamingo also parted company to patrol off Jeddah.

Around 1530C/21, the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined. HMS Shropshire then parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 23 November 1940. (7)

19 Nov 1940

Convoy BS 9.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 November 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Arundo (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Askot (Norwegian, 1323 GRT, built 1938), Australind (British, 5020 GRT, built 1929), Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Clan Campbell (British, 7255 GRT, built 1937), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Erica (South African, 5112 GRT, built 1926), Inviken (Norwegian, 4131 GRT, built 1925), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Konistra (Greek, 3539 GRT, built 1907), Marion Moller (British, 3287 GRT, built 1909), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nyco (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929) and Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

On 22 or 23 November the transport Empire Defender (British, 5649 GRT, built 1910) joined coming from Port Sudan while the Marion Moller and Umberleigh, which had straggled from the convoy, were ordered to proceed to Port Sudan where they arrived on 23 November.

The two escorting sloops were replaced A.M. on 23 November by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN).

Around 1330C/26, the transports Clan Campbell, Inviken, Katie Moller, Konistra and Subadar parted company to proceed to Aden as did HMS Leander, HMS Carlisle and HMS Auckland.

At the same time, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) joined coming from Aden.

Around 0900C/27, HMIS Hindustan was detached to Aden.

Around 1200C/27, the convoy was dispersed in position 12°08'N, 46°53'E. HMAS Hobart and HMS Kingston setting course for Aden. (7)

27 Nov 1940

Convoy BN 10.

On departure from Bombay the convoy was made up of the following transports; El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).

It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).

Around 1310C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) relieved HMS Hector in position 14°11'N, 53°03'E.

At 0700C/3, the sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined in position 12°22'N, 45°30'E.

At 1630C/3, the convoy joined the ' Aden section ' of the convoy in position 12°25'N, 43°40'E.

The Aden section was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Elizabeth Moller (British, 4353 GRT, built 1906), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Gazana (British, 5284 GRT, built 1920), Hatasu (British, 3198 GRT, built 1921), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Star of Suez (Egyptian, 4999 GRT, built 1926), Sygna (Norwegian, 3881 GRT, built 1907), Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921) and Trentbank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929).

The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) P.E. Heathfield, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN).

Around 1750C/5, in position 18°08'N, 40°08'E the transport Talma parted company to proceed to Port Sudan. She was escorted by HMS Calcutta and HMS Kimberley.

Around 0530C/5, the Alcides, Sygna and parted company to proceed to Port Sudan escorted by HMIS Indus.

The transport Islami also parted company to proceed to Jeddah.

Around 1600C/6, HMS Kimberley rejoined having fuelled at Port Sudan.

Around 1200C/7, convoy BN 10 and convoy BS 10 met in position 21°50'N, 37°50'E. HMAS Hobart, HMS Kimberley and HMS Auckland joined convoy BS 10 and the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) took over the escort of convoy BN 10.

One hour later HMS Kimberley was ordered to escort the transport Talma to convoy BN 10. This ship had been escorted to the rendezvous position from Port Sudan by HMIS Indus. HMIS Indus then joined convoy BS 10. After the Talma had rejoined convoy BN 10, HMS Kimberely proceeded south again to rejoin convoy BS 10.

Convoy BN 10, escorted by HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive arrived at Suez on 10 December 1940. (7)

4 Dec 1940

Convoy BS 10.

This convoy departed Suez on 4 December 1940 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 11 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alice Moller (British, 4986 GRT, built 1914), Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Hope (British (tanker), 6951 GRT, built 1928), British Renown (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1928), British Sailor (British (tanker), 5576 GRT, built 1918), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), City of Lille (British, 6588 GRT, built 1928), Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1935), Ioannis P. Goulandris (Greek, 3750 GRT, built 1910), Katingo Hadjipatara (Greek, 3661 GRT, built 1913), Katy (Norwegian, 6825 GRT, built 1931), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Marcella (British, 4592 GRT, built 1928), Margot (British, 4545 GRT, built 1926), Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936), Rosalie Moller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1910), Roxane (British, 7813 GRT, built 1929), Speybank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926) and Vacport (British, 6774 GRT (tanker), built 1930).

They were escorted on departure from Suez by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

On 7 December 1940 five ships joined coming from Port Sudan. These were; Ayamonte (British, 845 GRT, built 1899), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Helen Moller (British, 5259 GRT, built 1918), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

They had left Port Sudan on the 6th.

Around 1200C/7 the convoy escort was taken over by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN). Around 1300C/7, HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined. She had come with the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) from Port Sudan. On HMIS Indus joining, HMS Kimberley parted company with the convoy to escort the Talma to convoy BN 10 which she was to join. After doing so HMS Kimberley rejoined convoy BS 10 around 0700C/8.

At 0630C/8, the patrol yacht HMS Sagitta (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.H. Straight, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) also joined convoy BS 10, apparently on the 8th.

Around 0635C/9, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) joined convoy BS 10.

Around 1830C/10, HMS Carlisle and HMS Kandahar parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden.

Around 1800C/11, HMS Auckland and HMS Sagitta were detached with the ' Aden portion ' of the convoy which was made up of the following ships Ayamonte, Elpis and Khosrou, Roxane.

Around 2030C/11, the transport Vacport was detached to Aden due to a reported case of smallpox.

Around 0400C/12, HMAS Hobart and HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden. The convoy went on to it's dispersal point escorted by HMS Kimberley.

The convoy was dispersed later on the 12th. (11)

18 Dec 1940

Convoy WS 5A and the attack by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper

This convoy departed U.K. ports on 18/19 December 1940. Destination for the majority of the convoy was Suez where the convoy arrived on 16 February 1941.

On 17 December 1940 the transport Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1929) departed Avonmouth. She was escorted by HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) towards the rendezvous position.

On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed Liverpool, they formed WS 5A slow;
Anselm (British, 5954 GRT, built 1935), Atreus (British, 6547 GRT, built 1911), Bhutan (British, 6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), sloop HMS Wellington (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR).

On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from the Clyde;
Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) and Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912). Ernebank was however forced to return around 1800 hours on the 21st escorted by HMS Witch and HMS St. Mary’s. On the 22nd, HMS Wellington, was detached to take over the escort of the Ernebank. They were escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bath (Cdr.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN), HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Coats, RN).

On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from Lough Foyle (Belfast); City of Derby (British, 6616 GRT, built 1921) and Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Venomous (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, RN).

The slow part of the convoy was met around dawn on the 19th by the light cruiser HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.G. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN).

Around 2300/21 all destroyers parted company with the slow part of the convoy.

On 19 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed Liverpool, they formed WS 5A fast;
Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Essex (British, 13655 GRT, built 1936) and Northern Prince (British, 10917 GRT, built 1929).

On 19 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from the Clyde;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Barrister (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Benrinnes (5410 GRT, built 1921), Clan Cumming (British, 7264 GRT, built 1938), Empire Song (British, 9228 GRT, built 1940) and Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922).

Escort for the fast section of convoy WS 5A joined around dawn on the 20th and was provided by the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RNRN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) which came from the Clyde. And also by the destroyers HMS Highlander, HMS Harvester and FSS Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) which came from Londonderry. The first two of these destroyers had fuelled there after escorting the slow part of the convoy for a while. Also the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) (with fighters embarked for Takoradi) and the destroyers HMS Beverley (Cdr.(Retd.) E.F. Fitzgerald, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling joined from Liverpool.

The destroyers of the fast portion of the convoy were detached during the night of 21/22 December 1940.

At dawn on 23 December 1940 the slow and fast part of the convoy made rendez-vous and proceeded in company.

On the 24th, HMS Naiad parted company to return to the U.K. The heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) both joined the escort of the convoy.

At dawn on the 25th the convoy was attacked by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. She had made contact with the convoy with radar the previous day and had already made a torpedo attack shortly before 0400/25 but no hits had been obtained nor had the attack been noticed by the British.

Then shortly after 0800/25 she made visual contact with the convoy and it came as a surprise to the Germans to sight HMS Berwick.

Around 0830 hours the Germans opened fire on HMS Berwick but due to the bad visibility she soon shifted target to the troopship Empire Trooper which was not in her assigned station. The troopship was slightly damaged as was the merchant vessel Arabistan.

The convoy was ordered to scatter and HMS Berwick and HMS Bonaventure both engaged the German cruiser as did the corvette Cyclamen briefly.

Meanwhile HMS Dunedin laid a smokescreen to cover the ships of the convoy. HMS Furious flew off a few aircraft but these failed to find the German cruiser in the bad visibility.

HMS Berwick was damaged by gunfire from the German cruiser but she forced, together with HMS Bonaventure, the enemy to break off the action around 0915 hours.

In the evening HMS Boneventure was detached to search for the damaged Empire Trooper.

On the 28th the convoy was reassembled at sea (minus Empire Trooper which was ordered to proceed to Gibraltar via the Azores) and continued on to Freetown where it arrived on 5 January 1941.

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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 8 January.

The convoy was now made up of the (troop) transports; Adviser, Anselm, Arabistan, Atreus, Barrister, Benrinnes, Bhutan, City of Canterbury, City of Derby, City of London, Costa Rica, Delane, Elisabethville, Empire Ability (British, 7603 GRT, built 1931), Menelaus, Neuralia, Orbita, Rangitiki, Settler, Stentor and Tamaroa.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN), destroyers HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN), sloops HMS Milford (Cdr. (Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN), HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the corvettes HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR).

At 0700N/9, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) joined the convoy. She had also departed Freetown around the same time as the convoy but apparently acted independently until the time she joined the convoy.

At 0600N/10, HMS Formidable, HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Norfolk, HMS Velox and HMS Vidette parted company with the convoy. At the same time the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) joined.

It appears that HMS Bridgewater, HMS Milford, HMS Asphodel and HMS Calendula parted company on 12 January.

At 1000B/21, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) joined the convoy and HMS Devonshire parted company.

At 1600B/22, HMS Hawkins parted company with the convoy taking the transports Anselm and City of Canterbury to Capetown where they arrived on 23 January.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Durban on 25 January 1941 escorted by HMS Shropshire.

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The convoy departed Durban for Suez on 29 January 1941. It was now made up of the transports, Adviser, Anselm, Arabistan, Atreus, Barrister, Benrinnes, Bhutan, City of Canterbury, City of Derby, City of London, Costa Rica, Delane, Elisabethville, Empire Ability, Menelaus, Neuralia, Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orbita, Rangitiki, Settler, Stentor, Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Tamaroa.

They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire and the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN).

Around 0800B/30, HMS Shropshire was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C. Annesley, DSO, RN).

In the morning of 31 January the transport Delane parted company with the convoy to return to Durban due to engine defects.

At 1000CD(-3.5)/4, HMS Ceres parted company taking the transports Nieuw Holland and Orbita with her to Kilindini / Mombasa where they arrived on 5 February.

At 1440CD/5, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) joined.

At 1500CD/5, the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) joined.

At 0430CD/6, HMS Capetown parted company with the convoy having been ordered to do so.

At 1730CD/10, HMS Enterprise parted company with the convoy to fuel at Aden. She rejoined the convoy around 2130C/11.

Around 0630C/11, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN). HMS Hector then parted company with the convoy.

At 2300C/11, HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy upon being relieved by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

At 1830C/13, HMS Flamingo parted company with the convoy to return to Aden and HMS Grimsby parted company with the convoy taking the transport Neuralia with her to Port Sudan.

At 0400C/14, HMS Enterprise parted company with the convoy.

The convoy escorted by HMS Caledon arrived at Suez on 16 February 1941. (12)

18 Dec 1940

Convoy BN 11.

This convoy departed Aden on 18 December 1940.

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Adelfotis (Greek, 5838 GRT, built 1917), Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), British Energy (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), City of Dundee (British, 5273 GRT, built 1921), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Derwenthall (British, 4934 GRT, built 1940), Diamantis (British, 5253 GRT, built 1919), Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934), Empire Light (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Fosna (Norwegian (tanker) 8202 GRT, built 1930), Gunny (Norwegian, 2362 GRT, built 1920), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Haresfield (British, 5299 GRT, built 1919), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Homefield (British, 5324 GRT, built 1919), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Norfold (Norwegian (tanker), 6370 GRT, built 1930), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930), Scalaria (British (tanker), 5683 GRT, built 1921), Urania (Panamanian, 1953 GRT, built 1902), Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930) and Vilja (Norwegian (tanker), 6672 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN).

On 20 December, the Gylfe arrived back Aden with engine defects.

On 21 December, the Port Sudan Section, made up of the Ayamonte, Benalder, Derwenthall, Point Clear and Rizwani parted company with the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Flamingo which rejoined the convoy after having escorted these ships to Port Sudan.

On 22 December, southbound convoy BS 11 was met and HMS Caledon, HMS Flamingo, HMS Auckland and HMS Shoreham joined this convoy while the escort of convoy BS 11, the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN), joined convoy BN 11.

On 23 December, the Akbar arrived at Jeddah after having parted company with the convoy earlier.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 25 December 1940. Some ships of the convoy (stragglers) arrived later. (7)

19 Dec 1940

Convoy BS 11.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 December 1940.

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Loyalty (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1928), British Sergeant (British (tanker), 5868 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Hannah Moller (British, 2931 GRT, built 1911), Haraldsvang (Norwegian, 3112 GRT, built 1920), Hatarana (British, 7522 GRT, built 1917), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935), Retriever (British (cable ship) 674 GRT, built 1909), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

The Hatarana was detached to Safana, most likely on 20 December.

On 22 December the northbound convoy BN 11 was met. HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive then parted company with convoy BS 11 and joined convoy BN 11. The escort of convoy BN 11, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) joined convoy BS 11.

The Retriever was detached to Port Sudan on 21 December 1940.

On 22 December 1940, the (troop) transports El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937) and Jalaputra (British, 4856 GRT, built 1906) departed Port Sudan and joined the convoy.

On 24 December 1940, the sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan which she had departed on 22 December possibly escorting the above two ships.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 27 December 1940. (7)

22 Dec 1940
Around 1410C/22, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) parted company with northbound convoy BN 11 and joined southbound convoy BS 11.

At the same time HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) parted company with southbound convoy BS 11 and joined northbound convoy BN 11.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy BN 11 ' for 18 December 1940 and ' Convoy BS 11 ', for 19 December 1940.] (13)

11 Jan 1941

Convoy BN 12A.

This convoy departed Aden on 11 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 15 January 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Boringia (British, 5821 GRT, built 1930), Chinese Prinsei (British, 8593 GRT, built 1936), City of Bombay (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Pretoria (British, 8049 GRT, built 1937), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937) and Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).

On the 13th the merchant vessel Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan.

In the afternoon of the 13th the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined the convoy and the destroyers HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley parted company.

On the 14th, HMS Carlisle parted company with the convoy and joined a southbound convoy.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 15 January 1941 escorted by HMS Grimsby. (14)

16 Jan 1941

Convoy US 8A.

This convoy departed Colombo on 16 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 28 January 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / merchant vessels; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Nevassa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) and Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Colombo the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN). The heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) provided cover to the south of the convoy until the 18th after which she returned to Colombo on 19 January 1941. While berthing there she hit a pier and sustained some damage.

On 22 January the convoy escort was taken over by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).

On 23 January two more merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Aden, these were the City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938) and the Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).

On the 24th HMS Capetown rejoined the convoy.

Early in the evening of 26 January HMS Carlisle and HMAS Yarra parted company with the convoy to proceed to Port Sudan where they arrived the following day. HMS Capetown and HMS Kimberley also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aden where they arrived on the 27th.

On the 27th the sole remaining escort, HMS Kandahar was relieved by HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). HMS Kandahar then proceeded to Port Sudanwhere she arrived on the 28th.

The convoy arrived at Suez also on 28 January 1941. (14)

19 Jan 1941

Convoy BS 13.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 January 1941.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Bucegi (British, 4501 GRT, built 1913), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934), Gunny (Norwegian, 2362 GRT, built 1920), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Jeannette Skinner (British, 5800 GRT, built 1917), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Norfold (Norwegian (tanker), 6370 GRT, built 1930), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Star of Suez (Egyptian, 4999 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Suez the convoy was not escorted. The sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined on 20 January.

On 22 January 1941, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined after having parted company with convoy BN 13, though it seems that HMS Flamingo might have fuelled at Port Sudan around this time and joined the convoy therefore a little later. HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive then parted company and joined that convoy.

On 22 January the transports Canadian Cruiser (Canadian, 7178 GRT, built 1921), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), Empire Protector (British, 6181 GRT, built 1921) and Jeannette Skinner (British, 5800 GRT, built 1917) departed Port Sudan to join the convoy. They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). They joined the convoy early on 23 January. HMS Caledon then parted company with the City of Christchurch, Talma and Varsova. They then proceeded to Port Sudan. HMS Caledon later rejoined the convoy.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 27 January 1941. The Bucegi and Eigsvold proceeded to Aden as did the escorts. (14)

22 Jan 1941
On 22 January 1941, northbound convoy BN 13 and southbound convoy BS 13 met. The escorts of BN 13, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) then joined convoy BS 13, while the escorts of convoy BS 13, the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined convoy BN 13.

[For more info on these convoy see the events ' Convoy BN 13 ' for 17 January 1941 and ' Convoy BS 13 ' for 19 January 1941.] (15)

25 Jan 1941

Convoy BS 13A.

This convoy departed Suez on 25 January 1941 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 1 February 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Sovereign (British (tanker), 3657 GRT, built 1917), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Port Wyndham (British, 11005 GRT, built 1935) and Waiwera (British, 12435 GRT, built 1934).

Another merchant vessel later joined the convoy, this was the Rahmani (British, 5463 GRT, built 1928) which came from Jeddah.

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) until 28 January 1941 when HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) took over.

Also three of the merchant vessels were detached to Port Sudan where they arrived on the 28th, these were; City of Florence, Delius and Dunera.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 1 February 1941. (14)

1 Feb 1941

Convoy BSF 1.

This convoy departed Suez on 1 February 1941 for the Gulf of Aden where it was dispersed on 7 February 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Cap St.Jacques (French, 8009 GRT, built 1922), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Ima (Norwegian (tanker), 6842 GRT, built 1930), Itria (British, 6845 GRT, built 1940), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1931), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

On 4 February 1941 the escort was reinforced by the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) which came from Port Sudan and a northbound convoy respectively.

On 7 February 1941 the convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden. The escorts arrived at Aden also on the 7th. (14)

7 Feb 1941
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (16)

11 Mar 1941

Convoy AN 19.

This convoy departed Alexandria / Port Said on 11 March 1941.

The, larger, Port Said section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Baluchustan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Constantinos Louloudis (Greek, 4697 GRT, built 1922), Coulouras-Xenos (Greek, 4914 GRT, built 1915), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Evanthia (Greek, 3551 GRT, built 1915), Evoikos (Greek, 4792 GRT, built 1922), Hellas (Greek, 2295 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Nitsa (Greek, 4732 GRT, built 1915), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Solheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1934) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937).

This section was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The, smaller, Alexandria section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Pericles (Dutch (tanker), 3167 GRT, built 1938) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).

The Alexandria section was escorted by the Greek destroyers RHS Spetsai and RHS Ydra.

Around 0635B/13, the two sections merged.

Around 1000B/16, the convoy arrived at Piraeus. The tanker Pericles had meanwhile been detached to Suda Bay. (17)

18 Mar 1941

Convoy AS 20.

This convoy departed Piraeus around noon on the 18 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Escaut (Belgian, 1087 GRT, built 1938), Heron (Greek, 1580 GRT, built 1906), Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915).

On departure from Piraeus the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), 'a Greek destroyer' and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

Between 1750B/18 and 1840B/18, HMAS Vendetta conducted depth charge attacks on a A/S contact. She was assisted in the hunt by a Sunderland aircraft.

Around 1800B/18, HMS Calcutta parted company with the convoy to proceed to Suda Bay.

Around 0915B/19, HMS Calcutta rejoined the convoy.

Around 0950B/19, the merchant vessel Thalma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Suda Bay.

Around 0700B/20, the Greek destroyer parted company.

Around 0615B/21, the convoy was dispersed and the ships proceeded to either Alexandria or Port Said. (18)

22 Mar 1941

Convoy AN 22.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 22 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Kararchi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1929), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) and Volsella (British, 2103 GRT, built 1906).

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

During the night of 22/23 March 1941 the Volsella was detached as she could not keep up with the convoy.

Around 0730B/24, the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and destroyer HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) joined the convoy as additional escorts.

Around 0615B/25, the Suda Bay section of the convoy parted company, these were the Dumana and Nicolaou Georgios.

The convoy arrived at Piraeus around 1830B/25. (19)

1 Apr 1941

Convoy AS 23

This convoy departed Piraeus on 1 April 1941 for Port Said where it arrived on 5 April 1941.

The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), Coulouras-Xenos (Greek, 4914 GRT, built 1915), Hollandia (Greek, 1759 GRT, built 1911), Homefield (British, 5324 GRT, built 1919), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Mount Olympus (Greek, 6692 GRT, built 1920), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920) and Teti (Greek, 2747 GRT, built 1903).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The convoy was attacked from the air and on 2 April the Coulouras-Xenos was sunk by aircraft bombs off Gavdos Island while the Homefield was badly damaged. She was later sunk by the destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN).

HMAS Voyager arrived at Alexandria on 4 April, HMS Wryneck continued with the convoy to Port Said where it arrived on the 5th. HMS Wryneck then proceeded to Alexandria where she arrived later the same day. (20)

7 Apr 1941

Convoy AG 11

This convoy departed Alexandria on 7 April 1941 for Pireaus where it arrived on 9 April 1941.

The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Ais Giorgis (Greek, 2098 GRT, built 1908), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Hollandia (Greek, 1759 GRT, built 1911), Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).

The armed boarding vessel HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) also sailed with the convoy but was soon detached to Tobruk.

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined the convoy at sea on the 8th.

On the 9th HMS Mohawk was detached to Suda Bay after she had been relieved by two Greek destroyers. (20)

10 Apr 1941

Convoy AS 25

This convoy departed Piraeus on 10 April 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said where it arrived on 15 April 1941.

The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Fred (Greek, 4043 GRT, built 1907), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937).

They were later joined at sea by the tanker Pericles (Dutch, 3167 GRT, built 1938) which came from Suda Bay.

Escort was provided by the destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

On sailing from Piraeus the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) was also part of the escort. She parted company with the convoy on the 11th. HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) then joined the convoy, also on the 11th.

On the 14th, the tanker Pericles broke in two in position in 32°09'N, 29°40'E. HMS Grimsby took off the crew. Destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) was sent to her assistance but she could only sink the stern section with gunfire. (20)

21 Apr 1941

Convoy AN 29.

This convoy departed Alexandria / Port Said on 21 April 1941.

The Alexandria section was made up of the following transports; Araybank (British, 7258 GRT, built 1940), Kirkland (British, 1361 GRT, built 1934), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920), Themoni (Greek, 5719 GRT, built 1938) and Zealand (British, 2726 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy was formed up around 1800C/21 and was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

Around 1350C/22, the Port Said section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the following transports; Iris (Greek, 1754 GRT, built 1912), Kassandra Louloudis (British, 5106 GRT, built 1919), Rodi (British, 3220 GRT, built 1928) and Rokos (Greek, 6426 GRT, built 1918).

They had no escort with them.

Around 2300C/23, a submarine was sighted on the surface ahead of the convoy. HMAS Vendetta opened fire with ' B ' gun. The submarine remained on the surface and started signalling. As it was known that Greek and Yugoslav submarines were en-route to Alexandria fire was checked as this must have been one of them.

Around 1220C/23, the Kassandra Louloudis was detached to Alexandria.

Around 1515C/23, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Alexandria around 1500C/22.

Around 1715C/23, the Iris was detached to Alexandria.

Around 2200C/23, HMS Phoebe parted company with the convoy.

During the night of 23/24 April orders were received to proceed to Suda Bay instead of Piraeus.

Around 1415C/24, the convoy entered Suda Bay. (21)

26 Apr 1941
Operation Demon continued, more troops were to be evacuated from mainland Greece during the night of 26/27 April 1941.

From the Raphina and Raphtis area;

Landing ship HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) and the transport Salween (7063 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN).

HMS Glenearn was bombed en-route to the pick up zone. She was towed to Kissamo Bay by HMS Griffin. From there she was taken in tow to Alexandria, first by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and later by the netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN).

To replace the troop carrying capacity of the landing ship HMS Glenearn, the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and destroyer HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) were disposed.

From the Nauplia and Tolon area;

landing ship HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN), troopships Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924) and Khedive Ismael (7290 GRT, built 1922), AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), and destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN).

Slamat was late in leaving Nauplia in the early morning and delayed the convoy's sailing. Slamat was then bombed and wrecked south of the Argolic Gulf in position 37°01'N, 23°10'E shortly after 0700 hours. Destroyer HMS Diamond was then left behind to rescue the survivors which she did. At 0925 hours HMS Diamond signalled that she had picked up most of the survivors and that she had set course for Suda Bay. She had also fired a torpedo into the blazing wreck and Slamat sank shortly afterwards.

The destroyers HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) were then sent out to assist the Nauplia group. Of these HMS Wryneck was ordered to assist HMS Diamond. Wryneck arrived just as Slamat capsized. Both destroyers were then attacked and sunk in the early afternoon by German aircraft (9 German aircraft Ju.88, probably of I./KG.51 (Hpt. Heinrich Hahn)) with heavy loss of life. Only 27 survivors (another source gives 24 survivors) were picked up the next day by HMS Griffin. HMS Diamond was lost with 7 officers and 141 ratings while HMS Wryneck was lost with 7 officers and 98 ratings.

From the Kalamata area;

Transports City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936). These were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

HMS Defender had also embarked the Yugoslav crown jewels for transport to Alexandria.

The destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) were also operating in the Aegean area but their exact whereabouts are for the moment unknown to us.] (20)

26 Apr 1941
Around 26 April 1941, the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was detached from convoy AG 15 to close the damaged transport Scottish Prince (4917 GRT, built 1938) which had been hit by bombs about 40 miles north-north-east of Suda Bay while en-route from Izmir to Suda Bay. On arrival the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), which were standing by the ship, were relieved. The master of the ship wanted to abandon ship as he feared she was about to capsize. HMAS Vampire then took off the crew. The list of the ship however did not increase and the Master, Engineer and several of the crew were then put back on the ship. Meanwhile the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) had joined. Course was then set to Suda Bay where they arrived around 0700C/27. (22)

5 May 1941

Convoy AN 30.

This convoy sailed in two sections, one from Haida and one from Port Said.

The Haifa section sailed on 5 May 1941. It was made up of only one ship, the transport Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929). She was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The Port Said section sailed on 6 May 1941. It was made up of the transports City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930) and Rawnsley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940). On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria around 2150C/6 to go to the aid of the transport City of Canterbury which had broken down while in convoy AN 30 from Port Said to Suda Bay.

The City of Canterbury was sighted at 0155C/7 in approximate position 32°00'N, 30°00'E. She was making repairs which were completed by 0215C/7. Course was then set to rejoin convoy AN 30.

During the forenoon of the 7th, HMAS Vampire encountered HMS Flamingo with the remainder of the Port Said section. They had been delayed due to defects in the Rawnsley.

HMAS Vampire then proceeded with the other two ships to make rendezvous with the Haifa section which on the 7th had been joined by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) coming from Alexandria. The sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, RN) also joined on the 7th. HMAS Stuart however developed defects and parted company later on the 7th.

The convoy was in formation around 1300C/7 and by 2000C/7 the Flamingo and the Rawnsley had caught up.

On the 8th the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) which had departed Alexandria earlier that day to replace HMAS Stuart.

Around 1935C/8, the convoy was attacked from the air in position 33°52'N, 26°34'E. The first attack run failed due to effective AA fire from HMS Flamingo. The enemy then commenced a second attack run during which the Rawnsley was hit. HMS Grimsby and HMAS Waterhen remained behind to assist her. HMS Grimsby took her in tow with HMAS Waterhen screening. The remainder of the convoy meanwhile continued on to Suda Bay where it arrived around 0830C/9.

Meanwhile the Rawnsley was towed to an anchorage off the south of Crete. HMAS Waterhen then parted company and proceeded to Suda Bay where she arrived on 10 May. (23)