uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Pelican include:

24 Sep 1939
HMS Thistle (Cdr. R.W. Stirling-Hamilton, RN) departed from Dover bound for Dundee. Escort is provided by HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN). Later Beagle is relieved by HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) A.G. Davidson, RN). The next day Thistle is taken up in convoy FN 10 that is escorted by the above mentioned HMS Weston as well as HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K Boswell, RN). (1)

16 Oct 1939
HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K Boswell, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (2)

16 Oct 1939
HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K Boswell, RN) is undocked (2)

15 Feb 1940
Late in the evening HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) departed the Tyne to reinforce the escort of convoy FS 97 (Tyne-Southend) which was made up of the destroyer HMS Vivien (Lt.Cdr. W.D.G. Weir, RN) and the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN). The convoy had departed the Tyne also on the 15th.

The convoy arrived at Southend on the 17th.

HMS Jackal had bee detached earlier and arrived at Immingham very late on the 16th. (3)

22 Apr 1940
The anti-aircraft sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, D.S.O., RN), while on her way to the Romsdal Fjord carrying the personnel of the Naval Base party for Molde, was crippled by a German Ju-87 (Stuka) dive bomber. She was hit aft, setting off her depth charges. Pelican was towed to Lerwick and then to Chatham for repairs that lasted until early December 1940. (4)

22 Apr 1940
HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) is damaged by bomb spliters during an enemy air attack. Damage was minor with the most damage done to the ships main radio antenna.

Jackal departed Aandalsnes this day to escort the St. Sunniva (1368 GRT, built 1931) to Kirkwall but the was later ordered to join the damaged sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN).

HMS Pelican, which was en-route to Molde had been attacked and heavily damaged by German aircraft. HMS Jackal took off injured crew members and soldiers from HMS Pelican. Soldiers which had been on board HMS Pelican were taken on board the St. Sunniva which was then escorted to Molde by the destroyer HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN) after which she returned.

HMS Pelican was also joined by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. A.N. Grey, RN) which took her in tow. Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Jackal, HMS Somali and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN).

HMS Pelican arrived at Lerwick at 1000/24 now being towed by the tug St. Mellons and escorted by HMS Jackal, HMS Tartar and HMS Fleetwood. HMS Somali had been detached earlier to proceed direct to Scapa Flow. (5)

11 Dec 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN). (6)

12 Dec 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN). (6)

13 Dec 1940
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H. Tichelman, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR), HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN) and the A/P trawler Duchesse de Brabant. (7)

16 Dec 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Pelican (Cdr. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN). (6)

27 Jan 1942
Around 1315A/27, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. She carries some much needed stores and 10 passengers (2 for Malta and 8 for Alexandria) to Malta during this passage.

Before proceeding to Malta she conducted A/S exercises with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR). Exercises were completed around 1800A/27.

(As no log of HMS Turbulent is available for January 1942 it is not possible to display a map.) (8)

1 May 1942
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Rosthern (Cdr. P.B. Cross, RCNVR), USS Niblack (Lt.Cdr. E.R. Durgin, USN), HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) and HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN). (9)

2 May 1942
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Lowestoft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN) and HMS Quadrille (T/Lt. N.T. Chetwood, RNVR). (9)

11 Jul 1942
German U-boat U-136 was sunk in the Atlantic west of Madeira, Portugal, in position 33°30'N, 22°52'W by the Free French destroyer Leopard (Lt.Cdr. Richard), the British frigate HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN).

29 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN), HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN), HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR), HMS Heather (T/Lt. W.L. Turner, RNR) and FFS Renoncule. (10)

30 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN) and HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN). (10)

14 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Harvester (Cdr. A.A. Tait, DSO, RN), HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN), HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, RNR), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR) and HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR). (11)

10 Mar 1943
HMS P 615 (Lt. C.W.St.C. Lambert, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Freetown with HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN), HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, RNR), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR) and HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR) (12)

14 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, RCNVR), HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR), HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, DSC, RNR), HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) and HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR). (13)

15 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Calgary (T/Lt. H.K. Hill, RCNVR) and HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, RCNVR). (13)

6 May 1943
German U-boat U-438 was sunk in the North Atlantic north-east of Newfoundland, in approximate position 52°00'N, 45°10'W, by depth charges from the British sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN).

4 Jun 1943
HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN). (14)

14 Jun 1943
German U-boat U-334 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Iceland, in position 58°16'N, 28°20'W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Freaker, DSO, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN).

18 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. B. Charles, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN). (15)

19 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. B. Charles, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Saxifage (T/Lt. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and one other vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 34]. (15)

19 Jul 1943

Combined convoy WS 32 / KMF 20.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 19 July 1943.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the following transports; Chyebassa (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), Copacabana (Belgian, 7340 GRT, built 1938), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Esperance Bay (British, 14204 GRT, built 1922), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Rangitata (British,16737 GRT, built 1929), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937), Rowallan Castle (British, 7798 GRT, built 1939) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), sloops HMS Egret (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN), HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN) and the frigates HMS Derg (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), Kale (HMS Kale (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

On 21 July 1943 the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Plymouth to join the convoy which she did early in the evening off 22 July.

The convoy split up at 2000B/25.

Convoy KMF 20, continued on to the Mediterranean. It was made up of the following transports; Cheyebassa, City of Bristol, Dempo, Highland Princess, Mooltan, Orion, Rembrandt and Volendam.

They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Pelican, HMS Jed, HMS Rother and HMS Wear.

At 1000B/26, HMS Charybdis parted company and proceeded ahead to Gibraltar arriving there around 2000B/26.

The convoy passed the straits of Gibraltar during the night of 27/28 July. HMS Pelican was detached and arrived at Gibraltar on 27 July.

The transports Dempo, Highland Princess, Mooltan, Orion and Volendam arrived at Algiers on 28 July 1943 escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Jed, HMS Rother and HMS Wear.

Cheyebassa, City of Bristol and Rembrandt continued on the the eastwards towards Malta as convoy KMF 20A. They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Jed and HMS Rother which, most likely, had fuelled at Algiers.

On 30 July 1943, HMS Egret, HMS Jed and HMS Rother arrived at Malta. Their escort duties taking over by the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) which had departed Malta earlier on 30 July.

The three ships of the convoy joined convoy GTX 4 on 31 July following which HMS Ilex and HMS Intrepid returned to Malta arriving on 1 August.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy WS 32 continued on towards Freetown. It was made up of the following transports; Copacabana, Esperance Bay, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Moreton Bay, Rangitata, Rochester Castle and Rowallan Castle.

They were escorted by the destroyer Beagle and the frigates HMS Derg, HMS Kale and HMS Tay. These were joined by the destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the frigate HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 28 July 1943.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convoy WS 32 departed Freetown for South Africa on 5 August 1943.

It was now made up of the transports; Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Esperance Bay, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Moreton Bay, Rangitata and Rochester Castle.

On 8 August 1943 the transport Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Takoradi. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 August 1943, the transports Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Lagos.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Beagle, HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN), HMS Douglas and the frigates HMS Derg, HMS Kale and HMS Tay.

On 12 August 1943, HMS Beagle, HMS Bulldog, HMS Douglas and HMS Wolverine parted company after having been relieved by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN).

The convoy arrived at Capetown in 18 August 1943.

It sailed again the following day, minus the Rochester Castle for Durban where it arrived on 22 August 1943. They had been escorted by HMAS Norman, HMAS Quiberon, HMS Rapid and HMS Relentless.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 28 August 1943 convoy WS 32 departed Durban for Bombay. It was now made up of the transports Britannic, Largs Bay, Maloja, Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) and Tamaroa.

They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Rapid.

On 3 September 1943, the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) took over from HMS Hawkins and the three destroyers which then proceeded to Kilindini where they arrived the following day after having participated in night exercises.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 10 September minus the Strathmore which had been detached to Aden on 6 September.

1 Aug 1943

Convoy MKF 20.

This convoy departed Algiers on 1 August 1943.

It was made up of the troop transports; Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

Escort was made up of the sloops HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Egret (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN), frigates HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Oran on 2 August 1943.

The convoy departed Oran on 3 August 1943. The frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR) had reinforced the convoy escort now.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 4 August 1943. It departed for the U.K. later the same day minus the transport Dempo. The convoy escort was reinforced by the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN).

On 5 August 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake the convoy and then join the convoy escort. She joined the convoy on the morning of the 6th.

At 1000B/8, HMS Charybdis parted company with the convoy to return to Gibraltar.

HMS Limbourne was detached to Plymouth where she arrived on 10 August 1943.

HMS Amazon and HMS Wanderer were detached to Londonderry where they arrived on 10 August 1943.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 11 August 1943. The remaining escort vessels then proceeded to Londonderry arriving there later the same day.

23 Aug 1943
On the 23th August 1943 the 40th Escort Group (Cdr. Dallison), consisting of the sloops HMS Landguard, HMS Bideford, HMS Hastings and the frigates HMS Exe, HMS Moyola and HMS Waveney were deployed on a U-boat hunt off Cape Ortegal. The whole operation was covered by the British light cruiser HMS Bermuda.

On the 25th August the Canadian 5th Support Group (Cdr. Tweed), consisting of the British frigates HMS Nene, HMS Tweed and the Canadian corvettes HMCS Calgary, HMCS Edmundston and HMCS Snowberry were deployed to relieve the 40th Escort Group. While this was in progress the ships were attacked at 1415 hrs by 14 Dornier Do-217's and 7 Ju-88's. with the new German weapon, the Henschel Glider Bombs, (the "Hs293 A-1"). Designed by the German Professor Herbert Wagner. HMS Landguard and HMS Bideford were the first of the Allied and R.N. ships to be attacked and damaged by them. This being the first time of their being brought into action against Allied ships. Several sailors were injured on HMS Bideford and one sailor was killed.

Another two days later on the 27th August 1943 the Canadian 5th Support group was relieved by the 1st Support group (Cdr. Brewer) consisting of the sloops HMS Pelican, HMS Egret and the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Rother, HMS Spey and HMS Evenlode. Also the covering cruiser HMS Bermuda was relieved by the Canadian destroyer HMCS Athabaskan and the British destroyer HMS Grenville. These ships were also attacked by the Germans. This time with 18 Dornier Do-217?s also carrying Henschel Glider Bombs. HMCS Athabaskan was heavily damaged and HMS Egret was sunk with the loss of 194 of her crew. After this loss the U-boat hunt was blown off.

16 Sep 1943

Convoy KMF 24.

This convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 September 1943. The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR). Additional escorts were the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. T.M. Dorrien-Smith, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN)and RHS Themistocles (?).

On 17 September 1943, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR) departed Liverpool to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On 21 September 1943, the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) conducted an A/S sweep in the vicinity of the convoy.

On 22 September 1943, the Empire Viceroy and Highland Princess arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Malcolm, HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Zetland, RHS Themistocles and HMS Rother.

Joining the convoy from Gibraltar were the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN). The escort destroyer HMS Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) also sailed later from Gibraltar to overtake and join the convoy.

Also rejoining the convoy from Gibraltar were HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Zetland, RHS Themistocles and HMS Rother.

On 23 September 1943, the following vessels arrived at Algiers after having detached from the convoy; Almanzora, Athlone Castle and Cameronia. HMS Pelican, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother, HMS Spey and HMS Wear also parted company with the convoy.

The escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), RHS Kanaris (?) and RHS Miaoulis (?) joined the convoy.

Early on 24 September 1943, the Bergensfjord and Volendam were detached to Philippeville escorted by HMS Rockwood and RHS Miaoulis which later rejoined the convoy.

At 1625B/24, HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland were detached from the convoy to proceed to Augusta.

Around 1130B/25, in position 36°52'N, 15°46'E, the (troop) transport Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935) and escort destroyer HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) joined coming from Taranto. Also joining around the same time were the (troop) transports Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922) and Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) coming from Augusta. With them the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland also (re)joined.

At 1230B/25, HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland were detached to Malta.

Around 0325C/28, HMS Carlisle, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kanaris parted company to proceed to Alexandria where they arrived around 0730C/28.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said in afternoon of 28 September 1943.

17 Sep 1943

Convoy MKF 24.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 September 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt. U.H.R. James, RN) was also part of the convoy. She was en-route from the East Indies station to the U.K. to be decommissioned and be outfitted for her new role as troop transport.

The convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), RHS Kanaris and RHS Miaoulis.

At 0620C/18, the Eastern Prince was detached to Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Algiers on 22 September 1943.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 28 September 1943 the convoy departed Algiers for the U.K.

It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Clan Campbell, Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Staffordshire, Strathmore, Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and Volendam (British, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage was still part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

At 0700A/30, the Ruys and Volendam were detached.

At 0900A/30, the Empress of Australia and Monarch of Bermuda were detached.

At 0930A/30, the (troop) transports Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Gibraltar.

Also the following warships joined at the same time; escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), seaplane carrier HMS Albatross (A/Capt.(Retd.) S. Barry, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN).

At 1400A/30, the Volendam rejoined.

At 1500A/30, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar.

At 1600A/30, the Ruys rejoined.

At 0420A/1, the Bergensfjord, Highland Princess and Volendam parted company to proceed to Freetown. They took HMS Wishart and HMS Witherington with them as escorts. Also the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) joined them which had came from Casablanca.

At 1300A/1, the Athone Castle was detached to proceed independently to New York.

At 0640Z/4, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy escort.

At 0635Z/5, HMS Spartan parted company with the convoy.

At 0930Z/5, HMS Charybdis and HMS Albatross parted company to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived on 6 October.

On 7 October the convoy arrived in U.K waters. The bulk of the convoy proceeded either to Greenock or to Liverpool.

16 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR). (16)

17 Oct 1943

Combined convoy MKF 24 / XIF 2A.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 October 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).

The headquarters ship HMS Largs (Capt. H.S. Allan, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and RHS Themistocles.

On 18 October 1943, the (troop) transports; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llandgibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929) and Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) departed Alexandria to join the convoy which they did later the same day.

The were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR).

In the morning of 21 October 1943, the convoy arrived off Augusta where the Britannic, Glenartney, Largs Bay, Maloya, Martand, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa, and HMS Largs were detached and entered harbour.

The Aronda, Egra, Karoa, Letitia, Llangibby Castle and Nieuw Holland and the entire convoy escort then proceeded to Taranto where they arrived early in the morning of 22 August 1943.

The convoy departed Taranto in the late afternoon to proceed to Augusta. The escort destroyer HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) had joined the convoy escort. The Llangibby Castle and HMS Lamerton did not sail with the convoy.

Early in the afternoon of 23 October the convoy was back off Augusta. the Nieuw Holland was then detached and entered Augusta. The convoy was rejoined by the Britannic, Glenartney, Largs Bay, Maloya, Martand, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa and HMS Largs which had been detached on 21 October. More (troop) transports however joined coming from Augusta, these were; Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931) and Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927).

Late in the afternoon of 23 October the convoy was off Malta where it was joined by the damaged light cruiser HMS Cleopatra (Cdr. M.J. Ross, DSC, RN) and the landing ships HMS Prince Charles (A/Cdr. (Retd.) S.H. Dennis, DSC, RN), HMS Prince Leopold (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Lowe, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (Lt. J.E. Bromley, RNR) and HMS Princess Astrid (T/A/Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) C.E. Hall, RNR).

On 25 October 1943, the convoy arrived at Algiers. Part of the convoy however went on to Oran. These were the Aronda, Egra, Karoa, escorted by HMS Croome, HMS Tetcott, RHS Kanaris and RHS Themistocles.

On 27 October 1943, the convoy departed Algiers. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Britannic, Duchess of Bedford, Dunnottar Castle, Durban Castle, Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Largs Bay, Maloja, Martand, Reina del Pacifico, Samaria, Sibajak, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa,

The light cruiser HMS Cleopatra, headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landings ships HMS Prince Charles, HMS Prince Leopold, HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte, HMS Princess Astrid, HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) were also part of the concoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo, escort destroyers HMS Haydon, HMS Wilton, sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

The frigate HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR) departed Algiers on the 28th to overtake and join the convoy at sea which she did on 30 October.

On 28 October 1943, the convoy passed Gibraltar and the following ships were detached from the convoy; HMS Cleopatra, HMS Prince Charles, HMS Prince Leopold, HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte, HMS Princess Astrid, HMS Colombo and HMS Haydon.

From Gibraltar the following ships joined the convoy; (troop) transports; Esperance Bay (British, 13837 GRT, built 1922), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Saturnia (Italian, 23940 GRT, built 1927), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932).

The landing ship HMS Prince Albert (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Peate, RNR) also joined as did the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the destroyers HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN).

On 30 October 1943, HMS Wilton was detached to return to Gibraltar where she arrived at following day.

On 1 November 1943, the convoy was joined by the frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR).

On 4 November 1943, HMCS Prince Robert arrived at Horta, Azores after having been detached from the convoy earlier on it approaching 50°N.

On 4 November 1943, HMS Prince Albert and HMS Bulldog arrived at Plymouth after having been detached from the convoy earlier.

On 5 November 1943, the convoy arrived in U.K. waters. The bulk of the convoy proceeded to Liverpool.

15 Nov 1943

Convoy KMF 26.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 15 November 1943 and arrived at Alexandria / Port Said on 30 November 1943 / 1 December 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Chinese Prince (British, 9485 GRT, built 1943), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Dempo (British, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Samanco (British, 8336 GRT, built 1943), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sarmiento (British, 8335 GRT, built 1943) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) (actually joined on the 16th), sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN, S.O. of A/S escort), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

In the afternoon of 19 November, HMS Birmingham fuelled HMS Spey as the frigate had two out of four fuel tanks contaminated with seawater drastically effecting her range. With this underway refuelling she was able to continue on to Algiers.

During the morning of 20 November, the frigate HMS Rother also received some fuel from HMS Birmingham.

On passing the Straits of Gibraltar, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar harbour. The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also the submarine HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy for passage to Alexandria.

On the 25th, HMS Anthony and HMS Spey parted company with the convoy.

Off Oran / Mers-el-Kebir the transports Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR), USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) and the minesweepers USS Pioneer (Lt. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR) and USS Portent (Lt. H.C. Plummer, USNR).

Off Algiers transport Monarch of Bermuda and the escorts HMS Brilliant, HMS Pelican, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother parted company with the convoy while the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN), RHS Miaoulis and ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of 26 November the convoy was attacked by German aircraft and the transport Rohna was sunk by a glider bomb in position 36°56'N, 05°20'E. 1149 crew and passengers (mostly US troops) were killed in this attack.

Off Philipeville the transports Cameronia, Clan Campbell and Duchess of Bedford parted company with the convoy to proceed to that place while the transport Derbyshire joined the convoy coming from there.

On 27 November first HMS Colombo and later USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded towards Alexandria / Port Said arriving there on 30 November / 1 December 1943.

17 Nov 1943

Combined convoy MKF 26 / XIF 4.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 November 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer RHS Kriti.

On 18 November 1943, the (troop) transports; Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) departed Alexandria to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos which also joined the convoy.

On 21 November 1943, the bulk of the convoy, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Tegelberg escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Paladin, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kriti arrived at Augusta. Meanwhile the Cuba and Staffordshire had been detached to Taranto where they arrived on 22 November 1943 escorted by HMS Beaufort, RHS Kriti and RHS Pindos.

The ships that had arrived at Taranto (convoy XIF 4) departed from there again on 24 November 1943 and arrived at Augusta the following day.

Convoy MKF 26 departed Augusta on 27 November. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna, Staffordshire and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp, escort destroyers HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos. The destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC, RN) joined coming from Malta which she had departed on the same day.

On 28 November 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) joined the convoy escort coming from Bizerta while the Cuba was detached to Bizerta.

Later on the 28th, the troop transport Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 29 November 1943, the Karamea was detached to Algiers as were the following escorts; HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos.

The following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920). Also joining from Algiers were the following escorts; sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

Later on the 29th, the (troop) transport Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. Also joining from there were the USN transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN), USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Barnett (T/Capt. G.E. Maynard, USN), USS Charles Carroll (T/Capt. H. Biesemeier, USN), USS Frederick Funston (T/Cdr. J.E. Murphy, USN), USS James O'Hara (T/Capt. C. Allen, USN), USS Joseph T. Dickman (Capt. R.J. Mauermann, USCG), USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, Jr., USN), USS Procyon (T/Cdr. B.A. Hartt, USN) and USS Thomas Jefferson (T/Capt. P.P. Welch, USN).

Around 1945A/30, USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Algiers. HMS Nubian also parted company with the convoy on the 30th to fuel at Gibraltar and then rejoin the convoy when it passed through the Straits of Gibraltar.

Around 0445A/1, HMS Colombo was detached from the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. Also on 1 December 1943 the following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943) and City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937). The destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) also joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

HMS Velox fuelled at Horta, Azores during 3/4 December 1943 and then rejoined the convoy.

Around 1800O/4, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 1800Z/6.

The Margrethe Bakke was detached in the North Atlantic and arrived at New York on 12 December 1943.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8/9 December 1943.

14 Mar 1944
HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN). (17)

12 Apr 1944
HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Bittersweet (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS La Malbaie (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Davis, RCNVR), HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR), HMCS Saskatchewan (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Easton, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. H.L. Quinn, RCNVR), HMCS Napanee (T/Lt. S. Henderson, RCNR) and HMCS Forrest Hill (T/Lt. E.U. Jones, RCNVR). (18)

13 Apr 1944
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Bittersweet (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Napanee (T/Lt. S. Henderson, RCNR), HMCS Saskatchewan (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Easton, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR), HMS Bickerton (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR) (19)

14 Apr 1944
German U-boat U-448 in the North Atlantic north-east of the Azores, in position 46°22'N, 19°35'W, by depth charges from the Canadian frigate HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR) and the British sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN).

3 May 1944
HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN). (20)