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Notable events involving Amethyst include:

19 Dec 1943
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN). (1)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included an RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises during which HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) served as target. (2)

14 Mar 1944

Convoy UGS 36.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 March 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), E. Kirby Smith (American, 7193 GRT, built 1943), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Frederick C. Howe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ignace Paderewski (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jubal A. Early (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis Hennepin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Robert R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Walter Releigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William B. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Dall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943). The LST's USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN), naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and stores ship USS Polaris (8222 GRT, built 1939, T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and the French patrol vessel Sabre.

Around 1130Z/14, USS Sellstrom parted company to proceed the Portsmouth Navy Yard to effect repairs to her sound gear. She rejoined the following day.

Around 1600Z/14, the tanker Petter parted company to proceed to New York.

Around 1200Z/15, the transport Charles Crocker parted company to return to the USA. USS Tomich was ordered to escort her and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1400Z/15, USS Sellstrom rejoined the convoy.

Around 1200Z/16, the destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) joined the convoy. She had been unable to depart with the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0800Z/17, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy.

During 17 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple, USS Alden, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford and Sabre fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 0225Z/18, radar contact was obtained on two vessels which proved to be the transport Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929) and her escort, the minesweeper USS Despite (Lt.(jg) F.T. Peck, Jr., USNR), coming from Bermuda. The transport subsequently joined the convoy and the minesweeper returned to Bermuda.

On 20 March 1944, USS Sloat fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 23 March 1944, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1300Z/24, Hoke Smith and Iroquois were detached from the convoy to proceed to the Azores. They were escorted by USS John D. Edwards whivh had first fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 26 March 1944, USS Decatur fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1330Z/27, USS John D. Edwards rejoined the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, USS John D. Ford was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar to obtain written orders and other paperwork so that the Task Force would to be able to operate in the Mediterranean. Before parting company she fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0554Z/28, the transport A.J. Cermak and USS Richey collided but damage to both was minor.

On 28 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0330Z/29, USS John D. Ford collided with the British auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Agate (T/Lt. R.J. Langley, RANVR) in Gibraltar harbour. The destroyer sustained extensive damage and one of her crew was killed and five were wounded. USS Alden was then detached to take over the duties of USS John D. Ford.

Around 0800Z/29, the transport Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, corvette Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports Edward Burleson, Edwin L. Godkin, Howell E. Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, Oregon and USS Escalante with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 30 March 1944.

Around 2320Z/29, USS Alden rejoined from Gibraltar.

Around 2330Z/29, USS John D. Edwards parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to refuel and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0940Z/30, the Gibraltar section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the transports Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Don (British, 1037 GRT, built 1924) and Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940). At the same time USS Polaris parted company to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran. To escort her the destroyers USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) had arrived on the scene.

Around 1000Z/30, USS Decatur briefly stopped in Gibraltar Bay to embark a British liaison officer.

Around 1100Z/30, British (controlled) escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN). Also the submarine HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and motor minesweeper MMS 300 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.W. Lawn, RNVR) joined for passage. The rescue tug HMRT Mindful also joined. The American minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).

Around 1100Z/31, the following ships were detached to Oran; A.J. Cermak, Dilworth, Frithjof Nansen, James Rumsey, John Catron, John Sedgwik, Norfjell, Patrick C. Boyle, Peter Cartwright, Samuel Moody, Stephen C. Foster, Walter Raleigh and William L. Yancey. From the escort, USS Richey and Sabre were also detached to Oran.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Abernethy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0300A/1, the convoy was attacked by about 20 German aircraft in approximate position 36°52'N, 01°43'E. They attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Two enemy aircraft were claimed to have been shot down. The Jared Ingersoll was hit by a torpedo. USS Mills picked up the crew and together with HRMT Mindful then effected the salvage of the ship. The damaged ship arrived at Algiers later the same day.

Around 1030Z/1, USS Richey rejoined from Oran after having effected repairs there.

Around 1145Z/1, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Donacilla, Fort Dauphin, Solor and Woodrow Wilson. HMS Black Swan was also detached to Algiers.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1130Z/2, the transport Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 1630Z/2, the transport Don was detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Lidvard (Norwegian, 4785 GRT, built 1939) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).

Around 0115Z/3, USS Mills rejoined the convoy from Algiers.

Around 0515Z/3, the Bizerta section of the convoy made up of the following ships parted company with the convoy; B.F. Shaw, British Diligence, George Abernethy, John A. Brown, Kemp B. Battle, Lawrence D. Tyson, Paul H. Harwood, Titus and William H. Dall. Also the complete American escort proceeded to Bizerta as did all the LST's and HMS Colombo. The tanker Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 3 April 1944, the transport Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.

On 4 April 1944, the Indiana, HMS Sirdar and HMMS 300 arrived at Malta while the transport Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 4 April 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Angelo, Atle Jarl, Bruse Jarl, Corstar, Coulgorm, E. Kirby Smith, Empire Grebe, Erodona, Fort Frobisher, Fort Gaspereau, Fort la Prairie, Fort Sturgeon, George Bancroft, George M. Bibb, Henry Baldwin, Henry W. Longfellow, Ignace Paderewski, James McHenry, Jan Lievens, John C. Fremont, John Trumbull, Lincoln Steffens, Lucretia Mott, Macuba, Marion McKinley Bovard, Morialta, Ocean Fame, Samannan, Samleven, Samstrule, Samtyne, Serula, Sun, Sun-Yat-Sen, Tarleton Brown, Theodoric Bland., Trondheim, Ulla, William D. Moseley and William F. Cody.

On 8 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Blackheath, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Empire Unicorn, Eridan, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Glenora, Fort Grant, Fort Lennox, Fort Meductic, Frederick C. Howe, Harlesden, Samlyth, Samshire, Samsteel and Stancleeve. Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, HMS Amethyst and HMS Deptford.

The remaining ships in the convoy arrived at Port Said on 9 April 1944.

15 Mar 1944

Convoy GUS 34.

This convoy departed Port Said on 15 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George B. Selden (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John W. Mackay (British, 4049 GRT, built 1922), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samdee (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN).

On 16 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Billy Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Brand Whitlock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), David Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edward Canby (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), James B. Hickox (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Makedonia (Greek, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Mark Hopkins (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), P.T. Barnum (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942) and Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) and the frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) which also joined the convoy. The Commanding Officer of HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau was the Senior Officer of the escort.

On 20 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Duncan U. Fletcher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heritage (British (tanker), 15702 GRT, built 1930), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936)), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), James Gunn (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), West Point (British, 4999 GRT, built 1920), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 21 March 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Anglo-African, Bantria, Baron Inchcape, City of Rangoon, Fort Capot River, Ocean Trader, Samwater, San Eliseo and San Venancio.

On 21 March 1941, the transports Makedonia and Neuralia escorted by HMS Active arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941) as well as the Neuralia and HMS Active (re)joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Tunis; Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Neocardia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 194).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Bizerta; Tanafjord and Thomas R. Marshall while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Horace H. Lurton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936) and Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Bone; Atle Jarl, Empire Harbour, Fort Jasper and Hardingham while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929) and Samholt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant.

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Philippeville; Fort Michipicoten and Norman Monarch while the transport Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 23 March 1944, the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers; Guinean, Neuralia, Sagittaire and West Point while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Arthur P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Harry A. Garfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Peregrine White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 1920), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). Also the boom carrier HMS Leonian (5424 GRT, built 1936) (A/Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Lundy, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy. HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau and HMS Active also briefly entered Algiers before rejoining the convoy.

On 25 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Oran; Daniel H. Hill, Dunelmia, Fort Frederick, Framlington Court, Horace H. Lurton and Houston Volunteers while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942), Culebra (Panamanian, 5260 GRT, built 1919), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

On 26 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Gibraltar; Empire Heath, Empire Stour, John W. Mackay, Rugeley, Staffordshire, Starstone and Thistleford as were HMS Colombo, HMS Leonian and HMRT Vagrant. The transport Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Gibraltar as did the corvette Commandant Detroyat.

On 26 March 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander Ramsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samtroy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) as well as the naval tanker USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Eldridge (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR), USS Neunzer (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Greenbacker, USN) and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR). They joined the convoy around 1140Z/27. On these ships joining the transports Culebra and Nicolaos Michalos parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by Commandant Detroyat, USS PC-472 and USS PC-475. They arrived at Casablanca on 28 March 1944.

On 27 March 1944, the destroyer Le Triomphant departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. She was to proceed to Boston, USA where she was to refit. She joined the convoy around 1410Z/28.

Around 1000A/27, the American Task Force 62 relieved the Mediterranean escort in position 35°32'N, 07°47'W. The Mediterranean escort then set course for Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day. The American escort was made up of the cutter USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyers USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), USS Parrott (T/Lt.Cdr. E.F. Rye, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Hetherington, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll ( T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN) and USS Cooner (T/Cdr. J.M. Stuart, USN).

On 28 March 1944, two transports, the Baron Cawdor and Linda were unable to keep up with the convoy. They were ordered to proceed to Casablanca.

Around 1600Z/31, in position in position 36°49'N, 24°42'W, Le Triomphant parted company with the convoy to fuel at Horta, Azores.

Around 2105Z/1, the tanker Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907) and the transport Pocahontas (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy in position 37°01'N, 32°33'W coming from Horta, Azores. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR).

Around 0945Z/3, Le Triomphant rejoined the convoy in position 36°41'N, 28°02'W after having fuelled at the Azores.

Also on 3 April 1944, USS Barker and USS Bulmer were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 4 April 1944, USS Paul Jones, USS Parrott and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 8 April 1944, USCGC Spencer, USS Conner and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 10 April 1944, USS Bulmer was fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

Around 0100Z/11, in position 34°51'N, 61°09'W, Le Triomphant was detached to proceed to Boston independently.

Around 2345Z/11, in position 35°05'N, 65°01'W, USS Cowanesque was detached to Bermuda for which the destroyer escorts USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Smith, USN) and USS Hayter (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Theriault, USNR) had come over to escort her to that place. They arrived at Bermuda the following morning.

Around 0730Z/13, while in position 36°30'N, 70°55'W, the convoy split into the New York / Delaware section and Chesapeake Bay section

The New York / Delaware section section was escorted by USCGC Spencer, USS Paul Jones, USS Barker, USS Bulmer, USS Parrott, USS Cooner and USS Neunzer. Around 2030Z/13, in position 38°03'N, 71°05'W, the transport Homer Lea parted company to proceed independently towards Delaware Bay. The New York section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the evening of 14 April 1944.

The Chesapeake Bay, escorted by USS Amick, USS Atherton, USS Booth, USS Carroll and USS Eldridge had meanwhile arrived at its destination in the morning of 14 April 1944.

3 May 1944

Convoy UGS 41.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 3 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Brand Whitlock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Calvin Coolidge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942)), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Coulonge (British, 7136 GRT, built 1943), Francisco Coronado (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry D. Thoreau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jacob Perkins (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Jose J. Acosta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mary Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Miguel Hidalgo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nonsuco (American, 5212 GRT, built 1938), Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pocahontas (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Robert Luckenbach (American, 8152 GRT, built 1919), Samdee (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Samhope (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samjack (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtroy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Johnston (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thorstein Veblen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), William W. Mayo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The naval tanker USS Chepachet (Cdr. H.R. Adams, USNR), stores ship USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN), attack cargo ship USS Betelgeuse (T/Cdr. J.F. Grube, USN) and the LSI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-562 (Lt.(jg) S.M. Ruffin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-563 (Ens. P. App, USNR), USS LCI(L)-581 (Lt.(jg) R.P. Mulligan, USNR), USS LCI(L)-582 (Lt.(jg) D. Radford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-583 (Lt. W.J. Sharp, Jr., USNR), 21649 584 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Smagala, USNR), USS LCI(L)-585 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Thomas, USNR), USS LCI(L)-586 (Lt.(jg) J.S. Murtha, USNR), USS LCI(L)-664 (Lt.(jg) J. Kennedy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-665 (Lt.(jg) O.E. Neidlinger, USNR), USS LCI(L)-666 (Ens. J.E. Earls, USNR), USS LCI(L)-667 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Dowd, USNR), USS LCI(L)-668 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Snapp, USNR), USS LCI(L)-669 (Lt.(jg) I.S. Bookman, USN), USS LCI(L)-670 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Hoban, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-671 (Lt.(jg) J.H. Carmona, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 62 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyers USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), and the destroyer escorts USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR) and USS Neunzer (Lt. V.E. Gex, USNR).

Around 0930Z/6, the Norden was detached to Bermuda as she was unable to maintain the convoys speed.

Around 0030Z/7, in position 32°40'N, 61°18'W, the Felix Grundy was detached to Bermuda with defects. She was escorted by USS Paul Jones and USS Bulmer. The destroyers rejoined the convoy around 1400Z/8 in position 33°17'N, 55°18'W.

Around 0730Z/16, in position 36°34'N, 26°40'W, the transport Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from the Azores. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR) which then proceeded to return to the Azores taking the transport Pocahonatas with her.

Around 1700Z/17, in position 34°20'N, 19°53'W, the transports Elbridge Gerry, F. Marion Crawford and Levy Woodbury were detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran where they were to disembark troop which they had on board after which they were to rejoin the convoy. They were escorted by USS Amick, USS Cooner and USS Bulmer. they arrived at Oran on 21 May before the main convoy passed. after having disembarked the troops they rejoined the convoy later on 21 May.

At 0551B/20, the transports Robert Howe and Nonusco collided in position 35°36'N, 07°38'W. The Robert Howe lost a man overboard and sustained damage in such a nature that she had to part company with the convoy. The Nonusco was holed well above the waterline and would be able to continue with the convoy in normal weather conditions.

Around 0830B/20, the Casablanca section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following transports; Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR).

On these ships joining the following transports / tankers parted company to proceed to Casablanca with the same escort that had escorted the Casablanca section; Edward Rutledge, Empire Dickens, President de Vogue, Robert Dale Owen and Timothy Dwight.

Around 1045B/20, USS Barker parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to pick up paperwork and a liason officer and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1455B/20.

Around 1500B/20, the rescue tug HMRT Athlete joined the convoy to assist the damaged Robert Howe during the remainder of the passage to Gibraltar. The transport Charles A. Wickliffe also parted company for Gibraltar shortly afterwards.

Around 1645B/20, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Nimble joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also joining the convoy were the transports City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919) and Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938).

On 21 May 1944 (around 1945B/21), the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Furuseth, Caleb Strong, Calvin Coolidge, Edward H. Crockett, George F. Patten, John S. Casement, Kong Haakon VII, Leland Stanford, Palermo, William R. Davie, USS Chepachet, USS Merak, USS Betelgeuse while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cushing Eells (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Esso Charleston (American (tanker), 7949 GRT, built 1938), Henry Ward Beecher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). Also the destroyers USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) and USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) joined the convoy for jamming duty against German radio controlled guided bombs.

Around 0800B/22, the Eastgate was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Algiers to pick up a new (British) Commodore for the convoy. She was escorted by USS Bulmer. They were to rejoin the convoy in the evening when the convoy would pass Algiers.

On 22 May 1944 (around 1930B/22), the following ships were detached to Algiers; Andrew Pickens, Charles Schiaffino, Cushing Eells, Gouverneur General Lepine, John Murray Forbes, Louis McLane and Norsol while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Barfleur (French, 3259 GRT, built 1938), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

Around 2200B/23, USS Madison and USS Hilary P. Jones were detached.

On 23 May 1944 (around 2300B/23), the Samphire and HMRT Nimble were detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Marlowe (British, 6768 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943) and Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 24 May 1944 (around 1100B/24), the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Andrew Briscoe, Barfleur, Nueva Granada, Robert H. Harrison and all the LCI(L)'s while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Empire Lass (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Henry Groves Connor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924) and Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).

Also the current escort, was replaced by a new escort which was made up of the sloops HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), minesweeping sloop Commandant Bory (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR) and HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR).

On 25 May 1944, the Empire Lass and HMS Vox were detached to Malta while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Malta; Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930).

On 26 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Daniel H. Lownsdale, Daniel Huger, Dux, Edwin L. Godkin, Elbridge Gerry, Emma Willard, Empire Collins, Empire Emerald, Empire Noble, Empire Stalwart, Empire Unicorn., F. Marion Crawford, Fort Carlton, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Cumberland, Fort Frobisher, Fort Lennox, Fort Pembina, George W. Campbell, Hannis Taylor, Harlesden, Henry George, Henry Groves Conner, Henry Ward Beecher, James McCosh, James Turner, Johns Hopkins, King Stephen, Laura Keene, Levi Woodbury, Mary Lyon, Norfjell, North Devon, Sambre, Samhope, Sampford, Samuel Johnston, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, William A. Graham, William M. Eastland and Woodbridge N. Ferris.

On 28 May 1944, HMS Amethyst parted company with the convoy to return to Bizerta. The corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) joined the convoy on 28 May 1944.

On 29 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; City of Keelung, Empire Spartan, Miguel Hidalgo, Polartank, Richard H. Alvey, Samtampa and Thorstein Veblen. Also HMS Fleetwood, HMS Anemone, HMS Convolvulus and Commandant Bory arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 May 1944 escorted by HMS Bergamot.

13 May 1944

Convoy UGS 42.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 13 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), Daniel H. Hill American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), David Holmes (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Fort Anne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), George B. Selden (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Faifield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 19432), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Lambert Caldwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Philander R.C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sverre Helmersen (Norwegian, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Wilfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909). The naval tanker USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR), auxiliary minelayers USS Chimo (Lt. J.W. Gross, USNR), USS Planter (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Scudder, Jr., USNR), USS Barricade (Lt. C.P. Haber, USNR), LST's USS LST-601 (?, with Lt.Cdr. F.M. Perrin, USNR, on board), USS LST-602 (Lt. J.H. Mehus, USNR), USS LST-603 (T/Lt. W.B. Sweet, USN) and the LCI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-587 (Lt.(jg) H.N. Cox, USNR), USS LCI(L)-588 (Lt.(jg) J.K. McMahon, USNR), USS LCI(L)-589 (Lt.(jg) J.J. McCarthy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-672 (Lt. H.G. Hilton, USNR), USS LCI(L)-673 (Lt.(jg) R.G. Creadick, USNR), USS LCI(L)-943 (Lt. J.L. Kuhn, USNR), USS LCI(L)-945 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Saylor, USN), USS LCI(L)-946 (Lt. S.F. Hirshberg, USNR), USS LCI(L)-948 (Lt.(jg) D.P. Kennedy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-949 (Lt.(jg) R. Steele, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-950 (Lt.(jg) J.G. Wilson, USNR) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 63 which was made up of the destroyer USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 63, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jordan (Lt.Cdr. D. Bontecou, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN, on board), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Gammelgard, USNR), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Eisner (Lt.Cdr. D. McVickar, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. R.P. Walker, USN, on board), USS Garfield Thomas (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Werner, USN), USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN), USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Thornhill (Lt. J.B. Shumway, USNR), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Purdy, USNR) and Marocain (Capt. de Freg.(Cdr.) M.B. Geli).

Shortly after departure the Sverre Helmersen had to turn back due to engine trouble.

On 14 May 1944, the Hiram S. Maxim had to turn back due to engine trouble.

Around 1030P/16, the transport Felix Gundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bermuda. The Helencrest, which was straggling, unable to keep up with the convoy, was then ordered to proceed to Bermuda.

Between 0700P/18 and 1310P/18, USS MacLeish, USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd from USS Cowanesque.

Between 0700O/20 and 1202O/20, USS Eisner, USS Garfield Thomas, USS Wingfield, USS Thornhill, USS Rinehart, USS Roche and Marocain from USS Cowanesque.

Between 0700O/22 and 1203O/22, USS MacLeish, USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd from USS Cowanesque.

Around 1000O/22, the Middlesex Trader, USS Planter and USS Chimo were detached to Horta, Azores. USS Thornhill was ordered to escort them there.

Around 0900N/24, USS Thornhill rejoined the convoy.

Around 1110Z/27, USS Eisner was detached to proceed to Gibraltar to pick up a liasion officer for operations in the Mediterranean.

Around 0600Z/28, the tanker Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which she had departed the previous day escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse. On this ship joining the British Promise, David Holmes, George B. Selden and John Morton were then detached to Casablanca escorted by the two French escorts. They arrived at Casablanca later on the 28th.

At 1307A/28, USS Eisner rejoined the convoy. The liaison officer was then transferred to USS MacLeish.

Around 2100A/28, the rescue tug HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent joined the convoy.

On 28 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; British Governor and Iroquois.

At 1953B/29, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

At 2055B/29, the destroyer USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

At 2055B/29, the minesweepers USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) and USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

Around 0050B/30, the Oran section of the convoy, made up of the following ships parted company; Bernard N. Baker, Bourgogne, Daniel H. Hill, Felix Grundy, John Fairfield, John P. Holland, Lambert Caldwalader, Sarah Orne Jewett, Walt Whitman, Walter Forward and Zacapa as well as USS Cowanesque, USS LST-602, USS LST-603, USS LCI(L)-587 and USS LCI(L)-588. These last four ships due to the fact that they were straggling from the convoy.

Shortly afterwards the Oran section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following ships; Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944) and Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 1725B/30, the City of Durban parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran to pick up the British Commodore for the remainder of the passage through the Mediterranean. She was escorted by USS Garfield Thomas. They rejoined the convoy around 0120B/31.

Around 0125B/31, the Algiers section of the convoy joined, it was made up of the following ships; Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942). The following ships were detached to Algiers; Empire Spinney, Howell E. Jackson, Lawrence J. Brengle, Loch Dee and Vacport.

At 2253B/31, USS Livermore, USS Speed and USS Sustain were detached.

At 0434B/1, HMRT Aspirant was detached to Bone. The transport Fort Anne also arrived at bone on 1 June while the transport Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943) departed Bone to join the convoy.

Also on 1 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; George F. Patten and Van der Capelle while the Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944) departed Bizerta to join the convoy.

USS Barricade, USS LST-601 and the remaining LCI(L)'s also arrived at Bizerta.

Also the current American escort (plus HMS Colombo and the Marocain) was replaced by a new escort which was made up of the following ships; frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvette HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN).

Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy KMS 51.

Convoy UGS 42 was at that moment made up of the following ships; A.P. Hill, Andrew Briscoe, Arthur R. Perry, British Confidence, British Tradition, Charles A. Warfield, Charles Nordhoff, City of Durban, David F. Houston, David G. Farragut, David L. Swain, Dilworth, Eli Whitney, Ezra Meeker, Fort Frontenac, Fort Venango, Frans Hals, George E. Hale, George Sharswood, George Weems, Gylfe, Harrogate, Henry L. Benning, Hoegh Hood, Hoegh Silvercloud, Homer Lea, Houston Volunteers, Isaac van Zandt, James B. Hickok, James B. Richardson, James Duncan, James Harrod, James Otis, Jersey Hart, John B. Gordon, John E. Schmeltzer, John Hathorn, John Ireland, Joseph T. Robinson, Keith Palmer, Lafontaine Park, Lyman Abbott, Maya, Michael Pupin, Moses Brown, Nathaniel Macon, Nicholas Gilman, Nuculana, Oregon, Pan-Delaware, Philander C. Knox, Robert F. Stockton, Robert Lucas, Robert T. Hill, Samadre, Sambanka, Samclyde, Samdon, Samnid, Samspring, Samtweed, Samvannah, Samwash, Simon Willard, Stephen T. Mather, Tabitha Brown, Thomas R. Marshall, William Cushing, William G. Fargo, William M. Stewart, Winfred L. Smith and Winslow Homer.

They were escorted by the frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, sloops HMS Deptford, HMS Amethyst and the corvette HrMs Friso.

2 Jun 1944

Combined convoy KMS 51 / UGS 42.

This convoy was formed at sea, south of Sicily, on 2 June 1943 when the two convoys merged.

The combined convoy was made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 194), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Gallant (), Ocean Rider (), Ocean Traveller (), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), President de Vogue (), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Howe (), Robert Lucas (), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) were also taking passage in the convoy.

The combined convoy was escorted by the frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).

Later on 2 June the following transports arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy; Andrew Pickens and Star. Also HMS Trenchant, HMS Vivid and KB Nada were detached to Malta. the transports Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) and Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 2 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the combined convoy; Algonquin (British, 7229 GRT, built 1920), Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917), Limousin (French (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941) and Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 3 June 1943, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the combined convoy; Abel Stearns, Albert A. Micholson, Andrew Briscoe, A.P. Hill, Beckenham, British Confidence, British Tradition, Campidoglio, Charles A. Warfield, Chiswick, David G. Farragut, David L. Swain, Dilworth, Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Ezra Meeker, Facto, Fort Frontenac, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Manin, Fort Venango, George Davis, George E. Half, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Gylfe, Harrogate, Henry L. Benning, Hopestar, Hoegh Hood, Houston Volunteers, Iceland, James B. Richardson, James Jackson, Jersey Hart, John B. Gordon, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John E. Schmeltzer, John Harhorn, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph T. Robinson, Kamp P. Battle, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Lymann Abbott, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Maya, Michael Pupin, Moses Brown, Nicholas Gilman, Nuculana, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, Pan-Delaware, Philander C. Knox, Robert F. Stockton, Robert T. Hill, Sambanka, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Samwash, Simon Willard, Stancleeve, Tabitha Brown, Thomas R. Marshall, William Cushing and William G. Fargo.

On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Algorab, British Lord, City of Khios, Empire Rosalind, Eridan, Fort Astoroa, Fort Grahame, Fort Kootenay, Fort la Prairie, Gascony, King Frederick, Kwai Sang and Nathaniel Macon. Also the following ships of the escort arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau , HMS Jed, HMS Usk, HMS Amethyst, HMS Hyderabad, HrMs Friso and HMSAS Protea.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 June 1944 escorted by HMS Deptford, HMS Delphinium and HMSAS Southern Sea.

23 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 23 June 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Katanga (Belgian, 5183 GRT, built 1917), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Lieutenant de la Tour (French, 5844 GRT, built 1917), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Oksywie (Polish, 766 GRT, built 1938), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Van Ruysdael (Dutch, 7862 GRT, built 1938) and Westbank Park (Canadian 7161 GRT, built 1944).

The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy, submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Crosswell, DSC, RN) and the rescue vessel Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), destroyer RHN Salamis, frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On 24 June 1944, the Arosa arrived at Belfast after having been forced to return to the U.K.

On 26 June 1944, the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

On 1 July 1944, the Empire Chamois arrived at Fayal, Azores. She was escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR).

Around 2345A/1, HMS Activity parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 162 / MKS 53 which she joined around 0730A/2. She was escorted by HMS Antigua and HMS Knaresborough Castle which returned to convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 after HMS Activity had made rendezvous.

Around 0900A/3, the convoy split in position 35°11'N, 08°44'W.

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Convoy OS 81, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Veteran, Berwickshire, Bosphorus, Condesa, Katanga, Oksywie, Pilar de Larrinaga, Taxiarchis and Westbank Park.

On the convoys splitting the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 81 joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Fort Panmure (French, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920) and Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922).

They had left Gibraltar on 2 July 1944 and were escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) which now formed the escort of convoy OS 81.

Around the same time the Casablanca section also joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921).

The escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) was also part of the Casablanca section.

They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the mineweeeping sloop La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret and Le Resolve. These French escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca taking the Taxiarchis with them.

Around 1400Z/9, the Dakar section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bosphorus, Medie II, Oksywie, Sandown Castle and Westbank Park.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 12 July 1944. Som ships did not enter harbour but proceeded direct to their respective destinations.

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Convoy KMS 55 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier, Caduceus, City of Delhi, Cochrane, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Copperfield, Empire Planet, Empire Trent, Fairwater, Fort Bourbon, Fort Colville, Fort Dauphin, Fort Frederick, Fort Jasper, Glaisdale, Kindat, Lagarto, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorca, Nijkerk, Teucer and Van Ruisdael.

Also part of convoy KMS 55 were the; Quercy, HMS Truant, Scottish American and Dundee.

The original escort of the combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 went with it to Gibraltar.

On the combined convoy splitting the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 4 July 1944, off Gibraltar, the following merchant vessels parted company and entered Gibraltar; Baron Napier, Clausina, Fairwater and Teucer.

Also HMS Truant and the Scottish American and Dundee entered Gibraltar.

The original escort also entered Gibraltar.

The following merchant vessels Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937) and Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

Also a new escort joined the convoy which was made up of the sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the corvettes HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN) and Nada.

On 5 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Fort Frederick, Smith Thompson and the Quercy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944).

On 6 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Fort Colville, Glaisdale, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorraine, Samshire and Van Honthorst while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 7 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Damsel and Empire Trent while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Empire Titania (British (tug), 258 GRT, built 1943) and Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924).

On 8 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Cartago, Empire Harbour and Empire Planet while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Malta; Cape Brenton, Cochrane, Thomas F. Cunningham and the Empire Titania. The Nada also parted company with the convoy.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Abbazia, Beaconsfield, Betty Zane, Clausina, Daniel H. Hill, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Candia, Empire Copperfied, Fort Bourbon, Fort Dauphin, Fort Jasper, Fort Michipicoten, Furnifold M. Simmons, George E. Hale, Henry L. Benning, John B. Gordon, John Murray Forbes, John S. Casement, Joseph Alston, Josiah Bartlett, Kola, Lawrence J. Brengle, Norman Monarch, Ocean Glory, Samconon, Samcrest, Sarah Orne Jewett, Simon Willard, Solomon Juneau, Thistlemuir and William M. Eastland while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lord (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Caduceus, Empire Lionel, Fort Astoria, Fort Meductic, Kepong, Kindat, Lagarto and Lech. Ocean Liberty

All escorts except HrMs Friso also proceeded to Alexandria.

The remaining ships of the convoy arrived at Port Said on the 14th escorted by HrMs Friso.

14 Jul 1944

Convoy UGS 48.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 July 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Augustin Stahl (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), British Harmony (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Calvin Coolidge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Carole Lombard (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Charles W. Wooster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), David Lubin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rangoon (British, 6988 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), George Read (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Uhler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jose Bonifacio (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joshua A. Leach (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Leopold Damrosch (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Maria Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Oliver Loving (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Oscar S. Straus (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1944), Park Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rachel Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rivercrest (British, 7008 GRT, built 1944), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsylarna (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Thomas B. Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tweedsmuir Park (Canadian, 7143 GRT, built 1943), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William R. Day (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Moffett (T/Cdr. G.H. Richards, Jr., USN, with COMTASKFOR 62, T/Capt. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (Lt. F.O. Moorman, USNR), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR), USS William T. Powell (Lt. J.L. Davenport, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 66, Cdr. G.F. Adams, USNR, on board), USS Buckley (Lt.Cdr. B.M. Abel, USNR), USS Reuben James (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Isaacs, USNR), USS Spangenberg (T.H.P. Whitney, USNR), USS Alexander J. Luke (T/Lt.Cdr. J.V. Cameron, USN), USS Robert I. Paine (Lt.Cdr. D. Cochran, USNR).

The naval stores ships USS Yukon (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Barnhart, USNR) and USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN) were also part of the convoy as were the naval tankers USS Maumee (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Ballard, USNR), USS Winooski (Lt.Cdr. T.B. Christenson, USNR), USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR) and USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR).

On 18 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 21 July 1944, USS Moffett fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 22 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 23 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 15 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 27 July 1944, USS Moffett and the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 28 July 1944, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca; Calvin Coolidge, John Barton Payne and Samgallion while the French naval tanker Var joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels L'Emporté and L'Enjoue which then returned to Casablanca with the three ships that had parted company with the convoy.

Around noon on 29 July 1944, the merchant vessel Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927), submarines HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) as well as the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1945A/29, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1845B/30, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Furuseth, John Banvard, John Stevens, Oscar S. Strauss, USS Yukon, USS Merak, USS Winooski, USS Chiwawa and USS Cowanesque while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Elmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1700B/31, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Andrew Hamilton, British Pride, Empire Nerissa, Jonathan Elmer, Joseph Warren, Thomas B. Reed, Thomas Heyward and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Samlamu (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) as did the landing ship HMS LST 322 (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Howard, RNR).

During the night of 31 July / 1 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained.

Around 2000B/1, the Esso Concord and HMRT Vagrant were detached to Bone while the Vito (Norwegian, 5181 GRT, built 1937) and the rescue tug HMRT Charon joined coming from Bone.

Around 0645B/2, the following ships were detached to Benghazi; British Harmony, British Respect, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Donacilla, George H. Dern, James McCosh, John Morton, Levi Woodbury, Narva, Samuel V. Shreve, Thomas Cresap, Walt Whitman, William R. Day and Zachary Taylor as well as LST 322 while the merchant vessel Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

Also, HMS Delhi and all American escort vessels as well as the naval tanker USS Maumee arrived at Bizerta after having been relieved by a group of British escort vessels, these were the following; sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), corvette HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?).

On 3 August the following ships were detached to Malta; Empire Highway and Pacheco. Also detached to Malta were HMS Truant and HMS Visigoth. They were escorted there by HMS Campion which afterwards rejoined the convoy.

On 4 August the following ships were detached to Augusta; Alexandre Andre, Athelvictor, Christopher Gale, Cornelius Harnett, D.L. Harper, David Lubin, Egda, Empire Emerald, Empire Stalwart, Esek Hopkins, Finley Peter Dunne, Fort Carlton, Fort Columbia, Hardingham, Henry George, Henry W. Longfellow, James Turner, John Dickinson, John P. Holland, Joseph N. Teal, Leland Stanford, Maria Mitchell, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Nueva Granada, Robert Treat Paine, Stanhill, Van Honthorst and Var while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942) and Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944).

On 4 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by one or two enemy torpedo bombers which hit and heavily damaged the Samsylarna in position 33°05'N, 20°16'E. HMSAS Southern Maid remained behind to assist and she also took off the crew. The derelict ship was later towed to Benghazi.

On 7 August 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Cape Hawke, Carola Lombard, Empire Splendour and Rachel Jackson. They took HMS Deptford with them.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 August 1944 escorted by HMS Amethyst and HMS Campion.

4 Jan 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). However HMS Amethyst had to leavy the exercises around mid-day due to a defective Asdic. (3)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Untiring (Lt. G.E.L.F. Edsell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN). (4)

17 Feb 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hart (Lt.Cdr. A.D. White, RD, RNR) and HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN). (5)

20 Feb 1945
German U-boat U-1276 was sunk in the North Atlantic south of Waterford in position 51°48'N, 07°07'W by depth charges from the British sloop HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN).

6 Jul 1945
During 6/7 July 1945, HMS Belfast (Capt. R.M. Dick, CBE, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta, these included a range and inclination exercises (RIX), night encounter (NEX), gunnery and torpedo firing exercises with HMS Sirius (Capt. R.L.M. Edwards, CBE, RN) and HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN). (6)

20 Apr 1949
The frigate, HMS Amethyst, steamed up the Yangtze River to relieve the guard ship HMS Consort at Nanking, prepared to evacuate British and Commonwealth citizens caught up in the advance of the Chinese Communist Forces. At about 0830 hours, Amethyst came under fire from Communist shore batteries positioned on the north shore of the river opposite Low Island. HMS Amethyst steamed on and was attacked again by batteries around Xou An Reach and Rose Island where she took three direct hits. Amethyst was hit again by two shells that struck the bridge wounding Amethyst's Commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Bernard Skinner. Skinner died from his injuries a day later and he was posthumously mentioned in dispatches. In the confusion that followed, the ship ran aground off Rose Island.

The ship managed to send off a signal to all ships in the area, ?Under heavy fire, am aground, large number of casualties". Another shell wrecked the power room below decks disabling the gyrocompass, radio, and electrically controlled firing circuits were out of action. Another direct hit killed the gun crew on the foc'sle. An attempt was made to evacuate the wounded ashore in a damaged sea boat, but the boat was hit killing two men. The surgeon and his assistant administered to the wounded on the quarterdeck when a shell killed both of them. Amethyst was now a helpless target. Some of the ship's company were ordered to swim ashore to Rose Island. Remaining on board were about 40 unwounded men, 12 wounded, and 15 dead. The shelling had stopped but no one could move without drawing the attention of snipers.

HMS Amethyst had received over 50 hits and holes below the waterline were plugged with hammocks and bedding. During this time HMS Consort was sighted, flying 7 White Ensigns and 3 Union Jack flags, steaming down from Nanking at an incredible 29 Knots. Consort came under fire from the shore batteries but her 4.5-inch guns managed to knock out the enemy shore batteries and she attempted to take Amethyst in tow. HMS Consort turned about with all guns blazing at the north bank batteries, destroying an enemy position. As she steamed up river for the second time she was fired on by a concentrated number of 37mm anti-tank guns.

The bridge and wheelhouse were hit with both 'A' and 'B' guns being put out of action and she transferred to emergency steering. Consort came about again under heavy fire and steamed away down river. She had taken 56 hits and lost 9 killed and 30 wounded. Of the 60 seamen who made it ashore from Amethyst, 10 later made it back to the ship later, and 50 eventually reached Shanghai.

Every effort was made to free Amethyst from the mud but to no avail. On the 26th of April, after being aground for six days and in the dead of night, a second attempt to free the Amethyst from the mud was successful after she had been lightened forward. She then proceeded to move up river and anchored off Fu Te Wei. Later that day a signal was received: "HM ships London and Black Swan are moving up river to escort the Amethyst downstream. Be ready to move." But concentrated fire from batteries near Bate Point hit both ships; HMS London was holed 12 times on the port side and lost 12 killed and 20 wounded. HMS Black Swan had 7 wounded. Reluctantly the order was given for both ships to return down river. During the course of the day an RAF Sunderland Flying boat arrived with medical supplies and an RAF doctor but shortly after landing a salvo of shells hit the water 100 yards from the aircraft and it was forced to take off again after disembarking supplies and the doctor.

The worst of Amethyst's wounded were taken off by sampan. The Amethyst anchored 10 miles further upstream and the Sunderland flying boat circled the ship but was unable to land due to heavy fire. At anchor off Tan Cha Ten a boat arrived with the British Naval Attach? Lt. Cdr. J. S. Kerans who took command of the Amethyst and started negotiations with the Communist authorities. Months of fruitless negotiations went by and the Peoples Liberation Army occupied the whole area. Vital supplies were withheld as the Chinese insisted that Lt. Cdr. Kerans sign a statement that the Amethyst had wrongly invaded Chinese national waters and had fired upon them first.

Finally Lt.Cdr. Kerans decided to make a break for open waters. On July 31st under cover of darkness, Amethyst slipped her cable and proceeded downstream to begin a 104-mile dash for freedom running the gauntlet of Communist guns on both banks of the river. 0055 hours Amethyst came under heavy fire off Kiang Yin but putting down thick black smoke she confused the Communist gunners on the shore. At 0500 hours she approached the forts at Woosung and Par Shan with their searchlights sweeping the river. The Amethyst, at full speed ahead, broke through the boom at the mouth of the river and made contact with HMS Concord and sent the time-honoured signal. "Have rejoined the fleet off Woosung...God save the King."