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Notable events involving Abdiel include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Abdiel was created in July 2023.

7 Mar 1941
Having successfully completed her acceptance trials HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) is accepted from her builders yard. (1)

16 Mar 1941
It is reported that HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) has successfully completed her trials at Portsmouth. (1)

18 Mar 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Portsmouth for Greenock. (1)

20 Mar 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock to commence a work-up period. (1)

22 Mar 1941
At 0023A/22, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) is ordered to proceed to Milford Haven at high speed as she is urgently required for operations. the risk that the ship had not work-up properly was to be accepted. On board were dummy mines for vibration trials, she was ordered to jettison these en-route.

She arrived at Milford Haven around 1545A/22. She then embarked mines and departed for Plymouth 2200A/22. She was then still 15 mines short of her full storage and the mines embarked were not fitted with flooders due to lack of time. Her E.T.A. at Plymouth was 0700A/23. (2)

23 Mar 1941

Minelaying Operation GV.

Around 1630A/23, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth for this minelaying operation. She was escorted until the vicinity of Bishops Rock by the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN).

During the night of 23/24 March 1941, HMS Abdiel laid a total of 141 mines in groups along a line extending for 10 miles in a direction of 228° from position 48°42'N, 09°02'W. Mines were set to a depth of eight feet and sprockets were fitted to one fifth and grapnels to one fifth. The lay was entirely without incident and all gear on board the brand new minelayer functioned correctly.

HMS Abdiel then rejoined the destroyers and they returned to Plymouth around 1245A/24. (3)

26 Mar 1941
In the evening, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth for Milford Haven where she was to load mines. She arrived at Milford Haven in the morning of the 27th. (4)

28 Mar 1941

Minelaying Operation GY.

In the afternoon of 28 March 1941, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Milford Haven for this minelaying operation.

Around 2015A/28, she made rendezvous to the south-west of Wolf Rock with the destroyers HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN). These destroyers had departed Plymouth around 1645A/28. Two German Heinkel 111's were engaged by the destroyers shortly before the rendezvous and the force then maintained a westerly course until 2030A/28 to throw off shadowers. Just after turning to 170°, HMS Abdiel opened fire on an aircraft overhead, but after this incident the operation proceeded uninterrupted, with the destroyers keeping station astern of HMS Abdiel until the lay commenced at about 0145A/29. A total of 150 mines were laid along a line extending for 9.8 miles in a direction of 185° from position 48°09'1"N, 05°38'W. The depth of the mines were set to 9 feet and the flooders were set to 29 April 1941. Sprockets were fitted to one fifth and grapnels to a similar number. Eight special obstructors were also laid.

The force arrived at Plymouth in the morning of the 29th. (3)

29 Mar 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth for Cowes. She is to undergo repairs to some defects that had popped up during the two recent minelaying missions. She arrived at her builders the following day. (1)

10 Apr 1941
With the repairs completed, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Cowes for Greenock where she arrived the following day. While in the Clyde area she was docked at Govan for an examination of her propellers [dates currently not known to us]. (1)

20 Apr 1941
The light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. (5)

21 Apr 1941
The destroyers HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar.

They then made rendezvous with the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) which were also to proceed to Gibraltar and had departed the Clyde on 20 April.

24 Apr 1941
HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

24 Apr 1941

Operations Dunlop and Salient.

Transfer of fighter aircraft to Malta and reinforcements for the Mediterranean Fleet.

Timespan: 24 to 28 April 1941.

24 April 1941.

At 2200/25, ‘Force S’, made up of the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN, Senior Officer), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. Hon. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), destroyers HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar westwards but they soon turned eastwards again to pass Gibraltar eastwards after dark. The ships also had on board stores for Malta. Most of these on HMS Dido and HMS Abdiel.

They were followed one hour later, at 2300/25, by ‘Force H’. They departed Gibraltar and immediately turned eastwards. ‘Force H’ for this occasion was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN).

25 April 1941.

On 26 April 1941 both forces proceeded to the east independently. At 2050 hours ‘Force H’ altered course and increased speed to reach the flying off position for the Hurricanes for Malta. They were to reach approximate position 37°40’N, 06°10’E at dawn the next day.

At 2120 hours a signal was received from Malta reporting that the weather was unsuitable and that the flying off had to be postponed for 24 hours. Speed was then reduced and at 2300 hours ‘Force H’ altered course to the westwards for an area to the south-west of Ibiza.

26 April 1941.

In the morning weather reports came in from Malta which were favourable. ‘Force H’ then altered course to 220° and at 1100 hours course was altered to the north-east. The object was to remain unsighted throughout the day. This was successful due to the poor visibility. Two more favourable weather reports came from Malta throughout the day.

In the evening a signal was received from HMS Dido stating that ‘Force S’ had also postponed their passage to Malta by 24 hours.

At 2100 hours ‘Force H’ was in position 38°35’N, 02°14’E. They then altered course to 106° and increased speed to 24 knots to again reach the flying off position for the Hurricanes at dawn.

27 April 1941.

Two more favourable weather reports were received during the early hours of the night. Weather in ‘Force H’ position was however not so good and at 0445 hours, in position 37°40’N, 05°55’E the destroyers had to be detached as they had difficulty keeping up with the other ships in the rising sea.

Flying off started at 0515 hours and was completed at 0613 hours. A total of 23 Hurricanes were flown off in two batches of eight and one of seven. These were all led by a Fulmar. On completion of flying off the Hurricanes an A/S patrol was launched as well as some Fulmars for fighter protection while the ships retired to the northwest on course 300° at 27 knots.

Though visibility was poor, a lone Heinkel appeared from the clouds over HMS Renown at 0850 hours and fire was opened on it. The enemy aircraft then made off the north-east with some of the Fulmars chasing it. The enemy was able to get back in the clouds before the Fulmars could overtake it. This aircraft reported the position, course and speed of the formation.

At 1000 hours a new section of Fulmars was flown off to relieve the others and at 1036 hours a signal was received from Malta that all the Hurricanes and their escorting Fulmars had landed safely.

At noon the destroyers rejoined and formed an A/S screen. Speed was reduced to 18 knots. ‘Force H’ remained in a position to support ‘Force S’ if needed. Aircraft for A/S and fighter protection were flown off during the day.

By 2000 hours all aircraft had returned to HMS Ark Royal and course was set to return to Gibraltar.

28 April 1941.

At dawn nine Swordfish were flown off for a practice attack on ‘Force H’. However one of the Swordfish hit the bridge of HMS Ark Royal and crashed into the sea. HMS Sheffield was able to pick up two of the three crew members. There was now sign of the air gunner and he was missing, presumed killed in the crash.

More air exercises were carried out during the day.

At 1130 hours, HMS Sheffield was detached to proceed to Gibraltar for a docking.

All ships of ‘Force H’ arrived at Gibraltar later on the day.

The ships of ‘Force S’ arrived safely at Malta on the 28th. (6)

28 Apr 1941
The transport Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) departed Malta for Alexandria. She is escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. Hon. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St. J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN). This last destroyer had just completed major repairs at Malta.

HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno later split off for other duties.

HMS Dido and HMS Abdiel arrived at Alexandria around 1300C/30 apparently having parted company to proceed ahead of the other ships.

Breconshire, HMS Jervis and HMS Imperial arrived at Alexandria around 2135C/30. (7)

2 May 1941
Around 1815C/2, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria to load mines at Haifa where she arrived the following day. (8)

4 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 1615C/5. (8)

5 May 1941

Operation Tiger, supply convoy from Gibraltar to Alexandria and reinforcements for the Mediterranean Fleet and Operation MD 4, supply convoy from Alexandria to Malta and taking up the reinforcements for the Mediterranean Fleet.

Timespan: 5 to 12 May 1941.

5 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

Part of Convoy WS 8A was approaching Gibraltar from the west. This part of convoy WS 8A was to proceed to Malta during operation ‘Tiger’.

It was made up of five transports; Clan Campbell (7255 GRT, built 1937), Clan Chattan (7262 GRT, built 1937), Clan Lamont (7250 GRT, built 1939), Empire Song (9228 GRT, built 1940) and New Zealand Star (10740 GRT, built 1935). During the passage from the U.K. it had been escorted by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) (with the additional local escorts when still close to the U.K.)

Around 0700A/5, HMS Repulse, HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock and HMS Hesperus were relieved from the escort by the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) , HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN) , HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). The Repulse and the three H-class destroyers then proceeded to Gibraltar to refuel where they arrived shortly before 1800 hours. It had originally been intended to include Repulse in the upcoming operation but she was left at Gibraltar due to her inadequate anti-aircraft armament.

HMS Naiad had already arrived at Gibraltar around 0900/4, having been relieved shortly after noon on the 2nd of May by HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN). Around the same time HMS Naiad arrived at Gibraltar the cruiser HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived, she had been part of the escort of convoy SL 72.

Around 0930A/5, the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), light cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN), HMS Fiji and the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN). Kashmir and Kipling had departed a little earlier and carried out an A/S sweep in Gibraltar Bay first.

For the upcoming operation two groups were formed; The cover force which was formed on Renown was group I, the close escort, which was to remain with the transports was group II. When they arrived near the convoy at 1800A/5, group I was formed and was made up of Renown, Queen Elizabeth, Ark Royal, Sheffield, Fiji, Kashmir and Kipling. Group II remained with the convoy and was (for the moment) made up of Fearless, Foresight, Fortune, Velox and Wrestler. Group II and the convoy proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar at 13 knots while Group I proceeded to the south until 2130 hours when course was changed to 074°. At 1930 hours, Group I, had been joined by HMS Naiad. This cruiser had sailed from Gibraltar at 1300 hours.

Eastern Mediterranean.

Convoy MW 7B departed Alexandria for Malta this day. It was made up of the Norwegian tankers Hoegh Hood (9351 GRT, built 1936) and Svenor (7616 GRT, built 1931). These tankers were able to proceed at 10 knots. Escort was provided by the AA-cruisers HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN), HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.A. Marshall-A’Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN). Also part of the escort of this convoy was the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. A.J.C. Pomeroy, RNVR) which was to serve as minesweeper at Malta and the whaler HMS Swona which was to be outfitted as minesweeper (LL-sweep) at the Malta Dockyard.

6 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

The convoy with Group II passed through the Straits of Gibraltar between 0130 and 0330 hours followed by Group I between 0300 and 0430 hours. Although the moon did not set until 0314 hours the sky was completely overcast and visibility was low.

At 0330 hours, HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock and HMS Hesperus departed Gibraltar followed at 0420 hours by HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) which had completed her repairs and undocking shortly before.

By 0550 hours, Group I was about 32 miles to the east of Gibraltar with the convoy and Group II 10 miles to the north. At this time Faulknor, Forester and Fury joined Group I. At 0615 hours Queen Elizabeth with Kashmir and Kelvin was detached to join Group II, followed thirty minutes later by Naiad.

At 0625 hours, Gloucester joined Group I and speed was then increased to 24 knots to draw well ahead of the convoy. During the day Group I steered 060°. Group II was steering parallel to the Spanish coast at 13 knots. Velox and Wrestler were detached from Group II to arrive at Gibraltar after dark to avoid being sighted returning from the East.

At 1740 hours Renown, in position 37°05’N, 00°21’W sighted a French merchant ship most likely en-route to Oran. On sighting the British ships she immediately steered clear to the westward. Shorty afterwards Group I reduced speed to 17 knots as to not get too far ahead of Group II and the convoy.

By midnight Group I was about 150 nautical miles east-north-east of Group II.

Eastern Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Fleet departed Alexandria in the forenoon, it was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), destroyers (D.14) HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St. J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), (D.7) HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN). The fast minesweeper HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the naval transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) also sailed with the Fleet. HMS Abdiel was to lay a minefield off Lampedusa. HMS Breconshire had on board oil and petrol for Malta as well as oil to supply this to destroyers at sea. Abdiel took station in the destroyer screen while Breconshire took station in the battleship line. After sailing the fleet proceeded to the northwest. No aircraft were flown off by HMS Formidable due to a dust storm and very limited visibility.

After the Fleet sailed, convoy MW 7A departed Alexandria. It was made up of four transport vessels; Amerika (10218 GRT, built 1930), Settler (6202 GRT, built 1939), Talabot (6798 GRT, built 1936) and Thermopylae (6655 GRT, built 1930). These were able to proceed at 14 knots. Escort was provided by the light cruisers HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers (D.2) HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicholson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN).

One of the destroyers from the escort of convoy MW 7B, HMS Defender, that had sailed on the 5th had to return to Alexandria due to condenser problems.

7 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

At 0400 hours, Group II, which was approximately 30 nautical miles east of Cape Palos, altered course to the south for about two hours before turning eastwards for the run to Malta.

Group I meanwhile had altered course to the northward at 0130 hours to pass between Ibiza and Majorca in order to carry out a diversion to the north of the Baleares during the day should this appear desirable.

By 0715 hours there was no indication that Group I had been sighted, and as visibility varied from poor to moderate, course was altered to pass again between Ibiza and Majorca to reach a position well ahead of Group II so as to divert any attention of any enemy aircraft from Group II and the convoy.

At 1000 hours, when 33 nautical miles south-west of Malta, Group I encountered a small Spanish fishing vessel which was seen to proceed towards Palma de Majorca.

At noon, Group I altered course to 140°. At 1630 hours course was altered to 100° to keep about 40 nautical miles to the eastward of Group II. Group I streamed paravanes at 1800 hours.

At 1945 hours, two Sunderland flying boats flying east passed north of the force and did not identify themselves till challenged. At the same time smoke was sighted astern and shortly afterwards a fighter aircraft reported that it was the convoy at a distance of 26 nautical miles.

At 2100 hours, Group I altered course to the north-east until dark in order to mislead any hostile aircraft. The sky had been overcast all day but towards the evening the visibility improved considerably and the convoy was clearly visible to the southwestward making a great deal of smoke.

At 2225 hours, RD/F in Fiji detected a group of aircraft bearing 170°, range 30 miles. The bearing changed to 154° and the range opened to 40 miles until the echo faded at 2230 hours. Group I altered course to 080° at 2300 hours.

Eastern Mediterranean.

All forces continued on their way during the day without incident. Destroyers were being fuelled from Breconshire one at a time.

The submarine HMS Triumph reported three transports proceeding towards Benghazi. Accordingly HMS Ajax, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Imperial were detached to attack Benghazi during the night of 7/8 May.

The Vice-Admiral Malta reported that the harbour had been mined and that the destroyers based at Malta were therefore unable to leave the harbour and participate in the convoy operations.

8 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

Soon after midnight Group I had to alter course to avoid being sighted by a lighted merchant ship steering a course of 110°.

At 0535 hours, HMS Ark Royal launched three reconnaissance A.S.V. aircraft in position 38°06’N, 06°26’E to search to the eastward south of Sardinia. At 0700 hours a fourth aircraft was flown off to search to the west of Sardinia. These aircraft returned at 0800 hours and had nothing to report. They had covered 140 miles to the eastward and 50 miles to the westward. Group I then proceeded to join the convoy. The first fighter patrol was flown off by Ark Royal at 0830 hours.

By 1000 hours, Group I had joined the convoy, which was proceeding on a course of 085° at 14 knots. This was the Clan Campbell’s best speed. Renown and Ark Royal took station on the starboard side of the convoy in order to facilitate flying operations and at the same time provide AA protection for the convoy. Queen Elizabeth took station astern of Ark Royal to provide AA protection for this vulnerable ship. Gloucester and Fiji formed on the transport ships.

At 1115 hours an enemy signal was intercepted that our forces had been sighted at 0800 hours. Naiad detected an enemy aircraft approaching at 1133 hours and three minutes later a large float-plane emerged from the clouds ahead of the convoy. Naiad opened fire and the aircraft retreated into the clouds. Fighters were sent in pursuit but failed to intercept. At noon a full and accurate report was made by this float-plane on the composition of our forces.

The sky cleared to some extent at noon, it had been overcast all morning. Visibility continued to improve all day although considerable cloud prevailed until the evening.

At 1345 hours, eight aircraft were seen approaching very low, fine on the starboard bow. These were engaged as they approached, but the AA fire appeared to be not very well directed. Torpedoes were dropped from outside the destroyer screen, which was roughly 3000 yards ahead of the convoy and extended to starboard to cover Renown, Ark Royal and Queen Elizabeth. The four Fulmar fighters on patrol at this time were engaging CR. 42 fighters that had accompanied these torpedo aircraft.

Torpedoes were evidently aimed at Renown and Ark Royal but by very skilful handling by the Commanding Officers of these two ships all tracks were combed or avoided. Two torpedoes passed close to Renown. A third which was being successfully combed made a sudden alteration of 60° towards Renown and a hit forward seemed inevitable when the torpedo reached the end of it’s run and sank. Two torpedoes passed to port and two to starboard of Ark Royal.

Of the eight aircraft which attacked one was brought down during the approach, probably by AA fire from the destroyers. Two others were seen to fall from the sky during their retirement. The destroyers were disappointingly slow in opening fire on the approaching torpedo-bombers and a full barrage never developed. During the action between the Fulmar’s and the CR. 42’s one Fulmar was brought down and the crew of two was lost.

At 1400 hours a few bomb splashes were observed on the horizon to the northwestward.

At 1525 hours, two sections of Fulmar’s attacked and shot down in flames an S.79 shadower. On returning from this attack one Fulmar had to make a forced landing on the water about 9 nautical miles from the fleet. HMS Foresight closed the position and was able to pick up the crew of two. At this time the fleet was about 28 nautical miles north of Galita Island.

At 1600 hours, as the wind had backed from south of east to north of east. The starboard column; Renown, Ark Royal and Queen Elizabeth, was moved over to the port quarter of the convoy and the destroyer screen was readjusted accordingly. This allowed freedom of manoeuvre for flying operations and enabled the column to increase speed and snake the line whenever a bombing attack developed, in order to hamper the bombers and at the same time remain in a position to afford full AA support of the convoy.

The first high level bombing attack of the day developed at 1622 hours when three S.79’s approached from astern at about 5000 feet, i.e. just under the cloud level. One, diverted by AA fire, jettisoned his bombs and subsequently crashed astern of the Fleet. The other two dropped twelve bombs close ahead of Ark Royal and escaped into the clouds. It is probable that both of these were hit by the concentrated AA fire with which they were met. About 10 minutes later a single aircraft approached from astern and encountering heavy AA fire turned across the stern of the Fleet, dropping its bombs well clear.

At 1710 hours, another S.79 shadower was shot down in flames on the port quarter of the Fleet by a Fulmar fighter. Twenty minutes later five S.79’s attacked the fleet from south to north. Two broke formation under gunfire and the remainder delivered a poor attack, bombs falling near the destroyer screen. A similar attack by three S.79’s took place at 1800 hours, when bombs were again dropped near the destroyer screen.

The provision a adequate fighter protection for the Fleet was a difficult problem with the small numbers of fighters available. Aircraft returned to the carrier at various times with damage and failure of undercarriage, and every opportunity was taken, whenever the RD/F screen cleared to land on, refuel and rearm the Fulmars, sometimes singly and sometimes two or three at a time. There were occasions when no more then two fighters were in the air, but whenever an attack appeared to be impending every fighter that could be made serviceable was sent up.

At 1910 hours enemy aircraft were detected at a range of 70 miles approaching from Sicily. At this time only seven Fulmars remained serviceable of which only three were in the air. The other four were immediately flown off. The total number of hostile aircraft is uncertain, but the Fulmars sighted three separate formations of sixteen Ju.87’s, twelve Ju.87’s and six Me.110’s. One formation was seen from Renown for a short time at 1933 hours in a patch of clear sky. RD/F indicated several formations circling to the northwest of the Fleet for nearly one hour and several bomb splashes were seen well away to the northward and northwestward. During this period Fulmars intercepted the enemy and, although greatly outnumbered, fought several vigorous and gallant actions, resulting in the certain destruction of one Ju.87 and damage to several others, including at least one Me.110. These attacks disorganised the enemy and forced them to the northward with the result that they probably missed sighting the Fleet. They then entered thick cloud and it is possible that the groups became separated and all cohesion in the attack disappeared. Whatever the reason RD/F showed these groups retiring to the northward and no attack on the Fleet developed.

The Fleet reached the entrance to the Skerki Channel at 2015 hours. ‘Force B’ then turned westwards. It was made up of Renown, Ark Royal, Sheffield, Harvester, Havelock and Hesperus. Queen Elizabeth was ordered to join ‘Force F’.

The turn to the west was just being completed when ‘Force B’ was attacked at 2030 hours by three torpedo-bombers which came from right ahead. The destroyers were still manoeuvering to take up their screening positions and did not sight the enemy aircraft in time to put up a barrage of AA fire. This attack was pressed home by the enemy with great determination. All three aircraft were heavily engaged and two were seen to be hit. Renown combed the torpedo tracks, two passing close down the port side and one down the starboard side.

During this attack No. P (port) 3, 4.5” gun turret in Renown malfunctioned and fired two round into the back of No. P 2 gun turret. This resulted in five ratings killed, five seriously wounded of which one later died and one officer and twenty-five ratings wounded.

Speed was increased to 24 knots at 2038 hours and a westerly course was maintained throughout the night.

As a result of the day’s air attacks, seven enemy aircraft were destroyed, two probably destroyed and at least three, probably more, damaged. Of the seven destroyed AA fire accounted for four and feighters for three. No hits, either by bomb or torpedo were obtained on our ships, nor were there any casualties besides than caused by the accident in Renown. Two Fulmars were lost, the crew of one of them was saved.

Meanwhile the convoy continued eastwards escorted now by HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Naiad, HMS Gloucester, HMS Fiji, HMS Faulknor, HMS Fearless, HMS Foresight, HMS Forester, HMS Fortune, HMS Fury, HMS Kashmir and HMS Kipling.

Eastern Mediterranean.

Visibility was still poor with patches of heavy rain. This helped the Fleet and convoy from being detected by the enemy and attacked by aircraft. On the other hand it resulted in the loss of two Albacore aircraft. One Fulmar was lost in combat with enemy aircraft.

HMS Ajax, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Imperial rejoined the Fleet at 1700 hours. Their attack on Benghazi had been successful although there was little shipping in the harbour two transports were intercepted after the bombardment. The largest blew up, and the other was ran aground and was left on fire after several explosions. These were the Italian Tenace (1142 GRT, built 1881) and Capitano A. Cecchi (2321 GRT, built 1933).

The Fleet remained with convoy MW 7A during the day and at dark moved to the southward. HMS Dido, HMS Phoebe, HMS Calcutta, HMS Carlisle and HMS Coventry were detached from their convoy’s to join the Tiger convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Both MW convoy’s made direct for Malta escorted by HMS Hotspur, HMS Havock and HMS Imperial. All other destroyers had been oiled from Breconshire during the past two days.

9 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

Further torpedo-bomber attacks were expected and a screen made up of Sheffield and the three destroyers was stationed ahead, astern and on either beam of Renown and Ark Royal at 5000 yards. The night was however uneventful and at 0800 hours speed was reduced to 20 knots and screening diagram no.4 was resumed by the escorts.

A shadower was detected, bearing 115°, range 12 nautical miles at 1027 hours. Two fighters were flown off but failed to intercept the enemy. An enemy sighting report was intercepted in Renown.

At 1100 hours a merchant vessel was sighted in position 37°54’N, 03°30’E about 8 nautical miles to the northward. At the same time Ark Royal reported that a periscope had been sighted about 4000 yards away. No further action was taken as detaching a single destroyer to search for the submarine was thought to be of little use and it was not thought wise to detach more then one destroyer as there were only three present.

At 1300 hours course was altered to 145° and speed reduced to 16 knots to conserve fuel in the destroyers.

At 1700 hours five search aircraft were flown off from position 37°27’N, 01°29’E to search between bearings 045° and 340° from Oran and south of parallel 38°45’N. Nothingwas sighted except for a merchant vessel. A Fulmar was also flown off to carry out a reconnaissance of Oran. This aircraft took photographs and reported the battlecruiser Dunkerque in her usual position at Mers-el-Kebir surrounded by nets, with lighters alongside and a pontoon gangway to the shore. One large and two small destroyers were sighted inside Oran harbour and probably six or seven submarines.

The six destroyers from the 8th Destroyer Flotilla which had taken part in getting the ‘Tiger’ convoy to as far as Malta sailed from there at 2000B/9 for their return passage to Gibraltar. HMS Foresight however had to return to Malta with an engine problem.

At 2200 hours ‘Force B’ altered course to the eastward as to be in a position to support the destroyers during their passage west at daylight the next day when they were passing south of Sardinia.

The Tiger convoy and it’s escort.

Shortly after midnight the transport Empire Song was mined and damaged. Initially she was able to remain with the convoy but around 0140 hours she was slowly sinking having also been on fire. The destroyers HMS Foresight and HMS Fortune were detached to stand by her. In the end Empire Song blew up during which Foresight was damaged.

The transport New Zealand Star was also damaged but she was able to remain with the convoy as her speed was not affected.

The convoy was attacked by torpedo-bombers early in the night but no damage was done by them. One torpedo passed very close to HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Around 0700 hours the Tiger convoy was joined by HMS Dido and HMS Phoebe. An hour later HMS Calcutta, HMS Carlisle and HMS Coventry also joined.

At 1515 hours the Tiger convoy made rendez-vous with the Mediterreanean Fleet about 50 nautical miles south of Malta.

Eastern Mediterranean.

Convoy’s MW 7A and MW 7B both arrived safely at Malta. Both were swept in by HMS Gloxinia who succeeded in exploding a number of mines. The 5th Destroyer Flotilla was then also able to leave the harbour and they joined the Mediterranean Fleet; these were HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) , HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN)

Also Breconshire arrived at Malta where she fuelled HMS Hotspur, HMS Havock and HMS Imperial.

As said above, at 1515 hours the Tiger convoy made rendez-vous with the Mediterreanean Fleet about 50 nautical miles south of Malta. HMS Queen Elizabeth then joined the battleship column. The Fleet then turned eastward but remained near the convoy for the remainder of the day. During the night he Fleet covered the convoy from a position to the north-eastward of it.

10 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

At 0700 hours, when in position 37°35’N, 03°02’E, course was altered to the westward at 15 knots. This being the most comfortable speed for the destroyers in the rising westerly gale.

At 1000 hours, the Capt. (D) 8th Destroyer Flotilla, reported he was in position 37°18’N, 08°45’E steering 275° at 28 knots. He also reported hat his ships were being shadowed by enemy aircraft. The enemy aircraft report was intercepted at 1025 hours. Course was then altered by ‘Force B’ to the eastward to reduce the distance between the two forces.

At 1100 hours, the Capt. (D) 8th Destroyer Flotilla, reported he was in position 37°22’N, 07°54’E, still steering 275° at 28 knots. The destroyers were still being shadowed.

At noon ‘Force B’ altered course to the westward. The wind was by then force 8 with a rising sea. Ten minutes later the enemy aircraft was again heard to report the position of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla and it’s course and speed.

At 1300 hours, the Capt. (D) 8th Destroyer Flotilla, reported he was in position 37°25’N, 07°01’E, steering 270° at 28 knots and that his ships were still being shadowed. At this time ‘Force B’ was 134 nautical miles to the westward and they could only maintain 13 knots in the sea without suffering damage. In view of the weather conditions and the fact that HMS Ark Royal had now only four serviceable fighters available it was not possible to afford the 8th Destroyer Flotilla any fighter protection without hazarding Ark Royal unduly. It was hoped that if an attack would develop the destroyers were able to avoid damage by high speed manoeuvring.

At 1430 hours a signal was received that the 8th Destroyer Flotilla was being bombed in position 37°25’N, 06°18’E and that HMS Fortune had been hit and her speed had been reduced to 8 knots. ‘Force B’ immediately altered course to the eastward and ran before the sea at 24 knots the maximum safe speed for the destroyers in the prevailing weather conditions.

An unidentified aircraft that had been detected by RD/F overtook the force at 1530 hours and was fired at by HMS Sheffield. The aircraft retired to the northward before resuming it’s easterly course. A reconnaissance of three aircraft was flown off at 1600 hours to cover the area to the northward and eastward of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla to maximum depth, in case enemy surface units were out in pursuit. These aircraft reported having sighted nothing on their return.

At 1750 hours a signal was received that the 8th Destroyer Flotilla had been subjected to another bombing attack but that no damage had been done. ‘Force B’ continued eastwards to provide close support in case of more air attacks.

At 1820 hours rendes-vous was made with the 8th Destroyer Flotilla and all ships proceeded westwards steering 280° at 12 knots. This was the best course and speed HMS Fortune could maintain. By this time this destroyer was down by the stern with seas breaking continually over her quarterdeck.

Five search aircraft were flown off by Ark Royal to search to maximum depth between 025° and 090°. Nothing was sighted except for one enemy aircraft. By 2030 hours all aircraft had returned.

As a speed of 12 knots subjected Fortune’s bulkhead to undue strain, HMS Fury was ordered to escort Fortune and proceed at 8 knots for the night. The remainder of the force zig-zagged, clear of these two destroyers, at higher speed.

It became also clear that Fortune had not received a direct hit but that five near misses had bent one shaft and caused flooding in several compartments aft, and minor flooding in the engine room.

Eastern Mediterranean.

The Battlefleet remained near the convoy for the entire day. Visibility improved throughout the day although conditions were still difficult for the enemy to attack from the air. One Ju.88 aircraft was shot down and another one was damaged. One Fulmar was lost when taking off from Formidable.

No enemy air attacks developed until dark when a number of aircraft, probably torpedo bombers, endeavoured to attack the convoy and battlefleet. A very heavy blind barrage of AA fire however kept them off and no torpedoes were seen.

At 1700 hours, Capt. D.5 in HMS Kelly was detached with the ships of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla (besides Kelly these were Kashmir, Kelvin, Kipling and Jackal) to bombard Benghazi before returning to Malta. The bombardment was carried out successfully. Following the bombardment they were dive bombed by German aircraft and all but Kipling were near missed. The Flotilla reached Malta p.m. on the 11th.

11 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

At 0532 hours, Vice-Admiral Somerville sent a signal to the Vice-Admiral commanding the North Atlantic station at Gibraltar reporting the position, course and speed of his forces. He also requested a tug to be sent for the assistance of HMS Fortune.

The wind eased considerably during the morning and at daylight Fortune and Fury were sighted about 4 nautical miles in advance of the Fleet and making good about 10 knots.

A reconnaissance of six aircraft were flown off at 0700 hours. These searched for a depth of about 140 miles between 030° and 085°. Visibility was reported as being 10 to 20 miles. Also a search was conducted for a depth of about 100 miles between 085° and 110° with a visibility of 3 to 5 miles. Only a few French merchant vessels were sighted.

Nothing happened during the day.

At 1700 hours a reconnaissance was flown of from position 36°54’N, 01°11’E to a depth of 180 nautical miles between north and east and to a depth of 90 nautical miles between north and 290°. The visibility was reported as being 10 to 15 nautical miles. Nothing was sighted.

The Fleet turned to the eastward for an hour before dark to take up a position well astern of Fortune and Fury during the night.

Eastern Mediterranean.

The Tiger convoy and the Fleet continued eastwards. Enemy aircraft were in the vicinity all day but no attacks developed. One Ju.88 was shot down and another one was damaged, one Fulmar was lost. At dark the cruisers were detached to proceed to Alexandria and the Fleet went on ahead of the convoy.

12 May 1941.

Western Mediterranean.

Just before daylight contact was made by the Fleet with Fortune and Fury. At dawn the tug HMS St. Day and four ML’s arrived from Gibraltar.

HMS Sheffield, HMS Harvester, HMS Hesperus and the four ML’s then remained with HMS Fortune and HMS Fury. Fortune was now able to make 12 knots.

HMS Renown and HMS Ark Royal, screened by HMS Faulknor, HMS Fearless, HMS Forester, HMS Foresight and HMS Havelock, then proceeded ahead to conduct flying exercises east of Gibraltar before entering harbour.

A reconnaissance was flown off at 0800 hours to search to the east but nothing was sighted. On their return these aircraft made a practice attack on Renown and Ark Royal. More exercises were carried out during the day.

The Fleet arrived at Gibraltar at 1800 hours. Renown berthed in no.1 dock to enable her damaged 4.5” gun turret to be hoised out.

HMS Sheffield entered harbour at 2030 hours followed shortly afterwards by the damaged Fortune and her escorts.

Eastern Mediterranean.

The bulk of the Fleet arrived at Alexandria around 1000 hours. The convoy arrived later, around 1300 hours. Some ships had been detached from the fleet to arrive early, fuel and then depart again for escort duties. (9)

12 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Haifa with her full load of mines still on board. The planned minelay between Lampedusa and the Kerkennah Bank had been cancelled as HMS Abdiel would be unable to fuel at Malta following the operation as both harbours at Malta had been mined.

At Haifa the mines were therefore disembarked. (3)

13 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived the following day. (8)

17 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa where she was to embark a full outfit of mines. (1)

18 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Haifa and after embarking a full outfit of mines she departed to proceed at high speed to Alexandria. (1)

19 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. She departed Alexandria around 1500C/19 for operation ' Mat One ' during which a minefield was to be laid off Cephalonia.

(1)

20 May 1941

Battle for Crete.

Timespan: 20 May to 1 June 1941.

Opening of the German airborn attack on Crete, 20 May 1941.

At 0915 hours, 20 May 1941, just three weeks after the British withdrawal from Greece, the German attack on Crete commenced. This took the form of intense bombing of Maleme airfield and Suda Bay areas, closely followed by the landing of troops by parachute, gliders and troop carrying aircraft. The enemy’s main objective appeared to be Maleme airfield but in the afternoon similar attacks developed at Heraklion and Retimo.

Fierce hand to hand fighting took place throughout the day on the Maleme airfield. At nightfall the situation appeared to be in hand, though about 1200 of the 3000 enemy who had landed by air appeared to be unaccounted for.

The naval situation at dawn, 20 May 1941.

The position of British (Allied) naval forces at sea at daylight on the 20th of May was as follows;

Force A 1 was about 100 nautical miles to the west of Crete. It was made up of the following warships; battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN).

Force B was enroute from Alexandria to join force A 1 and consisted of the light cruisers HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN also in command of this force as senior Captain) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN).

Force C was to the south of the Kaso Strait and was made up of the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Juno (St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN).

Force D had reached the Antikithera Channel during the night and was now steering to join Force A 1. Force D was made up of the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of the Rear-Admiral (D) [D = Destroyers] I.G. Glennie, RN) and HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN).

The Commander-in-Chief’s intentions, 20-21 May 1941.

On learning that the attack on Crete had started, the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean at once ordered the forces at sea to move up towards the island but to keep out of sight of land. In the course of the forenoon he signalled his intentions for the night.

Force B was ordered to pass close to Cape Matapan at 0400/21 and then rendezvous with Force A 1 about 50 miles west of Crete at 0700/21.

Force D, augmented by HMS Ajax and the destroyers HMS Isis HMS Imperial, HMS ar and HMS Kimberley was to pass through the Antikithera Channel to sweep the area Cape Malea (36°26’N, 23°12’E), Hydra (37°21’N, 23°35’E), Phalconera (36°50’N, 23°54’E) and to be off Canea at 0700/21.

Force C was to pass through the Kaso Strait and sweep round Stampalia (75 miles north of Kaso) arriving off Heraklion at 0700/21.

Later in the day air reconnaissance reported caiques in the Aegean, and these two sweeps were cancelled as it was feared that they might miss south-bound convoys in the darkness. Instead forces C and D were ordered to establish patrols to the east and west of Longtitude 25°E respectively. A new force of destroyers (Force E) made up of HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) was to bombard the Italian airfield at Scarpanto (50 miles to the east of Crete), withdrawing to the southward before daylight.

Night operations, 20-21 May 1941.

Scarpanto airfield was bombarded at 0245/21. The result could not be observed, but intelligence reports later indicated that two Do.17 aircraft were damaged. After examining Pegadia Bay (six miles to the northward of the airfield on the east coast of Scarpanto), and finding it empty, Force E retired to the southward.

The other operations ordered by the Commander-in-Chief were duly carried out but no convoys were sighted. Force C was attacked by torpedo-carrying aircraft with approaching the Kaso Strait at 2040/20. All torpedoes could be avoided. An hour later six MAS boats were encountered. Juno, Kandahar and Naiad engaged them and they retired after four of them had been damaged.

Naval situation at dawn, 21 May 1941.

At daylight, 21 May, Force A 1 (Warspite, Valiant, HMAS Napier, HMS Hereward, HMS Hero, HMS Hotspur, HMS Griffin and HMS Decoy) was 60 miles west of the Antikithera Channel, steering to the south-east to meet Force D (HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMS Dido, HMS Isis, HMS Imperial, HMS Janus and HMS Kimberley), which sighted nothing during the night and was now to the northward of Canea Bay and withdrawing towards the Antikithera Channel.

Force B (HMS Gloucester and HMS Fiji) was closing Force A 1 after an uneventful sweep between Cape Matapan and Cape Elophonesi (the south-west point of Crete).

The minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) was returning to Alexandria after laying mines off Cephalonia.

At the eastern end of Crete Force C (HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston, HMS Juno and HMS Nubian) was joined at 0600 hours by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN). This force was now retiring from the Aegean through the Kaso Strait.

Force E (HMS Jervis, HMS Ilex and HMAS Nizam) was to the southward of Scarpanto and operating under the orders of Rear-Admiral King (Force C) as was the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) which was on passage from Alexandria.

Operations during 21 May 1941. Loss of HMS Juno.

During 21 May, Force A 1, B and D remained to the south-west of Kithera. Every opportunity, between air attacks, being taken to refuel destroyers from the battleships. Force C cruiser to the southward of the Kaso Strait where HMS Carlisle joined him in the afternoon. Force E was recalled to Alexandria.

Throughout the day various forces were subjected to heavy air attacks. Force C in particular suffered attacks from daylight onwards, and after withdrawing through the Kaso Strait, was bombed continuously from 0950 to 1350 hours.

At 1249 hours, HMS Juno was hit and sank in two minutes. Six officers and ninety-one ratings were rescued by Kandahar, Kingston and Nubian. During the attacks one enemy aircraft was shot down and two, maybe more, were damaged.

To the west of Crete Force D was located at daylight and heavily bombed while withdrawing towards Force A 1. HMS Orion and HMS Ajax both suffered damage from near misses.

Force A 1 was attacked once during the forenoon and for two and a half hours during the afternoon. This later bombing was shared by Forces B and D which were then in company. Two enemy aircraft were probably shot down.

No seaborne landing has as yet taken place but during the afternoon air reconnaissance reported groups of small craft, escorted by destroyers, moving towards Crete from Milos (80 miles north of Retimo). Forces B, C and D were therefore ordered into the Aegean to prevent landings during the night. If there were no developments Forces C and D, in the eastern and western areas respectively, were to commence working northwards on a wide zigzag at 0530/22, to locate convoys.

Force A followed Force D well into the Antikithera Channel as AA support, turning to the westward at sunset to patrol for the night in the supporting area. As the two forces parted company a sharp attack by four Ju.88’s was made on Force D which shot down three of them.

Force D breaks up a troop convoy, night of 21/22 May 1941.

At 2330/21 when some 18 miles north of Canea, Rear-Admiral Glennie with Force D which now consisted of HMS Dido, HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMS Janus, HMS Kimberley, HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Hereward, encountered an enemy convoy composed mainly of caiques escorted by a torpedo boat. The caiques which were crowded with German troops were engaged for two and a half hours. In all, at least a dozen caiques, two or three steamers and a steam yacht were sunk or left burning. It was estimated that about 4000 German troops were accounted for [an over-estimate, the real number was about 800 of which some were rescued later]. In addition the Italian torpedo-boat Lupo, after firing torpedoes at the cruisers, was damaged by a broadside from HMS Ajax.

After taking a further sweep to the east and north, Rear-Admiral Glennie decided that, in view of serious shortage of AA ammunition (AA ammunition remaining; Orion 38%, Ajax 42%, Dido 30%) and the scale of air attack to be anticipated the next day, he was not justified in keeping his force in the Aegean to carry out the intended sweep to the northward at daylight. He accordingly turned to the westward at 0330/22. His ships which had become considerably scattered during the action were given a rendezvous some 30 miles west of Crete. This decision, together with the result of his attack on the convoy, he reported to the Commander-in-Chief who ordered Force D to return to Alexandria with all dispatch.

Meanwhile Force B (Gloucester, Fiji, HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.A. Marshall-A’Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and Griffin) had been ordered by the Commander-in-Chief to leave their patrol off Cape Matapan and to proceed with dispatch to Heraklion where part of the town and harbour were reported to be in enemy hands. These orders reached Capt. Rowley in the Gloucester too late to be carried out, but the force entered the Aegean and at daylight was about 25 miles north of Canea. Nothing was sighted, and they retired to the westward towards Force A 1. Force B was attacked almost continuously by dive bombers for an hour and a half from 0630/22 onwards but escaped with slight damage only to each cruiser. They joined Force A 1 at 0830/22.

Naval situation at dawn, 22 May 1941.

At daylight on 22 May 1941, the position of the naval forces at sea was as follows. Rear-Admiral Rawlings with Force A 1 (HMS Warspite, HMS Valiant. HMAS Napier, HMS Imperial, HMS Isis, HMS Hero, HMS Hotspur and HMS Decoy) was about 45 miles south-west of Kithera, steering to the north-westward and shortly to be joined by the forces D and B from the Aegean.

The 5th Destroyer Flottilla had meanwhile (21 May) sailed from Malta the previous evening and was on passage to join Rear-Admiral Rawlings around 1000/22. This Flotilla was made up of five destroyers; HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Alliston, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN).

HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) from the 10th Destroyer Flotilla as well as HMS Jervis, HMS Ilex and HMAS Nizam from the 14th Destroyer Flotilla were on passage from Alexandria to join Rear-Admiral Rawlings (Force A 1) and Rear-Admiral King (Force C) respectively.

Force C (HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Calcutta, HMS Carlisle, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston and HMS Nubian) was off Heraklion about to sweep to the north-westward in search of enemy troop convoys.

The 22nd of May was to prove an expensive day for the British naval forces costing them two cruisers and a destroyer sunk, and leading directly to the situation which occasioned the loss of a further two destroyers the next morning. Also two battleships and two cruisers were damaged.

On the other hand the enemy was prevented from making a seaborne landing, and that so effectively as to deter him from any further attempts to do so, until the fall of Crete had been decided by his airborne troops.

Force C’s encounter with an enemy troop convoy, AM 22nd May.

Rear-Admiral King’s Force C had spent the night of 21/22 May patrolling of Heraklion. Nothing was sighted and at dawn the force formed up to carry out the sweep to the northward as ordered by the Commander-in-Chief. Air attacks on Force C commenced at 0700/22 and were continued without intermission. At 0830 hours a single caique carrying German troops was sighted. This caique was sunk by HMAS Perth, and as she was being heavily attacks by enemy aircraft, HMS Naiad turned back to support her. A small merchant vessel, reported by HMS Calcutta at 0909 hours was dealt with by the destroyers.

At 1000/22 Force C was 25 miles south of Milo (90 miles north of Retimo), HMAS Perth had rejoined the rest of the force but HMS Naiad was being heavily attacked and was still some way astern. Ten minutes later an enemy torpedo-boat (the Italian Saggitario) with four or five small sailing vessels was sighted to the northward. The destroyers gave chase, while the Perth and Naiad engaged the torpedo boat, causing her to retire behind smoke. HMS Kingston then engaged another destroyer, who was laying a smoke screen, at 7000 yards range, claiming two hits. She also reported a large number of caiques behind the smoke.

Force C was running short of AA ammunition. Air attacks were incessant and the force had to be kept together for mutual support. Its speed was limited as HMS Carlisle was unable to do more than 21 knots due to a bomb hit by enemy aircraft. During the same attack HMAS Perth had been near-missed but her speed was not effected.

For these reasons, Rear-Admiral King considered that he would jeopadise his whole force if he proceeded any further to the northward. He therefore decided to withdraw to the westward and ordered his destroyers to abandon the chase. A signal from the Commander-in-Chief (timed 0941 hour), which showed that this convoy was of considerable size, was not seen by him until 1100 hours. The brief action did, however, cause the enemy to turn back, and the troops, if they ever reached Crete at all, were not in time to influence the battle.

During its withdrawal to the westward, Force C, was continuously bombed for three and a half hours. HMS Naiad due to avoiding action had been unable to overtake the remainder of the force had two 5.25” turrets out of action. Several compartments were flooded by near misses, and at 1125 hours, her speed being reduced to 16-19 knots, the remainder of the force was ordered back to her support. Over a period of two hours, 181 bombs had been counted as being aimed at HMS Naiad.

HMS Carlisle was hit, and although not seriously damaged her Commanding Officer was killed. Torpedo bombers attacked the force at 1258 and 1315 hours but all torpedoes were avoided. At 1321 hours Force C sighted Force A 1 coming up the Kithera Channel from the westward.

The junction of Force A 1 with Force C, 22 May 1941.

On learning that Rear-Admiral King would be withdrawing through the Kithera Channel, Rear-Admiral Rawlings had decided that he would meet him in that neighbourhood. Accordingly, after being joined by Forces B and D he spent the forenoon patrolling between 20 and 30 miles west of the channel. The ammunition situation was causing anxiety, and rigid economy was ordered.

At 1225 hours, Rear-Admiral Rawlings heard from Rear-Admiral King that HMS Naiad was badly damaged and in need of support. He immediately decided to enter the Aegean and steered for the Kithera Channel at 23 knots. AA shell bursts from Force C were sighted at 1312 hours and a few minutes afterwards a large caique was seen between Pori and Antikithera Islands, to the south of the channel. HMS Greyhound was ordered to sink it.

At 1332 hours, just as forces A 1/B/D and C were meeting HMS Warspite was attacked by three Me 109’s equipped with bombs. A bomb hit and wrecked the starboard 4” and 6” batteries and damaged number three boiler room fan intakes, thereby reducing the ship’s speed. Both forces then withdrew to the south-westward, air attacks continuing intermittently for most of the afternoon.

The loss of HMS Greyhound, HMS Gloucester, HMS Fiji, 22 May 1941.

HMS Greyhound meanwhile, after sinking the caique, was returning to her place in Force A 1’s screen when at 1351 hours she was struck by two bombs and sank stern first 15 minutes later. HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston were detached from Force C to pick up survivors and shortly after 1400 hours, Rear-Admiral King (who was the senior officer of all the forces present) ordered HMS Gloucester and HMS Fiji to give them AA support and to stand by the sinking Greyhound. These rescuing ships, and the men swimming in the water were subjected to almost continuous bombing and machine gun attacks. HMS Kingston was damaged by three near misses.

At 1413 hours, Rear-Admiral King asked Rear-Admiral Rawlings for close support as Force C by that time had practically no AA ammunition left. Force A 1 closed at the Warspite’s best speed (18 knots), and Rear-Admiral Rawlings, who was feeling uneasy about the orders given to Gloucester and Fiji informed Rear-Admiral King about the depleted state of their AA ammunition stocks of which the latter was not aware. At 1457 hours, Rear-Admiral King therefore ordered the rescuing ships to withdraw at their discretion, leaving boats and rafts if air attack prevented the rescue of survivors from Greyhound.

At 1530 hours, HMS Gloucester and HMS Fiji were coming up astern of HMS Warspite at high speed, engaging enemy aircraft. At 1550 hours, HMS Gloucester was hit by several bombs and came to a full stop. She was badly on fire and her upper deck was a shambles. In view of the intensity of the air attacks the Captain of HMS Fiji reluctantly decided that he could offer no assistance to her. All available boats and floats were dropped and the Fiji proceeded to the southward with Kandahar and Kingston still being hotly attacked by enemy aircraft.

At 1710 hours, HMS Fiji reported that she was in position 24 miles, 305°, Cape Elophonesi (the south-west point of Crete), steering 175° at 27 knots, a position 30 miles due east of Forces A 1 and C which were steering 215°.

At 1845 hours, after having survived about 20 bombing attacks by aircraft formations during the last four hours she fell victim to a single Me. 109. The machine flew out of the clouds in a shallow dive and dropped its bomb very close to the port side amidships. The ship took up a heavy list, but was able to steam at 17 knots until half an hour later when another single machine dropped three bombs which hit above ‘A’ boiler room. The list increased and at 2015 hours she rolled right over and sank in position 34°45’N, 23°12’E. She had expended all her 4” ammunition except for six star shell.

HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston dropped boats and floats and then withdrew to the southward to avoid almost certain damage from air attacks if they had stayed in the area. They returned after dark and were able to rescue 523 officers and men. It was during this rescue work that Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A’Deane the Commanding Officer of HMS Greyhound, who had been picked up by HMS Kandahar earlier in the day when his own ship was sunk, jumped overboard to help a men in distress. He was lost out of sight in the darkness and was never seen again.

HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston had been subjected to 22 air attacks between 1445 and 1920 hours and were now running short of fuel. At 2245 hours they left the scene of the loss of HMS Fiji and shaped course to rendezvous with Rear-Admiral King’s forces to the southward of Crete.

Night operations, 22-23 May 1941

Meanwhile, Rear-Admiral King, with Forces C and A 1 had been steering to the south-westward. Spasmodic air attacks continued till dusk. At 1645 hours HMS Valiant was hit by two medium bombs but no serious damage was done to her. Course was altered to the southward at 1800 hours and to the eastward at 2100 hours

Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten with his five destroyers; HMS Kelly, HMS Kashmir, HMS Kelvin, HMS Kipling and HMS Jackal had been delayed on his passage from Malta by a promising A/S hunt and only effected his junction with Force A 1 at 1600/22. At 2030 hours Kelly, Kashmir and Kipling were detached to search for survivors from Fiji and half an hour later Kelvin and Jackal were also detached to try to search for survivors from Gloucester. Subsequently these searches for survivors were cancelled and the destroyers were ordered to patrol inside Kisamo and Canea Bays.

On arrival at the Antikithera Channel HMS Kipling developed a steering defect and was detached to join Force A 1. Later on as the defect was remedied, her Commanding Officer decided to remain to the south-west of Crete where he anticipated he was able to make rendezvous with the other destroyer on their return. To this fortunate decision Capt. D.5 and over 250 of his officers and men in all probability were to owe their lives.

Continuing into Canea Bay Kelly and Kashmir fell in with a troop carrying caique, which they damaged badly with gunfire. They then carried out a short bombardment at Maleme and, whilst withdrawing, they engaged and set on fire another caique.

The Naval Officer in Command Suda had meanwhile reported some lights in Canea Bay. These lights the Kelvin and Jackal, who were operating in Kissamo Bay, were ordered to investigate, and finding them to be shore lights, proceeded independently for Alexandria informing the Commander-in-Chief of this intention at 0300/23.

Towards the eastern end of Crete, Force E, consisting of HMS Jervis, HMAS Nizam, HMS Ilex and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN) maintained a patrol off Heraklion without incident. They set course to return to Alexandria in the morning. On the way there were bombed for five hours, Ilex and Havock being damaged by near misses.

During the night HMS Decoy and HMS Hero embarked the Greek King, members of the government and other prominent Greeks at Agriarumeli on the south coast of Crete after which the two destroyers sailed to join Rear-Admiral King forces to the southward.

In the meantime Forces C and A 1 were some 75 miles to the southward of Crete steering 110°. At 0100/23 ‘Force C’ parted company and proceeded for Alexandria. Some hours previously Rear-Admiral Rawlings had signalled to the Commander-in-Chief that a rallying point further to the east would be better than one to the southwest of Kithera. If this was approved it was suggested that the 5th Destroyer Flotilla should make it’s withdrawal from Canea Bay to the eastward and that the Commander-in-Chief should issue orders accordingly, to all forces. Force A 1 therefore continued steering 110° until 0400/23, when, no reply having been received from the Commander-in-Chief, course was altered to the south-westward. Rear-Admiral Rawlings was about to signal a rendezvous to the southwest of Cape Elophonesi when a message was received ordering the withdrawal of all force to Alexandria. He accordingly set course for Alexandria at 15 knots, informing scattered units of his position, course and speed at 0530/23.

The Commander-in-Chief orders withdrawal to Alexandria, 23 May 1941.

At 2230/22, the Commander-in-Chief had received a ‘Most Immediate’ message from Rear-Admiral Rawlings reporting the loss of HMS Gloucester and HMS Fiji, and giving details of the ammunition situation. Owning to an error at Alexandria this signal made it appear that the battleships of Force A 1 had no pompon ammunition left. Therefore at 0408/23 orders were given to all forces to retire to the eastward.

In actual fact, the battleships had plenty of ammunition. Had the Commander-in-Chief been aware of this, they would not have been ordered to Alexandria, and would have been available as a support and rallying point for the 5th Destroyer Flotilla in the morning of the 23rd.

Naval situation at dawn, 23 May 1941.

Dawn on 23 May 1941 found the naval forces in the waters around Crete considerably scattered. To the eastward Capt. Mack with Force E was north of Crete, returning to Alexandria through the Kaso Strait.

Rear-Admiral Glennie in HMS Dido was just arriving at Alexandria with HMS Orion and HMS Ajax some distance astern of him.

The transport HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) J.F. Paget, RN), with reinforcements on board and escorted by HMS Coventry (A/Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), HMS Auckland (A/Capt. E.G. Hewitt, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN) had left Alexandria the previous afternoon and was 130 miles out making for Tymbaki.on the south coast of Crete.

Forces A 1 and C were about 25 miles apart to the south of Crete and were returning to Alexandria. The destroyers HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston, with survivors from HMS Fiji on board were about to join Force C. The destroyers HMS Decoy and HMS Hero, with the King of Greece on board, were to the northward of Force A 1 which they joined at 0745/23.

Further to the west, a bit to the south of Gavdos Island, was Capt. Waller in HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager, who had been ordered around 2330C/22, by Rear-Admiral Rawlings to search for survivors from HMS Fiji. The Australian destroyers searched until around 0600C/23 and joined Force A 1 around 1000C/23. Also in that area were the destroyers HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) which had left Alexandria the day before with munitions for the army.

HMS Kelvin and HMS Jackal were to the south-west of Crete and returning to Alexandria where they arrived on May, 24th. HMS Kipling was also in that vicinity and was hoping to join HMS Kelly and HMS Kashmir, who had cleared Canea Bay and were retiring close to the west coast of Crete.

Loss off HMS Kelly and HMS Kashmir, 23 May 1941.

Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten had been withdrawing at full speed since dawn. At 0755 hours, after surviving two air attacks without suffering damage, he was about 13 nautical miles to the southward of Gavdos Island when his ships were attacked by a force of 24 Ju.87 dive bombers. The Kashmir was hit and sunk in 2 minutes. A large bomb struck the Kelly while she was doing 30 knots under full starboard rudder. She turned turtle to port with considerable way on, and after floating upside down for about half an hour, finally sank. In accordance with earlier practice the dive bombers then machine-gunned the survivors in the water, killing and wounding several.

The attack was witnessed by HMS Kipling, who was some 7 to 8 miles to the southward. She immediately closed and succeeded in picking up 281 officers and men from the water including the Commanding Officers of both destroyers. She left the scene of the sinking for Alexandria at 1100/23. She was considerably hampered in this rescue work by six high level bombing attacks and it was subsequently estimated that between 0820 and 1300 hours no less then 40 aircraft attacked her, dropping 83 bombs, though she emerged from the ordeal unscathed.

Return of the British naval forces to Alexandria, 23 May 1941.

In the meantime Force C had been joined by HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston with survivors from HMS Fiji on board at 0630/23. Both destroyers were very low on fuel. Force A 1 was only 25 miles to the north-west. Force C then closed Force A 1 and both destroyers were able to fuel from the battleships. Shortly after 0800 hours, a signal was received from HMS Kipling reporting the loss of HMS Kelly and HMS Kashmir. Rear-Admiral King reluctantly decided that he could sent no help from Forces A 1 and C.

HMS Decoy and HMS Hero, with the Greek Royal party on board, had joined Force A 1 about the same time, and in course of the forenoon all the scattered destroyer joined up except for HMS Kipling. Later in the day HMS Jaguar and HMS Defender were detached to land ammunition at Suda Bay. The remained of the force proceeded to Alexandria where they arrived in the early hours of the 24th.

The fighting in Crete, 21 -24 May 1941.

On shore, meanwhile, the situation deteriorated. During the 21st although Maleme airfield remained no-man’s land under fire from Italian guns manned by New Zealand gunners, enemy troop carriers landed there regardless of losses. Parachute reinforcements also arrived, and the Germans concentrated between Aliakanou and Canea, and immediately west of Meleme. The savage air bombardment of the British positions continued.

Early on the 22nd, a British counter attack reached Maleme airfield, but heavy dive bombing, and machine gun fire from air and ground rendered further progress impossible. Fighting continued throughout the day, but enemy troop carriers with reinforcements were arriving at a rate of more than 20 each hour, and the withdrawal of British troops to a new line further east was commenced.

The steady flow of German reinforcements, and very heavy air attacks on the British troops continued throughout the 23rd. On this day, the five Motor Torpedo Boats of the 10th M.T.B. Flotilla in Suda Bay (MTB 67, MTB 213, MTB 214, MTB 216 and MTB 217) were all sunk by air attacks. During their operations off the Cretan coast and in harbour they accounted for two aircraft shot down for sure and another two probably shot down.

By the 24th the AA defences of Suda had been seriously reduced and losses to small craft in port were heavy. Severe bombing of Canea compelled the withdrawal of the Army Headquarters to the Naval Headquarters at Suda.

At Heraklion, in the meantime, the Germans had been unable to make much headway. Successful counter attacks were carried out by British troops, in conjunction with Greek and Cretan forces on the 21st, and the situation remained will in hand the next day. 20 to 30 German troop carrying aircraft were destroyed by AA fire. On the 23rd an ultimatum from the Germans calling for the surrender of Heraklion was rejected by the British and Greek commanders, though by this time the Greeks were running short of ammunition.

Reinforcements and supplies to the Army in Crete.

Throughout the Battle of Crete, frequent attempts were made to throw reinforcements and supplies into the island, with varying success.

All disembarkation had to planned to take place at night, owning to the German command of the air. Attempts were made to use HMS Glenroy and merchant vessels for this purpose, but it was found in practice that only warships were able to get through.

On the night of the 23rd – 24th of May, HMS Jaguar and HMS Defender landed stores and ammunition at Suda between midnight and 0200 hours. They returned to Alexandria with officers and men not required in Crete as well as some wounded.

HMS Glenroy embarked 900 men from the Queens Royal Regiment, H.Q. staff of the 16th Infantry Brigade and 18 vehicles at Alexandria. She then sailed for Tymbaki on the afternoon of the 22nd escorted by HMS Coventry, HMS Auckland and HMS Flamingo. These ships were recalled at 1127/23 due to the heavy air attacks sustained by the Fleet.

The following day, HMS Isis, HMS Hero and HMAS Nizam sailed from Alexandria with the Headquarters and two battalions of special service troops, known as ‘Layforce’. These were to be landed on the south-west coast of Crete at Selinos Kastelli. The weather conditions however did not permitted a landing and it had to be cancelled.

During the night of 24 – 25 May, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel landed about 200 personnel of ‘Layforce’ and about 80 tons of stores at Suda. She returned with about 50 wounded and 4 Greek Cabinet Ministers. A dive bombing attack by 4 Ju.88’s at 1300/25 was successfully avoided.

On arrival at Alexandria in the evening of the 25th, HMS Abdiel embarked Brigadier Laycock with 400 men and 100 tons of stores. She left again early on the 26th accompanied by HMS Hero and HMAS Nizam. These ships landed about 750 troops and stores at Suda during the night of 26 – 27 May. These were the last reinforcements landed in Crete.

About 930 men no longer required there were then embarked and taken back to Alexandria in HMS Abdiel. Air attacks commenced at daylight, just north-west of the Kaso Strait, and continued intermittently till 1130/27. No damage was sustained except by HMS Hero whose speed was reduced to 28 knots by a near miss at 0700 hours.

Meanwhile the Glenroy with a battalion of the Queen’s Regiment on board, had sailed from Alexandria for Tymbaki during the evening of the 25th. She was being escorted by HMS Coventry, HMAS Stuart and HMS Jaguar. The force was subjected to bombing attacks by enemy reconnaissance aircraft during the forenoon. At 1820/26 there were heavy dive bombing attacks. Glenroy was slightly damaged sustained some casualties owing to near misses and machine gun attacks. Three of her landing craft were holed and a large dump of cased petrol on the upper deck caught fire, which necessitated steering down wind until the fire was put out. With 800 troops on board and with a large cargo of petrol it was a nasty situation. By 1950 hours the fire was under control and course was resumed to the northward. A final attack by torpedo bombers at 2050 hours caused no further damage. The torpedoes were being successfully evaded. The Glenroy was now about three hours behind schedule and wither landing craft capacity down by about a third and the weather forecast in mind it was decided to cancel the operation and the force was ordered to return to Alexandria.

One other attempt was made to transport some supplies to Crete. Convoy AN 31 of three Greek merchant ships escorted by HMS Auckland left Alexandria at 0500/26. One of the merchant vessels soon had to turn back due to engine trouble. The convoy escort was later reinforced by HMS Calcutta and HMS Defender. Early the next forenoon it was realised that under the existing conditions they would not have a chance of reaching the island and they too were recalled. Shortly after turning back the convoy was attacked by about 9 Ju.88’s but no damage was sustained. One of the attacking aircraft was seen to be hit by AA fire.

Naval situation at dawn, 24 May 1941.

At daylight on the 24th, the only naval forces at sea were HMS Jaguar and HMS Defender, which were about to pass through the Kaso Strait on passage from Suda Bay to Alexandria and HMS Abdiel which had left Alexandria during the night and was on passage to Suda Bay with more stores for the Army.

HMS Kipling with the survivors from HMS Kelly and HMS Kashmir on board was about 70 miles from Alexandria, practically out of fuel. HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) had been sent out to meet her.

It was on this day that the Commander-in-Chief, well aware under which strain his ships were working, signalled to his Fleet. ‘The Army is just holding its own against constant reinforcement of airborne enemy troops. We must NOT let them down. At whatever cost to ourselves, we must land reinforcements for them and keep the enemy from using the sea. There are indications that the enemy resources are stretched to the limit. We can and must outlast them. STICK IT OUT.’

The Commander-in-Chief’s appreciation, 24 May 1941.

Four days had now elapsed since the opening of the attack on Crete and in reply to a request from the Chiefs-of-Staff for an appreciation, the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, informed them that the scale of air attack now made it no longer possible for the Navy to operate in the Aegean or vicinity of Crete by day. The Navy could not guarantee to prevent seaborne landings without suffering losses which, added to those already sustained, would very seriously prejudice our command of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Chiefs-of-Staff replied that the Fleet and Royal Air Force were to accept whatever risk was entailed in preventing any considerable enemy reinforcement from reaching Crete. If enemy convoys were reported north of Crete, the Fleet would have to operate in that area by day, although considerable losses might be expected. Experience would show for how long this situation could be maintained.

To this the Commander-in-Chief replied on the 26th that the determining factor in operating in the Aegean was not the fear of sustaining losses but the need to avoid crippling the Fleet. He added that the enemy, so far, had apparently not succeeded in landing any appreciable reinforcements by sea.

As how long the situation could be maintained, he pointed out that in three days two cruisers and four destroyers had been sunk, one battleship had been put out of action for several months, and two cruisers and four destroyers had been considerably damaged. He also referred to the strain both to personnel and machinery in the light craft, who had been operating to the limits of their endurance since February.

Captain McCarthy’s Force , 24-26 May 1941.

There had been indications that a landing might take place in the east of Crete at Sitia on the night of 24-25 May. To deal with this threat a Force consisting of the cruisers HMS Ajax (Senior Officer), HMS Dido, destroyers HMS Hotspur, HMS Imperial and HMS Kimberley left Alexandria at 0800/24 and passing through the Kaso Strait swept the north coast of Crete during the night. Nothing was sighted and the Force withdrew to the southward of Kaso before daylight. Here they remained during the 25th, repeating the sweep north of Crete the next night. Again nothing was sighted.

F.A.A. attack on Scarpanto airfield, 26 May 1941 (Operation MAQ 3).

It was known that Scarpanto airfield was being extensively used by the enemy in his operations against Crete, and it was therefore decided to attack it with Fleet Air Arm aircraft from HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), who had now built up her fighter strength to 12 Fulmars.

Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippel left Alexandria on the 25th with Force A which was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable and the destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Kandahar, HMS Nubian, HMS Hasty, HMS Hereward, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Vendetta.

At 0330/26 this Force was about 100 miles to the south-south-west of Scarpanto. Four Albacores and later five Fulmars were flown off from HMS Formidable to attack the airfield. The Albacores achieved complete surprise. They destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged several others while the Fulmars damaged a number of Cr.42’s and Ju.87’s. All aircraft had returned to Formidable by 0700 hours. By now the Force headed by HMS Ajax had also joined coming from the Kaso Strait. ‘Force A’ now set course to the southward.

Operations of ‘Force A’, HMS Formidable and HMS Nubian damaged, 26 May 1941.

During the forenoon of the 26th May, enemy aircraft were continually being detected. The eight remaining serviceable aircraft, four of which were fighters, made 24 flights, during which there were 20 combats. Two enemy aircraft were shot down and two more were probably destroyed. One Fulmar was lost.

At 1320 hours, when about 150 miles south of the Kaso Strait ‘Force A’ was attacked by about 20 dive bombers which approached from the African coast. HMS Formidable was hit twice, her starboard side was blown out between numbers 17 and 24 bulkheads and ‘X’ turret and cable and accelerator gear were put out of action.

During the same attack, HMS Nubian, was hit right aft and had her stern blown off. She was still able to steam 20 knots. She was then detached to Alexandria with HMS Jackal where she arrived under her own steam that night.

Force A than shaped course to the eastward and after dark HMS Formidable escorted by HMS Hereward, HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager parted company and set course for Alexandria where they arrived around 0715C/27. The remainder of the Force operated to the north-eastward of Alexandria during the night.

Naval situation at dawn, 27 May 1941.

At daylight, 27 May 1941, ‘Force A’, now consisted of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Barham and escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kelvin, HMAS Napier and HMS Hasty were about 250 nautical miles south-east of Kaso, steering to the north-westward. In the Kaso Strait HMS Abdiel, HMS Hero and HMAS Nizam were returning from Suda Bay.

Some 90 nautical miles to the north-west of Force A, HMS Glenroy and her escorting destroyers; HMAS Stuart and HMS Jaguar were steering for Alexandria after their abortive attempt to land troops and supplies at Tymbaki. About half way between these two forces was convoy AN 31 heading for Crete. This convoy was recalled soon afterwards.

Operations of ‘Force A’, HMS Barham damaged, 27 May 1941.

Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippel with Force A had been steering since daylight for the Kaso Strait to cover the withdrawal of HMS Abdiel, HMS Hero and HMAS Nizam. At 0859 hours, 15 Ju.88’s and He.111’s attacked from the direction of the sun. HMS Barham was hit on ‘Y’ turret and two of her bulges were flooded by near misses. A fire was started, which necessitated steering down wind to the south until it was extinguished two hours later. Two enemy aircraft were shot down and one was seen to be damaged.

At 1230 hours, on receipt of instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, Force A shaped course for Alexandria, arriving there at 1900 hours that evening.

The collapse in the Suda-Maleme area, 26 May 1941.

While these operation had been in progress at sea, the battle on shore had continued with unabated bitterness. Sunday, May 25th, the sixth day of the enemy attack was critical for the Australian and New Zealand troops in the Maleme area. After continuous bombing of their positions all day, a strong enemy attack took Galatos. British light tanks and New Zealand troops retook it at the point of the bayonet. This was described by General Fryberg as ‘one of the great efforts in the defence of Crete’. The position could not be held, however, and with Maleme no longer under fire, enemy troop carriers poured in reinforcements. Late that night the new line formed in the Maleme-Canea sector was broken by the Germans, after several attacks had been repulsed.

The next day (May 26th) further attacks compelled the tired New Zealand and Australian troops to withdraw still further towards Suda. They had fought for six days without respite; more then 20 fiece bayonet counter attacks had been carried out, and throughout the whole period they had been subjected to air attacks on unprecedented scale. That night the line collapsed and the retreat commenced.

So suddenly did the collapse come at the last, that there had been no time to organise the retirement and though the infantry which withdrew from the front line did so in good order, the movements of the rest of the force were uncontrolled, and much congestion on the route resulted.

The withdrawal, which was directed towards Sphakia continued during the 27th. By this time a rearguard had been organised which was able to cover the retirement of the bulk of the remainder to Sphakia.

Meanwhile in the Heraklion sector the British troops were holding out. On the 26th, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and two of the ‘I’ tanks landed at Tymbaki on the 19th, succeeded in breaking through from the south and joining them. With the Suda-Maleme area in the hands of the enemy, however, the position of the troops at Heraklion was clearly untenable and it appeared to be only a matter of time before the enemy would launch a major attack on them.

The work of the Royal Air Force.

Throughout the battle, the Royal Air Force, working from Egypt, did all that was possible to afford relief to our troop in Crete; but the distance was too great to maintain a scale of attack on the Germans that could affect the issue.

Enemy positions and aircraft were attacked at Maleme by Blenheims and Marylands (of the S.A.A.F.) at intervals on the 23rd, 25th, 26th and 27th of May. In these raids at least 40 enemy aircraft of various types were destroyed and many others damaged. Nine Ju.52’s carrying troops were destroyed by Hurricanes on the 23rd and 26th. Wellingtons bombed Maleme on the nights of the 23rd, 25th, 26th, 27th and 29th. They also attacked Scarpanto on the nights of the 25th, 27th, 28th and 29th and Heraklion on the 30th at 31st of May and 1st of June.

All these attacks caused fires and explosions but the extent of the damage is not known. During the battle the R.A.F. lost 38 aircraft, 33 of them in the air.

The decision to evacuate Crete, 27 May 1941.

Messages received from the G.O.C. Troops in Crete and the N.O.I.C. Suda Bay made it clear that our line defending Suda had collapsed with great suddenness.

In a message times 0824/27, General Wavell informed the Prime Minister that he feared we must recognise that Crete was no longer tenable, and that, so far as possible, the troops must be withdrawn. In reply to this message, the Chiefs-of-Staff ordered Crete to be evacuated forthwith.

Evacuation from Sphakia, 1st night, 28-29 May 1941.

At 0600/28, less then 24 hours after the decision to evacuate Crete had been taken, Force B, consisting of the light cruisers HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMS Dido and the destroyers HMS Decoy, HMS Hereward, HMS Hotspur, HMS Imperial, HMS Jackal and HMS Kimberley departed Alexandria to evacuate the Heraklion garrison. Rear-Admiral Rawlings, flying his flag in Orion was given charge of this operation.

Two hours later, Force C, under Capt. Arliss, left Alexandria for Sphakia. It was made up of HMAS Napier, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kelvin. Force C had an uneventful passage and commenced embarkation at 0030/29. The operation was completed by 0300/29 by which time the four destroyers had taken on board nearly 700 troops and had landed badly needed rations for 15000.

On the return passage, the force was attacked by four Ju.88’s at about 0900 hours, HMAS Nizam suffered minor damage from a near miss. Fighter protection had been arranged from 0545 hours and at 0940 hours a crashed enemy aircraft was sighted, probably shot down by our fighters. Force C arrived at Alexandria at 1700/29 without much enemy interference.

Evacuation of the Heraklion garrison, 1st night, 28-29 May 1941.

Rear-Admiral Rawlings, meanwhile, had been having a much more different experience. At 1700/28 Force B was about 90 miles from Scarpanto and from then until dark was subjected to a series of air attacks. High level, dive bombing and torpedo.

At 1920 hours, HMS Imperial was near missed but appeared to be undamaged and 50 minutes later a near miss caused slight damage and some casualties in HMS Ajax which was then detached to Alexandria.

On arrival of the force at Heraklion at 2330/28 the destroyers immediately entered harbour, embarked troops from the jetties and ferried them to the cruisers outside. By 0245/29 the ferrying was complete and a quarter of an hour later HMS Kimberley and HMS Imperial had embarked the rearguard.

At 032 hours the force proceeded to sea at 29 knots with the whole of the Heraklion garrison on board, some 4000 troops. All went well until 0345 hours when HMS Imperial’s steering gear failed and she nearly collided with HMS Orion and HMS Dido. Her rudder was jammed and repairs could not be made. Delaying the force would mean more air attacks and it was vital to be as far away as possible from the enemy airfields before daylight. It was therefore decided to take off the troops from HMS Imperial and then sink her. At 0445 hours this was successfully done by HMS Hotspur which had now 900 troops on board. By now Force B was about 1,5 hours late and it was only at sunrise that they arrived off the Kaso Strait. The German air force was already waiting.

Air attacks commenced at 0600 hours and continued at intervals to 1500 hours when the force was within 100 miles from Alexandria.

At 0625 hours, HMS Hereward was hit by a bomb which forced her to reduce speed and fall away from her position in the screen. The force was then in the middle of the Kaso Strait and once more Rear-Admiral Rawlings had to decide whether to endanger his whole force and the troops on board for the sake of a single ship, or to leave her for a certain destruction. HMS Hereward was last seen making slowly towards Crete which was only five miles distant with her guns engaging enemy aircraft.

Twenty minutes later HMS Decoy suffered damage to her machinery as the result of a near miss and the speed of the force had to be reduced to 25 knots. A further reduction to 21 knots was needed after HMS Orion had been near-missed at 0730 hours.

With 4000 troops on board, the speed reduced to 21 knots, and no fighter support, things were beginning to look ugly. The Commander-in-Chief realised from Rear-Admiral Rawlings signals that our fighters had not appeared and every endeavour was made to rectify this but the fighters only appeared at noon.

By this time Force B had suffered badly. Shortly after 0730 hours Capt. Back, the Flag captain of HMS Orion was wounded and died two hours later. His place was taken by Cdr. Wynne.

At 0815 hours, HMS Dido was hit on ‘B’ turret and the Orion on ‘A’ turret at 0900 hours, both by bombs from Ju.87 dive bombers. In each case the turrets were put out of action.

At 1045 hours, HMS Orion was again attacked by Ju.87’s and a bomb passed through her bridge, putting the lower conning tower out of action. Force B was then 100 miles south of Kaso and this was the last attack made by dive bombers.

The Orion had nearly 1100 troops on board and the casualties on the crowded mess decks were very heavy. It is believed that a total of 260 were killed and 280 were wounded. In addition three of the engineer officers were killed. All normal communication between the bridge and the engine room was destroyed, the steering gear was put out of action, and three boiler rooms were damaged. Also there were fires in the foremost 6” and 4” magazines.

Fortunately there was a lull in the air attacks until 1300/29 when a high level bombing attack developed, followed by another one at 1330 hours and a final one at 1500 hours.

Force B arrived at Alexandria at 2000/29. HMS Orion only having 10 tons of fuel and two rounds of 6” HE remaining.

Feasibility of further evacuation considered, 29-30 May 1941.

This disastrous commencement of the evacuation placed the Commander-in-Chief in a most unpleasant predicament. Of the 4000 troops embarked in Force B, no less then 800 had been killed or captured (those on the Hereward) after leaving Crete. If this was to be the scale of the casualties, it appeared that quite apart from prospective naval losses of ships and men, who could be ill spared, our efforts to rescue the army from capture might only lead to destruction of a large portion of the troops.

Particular anxiety was feld for the transport HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) which was already at sea and was due to embark 3000 troops the next night (29-30 May).

It was only after long and anxious consideration, and consultation with the Admiralty, as well as with the military authorities, that the decision to continue the evacuation could be taken.

Once taken this decision was amply justified. The remainder of the evacuation proceeded almost without casualties to personnel. Fighter protection became steadily more effective, and the enemy less enterprising. His failure to interfere with the nightly embarkations at Sphakia was most surprising.

The original intention to send ships to Plaka Bay to take off the Retimo garrison was abandoned, as it was not known whether the troops had received the message ordering them to retire there. Moreover it was doubtful that they would be able to reach the coast, since they had no supplies. 1200 rations were dropped by air at Plaka, in case any should get there, but it was decided to send ships to Sphakia only.

From messages received from Crete during the night of 28-29 May, it was thought that the next night was going to be the last night of the evacuation but in the course of the day it became clear that the situation was not so desperate as it had appeared and the Commander-in-Chief decided to send four destroyers to embark men on the night of 30-31 May.

Evacuation from Sphakia, 2nd night, 29-30 May 1941.

Meanwhile Rear-Admiral King, wearing his flag in HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) had left Alexandria in the evening of the 28th with the light cruiser HMAS Perth, AA cruisers HMS Calcutta, HMS Coventry, transport HMS Glengyle, destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Janus and HMS Hasty (Force D). Detination was Sphakia and their passage was uneventful except for one attack by one Ju.88 which dropped a stick of bombs near HMAS Perth but no damage was caused.

The cruisers and the Glengyle anchored off Sphakia at 2330/29 and the destroyers closed in one at a time to embark their quota. The troops were ferried from the beach in the landing craft from Glengyle assisted by two assault craft carried in HMAS Perth. The beach was too small for ships boats to be used in addition.

By 0320/30 a total of 6000 men had been embarked and Force D sailed for Alexandria, leaving three motor landing craft behind for use on subsequent nights. During the passage there were three air attacks on the force which had been joined by the destroyers HMAS Stuart, HMS Defender and HMS Jaguar at 0645 hours.

In the fist of these attacks, at 0930 hours, HMAS Perth was hit and her foremost boiler room was put out of action. The second and third attacks achieved no result although bombs fell close to HMAS Perth and HMS Jaguar. Fighter cover was able to drive off quite a number of enemy aircraft. The force returned to Alexandria during the night of 30 / 31 May.

Evacuation from Sphakia, 3rd night, 30-31 May 1941.

At 0915/30, Force C, consisting of the destroyers HMAS Napier, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kelvin again left Alexandria for Sphakia. After a few hours Kandahar developed a mechanical defect and had to return to Alexandria.

At 1530 hours, three Ju.88’s carried out an unseen dive from astern. Bombs were dropped and HMS Kelvin was near missed. The result was that her speed had to be reduced to 20 knots and she too was detached to Alexandria.

Captain Arliss now continued on with only the two Australian destroyers and arrived at Sphakia at 0030/31. By 0300 hours, each destroyer had embarked over 700 troops, using the three motor landing craft that had been left behind the previous night, supplemented by the ships boats.

On the return passage to Alexandria the two Australian destroyers were attacked by 12 Ju.88’s between 0815 and 0915 hours. Both destroyers were damaged by near misses and HMAS Napier had her speed reduced to 23 knots. One Ju.88 was shot down while three others were seen to be hit.

Fighter cover was able to shoot down three Ju.88’s and one Cant 1007 during the day. The remainder of the passage was without incident and HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam arrived at Alexandria in the evening with a total of 1510 troop on board.

The final evacuation, Sphakia, 31 May – 1 June 1941.

A final evacuation of about 3000 men was required, which was more then previously was estimated. It was therefore decided to sent over one more Force to evacuate these men during the night of 31 May – 1 June.

So at 0600/31, Vice Admiral King departed Alexandria with the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Flag), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel, destroyers HMS Hotspur, HMS Jackal and HMS Kimberley to carry out this final evacuation (Force D).

That forenoon the Commander-in-Chief received a signal from Capt. Arliss, who was then on his way back from Sphakia, which indicated that there was then some 6500 men to come off Crete. Vice-Admiral King was then authorized to increase the total number he was allowed to embark to 3500 men. This was later changed to ‘fill up to maximum capacity’.

In the evening of the 31st the force was attacked three times by enemy aircraft. None of the bombs fell very close and one Ju.88 was believed to be damaged by AA fire. Many bombs were seen to be jettisoned on the horizon indicating several successful combats by our fighters.

Force D arrived at 2320/31. Three fully loaded landing craft, the ones left behind, immediately went alongside. The embarkation went so quickly that for a time the beach was empty of troops. This was unfortunate as it led to a last minute rush, which could not be dealt with in the time available and some troops had to be left behind. Some medical stores were landed and finally the three motor landing craft were destroyed or sunk.

The force departed at 0300/1 having embarked nearly 4000 troops and arrived at Alexandria at 1700 hours that day. The return passage was uneventful.

The loss off HMS Calcutta.

Yet one more loss was suffered by the Fleet. In order to provide additional protection for Force D the AA cruisers HMS Calcutta and HMS Coventry were sailed from Alexandria early on the 1st of June. When only about 100 nautical miles out, they were attacked by two Ju.88’s, who dived from the direction of the sun. HMS Coventry was narrowly missed by the first but two bombs from the second hit HMS Calcutta and she sank within a few minutes at 0920/1. HMS Coventry then picked up 23 officers and 232 ratings. She then immediately returned to Alexandria. (10)

21 May 1941

Minelaying operation Mat One.

Between 0328C/21 and 0411C/21, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) laid a total of 158 mines in two fields as follows;

A) 80 Mines along a dog legged line extending for 2.2 miles in a direction of 180° and thence for 1.3 miles in a direction of 340° from a position of 111°, Cape Dukato Lighthouse, 3.7 miles.

B) 78 Mines along a dog legged line extending for 2.8 miles in a direction of 155° and thence for 1.2 miles in a direction of 020° from a position of 277°, Cape Dukato Lighthouse, 1.1 miles.

All mines were set to a depth of 8 feet and 16 of them were fitted with grapnels.

On completion of the minelay, HMS Abdiel retired from the area at high speed. She arrived back at Alexandria on 22 May.

Meanwhile enemy ships had ran into the mines. First the Italian destroyer Carlo Mirabello and auxiliary gunboat Matteucci were sunk and a few hours later the German transports Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937) and Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928) were also sunk. (3)

22 May 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) returned to Alexandria from operations. (1)

23 May 1941
Late on 23 May 1941, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Suda Bay where she landed about 200 personnel of ‘Layforce’ and about 80 tons of stores during the night of 24/25 May. She then departed for Alexandria with about 50 wounded and 4 Greek Cabinet Ministers. A dive bombing attack by 4 Ju.88’s around 1300C/25 was successfully avoided. She arrived at Alexandria around 2000C/25. (11)

26 May 1941
Around 0600C/26, the destroyers HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Alexandria.

Around 0620C/26, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) also departed Alexandria and joined the destroyers. Course was then set for Suda Bay, Crete.

During the night of 26/27 May, these ships landed about 750 troops and stores at Suda Bay. These were the last reinforcements landed in Crete.

About 930 men no longer required on Crete were then embarked and taken back to Alexandria in these ships.

Air attacks commenced at daylight, just north-west of the Kaso Strait, and continued intermittently till 1130C/27. No damage was sustained except by HMS Hero whose speed was reduced to 28 knots by a near miss around 0700C/27.

They arrived back at Alexandria around 1800C/27. (11)

31 May 1941
Around 0600C/31, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN, fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Sfakia on the south coast of Crete to evacuate troops from there. They arrived off Sfakia around 2320C/31.

By around 0245C/31, close to 4000 troops had been embarked and course was set to return to Alexandria where they arrived around 1700C/1. (12)

17 Jun 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria with aircraft torpedoes and stores urgently required by the Fleet Air Arm at Farmagusta.

The cargo was landed on the 18th and HMS Abdiel returned to Alexandria on the 19th. (13)

26 Jun 1941
The battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for exercises between Alexandria and Port Said.

HMS Warspite was later detached to Port Said. She was to proceed to the USA for repairs and refit. She was escorted to Port Said by HMS Griffin, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley. After delivering the battleship at Port Said, Griffin and Kandahar proceeded to Haifa, where they arrived on 27 June, to operate off the Syrian coast while Kimberley rejoined the Fleet.

The light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the fast minelayer HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) also joined the Fleet for the exercises on the 27th.

The Fleet returned to Alexandria the next day (27th). (14)

17 Jul 1941
Around 0900C/17, the fast minelayers HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) departed Alexandria for exercises. (15)

18 Jul 1941
The battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the destroyers HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Alexandria for exercises. At sea they were joined by the fast minelayers HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) which had already departed Alexandria for exercises the previous day. Also at sea joined the destroyers HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) which came from Haifa. (14)

19 Jul 1941
Around 1115C/19, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) departed Alexandria loaded with supplies for Tobruk. The supplies were unloaded during the night of 19/20 July. (14)

20 Jul 1941
Around 1430C/20, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) returned to Alexandria from Tobruk. (14)

22 Jul 1941
Around 2100C/22, the Mediterranean Fleet, made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), fast minelayers HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Alexandria to proceed to a position to the west of Crete.

Around 1400C/22, the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Leander (New Zealand Division) (Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) had departed Haifa to rendez-vous with the fleet at 0600C/23.

At daylight on 23 July the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (A/Cdr. W. Pope, RN) also joined the fleet.

After dark on 23 July the fleet turned eastwards. HMS Neptune, HMS Abdiel and HMS Kimberley were then detached with orders to proceed to Port Said where they arrived on 24 July.

HMS Latona, HMS Jervis, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kandahar were detached on the 24th to make rendezvous off Alexandria with the damaged aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN) and escort her to Port Said. A/Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN had struck his flag in HMS Formidable before departure. HMS Formidable arrived at Port Said on the 25th and immediately entered the Suez Canal for a southbound passage. She arrived at Ismalia early in the evening of the 25th. HMS Formidable is to proceed to the U.S.A. for repairs. HMS Latona and the destroyers then proceeded to Haifa.

On the 24th HMS Leander was also detached with orders to proceed to Port Said where she arrived on 25 July to embark troops together with HMS Latona and HMS Jaguar.

The bulk of the fleet returned to Alexandria around 1800C/24. (14)

24 Jul 1941
Around 1530C/24, the light cruiser HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Famagusta loaded with troops and supplies. The troops were landed during the night of 24/25 July. On completion, the ships returned to Port Said where they arrived around 1615C/25. (16)

26 Jul 1941
Around 1130C/26, the light cruiser HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Famagusta loaded with troops and supplies. The troops were landed during the night of 26/27 July. On completion, the ships proceeded to Haifa where they arrived around 1000C/27. (16)

28 Jul 1941
Around 1800C/28, the light cruiser HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), fast minelayer HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria. At sea they were joined by the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN). All ships arrived at Alexandria around 1000C/29. (16)

4 Aug 1941
Around 1155C/4, HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. They arrived at Port Said around 1030C/5. (14)

7 Aug 1941
HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) departed Port Said around 1300C/7 with troops for Famagusta.

They landed the troops during the night of 7/8 August and arrived at Haifa around 1130C/8. (17)

12 Aug 1941
HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) departed Haifa around 0600C/12 for Port Said where they arrived around 1530C/12. (17)

13 Aug 1941
Around 1430C/13, HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) departed Port Said with troops for Famagusta. (17)

14 Aug 1941
Around 0145C/14, HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) arrived at Famagusta. After landing the troops HMS Neptune departed for Alexandria and HMS Abdiel and HMS Jackal for Port Said. They all arrived at their destination later the same day or early the following day (HMS Neptune). (14)

15 Aug 1941
Around 1110C/15, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) departed Port Said loaded with almost 2000 troops for Famagusta. (18)

16 Aug 1941
Around 0040C/16, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) arrived at Famagusta.

After disembarking their troops they departed around 0330C/16 for Haifa where they arrived around 1130C/16. HMS Abdiel left Farmagusta around 0230C/16 with orders to proceed to Alexandria where she arrived around 1720C/16. (19)

22 Aug 1941
Around 0815C/22, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for a supply run to Tobruk. Cover for this run was provided by the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN). All ships ruturned to Alexandria the next day around 1445C/23. (14)

25 Aug 1941
Around 0830C/25, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for a supply run to Tobruk. Cover for this run was provided by the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN). All ships ruturned to Alexandria the next day around 1515C/26. (14)

27 Aug 1941
Around 0815C/27, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair Ford, RN) departed Alexandria with troops and supplies for Tobruk. Cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN).

HMS Phoebe had been hit by an aircraft torpedo (fired by Italian S.79's from 279.Sq.) at 2145C/27 in position 32°15'N, 24°53'W. The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria around 0100C/28 to escort the damaged ship.

The force that had been at Tobruk returned to Alexandria around 1450C/28. The cover force and the destroyers that had been sent out to assist them arrived between 2135C/28 and 2245C/28. (14)

9 Sep 1941
HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) conducted exerises off Alexandria.

Shorty after noon they were joined by the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN).

HMS Barham, HMS Neptune, HMS Ajax and HMAS Hobart returned to Alexandria early in the evening and HMS Napier returned to Alexandria late in the evening. The other ships remained at sea. (20)

10 Sep 1941
Around 1215C/10 the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the destroyer HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria to join the fast minelayers HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) at sea for exercises.

They all returned to Alexandria around 1720C/10. (21)

17 Sep 1941
At 0745B/17, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria with supplies for Tobruk. The supplies were unloaded during the night of 17/18 September.

They returned to Alexandria around noon the following day.

This was the first serial of 'Operation Supercharge' during which around 6300 troops and 2100 tons of supplies were transported to Tobruk. The operation was completed on 27 September 1941. (22)

20 Sep 1941
Around 0800B/20, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria with about 1000 troops and 120 tons of supplies for Tobruk. The troops and supplies were unloaded during the night of 20/21 September.

They returned to Alexandria around 1200B/21.

This was 'Serial 5' of 'Operation Supercharge'. (21)

22 Sep 1941
Around 0800B/22, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria with about 1000 troops and supplies for Tobruk.

Their return passage was covered by the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) and HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) which departed Alexandria around 2200B/22.

All ships returned to Alexandria around noon the following day.

This was 'Serial 8' of 'Operation Supercharge'. (22)

24 Sep 1941
Around 0810B/24, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria with troops and supplies for Tobruk. The troops and supplies were unloaded during the night of 24/25 September.

They returned to Alexandria around 1305B/25.

This was 'Serial 10' of 'Operation Supercharge'. (21)

27 Sep 1941
Around 0815B/27, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria with supplies for Tobruk. They unloaded during the night of 27/28 September.

They returned to Alexandria at 1220B/28.

This was 'Serial 13' of 'Operation Supercharge'. This was the last round trip of this operation. (22)

12 Oct 1941

Operation 'Cultivate'.

Replacement of Australian troops at Tobruk with 'fresh' troops.

At 0700B/12 the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk. This was 'Serial 1' of 'Operation Cultivate'.

A cover force also sailed from Alexandria. It was made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN), destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN).

The cruisers with three of the destroyers were detached during the night. They rejoined at daylight when the fleet set course to return to Alexandria.

Meanwhile Abdiel with her destroyers had landed the stores and troops at Tobruk and taken on board troops that were being relieved and set course to return to Alexandria.

Early in the afternoon a report was received of Italian cruisers and destroyers and the fleet was turned westwards again. Shortly afterwards the fleet was attacked by three enemy torpedo bombers but no damage was done. During the night the cruisers and three of the destroyers were again detached.

At daylight on the 14th the detached ships again rejoined and course was set to return to Alexandria. The fleet arrived at Alexandria around 1300B/13. The ships that had been on the transport run to tobruk returned to Alexandria around 1745B/14.

Operation 'Cultivate' continued for a while sending 'fresh' troops to Tobruk. (14)

18 Oct 1941
Around 0800B/18, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria with supplies for Tobruk. They unloaded during the night of 18/19 October.

They returned to Alexandria around 1315B/19 (HMS Abdiel) and around 1540B/19 (the three destroyers). This was 'Serial 3' of 'Operation Cultivate'. (23)

21 Oct 1941
Around 0600B/21, The fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) departed Alexandria for a supply run to Tobruk. They unloaded during the night of 21/22 October.

They returned to Alexandria around 1645B/22. This was 'Serial 6' of 'Operation Cultivate'. (23)

24 Oct 1941
Around 0600B/24, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria with supplies for Tobruk. They unloaded during the night of 24/25 October 1941.

They returned to Alexandria around 1340B/25(HMS Abdiel and HMS Kandahar) and 1510B/25 (HMS Kingston and HMS Griffin). This was 'Serial 9' of 'Operation Cultivate'. (23)

2 Nov 1941

Operation Glencoe.

Relief of troops at Famagusta.

The British troops on Cyprus were to be relieved by fresh British Indian and British troops.

Group A, made up of the minelaying cruiser HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1500B/2. HMS Abdiel had on board about 300 troops as well as 70 tons of stores. The destroyers carried around 250 troops.

Group B, made up of the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1700B/2. Like the destroyers of Group A these destroyers also carried about 250 troops each.

Group C, departed Alexandria for Famagusta at 1900B/2 , it was made up of the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN). Like all the other destroyers these also carried around 250 troops each.

At 2300B/2, HMS Kipling, on of the destroyers in Group C, broke down in position 31°46'N, 30°22'E. Her troops were taken over by HMS Jackal which then took the stricken destroyer in tow towards Alexandria. HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) departed Alexandria at 0230B/3 and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Alexandria at 1000B/3. HMS Jupiter took over the place of HMS Kipling in Force C while HMS Decoy took over the tow from HMS Jackal at daylight on November 3rd. HMS Kipling and HMS Decoy arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon.

Group A arrived at Famagusta at 0730B/3, Group B at 1230B/3 and Group C at 1630B/3.

The ships then disembarked the troops and embarked a similar number of troops that were replaced. The ships then departed for Haifa.

Groups A and B arrived at Haifa durnig the night of 3/4 November 1941 while Group C arrived early in the afternoon of November 4th.

At Haifa they embarked more troops for Cyprus. Group A sailed at 0730B/4, Group B at 1230B/4 and finally Group C at 1630B/4.

All groups arrived at Famagusta during the night of 4/5 November. After disembarking the troops they sailed for Haifa at invervals of about 4 hours.

Group A arrived at Haifa at 0400B/5, Group B at 0830B/5 and Group C at 1200B/5.

At Haifa they loaded Indian troops and departed for Famagusta at 0700B/5 (Group A), 1200B/5 (Group B) and 1630B/5 (Group C).

All groups arrived at Famagusta on the 5th and sailed again with further troops that were being relieved, arriving at Haifa at 0300B/6 (Group A), 0800B/6 (Group B) and 1200B/6 (Group C).

After embarking more troops and fuelling the groups departed Haifa again for Famagusta later on the 6th.

All groups arrived at Famagusta during the night of 6/7 November 1941 where they disembaked the new troops and tok on board troops that were relieved after which they departed again for Haifa where they arrived on the 7th.

There all groups embarked their final contingents of troops and departed for Famagusta for the final time. HMS Kingston from Group B was however to depart due to defects and her troops were spread on the other destroyers of her group.

After having disembarked the last of the fresh troops at Famagusta and embarked the last of the troops that had been relieved Group A arrived at Haifa 0300B/8, Group B at 0500B/8 and Group C at 1200B/8.

At 1400B/8, all ships (from all the groups) departed Haifa for Alexandria where they arrived on the 9th after they had carried out an A/S sweep en-route. (14)

14 Nov 1941
Around 0545B/14, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for a supply run to Tobruk. They unloaded at Tobruk during the night of 14/15 November 1941.

They returned to Alexandria in the afternoon around 1430B/15. (24)

26 Nov 1941
Around 2000B/26, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa where she arrived the following day.

At Haifa she is to conduct exercises in embarking and laying mines. [No further details available.] (13)

13 Dec 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Haifa to create a W/T deception to convince to enemy that the battlefleet was at sea from Alexandria.

HMS Abdiel returned to Haifa the following day. (25)

16 Dec 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 1200B/17. Again she created a W/T deception. (26)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (14)

30 Dec 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. At Haifa she is to embark a full load of mines after which she is to proceed to join the East Indies Station. (14)

31 Dec 1941
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Haifa for Port Said and the Suez Canal. (13)

1 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and on leaving the Canal set course for Aden. (1)

4 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez. After fuelling she departed for Colombo later the same day. (27)

10 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (27)

24 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee where she arrived the following day. (27)

25 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Trinomalee from Colombo. She departed for Port Blair later the same day. (27)

27 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived Port Blair from Trincomalee. (27)

28 Jan 1942
During this day, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) laid a total of 163 mines in 4 separate minefields off South Andaman Island.

Off Port Blair a total of 67 mines were laid in two lines;
Line 1; 33 mines at a depth of 6 feet, between positions 11°41'0"N, 92°46'0"E and 11°41'9"N, 92°46'1"E.
Line 2; 34 mines at a depth of 8 feet, between positions 11°41'6"N, 92°46'3"E and 11°40'9"N, 92°46'7"E.

At the Kotara Anchorage a total of 42 mines were laid at a depth of 7 feet. They were laid in a curved line between positions 11°58'0"N, 92°46'4"E and 11°58'9"N, 92°46'6"E.

At Port Meadows a total of 12 mines were laid at a depth of 6.5 feet. They were laid on a dog-legged line between positions 12°00'7"N, 92°47'2"E and 12°00'4"N, 92°47'1"E.

At Elphinstone Harbour a total of 42 mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet between position 12°18'8"N, 92°56'8"E and 12°19'4"N, 92°55'9"E.

On completion of this minelay HMS Abdiel set course for Trincomalee. (3)

29 Jan 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Trinomalee from minelaying operations in the Port Blair area. After embarking a full load of mines (163) she departed again later the same day to return to the Andaman Islands area. (28)

1 Feb 1942
During this day, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) laid a total of 163 mines off the Andaman Islands.

Off MacPherson Strait a total of 85 mines were laid in two lines;
Line 1; at the eastern end, composed of 60 mines at a depth of 6 feet between the following positions;
A) 11°28'25"N, 92°41'6"E
B) 11°28'5"N, 92°41'7"E
C) 11°28'65"N, 92°42'2"E
D) 11°28'5"N, 92°43'1"E

Line 2; at the western end, composed of 25 mines at a depth of 11 feet between the following positions;
A) 11°30'0"N, 92°35'4"E
B) 11°30'05"N, 92°35'6"E
C) 11°29'75"N, 92°36'05"E

Off Port Mouat a total of 50 mines were laid at a depth of 11 feet between positions 11°38'0"N, 92°33'1"E and 11°39'3"N, 92°34'0"E.

Off Port Anson 27 mines were laid in two lines and also two single mines were laid;
Line 1; composed of 15 mines at a depth of 11 feet between the positions 12°16'0"N, 92°42'5"E and 12°15'65"N, 92°42'1"E.

Line 2; composed of 12 mines at a depth of 8 feet between the positions 12°17'8"N, 92°43'8"E and 12°17'8"N, 92°43'5"E.

The two single mines were laid in position 12°17'1"N, 92°44'3"E and 12°17'2"N, 92°44'3"E.

While leaving Port Anson, HMS Abdiel after having laid all her mines the ship touched bottom at a charted depth of eight fathoms and she sustained damage to her starboard propeller shaft which was bent. She therefore returned to Colombo on one engine arriving on 5 February.

On 1 March 1942, the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Sophie Marie (T/Lt. D.G.C. Courtenay, RINR) was most likely sunk after hitting one of the mines to the west of MacPherson Strait.

5 Feb 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Colombo from minelaying operations off the Andaman Islands.

At Colombo she was docked for repairs to her starboard propeller shaft but full repairs were not possible there and eventually it was decided to sent the ship to Durban. (3)

10 Mar 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Colombo for Durban via Addu Atoll and Kilindini / Mombasa. She is to be docked at Durban to continue the repairs to her bent starboard propeller shaft. (27)

11 Mar 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) makes a short call at Addu Atoll before continuing her passage to Kilindini / Mombasa. (27)

16 Mar 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Colombo via Addu Atoll.

She departed for Durban later the same day. (27)

20 Mar 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Durban where she is taken in hand for repairs.

It later became apparent that full repairs were not possible and that HMS Abdiel would have to return to the U.K. for full repairs. (27)

4 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Durban with the shore defences. (29)

5 Jun 1942
At 1212B/5, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Durban. Presumably for trials / exercises. She returned to Durban at 0609B/7. (29)

7 Jun 1942
At 1347B/7, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Durban for Simonstown. (29)

9 Jun 1942
In the morning, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN), arrived at Simonstown from Durban. (1)

10 Jun 1942
Around 2300Z/10, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Simonstown for Freetown via Porte Noire. (30)

14 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Porte Noire from Simonstown. (30)

15 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Porte Noire for Simonstown. She later signalled that she was proceeding to Takoradi instead to effect repairs to defective evaporators. (30)

17 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Takoradi for repairs on completion of which she departed for Freetown. (30)

19 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Freetown. She departed for Bathurst later the same day. (31)

20 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Bathurst from Freetown. (31)

22 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Bathurst for Gibraltar. (32)

25 Jun 1942
Around 1600B/25, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Bathurst.

She departed for the U.K. around 2359B/25. (33)

29 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Gibraltar. (1)

30 Jun 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Newcastle-on-Tyne. (1)

1 Jul 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Peydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at the Palmers shipyard at Newcastle-on-Tyne where she is to be taken in hand for repairs and refit. (1)

17 Nov 1942
With her repairs and refit completed HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed the Tyne for Scapa Flow. (1)

18 Nov 1942
Around 0930A/18, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Tyne to commence a post-refit work up period. (34)

21 Nov 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

23 Nov 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

26 Nov 1942
HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) and HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (35)

27 Nov 1942
During 27/28 November 1942, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises.

Escorting destroyers for HMS King George V were most likely HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walter, DSC, RN). HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) is also a possibility. (36)

2 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

3 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

7 Dec 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) and HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Pumphrey, RN, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN). (37)

8 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

10 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. (1)

12 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. She is then taken in hand for post work up repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)

24 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Plymouth for Milford Haven where she arried later the same day. (1)

30 Dec 1942

Minelaying Operation HU 1.

In the forenoon, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Milford Haven for this minelaying operation.

She passed the Lizard around 1830A/30 and between 2206A/30 and 2245A/30, 160 mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet in 4 lines near Ile Vierge as follows;
Line 1; 51 mines, extending for 1.35 miles in a direction of 161° from position 48°45'7"N, 04°38'1"W.
Line 2; 39 mines, extending for 1.05 miles in a direction of 120° from position 48°44'0"N, 04°39'3"W.
Line 3; 30 mines, extending for 0 75 mile in a direction of 180° from position 48°42'9"N, 04°37'5"W.
Line 4; 39 mines, extending for 0.9 mile in a direction of 162° from position 48°41'5"N, 04°40'0"W.

Delayed release was arranged for half the mines on the following day and the remainder on 16 January 1943. Flooders were set to operate on 8 February 1943 and all mines were fitted with grapnels. 14 Mines failed to function correctly, but this was attributed to mistakes in preparation by new personnel.

HMS Abdiel returned to Milford Haven on 31 December 1942. (3)

31 Dec 1942
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) returned to Milford Haven from minelaying operation HU 1. (3)

2 Jan 1943
At 1331A/2, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Milford Haven for Gibraltar. On board was a full load of mines. (38)

5 Jan 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. She departed for Algiers later the same day. (39)

6 Jan 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (1)

7 Jan 1943
Around 0715A/8, the light cruisers HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Algiers to proceed to Bone.

At 1500A/8, HMS Abdiel, who was to perform a minelaying mission, parted company with the cruisers which turned back to return to Algiers around 2030A/8 as the harbour at Bone was closed due to enemy mining. The cruisers arrived back at Algiers around 0515A/9. (40)

9 Jan 1943
After having parted company with the cruisers around 1500A/8, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN), first doubled back for a while and then turned eastwards again so as to be off the Bone swept channel by dark. On completion of the minelay she had orders to be 50 miles from Bone by 0700A/8 and therefore an average speed of 33 knots would have to be maintained on the outward leg.

Around 1815A/8, she took her departure from the end of the Bone swept channel in deteriorating weather conditions. Galita Island was sighted around 2000A/8 and a good fix of her position could be obtained.

HMS Abdiel reached the position where she was to start laying mines at 0059A/9. Weather conditions were now very unpleasant, with wind for 7-8 and a steep sea, but when turning on to the laying course there was some reduction in the ships movement and the asdic and echo sounding equipment began to give good results, allowing an accurate position to be obtained.

Between 0059A/9 and 0129A/9, two lines of mines were laid off the Skerki Bank at a depth of 10 feet and with sprockets or grapnels fitted to one mine in three as follows;
Line 1) 70 mines along a line extending 3 miles in direction 180° from position 37°36'2"N, 10°34'9"E.
Line 2) 90 mines along a line extending 4 miles in direction 160° from position 37°31'0"N, 10°35'8"E.

As it was impossible, in these weather conditions, for HMS Abdiel to reach the position as ordered at 0700A/9, it was decided to proceed to Malta and the ship arrived there around 1000A/9.

Later the same day the Italian destroyer Maestrale hit one of these mines and is heavily damaged. The destroyer Corsaro, while going to the aid of the damaged destroyer, then also hits a mine and sinks.

On 3 February 1943, the Italian destroyer Saetta and torpedo boat Uragano sank after hitting mines of this field. (3)

11 Jan 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar where she arrived on 13 January after a stormy passage. (41)

27 Jan 1943
After having embarked a full load of mines from Adventure (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, RN) during the night of 25/26 January 1943, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers where she arrived the following day. (3)

29 Jan 1943
Around 0400A/29, the light cruiser HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) and the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived around 1700A/29. HMS Abdiel was detached to Philippeville en-route. (42)

31 Jan 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Philippeville for a minelay operation off the Skerki Bank. Conditions were however unsuitable due to a glassy calm sea and extreme visibility which was not favourable for a minelaying operation in enemy waters. Between 2316A/31 and 0027A/1, enemy aircraft dropped flares near HMS Abdiel. After 0027A/1, this activity ceased and as the ship was within half an hour steaming of the start position of the lay it was decided to press on. However, two minutes before the commencement of the minelay, four or five small craft, thought to be E-boats, were sighted on the port quarter and course was altered away at 32 knots. One salvo of the main armament was fired using RDF for the range. It was then decided to abandon the operation and proceed to Bone where she arrived around 0830A/1. (43)

2 Feb 1943
Around 1630A/2, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Bone for a minelay operation off the Skerki Bank. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

Around midnight the destroyers parted company to conduct a sweep to the eastward.

At 0124A/3, HMS Abdiel commenced laying the first line of the field. Minelaying continued until 0204A/3 when an error in drill resulted in that the last 10 mines could not be laid.

The field laid thus was made up of 150 mines set to a depth of 10 feet with flooders set to 11 March 1943. The field was laid in three lines as follows;
A) Line 1 was made up of 96 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction 310° from position 37°36'2"N, 10°45'6"E.
B) Line 2 was made up of 48 mines along a line extending for 1.8 miles in a direction 130° from position 37°40'8"N, 10°44'6"E.
C) Line 3 was made up of 6 mines along a line extending for 0.3 miles in a direction 120° from position 37°38'9"N, 10°47'5"E.

On completion of the lay, HMS Abdiel set course for Mers-el-Kebir via Algiers at 35 knots passing to the south of Galita Island. She arrived at Mers-el-Kebir around 0815A/4 after having refuelled at Algiers on 3 February. (43)

3 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Algiers from a minelaying operation. After refuelling she departed for Mers-el-Kebir later the same day. (44)

4 Feb 1943
Around 0815A/4, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir from a minelaying mission and fuelling at Algiers. She then embarked the remaining 160 mines that were on board Adventure (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, RN) and departed for Bone around 2330A/4. On board HMS Abdiel were not 170 mines as she had still 10 mines on board she had not been able to drop during the minelay during the night of 2/3 February. These 10 mines were then stored as follows, 4 in the cross-passage and 6 between the mine doors. These latter however could not be connected to the main train and were therefore jettisoned, at safe, during the passage to Bone. (3)

5 Feb 1943
Around 1700A/5, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Bone from Mers-el-Kebir. (45)

7 Feb 1943
Around 1650A/6, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Bone for a minelay operation off the Skerki Bank. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

A fix could be taken off Galita Island at 1935A/7.

On reaching position 37°49'N, 11°17'E parted company to conduct an independent anti-shipping sweep.

When six miles from her laying position, a bright flare was dropped about 3000 yards on the starboard quarter of HMS Abdiel and a few seconds later an aircraft was heard approaching. It flew over the ship at a height of 1500 feet and was fired on, thereafter disappearing to the westward. There was no other interference and between 0103A/7 and 0120A/7, 164 mines were laid along a line extending for five miles in a direction of 170° from position 37°26'N, 10°51'E. Mines were set to a depth of 10 feet, with flooders to operate on 3 March 1945. Sprockets were fitted to 32 and grapnels to 33 units.

HMS Abdiel then set course to return to Bone where she arrived, with the two destroyers, around 0835A/7. At Bone she then picked up her starboard anchor which had to be slipped on departure the night before as it had been fouled. She then departed for Algiers around 1900A/7.

While on passage, around 2320A/7 and in approximate position 37°28'N, 06°20'E, HMS Abdiel was missed by two torpedoes fired by the Italian submarine Acciaio. (3)

8 Feb 1943
Around 0630A/8, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Algiers from Bone. (3)

9 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. (1)

10 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Algiers. She departed for Milford Haven later the same day. (1)

13 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Gibraltar. At Milford Haven she was taken in hand for minor repairs and she was to embark a full stowage of mines and then return to the Mediterranean. (1)

21 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Milford Haven for Gibraltar. (1)

24 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. (1)

25 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (1)

26 Feb 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (1)

27 Feb 1943
Around 0830A/27, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Algiers for Bone with confidential mail. She departed Bone around 2015A/27 for another minelaying mission. (3)

27 Feb 1943
Around 2015A/27, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Bone for a minelaying mission in the approaches to Bizerta. She was not escorted. Around 2235A/27, she passed Galita Island. At 2313A/27, the wash of four E-boats was sighted on the port bow. Course was altered towards and fire was opened but the relative speeds were so great that it was only a matter of seconds before the E-boats were abeam and had turned away to disappear into the night. HMS Abdiel then increased speed from 28 to 33 knots to get clear and Capt. Orr-Ewing decided to lay the minefield in one line instead of the two lines that had been ordered. Speed was gradually reduced to 18 knots and at 2357A/27 commenced laying which was completed by 0019A/28.

A total of 160 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet with flooders set to operate on 2 April 1943 and sprockets fitted to 31 and grapnels to 3 mines. They were laid as follows;
6 Line 1; 6 mines along a line extending for 0.2 miles in a direction of 250° from position 37°29'5"N, 09°44'E.
Line 2; 154 mines along a line extending for 5 miles in a direction of 250° from position 37°28'3"N, 09°42'9"E.

On completion of the lay, HMS Abdiel retired at high speed, passing 20 miles to the north of Galita Island. She arrived at Mers-el-Kebir around 1915A/28. (3)

28 Feb 1943
The minefield laid on 9 January 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) possibly sank the German landing barge SF 220 in position 37°39'N, 10°51'E / 195° - Keith Reef - 12 nautical miles. It is also possible the landing barge hit a drifting mine.

The field laid on 27 February 1943 possibly sank the German motor torpedo boat S 35. (46)

1 Mar 1943
During the night of 1/2 March 1943, at Mers-el-Kebir, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) embarked 160 mines from Adventure (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, RN). (47)

3 Mar 1943
Around 0730A/3, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Algiers where she around 1700A/3. (48)

5 Mar 1943
Around 0630A/4, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Algiers for a minelaying mission off the Skerki Bank.

Around 1645A/4, she briefly entered Bone but departed again at 1700A/4 in company with the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

They passed north of Galita Island around 1945A/4. The destroyers parted company later to proceed on a diversionary anti-shipping sweep to the north-eastward while HMS Abdiel proceeded to the minelaying position.

Between 0048A/5 and 0112A/5, 160 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet with flooders set to operate on 15 April 1943. Sprockets were fitted to 33 units and grapnels to 31 units. Four mines were laid inoperative as the flooding clocks could not be started. The mines were laid as follows;

Line 1) 120 mines along a line extending four miles in a direction 110° from position 37°28'4"N, 10°52'6"E.
Line 2) 40 mines along a line extending 1.5 miles in a direction 140° from position 37°25'5"N, 10°59'0"E.

Following the minelay HMS Abdiel proceeded to Algiers arriving later on the 5th but she departed for Mers-el-Kebir even later on the 5th. The two destroyers returned to Bone around 0645A/5. (3)

5 Mar 1943
The minefield laid on 9 January 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) possibly sank the German landing barge F 544 at 0255B/5 in position 37°37'N, 10°49'E about 28 miles north of Zembra Island. The crew was saved by F 482. It is also possible the landing barge hit a drifting mine. (46)

6 Mar 1943
Around 0710A/6, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Mers-el-Kebir via Algiers from yesterdays minelaying mission. She then embarked 160 mines from Adventure (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, RN) and departed for Bone and another minelaying operation off the Skerki Bank around 2115A/6. (49)

7 Mar 1943
The minefield laid on 5 March 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) possibly sank the German (former French) transport Henri Estier (1984 GRT, built 1930) in position 37°25'N, 10°55'E. Some sources attributes her loss to USAAF aircraft but this seems an error. The Italian torpedo boat Ciclone who went to pick up the survivors of the Henri Estier also blew up on two mines. (46)

8 Mar 1943
Around 1705A/7, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) is off the end of the Bone swept channel where she is joined by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and they then proceeded eastwards.

At 2320A/7, HMS Abdiel sighted a burning wreck in the distance, which was most likely the Italian transport Ines Corrado (8016 GRT, built 1942) that had been damaged by bombing earlier that day. The ship, which had fuel in barrels on board, caught fire and burned until it sank early on the 8th.

When about 10 miles north of the initial position of the minelay HMS Abdiel encountered a convoy of six small craft, thought to be self propelled barges. These were engaged with the main armamant, pom pom and Oerlikons and some hits were reported. The action lasted only a little over a minute and Abdiel then continued on her way. The barges in question were the German F 155, F 478, F 480, F 481 and F 483 which were en-route from Tunis to to Marsala. They reported only some minor damage.

The first mine went out at 0046B/8 and six minutes later Cape Bon light came up over the horizon showing that HMS Abdiel was some five miles to the south-eastward of the position ordered. When nearing the end of the second line in the lay, a small echo was picked up on the radar, 4500 yards on the starboard quarter, and gradually drew forward until, with 16 mines remaining, it was only 20° abaft the beam. A further six mines were laid on course, but then the tension became too great and the Abdiel altered away to the eastward, completing the lay under helm and increasing speed to 31 knots for withdrawal to Malta in accordance with her instructions.

The destroyers HMS Pakenham (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN), which had covered the operation from the south-east were met at 0540A/8 and then escorted the minelayer to Malta where they arrived around 0900A/8.

The minefield laid by HMS Abdiel was made up of the 160 mines, laid at a depth of 10 feet with sinkers set to operate on 2 April 1943. Sprockets were fitted to 32 units and grapnels to a like number. Two lines were laid as follows;
Line 1) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction of 195° from position 37°36'8"N, 11°01'5"E.
Line 2) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction of 145° from position 37°33'0"N, 11°00'5"E. (3)

9 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria where she was to be docked. (50)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta for a quick docking. (1)

13 Mar 1943
Around 1815B/13, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (51)

14 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Haifa. After embarking a full load of mines which she is to transport to Malta she departed for Alexandria later the same day. (1)

15 Mar 1943
Around 0805B/15, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. She departed for Malta later the same day. (51)

17 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. Here she disembarked the full outfit of mines she had on board. She then left for Haifa later the same day. (52)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Haifa from Malta. At Haifa another full load of mines was embarked. (1)

20 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria. (1)

21 Mar 1943
Around 0710A/21, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. She departed for Malta later the same day. (51)

21 Mar 1943
The minefield laid on 5 March 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) may have sunk the Italian landing barge MZ 786 in position 37°33'N, 10°54'E at 0528B/21 (explosion at the time attributed to vapours of benzine). Eight survivors and one corpse were recovered by other MZ's. To other survivors reached Trapani. (46)

23 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. Here she disembarked the full outfit of mines she had on board. She then left for Haifa later the same day. (51)

24 Mar 1943
The minefield laid on 8 March 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) probably sank the Italian destroyer Malocello (199 or 200 killed [sources vary], 42 survivors) and Ascari (193 killed, 53 survivors), 28 miles north of Cape Bon in approximate position 37°33'N, 11°00'E.

They could also have run into the Italian X 3 minefield though. (46)

25 Mar 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Haifa from Malta. After having embarked stores she departed for Alexandria later the same day. (1)

25 Mar 1943
The minefield laid on 8 March 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) possibly damaged the Italian landing barge MZ 783 at 0640B/25, circa 25 miles north of Cape Bon. With MZ 778 she had sailed from Trapani at 1830B/24 to search for survivors of the Malocello and Ascari) in approximate position 37°30'N, 11°00'E). MZ 783 was left in sinking condition. MZ 778 was attacked by circa 40 Allied bombers and was damaged, she turned back without locating any survivor. MZ 783 had been abandoned and drifted for four days until found four days later in 180° - Cape Bellavista (Sardinia) - 12 nautical miles and was towed to Arbatax. Out of a crew of 17, 6 were wounded, 1 was killed and 10 were missing. (46)

26 Mar 1943
Around 1445B/26, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. She departed Alexandria for Malta around 1950B/26. (51)

28 Mar 1943
Around 0830A/28, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. (53)

1 Apr 1943
The minefield laid on 8 March 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) possibly sank the German transport KT 13 (850 tons, built 1943) at 1640B/1 in position 37°35'N, 11°05'E or position 37°40'N, 11°13'E [sources vary]. (46)

5 Apr 1943
Around 1545A/4, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Malta to lay a minefield off the Skerki Bank during the night of 4/5 April 1943.

During this minelaying operation cover was provided by the destroyers HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) which departed Malta almost an hour later then the minelayer.

Around 2210A/4, HMS Abdiel was 7 miles north of Pantelleria.

Around 2300A/4, Cape Bon light was sighted.

At 0033A/5, minelaying commenced and was completed by 0056A/5. A total of 160 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet in 2 lines as follows;
Line 1) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in direction 115° from position 37°39'0"N, 11°02'5"E.
Line 2) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in direction 140° from position 37°37'0"N, 11°07'0"E.
Flooders were set to operate on 30 April 1943 and sprockets and grapnels were each fitted to 16 units.

On the returned route HMS Abdiel passed to the south of Pantelleria. She arrived back at Malta around 0840A/5.

7 Apr 1943
The Italian torpedo boat Pallade detonated a mine, losing her paravane in position 37°38'N, 11°08'E but did not suffer any damage besides the paravane. The mine exploded was most likely from the minefield laid on 5 April 1943 by HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN). (46)

7 Apr 1943
Around 1645A/6, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Malta to lay a minefield off the Skerki Bank during the night of 6/7 April 1943.

During this minelaying operation cover was again provided by the destroyers HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) which were still at sea.

At 2110A/6, HMS Abdiel sighted Pantelleria and then set course to pass to the north of the island.

At 0042A/7, minelaying commenced and this was completed at 0134A/7. 160 Mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet in two lines as follows;
Line 1) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction of 105° from position 37°45'N, 11°03'E.
Line 2) 80 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction of 145° from position 37°37'N, 11°13'E.
Flooders were set to operate on 30 April 1943 and sprockets or grapnels were each fitted to 16 units.

The return passage to Malta was uneventful and HMS Abdiel arrived there around 0830A/7. The destroyers that provided cover for the operation also returned to Malta. HMS Kelvin then commenced a period of repairs, boiler cleaning and a docking at Malta. (3)

11 Apr 1943
Around 1830A/11, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. No more offensive minelaying is required off Tunisia and the minelayer is redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean for transport duties. (54)

13 Apr 1943
Around 0630C/13, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (51)

25 Apr 1943
Around 1920C/25, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (51)

26 Apr 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. (1)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria. (1)

28 Apr 1943
Around 0740C/28, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. (55)

1 May 1943
Around 1940C/1, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (56)

2 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. (1)

3 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Haifa for Farmagusta for troop transport runs. She arrived at Farmagusta later the same day. (57)

4 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Farmagusta for Beirut where she arrived later the same day. She then returned to Farmagusta even later on this day. (1)

5 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Farmagusta for Beirut where she arrived later the same day. She then returned to Farmagusta even later on this day. (1)

6 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Farmagusta for Beirut where she arrived later the same day. (1)

7 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (1)

8 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said from Beirut. (1)

9 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Suez from Port Said. (58)

28 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Suez, proceeded northbound through the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. She departed Port Said later the same day for Beirut. (57)

29 May 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut from Port Said. (57)

7 Jun 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Alexandria where she arrived around 1805C/7. (59)

8 Jun 1943
At 0600C/8, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (59)

9 Jun 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. (60)

10 Jun 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. (60)

11 Jun 1943
Around 1925A/11, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (56)

12 Jun 1943
Around 1800C/12, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Farmagusta. She was then employed i daily troop transport runs between Farmagusta and Beirut until 23 June 1943. (61)

23 Jun 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Alexandria where she arrived around 1230C/23. (59)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said where she arrived later the same day. She then departed Port Said for Malta even later on this day. (62)

3 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Port Said. She departed for Tripoli later the same day. (63)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Tripoli from Malta. She departed for Alexandria later the same day. (1)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Tripoli. (1)

8 Jul 1943
Around 1940C/8, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (64)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. She then departed Malta for the operations area off Sicily with the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Admiral of the Fleet, A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, on board). The admiral inspected several of the landing beaches and HMS Abdiel returned to Malta late in the evening. (64)

12 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for the operations area off Sicily with the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Admiral of the Fleet, A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, on board). HMS Abdiel returned to Malta late in the day. (65)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta and also returned on this day. Most likely she went to the operations area off Sicily. [No further details known.] (66)

16 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Tunis where she arrived the following day. (65)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Tunis. (66)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Augusta with the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Admiral of the Fleet, A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, on board). HMS Abdiel returned to Malta later in the day. (65)

26 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Algiers via Bizerta where she was to make a short stop. On board was the staff of the C-in-C, Mediterranean. (65)

27 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Malta (with a short stop at Bizerta). (65)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. On board was the staff of the C-in-C, Mediterranean. (65)

1 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Algiers. (65)

19 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. (1)

20 Aug 1943
Around 1015C/20, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. She departed for Augusta around 2025C/20. (1)

22 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Augusta from Alexandria. She proceeded from Augusta to Malta later the same day. (1)

27 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Haifa. On board were 100 mines to be used by the submarine HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) in upcoming operations. (67)

29 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa from Malta. (67)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for Malta. (1)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Haifa. (68)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Bizerta where she arrived later the same day. (1)

8 Sep 1943

Operation Slapstick.

Landing of troops at Taranto following the Italian armistice.

Around 1545/8, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), USS Boise (T/Rear-Admiral T.H. Thebaud, USN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Bizerta for Taranto. These cruisers and the minelayer had troops on board as well as stores and vehicles.

Around 0630/9, they joined the battleships HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) which had departed Malta around 2200/8 with the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN).

Around 1315/9, the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Kanaris joined coming from Sousse (via Malta) from where they had sailed on the 8th. They had on board a port party for Taranto.

Around 1400B/9, the Italian battleships Caio Duilio (flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Da Zara), Andrea Doria, light cruisers Luigi Cadorna, Pompeo Magno and the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco were sighted proceeding towards Malta to surrender. HMS King George V with HMS Panther, Pathfinder, HMS Penn then parted company to escort these ships to Malta.

Around 1630/9, the minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR), HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and HMS BYMS 2012 (T/A/Skr.Lt. C.J. Watson, RNR) joined. These ships had also departed Malta on the 8th.

In the evening all the other ships entered the harbour of Taranto where the troops, port party, stores and vehicles were disembarked.

Troops were then to be disembarked, however, on 10 September, shortly after midnight, HMS Abdiel was mined and sunk with heavy loss of life inside the harbour before she had been able to disembark her troops.