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Notable events involving Bellona include:

The page with the wartime history of HMS Bellona was created in March 2023.

This page was last updated in April 2023.

30 Sep 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is commissioned for trials at Govan. (1)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) proceeded from Govan to Greenock. Also D/G trials were carried out of Helensburgh. (1)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (1)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (1)

19 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (1)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted steaming and manoeuvering trials in the Clyde area. (1)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (1)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Govan where she is immediately docked. (1)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is undocked. (1)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) proceeded from Govan to Greenock. She is also accepted from her builders. (1)

31 Oct 1943
Around 1035A/31, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1015A/1. (2)

8 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) and HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN).

HMS Bellona also carried out gunnery exercises. (3)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow which were later continued in the Pentland Firth.

Also exercises were carried out with HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) and HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN). (4)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted refuelling at sea exercises at Scapa Flow during which she was fuelled by the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941). (5)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (5)

22 Nov 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (5)

24 Nov 1943
In the morning, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN).

Also in the morning, HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

In the afternoon these cruisers conducted tracking exercises off Scapa Flow. (6)

26 Nov 1943
In the morning, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) both conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. These were followed in the afternoon by tracking exercises and night encounter exercises in the evening. (7)

30 Nov 1943
In the morning, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN).

Also in the morning, HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

In the afternoon these cruisers conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) and NEX (night encounte) exercises off Scapa Flow. On completion of these exercises HMNZS Gambia returned to Scapa Flow while HMS Bellona remained at sea exercising during the night. She returned in the afternoon of 1 December. (4)

30 Nov 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN). (8)

5 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted torpedo firing and AA gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow together with HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Golden Thyme (T/Lt. J.S. Bowes, RNVR).

On completion of these exercises the cruisers conducted towing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

10 Dec 1943
The battleship Richelieu (Capt. R.G. Lambert), heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) and the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (11)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Scapa Flow. (9)

15 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (12)

15 Dec 1943
HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted practice attacks on HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN). (13)

17 Dec 1943
HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) serving as target. (13)

17 Dec 1943
HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (14)

23 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (15)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included an RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises during which HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) served as target. (9)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) both conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

They then left Scapa Flow and conducted trow off firing exercises in the Pentland Firth. (16)

4 Jan 1944
During 4/5 January 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted exercises to the east / north-east of the Orkney Islands. (17)

18 Jan 1944
With her work-up period completed, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1700A/18 for Plymouth. She is to join the Plymouth Command. (18)

20 Jan 1944
Around 1315A/20, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (18)

27 Jan 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth. (18)

4 Feb 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trials and gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (19)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (20)

14 Feb 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Plymouth. (19)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included gunnery exercises. (19)

19 Feb 1944
During 19/20 February 1944, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and the escort destroyers HMS Talybont (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN) conducted exercises near Lands End and the Scilly Islands. (19)

25 Feb 1944
During the night of 25/26 February 1944, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) patrolled off the French coast near Île-de-Batz but no contact was made with the enemy. (21)

27 Feb 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (19)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trials off Plymouth. (22)

3 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and, most likely, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (22)

7 Mar 1944
During the night of 7/8 March 1944, The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and, most likely, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth together with coastal forces. (22)

10 Mar 1944
Around 0945A/10, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and, most likely, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to intercept German destroyers / torpedo boats reported in the Bay of Biscay. The destroyers / torpedo boats in question were the Z 23, ZH 1, T 27 und T 29 which made rendezvous with the Japanese submarine I-29 [offsite link] and escorted her to Lorient.

Shortly before 2200A/10 the Allied ships were recalled as it would be impossible to intercept the enemy ships which were hugging the Spanish / French coast.

Around 1000A/11, the Allied ships arrived back at Plymouth. (23)

15 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and the escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (22)

21 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trial off Plymouth which were followed by throw off gunnery exercises during which the destroyer HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR) acted as target. Also HA gunnery exercises were carried out.

In the evening night encounter exercises were carried out with the destroyers of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla; HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (22)

25 Mar 1944
The light cruisers HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (22)

27 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trials and gunnery exercises off Plymouth.

These were followed by exercises with the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN). (22)

28 Mar 1944
Around 2200A/28, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) departed Plymouth for an anti-shipping sweep of the French coast near Île Vierge.

They returned to Plymouth around 1330A/28. No contact was made with the enemy. (23)

31 Mar 1944
Around 1100A/31, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Plymouth for Greenock to conduct bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

1 Apr 1944
Around 1130A/1, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Greenock from Plymouth. (24)

5 Apr 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

8 Apr 1944
Around 0930A/8, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Greenock for The Solent / Cowes where she arrived around 1200A/8. (24)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed The Solent together with several BYMS minesweepers for an exercise area near Slapton Sands where minesweeping and bombardment exercises were to be carried out for future landing operations.

On completion of the exercises the cruisers continued on to Plymouth where they arrived in the afternoon of the 12th. (25)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is docked in No.9 dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (24)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is undocked. (24)

3 May 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (26)

6 May 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted radar calibration trials and gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (27)

12 May 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (26)

15 May 1944

Minelaying operation Hostile 32, first attempt.

The object of this minelaying operation was to lay a minefield to the west of Ushant.

Around 1600B/15, the fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) departed Milford Haven to lay this minefield.

Around 2000B/15, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) departed Plymouth to provide cover for the operation.

At 0030B/16, the radar set of HMS Apollo burst into flames and was put out of action.

At 0104B/16, HMS Apollo sighted a number of lights, apparently from fishing vessels, coming into sight on the horizon stretching from the port bow to the starboard beam. An alteration of course to the westward only led to more lights. One or two of these lights were seen to move faster then was to be expected from fishing vessels.

At 0125B/16, unable to retired to the north-west due to the presence of the covering force, HMS Apollo turned to the eastward in the hope of being able to lay her mines but then in the position of the upcoming minelaying operation 'Hostile 33'. An enemy report was sent to HMS Bellona that nine unidentified vessels had been sighted in the area of the fishing fleet.

At 0132B/16, the Commanding Officer of HMS Apollo decided to abandon the operation and made a signal to HMS Bellona to that effect, but its transmission was delayed due to poor internal organisation.

At 0140B/16, while on a retiring course, HMS Apollo was illuminated by star shell from the covering force and hotly engaged by one of the destroyers. She switched on IFF, ordered 'cease firing' on VH/F R/T and zig-zagged to avoid damage but it was not until 0210B/16 that HMS Bellona suspected that all was not well and ordered HMS Apollo to report her course and speed, thus ending the 'engagement'. The blame for this incident was accepted by the Commanding Officer of HMS Apollo, for his enemy report gave no indication the HMS Bellona of a change of plan.

Around 0620B/16, HMS Apollo arrived at Plymouth followed by the cover force around 1230B/16. (28)

17 May 1944

Minelaying operation Hostile 32, second attempt.

The object of this minelaying operation was to lay a minefield to the west of Ushant.

Around 2010B/17, the fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) departed Plymouth to lay this minefield.

At the same time, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) also Plymouth to provide cover for the operation.

During the approach, in fine weather, three enemy destroyers were reported to be operating to the westward, this may have been the cover force though. Also fishing vessels were again encountered in the same position as two days before but HMS Apollo now ignored them.

Between 0201B/18 and 0239B/18, a total of 150 mines and 6 minesweeping obstructors were laid in four lines within an area bounded by lines joining positions;
48°26'7"N, 05°26'2"W,
48°26'7"N, 05°14'3"W,
48°22'7"N, 05°14'3"W and
48°22'7"N, 05°26'2"W.
Mines were set to a depth of 20 feet, with delayed release sinkers to operate in groups on 27 May, 30 May and 3 June. Flooders were set to operate on 21 June.

Following the operation HMS Apollo proceeded to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1000B/18 and the cover force returned to Plymouth arriving around 0900B/18. (28)

25 May 1944
Around 0900B/25, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Plymouth for Belfast Lough. (27)

26 May 1944
Around 0745B/26, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Belfast Lough from Plymouth. (27)

3 Jun 1944
Around 0800B/3, the heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with COMDESDIV 34, T/Capt. W.L. Benson, on board), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN) and Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) departed Belfast Lough for the operations area of Normandy.

Around 0745B/4, HMS Glasgow, HMS Bellona and USS Murphy parted company off Falmouth.

5 Jun 1944
Around 1015B/5, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Plymouth to fuel before departing for the operations area.

Around 1445B/5, the heavy cruiser USS Augusta (Capt. E.H. Jones, USN, flying the flag of COMTASKFOR 122, T/R.Adm. A.G. Kirk, USN) and HMS Bellona departed Plymouth for the operations area off Normandy. These ships were 'reserve ships' for fire support duty.

Around 1845B/5, they were joined by the patrol vessel USS SC-1321 (Lt.(jg) R.F. Tyler, USNR), motor minesweepers USS YMS-231 (Lt. E.G. Weed, USNR), USS YMS-247 (Lt. W.L. Wallace, USNR), USS YMS-304 (Lt.(jg) K.O. Wise, USNR), USS YMS-349 (Lt. R.L. Neal, USNR) and the motor torpedo boat USS PT-71 (?). These ships had departed Weymouth around 1720B/5.

Course was set for the 'Omaha-sector' where they arrived aroud 0600B/6.

8 Jun 1944
During the night of 8/9 June 1944, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted bombardments in the Omaha assault area. (29)

13 Jun 1944
In the afternoon, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted a bombardment in the Omaha assault area. (29)

15 Jun 1944
In the morning, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted a bombardment in the Omaha assault area. (29)

16 Jun 1944
Around 0800B/16, the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN) and USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) departed the Western assault area of the Normandy coast to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived around 1700B/16. (29)

29 Jun 1944
Around 1200B/29, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (29)

30 Jun 1944
Around 2200B/30, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (29)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN).

The cruiser also conducted gunnery exercises. (30)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow also A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Subtle (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN). (31)

12 Jul 1944
HMS Swiftsure (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) both conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. Also RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises were carried out. HMS Swiftsure also made several runs over the measured mile. (32)

14 Jul 1944

Operation Mascot.

Object of the operation was to cripple the German battleship Tirpitz in the Kaa Fiord by bombing attacks.

Ships taking part in the operation were the battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN), HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN) and the frigates HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Hoste (Lt. P.J.H. Hoare, RN) and HMS Inman (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN).

On the 17th, 45 Barracuda bombers and 50 fighters took off from the carriers but they were detected early and on arriving in the target area thick smoke obscured the target and bombing was consequently ineffective. A destroyer was attacked and claimed to have been damaged by a single Barracuda and a tanker and gun positions were also attacked. Fighters also attacked secondary targets. According to German sources, besides Tirpitz the destroyers Z 29, Z 31, Z 33, Z 34 and Z 38 were present. Z 33 was damaged by own AA gunfire and Z 29 and Z 34 suffered some minor splinter damage.

A second strike was cancelled owing to thick fog.

One Corsair fighter made a forced landing.

The Force returned to Scapa Flow on the 19th.

On the 14th, before sailing, Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, had transferred his flag from HMS Devonshire to HMS Formidable. On return to Scapa Flow the flag was transferred back. (33)

26 Jul 1944
Around 1830B/26, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. (34)

28 Jul 1944
Around 0800B/28, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Scapa Flow. (34)

30 Jul 1944

Operation Kinetic.

This operation was an anti-shipping sweep off the French west coast against enemy shipping / convoys.

Around 1830B/30, 'Force 26' departed Plymouth for this operation. It was made up of the light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN), HMCS Huron (Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN), ORP Blyscawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski).

Air cover for the operation was provided by the escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) which was escorted by the destroyers HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Boulton, RCNVR), HMCS Chaudiere (A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Nixon, RCN) and HMCS Kootenay (A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Willson, RCN). These ships departed Plymouth at the same time as Force 26.

Further air cover was provided by RAF Beaufighters and Mosquitos from 10 Group.

Around 2200B/31, Force 26 and the air cover group reached position 46°35'N, 04°30'W. Force 26 then proceeded towards position 46°45'N, 02°42'W, thence carrying out sweeps northwest and southwest along the enemy shipping route.

HMS Striker and her three escorting destroyers remained to the westward of position 46°13'N, 04°00'W. Force 26 rejoined them around 0730B/1.

Late in the morning / early in the afternoon ORP Blyscawica fuelled from HMS Striker. She then set course to proceed to Plymouth where she arrived around 1100B/2.

Around 2100B/1, Force 26 parted company with the air cover force to conduct another night sweep along the enemy shipping routes. They rejoined the cover force again around 0650B/2.

Around 1245B/2, HMS Bellona parted company with the remained of the force which then set course to return to Plymouth where they arrived the following morning around 0715B/3.

HMS Bellona proceeded to patrol to the north-north-east of Cape Finisterre. She returned to Plymouth around 0030B/4. (35)

5 Aug 1944
Around 1230B/5, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous at 2130B/5, with Force 28, made up of the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), in position 47°18'N, 04°47'W. They were then to operate as one force and patrol between Ile d'Yeu and Belle Ile.

At 0001B/6, they made contact with an enemy convoy to the north-west of Ile d'Yeu. The convoy was thought to be made up of at least 3 to 4 merchant vessels and 3 to 4 escorts. The action continued until 0240B/6 when the entire convoy with the possible exception of one vessel had been destroyed.

Force 26 then continued its patrol towards Belle Ile and at 0630B/6, contact was made with with another enemy force of 4 or 5 ships, 12 miles to the south-east of Belle Ile proceeding towards St. Nazaire. Owing to the proximity of minefields, and that the ememy was close inshore, the enemy could not be prevented from escaping into harbour. Two ships had probably been hit. HMCS Haida sustained superficial damage as well as 2 killed and 2 wounded.

Force 26, minus HMCS Iroquois, arrived at Plymouth around 1900B/6.

During the attack on the first German convoy (convoy nr. 4121) the minesweepers M 263, M 486, patrol vessel V 414 and small transport Otto (217 GRT) were sunk. (36)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1600B/7, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) T. Gorazdowski) departed Plymouth to proceed through position 47°34'N, 04°06'W to take up a patrol off the Biscay coast between Chaussee de Sein and Gironde by 0400B/8. The object of the patrol was to destroy enemy shipping and to obtain intelligence on the situation in the area.

At 0719B/8, Force 26 reported having swept to latitude 46°30'N, passing between Belle Ile and Ile d'Yeu. Two French fisherman were taken on board ORP Piorun.

At 1230B/8, HMS Bellona reported that she had bombarded radar installations on Belle Ile, in position 47°18'N, 03°14'W, from a range of 6000 yards, probably damaging them.

During the night of 8/9 August, Force 26 patrolled to the south of Ile d'Yeu.

On the 9th, Force 26 patrolled off the Gironde following which the made a sweep towards Belle Ile. No sign of the enemy had been seen by noon.

Around 1830B/9, in position 47°00'N, 02°52'W, Force 26 was joined by Force 28, which was made up of the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN). All seven ships were now known as Force 26. Patrol was maintained south of Ile d'Yeu during the night of 9/10 August. HMS Onslow and ORP Piorun later parted company and arrived at Plymouth around 0700B/10. During this patrol HMS Tartar was being fired upon by a shore battery situated on the western end of Ile de Groix and at 1936B/9, HMS Onslow was straddled by a small calibre shore battery, on Belle Ile, in approximate position 47°17'24"N, 03°05'48"W. No damage was caused to either destroyer.

Force 26 patrolled between Ile d'Yeu and Ras de Sein during daytime on the 10th.

Force 26 arrived at Plymouth around 0715B/11. (36)

16 Aug 1944
Around 0800B/16, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) departed Plymouth for a night sweep between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde.

At 1445B/16, Force 30, made up of the destroyer ORP Blyscawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) and escort destroyer HMS Albrighton (Lt. J.J.S. Hooker, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol between Ile de Glenan and Belle Ile.

A sweep between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde by Force 26 during the night of 16/17 August proved uneventful. Throughout the day a patrol was carried out within 10 miles of a line joining positions 46°26'N, 02°43'W and 45°58'N, 02°21'W. At 1809B/17, Force 26 reported having sighted nothing. From dusk the area between the Gironde and Ile d'Yeu was swept as on the previous night.

Force 30 patrolled between Penmarch and Belle Ile during daylight. At 0948B/17, Force 30 was engaged by an enemy shore battery on Belle Ile but all rounds fell short. They were then again engaged at 1100B/17 by shore batteries on Ile de Groix. Their fire was accurate and the destroyers had to retire under the cover of a smokescreen. Force 30 only sighted one fishing vessel during the day.

During the night of 17/18 August, Force 26 again sighted nothing of interest. They continued patrolling during the day but HMS Ashanti had to be sent to Plymouth with defects. She arrived around 1712B/18 after having been detached around 1020B/18. The two remaining ships carried out a patrol between Belle Ile and the Gironde during the night. Bad weather however prevented air cover.

Around 0730B/18, a number of fishing vessels were sighted by Force 30 near Ile de Glenan. One of these was boarded and one of the crew was taken off for interrogation. Force 30 left patrol later that morning and arrived at Plymouth around 1800B/18.

Early on the 19th, Force 26 left patrol and returned to Plymouth around 1615B/19. (36)

22 Aug 1944
Around 1600B/22, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol between Ile d'Yeu and the Gironde.

At 0815B/23, Force 26 reported having patrolled the area between Ile d'Yeu and Les Sables-d'Olonne and that there had been no sign of the enemy. They swept the coast between Arcachon and the Gironde during the day, again without event. The force then proceeded for a patrol during the night close south of Ile d'Yeu.

Around 1000B/24, the destroyer ORP Blyscawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) joined Force 26 which then patrolled to the south of Belle Ile until 1500B/24 when they set course to position 47°38N, 04°32'W (south-west of Penmarch) and then to patrol close inshore in Audierne Bay during the night.

During the night of 24/25 August, there had been no sign of the enemy. Force 26 then set course for Plymouth where they arrived around 1630B/25. (36)

27 Aug 1944
Around 0800B/27, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) departed Plymouth to patrol along the French coast between Arcachon and 47°00'N. During the night they patrolled in the vicinity of Ile d'Yeu. There was no sign of the enemy except that five radar stations were found to be active.

During the afternoon of the 28th, HMS Tartar stopped a French trawler and interrogated the crew. Force 26 then set course to patrol near Ile d'Yeu during the night of 28/29 August but again no enemy shipping was encountered.

During the night of 29/30 August, Force 26 patrolled in Audierne Bay and then returned to Plymouth arriving around 1515B/30. (36)

31 Aug 1944
Around 1200B/31, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Plymouth for Spithead where she anchored around 1835B/31. (37)

3 Sep 1944
Around 0915B/3, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Spithead for Plymouth where she arrived around 1545B/3. (38)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (38)

12 Sep 1944
Around 1800B/12, Force 26, made up of the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Haida (Capt. H.G. De Wolf, DSO, RCN) departed Plymouth to patrol between 48°00'N and Bayonne.

At 0835B/13, Force 26 reported having sighted nothing of the enemy near Penmarch. They then set course to proceed towards Ile d'Yeu, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Les Sables-d'Olonne. Some ammunition was landed at Ile d'Yeu and Les Sables-d'Olonne.

On the 14th, Force 26 patrolled between St.Jean de Luz and Arcachon. During the night of 14/15 September 1944, Force 26 patrolled off the coast between 44°00'N and 46°00'N.

Around 0750A/15, the destroyer HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) joined and Force 26 patrolled along the French coast southwards until 1800B/15, when reaching 44°50'N. During the night of 15/16 September, Force 26 patrolled in Audierne Bay and then set course for Plymouth.

At 1235B/16, HMS Urania was detached to return towards the vicinty of Ushant so as to escort the seized German hospital ship Rostock to Plymouth where they arrived around 2300B/17.

Force 26 arrived at Plymouth around 1400B/16. (36)

17 Sep 1944
Around 1745B/17, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Plymouth for Greenock where she arrived around 1230B/18. (38)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Glasgow where she was taken in hand for repairs and a short refit. (38)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at Govan. (39)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) is undocked. (39)

12 Oct 1944
HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock. (39)

14 Oct 1944
Around 0135A/14, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1945A/14. (39)

16 Oct 1944
Around 1515A/16, the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) departed Scapa Flow to search for the damaged German battleship Tirpitz which had left her berth at Kaafjord to proceed to the southwards. HMS Implacable was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) and the destroyers HMS Venus (Cdr. H.G.D. De Chair, DSC with Bar, RN), HMS Verulam ( Lt.Cdr. M Thornton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN).

The Tirpitz was located at Tromso and the force returned to Scapa Flow around 1715A/20. (40)

24 Oct 1944
The heavy cruisers HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow with destroyers, she was later joined by HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) for night encounter exercises. (41)

27 Oct 1944
HMS Virulent (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Cowdray (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN).

HMS Bellona also conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (42)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellasis, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (43)

8 Nov 1944

Operations Counterblast and Steak, first attempt, aborted.

Operation Counterblast.

The object of this operation was the destruction of shipping off the south west coast of Norway.

On 8 November 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Verulam ( Lt.Cdr. M Thornton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow around 1800A/8.

Operation Steak.

This operation had two objectives;
1) To provide fighter cover for operation Counterblast.

2) To carry out an air attacks by fighter aircraft on shipping in the Vingvaagen anchorage or sweep off the Leads to the westward.

On 9 November 1944, the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. H.G.D. De Chair, DSC with Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0900A/9.

Weather conditions were found to be unsuitable and the operations were cancelled / postponed and both forces returned to Scapa Flow arriving late in the afternoon of the 9th. (44)

11 Nov 1944

Operations Counterblast and Steak, second, successful, attempt.

Operation Counterblast.

The object of this operation was the destruction of shipping off the south west coast of Norway.

Around 2100A/11, the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Verulam ( Lt.Cdr. M Thornton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) departed Scapa Flow.

Operation Steak.

This operation had two objectives;
1) To provide fighter cover for operation Counterblast.

2) To carry out an air attacks by fighter aircraft on shipping in the Vingvaagen anchorage or sweep off the Leads to the westward.

Around 0800A/12, the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. H.G.D. De Chair, DSC with Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

During operations Counterblast / Steak the German convoy KS-357-ST was attacked near the Lister Fjord (south-east of Egersund). Out of four merchant vessels in the convoy the Greif (996 GRT, built 1923) and Cornouaille (former Belgian, 3303 GRT, built 1928) were sunk. From the six escorts five were sunk. These were minesweepers M 416, M 427, and the submarine chasers UJ 1221, UJ 1223 and UJ 1713. Also a German radar station was destroyed by the aircraft of HMS Pursuer.

All ships returned to Scapa Flow in the morning of November 16th except for HMS Euryalus which had parted company with her force at 1600A/15 and then set course for Rosyth where she also arrived in the morning of the 16th. At Rosyth she was then taken in hand by the dockyard. (44)

18 Nov 1944
Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, commanding the 10th Cruiser Squadron, temporary transferred his flag from HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) to HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN). (45)

20 Nov 1944
Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, commanding the 10th Cruiser Squadron, transferred his flag from HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) to HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) on this ships return from operation Handfast. (45)

29 Nov 1944

Operation Acumen, the passage of convoys JW 62 and RA 62 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 62.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 29 November 1944 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amasa Delano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Turnbull (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Barbara Frietchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Highfield (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Island (British, 7167 GRT, built 1944), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Lowry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanton H. King (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Stephen Leacock (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), U.S.O. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936).

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), frigates HMS Tavy (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMCS Monnow (Cdr. E.G. Skinner, DSO, RCNR), HMCS Nene (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Shaw, RCNR), HMCS Port Colborne (T/Lt.Cdr. C.J. Angus, RCNR), HMCS Saint John (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R. Stacey, RCNR), HMCS Stormont (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.A. Myra, RCNR), HMS Bahamas (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomson, RNR), HMS Somaliland (A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Hopkins, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tortola (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.C.L. Payne, RNVR) and the corvettes HNoMS Eglantine, HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle.

On 1 December 1944, the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt. C.D.T. Williams, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN) joined coming from the Faeroer Islands having departed there on 30 November.

Part of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 7 December 1944. Another part of the convoy was detached to Archangelsk and had parted company with the convoy around 1730B/6. To escort this part of the convoy the Russian destroyers Baku, Gremyashchiy, Razumniy, Uritsky, Dejatelnyj, Derzkij, Doblestnyj and Zivuchij as well as some patrol vessels had joined as escorts.

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Convoy RA 62.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 10 December 1944 for Loch Ewe.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abner Nash (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Andrew W. Preston (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Collis P. Huntington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Donald W. Bain (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Elroy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Crevecour (British, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Romaine (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Adams (American, 7212 GRT, built 1944), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sharp Williams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Lucullus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936).

The convoy had the same close escort as JW 62 with the exception of the two Norwegian corvettes which remained in Northern Russia. The damaged frigate Mounsey (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN) took passage in / with this convoy.

Before the convoy departed the Russian destroyers Baku, Gremyashchiy, Razumniy, Derzkij, Doblestnyj und Zivuchij conducted an A/S sweep of the Kola Inlet to drive off the concentration of German submarines in the area.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 19 December 1944.

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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN), HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt. D.M. Vaughan-Hughes, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN).

Around 1745A/29, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Oribi, HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell departed Scapa Flow for the Faeroer Islands where they were to fuel and then join the remainder of the Force. HMS Onslow also proceeded to the Faeroer Islands to fuel but she departed Loch Ewe, also on 29 November. Her Commanding Officer had attended the convoy conference.

Around 1145A/30, HMS Campania, HMS Nairana, HMS Bellona, HMS Caesar, HMS Cambrian, HMS Caprice and HMS Cassandra departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

The cover force joined convoy JW 62 around 0800A/1 in position 63°29'N, 03°46'W and arrived in the Kola Inlet around 0100B/7 after having been detached from the convoy around 2145B/6.

The cover force departed the Kola Inlet on 10 December 1944 with convoy RA 62.

Around 0611A/11, HMS Cassandra was torpedoed and damaged by a Gnat torpedo fired by the German submarine U-365 in position 71°57'N, 32°04'E. The entire bow of the destroyer was blown off. HMS Cassandra was taken in tow (stern first) by the HMS Bahamas (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomson, RNR). Later the tow was passed over to a Soviet tug which towed her to the Kola Inlet escorted by HMS Tavy, HMS Bahamas, HMS Somaliland and HMS Tortola. They arrived on the 14th.

HMS Campania, HMS Vindex, HMS Bellona, HMS Caesar, HMS Cambrian, HMS Caprice and HMS Onslaught arrived at Scapa Flow around 1100A/18.

Around 0900A/19, HMS Onslow, HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell arrived at Scapa Flow.

Around 1000A/19, HMS Offa and HMS Oribi arrived at Liverpool.

30 Nov 1944
Around 1145A/30, HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN), HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) and HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide escort / cover for convoys JW 62 and RA 62.

[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Operation Acumen, the passage of convoys JW 62 and RA 62 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 29 November 1944.] (46)

18 Dec 1944
Around 1100A/18, HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN), HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort / cover operations. (47)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (48)

6 Jan 1945
HrMs Zeehond (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN). The cruiser also conducted gunnery exercises. (49)

9 Jan 1945
During the afternoon and evening, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN), fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and some destroyers (most likely HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (50)

10 Jan 1945

Operations Spellbinder and Gratis

Operation Spellbinder was carried out in two parts, part I was an anti-shipping raid in the Egersund area and part II was a minelay near Utsira Island.

Operation Gratis was the laying of an air laid minefield in Karm Sund.

Around 2200A/10, ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and ' Force 2 ', made up of the fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Spellbinder.

They proceeded in company until 1100A/11 when they split up to the north of the Shetlands. ' Force 2 ' remained in that vicinity until 1508A/11 when course and speed were adjusted so as to arrive in the laying position at midnight. ' Force 1 ' set course for the Egersund area, aiming to arrive off the coast at about 2215A/11.

HMS Apollo, HMS Zealous and HMS Carron approached the Norwegian coast from the north-westward at 30 knots, in fine clear weather, making use of the beam of the enemy consol beacon situated in position 58°37'5"N, 05°37'8"E. Course was altered to 090° at 2336A/11 and Utsira light was seen shortly afterwards.

Starshell from ' Force 1 ', engaged 100 miles to the southward, was observed at 2343A/11. Five minutes later ' Force 2 ' reduced speed to 20 knots and HMS Zealous and HMS Carron proceeded ahead to make a smokescreen between the laying position and them mainland.

Between 2357A/11 and 0020A/12, HMS Apollo laid 156 mines in three lines as follows;
Line 1 of 52 mines - Between 59°15'00"N, 05°01'06"E and 59°15'00"N, 05°04'21"E.
Line 2 of 55 mines - Between 59°14'51"N, 05°06'06"E and 59°13'39"N, 05°00'00"E.
Line 3 of 49 mines - Between 59°13'15"N, 05°07'54"E and 59°12'51"N, 05°04'48"E.
The mines were laid at a depth of 30 feet and flooders were set to operate on 19 February 1945.

On completion of this unobserved lay ' Force 2 ' retired at high speed to the northward and then set course to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1450A/12.

' Force 1 ' had picked up Utsira Island by radar at 1940A/11 and an hour later course was altered to close the convoy route south of Stavanger. The ships were positioned in line ahead.

At 2215A/11, ' Force 1 ' altered course to starboard to run down the coast, keeping 10 miles to seaward and parallel to the shipping route. At the same time they were picked up and held by enemy shore radar.

At 2312A/11, when opposite Egersund, radar contact was made with a convoy close inshore and apparently making for Egersund. Course was altered towards the target and fire was opened with starshell at 2341A/11. The appearance of a radar echo on the starboard bow, which was classified as a U-boat, somewhat complicated the movements of ' Force 1 '.

During the ensuing engagement the enemy shore batteries joined in, but although they registered several straddles and near misses they achieved no hits. Rear-Admiral McGrigor reported that out of eight ships which made up the convoy, including escorts, one, probably an escort, escaped into Egersund after being hit. Of the remaining seven, one large merchant vessel was sunk and another one was left blazing to the waterline. One small merchant vessel, or escort, was seen to turn turtle. One M-class minesweeper blew up after running itself ashore in flames. The other three ships were left on fire of which one was seen to blow up when ' Force 1 ' was retiring.

' Force 1 ' withdrew to the west at 0027A/12, altering to the northward when well clear of enemy radar. They made rendezvous with ' Force 3 ' at 0800A/12. At 0910A/12, a shadowing JU 88 was shot down by fighters from HMS Trumpeter. One of the fighters was damaged and had to ditch the pilot being recovered by HMS Zodiac. The Combat Air Patrol was kept busy during the forenoon investigating bogeys, but no enemy attack developed and at 1400A/12, ' Force 3 ' was detached for operation Gratis. ' Force 1 ' then headed for Scapa Flow, passing east of the Shetlands, and arrived at 2205A/12.

' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Trumpeter (Cdr. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN) had departed Scapa Flow at 1130A/11, to rendezvous with ' Force 1 ', and, having been detached on the 12th, proceeded west-about round the Shetlands and through Fair Isle Channel for the flying off position in 59°15'N, 01°10'E.

Two MTB's from Lerwick had been detailed to rendezvous with ' Force 3 ', to act as Air Sea Rescue craft in the event of a ditching to the east the flying off position. They made rendezvous at 0915A/13, just short of the flying off position. In view of the good weather conditions, flying off commenced immediately and by 0930A/13, the strike, made up of six Avengers from 846 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Trumpeter and six Avengers from 856 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Premier, was airborne. Departure was taken at 0938A/13 and a good landfall was made on Utsira Island. At about 1130A/13 the 12 Avengers laid their mines in the channel between Salhus light and a position 500 yards to the northward. Only light flack was encountered and all aircraft returned safely to the carriers being landed on by 1150A/13. ' Force 3 ' then returned to Scapa Flow arriving there at 2100A/13.

The German convoy attacked by ' Force 1 ' was made up of the transports Bahia Camarones (8551 GRT, built 1918), Charlotte (4404 GRT, built 1908) and Wesermarsch (1923 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the minesweepers M-456, M-436, M-306, M-273 and M-253. The submarine U-427 was also with the convoy and she fired torpedoes at ' Force 1 ' but all mised. The Bahia Camarones, Charlotte and M-273 were sunk. (51)

14 Jan 1945
Around 2230A/14, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 1000A/15. At Rosyth she is taken in hand for repairs by the Dockyard. (52)

1 Feb 1945
Around 2330A/1, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0915A/2. (53)

3 Feb 1945

Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 64.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 3 February 1945 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Edwin L. Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941), F.T. Frelinghysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Crevecoeur (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (American, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), George Steers (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, DSC, RNVR), HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On 3 February 1945, the M/S trawler HNoMS Oksoy departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy. The destroyer HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) was with her and she too joined the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) joined the convoy as escort oiler. She had departed Scapa Flow on 4 February 1945 escorted by the destroyer HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G. Butcher, DSC, RNVR) which both also joined the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt. J. Monroe, RN) departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy.

On 6 February 1945, HMS Zebra arrived at Skaalefjord with defects. She departed the following day to overtake and rejoin the convoy but she was unable to do so and proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving on the 8th.

Around 1500A/12, the White Sea section of the convoy parted company. They were escorted by the Russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Zivuchij, Zostkij and several smaller vessels.

At 0012A/13, the German submarine U-992 attacked with three torpedoes hitting and damaging the corvette HMS Denbigh Castle. The damaged corvette was towed to the Kola Inlet where she later capsized and was declared a total loss.

The kola Inlet section of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 13 December 1945.

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Convoy RA 64.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 17 February 1945 for Loch Ewe.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alanson B. Houghton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noves (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis C. Harrington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.D. Yeager (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John la Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lebaron Russell Briggs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American, 6610 GRT, built 1918), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R. Ney McNeely (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall, sloops HMS Cygnet, HMS Lapwing, HMS Lark and the corvettes HMS Bluebell, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Alnwick Castle and HMS Bamborough Castle.

Before the convoy departed the escorts conducted an A/S sweep of the area during which the German submarine U-425 was sunk around 0136A/17 by HMS Lark and HMS Alnwick Castle.

Around 1125A/17, the German submarine U-968 torpedoed and damaged HMS Lark. The damaged sloop was towed back to the Kola Inlet but was later declared a total loss.

Around 1148A/17, the Thomas Scott was hit and sunk, also by U-968. All crew and passengers could be picked up.

Around 1528A/17, HMS Bluebell was hit and sunk, by the German submarine U-711. There was only one survivor.

Late on the 18th and on the 19th the convoy was in very heavy weather and the convoy got scattered but was mostly reassembled the following day.

On 23 February 1945, the Henry Bacon, which had not rejoined the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by German aircraft in position 67°40'N, 05°19'E.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 28 February 1945.

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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN). These ships departed Scapa Flow around 1200A/5. They joined the convoy around 1100A/6. The destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) also joined the convoy coming from Skaalefjord.

Shortly after 2100A/12, the cover force parted company with the convoy and proceeded ahead of it to the Kola Inlet where they arrived around 0200A/13.

The cover force departed the Kola Inlet with the convoy on 17 February 1945.

Also on the 17th, the destroyers HMS Zebra, HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.

On 23 February 1945, the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy at sea.

On 25 February 1945, HMS Zealous, HMS Zebra, HMS Opportune arrived at Thorshavn, Faeroer Islands after having parted company with the convoy. HMS Orwell, HMS Savage, HMS Scourge and HMS Serapis arrived there on the 26th. HMS Myngs and HMS Scorpion arrived there on the 27th.

Around 1830A/26, HMS Campania, HMS Nairana, HMS Bellona, HMS Zambesi, Zest, HMS Onslow and HMCS Sioux parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1000A/27. HMS Cavalier also arrived at Scapa Flow on the 27th.

HMS Onslaught arrived in the Clyde on the 27th. (54)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (53)

5 Feb 1945
Around 1200A/5, the escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for escort / cover duty with convoys JW 64 and RA 64.

[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Operation Hotbed, the passage of convoys JW 64 and RA 64 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 3 February 1945] (55)

27 Feb 1945
Around 1000A/27, HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort / cover operations. (55)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN).

Before these A/S exercises, HMS Bellona had first carried out torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

After the A/S exercises, HMS Bellona carried out gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (56)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by speed trials on the measured mile and some exercises. (57)

19 Mar 1945

Operation Cupola.

The object of this operation was to lay air laid mines in the southern entrance to the Askenvold anchorage (61°19'5"N, 05°04'E).

Around 1100A/19, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), light cruiser ana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, Senior Officer for the operation) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

They were to arrive in position 'AA' (61°52'N, 01°45'E) at 0700A/20 but bad weather was encountered on the way and the operation had to be postponed to the afternoon.

Around 1325A/20, the strike, composed of eight Avengers of 856 Squadron from HMS Premier and twenty Wildcats from HMS Searcher commenced flying off. They took departure at 1353A/20 from position 61°52'N, 01°54'E. Landfall was made at the correct location at 1420A/20, with the weather just beginning to lift on the coast and good visibility in the Leads. The Avengers turned north when over Bygdefeld, a conspicuous hill to the south of Askevold. The approach was made to the laying position unopposed, and at 1429A/20 seven mines were laid in the shipping channel, close south of Prestoy Island. One aircraft was unable to release its mine due to material failure and returned with it to the carrier.

The fighters, in close support, also experienced little resistance to their stafing of shore targets. All aircraft returnend safely to the carriers in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1350A/21.

Result of this operation was that the enemy had to divert shipping to pass to the west of Atloy Island resulting in an attack on a convoy by MTB's on March 26th. (58)

24 Mar 1945

Operations Muscular and Prefix.

Object of these operations was to destroy enemy shipping on the Norwegian coast.

Operation Prefix was a daylight strike in the Leads between Trondheim Fjord and Kristiansund North.

Operation Muscular was a night strike in the Leads between Stadlandet and Bredsund.

Operation Prefix 2 was a daylight strike in an area which was to be decided upon while the operations were ongoing.

The force taking part in these operations was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), Puncher, HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), Nairana, light cruisers Dido, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN). This force departed Scapa Flow around 2000A/24.

No sizeable shipping was encountered during these operations. Two fighters attacks some merchant vessels and minesweepers. An attack by six to nine ME 109's was prevented and three were shot down by Wildcats and two more were damaged. During operation Prefix 2, two ships and flak position at Alesund and a W/T station at Vigra were attacked.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 1015A/29. (54)

6 Apr 1945

Operation Newmarket.

Air attacks on German submarine tenders at Kilbotn, Norway.

The escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN), HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0700B/6, to conduct air strikes against German submarine tenders off Kilbotn, Norway.

The operation however had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions rendering flying impossible. The ships remained in the area for about three days but weather did not improve.

The ships returned to Scapa Flow around 2130B/12. (54)

16 Apr 1945

Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 66.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 16 April 1945 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Kronprinsen (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Laurelwood (British, 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Lord Delaware (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (American, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) were also with the convoy.

The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR) and HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR).

On 17 April 1944, the frigates HMS Loch Shin (Cdr. J.P. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Loch Insh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.W.C. Dempster, RNVR), HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Antigua (A/Lt.Cdr. E.L. Donkin, RNR) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.

On 19 April 1945, the corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR), HMS Lotus ( T/Lt. T.S. Cox, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/Lt. R.S. Mortimer, RNR) departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy. Also departing from there were sixteen Russian submarine chaser [identity currently unkown to us] which were to join the convoy for passage to Northern Russia.

On the 25th the russian destroyers Uritsky, Karl Libknekht, Valerian Kyubishev, Zarkij, Zostkij, Derzkij and Dostojnyj joined the convoy as did some smaller Russian vessels.

The convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 26 April 1945.

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Convoy RA 66.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 29 April 1945 for the Clyde.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Byron Darnton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonough (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Willard Hall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) were also with the convoy.

The rescue vessel Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Cygnet and the corvettes HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnwick Castle, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Lotus, HMS Oxlip and HMS Rhododendron.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 8 May 1945. HMS Lotus had parted company on the 7th and arrived at Liverpool on the 8th.

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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Thorpe, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN).

Around 1500B/17, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa and HMCS Huron departed the Clyde to overtake and join the convoy which they did around 1200B/18.

Around 2030B/18, HMS Bellona joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed earlier in the day.

On 19 April 1944, the destroyers HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois departed Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands to join the convoy. With them was also HMCS Huron which had fuelled at Skaalefjord after having been detached from the convoy earlier.

Around 0700B/25, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois parted company to proceed ahead of the convoy to the Kola Inlet where they arrived at midninght.

The cover force, still made up of HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMS Bellona, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois departed the Kola Inlet with convoy RA 66 on 29 April 1945.

Around 1300B/4, HMS Zealous, HMS Zephyr, HMS Zest, HMS Zodiac, HNoMS Stord, HMS Offa were detached to proceed at best speed to Scapa Flow where they arrived on the 5th.

Around 1730B/4, HMS Bellona also parted company with the convoy to proceed at best speed to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1545B/5.

Around 2330B/6, HMS Vindex, HMS Premier, HMCS Haida, HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois arrived at Scapa Flow. (54)

18 Apr 1945
Around 1200B/18, HMS Bellona departed Scapa Flow for exercises on completion of which she set course to join convoy JW 66.

[For more info on this convoy and the return convoy from northern Russia see the event ' Operation Roundel, the passage of convoys JW 66 and RA 66 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa ' for 16 April 1945. (59)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Trusty (Lt. W. St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducts exercises off Scapa Flow with HrMs Zeehond (Lt. S.H. de Boer, RNN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN).

HMS Bellona also conducted gunnery exercises. (60)

5 May 1945
Around 1530B/5, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort / cover duty. (61)

6 May 1945
Around 0230B/6, the light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where they arrived around 1140B/6. (62)

16 May 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) is docked in No.1 Dock at the Rosyth dockyard and taken in hand for repairs and a short refit. (61)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) is undocked. (63)

10 Jun 1945
Around 0805B/10, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1945B/10. (63)

14 Jun 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (63)

15 Jun 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery and fighter direction exercises at Scapa Flow. (63)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

Around 2130B/19, she departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (63)

20 Jun 1945
Around 0730B/20, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (63)

27 Jun 1945
around 1415B/27, the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) and the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Oslo where they were to participate in victory celibrations. (64)

29 Jun 1945
Around 0730B/29, the light cruisers HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) and the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) arrived at Oslo from Rosyth. (64)

1 Jul 1945
Around 0900B/1, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Oslo for Bergen. (65)

2 Jul 1945
Around 1000B/2, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Bergen from Oslo. (65)

5 Jul 1945
Around 0900B/5, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Bergen for Rosyth. (65)

6 Jul 1945
Around 1730B/6, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Bergen. (65)

12 Jul 1945
HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) proceeded from Rosyth to Scapa Flow. (66)

16 Jul 1945
Around 0430B/16, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1615B/16. (65)

17 Jul 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt.Cdr. N.L.A. Jewell, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess).

HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) and HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises.

HMS Glasgow also conducted radar calibration trials. (67)

19 Jul 1945
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) and HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.

HrMs Van Galen then conducted rangefinding and inclination exercise (RIX) using HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) as target. HMS Bellona was at anchor though.

In the afternoon, HrMs Van Galen and HMS Comet (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Saga (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR). (68)

20 Jul 1945
HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (69)

22 Jul 1945
Around 1855B/22, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (65)

23 Jul 1945
Around 0700B/23, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (65)

25 Jul 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted refuelling at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth with the RFA tanker Wave Regent (8184 GRT, built 1945). (65)

26 Jul 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted refuelling at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth with the RFA tanker Wave Regent (8184 GRT, built 1945). (65)

3 Aug 1945
HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) conducted ammunitioning at sea exercises off the Firth of Forth. (70)

10 Aug 1945
The Rear-Admiral commanding the 10th cruiser squadron, Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN, hoisted his flag on board HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN) which then left Rosyth around 1310B/10 for Sheerness where she arrived around 1015B/11. She proceeded to the Chatham Dockyard early in the afternoon. (70)

14 Aug 1945
Around 1530A/14, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Chatham for Rotterdam where she arrived around 0915B/15. (70)

25 Aug 1945
Around 0730B/25, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Rotterdam for Rosyth where she arrived around 0715A/26. (70)

26 Aug 1945
Around 1715A/26, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Golspie where she arrived around 0730A/27. (70)

30 Aug 1945
Around 1630A/30, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Golspie for Invergordon where she arrived around 1850A/30. (70)

31 Aug 1945
Around 1710A/31, HMS Bellona (Capt. G.S. Tuck, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Invergordon for Rosyth where she arrived around 0715A/1.

Rear-Admiral Cunninghame-Graham then transferred his flag to HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

[Post war HMS Bellona initially remained in Home Waters. She was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy on 17 April 1946.] (71)