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Notable events involving Shikari include:

4 Sep 1939
After completing a refit at the Devonport Dockyard HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) carried out trials off Plymouth.

Upon completion of these trials course was set for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (1)

16 Sep 1939
HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN) was taken over from her builder and commissioned in full.

Around 1300A/16, the submarine departed from her builders yard at Barrow for Portsmouth. She is escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (2)

1 Oct 1939
Around 1330A/1, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed her builders yard at Birkenhead for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (3)

2 Oct 1939
HMS H 28 (Lt. D.E. Mansfield, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN). Later the same day she departed Plymouth for Portland. She made that passage together with HMS Trident. (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (4)

17 Oct 1939
Around 1115A/17, HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. G.P.S. Davies, RN) departed from her builders yard for acceptance trial which were completed succesfully. She then departed the Clyde area for Portsmouth. She is escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (5)

19 Mar 1940
Around 1500A/19, the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) departed Spithead for Portland Bay. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN), HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN).

At 1603A/19, HMS Shikari parted company.

At 1640A/19, HMS Arrow and HMS Isis parted company.

At 1934A/19, HMS Ark Royal passed the boom into Portland Bay. (6)

4 Jun 1940
HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) was the last ship to leave Dunkirk. (7)

18 Aug 1940

Convoy SL 44.

This convoy departed Freetown on 18 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Aymeric (British, 5196 GRT, built 1919), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), British Glory (British (tanker), 6995 GRT, built 1928), Browning (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Copacabana (Belgian, 7340 GRT, built 1938), Djambi (Dutch, 6984 GRT, built 1919), Dorington Court (British, 5281 GRT, built 1939), Gaelic Star (British, 5596 GRT, built 1917), Gannet (British, 1443 GRT, built 1921), Harmodius (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Marylyn (British, 4555 GRT, built 1930), Myrmidon (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Nagina (British, 6551 GRT, built 1921), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Seapool (British, 4820 GRT, built 1940), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), St.Glen (British, 4641 GRT, built 1907) and Welcombe (British, 5122 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN).

The British Glory returned to Freetown on 20 August 1940 after having been detached from the convoy.

Some of the ships listed above, most likely four of them, joined at sea coming from St. Vincent (Sao Vicente).

Around 0600A/3, the destroyer Blyskawica (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) Stanislaw Hryniewiecki) and sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) joined the convoy in position 54°32'N, 16°19'W.

Around 0645A/3, the corvette HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. T.A.O. Ellis, RD, RNR) and two A/S trawlers joined the convoy.

Around 0715A/3, the destroyer HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.

Later the destroyer HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and corvette HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) also joined.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 5 September 1940.

10 Sep 1940

Convoy SL 47.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 September 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Belhaven (British, 6591 GRT, built 1925), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), British Science (British, 7138 GRT, built 1931), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), Clan MacNab (British, 6076 GRT, built 1920), Clan Skene (British, 5214 GRT, built 1919), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Coracero (British, 7252 GRT, built 1923), Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921), Dionyssios Stathatos (Greek, 5168 GRT, built 1919), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Success (British, 5988 GRT, built 1921), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Hartlebury (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Jedmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Lynton Grange (British, 5029 GRT, built 1937), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Michael Jebsen (British, 2323 GRT, built 1927), Mountpark (British, 4648 GRT, built 1938), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Oswestry Grange (British, 4684 GRT, built 1935), Panama (British, 6650 GRT, built 1915), Peisander (British, 6225 GRT, built 1925), Shrewsbury (British, 4542 GRT, built 1924), Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Thode Fagelund (Norwegian, 5757 GRT, built 1920), Tymeric (British, 5228 GRT, built 1919), Volturno (British, 3420 GRT, built 1914), Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938) and West Wales (British, 4353 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN).

At daylight on the 11th the following merchant vessels joined the convoy. They had sailed later from Freetown with orders to overtake and join the convoy at sea; Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), British Gunner (British (tanker), 6894 GRT, built 1922), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911) and Tabaristan (British, 6251 GRT, built 1914).

Around 1450N/14, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) joined and took over from HMS Carnarvon Castle which then left the convoy around 1530N/14 and proceeded to patrol to the north-west of Dakar.

Around 1700N/25, the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. C.M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0900Z/27, the sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1135Z/27, the destroyer HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/27, the east coast section of the convoy parted company.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 28 September after which thee ships proceeded to their destinations in several sections. (8)

26 Dec 1940

Convoy HX 99.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 December 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; A.D. Huff (British, 5866 GRT, built 1920), Aelybryn (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Alderpool (British, 4313 GRT, built 1936), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Eastern Star (Norwegian, 5658 GRT, 1920), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Teneriffa (Norwegian, 5655 GRT, built 1922), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924), West Ekonk (British, 5631 GRT, built 1918) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN), destroyer HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) and the armed yacht HMCS Otter (T/Lt. D.S. Mossman, RCNR).

Around 1830Q/26, the submarine HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) also joined the convoy as escort.

HMCS Otter was detached later on the 26th to return to Halifax.

Around 1645Q/27, HMCS Columbia parted company to return to Halifax.

Between 29 and 31 December 1940, the convoy encountered very thick for and during this period the Cape Nelson and Teneriffa lost contact with the convoy and never rejoined. They both continued her passage to the U.K. independently and arrived at Oban on 9 January 1941 and at Avonmouth on 10 January 1941 respectively.

Also on 29 December 1940, the Bermuda section of the convoy, convoy BHX 99, was to join. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Blankaholm (Swedish, 2845 GRT, built 1930), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Karabagh (British (tanker), 6427 GRT, built 1932), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935) and Rokos Vergottis (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1919).

They had departed Bermuda unescorted on 24 December 1940.

The Bermuda section was late at the rendezvous and were not sighted. The main convoy then retired northwards to await them. However due to the thick for then setting in which lasted until the morning of 31 December the Bermuda section was unable to join.

When the fog finally lifted, HMS Alaunia had 13 ship in sight, 2 of which were from the Bermuda section, the Blankaholm and Duke of Athens. The A.D. Huff of the Halifax section was able to rejoin on 4 January. She had suffered from engine defects during her absence.

Around 0900P/1, HMS Alaunia left the convoy to search for the missing ships of the Bermuda section. sh found five of them and by 1330P/5, the following ships had joined the main convoy; Abraham Lincoln, Cowrie, Daytonian, Kinross and Rokos Vergottis. The last ship missing, the Karabagh was able to join on 4 January 1941.

Around 1500O/5, in position 60°18'N, 25°00'W, HMS Porpoise parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0800O/5, in position 61°17'N, 21°24'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.

The first of the Western Approaches A/S escort joined on 1330Z/7 in position 60°25'N, 16°00'W. These were the corvettes HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR). The remainder of the A/S escort, the destroyers HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and A/S trawler HMS Lady Elsa (T/Lt. S.G. Phillips, RNVR) joined on the 8th.

Around 1815A/9, in position 57°05'N, 08°07'W, the Oban section parted company. They arrived at Oban, unescorted, later the same day. The Oban section was made up of the following merchant vessels; A.D. Huff, Alderpool, Duke of Athens, Karabagh, Kinross, Towerfield and Warkworth.

At 1930A/10, in position 53°46'N, 05°08'W, the following merchant vessels parted company; Cowrie (arrived at Holyhead on 11 January), Ittersum (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 January) and Yselhaven (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 January). To escort them the A/S trawler HMS Derby County (Skr. W.J.P. Soloman, RNR) had joined.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 11 January 1941. (9)

21 Jan 1941

Convoy BHX 104.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 21 January 1941 for the U.K. It was to proceed direct from Bermuda to the U.K. unlike all the other BHX convoys which merged with HX convoys.

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Athelempress (British (tanker), 8941 GRT, built 1930), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), British Venture (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), Ceronia (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Diala (British (tanker), 8106 GRT, built 1938), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), G.C. Brovig (Norwegian (tanker), 9718 GRT, built 1930), Ganymedes (Dutch, 2682 GRT, built 1917), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hilda Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9178 GRT, built 1928), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Moorby (British, 4992 GRT, built 1936), Novelist (British, 6133 GRT, built 1940), Oakworth (British), 4968 GRT, built 1925), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Ranella (Norwegian (tanker), 5590 GRT, built 1912), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Delfino (British (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1938), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Storaas (Norwegian (tanker), 7886 GRT, built 1929), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922) and Vigrid (British, 4765 GRT, built 1923).

Also part of the convoy was the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tanker Darkdale (8145 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN).

At 1240Q/24, in approximate position 40°00'N, 58°00'W, the merchant vessel Oakworth was ordered to proceed to Halifax as she had developed a serious leak in no.1 hold. She arrived at Halifax on 26 January 1941.

The merchant vessel Treworlas arrived at St. Johns, Newfoundland on 30 January 1941 with weather damage. She had most likely detached from the convoy on 27 or 28 January 1941 after the convoy had encountered heavy weather. The Ranella also straggled from the convoy but joined convoy SC 20 and continued her passage to the U.K.

Around 0900N/31, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1330N/3, HMS King George V parted company with the convoy.

At 1900N/3, in approximate position 61°05'N, 24°00'W, the tanker Athelempress was detached to Reykjavik, Iceland where she arrived on 5 February.

At 0815N/4, in position 61°17'N, 21°20'W, HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy.

Around 1330A/4, in position 61°17'N, 20°14'W, the destroyer HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) joined. The remainder of the A/S escort did not join the convoy as intended due to the poor visibility.

Around 0840A/5, in position 61°22'N, 14°50'W, the remainder of the A/S escort, made up of the destroyers HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, RNVR) joined.

On 7 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Loch Ewe; Aalsum, Athelviking, Athelviscount, British Venture, Ganymedes, Moorby, San Delfino, Socony and Vigrid. HMS Havelock also arrived at Loch Ewe on 7 February obviously having escorted the Loch Ewe section of the convoy to that place.

On 7 February 1941, the Toorak arrived at Scapa Flow.

On 8 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; G.C. Brovig, Hilda Knudsen, Storaas and Suderholm. Also HMS Sabre arrived at Greenock on 8 February possibly having escorted the Clyde section.

On 8 February 1941, the Darkdale arrived in Belfast Lough.

On 9 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Atlantian, British Resource, Ceronia, Clausina, Delphinula, Explorer, Lochkatrine, Novelist, Peder Bogen, San Ambrosio, San Ernesto and Sheaf Holme. Also HMS Hesperus arrived at Liverpool on this day.

On 9 February 1941, the Inverilen arrived at Holyhead.

On 9 February 1941, the Davila arrived at Milford Haven.

On 9 February 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in Barry Roads; Diala, Grena, Regent Panther. They had been escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Leeds United (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Williams, RNVR) which then returned to Milford Haven arriving on the 10th.

The remaining escorts arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Clarkia (arrived at Londonderry on 7 February 1941), HMS Lincoln (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Shikari (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Northern Wave (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941), HMS Wellard (arrived at Londonderry on 8 February 1941) and HMS Gladiolus (arrived at Londonderry on 10 February 1941). (10)

26 Feb 1941

Convoy OG 54.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 26 February 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 24 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Clare Lilley (British, 4969 GRT, built 1917), Hedera (Swedish, 2327 GRT, built 1900), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1924), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rolf Jarl (Norwegian, 1917 GRT, built 1920), Solstad (Swedish, 1379 GRT, built 1924), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).

The Liverpool section (sailed 25 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Avoceta (British, 3442 GRT, built 1923), Baltara (British, 3099 GRT, built 1918), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (Greek, 4271 GRT, built 1906), Memphis (Egyptian, 2324 GRT, built 1920), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929) and Trentino (British, 3079 GRT, built 1919). On departure from Liverpool this section was escorted by the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

The Clyde section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alpera (British, 1777 GRT, built 1920), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Bur (Swedish, 1956 GRT, built 1919), Fina (British, 1378 GRT, built 1919), Kellwyn (British, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Llancarvan (British, 4910 GRT, built 1937), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nikoklis (Greek, 3576 GRT, built 1921), Pinzon (British, 1365 GRT, built 1922), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919), Stornest (British, 4265 GRT, built 1921) and Yorkmoor (British, 4457 GRT, built 1925). The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also part of this section.

The Oban section (sailed 26 February 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Biela (British, 5298 GRT, built 1918), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919), Empire Fusilier (British, 5404 GRT, built 1921), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Lautaro (British, 6225 GRT, built 1915) and Wigry (Polish, 1893 GRT, built 1912).

On final assembly west of the North Channel on the 26th, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) .

The Yorkmoor almost immediately returned to the Clyde, perhaps she did not even join the convoy.

Around 2000A/27, in position 56°30'N, 10°00'W, the Polarsol straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up. She arrived her destination, Aruba, Netherlands West Indies on 16 March 1941.

Around 0945A/27, in position 56°30'N, 09°30'W, the Wigry parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. as the cargo had shifted.

Around 1330A/27, in position 56°35'N, 10°30'W, the Memphis had to stop and leave the convoy due engine trouble. At 0510A/28, Memphis reported that she was in destress in position 56°24'N, 09°50'W and that she required assistance. At 0528A/28, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered the corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) to go to her assistance. At 1120A/28, Memphis reported that water was entering the engine room and that the level was increasing. The fires of the boilers were out. She also reported that she had picked up part of the crew of the torpedoed merchant vessel Benjamin Franklin and that with these survivors on board there was insufficient lifeboat capacity. At 1941A/28, Memphis made an S.O.S. signal in position 56°08'N, 09°28'W. The engine room was full of water and the stern was nearly under water. This was the last heard of the Memphis. No survivors were found.

On 28 February 1941, HMS Kingcup parted company.

The Empire Fusilier arrived at Oban on 1 March 1941 after having straggled from the convoy. Her master apparently having decided to return to the U.K.

During 2 March 1941, in heavy weather the following ships straggled from the convoy; Antonio (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941), Clare Lilley (arrived at New York on 18 March 1941), Fina (arrived in the Clyde on 8 March 1941 having returned to the U.K. due to a leak. The destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) had been sent to her assistance but could not find her), Hedera (arrived at Gibraltar on 13 March 1941), Solstad (arrived at Setubal on 10 March 1941) and Stornest (arrived at Buenos Aires on 4 April 1941).

Also on 2 March 1941, HMS Dianella, HMS Sunflower and HMS Philante parted company.

On 3 March 1941, HMS Keppel and HMS Venomous parted company.

On 4 March 1941, HMS Lincoln and HMS Shikari parted company.

On 5 March 1941, in position 51°25'N, 22°27'W, the Baltara stopped with engine defects due to flooding. The ship reported this in a signal at 0539Z/6. She was joined the next day by the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) which reported at 1640Z/7 that the Baltara had 14 feet of water in the engine room but that the bulkheads were holding. Position was 50°21'N, 22°12'W. It was requested that a rescue tug be sent. The rescue tug Zwarte Zee was ordered to leave Campbelown and to proceed towards the stricken Baltara. The corvette HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) was ordered to escort the rescue tug. However as the Zwarte Zee developed defect the rescue tug Thames was sent instead. Thames and HMS Heather departed Londonderry around 2200A/9. At 1430Z/11, HMS St. Elstan reported that Baltara's condition had not changed and that they were now in position 49°46'N, 23°42'W. The Baltara was successfully salvaged and arrived in Rothesay Bay on 17 March 1941.

Around 1400Z/5, in position 50°13'N, 22°45'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Alpera (arrived at St. Thomas on 23 March 1941), British Tenacity (arrived at Aruba on 21 March 1941), Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (arrived at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, on 13 March 1941), King Neptune (arrived at Demerara, Guyana on 23 March 1941), Lautaro (arrived at Bermuda on 19 March 1941), Richard de Larrinaga (arrived at Halifax on 14 March 1941) and Spero (arrived at Halifax on 18 March 1941).

Around 0800Z/7, in position 44°55'N, 23°00'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Biela (arrived at Rio de Janeiro on 29 March 1941), Charlbury (arrived at Montevideo on 29 March 1941), Llancarvan (arrived at Freetown on 22 March 1941), Miguel de Larrinaga (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941), Nikoklis (arrived at Buenos Aires on 1 April 1941), Prome (arrived at Freetown on 15 March 1941), Tordene (arrived at Buenos Aires on 3 April 1941) and Welsh Trader (arrived at Capetown on 2 April 1941).

Around 0900Z/7, in approximate position 44°50'N, 22°40'W, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) sighed the convoy which she subsequently joined.

On 8 March 1941, the Zamalek arrived in the Clyde, most likely having detached from the convoy with some of the escort vessels [date of detaching not known to us at the moment.]

Around 2130A/13, in position 35°46'N, 06°23'W, the following ships were detached to proceed independently to their destinations; Baron Kelvin (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Bur (arrived at Lisbon on 20 (?) March), Finland (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March), Kellwyn (arrived at Sevilla on 14 March) and Taberg (arrived at Lisbon on 15 March).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 14 March 1941 escorted by HMS Rochester, HMS La Malouine and HrMs O 21. (11)

10 Jun 1941

Convoy HX 132.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Avra (Greek, 4652 GRT, built 1912), Bayano (British, 6815 GRT, built 1917), Belita (British (tanker), 6323 GRT, built 1933), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), Circe Shell (British (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1931), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), James Hawson (British (tanker), 6074 GRT, built 1930), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Marchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Ornefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 1334 GRT, built 1937), Sama (Norwegian, 1799 GRT, built 1937), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Annapolis (A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Smith, RCNR).

The battleships HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) also departed Halifax late on the 10th and joined the convoy at sea early on the 11th after which HMCS Annapolis parted company to return to Halifax.

On the morning of 13 June 1941, Convoy BHX 132 joined, which had departed Bermuda on 8 June 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belinda (British (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Cistula (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Eknaren (Swedish, 5243 GRT, built 1922), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Hopemount (British (tanker), 7434 GRT, built 1929), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938) and Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).

They had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) which then parted company.

Around 0800O/16, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

Around 1530O/16, the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) also joined. she had first directed convoy SC 34 towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 and it's escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN), took station astern of convoy HX 132.

Around 1200O/18, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Columbia parted company with the convoy.

Around 2000O/18, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to join westbound convoy OB 334.

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

The relief A/S escorts most likely involved in escorting HX 132 and / or SC 34 were; destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), mineweeepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). The catapult ship Pegasus apparently also joined the convoys.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

10 Jun 1941

Convoy SC 34.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 June 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aaro (British (former Danish), 1426 GRT, built 1925), Baron Ruthven (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), Baron Vernon (British, 3642 GRT, built 1929), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Borgfred (Norwegian, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dinaric (British, 2555 GRT, built 1919), Eastmoor (British, 5812 GRT, built 1922), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Empire Buffalo (British, 6404 GRT, built 1919), Fido (Norwegian, 1857 GRT, built 1919), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Gunvor Maersk (British, 1977 GRT, built 1931), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hindsholm (British, 1512 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (British, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Margit (British, 1735 GRT, built 1924), Mariston (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Michalios (Greek, 3742 GRT, built 1908), Milcrest (British, 5283 GRT, built 1919), Nicolaos Piangos (Greek, 4499 GRT, built 1912), Nicolas (Greek, 4540 GRT, built 1910), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Redpool (British, 4848 GRT, built 1924), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918) and Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) and auxiliary patrol boats HMCS Raccoon (T/Lt. N.G. Bennett, RCNR) and HMCS Reindeer (Lt. L.G. Cumming, RCNVR). Both patrol vessels returned to Halifax on the 11th.

In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) joined to guide the convoy towards convoy HX 132.

Around 2100O/16, Convoy SC 34 took station astern of convoy HX 132.

The combined convoy was then escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura, destroyers HMCS Restigouche, HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR) and HMCS Cobalt ( T/Lt. C.J. Angus, RCNR).

HMS Ranpura, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Ramsay, HMS Richmond, HMS Candytuft and HMCS Cobalt parted company with the combined convoy around 1020Z/23 to proceed to Reykjavik.

Other A/S vessels had joined by that time but sources vary on their composition and the time they were with the convoy.

The relief A/S escorts most likely involved in escorting HX 132 and / or SC 34 were; destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), mineweeepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). The catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) apparently also joined the convoys.

[This will have to be further researched in the future.]

The convoys at a certain point apparently separated again. Convoy HX 132 arrived in U.K. waters on 28 June 1941. Convoy SC 34 arrived in U.K. waters on 29 June 1941.

4 Sep 1941

Convoy HX 148.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 September 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Ardenvohr (British, 5025 GRT, built 1940), Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1939), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), Brittany (British, 4772 GRT, built 192), Celtic Star (British, 5575 GRT, built 1918), City of Barcelona (British, 5787 GRT, built 1930), Clan Alpine (British, 5442 GRT, built 1918), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Cornish City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1936), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Day (British, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Silver (British, 8602 GRT, built 1941), Gefion (Norwegian (tanker), 9475 GRT, built 1938), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), James Hawson (British (tanker), 6074 GRT, built 1930), Kaipaki (British, 7660 GRT, built 1939), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), Laurelwood (British, 7347 GRT, built 1929), Leerdam (Dutch, 8815 GRT, built 1921), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Manchester Merchant (British, 7264 GRT, built 1940), Mirlo (Norwegian (tanker), 7455 GRT, built 1922), New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935), Nicoya (British, 5364 GRT, built 1929), Norvinn (Panamanian (tanker), 6322 GRT, built 1930), Ornefjell (British, 1334 GRT, built 1937), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Talthybius (British, 10254 GRT, built 1912), Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Lethbridge (T/Lt. R. Hocken, RCNR), HMCS Shediac (Lt. J.O. Every-Clayton, RCNR) and HMCS Sherbrooke (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.G.M. Donald, RN).

Around 0800P/5, the merchant vessel Tuscan Star (British, 11449 GRT, built 1930), which had sailed late from Halifax, joined the convoy.

Around 1000P/5, the merchant vessel Herbrand (Norwegian (tanker), 9108 GRT, built 1935), which had sailed late from Halifax, joined the convoy.

Around 0545P/7, the destroyer HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Moens, RN) and corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMCS Bittersweet (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Fennel (Lt. J.N. Smith, RCNR) joined company coming from St. Johns, Newfoundland. HMCS Lethbridge, HMCS Shediac and HMCS Sherbrooke then parted company.

Around 1000O/9, the convoy ran into thick for. By that time HMS Richmond and HMCS Fennel had already lost contact with the convoy.

Around 1040O/9, in position 51°06'N, 41°10'W, the Socony and Tongariro collided in the thick fog. HMCS Bittersweet was ordered to stand by them but the Socony soon foundered and sank. HMS Bittersweet picked up 18 survivors and the Tongariro 25. The Tongariro was holed beneath the waterline but was able to continue. She and HMCS Bittersweet rejoined the convoy around 1800O/9.

Around 1925Z/9, HMS Candytuft suffered a boiler explosion and dropped astern of the convoy. HMCS Bittersweet was ordered to stand by. Later HMS Candytuft reported that she could not steam and had many casualties and thus asked for medical aid. HMCS Bittersweet was then ordered to tow the stricken vessel to Newfoundland where they arrived on 14 September 1941.

Around this time the Mirlo also lost contact with the convoy. She arrived independently at Loch Ewe on 16 September.

HMS Richmond and HMCS Fennel did not manage to find the convoy due to the thick fog which lasted until 11 September.

Around 1215N/12, the destroyer HMS Montgomery (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.L. Puxley, RN) joined the convoy despite the thick fog the convoy again encountered.

Around 1830N/12, the corvette HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR) also joined.

At dawn the following morning, the destroyers HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) were also seen to have joined the convoy during the evening / night. It was now also seen that the Argos Hill (arrived independently at Liverpool on 16 September), Celtic Star (arrived independently at Loch Ewe on 15 September), Grey County (arrived independently in Belfast Lough on 15 September) and Tuscan Star (arrived independently at Liverpool on 16 September) were not in company.

Around 1430N/13, in position 57°55'N, 18°20'W, the destroyers HMS Boadicea (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN) and HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Alaunia, HMS Montgomery, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Witch and HMS Whitehall parted company with the convoy to proceed direct to the U.K. These four destroyers all arrived at Londonderry on 15 September. HMS Alaunia coninued to Greenock where she also arrived on 15 September. During the passage, at 1300A/1, HMS Winchelsea and HMS Witch were detached to hunt a reported enemy submarine. At 1226B/14, the German submarine U-98 was attacked in approximate position 55°57'N, 11°45'W [German grid AM 4365] by a Hudson aircraft which dropped three bombs causing no damage. This was an RAF Hudson from 224 Sq. (aircraft R) which reported attacking an enemy submarine at 1129A/14 in position 56°08'N, 11°50'W. Then at 1515A/14, an RAF Catalina from 210 Sq. (aircraft J) reported attacking an enemy submarine in position 56°39'N, 12°22'W. This attack was on the German submarine U-95 which was attacked at 1551B/14 in approximate position 56°27'N, 012°48'W [German grid AM 0189]. She sustained heavy damage and was forced to abandon her war patrol. The British operational command of the Western Approaches thought that the two aircraft sightings referred to the same enemy submarine but this was not the case.

In the morning of the 14th, the destroyers HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, OBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) also joined the convoy.

Around 1500A/15, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy parted company while the convoy was passing through the Minches. This section arrived at Loch Ewe on 15 September 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Acavus, British Confidence, British Faith, Clan Alpine, Corilla, Empire Hawk, Empire Silver, Kars, Laurelwood, Nicoya, Pomella and Vancouver.

On 16 September 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde;
Cornish City, Edward F. Johnson, Norvinn and Talthybius.

On 16 September 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough;
Ardenvohr, Gefion, Herbrand, Idefjord, James Hawson, Leerdam, San Demetrio, Tongariro, Tornus and Vivi.

On 17 September 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Holyhead;
Beaverhill, Kaipaki and Manchester Merchant

On 17 September 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool;
Anglo-Indian, Atlantian, Brittany, City of Barcelone, Diloma, Egda, Empire Day, Harpasa, Lochkatrine, New Zealand Star, Ornefjell, Stigstad and Wayfarer.

The remaining escorts all arrived at Londonderry on 16 September 1941 except HMS Boadicea which arrived there on the 15th and HMS Shikari which arrived there on the 17th. (12)

1 Jul 1942
Around 0430B/1, the battleship HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) departed the Clyde for Rosyth for further outfitting.

Around 0700B/1, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN).

Around 0910B/1, they were joined by another destroyer, HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR). [The logbook of HMS Howe gives the name of this destroyer as HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN) but this is a mistake.]

Around 0005B/2, near Scapa Flow, they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN).

HMS Kenya, parted company around 1240B/2 to return to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 2100B/2.

The battleship and her destroyer escort arrived at Rosyth around 1800B/2. The battleship entered No.1 Dock one hour later. (13)

22 Aug 1942

Convoy SD 31.

This convoy departed Reykjavik on 22 August 1942.

It was made up of the troops transports Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Leinster (British, 4303 GRT, built 1937).

the armed merchant cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.D. Cochrane, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lancaster (A/Cdr. N.H. Whatley, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde early on 25 August. The destroyers had parted company to proceed to Londonderry around 1945A/24.

27 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR), HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR), HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN). (14)

19 Sep 1942
Around 0930A/19, the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Rosyth. She was escorted by the destroyers ORP Blyskawica (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN). (15)

20 Sep 1942
Around 1500A/20, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN) departed the Firth of Forth for Scapa Flow. About one hour later they were joined by the destroyers ORP Blyskawica (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski, ORP), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow in the morning of September 21st. (16)

20 Sep 1942
Around 0415A/20, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).

They then joined the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyers ORP Blyskawica (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) which came from the Clyde.

The battleship and aircraft carrier arrived at Rosyth later the same day. They passed Oxcar gate around 1700A/20. The escort did not enter.

The transfer of the battleship and aircraft carrier to Rosyth was known as 'Operation EX'. (17)

3 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) served as target. A total of 12 practice attacks were made. (18)

2 Feb 1943
HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNN(R)) arrived at Falmouth. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day. During the passage north through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN). (19)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) picks up 7 survivors from the American merchant William Pierce Frye that was torpedoed and sunk on 29 March by German U-boat U-610 south of Iceland in position 56°57'N, 24°15'W.

17 Apr 1943
HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR). (20)

22 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) served as the target. (21)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) served as the target. These included night attacks. (21)

25 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) served as the targets. (21)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (21)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (21)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR), HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (22)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as the targets. (21)

6 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR). (23)

7 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN) and HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR). (23)

29 May 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) shifted from Scapa Flow to Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR). (19)

21 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, DSC, RNR), HMS Loosestrife (Lt. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR or Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN), HMS Duncan (Cdr. Sir P.W Gretton, DSO and Bar, DSC, OBE, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN). (24)

22 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR), HMS Fame (Cdr. R.A. Currie, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR or Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN). (24)

22 Jun 1944
Around 1430B/22, HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for the Far East. She is to join the Eastern Fleet. She made the passage to Gibraltar in the combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55.

She anchored off the Iron Rock Ledges, off the south-west coast of Arran, at 2140B/22. En-route there exercises had been carried out in the Clyde area which included a practice attack on HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

She weighed anchor around 0830B/23 and joined the convoy off Oversay around 1500B/23.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 for 23 June 1944.] (25)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. (26)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. (27)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (28)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. At the same time HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the northern North Sea. The submarines were escorted on their passage north by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (27)

8 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st (work-up) war patrol. She was to patrol to the East of the Orkney Islands on an anti-uboat patrol.

She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) until 0830/10.

For the daily positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.

(29)

10 Jul 1944
At 1000 hours, HMS Subtle (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN), made rendez-vous with herescort, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR), in position 59°00'N, 01°00'W. They then both proceeded to Holy Loch. (30)

25 Jul 1944
At 1600 hours, HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) made rendez-vouz with her escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) in position 59.00'N, 01.00'W.

At 2045 hours they were joined by Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN). They then proceeded together to Holy Loch. (29)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. (31)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (32)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included RD/F exercises with HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (33)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (32)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted RD/F exercises with aircraft and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (33)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. (31)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (34)

13 Aug 1944
At 1150 hours, HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made rendez-vous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). At 1845 hours they were joined by HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) that came from Scapa Flow. (35)

19 Aug 1944
Around 1330 hours (zone -2), HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN), made rendez-vous with their escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) in position 58°50'N, 01°00'W. They then proceeded to Holy Loch. (36)

20 Aug 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) and HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR) served as the targets. These included night exercises. (37)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (38)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (39)

29 Aug 1944
Around 0100A/29, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (40)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) serving as target. These included night exercises. (41)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the target. (42)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She made the passage through the Irish Sea together with HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) which were also to proceed to Gibraltar and eventually the Far East. The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

South of Ireland the submarines joined convoy OS 82 / KMS 62 for onward passage to Gibraltar. (43)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (44)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the target. These were followed by (night) attack exercises during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (42)

9 Sep 1944
HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (44)

9 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as targets.

In the evening night exercises were carried out with HMS Bridgewater. (45)

10 Sep 1944
With her training completed HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her builders yard at Barrow to make good defects. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (42)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN), HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Utsira (Lt. S. Valvatne) which last submarine was detached to Scapa Flow on the 20th. The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (46)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Lerwick.

Later the same day she departed for Holy Loch together with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). The next moning HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) joined them off Scapa Flow. (47)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Turpin (A/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Unruly (T/Lt. D.J. Palmer, RNVR). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (48)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as he targets. These included night exercises. (49)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. These were followed by night exercises with HMS Hastings. (50)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (51)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. M.I. Usher, RN) departed the Clyde for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (52)

20 Jan 1945
HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage with HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, DSC, RN) and HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN). They are escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (53)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, DSC, RN), HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) and their escort, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR), all arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Trusty and HMS Shikari remained at Scapa Flow while HMS Taciturn and HMS Viking departed later this day for Lerwick where they arrived later the same day. These last two submarines were now escorted by HMS Elm (T/Lt. B.W. Webb, RNVR). (53)

23 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. M.I. Usher, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Elm (T/Lt. B.W. Webb, RNVR).

Early the next morning, off Scapa Flow, she was joined by HMS Unsparing. HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) then took over the escort. (52)

24 Jan 1945
HMS Unsparing (Lt. J.M.C. Fenton, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rothesay. She made the passage together with HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. M.I. Usher, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (54)

19 Feb 1945
Around 0300A/19, HMS Taurus (A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) departed from Rothesay for Scapa Flow. Here she is to conduct more exercises mostly A/S exercises.

Taurus made the passage north through the Minches together with HMS Varangian (Lt. A.J. Sumption, DSC, RNVR), HMS Satyr (Lt. J.N. Elliot, RN) and HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (55)

19 Feb 1945
HMS Varangian (Lt. A.J. Sumption, DSC, RNVR) departed the Clyde for Blyth. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Taurus (Lt. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN), HMS Satyr (Lt. J.N. Elliot, RN) and HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (53)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch via Loch Cairnbawn. They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (56)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrive at Loch Alsh on the west coast of Scotland. They have to wait for their new escort to Holy Loch, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (57)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN), HMS Spearhead depart from Loch Alsh for Holy Loch. They are escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (57)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) both conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (58)

8 Mar 1945
After a period of trials and training in the Clyde area HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made part of the passage together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) which was to proceed to Loch Alsh. They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (59)

9 Mar 1945
HMS Seraph (Lt. T. Russell-Walling, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (60)

10 Mar 1945
HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (61)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) both departed Loch Alsh for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

They anchored in Rothesay Bay later the same day. (58)

16 Mar 1945
HMS Tapir (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxbourgh, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) both shifted from Rothesay to Holy Loch still escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (58)

17 Mar 1945
During exercises in the Inchmarnock area, HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) performed dummy attacks on HMS Bridgewater and HMS Shikari. (62)

17 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (63)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Totem (A/Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the targets. (64)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR) departed Rothesay for Lerwick. She made (part of) the passage together with HMS Taurus (Lt. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN), HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN ) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (65)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (66)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Lerwick for the Clyde. She made the passage together with HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN). Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR). (67)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) serving as target. (68)

28 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) served as the targets. (59)

29 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) served as the targets. These included night exercises. (59)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR), HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) all conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). (69)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR), HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) served as the targets. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Scotsman proceeded to Holy Loch. (59)

1 Apr 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (70)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. HMS Trespasser returned to Holy Loch early the next day. (70)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (71)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) served as the target. (72)

23 Apr 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) and HMS Spur (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) served as the targets. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Scotsman proceeded to Holy Loch. (72)

24 Apr 1945
HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer DSC, RN) served as the target. (72)

27 Apr 1945
Around 1050B/27, HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN).

They were joined around 2015B/27, near the Trodday lighthouse, by HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN). (73)

28 Apr 1945
Around 1830B/28, HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Tactician (Lt. B.L.D. Rowe, DSC, RN) and their escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (74)

23 May 1945
HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Norman, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). serving as targets. These included night exercises during the night of 23/24 May. (75)

23 May 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN), HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN), HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as targets. (76)

25 May 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Ravager (A/Capt. G.V.B. Faulkner, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as targets. (76)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. (77)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (78)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These attack exercises were followed by a night bombardment exercise. (77)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Surf (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, RNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the targets. (79)

4 Jun 1945
HMS Surf (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, RNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the targets. (79)

6 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. (78)

12 Jun 1945
HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) is undocked at Holy Loch. She then departed for a few days of exercises in the Rockabill area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (80)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Surf (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, RNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the targets. (79)

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