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Notable events involving Vendetta include:

The page of HMAS Vendetta was last updated in October 2022.

2 Sep 1939
Around 0100K/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Garden Island, Sydney for an A/S patrol off Sydney. She returned around 1035K/2. (1)

2 Sep 1939
Around 0900K/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Garden Island, Sydney for an A/S patrol off Sydney. At 2050K/3, she received the signal that war had been declared on Germany. (1)

4 Sep 1939
Around 0015K/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), which is on an A/S patrol off Sydney, receives orders to proceed to position 090°, Port Stephens, 100 nautical miles to intercept possible enemy merchant ships or raiders. (1)

6 Sep 1939
Around 1300K/6, HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), which had both been on patrol, made rendezvous off Sydney. They then carried out gunnery exercises following which they entered Sydney harbour. (2)

8 Sep 1939
The heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and the sloops HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Prevost, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney. (2)

10 Sep 1939
Around 0041K/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Garden Island, Sydney for an A/S patrol off Sydney. She returned around 1135K/10. (1)

11 Sep 1939
From 11 to 14 September, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted exercises to the south of Sydney. The night of 12/13 September 1939 was spent at anchor in Twofold Bay. HMAS Stuart and HMAS Waterhen returned to Sydney on the 14th.

During the exercises on the 11th, HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) also participated. All four ships had departed Sydney around 1345K/11.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta set course for Newcastle. (3)

12 Sep 1939
Around 1100K/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Newcastle, New South Wales.

She departed again around 0800K/14 for exercises off Sydney. (1)

14 Sep 1939
On 14 September the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloops HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Prevost, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) all conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney.

On completion of the exercises all ships entered harbour. (4)

19 Sep 1939
On 19 September the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Commodore W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloops HMAS Swan (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Prevost, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) all conducted exercises off Sydney.

HMAS Canberra, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Waterhen continued their exercises during the night of 19/20 September and entered Jervis Bay on the morning of the 20th.

HMAS Vendetta briefly returned to harbour on completion of the exercises. She departed later the same day for Melbourne together with the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) which had completed her refit at Sydney on this day. (5)

21 Sep 1939
HMAS Adelaide (Cdr. H.A. Showers, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) both arrived at Williamstown (near Melbourne) from Sydney. (6)

22 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (1)

23 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (1)

25 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (1)

26 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (1)

27 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (1)

28 Sep 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip on completion of which course was set for Sydney.

[No report of proceedings is available for HMAS Vendetta for October 1939 so some details for this month might be missing.] (1)

30 Sep 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney (with no submarine present).

HMAS Vendetta had joined them coming from Melbourne. (7)

3 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

On return to harbour it was found necessary to dock HMAS Vendetta to renews loose rivets wich were causing salt water leaks into oil fuel tanks. Exact dates of her docking are not known to us at the moment but these must have been in the period 3 to 10 October. (8)

14 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney on completion of which they set course for Brisbane. (8)

15 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney. (8)

16 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Brisbane for Townsville. (8)

19 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Townsville for Darwin. (8)

22 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Darwin from Townsville. (8)

23 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Darwin for Singapore. (8)

29 Oct 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Singapore from Darwin.

They were then taken in hand for some repair and boiler cleaning. (8)

7 Nov 1939
During 7 and 8 November 1939, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Singapore. Also A/S exercises were carried out with the submarines HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) and HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN).

On the 7th the destroyers also search for the crew of a crashed aircraft but none were found.

On completion of the exercises on the 8th, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Parthian returned to Singapore.

HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Waterhen and HMS Rover remained out for exercises and only returned to Singapore on the 10th. (9)

13 Nov 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

On the 15th, HMAS Vendetta was detached to Penang as Surgeon Lt. E.D. Hull, RANR had to be taken to hospital with an acute appendicitis. (10)

16 Nov 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Penang where Lt. E.D. Hull was landed and taken to the Penang General Hospital. HMAS Vendetta departed for Colombo later the same day. (11)

19 Nov 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Penang. (11)

24 Nov 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Colombo for an A/S patrol near Colombo. (11)

25 Nov 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Stuart set course to proceed to Diego Suarez to join ' Force K '.

HMAS Vendetta remained in the Colombo area for A/S patrols.

HMAS Waterhen joined ' Force I ' which operated in the Ceylon area. She joined this force, which had departed Colombo on this day at sea. (12)

26 Nov 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) returned to Colombo from patrol. Before entering harbour she conducted gunnery exercises. (11)

29 Nov 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Colombo for Aden. They were to proceed to the Mediterranean. (13)

6 Dec 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (14)

7 Dec 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. She only remained at Aden for a very short time and departed for Suez later the same day escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). (15)

10 Dec 1939

Convoy K 6.

This convoy departed Bombay on 10 December 1939.

It was made up of the transports; Cap Tourane (French, 8009 GRT, built 1923), D'Artagnan (French, 15105 GRT, built 1925), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Tairea (British, 7934 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

These ships were carrying Indian and French troops and mules.

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and the armed merchant cruisers HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) and HMS Maloja (Capt.(Retd.) C.R. Dane, RN).

Cover for he convoy was proviced by the heavy cruisers HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and Suffren (Capt. R.J.M. Dillard) which had departed Colombo on 9 December. They turned back at midnight during the night of 11/12 December 1939.

On 15 December 1939, on entering the Gulf of Aden the escorts parted company with the convoy which then proceeded unescorted to Suez where it arrived on 20 December.

After passing the Suez Canal the convoy departed Port Said on 21 December escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN).

The destroyers were relieved on 24 December by their sister ships HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

The convoy arrived at Marseilles on 26 December.

11 Dec 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound. (15)

14 Dec 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Malta.

HMS Malaya is immediately docked upon arrival. (15)

18 Dec 1939
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.R. Conway, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). (16)

20 Dec 1939
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.R. Conway, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Grahan, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). (16)

21 Dec 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Malta.

Around 2100B/21, HMAS Vendetta departed Malta to search for a BOAC aircraft (Lockheed 14 Super Electra G-AFYU) which was lost between Alexandria and Malta. (17)

23 Dec 1939
Around 0710B/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) returned to Malta after having been recalled. She had found no trace of the missing aircraft.

Three passengers and two crew were killed, three passengers and three crew were rescued by a ship. The aircraft had ditched some 300 miles (480 km) north-west of Alexandria, Egypt. (18)

24 Dec 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Malta for gunnery exercises on completion of which they took over the escort of convoy K 6 to Marseilles.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy K 6 ' for 10 December 1939.] (14)

26 Dec 1939
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Marseilles with convoy K 6. (14)

3 Jan 1940

Convoy K6A.

This convoy departed Marseilles on 3 January 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Tairea (British, 7934 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

They were transporting troops for Palestine. Destination was Haifa.

On departure from Marseilles the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

On 5 January 1940, off Malta, escort duties were taken over by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). The original escort then entered Malta.

On 8 January 1940, HMAS Vampire was detached to Port Said.

The convoy arrived at Haifa, escorted by HMAS Stuart on 9 January 1940. (19)

10 Jan 1940
HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta set course to proceed to Alexandria. (20)

12 Jan 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (21)

15 Jan 1940
Around 1030B/15, the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta where she arrived around 1800B/17. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN). (21)

16 Jan 1940
During 16 and 17 January 1940, HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN), conducted exercises off Malta.

On the 17th a practice attack was made on the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D'Oyly-Hughes, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) which were approaching Malta coming from Alexandria. Also A/S exercises were carried out with the destroyers. (22)

23 Jan 1940

Convoy Cavalry 1.

This convoy departed Marseilles on 23 January 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

They were transporting troops for Palestine. Destination was Haifa.

Escort on departure from Marseilles was provided by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN).

On the 25th, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager were relieved by HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN).

The convoy arrived ay Haifa on 29 January 1940. (19)

24 Jan 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Malta. (21)

25 Jan 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Malta for escort duty with convoy Cavalry 1.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy Cavalry 1 ' for 23 January 1940.] (21)

29 Jan 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Haifa with convoy ' Cavalry 1 '. (21)

31 Jan 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) departed Haifa for Malta. (21)

2 Feb 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) arrived at Malta from Haifa. (23)

9 Feb 1940
Around midnight during the night of 9/10 February, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) took over the escort of the troopship / liner Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939) from HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). (24)

12 Feb 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and the troopship / liner Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Alexandria. (23)

24 Feb 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) proceeded from Alexandria to Port Said. (23)

25 Feb 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Port Said escorting the transport Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913). (23)

28 Feb 1940
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) conducted exercises off Malta with the local defences. She also conducted gunnery exercises.

She then took over the escort of the transport Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913) from HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) course was then set for Marseilles.

HMAS Vendetta then entered Valetta harbour, Malta. (25)

2 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Malta and then took over the escort of the transport Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917) from HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

HMS Westcott then entered Valetta harbour, Malta. (26)

4 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) and the transport Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917) arrived at Marseilles. (26)

7 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Marseilles escorting the transport Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913) to the vicinity of Malta. (26)

9 Mar 1940
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Malta to take over escort of the transport Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913) from HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN). The Nevasa was en-route from Marseilles to Port Said. HMAS Vendetta then entered Valetta harbour, Malta. (27)

10 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria with despatches on board. (26)

11 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Malta. (26)

12 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta with despatches on board. (26)

14 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. (26)

15 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included A/S exercises which must have been with HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN) as she was the only submarine based at Malta.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta set course for Marseilles. (26)

17 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (26)

18 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Marseilles escorting the transports Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) to the vicinity of Malta. (26)

20 Mar 1940
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Malta to take over escort of the transports Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) from HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN). HMAS Vendetta then proceeded to Malta arriving there later the same day. (28)

23 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) conducted a bombardment exercises off Malta. (26)

24 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Malta escorting the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) to Marseilles. (26)

26 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) and the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Marseilles. (26)

27 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) departed Marseilles escorting the transports Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).

On 29 March 1940, the Talma was detached to proceed to Malta independently. (26)

30 Mar 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) arrived at Malta. Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) was to proceed to Port Said unescorted. (26)

2 Apr 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Malta with HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN). (29)

8 Apr 1940
Around 0850B/8, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.

They were recalled at 1953B/8 and arrived back at Malta around 1330B/9. (29)

10 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta to make rendezvous with the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) that are coming from Alexandria.

The other ships arrived at the rendezvous early and HMAS Vendetta was not informed of this and thus missed the rendezvous.

She was then ordered to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Malta on 12 April. (30)

13 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta to patrol south of Calabria, Italy. (30)

16 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Malta from patrol. Several merchant vessels had been boarded and inspected the past few days while on patrol. (30)

22 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included A/S exercises with the submarine HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN). On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta set course to proceed to Gibraltar. (30)

25 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta. (30)

26 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Gibraltar to patrol off Cadiz.

At 0240A/28, she obtained a good A/S echo near Cape Trafalgar. Several pattern of depth charges were dropped but eventually contact was lost. At 0520A/28, HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN) joined the hunt but the contact could not be regained. (30)

28 Apr 1940
Around 1100A/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Gibraltar from patrol. (30)

28 Apr 1940
The battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Gibraltar for Alexandria where they were to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

29 Apr 1940
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) are joined by French warships from Mers-el--Kebir and Algeria, these were the battleships Lorraine (Capt. L.M.L. Rey), Bretagne (Capt. L.R.E. de Pivian), Provence (Capt. G.T.E. Barois), heavy cruisers Tourville (Capt. A.J.A. Marloy), Duquesne (Capt. G.E. Besineau), light cruiser Duguay Trouin (Capt. J.M.C. Trolley de Prevaux) and the destroyers Lion (Cdr. J.J.A. Vetillard), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and Forbin (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. Chartellier).

30 Apr 1940
The destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and later the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) departed Malta to join the British battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), French battleships Lorraine (Capt. L.M.L. Rey), Bretagne (Capt. L.R.E. de Pivian), Provence (Capt. G.T.E. Barois), French heavy cruisers Tourville (Capt. A.J.A. Marloy), Duquesne (Capt. G.E. Besineau), French light cruiser Duguay Trouin (Capt. J.M.C. Trolley de Prevaux) that were escorted by the British destroyers HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), Australian destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the French destroyers Lion (Cdr. J.J.A. Vetillard), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and Forbin (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. Chartellier). These ships were en-route to Alexandria to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet.

HMS Velox, HMS Watchman, HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Waterhen were detached and arrived at Malta on 2 May 1940.

3 May 1940
The repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). (31)

4 May 1940
The destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria to make rendezvous with the repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) that was being escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

Rendezvous was effected the following day when they took over the escort of the repair ship from the original destroyer screen. (32)

6 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) returned to Malta from escort duty. (32)

7 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Malta to make rendezvous with HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN) and her escort coming from the direction of Gibraltar. (32)

8 May 1940
The destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), took over the escort of the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN) from HMS Keppel (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.G. Heywood-Lonsdale, RN), HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) which then set course to return to Gibraltar. (33)

10 May 1940
HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (32)

14 May 1940
The heavy cruisers Duquesne (Capt. G.E. Besineau), Tourville (Capt. A.J.A. Marloy), light cruisers HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMS Tigre (Capt. M. De La Forest Divonne), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and Forbin (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. Chartellier) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (34)

15 May 1940
Fleet exercises were carried out of Alexandria in which the following warships are thought to have participated; battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), heavy cruisers Duquesne (Capt. G.E. Besineau), Tourville (Capt. A.J.A. Marloy), light cruisers HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN), Duguay Trouin (Capt. J.M.C. Trolley de Prevaux), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Tigre (Capt. M. De La Forest Divonne), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and Forbin (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. Chartellier).

Some of these ships remained out on exercises during the night of 15/16 May.

[It is possible that more ships participated in these exercises but much information is not available.]

16 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) is docked in the Gabbari Dry Dock at Alexandria for remetalling of 'A' bracket bushes. (35)

22 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) is undocked. (35)

23 May 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Alexandria at 0700 hours, for exercises. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN).

HMS Royal Sovereign and HMS Diamond returned to Alexandria later the same day.

HMAS Vendetta joined the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) to escort her to Malta. The light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) also joined. coming from Port Said, and remained with HMAS Vendetta and the Talma until 0615B/24.

HMS Caledon then set course to return to Port Said.

25 May 1940
Around 0600B/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), which were en-route from Alexandria to Malta, are joined by the light cruiser HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN). (35)

26 May 1940
Around 1200B/26, HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Malta.

Around 100B/26, HMAS Vampire and the Talma departed Malta for Marseilles. (35)

29 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Marseilles. (35)

30 May 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) departed Marseilles for Malta. (35)

1 Jun 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Malta from Marseilles. (36)

3 Jun 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at the Malta Dockyard. (36)

7 Jul 1940

Operation MA 5 and the resulting battle of Punta Stilo on 9 July 1940.

The passage of convoys MF 1 (fast) and MS 1 (slow) from Malta to Alexandria with evacuees and fleet stores.

After the cancellation of Operation MA 3 a new plan to pass the convoys from Malta to Alexandria was made.

The Mediterranean Fleet, less HMS Ramillies and the 3rd Cruiser Squadron (HMS Caledon and HMS Capetown) departed Alexandria on 7 July 1940 to carry out operation MA 5, the object being to cover convoys MF 1 (fast) and MS 1 (slow) from Malta to Alexandria with evacuees and fleet stores.

The composition of these convoys were as follows:

Convoy MF 1, the fast convoy:
This convoy departed Malta on 9 July 1940 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 July 1940 and was made up of the Egyptian merchant El Nil (7775 GRT, built 1916), British merchants Knight of Malta (1553 GRT, built 1929), Rodi (3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian).

Convoy MS 1, the slow convoy:
This convoy departed Malta on 10 July 1940 and arrived at Alexandria on 14 July 1940 and was made up of the British merchant ships Kirkland (1361 GRT, built 1934), Misirah (6836 GRT, built 1919), Tweed (2697 GRT, built 1926), Zealand (2726 GRT, built 1930) and the Norwegian merchant Novasli (3194 GRT, built 1920).

Cover for these convoys was provided by ships of the Mediterranean Fleet which was divided into three groups:

Force A:
Light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN), HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) and the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, RAN).

Force B:
Battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN).

Force C:
Battleships HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN), HMS Hasty, (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN).

8 July 1940.

All forces were clear of the harbour by midnight during the night of 7/8 July 1940. All forces were to make rendez-vous in position 36°30’N, 17°40’E at 1400B/10. HMS Liverpool, who was en-route from Port Said to Alexandria with spare 6" ammunition from the East Indies station, arrived at Alexandria at 0202 hours. She then quickly unloaded some of the 6" ammuntion and topped off with fuel. She departed Alexandria at 0520 hours to join her force at sea. HMS Imperial had to return to Alexandria with defects.

Shortly before midnight, at 2359 hours, HMS Hasty reported that she sighted a surfaced submarine at a range of 1000 yards. A full pattern depth charge attack was made an the submarine was thought to have been sunk. One hour later when about to rejoin Force C she carried out another attack on a confirmed contact. It was consided that this attack caused damage to another Italian submarine.

At 0807B/8 a report was received from the submarine HMS Phoenix (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Nowell, RN) that she had sighted two enemy battleships escorted by four destroyers in position 35°23’N, 17°45’E, steering 180° at 0515B/8. It was suspected that this force was covering an important enemy convoy. The Vice-Admiral, Malta, was ordered to arrange air reconnaissance to the eastward and to the Rear-Admiral, Alexandria to arrange for a flying boat to shadow this force. Two enemy submarines were sighted by A/S patrols from HMS Eagle.

The Italians were aware of the Mediterranean Fleet being at sea as the Fleet had been reported by the Italian submarine Beilul. This resulted in air attacks on the Fleet during the 8th.

Damage was done to HMS Gloucester which was hit on the compass platform causing seven officers to be killed and three wounded. Amongst the officers killed was the ships Captain. Besides the officers eleven ratings were killed and six were wounded.

At 1510B/8 a flying boat reported a force of three battleships, six cruisers and seven destroyers in position 33°18’N, 19°45’E, steering 340°. At 1610 hours it was reported that this force had changed course to 070°. The flying boat that reported this force had to return to base at 1715 hours but no relief was available to continue shadowing. The Commander-in-Chief therefore, in the absence of further information, decided to continue the course of the Fleet to the north-westward in order to get between the enemy and his base. A mean line of advance of 310° at 20 knots was therefore maintained during the night.

9 July 1940.

There were no incidents during the night and at 0600 hours the Fleet was concentrated in position 36°55’N, 20°30’E. An air search by aircraft from HMS Eagle was commenced at dawn between 180° and 300°. Meanwhile a mean line of advance of 300° at 16 knots was maintained by the Fleet.

The first enemy report was received from a flying boat from Malta who reported two battleships, four cruisers and ten destroyers at 0732 hours in position 37°00’N, 17°00’E, steering 330° and subsequent reports showed that there was a further large force of cruisers and destroyers in the vicinity.

A second search by aircraft from HMS Eagle covered these positions and by 1130 hours it was considered that the enemy’s position was sufficiently well established to launch the air striking force. At this time the enemy fleet was approximately 90 miles to the westward of our forces. Unfortunately, touch with the enemy fleet was lost by the shadowing aircraft at this time and shortly afterwards it appears that the enemy turned to the southward. The striking force therefore failed to locate the enemy battlefleet, but carried out an attack on some cruisers at about 1330 hours without result.

Touch was regained with the enemy battleships at 1340 hours by a relief shadower from HMS Eagle and by a flying boat. The air striking force was flown of again at 1539 hours shortly after action was joined and they are believed to have scored one hit on a cruiser. All aircraft from HMS Eagle returned. In the meanwhile reports from shadowing aircraft show that the enemy force consisted of two battleships of the Cavour-class, twelve cruisers and twenty destroyers, and that they appeared to be keeping close to the coast of Calabria.

At 1400 hours the British Fleet as in position 38°02’N, 18°40’E. The 7th Cruiser Squadron was 8 nautical miles ahead of HMS Warspite, with HMS Royal Sovereign, HMS Eagle and HMS Malaya 10 nautical miles astern. Destroyers were screening these ships. The mean line of advance the Fleet was 270° the speed being limited by that of HMS Royal Sovereign. The Commander-in-Chief was obliged to use HMS Warspite as a battle cruiser to keep ahead of the battle Squadron, in order to support the cruisers, who being so few and lacking 8” ships, were very weak compared to the enemy’s cruiser force.

At 1510 hours the enemy, consisting of six 8” cruisers and a number of destroyers, was sighted steering about 020°. HMS Eagle and the 19th division (HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager) were now detached from the 1st Battle Squadron and the damaged HMS Gloucester was ordered to join them. At 1514 hours HMS Neptune sighted the enemy battlefleet bearing 260° from HMS Warspite The ensuing action can best be described in five phases.

Phase 1.

A short action with enemy 8” and 6” cruisers in which our own cruisers were out ranged and came under a very heavy fire. HMS Warspite intervened and engaged successively two 8” and two 6” cruisers at long range, which after a few salvos turned away. One hit might have been obtained on a 8” cruiser.

Phase 2.

After a short lull, during which HMS Warspite fell back on HMS Malaya who was now proceeding ahead of HMS Royal Sovereign. HMS Warspite and HMS Malaya then engaged two battleships of the Cavour-class at 1553 hours. HMS Warspite was straddled at 26000 yards and she herself scored a hit on one of the enemy battleships (the Guilio Cesare). The enemy then turned away making smoke. HMS Malaya was outranged and by now HMS Royal Sovereign was now well astern and never got into action. The 7th Cruiser Squadron continued their action with the enemy cruisers, who appeared to be working round to the north with the intention of engaging HMS Eagle. They were driven off with the assistance of a few salvoes from HMS Warspite.

Phase 3.

Enemy destroyers moved out to attack, but half heartedly, and made a large volumes of smoke which soon obscured the larger targets. Destroyers were now ordered to counter attack the enemy destroyers, in which they were assisted by the 7th Cruiser Squadron, but before the range could be closed sufficiently to do damage to them the enemy retired behind their extensive smoke screen.

Phase 4.

The British fleet chased up the smoke but, appreciating that to pass through it would be playing the enemy’s game, and suspecting that enemy submarines might be in the vicinity, the Commander-in-Chief worked round to the northward and windward of the screen. When clear, all enemy forces were out of sight and air attacks had started. The British fleet was now (1652 hours) only 45 miles from the coast of Calabria and continued on a westerly course until within 25 miles of the Punta Stilo lighthouse.

Phase 5.

A succession of heavy bombing attacks were carried out between 1640 and 1912 hours. At least nine distinct bombing attacks were made and it is estimated that probably some 100 aircraft took part. Many attacks were made on HMS Eagle, but the fleet suffered no damage. Between 1640 and 1740 hours the fleet made good a course of 270° and from 1740 hours of 220°, this latter course being selected in the hope that the enemy would renew the fight. At 1830 hours it became clear that the enemy could not be intercepted before reaching Messina and course was altered to the south-eastward to open the land, turning back at 2115 hours to 220° for a position south of Malta.

During the action one of the aircraft from HMS Warspite was damaged by gun blast of her own gunfire and had to be jettisoned. The other aircraft was catapulted for action observation. After this mission was completed the aircraft landed at Malta. During the night there were no incidents.

10 July 1940.

At 0800 hours, the fleet was in position 35°24’N, 15°27’E, steering west, and remained cruising to the southward of Malta throughout the day while destroyers were sent there to refuel. The following fuelling programme was carried out. At 0530 hours the following destroyers arrived at Malta; HMAS Stuart, HMS Dainty, HMS Defender, HMS Hyperion, HMS Hostile, HMS Hasty, HMS Ilex and HMS Juno. After they had fuelled they sailed again at 1115 hours and rejoined the fleet at 1525 hours.

HMS Hero, HMS Hereward, HMS Decoy, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager were then sent in, the last three to sail with convoy MS 1 after fuelling.

At 2030 hours, HMS Royal Sovereign with HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk and HMS Janus were detached to refuel and to rejoin the fleet before noon the next day.

HMS Gloucester and HMAS Stuart were detached to join convoy MF 1, which had been sailed from Malta at 2300B/9 escorted by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN).

In the morning an air raid took place at Malta at 0855 hours. Three or four of the attackers were shot down. Destroyers that were fuelling at Malta were not hit.

Flying boat reconnaissance of Augusta had located three cruisers and eight destroyers in harbour and at 1850 hours a strike force was flown off from HMS Eagle to carry out a dust attack. Unfortunately the enemy forces left harbour before the attack force arrived. One flight however located a Navigatori class destroyer in a small bay to the northward, which was sunk, this was the Leone Pancaldo which was later raised and repaired. The other flight did not drop their torpedoes. All aircraft landed safely at Malta.

At 2100 hours the position of the fleet was 35°28’N, 14°30’E, steering 180°. There were no incidents during the night.

In view of the heavy bombing attacks experienced during the last three days, the Commander-in-Chief has requested the Air Officer Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, to do anything possible to occupy the Italian air forces during the passage of the fleet and the convoys to Alexandria.

11 July 1940.

At 0130 hours, the fleet altered course to 000° to be in position 35°10’N, 15°00’E at 0800 hours. HMS Royal Sovereign with HMS Hero, HMS Hereward, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk and HMS Janus rejoined from Malta at this time, and HMS Eagle landed on her striking force from Malta.

At 0900 hours the Commander-in-Chief in HMS Warspite, screened by HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Juno and HMAS Vampire, proceeded ahead to return to Alexandria at 19 knots. The Rear-Admiral, First Battle Squadron, in HMS Royal Sovereign , with HMS Malaya and HMS Eagle and the remaining destroyers, proceeded on a mean line of advance of 80° at 12 knots to cover the passage of the convoys. The 7th Cruiser Squadron had already been detached at 2000B/10 to search to the eastward in the wake of convoy MF 1.

The fleet was again subjected to heavy bombing attacks. Between 1248 and 1815 hours, five attacks were made on HMS Warspite and her escorting destroyers. A total of 66 bombs were counted. Between 1112 and 1834 hours, twelve attacks were carried out on forces in company with Rear-Admiral First Battle Squadron, a total of about 120 bombs were dropped. No damage was sustained. It was noted that the fleet was shadowed by aircraft who homed in attacking aircraft.

At 1200 hours, HMAS Vampire was sighted. She reported that her Gunner had been badly wounded in an air attack made on convoy MS 1 at 1015 hours. The officer was transferred to HMS Mohawk for treatment but died aboard that ship later the same day.

At 2100 hours, HMS Warspite was in position 34°22’N, 19°17’E steering 110°.

12 July 1940.

There had been no incidents during the night. Course was altered to 070° at 0200 hours and to 100° at 0630 hours. Course was altered from time to time during the day to throw off shadowers and attacking aircraft.

At 0700 hours, Vice-Admiral (D) with the 7th Cruiser Squadron rejoined the Commander-in-Chief. Vice-Admiral (D) in HMS Orion, together with HMS Neptune was detached to join convoy MF 1.

The following bombing attacks took place during the day; Between 0850 and 1550 hours, seventeen attacks were made on HMS Warspite. About 160 bombs were dropped but none hit although there were several near misses. On the First Battle Squadron and HMS Eagle between 1110 and 1804 hours, three attacks were made, 25 bombs were dropped but none hit.

13 July 1940.

HMS Warspite, HMS Orion, HMS Neptune, HMS Liverpool, HMAS Sydney, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Juno and HMAS Vampire arrived at Alexandria around 0600 hours. Convoy MF 1 and it’s escort (HMS Jervis, HMS Diamond and HMAS Vendetta) arrived during the forenoon. HMS Gloucester had detached from the convoy around 0400 hours and had already arrived at Alexandria around 0800 hours. This convoy had been unmolested during it’s passage from Malta to Alexandria.

HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) then departed Alexandria to join the escort of convoy MS 1 escorted by HMS Diamond, HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, RN), HMS Imperial and HMAS Vendetta. The two cruisers from the 3rd Cruiser Squadron, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), had already left Alexandria on the 12th to join the escort of convoy MS 1.

14 July 1940.

The 1st Battle Squadron, HMS Eagle and their escorting destroyers arrived at Alexandria in the forenoon. They reported very heavy bombing attacks of the Libyan coast. Three enemy aircraft were reported shot down by fighters from HMS Eagle while a fourth was thought to be heavily damaged.

15 July 1940.

Convoy MS 1, HMS Ramillies, HMS Caledon, HMS Capetown, HMS Diamond, HMS Havock, HMS Imperial, HMAS Vendetta, HMS Decoy, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager arrived at Alexandria before noon.

Italian forces involved in the battle of Punta Stilo.

On 6 July 1940 an important Italian troop convoy departed Naples for Benghazi, Libya. This convoy was made up of the troopship Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920) and the transports Calitea (4013 GRT, built 1933), Marco Foscarini (6338 GRT, built 1940), Vettor Pisani (6339 GRT, built 1939). Escort was provided by the torpedo boats Orsa, Pegaso, Procione and Orione. The next day this convoy was joined by the transport Francesco Barbaro (6343 GRT, built 1940) that came from Catania and was escorted by the torpedo boats Giuseppe Cesare Abba and Rosolino Pilo. Cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers Giovanni Delle Bande Nere and Bartolomeo Colleoni and the destroyers Maestrale, Libeccio, Grecale and Scirocco.

This cover force was joined on 7 July by the heavy cruiser Pola and the destroyers Lanciere, Carabinieri, Corazziere and Ascari which came from Augusta.

From Messina came the heavy cruisers Zara, Fiume, Gorizia and the destroyers Vittorio Alfieri, Giosuè Carducci, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani.

From Messina (these ships departed shortly after the other ships) came also the heavy cruisers Bolzano and Trento and the destroyers Artigliere, Camicia Nera, Aviere and Geniere.

From Palermo came the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia, Emanuelle Filiberto Duca D’Aosta, Muzio Attendolo and Raimondo Montecuccoli with the destroyers Granatiere, Fuceliere, Bersagliere and Alpino.

From Taranto came the battleships Gulio Cesare (flagship) and Conte di Cavour with the dstroyers Freccia, Saetta, Dardo and Strale.

Also from Taranto came the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi and Luigi di Savoia Duca delgi Abruzzi with the destroyers Folgore, Fulmine, Baleno and Lampo.

And finally, also from Taranto, came the light cruisers Armando Diaz, Luigi Cadorna, Alberto di Giussano, Alberico di Barbiano and the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Nicolò Zeno, Nicoloso Da Recco, Emanuelle Pessagno and Antoniotto Usodimare. Later the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio Da Noli and Leone Pancaldo were sent out as reinforements.

The destroyers Stale, Dardo and Antonio da Noli developed mechanical problems and had to return to port for repairs.

During the battle with the Mediterranean Fleet the following ships sustained damage;
Battleship Gulio Cesare was hit by a heavy shell from HMS Warspite, heavy cruiser Bolzano sustained three medium shell hits. As stated earlier the destroyer Leone Pancaldo was sunk off Augusta by aircraft from HMS Eagle but was later raised and repaired.

The Italian convoy meanwhile had arrived at Benghazi without losses on 8 July. (37)

9 Jul 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) completed her refit at Malta. (38)

9 Jul 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Malta escorting convoy MF 1.

[For more info see the event ' Operation MA 5 and the resulting battle of Punta Stilo on 9 July 1940 ' for 7 July 1940.] (39)

15 Jul 1940
HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from operations. (37)

19 Jul 1940
In the morning, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), served as target during exercises by Swordfish torpedo aircraft off Alexandria. (38)

19 Jul 1940

Action of Cape Spada, 19 July 1940.

Plan for operations against enemy submarines and shipping in the Aegean.

On 18 July 1940, four destroyers departed Alexandria for an anti-submarine hunt towards the Kaso Strait and then along the north coast of Crete. These destroyers were; HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN).

The same day the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Alexandria with the destroyer HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN) for an anti-shipping raid into the Gulf of Athens.

Two more destroyers left Alexandria for Port Said, these were HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN). They were to escort a convoy towards the Aegean and then to bring back a convoy from the Aegean to Egypt.

Proceeding of the sweeping forces up to the time of the sighting of two enemy cruisers, 18 – 19 July 1940.

The destroyers which were to perform the A/S sweep sailed from Alexandria at 0015/18 carrying out an A/S sweep towards the Kaso Strait. After passing through the Strait at 2130 hours they kept well over towards the Cretan shore to avoid being sighted from Kaso Island. They then steered towards the westward at 18 knots between Ovo Island and the Cretan mainland. At 0600C/19 course was altered to 240° to pass through the Anti-Kithera Channel. At 0722 hours two Italian cruisers were sighted ahead by HMS Hero.

Meanwhile HMAS Sydney and HMS Havock had sailed from Alexandria at 0430/18. After passing through the Kaso Strait at 2345 hours they steered 295° at 18 knots. At 0733C/19 they were in position 010°, Cape Spada, 40 nautical miles when HMAS Sydney received the enemy report from HMS Hyperion of two enemy cruisers steering 160°, bearing 255°, distant 10 nautical miles. HMS Hyperion gave her position as 340°, Agria Grabusa lighthouse, 3 nautical miles. Acting on this information, Captain Collins of HMAS Sydney altered course at 0736 hours to 240° to close the destroyers.

When an amplifying report from HMS Hyperion gave her course as 060°, and the enemy course as 360°, HMAS Sydney altered course to 190° and commenced to work up to full speed. At 0800 hours another alteration of course was made to 150°. Shortly afterwards signals were received from the Commander-in-Chief directing the destroyers to join up with HMAS Sydney and the latter to support them.

When Commander Nicolson continued from time to time to inform HMAS Sydney of his movements of his division and of the enemy, Captain Collins preserved W/T silence to avoid disclosing the presence of HMAS Sydney. In this he was entirely successful. Further alterations of course by HMAS Sydney were; at 0815 hours to 160°, at 0820 hours to 120°.

At 0826 hours the enemy cruisers were sighted. They were steering 090°, bearing 188°, range 23000 yards. They were about 20° before the starboard beam.

Until 0722 hours the destroyer division had been spread in line abreast 1.5 nautical miles apart, carrying out an A/S sweep at 18 knots. After sighting the enemy Commander Nicholson turned his division to starboard together to course 060°, and, in accordance with previous instructions, the destroyers concentrated in sub-divisions on the Hyperion.

It was estimated that HMAS Sydney at 0900 hours would be in a position 010°, Cape Spada, 55 nautical miles, and while steering towards this position Commander Nicholson endeavoured to work round to the northward. At 0725 hours, when speed was increased to 25 knots, the enemy was seen to have altered course to 360°.

Destroyer engagement with the enemy cruisers.

At 0726C/19 one of the enemy cruisers opened fire on HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex an the latter returned fire. With their engines working up fast the speed of the destroyers was increased to 31 knots by 0735 hours. HMS Hyperion now opened fire with her after guns at maximum range, but ceased firing very soon as all her shots fell short. The enemy’s shooting was erratic, probably because he was firing against the sun. His salvoes fell short.

Although the range was opening rapidly, the enemy instead of heading in chase of the destroyers held on their course due north. Possibly he was uncertain of the strength of the force opposing him, but whatever the reason his neglect to close lost him a favourable chance of utilising his superior gun power. At 0738 hours the enemy bore 270°, range was 11 nautical miles, and HMS Hyperion at 0740 hours, ordered her division to cease firing as the enemy was out of range. Five minutes later the enemy also ceased fire.

At 0747 hours, the enemy, who bore 270°, range 14 nautical miles, was still steering north. With the object of gaining ground and of identifying the class of the enemy cruisers, the destroyer division altered course to 360°. At 0753 hours, when the enemy turned to close, course was altered back to 060°. The Commander-in-Chief’s signal to join HMAS Sydney was received by HMS Hyperion at 0800 hours, and four minutes later course was altered to 030°, with the enemy then bearing 265°, range 17 nautical miles. The enemy’s course at that moment was 090°. These positions were signaled to HMAS Sydney at 0805 hours, and course was altered to 060° one minute later. At about this time a Greek steamer was sighted ahead but it wisely turned north quickly.

Still trying to work to the northward, the destroyer’s course was altered to 040° at 0814 hours and to 030° at 0821 hours. The enemy re-opened fire at 0825 hours, but again his shooting was very short and erratic. After five minutes the enemy ceased fire and was then seen to be altering course to the southward.

HMAS Sydney and HMS Havock sighted by the destroyer division.

At 0819C/19 gun flashes were seen away on the port beam of HMS Hyperion and a minute later the destroyers enjoyed the welcome sight of HMAS Sydney and HMS Havock bearing 290°, range 10 nautical miles. Commander Nicolson immediately altered course, first to 020° and at 0832 hours to 240°. Finally at 0835 hours he formed the division in line ahead and altered course to 260°. The enemy cruisers, now 17400 yards distant, were steaming fast to the southward, making heavy black smoke. At 0838 hours, the destroyer division, now steering 170°, opened fire in divisional concentration at extreme range on the left hand cruiser but the enemy was drawing out of range and the destroyers ceased fire at 0843 hours as their salvoes were falling short.

At 0844 hours, HMAS Sydney ordered the destroyers to ‘close and attack the enemy with torpedoes’. Course was altered together to 215°, and the Hyperion signalling the division to form on a line bearing 350°, at 0846 hours fired a ranging salvo. One minute later the enemy altered course to starboard.

HMAS Sydney engaged enemy cruisers.

The action now had become a stern chase, whose main interest lies in the movements of HMAS Sydney from the moment of her sighting the enemy. Her unexpected arrival together with HMS Havock seems to have taken the Italians completely by surprise. They were then engaged with the destroyers on the other side, and, in fact, their first impression was that they had to deal with two Allied cruisers.

At 0829 hours, when HMAS Sydney opened fire on the leading enemy cruiser at a range of 20000 yards. The fall of her salvoes were the first intimation of her presence to the enemy. The destroyer division was at that time still out of sight.

When the enemy recovered from their surprise at 0832 hours, he returned a concentrated fire on the Sydney, while the latter continued on a south-easterly course to intercept the destroyer division at and at the same time to close the enemy. The enemy salvoes fell short at first, then over, with an occasional straddle. At 0835 hours, the Sydney’s fire appeared to be effective, and the enemy was seen to be turning away. When the destroyer division was sighted at 0838 hours, steering south, about 6 nautical miles off, HMS Havock hauled over to join the other destroyers. Captain Collins signalled the destroyer division to attack with torpedoes, but a further alteration off course by the enemy, to the south-westward at 0840 hours prevented any possibility of a torpedo attack. HMAS Sydney turned to course 215° in pursuit of the now rapidly retreating enemy, and an alteration which brought her on the beam of the destroyers, who, at 0846 hours, were practically in line abreast in close order chasing at full speed.

In the early stages of the action there was some difficulty of identifying the class of the enemy cruisers but by now they had been identified as being of the ‘Bande Nere’ class. In fact they were the Giovanni delle Bande Nere herself and the Bartolomeo Colleoni which had left Tripoli on 17 July for Leros.

Chase of the enemy cruisers.

About 0846C/19 the Sydney’s original target was so obscured by smoke that fire was shifted to the rear cruiser (the Colleoni), which was engaged by ‘A’ and ‘B’ turrets on bearing 203° at a range of 18000 yards. The destroyer division at 0848 hours also renewed its fire at extreme range for a couple of minutes.

At 0851 hours, as the enemy altered course to port, the Sydney made a similar movement, which had the effect of opening her ‘A’ arcs. The enemy, making vast quantities of smoke, next altered course at 0853 hours to starboard. The purpose of these manoeuvres are not clear. Perhaps they were trying to throw of the pursuit to the eastward under the cover of smoke. If so it failed, for the Sydney, observing the enemy steading on course 230° at 0856 hours, resumed the chase in a south-westerly direction.

For a minute, at 0901 hours, the Sydney checked fire while she shifted target again to the leading cruiser (Bande Nere). When this ship at 0908 hours again became obscured by smoke fire was shifted back to the rear cruiser (Colleoni) then bearing 210° at a range of 18500 yards. At 0915 hours, HMAS Sydney altered course 30° to starboard to open her ‘A’ arcs, and it was soon evident that her fire had considerable effect. With the range down to 17500 yards at 0919 hours the Sydney also came under an accurate fire, receiving her only hit at 0921 hours. This projectile, bursting on the foremost funnel, blew a hole about 3 feet square in the casings, causing minor damage to three boats and some fittings but only one slight casualty.

The Bartolomeo Colleoni disabled.

The range now began to close rapidly, and at 0923C/19 the Colleoni was seen to be stopped, apparently out of action, in position 250° , Cape Spada, 5 nautical miles. According to the evidence of prisoners, she was brought to by a shot in the engine or boiler room. All her lights went out and the electrical machinery ceased functioning, including the turret power hoists and steering gear. The Colleoni was now left to her fate by the Bande Nere, which, after making a tentative turn towards made off at high speed, and, steering 205°, rounded Agria Grabusa Island at a distance of about a mile.

During the 40 minutes chase described above, the destroyer division, at 32 knots, had made every effort to reduce the range, altering course as necessary from time to time. At 0909 hours, fire was renewed for a minute to test the range, and at 0911 hours the division formed on a line of bearing 350° . At 0918 hours, the range of the rear cruiser (Colleoni) was down to 17000 yards and closing rapidly. Course was altered to 240° at 0923 hours and fire opened in a divisional concentration on the Colleoni from 14500 yards. At 0928 hours the Colleoni was seen to be stopped and silent. For some minutes she had been hit repeatedly. Her whole bridge structure was soon in flames.

The Bartolomeo Colleoni torpedoed.

The Hyperion and the Ilex prepared to attack with torpedoes and the Hero was ordered by Commander Nicholson to take charge of the other two destroyers. At 0935C/19, HMS Hyperion fired four and HMS Ilex two torpedoes from a range of 1400 yards. One torpedo from the Ilex hit the Colleoni forward, blowing away about 100 feet of her bows and her aircraft. The Hyperion’s torpedoes, however, owning to too great a spread, passed two ahead and two astern of the Colleoni and ran on to explode on the shore of Agria Grabusa Island.

According to survivors accounts, the men of the Colleoni started to jump overboard as soon as the ship stopped, and many of them were in the sea before to torpedo from the Ilex struck the ship. She had suffered many casualties forward, round the bridge and on the upper deck. Her Captain (Captain U. Navaro) was seriously wounded and died from his wounds at Alexandria on 23 July 1940. The Italians were much impressed by the rate and accuracy of the gunfire from the Allied ships and their tactical superiority.

During the chase the destroyers were never within satisfactory range, the last distance being 14000 yards until after the Colleoni started to drop back. The shooting from HMAS Sydney as seen from HMS Hyperion had been excellent except for a short spell when a large spread was noted.

When Captain Collins, at 0933 hours, ordered Commander Nicholson to torpedo the Colleoni the range was 7500 yards. The Colleoni was then on fire amidships, and a heavy explosion was seen to occur forward. Captain Collins signaled to HMS Hyperion to leave one destroyer to deal with the disabled enemy and to resume the chase of the other cruiser in which HMAS Sydney, HMS Hero and HMS Hasty were pressing on at full speed.

Sinking of the Bartolomeo Colleoni.

At 0952C/19 the Hyperion closed in and, observing the Colleoni more or less abandoned but not sinking or too heavily on fire, Commander Nicholson’s first intention, as he passed down her starboard side, was to go alongside and salve everything possible. Barely two minutes elapsed, however, before a large fire, breaking out in the forward superstructure, was followed by an explosion which blew the whole bridge away in a cloud of smoke. The Hyperion then fired another torpedo at short range, which hit the doomed ship amidships. At 0959 hours the Colleoni heeled over and sank bottom up, in position 029° , Agria Grabusa lighthouse, 4.6 nautical miles. HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex immediately began to rescue survivors in which they were soon joined by HMS Havock.

Chase of the Giovanni delle Bande Nere.

At 0945C/19 the Bande Nere, after passing between the island of Pondiko Nisi and the Cretan mainlan, bore 192° at a range of 20000 yards. As on board the Sydney ammunition in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ turrets was running low she had to check fire. The Bande Nere however, continued firing from her after guns but the shots consistently fell 300 yards away on the Sydney’s quarter. Captain Collins at 0955 hours repeated his signal to the destroyers to finish off the Colleoni and three minutes later he re-opened fire on the Bande Nere from 20000 yards. With the range increasing and the visibility of the target and fall of shot becoming more and more indistinct HMAS Sydney checked fire again at 1011 hours. The haze combined with the enemy’s smoke now rendered spotting conditions impossible. The result from a final couple of salvoes at 1022 hours from 21000 yards could not be observed. By that time the Sydney had remaining only four rounds per gun in ‘A’ turret and only one round per gun in ‘B’ turret. Shortly afterwards the Bande Nere, now 11 nautical miles off, was completely lost from sight in the haze. She was last seen to do 32 knots on course 200°.

HMS Hero and HMS Hasty had continued the chase at 31 knots, firing ranging salvoes at intervals, which all fell short. At 1028 hours, HMS Hero informed HMAS Sydney that she was unable to close the enemy and broke off the chase. She formed, with HMS Hasty a close screen on HMAS Sydney. When last seen from the destroyers at 1044 hours, the Bande Nere bore 177°, 15 nautical miles. At 1037 hours, HMAS Sydney finally abandoned the chase and altered course for Alexandria, reducing speed to 25 knots to allow HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex to come up.

Rescue of the survivors from the Bartolomeo Colleoni.

At 1024C/19, leaving HMS Havock to continue picking up survivors of the Colleoni, HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex had proceeded at high speed to join HMAS Sydney. HMS Ilex had 230 prisoners on board of which about 30 were seriously wounded and 3 subsequently died the same night.

HMS Havock, as mentioned earlier, had been ahead of HMAS Sydney, but had proceeded to join the other destroyers when the action commenced. Taking up station on the starboard wing when she got within range at 0911 hours and joined in with the concentration fire. The shooting, even at longer range, appeared to be effective, several hits being observed.

HMS Havock then joined HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex and closed in on the Colleoni after that ship had come to a halt.

When the HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex left the scene of the sinking HMS Havock carried on rescuing the survivors. By 1237 hours she had picked up some 260 survivors. Six Italian bombers were then seen approaching from the southward. HMS Havock was forced to abandon her humane task and left the scene at full speed for Alexandria.

HMS Havock damaged in air attack.

At 1245C/19 the enemy aircraft attacked in two formations of three aircraft each but without success. At 1455 hours nine more aircraft attacked in flights of three, the second flight scoring a near miss which penetrated and flooded no.2 boiler room. These attacks, which were made from levels between 3000 and 4000 feet were countered with effective gunfire, which in two instances broke up the formations. Two ratings in the boiler room received minor injuries. The bomb that caused the damage appeared to be 250lb, which burst 6 feet under water, about 10 feet from the ships side. After loosing way for about 5 minutes, the Havock picked up speed again and proceeded at 24 knots.

On receiving the Havock’s signals around 1500 hours, reporting her damage, HMAS Sydney turned back to support her. HMS Hero and HMS Hasty were ordered to continue to Alexandria. Shorty afterwards a heavy bombing attack was made on HMAS Sydney but without success. Realising the possible danger of submarine attack, Captain Collins, ordered HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex to join him. At 1540 hours, HMS Havock was sighted and HMAS Sydney took station one nautical mile astern of her.

Meanwhile HMS Hyperion and HMS Ilex were proceeding towards Alexandria being unable to make rendez-vous. When the report of HMS Havock was received stating that she was damaged in an air attack, Commander Nicholson turned back and at 1840 hours they made rendez-vous with the Sydney and Havock. One more air attack was made between 1845 and 1848 hours but no damage was done.

At 2100 hours, HMAS Sydney parted company to join the 7th Cruiser Squadron. The destroyers continued on towards Alexandria where they arrived at 0845C/20.

Fleet movements 19-20 July 1940.

Acting on the possibility that other enemy forces might be at sea, the Commander-in-Chief, immediately after he received information that enemy ships had been sighted off Cape Spada, took the following measures;
Air reconnaissance by flying boats of 201 Group was to be sent out to search for the Bande Nere.
The movements of Convoy Aegean North 2 were postponed and the ships which had sailed from Port Said were ordered to return.
An oiler convoy from Alexandria to Port Said was ordered to proceed unescorted.
The Fleet was ordered to proceed to sea.

At 0915C/19, HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) with HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) put to sea to sweep to the north-westward.

At 1100C/19, HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) with a destroyer screen (these appeared to have been HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, RAN)) sailed for a sweep in the same direction.

At 1230C/19, HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) and a destroyer screen (seems to be made up of HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMS Hereward, HMS Imperial, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN)) sailed for a sweep to the westward.

From the Sydney’s last enemy report at 1016C/19, indicating that the Bande Nere was steaming south-westwards at high speed it was evident that she could reach Tobruk without being intercepted if she was making for that port. HMS Eagle was therefore ordered to prepare a striking force to attack Tobruk harbour and 201 Group was requested to make a dusk reconnaissance. HMS Liverpool was detached to join HMAS Sydney as additional escort for the damaged HMS Havock. HMS Liverpool joined HMAS Sydney at 0500C/20.

As there was no further information of the Bande Nere during the afternoon, the Commander-in-Chief decided that at 2100 hours all forces should return to Alexandria. The aircraft from HMS Warspite which was catapulted at 1700C/19 to make a search of the Tobruk area made a forced lading to the eastward of that port. The destroyer HMS Jervis was detached to search the area for the missing aircraft but failed to find it. Search for the aircraft continued on the 20th by aircraft from 201 Group but again they failed to find the missing aircraft. An Italian report on 25 July 1940 stated that the crew had been rescued.

Aircraft of No. 55 and 211 Squadrons carried out bombing attacks on shipping in Tobruk harbour and claimed several hits. At 0240C/20 six aircraft from No. 844 Squadron FAA from HMS Eagle made a successful moonlight torpedo attack on shipping at Tobruk, encountering heavy barrage fire from all sides of the harbour, which damaged three aircraft, seriously wounded one observer and slightly wounded a pilot. Hits were claimed on three ships, and a sheet of flame from an oiler indicated that she was carrying petrol. During this attack the Italian destroyers Nembo and Ostro were sunk as was the merchant vessel Sereno (2333 GRT, built 1918).

The Fleet returned to Alexandria on the morning of the 20th where all ships cheered HMAS Sydney and the destroyers when they entered harbour. The total number of Italian prisoners disembarked was 545 officers and men from a complement of the Bartolomeo Colleoni of about 630 officers and men. The Bande Nere eventually returned to Tripoli and was reported there on 26 July. (40)

21 Jul 1940

Convoy operations AN 2 and AS 2

Convoys to and from the Aegean.

On 21 July 1940 six merchant vessels departed Port Said and two departed Alexandria. The next day they merged into convoy AN 2 at sea. [we currently do not know the names of these merchant vessels.] The six merchant ships coming from Port Said had been escorted by the destroyers HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN). The two merchant ships coming from Alexandria were escorted by the light cruisers HMS Liverpool (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) (she departed Alexandria shortly after midnight, 0030C/22), HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN). After the rendez-vous the convoy proceeded northwards to the Aegean. While in the Aegean the ships were to disperse and proceed independently towards their destinations covered by the escorting warships.

Distant cover for this convoy was provided by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN). This force departed Alexandria at 0400C/23 and returned in the afternoon of the 26th.

A diversion was also created by having the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) appear of Castellorizio island on 23 July 1940. They had sailed from Alexandria at 0001C/24. HMS Orion then proceeded to Haifa while the destroyers proceeded to Port Said.

The escorting warships from convoy AN 2 were then to escort a convoy coming from the Aegean (AS 2) southwards. This convoy was formed off the Dardanelles on 27 July 1940 and was escorted in the Aegean by HMS Capetown, HMAS Stuart and HMS Defender. The next day the convoy was joined by HMS Liverpool, HMS Dainty and HMS Diamond and passed through the Kaso Strait.

Distant cover for this convoy was provided by the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ramillies, aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), light cruisers HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Hyperion, HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hereward, HMS Ilex, HMS Imperial and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) which departed Alexandria at 0330C/27.

Again a diversion was created by having the light cruiser HMS Orion escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire and HMAS Vendetta appear of Castellorizio island but this time the ocean boarding vessels HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) were added to the force so that it appeared that troops were going to be landed on the island in the evening of the 27th. The destroyers and the ocean boarding vessels departed at 0700C/27 and then made rendez-vous with HMS Orion which came from Haifa.

HMS Warspite escorted by HMS Hyperion, HMS Ilex and HMS Imperial returned to Alexandria at 2000C/29. In the approaches to Alexandria the destroyer screen was reinforced by the destroyers HMS Hostile (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN).

HMS Capetown, HMS Dainty and HMS Diamond which went with the convoy to Port Said where they arrived on 31 July 1940. The following merchant ships made up the convoy; British cargo ships Bantria (2407 GRT, built 1928) and Sardinian Price (3491 GRT, built 1922), Norwegian cargo ship Bruse Jarl (1890 GRT, built 1923) and the Greek cargo ship Perseus (5178 GRT, built 1918).

During this operation the cruisers HMS Neptune and HMAS Sydney made a anti-shipping raid in the Gulf of Athens sinking the small Greek tanker Ermioni (436 GRT, built 1902) which was transporting fuel for the Italians in the Dodecanese. They had separated from the fleet to intercept this ship on the 27th.

During 27 to 29 July 1940 the Allied ships were attacked several times by the Italian air force but no hits were obtained except a dud bomb hit on HMS Liverpool on the 29th causing one crewmember to be killed and two to be wounded.

HMS Malaya, HMS Ramillies, HMS Eagle, HMS Liverpool, HMS Jervis, HMAS Stuart, HMS Defender, HMS Hereward, Hero, HMS Juno, HMS Mohawk and HMS Nubian arrived at Alexandria P.M. on 30 July. (37)

25 Jul 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Port Said from operations. (41)

26 Jul 1940

Operation MD 5.

The object of this operation was to create a diversion by simulating a landing attempt on Castellorizio island.

Around 0945C/26, the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the armed boarding vessels HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) departed Port Said.

Around 2015C/26, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) departed Haifa.

Rendezvous was effected at 0700C/27 and the force proceeded towards the vicinity of Castellorizio island.

In the evening they approached Castellorizio island up to about 8 miles. The armed boarding vessels represented troop transports.

HMS Orion arrived at Alexandria around 1915C/28.

HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta, HMS Chakla and HMS Fiona arrived at Port Said around 0700C/29. (42)

29 Jul 1940
Around 1100C/29, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Port Said for Alexandria where they arrived around 1900C/29. They had carried out an A/S sweep en-route. (41)

31 Jul 1940

Operation Hurry

Transfer of twelve Hurricane fighters and two Skua aircraft to Malta, air attack on Cagliari, minelaying in Cagliari Bay by Force H and diversion in the Eastern Mediterranean by the Mediterranean Fleet.

Operations of Force H.

Around 0800A/31, Force H, consisting of the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), battleships HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Argus (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN), light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN), HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C.A. Annesley, DSO, RN) and escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN), HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H Layman, DSO, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN) sailed from Gibraltar.

Passage eastward was uneventful until at 1749A/1 when eight Italian aircraft were seen coming in to attack in position 37°34'N, 04°10'E. The aircraft turned away before they reached a favourable attack position. A few minutes later a second wave of nine aircraft was seen coming in but this attack was also not pressed home with determination and no hits were obtained. Some 80 bombs in all were dropped and only a few near misses were obtained on HMS Ark Royal and HMS Forester.

At 2045A/1 the attack force for Cagliari was detached. This force was made up of HMS Hood, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Enterprise, HMS Faulknor, HMS Foresight, HMS Forester and HMS Foxhound. They proceeded at 20 knots towards position 38.30’N, 07.00’E where the striking force from HMS Ark Royal was to be flown off.

The remaining ships of Force H also proceeded eastwards to fly off the aircraft for Malta from HMS Argus at dawn. The position where the aircraft were to be launched depended on the latest weather reports coming in from Malta.

At 2130A/1, HMS Enterprise, was detached by the attack force to create a diversion and intercept a Vichy-French ship en-route from Algiers to Marseilles.

At 0200A/2, HMS Ark Royal and the destroyers proceeded ahead and aircraft were launched at 0230 hours. Twelve aircraft were launched, nine carried bombs and three carried mines. One of the aircraft crashed on taking off. Due to a misunderstanding the crew was not picked up and was lost.

In the air attacks direct hits were reported four hangars, two of which were reported to burn fiercely. At least four aircraft which were parked in the open were reported to have been destroyed in addition to those in the hangars. Many aerodrome buildings were destroyed or damaged. Three mines were laid inside Cagliari harbour. One Swordfish aircraft made a forced landing on an Italian airfield and the crew was made prisoner of war.

After flying of the air striking force the group of which HMS Ark Royal was part turned to the southward to rejoin the other ships of Force H which had in the meantime also proceeded eastwards and adjusted speed to be in position 37.40’N, 07.20’E at 0445A/2. Two flights of one Skua and six Hurricane’s each were launched from HMS Argus at 0515A/2 and 0600A/2. The two groups of ships from Force H sighted each other at 0520A/2 and then made rendez-vous which was affected at 0815A/2. All aircraft launched by HMS Argus reached Malta but one of the Hurricane’s crashed on lading.

At 0930A/3, HMS Arethusa, was detached to search for the Vichy French ship HMS Enterprise was also searching for. They both failed to intercept this ship. HMS Enterprise was to the north of Minorca and was in supporting distance from Force H and was therefore ordered to proceed to Gibraltar passing west of the Baleares. HMS Arethusa rejoined force H before dark on the 3rd.

HMS Ark Royal, escorted by HMS Hotspur, HMS Encounter and HMS Escapade, were detached as to arrive at Gibraltar before dark on the 3rd. The remainder of Force H arrived at Gibraltar around dawn on the 4th.

Diversions by the Mediterranean Fleet in the eastern Mediterranean. Operation MA 9.

Around 0600C/31, light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and ORP Garland (Kpt. mar. (Lt.Cdr.) A. Doroszkowski) departed Alexandria for an anti-shipping raid / contraband control in the Gulf of Athens area. They were to pass through the Kaso Strait and arrived off the Doro Channel at dawn on 1 August. They then exercises contraband control during the day in the Gulf of Athens area retiring to the westward between Cape Malea and Agria Grabusa at dusk. After dark they returned to the Aegean to exercise contraband control on 2 August. They returned to Alexandria in the evening of 2 August 1940.

A cover force went to sea around 1420 hours, this force was made up of the battleships HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Hostile (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN). They carried out exercises and then proceeded westwards towards Gavdos Island to the south of Crete. Due to engine problems in HMS Malaya the cover force returned to Alexandria late on the the morning of August 1st. (43)

3 Aug 1940
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. -Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) all conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (37)

4 Aug 1940
Around 1700C/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Alexandria escorting the transports Doryssa (British, 8078 GRT, built 1938) and Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935).

Around 1100C/5, the transports were detached off the searched channel to Port Said. HMAS Vendetta continued on to Haifa where she arrived aroud 1930C/5. (38)

7 Aug 1940
Around 2000C/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Haifa for Famagusta, Cyprus. (38)

8 Aug 1940
Around 0630C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Famagusta from Haifa. (38)

10 Aug 1940
Around 1735C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Famagusta for Port Said. She was escorting the merchant vessels Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Fouadieh (Egyptian, 1738 GRT, built 1923), Kirkland (British, 1361 GRT, built 1934), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920) and Zeeland (British, 2726 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy arrived off the entrance to the swept channel to Port Said around 0750C/12. The merchant vessels then entered the swept channel and proceeded to Port Said while HMAS Vendetta conducted an A/S patrol in the area until she was joined around 1105C/12 by the tanker Ormer (British, 1357 GRT, built 1915).

They arrived at Alexandria around 1030C/13.

(38)

16 Aug 1940

Operation MB 2.

Around 1030C/16, the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hostile (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN). They carried out a bombardment of Italian positions around the fortress of Bardia on the 17th. They all returned to Alexandria later on the 17th. (37)

22 Aug 1940
From 22 to 25 August 1940, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) cleaned boilers at Alexandria. (44)

28 Aug 1940
The aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). (45)

29 Aug 1940

Operation Hats.

Passage of reinforcements for the Mediterranean Fleet from Gibraltar to Alexandria, subsequent operations by the fleet as well as the passage of convoys MF 2 from Alexandria to Malta and AS 3 from Piraeus to Port Said.

29 August 1940.

At 2045C/29, convoy MF 2, made up of the transports Cornwall (10603 GRT, built 1920), Volo (1587 GRT, built 1938) and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917) departed Alexandria for Malta. These ships were escorted by the destroyers (‘Force J’) HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN).

30 August 1940.

At 0445C/30, the main battlefleet (‘Force I’) departed Alexandria and was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN). Escort was provided by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN) and ORP Garland (Kpt. mar. (Lt.Cdr.) A. Doroszkowski).

Shortly afterwards the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and the destroyers Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) also departed Alexandria. These ships were also part of ‘Force I’.

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From Gibraltar the following forces went to sea, they departed around 0845A/30.

’Force B’ which was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN). Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN).

At the same time ‘Force F’ departed, this force was the reinforcement for the Mediterranean Fleet and was made up of the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), light (AA) cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H Layman, DSO, RN).

A third ‘force’, called ‘Force W’ also departed at the same time, it was made up of the destroyers HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN). These destroyers were to split off from the other forces off the Baliaric Islands and proceed northwards and transmit false messages deceiving the Italians into thinking that ‘Force H’ from Gibraltar was proceeding towards the Genoa area.

31 August 1940.

During the day HMS Eagle flew off A/S and fighter patrols.

At 0845C/31, HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool, HMS Gloucester and their escort of HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty and HMS Ilex were sighted by enemy aircraft. They made rendez-vous with the bulk of the Mediterranean Fleet later the same day which was then also sighted by enemy aircraft.

Shortly after noon convoy MF 2 was bombed by enemy aircraft in position 35°14’N, 23°11’E.

At 1420C/31, two Gladiators were flown off by HMS Eagle. When these returned at 1530C/31 they reported that they had shot down an Italian aircraft but another shadowing aircraft was heard to be making reports.

At 1554C/31, HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool and HMS Gloucester were detached to give AA protection to the convoy. They were ordered to rejoin the fleet at 2000C/31.

At 1635C/31 an aircraft reported that the transport Cornwall had been hit aft by a bomb and that she was on fire. It was also reported that the fire was under control and that Cornwall was still proceeding with the convoy.

At 1815C/31 HMS Decoy was detached to join the three cruisers.

Also at 1815C/31, an aircraft from HMS Eagle reported sighting an enemy force of two battleship, seven cruisers and eight destroyers in position 37°18’N, 18°52’E. Which was about 140 nautical miles from Warspite at that moment. This position was later corrected to 37°02’N, 19°04’E. It was therefore decided to remain close to the convoy during the night.

At 1930C/31, the three cruisers were sighted and between 1950C/31 and 2020C/31 all aircraft returned to HMS Eagle.

At 2057C/31, HMS Jervis reported that at 2015C/31 the convoy was in position 35°24’N, 21°50’E, course 260°, speed 9.5 knots. It was also reported that Cornwall her steering gear had been wrecked and that she was steering on her main engines.

Later that evening more sighting reports of enemy warships were received coming from two submarines.

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At 0815C/31, HMS Ark Royal launched six search aircraft. Fighter patrol was also maintained overhead

At 1240C/31, a section of Skua’s on fighter patrol were ordered to intercept an Italian shadower that had been detected by RD/F. They managed to intercept the enemy at 1248C/31 and shoot it down in flames.

At 1630C/31, another Italian shadower was shot down by the fighter patrol.

At 2150C/31, in position 39°30’N, 04°01’E, ‘Force W’ comprising HMS Velox and HMS Wishart, was detached for the W/T diversion. They were to proceed to the north-east and during the passage they were to transmit a series of messages by W/T in approximate position 41°00’N, 04°30’E. This part of the operation was called ‘Operation Squawk’.

1 September 1940.

At 0630C/1, HMS Eagle launched nine aircraft to conduct a search between 310° and 140° to a depth of 100 miles. These aircraft sighted nothing.

At 1035C/1, four more aircraft were flown off to search between 180° and 210° to a depth of 60 miles.

At noon ‘Force I’, the main battlefleet, was in position 34°48’N, 18°59’E.

At 1300C/1, HMS Eagle flew off four more aircraft to search between 235° and 315° to a depth of 60 miles. This search was maintained for the remainder of the day. Aircraft being flown off at 1545C/1 and 1745C/1. The last patrol returned at 2015C/1. No enemy forces had been sighted.

At 1330C/1 an, enemy reconnaissance aircraft was sighted over the fleet.

At 1400C/1, HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney were detached to make rendez-vous in position 34°42’N, 16°20’E with the destroyer HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) which had been refitting and rearming at Malta and had recently recommissioned for service. They were then to make rendezvous with ‘Force J’. The convoy was sighted at 1530C/1.

A flying boat operating from Malta reported enemy warships, a force made up of two battleships, ten cruisers and a large number of destroyers was sighted in position 38°52’N, 18°16’E at 1600C/1. They were steering towards Taranto. These forces were shadowed until 1857C/1 when it was absolutely clear that the enemy was returning to their bases.

During the night the fleet would remain near the convoy with the cruiser force to the north and the battleforce to the south of the convoy.

Plumleaf and Volo, escorted by HMS Dainty and HMS Diamond were ordered to proceed to Malta at maximum speed while HMS Jervis and HMS Juno remained behind with the damaged Cornwall.

From the main battleforce HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Vampire and HMS Defender were detached to Malta at 2000C/1 where they were to refuel.

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Meanwhile in the western Mediterranean at 0325C/1 a strike force was launched by HMS Ark Royal, 155 miles, 264° from Cagliari to raid Elmas aerodrome. After flying off the fleet altered course to the flying on position which was 120 miles, 226° from Cagliari.

The striking force consisted of nine Swordfish each armed with four 250lb G.P. bombs and 8 250lb incendiary bombs. Parachute flares were also carried by each plane. Weather conditions were good.

At 0600C/1, the aircraft attacked the aerodrome after establishing its position by dropping flares. Bombs were released from 3000 feet and hits were observed on the barracks, aerodrome buildings and aircraft dispersed round the aerodrome. Several fires were seen to start.

All aircraft returned safely, landing on around 0800C/1. On the way back they had attacked an enemy submarine with machine gun fire in position 38°20’N, 07°20’E. The submarine fired a yellow flare and then dived. HMS Greyhound and HMS Hotspur were then detached to hunt the submarine but they did not made contact with the enemy. The submarine involved was the Italian Diaspro. She was first machine gunned and reported the attacking aircraft as a Sunderland (sic). She then dived. Five explosions were then heard of which one was close enough to shake the submarine.

After landing on the striking force course was altered to the south-westward to give the Italians the impression that having bombed Cagliari the force had achieved its object and was withdrawing. But as there apparently there were no Italian aircraft shadowing the force at this moment this seems to have failed.

At 1030C/1, course was altered to 080°. From this time onwards fighter patrols, each of six aircraft, were maintained over the force throughout the day.

At 1630C/1, HMS Illustrious flew off seven aircraft to conduct a search to the eastward until maximum range.

At 1730C/1, RD/F reported an aircraft approaching the force from ahead. Intercepted Italian reports indicted that the force was being shadowed. Both carriers then vectored fighters. They did not sight enemy aircraft but a section of Fulmars from HMS Illustrious attacked a British Hudson in error.

At 2200C/1, when in position 38°06’N, 10°51’E, HMS Valiant, HMS Illustrious, HMS Coventry, HMS Calcutta, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Janus, HMS Hero, HMS Gallant, HMS Griffin, HMS Greyhound and HMS Hotspur parted company and proceeded to the south-eastward.

The remainder of the ships proceeded to the northwards for 15 minutes and then altered course to the west and increased speed to 24 knots to reach a suitable spot for a second air strike on Cagliari.

2 September 1940.

At 0700C/2, A/S patrols were flown off by HMS Eagle and the mean line of advance was changed to 320° for the rendez-vous position with ‘Force F’. At 0800C/2 the fleet was in position 35°25’N, 13°48’E.

At 0900C/2, HMS Valiant and HMS Illustrious were sighted right ahead. With them were HMS Orion, HMAS Sydney, HMS Wryneck, HMS Gallant, HMS Greyhound, HMS Griffin and HMS Hotspur. HMS Coventry, HMS Calcutta, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Janus and HMS Juno had been detached to Malta to refuel.

At 0930C/2, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Vendetta rejoined from Malta and HMS Hereward and HMS Ilex were now detached to refuel at Malta.

At 0940C/2, when the fleet was in position 35°40’N, 13°43’E, and steaming on a course of 140°, the fleet was formed as follows; HMS Warspite, HMS Illustrious, HMS Malaya, HMS Eagle, HMS Valiant. HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney were stationed 12 cables 20° on either bow. The destroyers were in Sreening Diagram No. 6A.

A standing patrol of four Fulmars from HMS Illustrious was maintained over the fleet at 12000 feet. A/S patrols were provided by Illustrious and Eagle if required.

At 1010C/2, HMS Valiant was detached to Malta with an escort of the destroyers HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty, HMS Decoy and HMS Wryneck.

At 0930C/2 an enemy aircraft reported three cruisers and at 1030C/2, Rear-Admiral Cruiser Squadron 3 with HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool and HMS Gloucester, reported that they were being shadowed in position 35°29’N, 14°40’E. Three Fulmars for A/S protection were then flown off.

At 1050C/2, an enemy aircraft was heard to report a large naval force. An Italian reconnaissance aircraft was shot down shortly afterwards and nothing more was heard from this aircraft after this.

At 1130C/2, the Vice-Admiral Malta reported that the convoy had arrived there safely.

At noon the fleet was in position 35°29’N, 14°25’E steering 100°. The fleet remained about 35 nautical miles south of Malta during the afternoon.

At 1425C/2, HMS Janus was detached to Malta with correspondence and to refuel.

At 1504C/2, HMS Coventry, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk, joined the fleet.

At 1600C/2, the fleet was in position 35°14’N, 14°21’E. At this time a bombing attack took place. Eight bombs fell astern of HMS Eagle.

At 1645C/2, HMS Hereward and HMS Ilex rejoined the fleet.

At 1657C/2, HMS Malaya, HMS Eagle, HMS Coventry, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Dainty, HMS Diamond, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta (‘Force E’) and HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool, HMS Gloucester, HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk (‘Force A’) were detached.

At 1730C/2, HMS Gallant and HMS Ilex reported a submarine contact and attacked with depth charges. The fleet made an emergency alteration of course.

At 1856C/2, HMAS Voyager was detached to Malta and at 1900C/2 HMS Calcutta, HMS Hasty, HMS Hero, HMS Decoy and HMS Wryneck rejoined.

Between 1900C/2 and 1910C/2, two bombing attacks were made on the fleet. During these attacks several Italian aircraft were shot down.

At 1945C/2, when in position 35°20’N, 14°07’E, the fleet altered course to 040° to close the Malta swept channel as HMS Valiant was expected to rejoin the fleet at this time. Valiant was , however, delayed until 2030C/2 owing to an air raid on Malta and course was altered to 140° at 15 knots at 2100C/2 in position 35°38’N, 14°26’E. In the meantime the last aircraft had returned at 2045C/2.

At 2200C/2, HMS Gallant, HMS Greyhound, HMS Griffin, HMS Hotspur and ORP Garland detached to Malta to refuel and then they were to proceed to Gibraltar.

At 2330C/2, HMS Valiant, screened by HMAS Stuart, HMS Hyperion, HMS Imperial and HMS Janus, was 10 nautical miles 270° from HMS Warspite. Course was altered to 090° and speed was increased to 18 knots at this time.

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At 0350C/2, HMS Ark Royal, launched a striking force of nine Swordfish aircraft armed with 4 250 lb. G.P. bombs and 20 lb. Cooper of 25 lb. incendiary bombs, in addition to parachute flares. Weather conditions were however not very good.

On reaching the vicinity of their objectives, the aerodrome and the power station, the aircraft encountered a layer of cloud at 5000 feet and another layer at 4000 feet. The valleys appeared to be filled with mist or fog and low clouds. Parachute flares were dropped at intervals for a period of about 45 minutes in the hope of identifying the targets, but without success.

Four aircraft then attacked searchlights, putting one of them out of action. Two attacked, what was thought to be, a flare path which turned out to be a field two miles to the north-west of the aerodrome, The three remaining aircraft jettisoned their bombs into the sea.

During the attack the aircraft encountered heavy AA barrage fire. This fire was continued until the aircraft were over 17 miles from the aerodrome. It was apparent that the AA defence had been increased since the last attack. Searchlights were few and ineffective and appeared to have no form of control.

By 0800C/2 all aircraft had returned and the fleet was in position 37°48’N, 06°11’E and the fleet proceeded at 26 knots to the westward to get out of range of the expected enemy air attack. These however did not develop as apparently the fleet was not shadowed by the enemy.

3 September 1940.

At 0130C/3, HMS Valiant took station astern of the line and HMAS Stuart, HMS Hyperion, HMS Imperial and HMS Janus joined the screen.

At 0640C/3, A/S patrols were flown off, two aircraft were searching up to a depth of 60 nautical miles.

At 0700C/3, HMS Defender rejoined. She had been delayed at Malta with a defective Asdic dome and had been docked there. Repairs however could not be made as there were no spare parts available at Malta.

At 0800C/3, the Commander-in-Chief, with ‘Force I’ was in position 35°27’N, 19°10’E, steering for the Kithera Channel and ‘Force A’ was in position 35°16’N, 20°58’E steering for the south of Crete. HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool, HMS Gloucester, HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk had been detached at dawn and were proceeding direct to make rendez-vous with convoy AS 3 in position 37°10’N, 23°15’E (off the Gulf of Athens) at 1800/3.

Convoy AS 3 was made up of the following merchant vessels Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT , built 1922), Destro (British, 3553 GRT , built 1920), Ann Stathatos (Greek, 5685 GRT , built 1918) and Hydroussa (Greek, 2038 GRT , built 1922).

At 2200C/3, HMAS Stuart stopped with a burst steam pipe and was instructed to join convoy AS 3 after repairs.

At 2230C/3, HMS Ilex and HMS Decoy were detached for a dawn bombardment of Scarpanto.

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Meanwhile in the western Mediterranean nothing of further interest occured with the fleet and ' Force H ' arrived at Gibraltar around 1100A/3.

At 1645C/3, HMS Gallant, HMS Griffin, HMS Greyhound, HMS Hotspur and ORP Garland departed Malta for Gibraltar. They first made an A/S sweep to the south and west of Malta before continuing on their passage.

4 September 1940.

At 0345C/4, in position 35°44’N, 25°56’E, eight Swordfish aircraft were flow off from HMS Illustrious to attack Calatos aerodrome (Rhodes). Twelve aircraft were initially intended to carry out this attack but due to a crash on deck the remainder could not be launched. Twelve aircraft were flown off by HMS Eagle to attack Maritsa aerodrome (also on Rhodes).

At 0400C/4, HMS Calcutta parted company to join convoy AS 3.

At 0505C/4, HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney were in position 35°09’N, 26°55’E. HMAS Sydney then proceeded to bombard Makryalo aerodrome and HMS Orion to bombard Pegadia Bay.

At 0625C/4, a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Illustrious crashed while taking off, two of the crew were rescued by HMS Imperial but the observer did not survive the crash.

Between 0730C/4 and 0740C/4 the striking forces returned to HMS Illustrious and HMS Eagle. The aircraft from Illustrious reported that at 0555C/4 two of them had attacked barracks and ammunition dumps at south-east of Callato. The other six Swordfish attacked Callato and a number of aircraft parked on the north edge of the field were probably destroyed. The aircraft from Eagle reported two main hangers hit at Maritsa as well as a petrol dump, barrack blocks and workshops set on fire. The aircraft from Eagle encountered fighters and our of them failed to return.

At 0800C/4, the Commander-in-Chief with his force was in position 35°00’N, 26°54’E, steering 150°. At 0820C/4, large volumes of smoke were seen over the horizon in the direction of Rhodes.

At 1055C/4, HMS Orion, HMAS Sydney, HMS Ilex and HMS Decoy rejoined. Orion reported that no military targets could be identified at Pegadia and what might have been the military barracks had a considerable village behind it. She had fired only a few rounds. Sydney reported that the eastern part of the landing ground at Makriyalo was plasetered. Only one small building was seen and it was destroyed. Two Motor Torpedo Boats which came out were engaged by Ilex and were reported sunk. Sydney’s aircraft reported that three more were present and that two retired and the third one was damaged.

Between 1110C/4 and 1158C/4, three bombing attacks were made on the fleet. Three aircraft dropped six bombs just astern of HMS Warspite. Another aircraft dropped a stick of six bombs near the destroyer screen. Another aircraft dropped a stick of bombs near HMS Ilex.

At 1145C/4, an A/S patrol aircraft dropped a bomb on a suspected submarine some two nautical miles from Warspite. HMS Imperial obtained a faint contact and attacked but without result.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief, in HMS Warspite was with HMS Valiant, HMS Illustrious, HMS Hyperion, HMS Hero, HMS Hasty, HMS Hereward, HMS Imperial, HMS Janus and HMS Defender in position 34°42’N, 27°35’E.
HMS Malaya, HMS Eagle, HMS Juno, HMS Dainty, HMS Diamond, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta and HMS Wryneck were 40 nautical miles to the southward proceeding independently to Alexandria where they arrived at 2100C/4 on this day.

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Meanwhile in the western Mediterreanean, between 1225 and 1430C/4, HMS Gallant, HMS Griffin, HMS Greyhound, HMS Hotspur and ORP Garland were attacked by high level bombers without result.Garland had leaks in two boilers was towed from 1715C/4 to 1845C/4 by Griffin until she was able to proceed after repairs on one boiler.

5 September 1940.

At 0610C/5, HMS Hereward investigated a contact and the fleet made an emergency turn. Shortly afterwards, at 0700C/5, the swept channel was reached and the fleet entered Alexandria harbour without further incident.

HMS Kent, HMS Liverpool, HMS Gloucester were ordered to remain with convoy AS 3 until after dark and then to proceed to Alexandria where they arrived early the next day.

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HMS Gallant, HMS Griffin, HMS Greyhound, HMS Hotspur and ORP Garland arrived at Gibraltar at 2020A/5.

6 September 1940.

HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk remained with convoy AS 3 until relieved at 0600C/6 by HMS Hereward and HMS Imperial. They arrived at Alexandria in the afternoon.

Already before noon HMS Coventry, HMS Calcutta and HMAS Stuart had arrived at Alexandria.

Convoy AS 3, now escorted by HMS Hereward and HMS Imperial arrived at Port Said in the afternoon as well. (46)

4 Sep 1940
In the evening, HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria from operations.

10 Sep 1940
During 10/11 September 1940, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). (47)

12 Sep 1940
Around 1725C/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria escorting the tankers British Hope (British, 6951 GRT, built 1928) and the British Pride (British, 7106 GRT, built 1931) to Haifa where they arrived around 0715C/14. HMAS Vendetta then detached the tankers off the entrance to the searched channel and the set course for Port Said where she arrived around 1630C/12.

She then joined the transports Star of Cairo (Egyptian, 4555 GRT, built 1924) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928) to escort them to Alexandria where they arrived around 1640C/15. The transports then entered the searched channel while HMAS Vendetta remained out on A/S patrol. She only returned to harbour around 0800C/16. (48)

15 Sep 1940

Operation MBD 1.

Attack on Benghazi during the night of 17/18 September 1940.

15 September 1940.

Around 1500 hours, HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN),HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for operations.

These warships were divided into two forces;
‘Force A’ was made up of HMS Illustrious, HMS Orion, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Hasty and HMS Hero.

’Force B’ was made up of HMS Valiant escorted by HMS Hyperion, HMS Decoy and HMAS Waterhen.

16 September 1940.

’Force C’, made up of HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), and coming from operations in the Aegean, made rendez-vous at 1430 hours to the west of Crete.

After dark ‘Force B’ parted company and proceeded to a cover position to the eastward.

The other two forces proceeded as to proceed through position 33°45’N, 20°00’E at 2100 hours in order to deliver a moonlight aircraft attack on Benghazi and then to return to Alexandria.

Shortly before midnight, HMS Illustrious, commenced launching nine Swordfish from No. 815 Squadron armed with bombs and torpedoes to attack shipping in Benghazi harbour and six Swordfish from No. 819 Squadron armed with mines to be laid off Benghazi harbour.

17 September 1940.

The aircraft attacked the harbour and laid their mines. During the attack on the harbour itself the merchants Gloriastella (5490 GRT, built 1922) and Maria Eugenia (4702 GRT, built 1928) as well as the destroyer Borea were sunk. Several other vessels were damaged.

When the destroyers Turbine and Aquilone later on the day left the harbour to proceed to Tripoli, Aquilone was mined and sunk.

A little over four hours after they had been launched all aircraft had returned safely to HMS Illustrious.

Also on the 17th, around 0215C/17, the destroyers HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) departed Alexandria to bombard Sidi Barrani which they did for 25 minutes commencing around 2300C/17.

Towards nightfall, HMS Kent, escorted by HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk, were detached to carry out a bombardment of Bardia after 0001/18 and keeping outside the 100 fathom line.

Shortly before midnight however, HMS Kent was hit aft by a torpedo from an Italian aircraft and badly damaged. She was taken in tow by HMS Nubian.

18 September 1940.

HMS Orion, HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Juno and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) went to the assistance of HMS Kent while HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk were still with her.

The other ships, HMS Valiant, HMS Illustrious, HMS Liverpool, HMS Gloucester, HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty, HMS Hero, HMS Decoy and HMAS Waterhen remained in the area to provide cover but were detached to Alexandria at nightfall. They arrived at Alexandria around 0930/19.

19 September 1940.

HMS Kent had by now also been joined by HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and the tug HMS St. Issey.

The damaged cruiser arrived in Alexandria harbour shortly after noon this day. (49)

19 Sep 1940
Around 0415C/19, the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) , netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and tug HMS St. Issey departed Alexandria to go to the assistance of the damaged heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN).

[For more info on this see the event ' Operation MBD 1 ' for 15 September 1940.] (50)

21 Sep 1940
The aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). (51)

26 Sep 1940
The destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with the submarine HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN).

On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta returned to harbour. HMAS Waterhen departed for Port Said and Haifa escorting a local convoy [No further details available, though this might have been the merchant vessels Duffield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938) and Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919)]. HMS Proteus proceeded on patrol.

[Another source, ADM 199/387, states that HMAS Waterhen was to relieve HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), escorting convoy LW 17. (No further details known on this convoy)]. (52)

29 Sep 1940

Operation MB 5.

Transport of troops to Malta.

29 September 1940.

Shortly after midnight the Mediterranean fleet was clear of Alexandria harbour. For this sortie the fleet was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN). Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMAS Stuart (Lt. N.J.M. Teacher, RN).

Shortly after the fleet the light cruisers HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) also departed Alexandria. They had on board a total of about 1200 soldiers for Malta. They were to make rendez-vous with the fleet before daylight.

At 0730 hours, HMS Jervis investigated a contact and at 0905 hours, HMS Imperial was detached to search a Turkish merchant for contraband.

At 1030 hours an enemy showing aircraft was detected and three Fulmars were flown off at 1037 hours to intercept. The shadowing aircraft was shot down. One of the Fulmar’s however had to force land in the sea. The crew was picked up by HMAS Stuart.

At noon the fleet was in position 32°52’N, 26°52’E.

At 1315 hours, HMAS Stuart reported having a burst steam pipe and she was ordered to return to Alexandria. En-route to Alexandria she encountered the Italian submarine Gondar at 2215 hours in position 31°35’N, 28°48’E. Gondar submerged and HMAS Stuart carried out several depth charge attacks forcing the Italians to surface. On surfacing she was attacked by a flying boat. The Italian submarine sank at 0925/30. Almost the entire crew was picked up, two Italians did not survive the sinking. HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) was sent from Alexandria to assist but the Italian submarine sank around the time she arrived on the scene.

At 1420 hours, a second shadowing enemy aircraft was shot down by the fighter cover.

At 1446 hours, a small formation of enemy aircraft was detected by RD/F and seven minutes later a formation of three enemy aircraft dropped about thirty bombs near HMS York. One enemy aircraft was shot down.

At 1510 hours, a second enemy air attack occurred. A formation of five aircraft dropped twenty to thirty bombs near HMS Warspite. Many splinters landed on board causing some damage to gun shields and also three minor casualties.

At 1641 hours, four torpedo bombers made an attack on HMS Illustrious but no torpedo tracks were seen by her. One track was spotted by HMS Liverpool though.

Two of the Fulmars from HMS Illustrious made forced landings in Crete. The crews and te aircraft were interned.

At 2400 hours the fleet was in position 34°08’N, 22°38’E.

30 September 1940.

There were no incidents during the night.

At 0700 hours, reconnaissance aircraft were flown off by Illustrious to search between 270° and 330° to a depth of 80 nautical miles. This search located nothing.

At 1030 hours, a second search was flown off to search between 260° and 330° to a depth of 120 nautical miles. At 1126 hours one of these aircraft reported an unknown number of enemy vessels.

At 1210 hours, the aircraft that made the sighting reported that the force she sighted was made up of three heavy cruisers, four light cruisers and seven destroyers. They were steering to the north-west in position 37°04’N, 18°25’E. At this time they bore 340°, 80 nautical miles from the fleet.

At 1225 hours, the fleet altered course to close the enemy. Relief reconnaissance aircraft and a striking force were made ready in Illustrious.

At 1230 hours, another reconnaissance aircraft reported having sighted enemy battleships and a large number of destroyers in position 37°45’N, 18°15’E, steering 325°, speed 22 knots which was at that moment 116 nautical miles bearing 340° from the fleet.

No striking force was launched as only a few aircraft were available due to the reconnaissance flights. Also to launch a small force for a daylight attack on the large enemy force of warships was suicide. They were held back for a dusk attack in case the enemy would proceed towards the fleet. They however did not do so and appeared to be returning to Taranto.

A relief shadower was launched to keep in contact with the enemy battlefleet which this aircraft did from 1445 to 1600 hours when it was recalled after an aircraft from Malta had also made contact with the enemy at 1545 hours. At 1812 hours the enemy was in position 38°28’N, 17°15’E and tey now appeared to be making for Messina.

At 1450 hours, HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool were detached to Malta. Also HMS York and HMS Mohawk were detached to positions 350°, 20 nautical miles and 340°, 40 nautical miles from the fleet respectively to aid in the return of the shadowing aircraft. After the return of these aircraft HMS Mohawk was ordered to proceed to Malta.

At 1910 hours, the fleet was in position 34°38’N, 17°42’E steering 310° and at 2359 hours the fleet was in position 38°24’N, 17°06’E steering now 040° since 2300 hours.

1 October 1940.

Again there were no incidents during the night. At 0300 hours, the fleet altered course to 090° to provide cover for the cruisers on their run towards Malta and their return to the fleet.

At 0001 hours, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Malta to join the fleet which she did at 1245 hours.

HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool departed Malta at 0230 hours. They rejoined the fleet at 1745 hours.

At 0700 and 1000 hours, air searches were flown off to search between 270° and 045° to maximum depth but these did not find the enemy.

At 1055 hours, an enemy aircraft was sighted. At 1115 hours a Fulmar show down a Cant. 506 plane which was probably this aircraft.

At noon the fleet was in position 35°45’N, 20°18’E.

At 1545 hours, HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined the fleet after having completed convoy duty.

At 1600 hours, the fleet was in position 35°43’N, 21°35’E steering 120°, speed 16 knots.

At sunset HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney were detached to carry out a sweep in the Gulf of Athens and then through the Doro Channel towards Tenedos.

At 2359 hours, the fleet was in position 34°23’N, 24°17’E steering 100° since 2300 hours.

2 October 1940.

At 0500 hours, HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN) which had been on convoy escort duties with HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) reported being in contact with an enemy submarine in position 33°26’N, 26°12’E. HMS Calcutta was detached to join these destroyers. At 0815 hours, Havock reported that the enemy submarine had surfaced, surrendered and scuttled at 0715 hours. The submarine had been surprised on the surface by the destroyer and was engaged with gunfire and when she dived with depth charges.

At 0700 hours, fighter patrols were flown off by HMS Illustrious and HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool were detached to carry out gunnery practices before returning to Alexandria.

At 0810 hours, the Fulmar fighter patrol sighted enemy aircraft and started a chase but they were unable to catch them.

Around 0925 hours the destroyers HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria to join the battlefleet which they did around 1415 hours.

HMS Calcutta, HMS Hasty and HMS Havock joined the fleet at noon in position 32°40’N, 28°05’E. Calcutta was however soon detached to proceed independently to Alexandria.

At 1430 hours, HMS Illustrious launched a striking force which then made a practice attack on the fleet.

At 1740 hours, shortly before arriving at Alexandria, HMS Warspite and HMS Valiant carried out gunnery exercises.

The fleet arrived at Alexandria around 2000 hours.

3 October 1940.

HMS Orion and HMAS Sydney also returned to Alexandria on completion of their sweep in the Aegean. They had also bombarded Stampalia at 2350/2 but the results were unobserved. (49)

2 Oct 1940
Around 0925C/2, the destroyers HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria to join the battlefleet as additional escorts. They joined around 1415C/2.

They returned with the battlefleet around 2000C/2. (53)

3 Oct 1940
Shortly after midnight the battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) departed Alexandria to exert a threat upon enemy Libyan convoys and cover Crete. Also some exercises were to be carried out. (49)

6 Oct 1940
Shortly after noon, HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) returned to Alexandria.

The light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) had already arrived at Alexandria very late on the 5th after being detached from the Force earlier on the 5th. (49)

8 Oct 1940

Operation MB 6.

Convoy MF 3 from Alexandria to Malta and MF 4 from Malta to Alexandria.

8 October 1940.

Around 0900B/8, the Mediterranean Fleet made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), heavy cruisers HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Hasty (Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN).

When the fleet was clear of the swept channel gunnery exercises were carried out. On completion of these exercises the fleet proceeded to the north-westward divided into several groups.

At 2000B/8, the merchant vessels Memnon (7506 GRT, built 1931), Lanarkshire (11275 GRT, built 1940), Clan Macaulay (10492 GRT, built 1936) and Clan Ferguson (7347 GRT, built 1938), which made up convoy MF 3 departed Alexandria for Malta. They were escorted by HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMAS Stuart ( Lt. R.C. Robison, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).

At midnight the main body of the fleet was in position 31°58’N, 27°33’E steering 350°.

9 October 1940.

At 0524B/9, in position 33°11’N, 27°20’E, HMS Nubian, obtained a contact. HMS Hyperion then reported that a torpedo was approaching HMS Malaya. An object, possibly a torpedo at the end of its run, was sighted moving slowly and emitting small columns of smoke.

At 0550B/9, A/S patrols were flown off. These were maintained throughout the day.

At 0800B/9, the main body of the fleet was in position 33°33’N, 26°47’E. At 1000B/8, HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), who had been delayed in sailing from Alexandria, joined the fleet. They had departed Alexandria shortly after midnight this day.

At noon the fleet was in position 33°51’N, 26°32’E, steering 280°.

At 1600B/9, the convoy was in position 34°18’N, 25°06’E making a good 13 knots. During the day three A/S contacts were made. One of the contacts warranted a depth charge attack by HMAS Vendetta.

At 2200B/9, the fleet altered course to 320°.

At midnight the fleet was in position 34°41’N, 23°23’E.

10 October 1940.

There were no incidents during the night and at 0400B/10 the fleet changed course to 300°.

At 0600B/10, aircraft were flown off the search between 270° and 340°.

At 1030B/10, a new air search was started between 240° and 340°, also a course change was made to close the convoy.

The first air search located a submarine on the surface in position 36°31’N, 20°20’E. Two aircraft were sent out to attack this submarine. Both depth charges that were dropped failed to explode. Other aircraft were then sent but the submarine was not found as she must have submerged. Two A/S contacts were made by the destroyer screen during the forenoon.

At 1330B/10, the fleet was in position 35°36’N, 20°42’E, steering 270°. The convoy was at this time 22 nautical miles astern of the fleet.

At 1400B/10, a final air search was launched.

At 1432B/10, one of the search aircraft reported an enemy submarine submerging 20 nautical miles ahead of the fleet. HMS Jervis, HMS Juno and HMS Ilex were sent ahead to hunt this submarine but with no result. Later a report was received that the aircraft had straddled the submarine with four bombs.

At 1600B/10, HMAS Vampire, the port wing destroyer in the screen, obtained a contact and made four depth charge attacks on it. She rejoined the screen at 1745B/10.

Late in the afternoon HMS Ramillies, HMS Nubian, HMS Hero and HMS Hereward were detached to fuel at Malta as were HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty and HMS Ilex shortly afterwards. Also late in the afternoon the cruisers HMS York, HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool were detached to join the convoy.

At 1825B/10, HMS Defender attacked a suspected A/S contact with depth charges.

At 2000B/10, the main body of the fleet was in position 35°52’N, 18°55’E, course 300° which was changed to 270 at 2200B/10.

11 October 1940.

Again there were no incidents during the night.

At 0630B/11, aircraft were flown off to search the sector between 000° and 070°, keeping clear of the land. No enemy forces were sighted.

At 0800B/11, the main body of the fleet was in position 35°30’N, 15°39’E. Around this time HMS Ajax was detached to join HMS York, HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool near the convoy.

At 0915B/11, HMS Decoy was detached to fuel at Malta and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) joined the screen coming from Malta.

At 0942B/11, HMS Imperial was detached to fuel at Malta.

At 1105B/11, HMS Imperial reported that she had hit a mine in position 35°34’N, 14°34’E. She was able to proceed at slow speed to Malta with HMS Decoy standing by. She finally entered Malta at 1600B/11 being towed by Decoy. It was estimated that repairs would take at least four months.

During the forenoon several floating mines were sighted and HMS Coventry cut one off with her paravanes in position 35°30’N, 14°28’E so it was evident that there was an enemy minefield in this area.

At noon the main body of the fleet was in position 35°14’N, 14°50’E.

At 1450B/11, HMAS Vampire was detached to Malta. During the afternoon the fleet remained approximately 20 nautical miles to the south-west of Malta while the destroyers refuelled.

At 1600B/11, the convoy arrived safely at Malta.

At 1800B/11, HMS Nubian, HMS Hero and HMS Havock rejoined and HMS Dainty, HMS Defender and HMS Diamond were detached to refuel at Malta.

At 2100B/11, HMAS Vendetta, who had reported that she had her starboard engine out of action, was detached to Malta where she would remain for repairs.

At 2230B/11, Convoy MF 4 departed Malta for Alexandria. This convoy was made up of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917) and the transport Volo (1587 GRT, built 1938). The river gunboat HMS Aphis (Lt.Cdr R.S. Stafford, RN), which had been refitting at Malta, was also part of this convoy. Escort for this convoy was provided by HMS Coventry, HMS Calcutta, HMS Wryneck and HMAS Waterhen. HMAS Stuart remained at Malta for a much needed refit.

Due to the weather conditions the British ships remained undetected by enemy aircraft.

12 October 1940.

At 0230B/12, HMS Ajax reported that she was engaging three enemy destroyers in position 35°57’N, 16°42’E and that she had sunk two of them. She then reported two cruisers in position 36°00’N, 16°53’E at 0306B/12. At 0333B/12 she reported that she had lost touch with them.

At 0400B/12, the bulk of the fleet was in position 35°10’N, 15°45’E, approximately 70 nautical miles to the south-west of Ajax.

At 0600B/12, aircraft were flown off to search between 340° and 070°.

At 0645B/12, HMS Orion reported that one enemy ship was still burning in position 35°47’N, 16°25’E at 0510B/12.

At 0710B/12, a flying boat reported two enemy destroyers in the same position. One on fire being towed by the other. On receipt of these reports a striking force of four aircraft was flown off. The fleet altered course to 010° to close.

At 0716B/12, HMS York, HMS Gloucester and HMS Liverpool reported they were closing to investigate smoke on the horizon. When closing they were obviously sighted by the enemy destroyer that was towing which then casted off the tow and retired to the north-westward at high speed. She was attacked with torpedoes by the air striking force but no hits were obtained. In the meantime the cruisers had closed the crippled destroyer which had hoisted the white flag. The survivors were ordered to abandon ship after which she was sunk by gun and torpedo fire from HMS York. Rafts were thrown in the water for the survivors. Later a few survivors were picked up by HMS Nubian and HMAS Vampire. They reported that the enemy destroyer sunk was the Artigliere.

At 0930B/12, the bulk of the fleet was in position 35°47’E, 16°42’E, steering 120°.

Between 0915B/12 and 1034B/12, HMS Orion, HMAS Sydney and HMS Ajax rejoined the bulk of the fleet. HMS Ajax reported that following her action D/G, RD/F and one 4” gun were out of action. She had also two officers killed and one seriously wounded. Also she had lost ten ratings killed and twenty minor casualties.

At 1000B/12, HMS Dainty, HMS Defender and HMS Diamond rejoined the fleet from Malta as did HMS Revenge that was escorted by HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Hereward and HMS Decoy.

At 1150B/12, a flying boat from Malta reported three Italian heavy cruisers and three destroyers in position 36°10’N, 16°02’E. They were steering to the north-westward. This flying boat did not shadow and no further reports on this force were received. HMS Liverpool, HMS Orion, HMAS Sydney and HMS York were ordered to proceed to cover convoy MF 4 which was then in position 35°15’N, 16°22’E, 55 nautical miles to the southward of the enemy cruisers. In the meantime the fleet had been located by enemy aircraft and one shadower was shot down by Fulmars at 1145B/12.

At 1232B/12, the fleet was attacked by eleven enemy aircraft but only a few bombs were dropped. At 1345B/12 the fleet was again attacked, this time by five aircraft which dropped eleven bombs near HMS Eagle. During this time Fulmars prevented other enemy aircraft from attacking.

At 1440B/12, when in position 35°30’N, 17°50’E, course was altered to 200° to close the convoy and at 1630B/12 when in position 35°23’N, 17°20’E (080°, 21 nautical miles from the convoy), course was altered to 090°.

The weather deteriorated rapidly during the day and aircraft from the final search had to be homed in by D/F. The last aircraft was landed on in the dark at 1850B/12.

At 2000B/12, the fleet was in position 35°25’N, 18°10’E still steering 090°. At 2200B/12 this was altered to 070°.

13 October 1940.

At 0100B/13, the fleet was in position 36°02’N, 19°23’E and course was altered to 120° and at 0400 to 160°.

At 0600B/13, aircraft were flown off to search between 280° and 310°.

At 0700B/13, HMS Ajax, HMS Jervis and HMS Janus were detached to join convoy AS 4 which sailed from the Gulf of Athens around that time. From convoy MF 4 HMS Coventry was also detached later to join this convoy.

At 0800B/13, when in position 36°00’N, 21°04’E, course was altered to 240° to close convoy MF 4. At 1307B/13 they sighted the convoy in position 35°46’N, 20°32’E. The convoy was steering 095° making a good 9 knots. As the transport Volo was able to make 12 knots she was ordered to proceed ahead escorted by HMS Wryneck.

At 1120B/13, HMS Illustrious, HMS Gloucester, HMS Liverpool, HMS Nubian, HMS Havock, HMS Hero and HMS Hereward were detached to carry out a night attack on Leros.

During the rest of the day the course of the fleet was adjusted to remain close to convoy MF 4.

At 1800B/13, the fleet was in position 35°42’N, 22°24’E and changed course to 140° doing 14 knots.

At midnight the fleet was in position 34°35’N, 23°42’E.

14 October 1940.

At 0300B/14, the fleet altered course to 090°.

At 0600B/14, HMS Eagle launched aircraft to search between 270° and 330°.

At 0800B/14, the fleet was in position 34°24’N, 25°37’E.

At 0840B/14, the Illustrious-force rejoined. They reported a very successful attack on Port Lago. Complete surprise had been achieved. Fiveteen aircraft took part in the attack. They dropped 92 250-lb bombs. Hangars at Lepida Cove were set on fire, workshops and probably a fuel tank hit at San Georgio. All aircraft had returned safely.

At 0900B/14, HMS York, which was short of fuel, was detached to Alexandria together with HMS Defender. They arrived at Alexandria very late on the 14th.

At 0945B/14, aircraft from HMS Eagle reported that both convoys MF 4 and AS 4 were together about 10 nautical miles east of Gavdo Island at 0830B/13, making good 10 knots. Volo and HMS Wryneck were 60 nautical miles ahead.

At 1132B/14, HMAS Vampire and HMS Hasty obtained an A/S contact and attacked with depth charges firing a total of three patterns.

At 1230B/14, HMS Ajax rejoined the fleet which had remained near position 34°35’N, 25°37’E to provide cover for the convoys.

At 1435B/14, the fleet was attacked by five enemy aircraft which dropped their bombs outside the destroyer screen after having been attacked by AA gunfire.

At 1442B/14, a second attack was made by three aircraft, their bombs landed between HMS Warspite and HMS Illustrious.

At 1600B/14, the fleet was in position 34°13’N, 25°54’E, steering 130°.

At 1902B/14, HMS Valiant and HMS Illustrious opened a heavy barrage of AA fire and later Valiant reported that she had shot down an enemy aircraft.

At 1911B/14, HMS Liverpool reported that she had been struck by a torpedo in position 33°58’E, 26°20’E at 1855B/14. She was heavily on fire and required assistance.

HMS Decoy and HMS Hereward were sent to stand by her.

At 2345B/14, the tug HMS St. Issey was sailed from Alexandria.

At midnight the fleet was in position 32°40’N, 27°38’E and course was altered to 310° to cover the passage of HMS Liverpool to Alexandria.

15 October 1940.

At 0100B/15, it was reported that HMS Liverpool was being towed by HMS Orion in position 33°57’N, 26°33’E making good 9 knots on a course of 135°. The fire was under control.

At 0630B/15, when the fleet was in position 33°36’N, 26°20’E, course was altered to close HMS Liverpool.

At noon, HMS Liverpool was in position 32°50’N, 27°31’E. By this time the tow from HMS Orion had parted. HMS Liverpool’s bow was hanging down and acted as a rudder. HMS Liverpool had three screws in action.

At 1432B/15, the towline had again been passed and the damaged portion of the full forward of ‘A’ turret had broken off and this simplified towing.

The fleet remained in close company until dusk and then proceeded to Alexandria. HMS Mohawk was detached to take of the escort duties wit convoy AS 4 from HMS Jervis and to escort this convoy to Port Said.

16 October 1940.

The fleet arrived at Alexandria around 0100B/16.

HMS Liverpool and it’s escort arrived in the harbour around noon.

Convoy ME 4 arrived at Alexandria later in the afternoon. (49)

21 Oct 1940
While undergoing engine repairs at the Malta Dockyard, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), is docked in No.4 Dock for bottom scraping and painting and examination of her underwater fittings. (53)

23 Oct 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) is undocked. (53)

26 Oct 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) is fumigated at the Malta Dockyard. The crew returned on board on the 28th. (53)

31 Oct 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) completed engine repairs at the Malta Dockyard. Also the after bank of torpedo tubes was landed and a 12pdr AA gun was fitted in lieu. (53)

4 Nov 1940

Several operations in the Mediterranean.

Operation MB 8, convoy operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Operation Coat, transfer of reinforcements from the Western Mediterranean to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Operation Crack, air attack on Cagliary, Sardinia.

Operation Judgment, air attack on Taranto.

4 November 1940.

Convoy AN 6 departed Port Said / Alexandria today for Greece. The convoy was made up of the following tankers; Adinda (Dutch, 3359 GRT, built 1939), British Sergeant (5868 GRT, built 1922), Pass of Balhama (758 GRT, built 1933) and the transports Hannah Moller (2931 GRT, built 1911), Odysseus (Greek, 4577 GRT, built 1913). Several more transports (probably Greek) were also part of this convoy.

The Pass of Balhama sailed from Alexandria, the others from Port Said.

The convoy was escorted by the A/S trawlers HMS Kingston Crystal (Lt.Cdr. G.H.P. James, RNR) and HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. F.A. Yeomans, RNR).

HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) both proceeded from Alexandria to Port Said on this day. At Port Said the were to embark troops for Crete.

Owning to breakdowns in Kingston Crystal and Kingston Cyanite, HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston Coral (Skr. W. Kirman, RNR) and HMS Sindonis (Ch.Skr. G. Rawding, RNR) departed Alexandria late on the 4th to rendez-vous with convoy AN 6.

5 November 1940.

Convoy MW 3 departed Alexandria for Malta. This convoy was made up of the transports Devis (6054 GRT, built 1938), Rodi (3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian), Volo (1587 GRT, built 1938), Waiwera (12435 GRT, built 1934) and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Plumleaf (5916 GRT, built 1917).

Escort was provided by the AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the minesweeper HMS Abingdon (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR).

Also sailing with this convoy were the transport Brisbane Star (12791 GRT, built 1937) and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker (5917 GRT, built 1917), the the armed boarding vessels HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR), net tender HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN). They were to sail with this convoy until off Crete when they were to be detached to proceed to Suda Bay.

HMS Ajax and HMAS Sydney departed Port Said for Suda Bay with Headquarters, 14th Infantery Brigade, one light and one heavy AA battery and administrative troops.

6 November 1940.

Vice-Admiral light forces, in HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), left Alexandria for Piraeus to consult with the Greek authorities. Also some RAF personnel was embarked for passage.

At 0600B/6, convoy AN 6 was in position 34°40’N, 22°20’E.

The Commander-in-Chief departed Alexandria with the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (A/Capt. J.P.L. Reid, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), ), HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN).

The Rear-Admiral 1st Battle Squadron sailed with HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN). They were escorted by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Thyrwhitt, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). HMS Eagle had defects and was unable to proceed to sea with this group as had been originally intended. Three aircraft from Eagle were embarked on Illustrious.

The heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN) also departed Alexandria for these operations.

The fleet was clear of the harbour by 1300B/6, and then proceded on a mean line of advance of 310° until 1800B/6 when it was changed to 270°. At 2000B/6, course was changed to 320°.

7 November 1940.

There were no incidents during the night.

At 0800 hours, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 34°15’N, 24°47’E.

Around 1000B/7, the Vice-Admiral light forces, arrived at Piraeus in HMS Orion.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 34°26’N, 23°43’E. At this time the mean line of advance was changed to 320°.

At 1300B/7, aircraft were flown off to search a sector 300° to 360°. Nothing was however sighted by this search.

At 1700B/7, HMAS Sydney joined the Commander-in-Chief from Suda Bay. She reported that ships for Suda Bay had all arrived according to plan and that stores and troops had all ben landed by dark on 6 November.

At 1800B/7, the position of convoy MW 3 was 35°44’N, 22°41’E and shortly afterwards the convoy altered course to 290°.

At 2000B/7, the position of the convoy was 35°48’N. 21°45’E, course was now altered to 320°.

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At 1800A/7, ‘Force H’ departed Gibraltar for ‘Operation Coat’ and ‘Operation Crack’. ‘Force H’ was made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Duncan (Cdr. A.D.B. James, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN). Also part of this force were a group of warships that was to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. These were the battleship HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) and the destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN). These ships carried troops for Malta as well as three of the destroyers from ‘Force H’, HMS Faulknor, HMS Fortune, HMS Fury. A total of 2150 troops were embarked as follows; HMS Berwick 750, HMS Barham 700, HMS Glasgow 400, and the six destroyers had each 50 troops on board.

8 November 1940.

At 0001B/8, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 36°36’N, 21°08’E, the mean line of advance was 280°.

At 0400B/8, the mean line of advance was changed to 220°.

At 0645B/8, an air search was flown off to search a sector 310° to the Greek coast. It sighted nothing.

At 0900B/8, when the Commander-in-Chief was in position 36°40’N, 18°50’E course was changed to 180° to close the convoy.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°57’N, 18°46’E. The convoy was at that time in position 35°46’N, 18°41’E. Also around noon he convoy was reported by an enemy aircraft and at 1230 hours one Cant. 501 was attacked by Gladiators but apparently managed to escape.

At 1400B/8, aircraft were flown off to search between 200° and 350°. Also one aircraft was flown off with messages for Malta. The air search again sighted nothing.

At 1520B/8, the fleet was reported by enemy aircraft.

At 1610B/8, three Fulmar fighters attacked a formation of seven Italian S. 79’s shooting down two of them. The remainder jettisoned their bombs and made off.

At 1700B/8, HMS Ajax joined the fleet coming from Suda Bay.

The fleet had remained in a covering position to the north of the convoy all day and at 1830B/8, when in position 35°’20’N, 17°25’E course was changed to 000°. At that time the convoy was only five nautical miles to the southward of the fleet.

At 2130B/8, the fleet altered course to 180°.

At 2230B/8, the fleet altered course to 210°.

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At dawn A/S air patrols were flown off by HMS Ark Royal. These were maintained throughout the day.

A fighter patrol was maintained throughout the afternoon but no enemy aircraft were encountered.

The weather was fine and visibility good it was considered very likely that the force would be sighted and attacked by enemy aircraft. So it was decided at 1530 hours that HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield, HMS Glasgow and six destroyers would proceed ahead to carry out the planned attack (‘Operation Crack’) on the Cagliari aerodrome. [According to the plan these destroyers should be HMS Faulknor, HMS Foretune, HMS Fury, Gallant, HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin. It is currently not known to us if it were indeed these destroyers that with this force when they split off from the other ships.]

That evening fighters from the Ark Royal shot down an enemy aircraft.

9 November 1940.

At 0001B/9, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°42’N, 17°09’E, the mean line of advance was 270°.

At 0800B/9, the convoy was closed in position 34°42’N, 15°00’E.

At 0920B/9, HMS Ramillies, HMS Hyperion, HMS Hero and HMS Ilex were detached to join the convoy and escort it to Malta. The weather was overcast and squally so no air search was flown off.

The main fleet remained to the south-west of the Medina-Bank during the day. The 3rd and 7th Cruiser Squadrons being detached to search to the north.

The main fleet was being shadowed by enemy aircraft and was reported four times between 1048B/9 and 1550B/9. One Cant 506B aircraft was shot down by a Fulmar at 1640B/9.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 34°47’N, 16°35’E.

At 1219B/9, a Swordfish A/S patrol force landed near HMS Warspite shortly after taking off. The crew was picked up by HMS Jervis. The depth charge and A/S bombs exploded close to Warspite.

At 2100B/9, when the Commander-in-Chief was in position 34°45’N, 16°10’E, course was altered to 310° to make rendez-vous with ‘Force F’, the reinforcements for the Mediterranean Fleet coming from Gibraltar.

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At 0430B/9, HMS Ark Royal launched a strike force of nine Swordfish aircraft to bomb Cagliari aerodrome with direct and delay action bombs. On completion of flying off, course was altered to 160° for the flying on position.

At 0745B/9, a fighter section and a section of three Fulmars that were to be transferred to HMS Illustrious (via Malta) were flown off and the nine Swordfish of the strike force landed on. The fighter section for Illustrious landed at Malta at 1020 hours.

The raid on Cagliari appeared to have been quite successful. Five Swordfish attacked the aerodrome and hits were observed on two hangars an other buildings. Two fires were seen to break out and also a large explosion occurred. One Swordfish attacked a group of seaplanes moored off the jetty. Another Swordfish attacked some factories near the power station and obtained a direct hit with a 250-lb bomb and incendiaries. The remaining two aircraft were unable to locate the target and attacked AA batteries instead. Two fires were seen to start but the AA batteries continued firing.

On completion of flying on course was altered to rendez-vous with HMS Barham, HMS Berwick and the remaining five destroyers which were sighted at 0910 hours. The ships then formed up in formation and set off on an easterly course at 18 knots.

At 0930B/9 an enemy aircraft that was shadowing the fleet was picked up by RD/F at a distance of about thirty miles. After working round the fleet clockwise the aircraft was sighted by HMS Barham and then by the Fulmar fighter patrol. The aircraft, which was a large floatplane, was shot down at 1005B/9, twenty miles on the starboard beam of the fleet.

At 1048B/9, a large formation of enemy aircraft was located by RD/F about fifty miles ahead of the fleet and closing. Five minutes later a section of Skua’s was flown off.

A section of Fulmar’s intercepted the enemy as they were working their way round to the sun and forced them to turn away but ten minutes later the enemy again approached. The fleet was then bombed from a height of 13000 feet. No British ships were hit, although HMS Barham, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Duncan had been near missed. It was believed that one of the attackers was shot down.

Throughout the remainder of the day fighter patrols were kept up but no further enemy aircraft attacked the fleet.

At 1915B/9, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield, HMS Duncan, HMS Isis, HMS Firedrake, HMS Forester and HMS Foxhound turned to the west. HMS Barham, HMS Berwick, HMS Glasgow, HMS Faulknor, HMS Fortune, HMS Fury, HMS Gallant, HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin continued to the east under the command of Capt. Warren of the Berwick, which was the senior Captain.

10 November 1940.

At 0001B/10, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°13’N, 15°25’E steering 300°. Shortly afterwards, at 0010 hours, two heavy explosions were felt. It appears that the fleet had been under attack at this time.

At 0700B/10, aircraft were flown off to search a sector 315° to 045°. Shortly after takeoff one Swordfish crashed into the sea. The crew was rescued by HMS Nubian.

At 0715B/10, the 3rd and 7th Cruiser Squadrons rejoined. Shortly afterwards, at 0730B/10, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Voyager, HMAS Waterhen, HMS Dainty, HMS Diamond, HMS Hyperion, HMS Havock and HMS Ilex joined the fleet. HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Nubian, HMS Mohawk, HMS Decoy, HMS Defender and HMS Hasty were detached to fuel at Malta.

At 1015B/10, rendez-vous was made with ‘Force F’ which was made up of HMS Barham, HMS Berwick, HMS Glasgow, HMS Griffin, HMS Greyhound, HMS Gallant, HMS Fury, HMS Fortune and HMS Faulknor. HMS Fortune and HMS Fury joined the destroyer screen. The other ships were ordered to proceed to Malta to land troops and stores there. The course of he fleet was changed to 110° in position 36°08’N, 13°10’E around this time.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°55’N, 13°30’E.

At 1330B/10, convoy ME 3 departed Malta. It consisted of the transports Memnon (7506 GRT, built 1931), Lanarkshire (11275 GRT, built 1940), Clan Macaulay (10492 GRT, built 1936) and Clan Ferguson (7347 GRT, built 1938). Escort was provided by the battleship HMS Ramillies, AA cruiser HMS Coventry and the destroyers HMS Decoy and HMS Defender.

Around 1400B/10 the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Malta for Suda Bay. Before departure HMAS Vendetta had first carried out an A/S patrol off Valetta harbour.

At 1435B/10, HMS Mohawk rejoined the fleet.

At 1450B/10, HMS Hero was detached to Malta with correspondence.

In the afternoon three Fulmars, which had been flown to Malta from HMS Ark Royal, landed on HMS Illustrious.

At 2100B/10, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°15’N, 14°16’E steering 090°. The 3rd and 7th Cruiser Squadrons were detached to search between 020° to 040°.

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In the western Mediterranean all was quiet. Fighter patrols were maintained overhead during the day. Also A/S patrols were maintained all day.

11 November 1940.

At 0001B/11, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°18’N, 15°14’E. At 0100 hours the fleet altered course to 060°.

At 0135B/11, HMS Ramillies, which was with convoy ME 3, reported three explosions in position 34°35’N, 16°08’E. This might have been a submarine attack. [This was indeed the case as the Italian submarine Pier Capponi attacked a battleship around this time.]

At 0700B/11, an air search was launched to search between 315° and 045°. One aircraft was flown to Malta to collect photographs of Taranto harbour.

At 0800B/11, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 36°55’N, 17°36’E.

At noon, the Vice-Admiral light forces in HMS Orion coming from Piraeus, joined the fleet in position 36°10’N, 18°30’E. Correspondence was transferred to HMS Warspite via HMS Griffin.

At 1310B/11, the Vice-Admiral light forces, in HMS Orion and with HMS Ajax and HMAS Sydney, HMS Nubian and HMS Mohawk in company, parted company to carry out an anti-shipping raid into the Straits of Otranto.

At 1800B/11, HMS Illustrious, HMS York, HMS Gloucester, escorted by HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty, HMS Havock and HMS Ilex were detached for ‘Operation Judgement’ the torpedo and dive-bombing attack on the Italian fleet in Taranto harbour.

For this operation this force proceeded to position 38°11’N, 19°30’E. Here aircraft were flown off in two waves, at 2000 and at 2100 hours.

At 2000B/11, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 37°54’N, 19°09’E. One hour later the fleet altered course to 000°.

At 2030B/11, the Vice-Admiral light forces with the cruisers passed through position 39°10’N, 19°30’E, course 340° doing 25 knots.

At 2140B/11, HMS Juno obtained an A/S contact and attacked it with depth charges.

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In the western Mediterranean the fleet arrived back at Gibraltar around 0800A/11.

12 November 1940.

At 0700B/12, both detached groups rejoined the fleet. The attack on Taranto harbour was reported as a success. Eleven torpedoes had been dropped and hits were claimed on a Littorio-class and two Cavour-class battleships in the outer harbour. Sticks of bombs had been dropped amongst the warships in the inner harbour. Two aircraft failed to return to HMS Illustrious. [Damage was done to the battleships Littorio (three torpedo hits), Caio Duilio and Conte di Cavour (one torpedo hit each), in fact the Conti di Cavour never returned to service. Also damaged (by bombs) were the heavy cruiser Trento and the destroyer Libeccio.]

The raid into the Straits of Otranto had also been successful as an Italian convoy had been intercepted off Valona around 0115 and largely destroyed. The convoy had been made up of four merchant vessels which had all been sunk. There had been two escorts, thought to be destroyers or torpedo boats. These managed to escape. [The merchant vessels Antonio Locatelli (5691 GRT, built 1920), Capo Vado (4391 GRT, built 1906), Catalani (2429 GRT, built 1929) and Premuda (4427 GRT, built 1907) had been sunk. Their escorts had been the armed merchant cruiser Ramb III (3667 GRT, built 1938) and the torpedo boat Nicola Fabrizi. The convoy had been en-route from Vlore, Albania to Brindisi.]

At 0800B/12, the fleet was in position 37°20’N, 20°18’E.

At 0930B/12, HMS Warspite catapulted her Walrus aircraft to take massages to Suda Bay for forwarding to the Admiralty by transmission.

At noon, the fleet was in position 37°20’N, 20°08’E. Course at that time was 140°.

As it was intended to repeat ‘Operation Judgement’ tonight the fleet remained in the area. Course being altered to 340° at 1600 hours.

Fortunately the fleet was not reported at this time. Three enemy aircraft were shot down during the day but these were shot down before they had reported the fleet.

At 1800B/12, the decision was taken not to proceed with the repeat of ‘Operation Jugement’ due to the bad weather in the Gulf of Taranto. At that time the fleet was in position 37°06’N, 19°44’E. Course was set to 140° to return to Alexandria.

At 1830B/12, HMS Malaya, HMS Ajax, HMS Dainty, HMS Diamond, HMS Greyhound, HMS Griffin and HMS Gallant were detached to fuel at Suda Bay. HMS Berwick and HMS York were detached to proceed to Alexandria where they arrived in the evening of the 13th.

13 November 1940.

At 0001B/13, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 35°44’N, 20°53’E.

At 0630B/13, HMS Terror and HMAS Vendetta arrived at Suda Bay. Terror was to remain at Suda Bay as guardship.

At 1000B/13, the force with HMS Malaya arrived at Suda Bay. After fuelling the departed later the same day for Alexandria taking HMAS Vendetta with them.

Also around 1000B/13, convoy ME 3 arrived at Alexandria.

At noon, the Commander-in-Chief was in position 34°23’N, 23°43’E.

At about 1530B/13, Fulmar’s attacked an Italian shadowing aircraft which however managed to escape although damaged.

At 1600B/13, the fleet altered course to 050° when in position 33°23’N, 26°18’E. Course was altered back to 090° at 1800B/13. RD/F later detacted an enemy formation to the southward but the fleet was not sighted.

At 2000B/13, the fleet was in position 33°38’N, 27°34’E.

14 November 1940.

Around 0700B/14, the bulk of the fleet with the Commander-in-Chief arrived at Alexandria. (54)

15 Nov 1940

Operation Barbarity

Transportation of troops from Alexandria to Piraeus.

15 November 1940.

Around 1600B/15, the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the light cruisers HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Alexandria with a total of around 3400 troops to Piraeus, Greece.

These cruisers proceeded at high speed (30 knots) towards Piraeus.

HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) also departed Alexandria to give close cover.

A convoy made up of the transports Clan Macaulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1934) and Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928) also departed Alexandria for Piraeus on this day. They were escorted by the AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). They were joined at sea by the transport Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920) that had departed Port Said on the 14th escorted by the destroyer HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

16 November 1940.

A cover force for these operations departed Alexandria today; it was made up of the battleships HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN).

The cruisers with the troops arrived at Piraeus on this day as did HMS Orion and HMS Ajax.

After disembaring the troops the cruisers departed to return to Alexandria or Port Said after a short patrol in the Aegean.

Also the convoy of transports arrived at Pireaus this day. The destroyers then departed for an A/S sweep in the Aegean. HMAS Waterhen was detached to fuel at Suda Bay. After doing so she rejoined the other three destroyers. They arrived at Alexandria on the 18th after having carried out an A/S sweep in the Aegean and along the northern coast of Crete en-route. HMS Coventry remained at Piraeus to escort a convoy of Greek troopships together with Greek destroyers.

17 November 1940.

The cover force arrived at Suda Bay to refuel. They departed again later the same day to return to Alexandria where they arrived on the 19th. In the meantime HMS Barham had developed engine trouble. (49)

21 Nov 1940
During 21/22 November 1940, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN). (55)

23 Nov 1940

Operation MB 9.

Convoy operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

See also the event for 25 November 1940 called ‘Operation Collar and the resulting Battle of Cape Spartivento’ for the events in the Western Mediterranean.

23 November 1940.

Convoy MW 4 departed Alexandria for Malta today. The convoy was made up of the transports HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939), Memnon (7506 GRT, built 1931), Clan Ferguson (7347 GRT, built 1938) and Clan Macaulay (10492 GRT, built 1936). Close escort was provided by (‘Force D’) the AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN), HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN).

A cover force (‘Force C’) for this convoy also departed Alexandria today. They were to proceed to Suda Bay where they were to refuel. This cover force was made up of the battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), light cuisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN).

HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN) departed Alexandria later this day to make rendez-vous with ‘Force C’ off Suda Bay next morning.

24 November 1940.

Both ‘Force C’ and ‘Force D’ passed the Kaso Strait early this day. ‘Force C’ arrived at Suda Bay to refuel at 0800B/24.

At noon, the convoy was attacked by three enemy torpedo bombers in position 36°13’N, 24°48’E. The enemy planes were forced to drop their torpedoes from long range by the effective AA fire from the escorts and no hits were obtained.

In the afternoon both forces passed the Kithera Channel.

25 November 1940.

At 0200B/25, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron, HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN), departed Alexandria for exercises.

Around 0300B/25, ‘Force A’ departed Alexandria to provide cover for the operations. This force was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). HMS Decoy had completed temporary repairs at Alexandria to the damage she had sustained in an air attack on 13 November. She was to proceed to the Malta Dockyard for permanent repairs.

At 0500B/25, HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous the next day with ‘Force A’.

At 0645B/25, Illustrious flew off fighter and A/S patrols.

Around 1600B/25, having completed their exercises, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron joined ‘Force A’.

At 2000B/25, ‘Force A’ was in position 34°25’N, 26°33’E, steering 000°.

26 November 1940.

At 0030B/26, ‘Force A’ changed course to 285°.

At 0230B/26, HMS Illustrious, with HMS Gloucester, HMS Glasgow, HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Mohawk and HMS Nubian split off for an air attack on Port Laki, Leros.

At 0300B/26, HMS Illustrious began to fly off the aircraft involved in the raid, which were a total of 15.

At 0600B/26, off Suda Bay, the aircraft returned to HMS Illustrious. They reported that targets were difficult to distinguish but fires were started in the dockyard and other areas. Two aircraft attacked a ship, believed to be a cruiser, but the results were unobserved. One aircraft failed to return.

Meanwhile, at 0500B/26, HMS York, had been detached to refuel at Suda Bay and then to join the Rear-Admiral 3rd Cruiser Squadron (in Gloucester) off Cape Matapan.

The remainder of ‘Force A’ entered Suda Bay between 0700 and 0830B/26. The destroyers were fuelled there.

A fighter patrol was maintained over the harbour until ‘Force A’ sailed again around 1030B/26. They then set course for the Kithera Channel.

Meanwhile convoy MW 4 had arrived at Malta around 0800B/26. Also HMS Malaya and HMS Ramillies had put into the harbour.

At noon, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°37’N, 24°20’E. As it was considered that the fleet had been located by enemy aircraft a fighter patrol was flown off and maintained for the remainder of the day (during daylight hours).

Also around noon HMS Ramillies, HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Coventry, HMS Greyhound, HMS Gallant, HMS Hereward, HMS Defender and HMS Diamond departed Malta to join HMS Berwick at sea and then proceed westwards to join the fleet in the western Mediterranean.

At 1600B/26, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°44’N, 23°05’E. At 1630B/26, Convoy ME 4 departed Malta for Alexandria. This convoy was made up of the transports Waiwera (12435 GRT, built 1934), Cornwall (10603 GRT, built 1920), Rodi (3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian), Volo (1587 GRT, built 1938) and Devis (6054 GRT, built 1938). Escort was provided by HMS Calcutta, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager.

At 1815B/26, ‘Force A’ altered course to 220° and at 1930B/26, when in position 35°52’N, 22°08’E, to 290°. This course was maintained throughout the night to cover the convoy.

27 November 1940.

At 0001B/27, ‘Force A’ was in position 36°15’N, 20°40’E.

At 0600B/27, ‘Force A’ altered course to 230°.

At 0700B/27, an air search was flown off to search a sector of 295° to 025° but nothing was sighted.

At 1100B/27, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron (HMS York, HMS Gloucester and HMS Glasgow) rejoined the fleet having carried out a sweep to the north-west of the fleet through positions 36°06’N, 20°56’E and 37°48’N, 17°47’E.

At noon ‘Force A’ was in position 35°56’N, 17°47’E.

On receipt of enemy reports from ‘Force H’, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron was detached to the west to cover the ‘Collar convoy’ coming from that direction. They were to reach a rendez-vous position of 36°32’N, 12°00’E at 0400/28.

The fleet remained in a covering position for convoy ME 4 for the rest of the day. A second air search was flown off at 1430B/27 to search a sector between 310° and 010° but again sighted nothing.

28 November 1940.

At 0230B/28, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°15’N, 14°24’E. Course was altered to 320° to rendez-vous with the ‘Collar convoy’ in position 36°00’N, 13°25’E.

At 0700B/28, HMS Wryneck was detached to fuel at Malta, she returned in the afternoon.

At 0800B/28, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron was sighted and one hour later rendezvous was made with the ‘Collar convoy’ in position 36°02’N, 13°18’E. HMS Decoy and HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H Layman, DSO, RN) were detached with the merchant vessels Clan Forbes (7529 GRT, built 1938) and Clan Fraser (7529 GRT, built 1939) to Malta. Where they arrived at 1430B/27. The destroyers also remained at Malta where they were to refit / be repaired. At the same time HMS Greyhound joined the destroyer screen of the fleet.

The merchant vessel New Zealand Star (10740 GRT, built 1935) proceeded eastwards escorted by HMS Defender and HMS Hereward. Cover was provided by HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) and HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN).

At 1200B/28, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°41’N, 14°11’E. Half an hour later course was altered to 270° to close the corvettes HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr. (rtd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO, RN), HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. A.J.C. Pomeroy, RNVR) and HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR) which were astern of the convoyas they had been unable to keep up. They were sighted at 1245B/28 and course was then altered to 180°.

At 1250B/28, HMS Glasgow was attacked by six Italian JU-87 dive bombers. One bomb fell within 30 yards from the ship but all the others missed by a wider margin. Glasgow sustained no damage or casualties.

Of the corvettes HMS Gloxinia had to put into Malta with the defects, while the remaining three proceeded to Suda Bay.

At 1600B/28, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°20’N, 14°37’E. The 3rd Cruiser Squadron was again detached to patrol to the north, this time to cover the passage of the corvettes to Suda Bay.

At 1700B/28, HMS Griffin was detached to Malta with engine defects.

Meanwhile from the escort of convoy ME 4 (the group with HMS Malaya) the destroyers HMS Diamond and HMAS Waterhen were detached to escort convoy AS 7 from the Aegean to Port Said.

29 November 1940.

At 0001B/29, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°18’N, 17°03’E.

At 0730B/29, an air search was flown off to search a sector between 310° and 020°.

At 1200B/29, ‘Force A’ was in position 35°00’N, 21°00’E. The three remaining corvettes were at that time 80 nautical miles to the north-westward.

At 1330B/29, the 3rd Cruiser Squadron was detached to Suda Bay.

At 1450B/29, HMS Manchester and HMS Southampton joined ‘Force A’ but at 1720B/29 they were detached to proceed independently to Alexandria.

At 2000B/29, ‘Force A’ was in position 34°37’N, 23°20’E.

Convoy ME 4 arrived at Alexandria this day as did her escort ‘Force C’. Some of the merchant vessels (Volo, Rodi and Cornwall) continued on to Port Said escorted by HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager.

30 November 1940.

At 0001B/30, ‘Force A’ was in position 34°00’N, 24°45’E.

In the morning HMS Manchester and HMS Southampton arrived at Alexandria.

Also in the morning HMS York, HMS Gloucester and HMS Glasgow arrived at Suda Bay as did the three corvettes.

Around 1800B/30, ‘Force A’ arrived at Alexandria.

The remaining ships of the convoy and their escorts arrived at Port Said on this day. (49)

1 Dec 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) conducted an A/S patrol off Port Said. (56)

2 Dec 1940

Convoy AN 8.

This convoy departed Port Said on 2 December 1940.

It was made up of the merchant vessels Efthalia Mari (Greek, 4195 GRT, built 1919), Kehrea (Greek, 1968 GRT, built 1912), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Petroil (Greek (tanker), 4434 GRT, built 1902) and Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN).

Around 0910B/5, the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) joined the escort. She had departed Alexandria on 2 December.

Around 1730B/5, the convoy commenced passing the Kaso Strait northbound.

The convoy arrived at Piraeus shortly after noon on the 7th. (57)

8 Dec 1940
Around 1600B/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Piraeus for Alexandria. They had been standing by to escort convoy AS 8, but as the convoy's sailing was postponed the destroyers were ordered to return to Alexandria. (57)

9 Dec 1940
Around 1500B/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from Piraeus. (57)

10 Dec 1940

Operations against the Italian army in Cyrenaica.

10 December 1940.

A force 'Force C' departed Alexandria today to be available for bombadment duties in the Sollum area if required by the army. This force was made up of the battleships HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN).

Another force 'Force D' also departed Alexandria but with orders to make an air attack on El Adem airport near Tobruk. This force was made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN).

11 December 1940.

HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) departed Alexandria to join 'Force C' at sea.

12 December 1940.

'Force C' and HMS York were to bombard Bardia but due to the bad visibility this was cancelled.

Aircraft from HMS Illustrious attacked Italian barges to the west of Bardia.

Upon completion of this attack both forces set course to return to Alexandria minus the destroyers that had joined the day before these were ordered to patrol between Ras el Melh and Mersa Matruh. HMS Coventry also remained at sea to search for a missing lighter between Mersa Matruh and Barrani. HMS Juno proceeded to Mersa Matruh to pick up Italian POW's for transport to Alexandria.

Both forces returned to Alexandria today minus the ships mentioned above. All ships were in harbour well before noon.

13 December 1940.

At 2042 hours, HMS Coventry, was hit by a torpedo in the bow from the Italian submarine Neghelli in position 32°37'N, 26°44'E. HMS Hyperion, HMS Diamond and HMS Mohawk then went to her assistance.

14 December 1940.

Around 0015 hours the three destroyers mentioned earlier joined the damaged Coventry. Around 0530 hours they were also joined by HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN).

HMS Coventry then continued on towards Alexandria steaming backwards escorted by HMS Jervis and HMS Janus where they arrived later today.

The other four destroyers were detached for an A/S sweep along the Libyan coast during which HMS Hyperion and HMS Hereward sank the Italian submarine Naiade in position 32°03'N, 25°26'E. The destroyers returned to Alexandria on the 15th. (49)

14 Dec 1940
HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria for an A/S sweep and to provide cover for the Bombarding Squadron which was operating in the Gulf of Sollum. This Squadron was made up of the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) and the gunboats HMS Aphis (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.O. Campbell, DSC, RN) and HMS Ladybird (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, RN).

On the 14th HMS Terror bombarded Bardia supported by the smaller gunboats which conducted bombardments as required.

At 1800C/14, HMAS Vampire departed the area to return to Alexandria.

On the 15th weather was too rough for the smaller gunboats to operate and they remained at Mersah Matruh. HMS Terror did bombard Bardia and many fires were started in the bombardment area.

On the 16th, HMS Terror continued to bombard the enemy. She was attacked by four enemy torpedo aircraft but none of the torpedoes fired hit. HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Voyager were taken under fire while operating with HMS Terror. HMAS Voyager sustained some splinter damage and one men was wounded when she was straddled by shore batteries. HMAS Vampire meanwhile conducted an A/S patrol in the area. At twilight she was attacked by two enemy torpedo aircraft and a torpedo missed astern by 50 yards.

Late on the 16th, HMAS Vendetta was ordered to proceed to Alexandria. (58)

17 Dec 1940
Around 1030B/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria.

She departed Alexandria around 1600B/17, for more operations off the Libyan coast. (56)

18 Dec 1940
HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted an A/S patrol off the Gulf of Sollum. (32)

19 Dec 1940
HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) conducted A/S patrols of the Gulf of Sollum.

In the evening HMAS Vampire proceeded to Sollum and then left again for Alexandria escorting HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN). (32)

19 Dec 1940
Around 0650B/19, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) arrived at Mersa Matruh where more troops and equipment were taken on board. She departed for Sollum around 0940B/19.

Around 1420B/19, she anchored of Sollum and the troops and their equipment were disembarked.

She left around 1815B/19 to return to Mersa Matruh. Around 1900B/19, an A/S contact was obtained and a hunt was started. Between 1934B/19 and 2037B/19 a total of three patterns of depth charges were dropped. A/S contact was lost at 2220B/19.

At 0050B/20, the A/S search was left to HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN).

Around 1715B/20, HMAS Vendetta left the area to return to Alexandria. (59)

21 Dec 1940
Around 0600B/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria from operations off the Libyan coast. (56)

22 Dec 1940
Around 0900B/22, the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria for Sollum where they arrived around 1415B/23. HMS Terror entered the harbour while HMAS Vendetta remained at sea to conduct an A/S patrol in the area. (60)

24 Dec 1940
Around 1730B/24, the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) departed Sollum for Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) which had been on A/S patrol in the area during the time HMS Terror had been at Sollum.

The orders were cancelled during the night and course was set to return to Sollum where the arrived around 0545B/25. HMAS Vendetta then set course for Alexandria where she arrived around 1530B/25. (60)

25 Dec 1940
Around 1805B/25, on completion of fuelling, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria to return to Sollum. (56)

26 Dec 1940
At 0030C/26, HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) intercepted the Italian schooner Tireremo Diritto near Bardia. The crew and passengers were taken prisoner and the schooner was sunk with gunfire. HMAS Waterhen then returned to Sollum where the POW's were transferred to HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) which had arrived earlier on the day from Alexandria.

HMAS Waterhen then departed for A/S patrol from which she returned to Sollum on the 28th.

HMAS Vendetta left Sollum around 1830B/26 to return to Alexandria. (61)

27 Dec 1940
Around 0815B/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria from Sollum.

HMAS Vendetta then commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 1 January 1941. (62)

2 Jan 1941

Operation MC 5, attack on Bardia.

2 January 1941.

Today, ships from the Inshore Squadron bombarded the Italian (Libyan) town of Bardia where the Italian garrison was cut off. The ships involved were the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN), river gunboats HMS Aphis (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.O. Campbell, DSC, RN) and HMS Ladybird (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, RN) as well as the destroyers HMAS Voyager (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN). During the day HMS Terror was attacked by Italian torpedo bombers around 1820 hours but no damage was done to her. HMAS Voyager was bombed three times (at 1411, 1600 and 1830 hours) but also sustained no damage.

Before noon this day the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria to fly on her aircraft. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A’Deane, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN).

Around 1800 hours the Mediterranean Fleet departed Alexandria. For this sortie the fleet was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN), AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN).

When the fleet was clear of the swept channel a course was set to pass through position 282°, Ras-el-Tin, 30 nautical miles at 2000 hours on a course of 285° at 18 knots. At 2030 hours, HMS Illustrious formed astern of the line. Her escorting destroyers took up positions in the screen of the fleet.

3 January 1941.

The fleet adjusted course and speed to pass through position 32°00’N, 26°35’E at 0400 hours. Course was then altered to 250° and at 1410 hours speed was reduced to 8 knots for 15 minutes to allow HMS Janus, HMS Juno, HMS Ilex, HMS Greyhound and HMS Gallant to stream their T.S.D.S. (minesweeping gear).

At 0500 hours, the Rear-Admiral Aircraft Carriers in HMS Illustrious parted company. She was detached with HMS Gloucester, HMS York, HMS Gallant, HMS Diamond, HMS Wryneck and HMAS Vendetta as escorts. They were to proceed to position 32°10’N, 25°30’E from where HMS Illustrious was to operate her aircraft.

At 0700 hours, the destroyers HMAS Voyager and HMS Dainty joined the fleet coming from Sollum. Also at this time spotting aircraft were flown off the aid the fall of shot for the upcoming bombardment of Bardia. Warspite and Valiant catapulted an aircraft to spot their own fall of shot and an aircraft to spot the fall of shot of Barham was flown off from land with the second observer from Warspite on board. Fighter and A/S patrols were provided by Illustrious.

At 0805 hours, when in position 31°45’N, 25°12’E, the fleet altered course to 335 degrees at 15 knots and HMS Calcutta took station 1 nautical mile on the beam of the leading T.S.D.S. destroyer. The bombardment area was the northern part of Bardia defended area, and the object to attack was large M.T. concentrations in this area to hinder the formation of a counter attacking force against the Australian division.

Fire was opened at 0810 hours and at 0830 hours course was reversed for a second run. The bombardment was completed by 0855 hours. Course was then altered to 100° and to 045° at 0910 hours.

Spotting aircraft reports indicated that the main armament bombardment was a success. Secondary armament and destroyers engaged the coast defence batteries and opportunity targets. A coastal battery engaged the battleships during the bombardment, but there was no damage and there were no casualties.

At 1000 hours, HMS Illustrious and her escorts rejoined the fleet. HMS Gloucester, HMS York and HMS Calcutta were detached to return to Alexandria and HMS Wryneck and HMS Vendatta were detached to proceed to Sollum.

At noon the fleet was in position 31°50’N, 25°12’E, course was 090°. At 1500 hours course was altered to 010° and to 140° at 1600 hours. At midnight the fleet was in position 31°50’N, 28°29’E, still steering 140°. The fleet arrived at Alexandria in the forenoon of the 4th.

During this day HMS Terror, HMS Aphis and HMS Ladybird had already bombarded the area from first light until the fleet bombardment commenced. They resumed bombarding after the fleet had retired. Three bombing air attacks were made on HMS Terror during the afternoon. HMS Aphis engaged the coast defence batteries. She sustained slight damage due to a near miss and tow of her crew were killed and two wounded. HMS Terror and the two gunboats then proceeded to Alexandria. (63)

3 Jan 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta arrived in the Sollum area for patrol duty with the Inshore Squadron.

HMS Wryneck arrived at Alexandria from duty with the Inshore Squadron around 2315B/5.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Alexandria from duty with the Inshore Squadron around 0915B/7. She had on board 111 Italian POW's from the Sollum area. (64)

4 Jan 1941
Around 0100B/4, HMAS Voyager (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria for Sollum. She was escorting the transport Cingalese Prince (British, 8474 GRT, built 1929). They arrived at Sullum around 2100B/4.

Capt. Waller was then transferred to HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN).

HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) then departed Sollom to return to Alexandria where she arrived around 1855B/5. (32)

5 Jan 1941
At 2140B/5, HMS MA/SB 2 grounded off Raz Azzas. HMAS Vendetta (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) which was patrolling in the area towed her off but the MA/SB had damaged her propellers and rudder so HMAS Vendetta towed her to Sollum. (64)

6 Jan 1941

Operations Excess and Operation MC 4.

Convoy operations in the Mediterranean.

Timespan; 6 January to 18 January 1941.

The principal object of this operation was the passage of a convoy of four ships (five were intended, see below) from Gibraltar to Malta and Piraeus (Operation Excess). One of these was to unload her stores at Malta, the other three had supplies on board for the Greek army.

Three subsidiary convoys (Operation M.C. 4) were to be run between Malta and Egypt. These consisted of two fast ships from Malta to Alexandria (convoy M.E. 5½), two fast ships from Alexandria to Malta (convoy M.W. 5½) and six slow ships from Malta to Port Said and Alexandria (convoy M.E. 6).

Composition of the convoys and their escort.

The ‘Excess convoy from Gibraltar’ was made up of one ship that was to proceed with stores to Malta. This was the Essex (11063 GRT, built 1936). The three other ships were to proceed with stores to Piraeus, these were the Clan Cumming (7264 GRT, built 1938), Clan Macdonald (9653 GRT, built 1939) and Empire Song (9228 GRT, built 1940). It had the light cruiser HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.G. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) and HMS Duncan (A/Capt. A.D.B. James, RN) as close escort (‘Force F’). A fifth merchant ship was to have been part of this convoy and was to have proceeded to Malta with stores and troops. However this ship, the Northern Prince (10917 GRT, built 1929) grounded at Gibraltar and was not able to join the convoy. The about four-hundred troops now boarded HMS Bonaventure for passage to Malta.

The most dangerous part of the ‘Excess convoy’ would be the part between Sardinia and Malta. For a stretch of about 400 nautical miles ships were exposed to enemy air attack from bases in Sardinia and Sicily less then 150 nautical miles away from the convoy’s track. Also submarines and surface torpedo craft were a constant menace. An attack by large enemy surface forces was thought less likely although this was potentially more dangerous.

’Convoy M.W.5 ½ from Alexandria to Malta’ made the passage westwards at the same time as the Mediterranean fleet moved westwards (see below). This convoy was made up of HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) and Clan Macauley (10492 GRT, built 1936). These ships were escorted by HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN).

’Convoy’s M.E. 5½ and M.E. 6’ that sailed from Malta to Egypt will be dealth with later on.

Cover forces for these convoy’s

At Gibraltar there was ‘Force H’ which had the following ships available for the operation.
Battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN and flagship of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, RN, KCB, DSO, RN), battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN).

’Force H’ was to provide cover for the ‘Excess convoy’ from Gibraltar to the Sicilian narrows.

South-south-west of Sardina ‘Force H’ was to be reinforced by ‘Force B’ which came from the eastern Mediterranean and was made up of the light cruisers HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN), HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) and the destroyer HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicholson, DSO and Bar, RN). The destroyer HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) had also been part of 'Force B' during the passage from Alexandria to Malta but remained there for a quick docking. After this docking she departed Malta around noon on the 10th to join 'Force A'.

Further cover was to be provided by ‘Force A’, this was the Mediterranean fleet based at Alexandria. This force was made up of the following warships.
Battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Thyrwhitt, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A’Deane, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) and HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN).

During the passage of the ‘Excess convoy’ three submarines were stationed off Sardinia. HMS Pandora off the east coast and HMS Triumph and HMS Upholder were stationed to the south of Sardinia.

Chronology of events

The actual ‘Excess convoy’ and it’s escort (Force F) departed Gibraltar before dark in the evening of January 6th. Course was set to the west as if to proceed into the Atlantic. This was done to deceive enemy spies based in Spain. They turned back in the night after moonset and passes Europa Point well before daylight next morning. At dawn the next morning HMS Bonaventure parted company with the convoy to make rendez-vous with ‘Force H’ which departed Gibraltar around that time. All that day the ‘Excess convoy’ followed the Spanish coast so as if to make for a Spanish port. During the night of 7/8 January the convoy crossed over towards the coast of North-Africa and steered eastwards towards the Sicilian narrows while keeping about 30 nautical miles from the shore of North Africa. ‘Force H’ overtook the convoy during the night and was now stationed to the north-east of it to shield it from Italian air attack. If Italian naval units were reported the plan was that he would join the convoy.

In the morning of the 8th, HMS Bonaventure rejoined the actual ‘Excess convoy’. Late in the afternoon of the 8th HMS Malaya escorted by HMS Firedrake and HMS Jaguar parted company with ‘Force H’ and joined the ‘Excess convoy’ very early in the evening.

At dawn on the 9th ‘Force H’ was ahead of the convoy. At 0500/9, while in position 37°45’N, 07°15’E, HMS Ark Royal flew off five Swordfish aircraft for Malta which was still some 350 nautical miles away. All of which arrived safely. ‘Force H’ then turned back and joined the ‘Excess convoy’ at 0900/9 about 120 nautical miles south-west of Sardinia. HMS Ark Royal meanwhile had launched several aircraft, one of her reconnaissance aircraft reported at 0918 hours that it had sighted two enemy cruisers and two destroyers but this soon turned out to be Rear-Admiral Renouf’s ‘Force B’ which was to join the Excess convoy for the passage through the Sicilian narrows. They joined the convoy about one hour later.

’Force B’ had departed Alexandria in the morning of the 6th with troop for Malta on board. They had arrived at Malta in the morning of the 8th and after disembarking the troops (25 officers and 484 other ranks of the Army and RAF) sailed early in the afternoon. At 0900/9 ‘Force B’ was sighted by an Italian reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft soon made off when being fired at. One hour later another Italian reconnaissance aircraft was however sighted. It was engaged by the fighter patrol from HMS Ark Royal but managed to escape. At 1320 hours, while in position 37°38’N, 08°31’E, Italian bombers arrived on the scene and made their attack on the convoy.

The convoy of the four merchant ships was steaming in two columns in line ahead, 1500 yards apart. HMS Gloucester and HMS Malaya were leading the columns while HMS Bonaventure and HMS Southampton were the sternmost ships. The seven destroyers were placed as a screen ahead of the convoy. ‘Force H’, with HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Sheffield and their five escorting destroyers were on the convoy’s port quarter, operating in close support. The mean line of advance was 088° and the ships were zigzagging at 14 knots.

The enemy consisted of ten Savoia bombers. HMS Sheffield detected them on her radar about 43 nautical miles off, this was the maximum range of her radar equipment. They were fine on the starboard bow and came into sight fourteen minutes later, flying down the starboard side of the convoy out of range of the AA guns at a eight of about 11000 feet. At 1346 hours, when they were broad on the bow, they started their attack. They came in from 145°, which was the bearing of the sun. All the ships opened up a very heavy fire and the enemy was diverted of their course. Eight of the aircraft were seen to drop bombs, some of which fell close to HMS Gloucester and HMS Malaya but no damage was caused. The other two bombers were seen to turn away during their approach. Both were shot down by a Fulmar fighter from HMS Ark Royal. Three men from their crews were picked up from the water. Another bombers is thought to have been shot down by HMS Bonaventure. The other seven are thought to have got away.

Nothing more happened during the afternoon of the 9th. Reconnaissance showed that the Italian fleet was not at sea so at dusk, while in position 37°42’N, 09°53’E, some 30 nautical miles west of the Sicilian narrows and north of Bizerta, Tunisia, ‘Force H’ parted company with the ‘Excess convoy’ and set course to return to Gibraltar. Rear-Admiral Renouf in HMS Gloucester meanwhile continued eastwards with the convoy with his three cruisers and five destroyers of forces ‘B’ and ‘F’.

They had a quiet night, passing Pantelleria after moonset. They remained in deep water to reduce the danger of mines. Next morning, at dawn on the 10th at 0720 hours, they encountered two Italian torpedo boats in position 36°30’N, 12°10’E. HMS Jaguar, the port wing destroyer in the screen, and HMS Bonaventure, stationed astern of the convoy columns, sighted the enemy at the same time. Initially thinking they might be destroyers from the Mediterranean Fleet, which the convoy was due to meet. British ships reported the contact by signal to Rear-Admiral Renouf. HMS Bonaventure challenged the ‘strangers’ and fired a star shell and then turned to engage the enemy working up to full speed. Rear-Admiral Renouf meanwhile turned away with the bulk of the convoy. HMS Southampton, HMS Jaguar and HMS Hereward hauled out from their stations on the engaged side of the convoy and made for the enemy. HMS Bonaventure meanwhile was engaging the right-hand ship of the pair. When the other three ships arrived on the scene Bonaventure shifted her fire to the other enemy ship which came towards her at full speed to attack. The enemy fired her torpedoes which HMS Bonaventure avoided. The four British ships now quickly stopped the enemy but she did not sink. In the end HMS Hereward torpedoed the damaged Italian torpedo boat some 40 minutes later. The other Italian torpedo-boat meanwhile had disappeared. [The Italian ships were the torpedo-boats Vega, which was sunk, and the Circe. HMS Boneventure had sustained some superficial damage from splinters during the action.

Enemy air attacks during 10 January.

At 0800/10, Admiral Cunningham arrived on the scene with ‘Force A’ before the fight was finished. ‘Force A’ turned to the south-east in the wake of the ‘Excess convoy around 0830 hours. While doing so, the destroyer HMS Gallant hit a mine and had her bow blown off. [This was a mine from the Italian minefield ‘7 AN’]. HMS Mohawk took the stricken destroyer in tow towards Malta escorted by HMS Bonaventure and HMS Griffin. They were later joined by HMS Gloucester and HMS Southampton. While HMS Mohawk was passing the towline two Italian torpedo planes attacked but they had to drop their torpedoes from long range and they missed. Between 1130 and 1800 hours, as the tow crept along at five or six knots, with their escort zig-zagging at 20 knots, they were attacked or threatened by aircraft ten times. Nearly all German high level bombers, which came in ones, twos or threes. The enemy dropped bombs in five out of the ten attempts but no hits were obtained. At 1300 hours German dive bombers arrived an obtained a near miss on HMS Southampton causing some minor damage.

At 0500/11, when about 15 nautical miles from Malta, all was going well and Rear-Admiral Renouf made off with for Suda Bay, Crete with HMS Gloucester, HMS Southampton and HMS Diamond. This last ship had joined the evening before. HMS Gallant, still being towed by HMS Mohawk and escorted by HMS Bonaventure and HMS Griffin arrived at Malta in the forenoon. At Malta, HMS Bonaventure disembarked the soldiers she had on board. [HMS Gallant was further damaged by bombs while at Malta and was eventually found to be beyond economical repair and was cannibalized for spares.]

Meanwhile, Admiral Cunningham in ‘Force A’ had a similar experience on a larger scale. He had sailed from Alexandria on the 7th and enemy aircraft spotted his force already on the same day. During the afternoon of the 10th heavy dive bombing attacks were pressed home by the enemy with skill and determination. The main target was HMS Illustrious. Had the enemy attacked the convoy itself the four transports would most likely all have been sunk, instead the Ilustrious was disabled and she would be out of action of many months.

At noon on the 10th the transports were steering south-eastward, zigzagging at 14 to 15 knots with an escort of three destroyers. At 1320 hours, HMS Calcutta joined them. HMS Warspite, HMS Illustrious and HMS Valiant were steaming in line ahead on the convoy’s starboard quarter, course 110° and zigzagging at 17 to 18 knots. These ships were screened by seven destroyers. The weather was clear, with high cloud.

The fleet was in position 35°59’N, 13°13’E some 55 nautical miles west of Malta when the battle began with an air attack by two Savoia torpedo planes which were detected six nautical miles away on the starboard beam at 1220 hours. They came in at a steady level, 150 feet above the water and dropped their torpedoes about 2500 yards from the battleships. They were sighted a minute before firing and the ships received them with a barrage from long- and short-range guns, altering course to avoid the torpedoes, which passed astern of the rearmost ship HMS Valiant. Five Fulmar fighters from the Illustrious had been patrolling above the fleet. One had returned before the attack being damaged while assisting to destroy a shadower some time before the attack. The other four aircraft chased the torpedo aircraft all the way to Linosa Island, which was about 20 miles to the westward. They claimed to have damaged both the enemy machines.

Directly after this attack, while the ships were reforming the line, a strong force of aircraft were reported at 1235 hours, coming from the northward some 30 miles away. The Fulmars, of course, were then a long way off, flying low and with little ammunition remaining. Actually two were even out of ammunition. They were ordered to return and the Illustrious sent up four fresh fighters as well as reliefs for the anti-submarine patrol. This meant a turn of 100° to starboard into the wind to fly off these aircraft. The enemy aircraft came into sight in the middle of this operation which lasted about four minutes. All the ships opened fire. The fleet had just got back to the proper course, 110°, and the Admiral had made the signal to assume loose formation, when the new attack began. The enemy had assembled astern of their target ‘in two very loose and flexible formations’ at a height of 12000 feet.

They were Junkers dive bombers, perhaps as many as 36, of which 18 to 24 attacked HMS Illustrious at 1240 hours, while a dozen attacked the battleships and the destroyer screen. They came down in flights of three on different bearings astern and on either beam, to release their bombs at heights from 1500 to 800 feet, ‘a very severe and brilliantly executed dive-bombing attack’ says Captain Boyd of the Illustrious. The ships altered course continually, and beginning with long-range controlled fire during the approach, shifted to barrage fire as the enemy dived for attack. The ships shot down at least three machines, while the eight Fulmar fighters that were up shot down five more, at the coast of one British machine. Even the two Fulmars that were out of ammo made dummy attacks and forced two Germans to turn away. But, as Captain Boyd pointed out ‘ at least twelve fighters in the air would have been required to make any impression on the enemy, and double that number to keep them off’.

HMS Illustrious was seriously damaged. She was hit six times, mostly with armour-piercing bombs of 1100 pounds. They wrecked the flight deck, destroyed nine aircraft on board and put half the 4.5” guns out of action, and did other damage, besides setting the ship on fire fore and aft and killing and wounding many of the ship’s company (13 officers and 113 ratings killed and 7 officers and 84 ratings injured) . The Warspite too, narrowly escaped serious injury, but got away with a split hawsepipe and a damaged anchor.

As HMS Illustrious was now useless as a carrier and likely to become a drag on the fleet Captain Boyd decided to make for Malta. The Commander-in-Chief gave her two destroyers as escort, one from his own screen and one from the convoy’s (these were HMS Hasty and HMS Jaguar) and she parted company accordingly. She had continual trouble with her steering gear, which at last broke down altogether, so that she had to steer with the engines, making only 17 to 18 knots. Her aircraft that were in the air also proceeded to Malta.

A third attack came at 1330 hours. By this time HMS Illustrious was 10 nautical miles north-eastward of the battleships which, due to the manoeuvres during the previous attack, were nearly as far away from the transports. The enemy came in again with high level bombers. Seven machines attacked the Illustrious and seven more the battleships. They were received with heavy AA fire. All the bombs they dropped fell wide. HMS Calcutta claimed to have destroyed one of the attackers.

More serious in it’s results was a second dive-bombing attack upon HMS Illustrious at 1610 hours. There were 15 JU-87’s Stuka’s escorted by 5 fighters. Actually 9 of the Stuka’s dropped their bombs, the other 6 were kept at bay due to heavy AA fire from the Illustrious, Hasty and Jaguar. One bomb hit and two near misses on the Illustrious were obtained by the enemy for the loss of one of their aircraft which was shot down by the Illustrious and the Jaguar. A few minutes later the 6 Stuka’s that had been driven off attacked the battleships but they again retired after fire was opened on them.

At 1715 hours, 17 more Stuka’s attacked the battleships. Again they were received with heavy AA fire. The enemy dropped their bombs from a greater height and non of them hit although splinters from a near miss killed a rating on board HMS Valiant and a bombs fell very near HMS Janus but it did not explode. The ships may have destroyed one aircraft with their AA fire. Three of the Fulmars from the Illustrious came from Malta and destroyed three of the attackers.

This turned out to be the end of the ordeal for the ‘Excess Convoy’ and its supporting ships of war, but not for HMS Illustrious which had one more encounter with the enemy before she reached Malta. At about 1920 hours, a little more then an hour after sunset and in moonlight, some aircraft approached from seaward when she was only five nautical miles from the entrance to Grand Harbour, Malta. She had received warning from Malta that enemy aircraft were about and she sighted two – probably torpedo planes. Illustrious, Hasty and Jaguar fired a blind barrage on which the enemy disappeared. Directly afterwards HMS Hasty obtained an Asdic contact and attacked it with depth charges, but whether it was a submarine remains uncertain. HMS Illustrious finally entered harbour at 2100 hours accompanied by HMS Jaguar which had passengers to land.

Movements of the actual ‘Excess Convoy’.

In the meantime, after the mild attack at 1340/10, the convoy went on its way unhindered. Its movements then became involved in those of the Malta to Egypt convoys, which were to sail under cover of the main operation with the special support of Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s ‘Force D’ which was made up of the cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN). The first of these convoys, the two ships of M.W. 5½ (see above), had left Alexandria for Malta on 7 January, some hours after Admiral Cunningham sailed westwards with ‘Force A’ to meet the ‘Excess Convoy’. To reinforce ' Force D ' the light cruiser HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and destroyer HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) departed Malta on 8 January 1941. They joined ' Force D ' on the 9th. Both transports of this convoy reached Malta without adventure in the morning of the 10th escorted by HMS Calcutta, HMS Diamond and HMS Defender. On arrival HMS Calcutta joined the six slow ships which made up convoy M.E. 6 which was bound for Port Said and Alexandria. The ships in this convoy were the; Devis (6054 GRT, built 1938), Hoegh Hood (tanker, Norwegian, 9351 GRT, built 1936), Pontfield (tanker, 8290 GRT, built 1940), Rodi (3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian), Trocas (tanker, 7406 GRT, built 1927) and Volo (1587 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by four corvettes; HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO, RN), HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, RN, RNR), HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. A.J.C. Pomeroy, RNVR). At the end of the searched channel this convoy was joined by ‘Force D’. HMS Calcutta was then ordered to join the ‘Excess Convoy’ and arrived in time to defend it from the Italian bombers as already described.

The last convoy, M.E. 5½, two fast ships (the Lanarkshire (8167 GRT, built 1940) and Waiwera (12435 GRT, built 1934)) bound for Alexandria, also left Malta in the morning of the 10th under escort of HMS Diamond. They were to join the ‘Excess Convoy’ until they were to turn to the south to clear Crete and then proceed to Alexandria. The ‘Excess Convoy’ would then proceed to Piraeus, Greece. The two convoys met that afternoon. The transport Essex then left and proceeded to Malta escorted by HMS Hero. After the Essex was safely inside Grand Harbour, HMS Hero joined the fleet.

Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell stayed with convoy M.E. 6 until dark on the 10th. As ‘Force A’ was somewhat behind due to the air attacks and Admiral Cunningham ordered Vice Admiral Pridham-Whippell to position HMS Orion and HMAS Perth to the north of the convoy to be in a good position in case of an attack by Italian surface forces. ‘Force A’ made good ground during the night and was some 25 nautical miles north of the convoy by daylight on the 11th at which time Orion and Perth joined ‘Force A’. Their forces stayed within a few miles of the convoy until the afternoon when they turned back to help HMS Gloucester, HMS Southampton which had come under air attack (see below). In the evening the ships destined for Alexandria left the convoy, while HMS Calcutta went ahead to Suda Bay to fuel there. The three ships and their destroyer escort continued on to Piraeus where they arrived safely next morning, at 1000 on the 12th.

HMS Ajax and HMS York had been ordered to join convoy M.E. 6. HMS Ajax however was ordered to proceed to Suda Bay soon after she had joined the convoy. In the morning of the 11th therefore, Rear-Admiral Renouf in HMS Gloucester and with HMS Southampton and HMS Diamond in company, was ordered to overtake the convoy and support it. They were at that moment steering for Suda Bay having left the disabled Gallant off Malta some hours before. Rear-Admiral Renouf altered course accordingly and made 24 knots against the convoys 9 to 10 knots. He also send up a Walrus aircraft to find the convoy.

The sinking of HMS Southampton.

At 1522 hours, when his ships were some 30 nautical miles astern of the convoy, and in position 34°56’N, 18°19’E, they were suddenly attacked by a dozen German Ju-87 ‘Stuka’ dive-bombers. Fortune was against them. The attack came as an entire surprise and according to Captain Rowley of the Gloucester the ‘aircraft were not sighted until the whistle of the first bomb was heard’. Six machines attacked each cruiser, diving steeply from the direction of the sun, releasing a 550-lb bomb each, at heights of around 1500 to 800 feet. The ships opened fire with 4” AA guns and smaller AA guns. They also increased speed and altered course to avoid the attack but two bombs, perhaps three hit HMS Southampton causing disastrous damage. Another hit and some near misses did some damage to HMS Gloucester, most important damage was to her DCT (director control tower). Half-an-hour later seven high-level bombers attacked but they were detected in time and taken under fire as a result of which all bombs fell wide. During the attack the Walrus from HMS Gloucester returned and ditched alongside HMS Diamond which took off the crew and then scuttled the aircraft.

Rear-Admiral Renouf immediately reported the damage to his cruisers to Admiral Cunningham who went to their aid. He send Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell ahead with the Orion, Perth, Jervis and Janus. From Malta HMS Griffin and HMS Mohawk were sent. Before they arrived however, Rear-Admiral Renouf reported that the Southampton must be abandoned and that he would sink her. HMS Gloucester took on board 33 officers and 678 ratings of which 4 officers and 58 ratings were wounded while HMS Diamond took on board 16 wounded ratings. Upon this signal the battleships turned east again. HMS Southampton had cought fire badly upon being hit. For a time the ships company fought the fire successfully and kept the ship in action and under control but in the end the fire got out of control. Also it was found that some magazines could not be flooded. In the end the crew had to give it up and was taken off. A torpedo was fired into her by HMS Gloucester but it did not sink her. Soon afterwards Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell arrived on the scene and his flagship, HMS Orion then scuttled her with three more torpedoes (four were fired).

Further proceedings of the convoys and the fleet.

Next morning, the 12th, HMS Orion, HMS Perth, HMS Gloucester, HMS Jervis and HMS Janus joined Admiral Cunningham’s Force off the west end of Crete meeting there also A/Rear-Admiral Rawlings (‘Force X’) in HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and with HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax and their destroyer screen made up of HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) which had departed Alexandria on 11 January. These ships were to have begun a series of attacks on the Italian shipping routes but the disabling of HMS Illustrious put an end to that part of the plan so Admiral Cunningham took HMS Warspite, HMS Valiant, HMS Gloucester and the destroyers HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Greyhound, HMS Diamond, HMS Defender, HMS Hero and HMAS Voyager straight to Alexandria where they arrived in the early morning hours of the 13th.

HMS Barham, HMS Eagle, HMS York, HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta, HMS Wryneck, HMS Griffin and HMS Mohawk then proceeded to Suda Bay to fuel where they arrived around 1900/12.

After fuelling at Suda Bay, Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell took HMS Orion, HMAS Perth to Piraeus where they arrived at 0230/13. There they took some troops from the ‘Excess Convoy’ on board and departed for Malta at 0600/13, a task the Southampton was to have done. They arrived at Malta around 0830/14. After unloading HMS Orion departed for Alexandria later the same day together with HMS Bonaventure and HMS Jaguar. They arrived at Alexandria in the morning of the 16th. HMAS Perth remained at Malta due to defects.

Meanwhile the six ships of convoy M.E. 6 arrived safely at their destinations on 13 January.

HMS Barham, HMS Eagle, HMS Ajax, HMAS Stuart, HMS Juno, HMS Hereward, HMS Hasty and HMS Dainty departed Suda Bay for operations south-west of Crete early in the morning of the 13th. The destroyers HMS Ilex, HMS Wryneck, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Vendetta also departed Suda Bay to conduct a sweep in the Kythera Channel. They joined ‘Force X’ around noon but Vampire and Vendetta were soon detached to investigate explosions which turned out to be underwater volcano activity. Meanwhile Ilex and Wryneck were also detached for a sweep towards Stampalia. These four destroyers fuelled at Suda Bay on the 14th and then departed for Piraeus where they arrived in the evening of the 14th. An A/S sweep had been carried out en-route.

’Force X’ returned to Suda Bay in the afternoon of the 15th and departed from there on the 16th for Alexandria where they arrived on the 18th, although some of the destroyers remained behind at Suda Bay.Leave van given to their crews at Piraeus and the destroyers departed Piraeus early on the 16th. HMS Ilex proceeded independently while HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta and HMS Wryneck peroceeded to Suda Bay joining ' Force X ' on its departure.

Not a single of the 14 merchant ships in the convoys was lost but the fleet paid a heavy price for this loosing a light cruiser and a valuable aircraft carrier out of action for many months. As there were now German aircraft based in Italy future operations for the supply of Malta would be extremely difficult and dangerous.

The return of ' Force H' to Gibraltar.

That now leaves us with the return of ' Force H ' to Gibraltar which parted company with the eastbound convoy and its escort at 1920/9 in position 37°42'N, 09°53'E. ' Force H ' turned away to port. At 1935/9, ' Force H ' alter course to 300° and increased speed to 20 knots. Further alterations to course were made at 2200/9 to 260° and at mindnight durng the night of 9/10 January to 290°.

At 0100/10 course was altered for a quarter of an hour to clear three merchant vessels which had been sighted to the northward in position 38°03'N, 07°58'N, steering 180°. At 0900/10, course was altered to 246° and speed reduced to 18 knots.

A reconnaissance flight of seven aircraft was flown off to carry out an all round search to a depth of 50 miles from position 38°44'N, 05°18'E. On their return at 1030/10, they had nothing to report. Visibility was variable - from 5 to 15 miles. There was a slight sea and wind, force 3 from south-south-west. Speed was increased to 19 knots at 1110/10 since there appeared vibration in HMS Malaya when proceeding at 18 knots.

During the afternoon, three attack exercises were carried out on ' Force H ' by a total of nine Swordfish. Flying was completed by 1800/10. Moonlight exercises were cancelled due to a deterioration of weather and visibility. During the night the wind veered to the southwest and increased to force 6.

At 2345/10, Captain (D), 8th Destroyer Flottila, reported that the destroyers could maintain 19 knots provided that their A/S domes were housed, but would have to reduce to 16 knots if they were to remain lowered. Destroyers were accordingly orderd to house their domes.

The sea increased considerably, and by 0020/11 it was necessary to reduce speed to 14 knots in order to prevent damage to the destroyers. Course was altered for a short time at 0135/11 to avoid a merchant ship sighted in position 36°37'N, 00°06'W, steering to the north. Speed was further reduced to 11 knots by 0310/11, but gradual improvement in sea conditions permitted a corresponding increase of speed, so that by 0700/11, ' Force H ' was proceeding at 17 knots. Later in the day HMS Fury reported tat her forward gun shield had been distorted and that the gun could not be trained.

Six Swordfish were flown off by HMS Ark Royal at 0715/11 in order to carry out a light torpedo attack on ' Force H '. They were landed at 0815/11. At 0930/11, course was altered to 270° and speed increased to 19 knots. Weather conditions continued unfavourable, and not only had air training to be abandoned, but also the projected reconnaissance flight to Oran and Mers-el-Kebir to obtain photographs requisted by the Admiralty.

A London flying boat sent out from Gibraltar as A/S patrol ahead of ' Force H ' was sighted at 1015/11. By 1220/11, the sea had moderated sufficiently for the destroyers to increase speed and HMS Renown, HMS Sheffield, HMS Faulknor and HMS Foxhound proceeded ahead at 24 knots, increasing at 1730/11 to 26 knots. They arrived in harbour at 1920/11. The remainder of ' Force H ' arrived in harbour at 2020/11. (65)

7 Jan 1941
Around 2350B/7, HMAS Vendetta (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria for the Sollum area.

She arrived off Sollum the following day around noon and then commenced A/S patrol in the area. (64)

9 Jan 1941
Off Sollum, Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN, rejoined HMAS Vampire from HMAS Vendetta.

HMAS Vampire returned to Alexandria the following day when Capt. Waller departed Vampire as the flotilla leader HMAS Stuart had just returned to Alexandria from refit at Malta. (66)

10 Jan 1941
Around 1930B/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) returned to Alexandria from the Sollum area. (64)

11 Jan 1941
Around 0200B/11, ' Force X ', made up of the battleship HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Ajax and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for operations.

[For more info see the event ' Operations Excess and Operation M.C. 4 ' for 4 January 1941.]

18 Jan 1941
Between 0650B/18 and 0750B/18, HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) returned to Alexandria from operations. (67)

20 Jan 1941

Convoy AN 13.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 20 January 1941 for Piraeus where it arrived on 23 January 1941.

The convoy was made up of the transports; HMS Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930), Lanarkshire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940) and Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937).

They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN).

The convoy arrived safely at Piraeus on 23 January 1941. (63)

25 Jan 1941

Convoy AS 13.

This convoy departed Piraeus on 25 January 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said.

The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels; Ais Giorgis (Greek, 2098 GRT, built 1908), Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922), Diamantis (British, 5253 GRT, built 1919), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Efthalia Mari (Greek, 4195 GRT, built 1919), El Hak (British, 1022 GRT, built 1929), Frinton (Greek, 1419 GRT, built 1903), Helka (British, 3471 GRT, built 1912), Iris (Swedish, 1974 GRT, built 1886), Ovula (Ducth, 6256 GRT, built 1938), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Pancration (Greek, 2171 GRT, built 1920), Petros J. Goulandris (Greek, 4693 GRT, built 1923), Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907), Tassia (Greek, 3034 GRT, built 1904) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Escort for this convoy was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN). The minesweeper HMS Fareham (Lt. W.J.P. Church, RN) later joined at sea having sailed from Suda Bay.

On 27 January 1941 the Alexandria section of the convoy arrived there escorted by HMS Coventry, HMAS Vendetta and HMS Fareham.

The Port Said section continued on escorted by HMS Wryneck. They arrived there on the 28th. (63)

1 Feb 1941

Operation MC 7.

Diversion in the eastern Mediterranean during operations by Force H in the western Mediterranean.

1 February 1941.

The light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.G. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) departed Alexandria at 0300B/1. The destroyers were detached shortly after leaving harbour to proceed to the north-eastward to sweep the waters around Rhodes during the night of ½ February. They were to be at Suda bay at 0700/2.

The cruisers were to proceed through the Kaso Strait around 2200B/1. They then were to proceed to Suda Bay where they were to make rendez-vous with the destroyers.

At 0800B/1 the Mediterranean Fleet departed Alexandria. The Fleet was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr .P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

At 2200B/1 the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and the destroyer HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Suda Bay to join the Mediterranean Fleet at sea.

2 February 1941.

At 0645B/2 Italian reconnaissance aircraft sighted the Fleet. At 0800 hours the Fleet was in position 34.25’N, 23.49’E. At this time HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth and HMS Jaguar joined the Fleet. HMS Wryneck was detached to return to Alexandria. She was ordered to proceed along the western desert coast in order to reinforce the inshore squadron during her passage.

At 1500B/2, HMS Defender parted company and proceeded to Malta where she was to refit. She also had RAF personnel on board for Malta. She arrived at Malta at 0800/3.

The destroyer HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), which had completed her repairs, left Malta at 1900B/2 to join the Fleet at 1100/3.

HMS Orion, HMS Bonaventure, HMS Ilex, HMS Hero and HMS Hereward joined the Fleet at 1545B/2. No enemy had been encountered during their operations. HMS Bonaventure was detached shortly afterwards on account of her shortage of ammunition. She arrived back at Alexandria around 1300B/3.

At 1800B/2, HMS Orion, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Ilex and HMS Hereward were detached to cover the movements of HMS Defender and HMS Decoy (see above) during the night. They later turned around to rejoin the fleet by 0900B/3.

The Fleet continued to proceed to the north-west until 0100B/3, then turned west but at 0300B/3 turned to the east.

3 February 1941.

At 0800B/3 a signal was received from Force H that ‘ Operation Picket ‘ had been completed but that ‘ Operation Result ‘ had been abandoned due the the severe weather conditions. As ‘ Operation MC 7 ‘’s main purpose was a diversion for these operations Admiral Cunningham decided to return to Alexandria.

Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s force rejoined the fleet at 0900B/3. At 0930B/3, HMS Ajax and HMAS Perth were detached for patrol duty in the Aegean to cover convoy’s. The destroyers HMAS Vampire and HMAS Vendetta were detached with orders to fuel at Suda Bay and then to join the escort of convoy AS 14 coming from the Aegean towards Alexandria / Port Said.

HMS Decoy, coming from Malta, joined the fleet at 1130B/3.

4 February 1941.

The Mediterranean Fleet returned to Alexandria around 1830B/4. Practice attacks by aircraft from HMS Eagle had been made on the fleet during the day. (63)

3 Feb 1941

Convoy AS 14.

This convoy departed Piraeus on 3 February 1941.

It was made up of six merchant vessels, four Greek one British and one Norwegian; The British / Norwegian ships were the British Motorist (British (tanker), 6891 GRT, built 1924) and Fosna (Norwegian (tanker) 8202 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Piraeus the convoy was escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and corvettes HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR) and HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, RN, RNR).

The destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), coming from Suda Bay relieved the corvettes later on the 3rd.

Around 1750C/5, the convoy split into an Alexandria section escorted by HMAS Vampire and a Port Said section escorted by HMS Coventry and HMAS Vendetta.

Around 0200C/5, HMS Coventry parted company with the Port Said section to proceed to Alexandria.

Both sections arrived at their destination on the 7th.

8 Feb 1941
Between 8 February and 8 March 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), was refitting at Alexandria. (68)

9 Mar 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted post-refit trials off Alexandria. (69)

10 Mar 1941
Around 0615B/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Port Said wher she arrived around 1900B/10. (69)

11 Mar 1941

Convoy AN 19.

This convoy departed Alexandria / Port Said on 11 March 1941.

The, larger, Port Said section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Baluchustan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Constantinos Louloudis (Greek, 4697 GRT, built 1922), Coulouras-Xenos (Greek, 4914 GRT, built 1915), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Evanthia (Greek, 3551 GRT, built 1915), Evoikos (Greek, 4792 GRT, built 1922), Hellas (Greek, 2295 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Nitsa (Greek, 4732 GRT, built 1915), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Solheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1934) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937).

This section was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The, smaller, Alexandria section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Pericles (Dutch (tanker), 3167 GRT, built 1938) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).

The Alexandria section was escorted by the Greek destroyers RHS Spetsai and RHS Ydra.

Around 0635B/13, the two sections merged.

Around 1000B/16, the convoy arrived at Piraeus. The tanker Pericles had meanwhile been detached to Suda Bay. (70)

18 Mar 1941

Convoy AS 20.

This convoy departed Piraeus around noon on the 18 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Escaut (Belgian, 1087 GRT, built 1938), Heron (Greek, 1580 GRT, built 1906), Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915).

On departure from Piraeus the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), 'a Greek destroyer' and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

Between 1750B/18 and 1840B/18, HMAS Vendetta conducted depth charge attacks on a A/S contact. She was assisted in the hunt by a Sunderland aircraft.

Around 1800B/18, HMS Calcutta parted company with the convoy to proceed to Suda Bay.

Around 0915B/19, HMS Calcutta rejoined the convoy.

Around 0950B/19, the merchant vessel Thalma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Suda Bay.

Around 0700B/20, the Greek destroyer parted company.

Around 0615B/21, the convoy was dispersed and the ships proceeded to either Alexandria or Port Said. (69)

21 Mar 1941
Around 1000B/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from convoy escort duty. (69)

22 Mar 1941

Convoy AN 22.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 22 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Kararchi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1929), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) and Volsella (British, 2103 GRT, built 1906).

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

During the night of 22/23 March 1941 the Volsella was detached as she could not keep up with the convoy.

Around 0730B/24, the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and destroyer HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) joined the convoy as additional escorts.

Around 0615B/25, the Suda Bay section of the convoy parted company, these were the Dumana and Nicolaou Georgios.

The convoy arrived at Piraeus around 1830B/25. (71)

27 Mar 1941
Between around 0145B/27 and 0820B/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) conducted an A/S patrol off Piraeus. (69)

27 Mar 1941
Around 1330B/27, the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Piraeus for patrol in the western Aegean and Anti-Kythira Channel.

For further developments see the event ' Battle of Cape Matapan. ' for 28 March 1941.] (72)

28 Mar 1941

Battle of Cape Matapan.

Timespan: 26 to 30 March 1941. (All times are zone B/-2)

26 March 1941.

The Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto departed Naples escorted by the destroyers Alpino, Bersagliere, Fuciliere and Granatiere from the 13th Destroyer Division.

The Italian heavy cruisers Fiume, Zara and Pola from the 1st Cruiser Division departed Taranto escorted by the destroyers Vittorio Alfieri, Giosuè Carducci Alfredo Oriani and Vincenzo Gioberti from the 9th Destroyer Division.

The Italian light cruisers Luigi di Savoia Duca Delgi Abruzzi and Giuseppe Garibaldi from the 8th Cruiser Division departed Brindisi escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso Da Recco and Emanuele Pessagno from the 16th Destroyer Division.

27 March 1941.

The Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto and her escorting destroyers passed the Straits of Messina after which they were joined by the heavy cruisers Trieste, Trento and Bolzano (3rd Cruiser Division) and their escorting destroyers from the 12th Destroyer Division; Ascari, Carabiniere and Corazziere which sailed from Messina.

The 1st and 8th Cruiser Divisions were to proceed to the Aegean to search for British/Greek convoy’s while the Veneto and the 3rd Cruiser Division were to proceed towards Gavdos Island to take up a cover position. Late in the evening however the 1st and 8th Cruiser Divisions were ordered to join the Veneto and 3rd Cruiser Division.

However in the meantime the British were aware of the Italian fleet movements and shortly after noon this day the 3rd Cruiser Division had been sighted and reported by a Sunderland aircraft.

In response Admiral Cunningham departed Alexandria at 1900 hours with the Mediterranean Fleet which was made up of the battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN / other sources give Lt. L.R.P. Lawford, RN in command), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN).

The fleet steered a course of 300° at 20 knots.

Six hours before, at 1300/27, Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell, had departed Pireaus with the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN). They were to patrol in the Aegean to provide cover for convoy’s but when the Italian warships were known to be at sea they were ordered to make rendez-vous at 0630/28 south of crete with the Mediterranean Fleet in position 34°20’N, 24°10’E, 30 nautical miles south of Gavdos Island, south of Crete.

28 March 1941 and onwards.

At 0430 hours, the Fleet was in position 32°22’N, 27°12’E steering 310° at 16 knots. They were a little over 200 nautical miles from the rendez-vous position with the cruiser force.

At 0555 hours, HMS Formidable, launched A/S and fighter aircraft. They were to search an area between Crete and Cyrenaica as far west as longitude 23°E. An air search from Maleme, in Crete, had started earlier. Four torpedo bombers (armed indeed with torpedoes) took off at 0445 hours to search to the west of Crete. One however developed engine trouble and ha to jettison her torpedo and return. The other sighted nothing of the enemy and returned at 0845 hours.

At 0630 hours, the cruiser force was proceeding to the south-east at 18 knots. They sighted an Italian aircraft of a type that was used as catapult aircraft by Italian surface ships. So this indicated that these must be in the area.

At 0630 hours, the cruiser force was joined by two more destroyers. These were HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) which came from Suda Bay. The cruiser force then set course to 200°.

At 0720 hours, the enemy was first sighted by aircraft ‘5 B’ from HMS Formidable. At 0722 hours this aircraft amplified her report ‘four cruisers and four destroyers’ were reported in position 34°22’N, 24°57’E. They were steering 230°.

The next report came from aircraft ‘5 F’ from HMS Formidable at 0739 hours which announced four cruisers and six destroyers in position 34°05’N, 24°26’E steering 200°.

As the force reported at 0720 hours was identical in composition as the British cruiser force and only 35 miles north of this force it was thought that the aircraft had sighted our own ships.

The report of the force reported at 0739 hours was still being studied by Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell when HMS Orion sighted smoke astern at 0745 hours bearing 010°. One minute later the enemy ships were sighted and identified.

Commencement of the action.

At 0752 hours the cruiser force altered course to 140° and increased speed to 23 knots. Shorty afterwards the ships astern were seen to be three cruisers and some destroyers and speed was increased to 28 knots. As the enemy was suspected to be 8” cruisers of the Zara-class which outgunned our cruisers and were also faster it was decided to try to draw them towards out battleships which were about 90 nautical miles to the eastward.

At 0812 hours the enemy opened fire from 25000 yards. It were however not Zara-class heavy cruisers but it were Trieste, Trento and Bolzano. Enemy salvoes however fell short. Enemy fire concentrated on HMS Gloucester which commenced zig-zagging to avoid being hit.

At 0829 hours HMS Gloucester opened fire on the enemy from 23500 yards. The salvoes fell short but caused the enemy to alter course away and draw outside the British gun range. The Italians continued firing although all their salvoes were falling short. Both forces continued speeding to the south-east when at 0854 hours the aspect of affairs was suddenly changed when aircraft ‘5 F’ from HMS Formidable reported enemy battleships in position 34°00’N, 24°16’E steering course 210° at 20 knots. Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell had been in that position less then one hour before and thought the position to be incorrect but enemy battleships must be nearby non the less.

One minute later the enemy cruisers ceased fire and turned away to the north-east. They had been ordered to break off the engagement as the Italian C-in-C feared that his cruisers were drawn to far into waters controlled by British aircraft. Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell decided to follow the enemy and altered course accordingly. At 0936 hours he reported that the enemy was still in sight bearing 320°, range 16 nautical miles, speed 28 knots. During this phase of the action HMAS Vendetta developed engine trouble and was detached to Alexandria.

Movements of the Mediterranean Fleet.

When Admiral Cunningham received Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s contact report at 0827 hours the Fleet increased speed to 22 knots and altered course to 310°. Twenty minutes later HMS Valiant was ordered to proceed at her utmost speed and join Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s cruiser force. HMS Mohawk and HMS Nubian were ordered to join her.

At 0833 hours HMS Formidable was ordered to ready a torpedo bomber striking force. Also the aircraft at Maleme, Crete were ordered to attack the enemy cruisers.

Aircraft reports then came in regarding another enemy force further to the northward, though their presence was by no means certain. Aircraft reports continued to come in but the situation was very unclear. It was therefore decided to hold back the torpedo bomber striking force of HMS Formidable until the situation had cleared.

Striking force of HMS Formidable finally takes off.

At 0939 hours the C-in-C finally orders HMS Formidable to lauch her torpedo bomber strike force to attack the enemy and relieve the pressure on the cruiser force.

At 0956 hours Formidable therefore launches six Albacore torpedo aircraft and two Fulmar fighters as escort. Also a Swordfish was launched for observation duty.

Meanwhile the cruiser force was still in pursuit of the enemy cruisers. They were barely visible from the director of HMS Orion when at 1058 hours the enemy motive for breaking off the action and turning to the north-west became evident when HMS Orion sighted an enemy battleship bearing 002°. The battleship quickly opened fire and Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell at once altered course to the southward in order to disengage. Also speed was increased to 30 knots which all cruisers fortunately could make despite some machinery problems in HMS Gloucester. For ten minutes the enemy battleship concentrated her fire on HMS Orion which suffered some minor damage from a near miss. Smoke was made and the cruiser force then became invisible to the enemy except for HMS Gloucester. Fire was then shifted to this ship and she was repeatedly straddled until HMS Hasty was able to cover her in smoke. Meanwhile the Italian 8” cruisers that had been encountered first tried to cut off the retreat of our cruisers but fortunately right at this moment the air striking force from HMS Formidable intervened.

The air attack on the Vittorio Veneto.

While flying at 9000 feet the air striking force from HMS Formidable sighted the Vittorio Veneto at 1058 hours. Her salvoes were seen to straddle our cruisers. The planes proceeded to manoeuvre to reach a position off her starboard bow on the opposite site of the battleships destroyer escort.

They attacked at 1127 hours, in two waves, each plane being able to act independently. The enemy destroyers began to move over to starboard when our planes commenced their dive and the battleship altered course more then 180° to starboard when the first wave was at 1000 feet. Two aircraft (‘4 A’ and ‘4 F’) were already committed to the attack released their torpedoes on the starboard side. The third aircraft (‘4 C’) attacked from fine on the starboard bow.

The second sub-flight (aircraft ‘5 A’, ‘4 P’ and ‘4 K’) was able to take advantage of Vittorio Veneto’s turn and dropped their torpedoes from good positions on the battleships port bow. Although the striking force reported a possible hit all torpedoes passed clear astern of the target.

The enemy battleship then broke off the action with our cruiser force and retired on a north-westerly course at 25 knots. This was fortunate for the cruiser force but the C-in-C was not at all happy because this lessened his chance to bring his battleships into action against the enemy battleship.

At 1230 hours, Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell made contact with the Fleet.

Attack by FAA aircraft from Maleme on the Italian 3rd Cruiser Division.

The aircraft from Maleme also took part in this phase of the action. Three Swordfish had been flow off at 1050 hours. Flying at 9000 feet they sighted enemy cruisers in position 34°22’N, 23°02’E at 1200 hours. The enemy force was steering 300° at 28 to 30 knots. The aircraft then attacked out of the sun. Their target was the rear cruiser, Bolzano. The two leading aircraft dropped their torpedoes from the port bow and beam. The third aircraft came in too high, turned to port and then dropped it’s torpedo on the bow of the target. The enemy cruiser took avoiding action and all torpedoes missed. AA fire was opened but none of the aircraft was damaged.

Movements of the battlefleet 1100 – 1305 hours.

At 0918 hours, the C-in-C ordered HMS Valiant, HMS Mohawk and HMS Nubian to rejoin him. This was done after it was heard by the C-in-C that the Italian cruisers had broken off the action with the British cruiser force.

At 1112 hours, the C-in-C asked Rear-Admiral Boyd on board HMS Formidable when a second air strike force could be ready. The reply was ‘in about half an hour’. At 1153 hours, HMS Formidable reported this second strike force to be ready for takeoff. They were however told to wait for a moment.

At 1225 hours the battleships were ordered to launch spotter aircraft as action might be near. Shortly afterwards the C-in-C realised that the speed of the enemy battleship had to be reduced if his battleships were to see action against it. Meanwhile the cruiser force had been retiring towards the battlefleet and at 1228 hours HMS Orion had been sighted by HMS Jervis from the destroyer screen.

At 1305 hours, the cruiser force was ordered to proceed ahead of the battlefleet on a bearing of 290° at maximum visual signalling distance. They remained near the battlefleet until 1644 hours when they were ordered to press on and gain touch with the retreating enemy.

The Formidable’s second strike force awaits orders.

The first air strike force returned to HMS Formidable between 1200 and 1215 hours after attacking the Vittorio Veneto. This necessitated the second air strike force to be flown off in order to have the first one to land on. The two operations were completed by 1244 hours and HMS Formidable set course to rejoin the battlefleet she had to split off from during flight operations.

The second striking force consisted of three Albacore’s and two Swordfish accompanied by two Fulmar’s. After flying of it was ordered to wait overhead until the battlefleet engaged the enemy which was hoped to be around 1330 hours.

Whilst proceeding to rejoin the battleships, HMS Formidable was attacked by two Italian S-79 torpedo bombers but the torpedo tracks could be easily combed and both torpedoes missed astern. At 1400 hours Formidable was back in position and the Fleet was still proceeding westwards in pursuit of the enemy.

Vittorio Veneto

As touch with the enemy had been lost due to lack of shadowing aircraft three Albacores from the first strike group were launched again at 1400 hours to search for the enemy. One of them (aircraft ‘4 F’) sighted the Vittorio Veneto at 1459 hours in position 34°45’N, 22°14’E. The report was received at 1515 hours. This aircraft was able to remain in touch with the enemy until being relieved at 1920 hours.

The second striking force sighted the enemy battleship at 1510 hours. The squadron leader worked into the sun and succeeded in getting down to 5000 feet unobserved. The leading destroyer on the battleships bow then opened fire but turned away when shot up by the fighter escort. As the three Albacores (‘5 F’, ‘5 G’ and ‘5 H’) attacked on the Vittorio Veneto’s port bow she turned 180° to starboard and splashes were seen on her port bow and amidships. The two Swordfish (‘4 B’ and ‘5 K’) had worked round ‘up sun’ to attack separately. But as the Vittorio Veneto in turning presented her starboard side clear of the screen they decided to attack together diving from 8000 feet. By that time the enemy battleship was doing only 14 knots thus providing an easy shot. A large splash was seen on her starboard quarter and another on her starboard side. In fact only one hit was obtained which caused a reduction in the battleships speed.

Activities from R.A.F. bombers from Greece.

During the afternoon of the 28th R.A.F. bombers from Greece made a series of attacks on the enemy. When an enemy report was received from an R.A.F. Sunderland ay 1235/28 six Blenheim aircraft from 84 Squadron were ordered to take off from Menidi airfield (some 20 miles north of Athens) and attack the contact. These aircraft made an attack at 1420 hours. The target appears to have been the Vittorio Veneto but no hits were obtained.

Then at 1520 hours four more Blenheims from 84 Squadron attacked the Italian 3rd Cruiser Division. Two hits were claimed on a cruiser with 250 lb. bombs and two more on another cruiser with 500 lb. bombs. Unfortunately these were only near misses on the Trento and Bolzano.

Between 1515 and 1645 hours, several attacks were made by a total of 11 Blenheims on the Italian 1st and 8th Cruiser Divisions and near misses were obtained on the Zara and Garibaldi.

The pursuit, 1330 to 1810 hours.

At 1600 hours, the C-in-C ordered HMS Formidable to make strong as possible torpedo bomber attack on the damaged battleship.

At 1618 hours, the destroyers were organized into divisions for a possible night attack.

At 1644 hours, the cruiser force was ordered to press on to gain touch with the damaged battleship. They made off at 30 knots.

Shortly afterwards HMS Mohawk and HMS Nubian were ordered to proceed ahead of the battlefleet as a visual link between the battleships and the cruisers.

When evening was beginning to fall at 1720 hours, the destroyers were organized for night attack.

At 1810 hours, the C-in-C signalled that if the cruisers were to gain touch most of the destroyers would be sent to join them for a night torpedo attack on the damaged battleship. The situation was however not very clear due to lack of enemy reports.

At 1831 hours, the observer aircraft from HMS Warspite, which had been catapulted at 1745 hours, made a report that the damaged Vittorio Veneto was in company with three cruisers and seven destroyers and about 50 nautical miles bearing 292°, speed 12 knots, from the C-in-C’s position.

The British battleships then formed in line ahead and were doing 20 knots. Shortly afterwards the observer aircraft from Warspite reported that enemy forces were concentrating and at 1912 the aircraft reported that the enemy forces had formed five columns.

Situation at 1915 hours on 28 March 1941.

The sun had set at 1840 hours. By 1915 hours it appeared that the damaged enemy battleship was about 45 nautical miles to the westward steering 290° at 15 knots. Another cruiser force had joined the enemy fleet which was formed in five columns. The battleship was apparently in the centre with four destroyers screening ahead and two astern. On her port side were thee 8” cruisers and outside of them were three destroyers. On her starboard side were also three 8” cruisers with what appeared to be two 6” cruisers but were in fact destroyers. Both the 6” cruisers had by that time gone on to the westward.

Third torpedo attack on the Vittorio Veneto by aircraft from HMS Formidable and Maleme.

It was 1925 hours when aircraft from HMS Formidable made their third and last attack. They had flown off at 1735 hours when Formidable was in position 34°42’N, 22°44’E. Composition of this third strike force was; six Albacore’s and two Swordfish aircraft.

The sun was sinking when the force sighted the enemy and took up a waiting position astern and well out of range at low height. It was joined by two aircraft (Swordfish) from Maleme. These had sighted the enemy at 1810 hours when they were 25 miles off. On closing them they identified the enemy as four ships screened by six destroyers steering 320° at about 14 knots. At 1835 hours they saw the strike force from Formidable coming up from the eastward and took station in its rear.

Dusk had fallen at 1925 hours when the aircraft swept in to attack. During the approach the enemy was steering 230°. On closing the enemy put up barrage fire. The aircraft were forced to turn away to starboard and lost their formation after which they had to attack independently from very different angles.

Most of the pilots reported to have fired their torpedoes at the Vittorio Veneto but it was extremely difficult to observe anything with precision. Several observers of the attacking aircraft however reported a hit on a cruiser. Indeed a torpedo hit the Pola during this attack. Most likely it was fired by aircraft ‘5 A’ which dropped it’s torpedo at 1945 hours and Pola was hit one minute later. Following the attack the aircraft from Formidable proceeded to Suda Bay. Aircraft ‘5 A’ was out of petrol and had to made a forced landing on the water near destroyer HMS Juno, which then picked up the crew.

Also the two aircraft from Maleme attacked independently. They both dropped their torpedoes but obtained no hits. Both aircraft then returned to Maleme although one was damaged by enemy AA fire.

The attack by the aircraft had important results. The Pola was hit on the starboard side between the engine and the boiler room, causing her main engines to stop and putting out of action all her electric power and with it all her turrets. The attack was observed by a shadowing aircraft from HMS Formidable which had relieved the aircraft from HMS Warspite. At 1950 hours the aircraft reported that the enemy force had divided, the major portion going off on a course of 220° while the ‘battleship’ (which was in fact the Pola) remained stopped with smoke rising from her. This report however was never received which was just as well as the reported course of 220° was incorrect (300° was correct).

Movements of the British Fleet, 1920 to 2040 hours.

By 1920 hours the C-in-C was aware of the position and formation of the enemy fleet and knew that Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s cruiser force was in touch with it. The report of the dusk air attack was received at 2008 hours. It mentioned only probable hits. It was in light of this information that the C-in-C had to decide if it would be justified to take the fleet closer to the enemy.

At 2040 hours he decided that the destroyers were to attack. Capt. Mack with his eight destroyers then drew ahead making 28 knots with the intention of passing up the starboard side of the Vittorio Veneto and then attack from ahead.

The cruiser force.

Meanwhile the cruiser force had been pressing on at 30 knots to the westward to get in touch and at 1832 hours had seen the aircraft from HMS Formidable going up to attack the enemy.

At 1907 the Vice-Admiral ordered his ships to spread on a line of 20° apart, seven nautical miles apart. They were still opening out when at 1914 hours three or four enemy ships were sighted on the starboard bow. The Vice-Admiral then decided to keep his ships concentrated and they reformed in line ahead.

By 1930 hours the air attack had begun an was clearly visible on the horizon bearing 303°, distance about 15 nautical miles. Two minutes later the cruisers altered course to 320°. At 1949 hours speed was reduced to 20 knots in order to ‘reduce bow waves’. The last stage of the air attack was at that moment still in progress. Searchlights and gunfire was visible bearing 278°. At 195 hours course was changed to 290° to close the enemy. Visibility to the westward was then about four nautical miles and no ships were in sight.

At 2014 hours, HMS Orion altered course to 310°. A minute later a vessel was plotted and followed for 18 minutes. It became clear that the contact was either stopped or moving very slowly. At 2017 hours, the force had reduced speed to 15 knots. At 2029 hours HMS Ajax reported an enemy vessel in position 35°16’N, 21°04’E. This was 275°, 5 nautical miles from Ajax. The enemy was stationary.

Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell then decided to lead clear of this ship to the northward and try to regain touch with the retreating enemy. Accordingly at 2033 hours, the cruiser force turned to 60° and at 2036 hours to 110°. At 2040 hours the stationary Italian ship was reported to the C-in-C. It was thought the destroyers would be ordered to deal with this ship. At 2048 hours, course was altered to 310° and at 2115 hours to 300°. Speed was increased to 20 knots at 2119 hours.

The cruisers had been proceeding for some time on this course and the Vice-Admiral considered spreading them again when he realised that Capt. Mack and his destroyers might have gone further west and would almost certainly encounter his cruisers. At 2155 hours HMS Ajax reported three unknown vessels being picked up by radar 5 nautical miles to the southward. Though rather far to the westward these were thought to be some of our own destroyers. The Vice-Admiral then decided to keep concentrated and steer more to the northward as to keep clear of them. According at 2204 hours course was altered to 340°.

At 2229 hours, gun flashes from the battlefleet were seen astern bearing 150° to 160°. Then at 2243 hours, a red light was sighted by HMS Orion and HMS Gloucester bearing 320° on the port bow. The general alarm was made and the cruisers formed single line ahead. Course was altered to 000° at 2255 hours.

At 2314 hours a heavy explosion bearing 150° to 160° lit up the horizon to the southward. Shortly afterwards the Vice-Admiral received a signal from the C-in-C of 2312 hours ordering all forces not in action at that moment to withdraw to the north. At 2332 hours course was altered to 60°. Then at 0018/29 HMS Gloucester sighted an object to the south-west but lost it out of sight at 0030 hours. No other ship sighted this ‘object’. Nothing more was seen until 0635/29 when the smoke of the battlefleet was sighted to the eastward.

The destroyer striking force 2037 to 0200 hours.

After leaving the battlefleet at 2043 hours, the eight destroyers; 14th Destroyer Flotilla: HMS Jervis, HMS Janus, HMS Mohawk, HMS Nubian and the 2nd Destroyer Flottilla: HMS Ilex, HMS Hasty, HMS Hereward, HMS Hotspur, drew ahead on course 300° while making 28 knots. The 14th Destroyer Flotilla was in line ahead with the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla six cables on it’s starboard beam. It was Capt. Mack’s (who was in overall command) intention to pass up the starboard side of the damaged battleship outside visible range and then attack from ahead.

Capt. Mack did not receive the 2029 signal from HMS Ajax nor the 2040 signal from HMS Orion. It was very unfortunate that the destroyers proceeded northwards as did the cruisers leaving the south flank open for the enemy to escape.

Around 2200 hours, he received Ajax’s 2155 report of the three unknown ships. They were thought to be three miles ahead but due to a navigational error were in fact about ten miles on his port bow. As the destroyers proceeded westwards on course 285° the gunflashes of the battleships were seen at 2230 hours. Ten minutes later HMS Hardy sighted a red light bearing 010°. This was evidently the same red light that was seen to the north-westward by HMS Orion and HMS Gloucester.

The destroyers continued to proceed westwards on course 285° until 2320 hours when a signal came from the C-in-C to forces not engaging enemy ships at that moment to retire to the north-east. Capt. Mack did so and quickly sent a signal if this included his forces. He was told ‘after your attack’. This reply was received at 2337 hours and the destroyers then turned westwards again proceeding on course 270° for 20 minutes.

At midnight it was thought that the destroyers had drawn sufficiently ahead course was altered to 200° and speed reduced to 20 knots. Then at 0030 hours, just as Capt. Mack thought to have reached a position just ahead of the enemy, a signal was received from HMS Havock, which was with the disabled Italian cruisers about 50 miles further to the east, that she was in touch with a Littorio-class battleship and that she had expended all her torpedoes. Course was then altered to 110° and speed increased to 28 knots. A full hour passed before a signal was received from Havock that the contact was an Italian 8” cruiser and not a battleship.

In these circumstances Capt. Mack decided it was best to continue on to the east and at 0200 hours the destroyers sighted searchlights ahead and, steaming through a number of survivors, arrived on the scene of the battlefleet’s action and they then sighted the Italian cruiser Zara.

The British battlefleet. Night action 2213 to 2312 hours.

At 2043 hours, when the destroyer striking force proceeded on its quest, the battlefleet was left with a screen of only four destroyers; HMAS Stuart, HMS Havock, HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin.

At 2111 hours, Vice-Admiral Pridham-Whippell’s report of a ‘stopped ship’ came in. The C-in-C at once turned to 280° and made for the reported position at 20 knots. The Warspite, Valiant, Formidable and Barham were in single line ahead at three cables distance. HMAS Stuart and HMS Havock were stationed one mile off to starboard and HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin to port. Visibility was about 2.5 miles.

Nearly an hour had passed when at 2203 hours HMS Valiant’s radar detected a ‘stopped ship’ on the port bow bearing 244°, range 8 to 9 nautical miles. At 2213 hours course was altered to 240°, towards the ‘stopped ship’. At 2220 hours, the ‘stopped ship’ was reported 191°, range 4.5 nautical miles. The destroyers on the port side were ordered to move over to the starboard side but the order had hardly been given when HMAS Stuart sighted a ship 4 miles off, fine on the starboard bow bearing 250° and gave the night alarm. This however had not reached the C-in-C when two minutes later the massive outlines of ships were seen by the Chief of Staff and the C-in-C himself looming through the night. Two large cruisers could be made out on the starboard bow with a smaller vessel ahead of them.

These cruisers were the Zara and Fiume which had turned back to help the disabled Pola. They were in single line with a destroyer ahead and three destroyers astern. They were steering approximately 130° and were some 4000 yards from HMS Warspite. Almost at the same time HMS Greyhound which was drawing ahead opened her searchlight, its beam fell right across the water, most valuably illuminating a cruiser without revealing the position of our battleships.

HMS Formidable, being of no use in a gun battle hauled out of line to starboard. HMS Warspite then opened fire followed seven seconds later by HMS Valiant. A salvo of 15” shells crashed into Fiume. Her after turret was blown overboard, she started to list heavily to starboard and burst into a sea of flames. She was driven out of the line and apparently sank about 30 minutes later. Fire was then shifted to the Zara which was now illuminated by searchlights.

Just before the enemy cruisers were sighted HMS Barham, in the rear of the line, had sighted the disabled Pola on the port quarter making identification signals and had trained her turrets on her. When the Greyhound’s searchlight shone out, the Barham trained forward at once, opening fire on the leading ship which was the destroyer Vittorio Alfieri but was at that moment thought to be a 6” cruiser. A brilliant orange flash shot up under the bridge and bursts were seen along the whole length of the ship which turned to starboard and made off to the westward making smoke. The Barham then shifed fire to the Zara which was soon being heavily hit. A big explosion forward hurled one of her turrets overboard. The action lasted barely five minutes, shell after shell crashing into the helpless Italian ships which were caught unprepared with their gun turrets trained forward and aft.

At 2231 hours the remaining Italian destroyer turned towards the British battleships and one of them was seen to fire torpedoes. To avoid them the battlefleet made an emergency turn of 90° to starboard. The Warspire’s 6” guns then shifted fire to a destroyer that was illuminated by a searchlight but having difficulty in finding the target after the turn had been completed fired only one salvo at it which was fortunate as the target turned out to be HMS Havock.

By now the Italian cruisers were completely crippled and burning. At 2238 hours the C-in-C ordered the destroyers to finish them off.

The destroyers that were escorting the battlefleet, 2240 to 0140 hours.

As the battlefleet turned north after their action the Stuart was about to attack the enemy cruisers when three enemy destroyers were sighted steering to the westward. HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin went off in pursuit while HMAS Stuart and HMS Havock proceeded south in search of the enemy cruisers. It was then 2240 hours. A minute later came the signal from the C-in-C to finish off the enemy bearing 165° and both destroyers proceeded on this mission.

at 2259 hours a burning and apparently stationary Italian cruiser could be seen about two nautical miles to the southward with what appeared to be another large cruiser circling slowly around her. HMAS Stuart then fired her whole outfit of eight torpedoes against this pair of cruisers and observed a ‘dim explosion’ low down on the ‘non burning’ one. HMS Havock did not fire torpedoes for the moment, being unable to make out a suitable target. It was then 2301 hours. HMAS Stuart then opened fire on the burning ship and then went after the other and found her at 2305 hours, about 1.5 miles off, with a heavy list and stopped. Fire was opened and two salvoes caused a big explosion and fires. She was seen to be of the Zara-class. A ship then suddenly loomed up on the port bow passing very close and Stuart had to turn to port to avoid collision. This was seen to be a Grecale class destroyer, apparently undamaged. Stuart then fired two salvoes at her. Havock which was following up Stuart lost touch with her but did sighted the Italian destroyer. She fired four torpedoes at it, one of which hit.

HMAS Stuart then sighted what was thought to be another cruiser but this could not have been the case, probably it was an enemy destroyer. She followed this ship to the south-west. HMS Havock meanwhile continued to engage the Italian destroyer for about 20 minutes until this ship had her decks awash and was blazing from fore to aft. This destroyer blew up and sank around 2330 hours.

HMS Havock still had half her torpedoes left. She sighted a cruiser which was heavily on fire and about to blow up. It was decided not to engage this cruiser as another one was sighted with a single fire abreast the bridge. Havock fired her remaining torpedoes at this ship but all missed. Havock then turned to the north and made off at high speed towards the cruiser that was heavily burning, fired star shell and then a few more salvoes in her. The star shell illuminated a large ship thought to be a battleship (this was in fact the disabled Pola) laying stopped. It was then 2345 hours. Havock then opened fire on this ship while retiring to the north-east. A signal was then sent reporting this ‘battleship’.

This was the signal received by Capt. Mack which then returned eastwards with his eight destroyers (D. 2 and D.14). At 0005 hours the Commanding Officer of the Havock realised his mistake and a signal was sent at 0030 stating that the reported ‘battleship’ was in fact a heavy (8”) cruiser. This signal was received by Capt. Mack at 0134 hours who decided (as stated earlier) to continue on to the eastward.

Meanwhile HMS Greyhound and HMS Griffin had been pursuing the enemy destroyers. The Greyhound, after her opportune searchlight display, sighted three destroyers in the rear of the Italian cruisers making off to the westward and gave chase together with Griffin. Fire was opened and hits were observed, but the enemy, lost in the smoke, turned southwards, was lost in the smoke around 2320 hours. Just then the C-in-C’s sigbal to retired to the north came in and both destroyers than proceeded accordingly until 0050 hours when HMS Havock’s signal was received, then then turned southwards.

At 0140 hours HMS Greyhound encountered the Pola, laying stopped on an even keel with ensigns flying and guns trained fore and aft. It was then that a challenge was seen and Capt. Mack and his destroyers arrived at the scene.

Captain D.14, the sinking of the Zara and Pola.

Capt. Mack in HMS Jervis had sighted searchlights ahead, and, steaming through a number of survivors, sighted what turned out to be the Zara, with a few small fires burning on the upper deck. As he passed her he fired four torpedoes, two of which appeared to hit and she blew up and sank. It was then 0240 hours. He ordered his destroyers to pick up survivors but not to lower their boats. Nine survivors were picked up by HMS Jervis.

Then at 0250 hours a red and white recognition signal was observed from the direction of the Pola which was about two miles away. The rescue of survivors was then stopped and the destroyers moved off in that direction. As they were closing they were met by HMS Havock which reported that the enemy cruiser seemed to be on an even keel with a large number of her crew on the forecastle and in the water around her. HMS Jervis then passed close to the Italian cruiser. No visible damage could be seen except for a small fire on the tarboard side abreast her after turret. He ordered his destroyers to pick up survivors from the water while HMS Jervis went alongside. To take of the rest of the ships company. They seemed thoroughly demoralised, many half drunk. The upper deck was an mess. The Jervis was alongside for about a quarter of an hour. At 0322 hours she had embarked 22 officers (including the ships Commanding Officer), 26 petty officers and 202 ratings. HMS Jervis then casted off and fired a torpedo into the stricken cruiser. As she appeared to settle very slowly Capt. Mack ordered HMS Nubian to fire another torpedo into her which completed the destruction of the Pola. At 0403 hours she blew up and sank.

Capt. Mack then reformed his flotilla’s in single line ahead, with the 2nd Flotilla on his starboard beam. Course was set to 055° at 20 knots to rejoin the C-in-C. Rendezvous was made at 0648/29.

Proceedings of the Battle Fleet, 2330 – 0800 hours.

At 2330/28, the Battle Fleet, leaving the Italian cruisers on fire and out of action, proceeded on a course of 070°, reducing speed to 18 knots. At 0006/29, the C-in-C signalled his course and speed and the position of a rendezvous at 0700/29. Light cruiser HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.G. Egerton, RN) which had left Alexandria at 1300/28 together with the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) were ordered to stay east of the C-in-C until 0430 hours. As were the destroyers HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) which had sailed from Piraeus, Greece in the morning of the 28th and made for the Kithera Channel. Patrol there was discontinued on the 29th, HMS Juno and HMS Jaguar were ordered to join the fleet while HMS Defender was ordered to proceed to Suda Bay for escort duties. HMS Bonaventure and HMS Decoy were ordered to proceed to join convoy's GA 8 and AN 23 respectively. HMS Watherhen returned to Alexandria with the fleet.

At 0430 hours, HMS Formidable flew off three aircraft for a morning search between 160° and 305° while another was sent to the south-east for 30 miles and then to proceed to Maleme with orders for the aircraft that had landed there after their air strike the day before.

Between 0600 and 0700 hours all units of the Fleet joined the Flag. None had any damage or casualties to report except for one Swordfish aircraft that was missing. The searching aircraft returned at 0830 hours. They reported having sighted only a number of rafts and survivors. At 0800 hours the Fleet was in position 35°43’N, 21°40’E and course was now set to search the scene of the action. Between 0950 and 1100 hours many boats and rafts were seen and destroyers picked up a number of survivors, a work that was interrupted by the appearance of German aircraft. The total number of survivors picked up by the British ships had now risen to 55 officers and 850 men. Further to that Greek destroyers picked up 110 survivors on the 29th.

The return to Alexandria.

While the Fleet was on the way back to Alexandria a continuous air patrol was maintained by HMS Formidable for the remainder of the voyage. Fighters dealt effectively with a dive bombing attack made by 12 Ju.88’s at 1530/29 which was directed mainly against Formidable. No damage was caused although she was shaken by two near misses. One Ju.88 was shot down, another one was damaged and four had been forced to jettison their bombs early. At 0834/30 an S.79 that was shadowing the fleet was shot down by Fulmar fighters.

The Fleet arrived at Alexandria around 1730/30. A submarine was reported while the Fleet was entering the harbour. Destroyers cleared the area by dropping depth charges but all ships arrived in harbour safely.

(73)

29 Mar 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the Fleet due to engine trouble. She was taken in hand for repairs and also for boiler cleaning at the same time. (69)

4 Apr 1941
Around 1800B/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk for operations with the Inshore Squadron. (74)

5 Apr 1941
Around 1045B/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Tobruk from Alexandria. (75)

6 Apr 1941

Convoy AC 3.

The troopship Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930) and the transport Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) departed Alexandria for Tobruk.

They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN).

The destroyers HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted a sweep ahead of this convoy.

The convoy arrived at Tobruk on the 7th. (63)

6 Apr 1941
Around 1150B/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk for an A/S patrol along the coast towards Sidi Barrani and then back to Tobruk. (76)

7 Apr 1941
Around 0915B/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Tobruk from patrol.

They departed again around 1815B/7, for an A/S sweep to the eastwards and then escort the armed boarding vessel HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) to Tobruk.

The destroyers parted company around 0300B/8 to search for HMS Fiona.

The destroyers joined company again around 0900B/8, having been unable to find the Fiona. They had been given a wrong position for the rendezvous.

The destroyers returned to Tobruk around 1845B/8. (76)

8 Apr 1941
Around 1935B/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk for patrol from which they returned around 0915B/9. (76)

9 Apr 1941
Around 1710B/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk escorting the transport Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) to Sollum and then onwards to Alexandria.

They arrived off Sollum around 0150B/10 and the unloading of the Thurland Castle commenced with the destroyers conducting an A/S patrol off the anchorage.

They departed Sollum around 0615B/10 for Alexandria where they arrived around 2215B/10. (76)

11 Apr 1941
Around 0030B/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria to overtake and join a convoy made up of the transports Bamora (British, 3285 GRT, built 1914) and Barpeta (British, 3283 GRT, built 1914) and their escort, HMSAS Southern Isles.

She overtook and joined the convoy about two hours later.

Around 0130B/12, the Bamora and HMSAS Southern Isles were detached to Sollum.

Around 1200B/12, the Barpeta and HMAS Vendetta arrived at Tobruk.

(77)

11 Apr 1941

Operation MBD 3

Offensive sweep along the Cyrenaican coast.

Around 2000B/11 the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) departed Alexandria. The destroyers were to conduct an offensive sweep along the Cyrenaican coast during the night of 12/13 April 1941.

Cover for this operation was provided by HMS Orion along with the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) which had come from the Aegean. They joined HMS Orion and the destroyers around 1300B/12.

Around 1700B/12, HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno parted company, followed half an hour later by HMAS Stuart and HMS Griffin. These destroyers were detached to conduct the sweep while the light cruisers remained to seaward as cover. HMS Hasty remained with the cruisers for A/S protection.

The destroyers swept in pairs; HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno from Ras Toyones to Ras Tolmeita, HMAS Stuart and HMS Griffin from Ras Tolmeita to Ras el Hilal. Two more destroyers, from the Inshore Squadron joined to sweep along the coast from Ras el Hilal to Ras el Tin, these were HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

The sweep was continued until about dawn but nothing was sighted. The destroyers then rejoined the cruisers minus HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Waterhen which rejoined the Ishore Squadron.

HMAS Perth and the destroyers then set course to Alexandria while HMS Orion and HMS Ajax proceeded to a position to the west of Crete to provide cover for convoys to and from the Aegean.

HMAS Stuart and HMS Griffin were detached P.M. on the 13th for duty with the Inshore Squadron.

HMS Perth, HMS Hasty, HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno arrived at Alexandria around 0600B/14. (63)

12 Apr 1941
Around 1700B/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk for an offensive sweep towards Tolmeitha. They returned to Tobruk shortly before noon on the 13th. (76)

13 Apr 1941

Convoy AN 27.

This convoy sailed in three sections.

The Haifa and Port Said sections departed on 13 April 1941.

The Haifa section was made up of the British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931). She was not escorted.

The Port Said section was made up of the Aghios Markos (Greek, 4514 GRT, built 1919), Point Judith (Greek, 4810 GRT, built 1919) and Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1921). They too, were not escorted.

On 14 April 1941 the Alexandria section was to have sailed but these was a delay and the ships only sailed on the 15th. The Alexandria section was made up of the Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925) and Santa Clara Valley (British, 4665 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1330C/14, the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) was sent out to make contact with the Haifa and Port Said sections which were now to make rendezvous with the Alexandria section on the 15th. Around 1605C/14 the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was sent out for the same purpose.

The Alexandria section finally sailed on the 15th and made rendezvous with the other sections and the destroyers.

Around 0715C/17, the convoy was joined by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN).

Around 1015C/17, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) made rendezvous, coming from Tobruk, to take the merchant vessels Comliebank, Custodian, Levernbank and Santa Clara Valley with her to return to Alexandria. They were joined by the destroyer HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) at 1400C/17 which remained with this returning part of the convoy until P.M. on the 18th. The four ships arrived back in Alexandria around 1015C/19 escorted by HMAS Vendetta.

The remainder of the convoy meanwhile continued on but was attacked from the air several times. Around 1330C/18, the British Science was hit by a torpedo launched by an enemy aircraft and was holed. She was sent to Suda Bay independently but she later sank in position 36.06'N, 24.00'E, her crew being rescued by the destroyer HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN). Around the same time HMS Isis was straddled by bombs from high level bombers.

The merchant vessels Crista, Dumana and Runo were sent to Suda Bay where they arrived on 19 April.

Both Greek ships went on to Piraeus with the escort. They arrived at Piraeus also on the 19th.

At 0150C/19, HMAS Vampire had attacked an A/S contact with 20 depth charges and thought to have sunk an enemy submarine but no submarine reported being attacked at this time so the contact was probably non-sub.

14 Apr 1941
Around 1730B/14, the hospital ship Vita (4691 GRT, built 1914) was attacked by German aircraft outside Tobruk harbour and badly damaged. HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) went to her assistance. HMAS Waterhen tried to take her in tow but this failed and Vita anchored again. Around 2230B/14, HMAS Waterhen went alongside and embarked all 437 patients, 6 doctors, 6 nurses and 41 sick berth ratings. Having completed this HMAS Waterhen set course for Alexandria while HMAS Vendetta departed for a night patrol towards Derna.

The damaged Vita was later towed into Tobruk by the tug HMS St. Issey. (76)

15 Apr 1941
Around 0845B/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Tobruk from patrol.

She departed again around 1435B/15, to escort the tanker Myriel (3560 GRT, built 1913) into harbour. They entered harbour around 1645B/15.

Around 1935B/15, HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta departed Tobruk for a sweep along the coast towards Tolmeitha. (77)

16 Apr 1941
Around 1230B/16, HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Tobruk from patrol.

Around 1430B/16, they departed again for another sweep along the coast towards Tolmeitha.

At 0250B/17, they encountered an enemy schooner. HMS Greyhound illuminated the target with her searchlight and after firing some short burst with machine guns the enemy was seen to abandon ship.

At 0304B/17, with the schooner now abandoned, HMS Greyhound opened fire with her main armament, followed a minute later by HMAS Vendetta.

at 0307B/17, the enemy schooner caught fire and three minutes later the destroyers set course to leave the area. The schooner was seen to blow up at 0312B/17.

At 0430B/17, HMAS Vendetta parted company with HMS Greyhound as she was to join a convoy proceeding to Alexandria. HMS Greyhound returned to Tobruk.

[The schooner they had sunk was the Italian Romagna (195 GRT) which was en-route to Derna with supplies.] (77)

16 Apr 1941
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 62 / Vanna (279 GRT) with gunfire off Apollonia, Libya in position 33°00'N, 22°00'E. She was en-route from Benghazi (departed around 1500B/15) to Derna.

1624B/16 - Sighted a heavily laden barque approaching from the West.

1640B/16 - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun.

1655B/16 - The target was now well ablaze, broke off the attack.

1700B/16 - The target blew up and sank.

1705B/16 - Dived in position 32°58'N, 21°58'E.

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

1920B/16 - Heard HE approaching from the eastward. Altered course to the south to close. It was rapidly getting dark and by now periscope visibility was only 4000 yards.

1936B/16 - Surfaced in position 33.04'N, 21.59'E on the quarters of a destroyer thought to be a V&W-class proceeding to the south-west. As the destroyer appeared to turn towards Truant dived again and made the submerged recognition signal. Then surfaced again and made the recognition signal twice with the Aldis lamp. The destroyer proceeded to the west. She was signalling with a lamp too dim to read.

The destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) had departed Tobruk at 1430B/16 for an anti-shipping raid along the coast towards Tolmeita. Most likely the destroyer sighted was thus HMAS Vendetta.

2004B/16 - Set course to patrol off Tolmeita.

2230B/16 - Received Capt. S 1's signal 1705B/16 instructing HMS Truant not to operate to the east of Benghazi so as to keep clear of destroyer patrols. It was not possible to comply with this signal as Truant was still too far to the east of Benghazi. (78)

17 Apr 1941
Around 1030B/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) joined four ships from convoy AN 27 which had been ordered to return to Alexandria.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AN 27 ' for 13 April 1941.]

Around 1400B/17, HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) joined as additional escort. (77)

19 Apr 1941
Around 1015B/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Alexandria with the four transports from convoy AN 27 which had been ordered to return there.

HMAS Vendetta had condenser trouble and she was taken in hand for repairs by HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN). (77)

21 Apr 1941

Convoy AN 29.

This convoy departed Alexandria / Port Said on 21 April 1941.

The Alexandria section was made up of the following transports; Araybank (British, 7258 GRT, built 1940), Kirkland (British, 1361 GRT, built 1934), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920), Themoni (Greek, 5719 GRT, built 1938) and Zealand (British, 2726 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy was formed up around 1800C/21 and was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

Around 1350C/22, the Port Said section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the following transports; Iris (Greek, 1754 GRT, built 1912), Kassandra Louloudis (British, 5106 GRT, built 1919), Rodi (British, 3220 GRT, built 1928) and Rokos (Greek, 6426 GRT, built 1918).

They had no escort with them.

Around 2300C/23, a submarine was sighted on the surface ahead of the convoy. HMAS Vendetta opened fire with ' B ' gun. The submarine remained on the surface and started signalling. As it was known that Greek and Yugoslav submarines were en-route to Alexandria fire was checked as this must have been one of them.

Around 1220C/23, the Kassandra Louloudis was detached to Alexandria.

Around 1515C/23, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Alexandria around 1500C/22.

Around 1715C/23, the Iris was detached to Alexandria.

Around 2200C/23, HMS Phoebe parted company with the convoy.

During the night of 23/24 April orders were received to proceed to Suda Bay instead of Piraeus.

Around 1415C/24, the convoy entered Suda Bay. (79)

25 Apr 1941
The merchant vessels Pennland (Dutch, 16082 GRT, built 1922) and Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) departed Suda Bay for Megara (to the west of Athens) where they were to embark troops that were to be evacuated from mainland Greece (Operation Demon).

The were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN).

Pennland was hit and badly damaged en-route by German aircraft south of the Gulf of Athens in position 37°10'N, 23°50'E. She had to be scuttled by HMS Griffin which then took the surviving crewmembers to Suda Bay.

Thurland Castle was also damaged by bombing but was able to continue.

The destroyers HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN), and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) were also sent to support the Megara force. All these destroyers embarked troops at Megara.

A total of 5500 troops were evacuated during the night of 25/26 April 1941.

Cover for this evacuation was provided by the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and the destroyer HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) which had departed Suda Bay around 2300B/25.

26 Apr 1941
Operation Demon continued, more troops were to be evacuated from mainland Greece during the night of 26/27 April 1941.

From the Raphina and Raphtis area;

Landing ship HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) and the transport Salween (7063 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN).

HMS Glenearn was bombed en-route to the pick up zone. She was towed to Kissamo Bay by HMS Griffin. From there she was taken in tow to Alexandria, first by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and later by the netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN).

To replace the troop carrying capacity of the landing ship HMS Glenearn, the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and destroyer HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) were disposed.

From the Nauplia and Tolon area;

landing ship HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN), troopships Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924) and Khedive Ismael (7290 GRT, built 1922), AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), and destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN).

Slamat was late in leaving Nauplia in the early morning and delayed the convoy's sailing. Slamat was then bombed and wrecked south of the Argolic Gulf in position 37°01'N, 23°10'E shortly after 0700 hours. Destroyer HMS Diamond was then left behind to rescue the survivors which she did. At 0925 hours HMS Diamond signalled that she had picked up most of the survivors and that she had set course for Suda Bay. She had also fired a torpedo into the blazing wreck and Slamat sank shortly afterwards.

The destroyers HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) were then sent out to assist the Nauplia group. Of these HMS Wryneck was ordered to assist HMS Diamond. Wryneck arrived just as Slamat capsized. Both destroyers were then attacked and sunk in the early afternoon by German aircraft (9 German aircraft Ju.88, probably of I./KG.51 (Hpt. Heinrich Hahn)) with heavy loss of life. Only 27 survivors (another source gives 24 survivors) were picked up the next day by HMS Griffin. HMS Diamond was lost with 7 officers and 141 ratings while HMS Wryneck was lost with 7 officers and 98 ratings.

From the Kalamata area;

Transports City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936). These were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), destroyers HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

HMS Defender had also embarked the Yugoslav crown jewels for transport to Alexandria.

The destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) were also operating in the Aegean area but their exact whereabouts are for the moment unknown to us.] (63)

27 Apr 1941

Convoy GA 14.

This convoy was formed at sea, north of Crete from ships which had been participating in Operation Demon, the evacuation of troops from the Greek mainland.

The convoy was made up of the transports City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Khedive Ismael (7290 GRT, built 1922) and Salween (7063 GRT, built 1938). The landing ship HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) was also part of the convoy.

Close escort was made up of the AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN), HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

While the convoy was being formed, the Costa Rica was bombed north of Crete by enemy aircraft. She was taken in tow by the destroyer HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) but sank north-west of Suda Bay in position 35°54'N, 23°49'E. The troops and her crew were saved.

Cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender, HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN). These ships returned to Suda Bay in the afternoon of the 27th. The convoy arrived at Alexandria on 29 April 1941. (63)

29 Apr 1941

Convoy GA 15.

This convoy was formed north of Crete on 29 April 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said where it arrived on 1 May 1941.

This convoy was made up of the following transports; Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1929), Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Ionia (British, 1936 GRT, built 1923), Itria (British, 6845 GRT, built 1940), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) and the RFA oiler Brambleleaf (5917 GRT, built 1917).

Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN), destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN).

Cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN). During an air attack HMS Nubian was near missed sustaining some minor damage.

The battleships HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN), and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) sailed from Alexandria to support the convoy. The forces met south of the Kaso Strait on 30 April where HMAS Perth, HMS Phoebe and HMS Nubian joined the force of Rear-Admiral Rawlings. His force was also joined by three more destroyers; HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicholson, DSO and Bar, RN) joined from Alexandria while HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. St. J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) joined coming from Malta from where they had sailed on the 28th. HMAS Perth and HMS Nubian were however soon detached and joined the close escort of the actual convoy briefly before they went on ahead to Alexandria.

On 1 May, HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno attacked an A/S contact in position 32°59'N, 27°52'E. During this attack a depth charge exploded prematurely on board HMS Juno causing some minor damage to the ship. Five of the crew were killed in this mishap. Eleven more were wounded. The submarine in question was the Italian Turchese

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Alexandria on the 1st, but Comliebank and Itria went to Port Said instead escorted by HMS Decoy and HMS Defender. They also arrived on May 1st.

On 2 May 1941 the destroyers HMS Hasty, HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Jaguar, HMS Juno and HMS Kandahar departed Alexandria to join the fleet and relieve the Australian destroyers Stuart, Vampire, Vendetta, Voyager and Waterhen which then proceeded ahead of the fleet to Alexandria arriving in the evening of 2 May.

The Fleet arrived at Alexandria on the 3rd. (63)

3 May 1941
From 3 to 7 May 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was undergoing repairs at Alexandria. (80)

8 May 1941
Around 1845C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk with 150 Australian troops and 25 tons of stores. (80)

10 May 1941
Around 0045C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Tobruk where the troops and stores were landed and 340 wounded and some baggage were emberked.

Around 0315C/10, she departed for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 1130C/10. The wounded were then disembarked.

Around 1430C/10, HMAS Vendetta departed Mersa Matruh for Alexandria where she arrived around 2200C/10. (80)

11 May 1941

Convoy ANF 30.

This convoy departed Alexandria around 1900C/11.

It was made up of the following transports; Dalesman (British, 6343 GRT, built 1940), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928) and Volo (British, 1587 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN).

Around 2200C/12, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0130C/13, the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0245C/14, the convoy arrived at Suda Bay. (81)

14 May 1941
Around 0430C/14, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) departed Suda Bay to patrol off the Bay.

Around 0800C/14, HMAS Vendetta parted company and returned to Suda Bay to fuel. She rejoined the other ships off the Bay around 1100C/14.

Around 1445C/14, HMAS Vendetta was detached to search for two missing MTB's to the south-west of Crete.

HMS Dido, HMAS Stuart and HMS Isis later joined the escort of convoy AS 31 when it left Suda Bay. (82)

14 May 1941

Convoy AS 31.

This convoy departed Suda Bay at dusk on 14 May 1941.

It was made up of the following transports; Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930) and Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Suda Bay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN).

Around 0445C/15, the Lossiebank broke down. she got underway again on one engine. HMAS Stuart then went ahead with the Nieuw Zeeland. They were joined shortly afterwards by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).

Around 0700C/15, HMS Calcutta, HMAS Stuart and the Nieuw Zeeland were joined by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) but she was sent to join HMS Dido and HMS Isis which were standing by the Lossiebank. She joined them at 0745C/15.

After dark on the 15th, HMS Calcutta parted company with HMAS Stuart and the Nieuw Zeeland and HMS Dido parted company with the Lossiebank, HMS Isis and HMAS Vendetta.

At 1200C/16, HMAS Stuart was relieved from escorting the Nieuw Zeeland to Port Said by a Greek destroyer. HMAS Stuart then set course for Alexandria where she arrived around 1640C/16.

Meanwhile around 1125C/16, the Lossiebank had been attacked from the air and sustained several near misses.

At 0635C/16, the Greek destroyers joined the Lossiebank group. HMS Isis and HMAS Vendetta then parted company and proceeded to Alexandria where they arrived around 0950C/16.

The Nieuw Zeeland and Lossiebank both arrived at Port Said escorted by the Greek destroyers on the 16th. (82)

20 May 1941
In the evening, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted night gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (82)

20 May 1941

Battle for Crete.

Timespan: 20 May to 1 June 1941.

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

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

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

The naval situation at dawn, 20 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Night operations, 20-21 May 1941.

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

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

Naval situation at dawn, 21 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

Operations during 21 May 1941. Loss of HMS Juno.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naval situation at dawn, 22 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Night operations, 22-23 May 1941

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naval situation at dawn, 23 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The fighting in Crete, 21 -24 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

Reinforcements and supplies to the Army in Crete.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naval situation at dawn, 24 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naval situation at dawn, 27 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The work of the Royal Air Force.

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

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

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

The decision to evacuate Crete, 27 May 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The loss off HMS Calcutta.

Yet one more loss was suffered by the Fleet. In order to provide additional protection for Force D the AA cruisers HMS Calcutta and HMS Coventry were sailed from Alexandria early on the 1st of June. When only about 100 nautical miles out, they were attacked by two Ju.88’s, who dived from the direction of the sun. HMS Coventry was narrowly missed by the first but two bombs from the second hit HMS Calcutta and she sank within a few minutes at 0920/1. HMS Coventry then picked up 23 officers and 232 ratings. She then immediately returned to Alexandria. (83)

21 May 1941
Around 2230C/21, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria to join the battlefleet at sea.

[For more info and subsequent movements see the event ' Battle for Crete ' for 20 May 1941.] (84)

28 May 1941
At Alexandria, while going astern, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) fouled her port screw with a buoy cable. The cable was later cleared and there was no damage to the port screw and shaft. (80)

29 May 1941
At 0630C/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. She had on board 150 Australian troops and 25 tons of ammunition.

She arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/29.

Around 0150C/30, she departed again but now with about 100 wounded and some 100 personnel for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 0930C/30.

Around 1425C/30, she departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board were 250 Australian troops and 27 tons of ammunition.

Around 1515C/30, she arrived back at Mersa Matruh after her orders to proceed to Tobruk had been cancelled.

Around 1330C/31, she departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board were again the 250 Australian troops and the 27 tons of ammunition.

Around 2300C/31, she arrived at Tobruk.

Around 0120C/1, she departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh with 280 troops on board.

Around 0945C/1, she arrived at Mersa Matruh.

Around 1330C/1, she departed Mersa Matruh with 246 troops and 23 tons of ammunition.

Around 2330C/1, she arrived at Tobruk.

Around 0045C/2, she departed Tobruk with 220 troops for Alexandria where she arrived around 1430C/2. (85)

5 Jun 1941
Around 0700C/5, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk loaded with troops and ammunition.

They arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/5 and commenced disembarking the troops and ammunition. Wounded men and troops that were being relieved were then embarked and around 0115C/6, the destroyers departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh where they arrived around 0930C/6. (86)

6 Jun 1941
Around 1815C/6, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Mersa Matruh to search for the crew of an RAF bomber that had been shot down over the sea.

The destroyers returned around 0745C/7 not having found the missing aircrew. (86)

8 Jun 1941
Around 1300C/8, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk loaded with some troops and stores.

They arrived at Tobruk around 2315C/8 and commenced disembarking. On completion of which wounded men and troops that were to be relieved were embarked.

The destroyers departed Tobruk around 0030C/9 for Alexandria.

En-route HMAS Vendetta had to reduce speed due to a failure in the oil supply to the starboard engine.

HMAS Voyager arrived at Alexandria around 1545C/9 followed by HMAS Vendetta around 1800C/9. (86)

14 Jun 1941
Around 1945C/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 0610C/15. (87)

15 Jun 1941
Around 1355C/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Mersa Matruh with troops, ammunition, stores and mail for Tobruk where they arrived around 2315C/15.

They departed again around 0155C/16 with troops which they were to take to Alexandria where they arrived around 1630C/16. (87)

17 Jun 1941
Around 0600C/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for another run to Tobruk where they arrived around 2330C/17.

They departed again with wounded and troops for Mersa Matruh around 0050C/18. They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 0930C/18. (87)

19 Jun 1941
Around 1410C/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. They had embarked ammunition, mail and troops.

They arrived at Tobruk around 0010C/20 and departed again around 0220C/20, now with wounded and some troops on board.

They arrived at Alexandria around 1615C/20. (87)

22 Jun 1941
Around 0600C/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for another run to Tobruk where they arrived around 2320C/22.

They departed again with POW's for Mersa Matruh around 0120C/23. They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 0920C/23. (87)

24 Jun 1941
Around 1340C/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. They had embarked ammunition, stores and troops.

En-route they were ordered around 1930C/23, to proceed to the aid of HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) and the damaged tanker Pass of Balmaha (British, 758 GRT, built 1933) which had been en-route to Tobruk with HMS Auckland (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) in company. During air attacks HMS Auckland had been sunk and the Pass of Balmaha damaged. The destroyers arrived on the scene around 2100C/23. HMAS Parramatta was picking up the surivors of HMS Auckland. HMAS Waterhen then took the damaged Pass of Balmaha in tow towards Tobruk screened by HMAS Vendetta until she parted company to proceed to Tobruk to land the much needed ammunition she had on board.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Tobruk around 0215C/24 and departed again around 0255C/20, now with a few troops on board. Due to the delayed arrival she had been unable to unload all the ammunition.

On departure HMAS Vendetta encountered HMAS Waterhen in the searched channel passing the tow of the Pass of Balmaha to the small tug C 309.

Both destroyers then set course to Alexandria as there was no more time to unload HMAS Waterhen.

They arrived at Alexandria around 1700C/25. (87)

27 Jun 1941
From 27 to 29 June 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was cleaning boilers at Alexandria. (87)

1 Jul 1941
Around 0600C/1, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops, ammunition and stores.

They arrived at Tobruk around 0050C/2.

They departed Tobruk around 0200C/2 with wounded and other personnel.

They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 1045C/2. (88)

3 Jul 1941
Around 1300C/3, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk with troops and stores.

At 2110C/3, HMS Defender reported a torpedo and at the same time a submarine conning tower was sighted on Stuart's port bow at a distance of about half a mile. HMAS Stuart immediately increased to full speed and started an attack. The submarine meanwhile crash dived and when HMAS Stuart passed overhead two depth charges were dropped. HMAS Stuart then turned and immediately gained A/S contact. The other two destroyers meanwhile taking up a triangular formation. Contact was however lost shortly afterwards. HMAS Vendetta was then ordered to continue on to Tobruk while HMAS Stuart and HMS Defender continued the hunt for the enemy submarine. Soon afterwards HMAS Stuart also set course to continue on to Tobruk while HMS Defender was left to hunt the enemy submarine throughout the night. The submarine in question was the Italian Malachite. HMS Defender's A/S hunt was not successful.

Meanwhile HMAS Stuart and HMAS Vendetta had arrived at Tobruk around 2350C/3.

They departed Tobruk around 0230C/4 with wounded and other personnel to be taken to Alexandria.

HMS Defender rejoined around 0530C/4.

They arrived at Alexandria around 1615C/4. (89)

5 Jul 1941
Around 0630C/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk where they arrived around 0015C/6. On board the destroyers were some troops and ammunition. (90)

6 Jul 1941
Around 0125C/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh. On board were wounded.

They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 1000C/6. (90)

7 Jul 1941
Around 1410C/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board the destroyers were some troops as well as stores and ammunition.

They arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/7. (90)

8 Jul 1941
Around 0030C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Tobruk for Alexandria. On board were troops and some ammunition. It seems that, at least, HMAS Vendetta had not been able to disembark all the ammunition that had been on board.

The destroyers arrived at Alexandria around 1415C/8. (90)

10 Jul 1941
Around 0715C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. On board were personnel, stores and ammunition.

They arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/10. (91)

11 Jul 1941
Around 0110C/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh. On board were personnel which had to be evacuated.

At 0518C/11, on board HMAS Vendetta a flash was observed and a column of smoke or water as coming from HMS Defender. Course was altered towards. HMS Defender meanwhile signalled ' I think i have been hit, come alongside and take off the Military personnel. When about half a mile from HMS Defender cries were heard coming from the water and one men was picked up which had been blown overboard.

At 0552C/11, HMAS Vendetta secured alongside HMS Defender and took off 275 Army personnel and some equipment.

At 0607C/11, a Savoia aircraft was sighted, HMAS Vendetta cast off and opened fire on it.

At 0623C/11, while preparing to take the stricken ship in tow 50 of Defender's crew were also transferred.

At 0645C/11, HMAS Vendetta commenced towing and 15 minutes later fighter cover arrived overhead. Speed could gradually be increased to 9 knots.

At 0752C/11, HMS Defender sagged visibly amidships so HMAS Vendetta slipped the tow and came alongside to take off some more of Defender's crew.

At 0812C/11, a new tow was passed as it was thought that even if the ship was to break in two the fore part could be salvaged. This tow hover soon parted.

By 0900C/11, a new tow had been established and towing commenced at 4 knots.

At 1030C/11, HMS Defender commenced foundering. The tow was quickly parted and the whaler was sent over to evacuate the remaining crew of the stricken ship.

At 1058C/11, a torpedo was fired to hasten the sinking of HMS Defender and seven minutes later two shells were fired into the forecastle which was by then vertical in the water.

At 1115C/11, the last part of HMS Defender slipped under the waves in position 000°, Sidi Barrani, 7 miles. Depth of the water was 58 fathoms.

(92)

11 Jul 1941
Around 0700C/11, HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk.

HMAS Voyager however soon developed engine problems and had to return to Alexandria for repairs. She arrived back around 0830C/11.

Meanwhile it had become known that HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) had been sunk and the HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was returning to Alexandria with survivors. HMS Hero was then ordered to go to the assitance of HMAS Vendetta. HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) was also sailed from Alexandria for the same purpose.

HMAS Vendetta, HMS Hero and HMS Jaguar arrived at Alexandria around 2020C/11.

HMAS Voyager, with her repairs completed, had departed Alexandria around 1930C/11 for post-repair trials. She returned one hour later with the trials successfully completed. (93)

14 Jul 1941
Around 0650C/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. On board were some personnel, stores and most of all ammunition.

They arrived at Tobruk around 0025C/15. While going alongside the oil jetty at Tobruk, HMAS Vendetta sustained some hull damage.

Around 0125C/15, they departed again with wounded.

They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 0925C/15. At Mersa Matruh HMAS Vendetta made some temporary repairs but in the end she had to return to Alexandria for proper repairs so she departed around 1920C/15 to do so. HMS Hero remained at Mersa Matruh. (90)

17 Jul 1941
Between 17 and 25 July 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), underwent repairs at Alexandria. During this period she had also been in dock and while being in dock for repairs her bottom was also scraped and repainted. (90)

28 Jul 1941
Around 0725C/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. On board were some personnel, stores and most of all ammunition.

They arrived at Tobruk around 2350C/28. (90)

29 Jul 1941
Around 0055C/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh where they arrived around 0910C/29. (90)

30 Jul 1941
Around 1140C/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk with personnel, stores and most of all ammuntion.

Around 2115C/30, HMS Hero sighted a submarine on the surface. The submarine promptly dived. Both ships then carried out depth charge attacks but no decisive results were obtained.

The submarine in question was the Italian Squalo.

The destroyers then continued their passage to Tobruk. (90)

31 Jul 1941
Around 0030C/31, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) arrived off Tobruk. Due to mines off the harbour they were unable to enter and unload.

Around 0110C/31, they departed for Alexandria where they arrived around 1420C/31. (90)

2 Aug 1941
Around 0900C/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk.

Around 1950C/2, they were attacked by about 24 Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers which were escorted by fighter aircraft. Allied aircraft did good work attacking them. The destroyers sustained no damage though several near misses were obtained.

They departed Tobruk around 0045C/3 to return to Alexandria where they arrived around 1415C/3.

HMAS Vendetta and HMS Havock arrived at Tobruk around 2355C/3. (94)

5 Aug 1941
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria around 1530 hours to conduct exrcises at sea. They returned to Alexandria in the morning of the next day minus HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston which had been detached as an enemy supply vessel was reported near Mersa Matruh which they wre ordered to intercept. Nothing was however sighted and both destroyers returned to Alexandria shortly after noon on the 7th. (89)

9 Aug 1941
A dinghy was reported about 180 nautical miles north-west of Alexandria. It was thought the crew of a downed aircraft were in it so HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria around 1800C/9 followed by HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN) around 2200C/9 with orders to search for the dinghy.

It was later realised that the crew in the dinghy were German so both destroyers were recalled.

They both returned to Alexandria around 0800C/10. (95)

10 Aug 1941
Around 1910C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria to proceed to Haifa where she arrived around 1445C/11. She was to undergo a short refit at Haifa. (94)

12 Aug 1941
Between 12 and 26 August 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was undergoing a short refit at Haifa. (94)

27 Aug 1941
Around 1100C/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 0950C/28. (94)

3 Sep 1941
Around 1010C/3, the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair Ford, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Alexandria for exercises.

HMS Valiant and HMAS Hobart returned to Alexandria around 1915C/3. The destroyers remained out for night exercises and only returned to Alexandria around 1430C/4 minus HMAS Vendetta which had set course for Port Said on HMS Valiant and HMAS Hobart's return to harbour. (96)

4 Sep 1941
Around 1000C/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Port Said. (97)

5 Sep 1941
Around 1520C/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Port Said escorting the transport Salamaua (British, 6754 GRT, built 1920) to Famagusta, Cyprus where they arrived around 0940C/7.

HMAS Vendetta did not enter the harbour and set course to return to Port Said arriving there around 0730C/8. (97)

7 Sep 1941
In the early afternoon an enemy submarine had been sighted and reported by HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN) in approximate position 32°40'N, 29°00'E. This was actually the Italian submarine Dagabur.

To search for this submarine, on the 8th, the destroyers HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) were sent from Alexandria, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) was sent from Port Said and HMS Griffin (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) were sent from Haifa.

The hunt was abandoned on the 10th. HMS Hasty, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur, HMS Kingston proceeded to Alexandria, HMAS Vendetta proceeded to Port Said and HMS Griffin and HMS Hero proceeded to Haifa. (98)

11 Sep 1941
Around 0750C/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) returned to Port Said from A/S operations. (97)

12 Sep 1941
The transport Salamaua (British, 6754 GRT, built 1920) departed Port Said for Famagusta. She is escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and the corvette HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR).

They arrived at Famagusta on the 14th. (97)

15 Sep 1941
The transport Salamaua (British, 6754 GRT, built 1920) departed Famagusta for Haifa. She is escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

They arrived at Haifa on the 16th. (97)

16 Sep 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Haifa for Port Said where she arrived the following day. (97)

17 Sep 1941
Around 1745B/17, the transports Fouadieh (Egyptian, 1738 GRT, built 1923) and Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939) departed Port Said for Famagusta and Haifa respecively.

On departure from Port Said they were escorted by HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

Around 1015B/18, the Anna Odland was detached to Haifa.

The Fouadieh and HMAS Vendetta arrived at Famagusta around 0700B/19. (97)

19 Sep 1941
Around 0935B/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Famagusta for Haifa where she arrived around 1740B/19. (97)

22 Sep 1941
Around 1620B/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Haifa to go to the assistance of the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Isles which was trying to salvage the hulk of the small Palestian merchant vessel Antar (385 GRT, built 1890) which had been attacked and heavily damaged by the Italian submarine Ascianghi. The hulk however later sank.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Haifa around 0715C/23. (97)

23 Sep 1941
The tankers British Colonel (British, 6999 GRT, built 1921) and Toneline (British, 811 GRT, built 1928) departed Haifa for Alexandria.

They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

They arrived at Alexandria on the 25th. (97)

26 Sep 1941
Around 0900B/26, the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, KCB, CVO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. C.E. Morgan, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Alexandria for a diversion in the Eastern Mediterranean during 'Operation Halberd' in the Western Mediterranean.

They returned to Alexandria in the afternoon of the 27th. (89)

29 Sep 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (97)

30 Sep 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. (97)

2 Oct 1941
The destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and corvette HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR) departed Haifa for an A/S search as the A/S trawler HMS Lydiard (T/Lt. F.A. Seward, RNR) had attacked an A/S contact earlier in the day with possible success.

No further A/S contact was obtained and the hunt was abandoned the following day with HMAS Vendetta and HMS Hyacinth returning to Haifa. (99)

4 Oct 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Haifa for Port Said. (100)

5 Oct 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Port Said from Haifa. (100)

6 Oct 1941
The destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and corvette HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) departed Port Said escorting a convoy to Haifa.

[No further information available on this convoy.] (101)

7 Oct 1941
Around 1600C/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and corvette HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Haifa arriving there around 1815C/7. (101)

8 Oct 1941
Around 0145C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Haifa for an A/S patrol.

Corvette HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN) had reported attacking a submarine contact in position 34°08'N, 35°21E. Destroyer HMAS Vendetta, corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN), HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR), HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and two A/S search aircraft joined, but no further contact was made with the reported submarine. (101)

9 Oct 1941
Around 0600C/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) returned to Haifa from patrol. (101)

11 Oct 1941
Around 1645C/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Haifa escorting a convoy to Port Said where they arrived around 1200C/12.

[No further information available on this convoy.] (101)

12 Oct 1941
Around 1455C/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (101)

13 Oct 1941
Around 1105C/13, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from Port Said. (101)

14 Oct 1941
From 14 to 19 October 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) cleaned boilers at Alexandria. (101)

20 Oct 1941
Around 1600C/20, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Alexandria escorting a convoy to Port Said.

[No further information available on this convoy.] (101)

21 Oct 1941
Around 0725C/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Port Said. She then entered the Suez Canal for southbound passage.

She arrived at Suez around 1635C/21 and after topping off with fuel she departed for Aden around 1840C/21.

HMAS Vendetta was to proceed to Singapore for a major refit. (101)

25 Oct 1941
Around 1215C/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Aden. (101)

26 Oct 1941
Around 0715C/26, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Aden for Bombay. (101)

1 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (102)

2 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (102)

5 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (102)

7 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Colombo for Pengang. (102)

11 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Penang from Colombo. (102)

12 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Penang for Singapore. (102)

13 Nov 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Singapore from Penang.

At Singapore she was taken in hand for refit by the Singapore Harbour Board. (102)

21 Jan 1942
During air attacks on Singapore, HMAS Vendetta's 12pdr AA gun, which was mounted ashore near the ship and was manned by crew members of HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)), shot down a Japanese aircraft. (103)

23 Jan 1942
Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S), which is currently in command of HMAS Vendetta during her refit, is ordered to prepare the ship to be towed away from Singapore. All the ships superstructure was ashore, boiler rooms and engine rooms were completely stipped down. The 4" armament and ammunition were at the Naval Base about 20 miles away on the other end of the island.

Preparations were started the following day. The ship was prepared for the tow and equipment was being collected and taken on board. This had to be done mostly by the ships skelleton crew as native labour had almost come to a standstill due to the air attacks.

Also the Gunner and the Yeoman of stores went to the Naval Base and eventually found the ships guns in various states of assembly. They managed, with the help of other naval personnel at the base to salvage all guns and equipment belonging to them en take it all with them to Keppel Harbour where it was put on board HMAS Vendetta.

On 27 January, the ship came to 24 hours notice. The ships Gunner was formally appointed the ships First Lieutenant.

On 28 January, the torpedo tubes and other equipment arrived from the Naval Base. By now two 4" gun had been assembled on board for self defence, one forward and one aft. However the locks were still missing and it was found out that these were at a workshop which was now in Japanese hands so the guns, though fitted, could not be used.

On 28 January 1942, HMAS Vendetta was put into dock for bottom cleaning and painting. The dock was flooded the following day.

On 30 January 1942, HMAS Vendetta left the dock and the following day all towing preparations were completed. (103)

2 Feb 1942
At 0700GH/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) slipped her moorings and departed Singapore in tow of HMS St. Just (Master R.W.H. Millen). Off the harbour they were joined by HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Pretor-Pinney, RN) which was to act as escort.

Around 1000GH/2, the tow was transferred to HMS Stronghold but it parted around 1130GH/2. Tow was resumed half an hour later. HMS St. Just had made fast on the stern to act as rudder.

Around 1120GH/3, an air attack took place, a single plane dropped four bombs, two on either side of HMAS Vendetta.

Around 1145GH/3, a formation of five bombers attacked but no hits were obtained.

Around 1230GH/3, another formation of five bombers attacked but again no hits were obtained.

Between 1500GH/3 and 1730GH/3, a formation of eleven bombers made repeated attacks.

Around 1600GH, a burning tanker was sighted ahead and HMS St. Just was ordered to slip her tow and assist the tanker but her help was not required and she then rejoined the tow.

During the day a total of between 100 and 120 bombs had been dropped by Japanese aircraft. Only some minor damage due to near misses had been sustained by HMAS Vendetta.

On the 4th the tow arrived off the mouth of the Palembang river and HMAS Vendetta and HMS St. Just went up river to Palembang to await a faster tow for onward passage to Batavia.

On the 8th, HMAS Vendetta, which had come down again from Palembang with HMS St. Just, was taken in tow by HMAS Yarra (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN). HMS St. Just remained at Palembang where she was later scuttled to prevent her from falling into Japanese hands.

Around 1000GH/10, the tow arrived at Batavia (Tandjong Priok) without being attacked at all. (103)

17 Feb 1942

Convoy SJ 3.

This convoy departed Batavia on 17 February 1942.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Darvel (British, 1929 GRT, built 1924), Giang Ann (British, 1265 GRT, built 1902), Krian (British, 845 GRT, built 1911), Oriskany (British, 1644 GRT, built 1924) and E Sang (British, 3370 GRT, built 1934).

The destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) was also part of the convoy. She was in tow of the naval auxiliary HMS Ping Wo (T/Lt. J. Fant, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).

The convoy later split into two sections, one for Colombo made up of the Krian, Oriskany and . It is possible these ships proceeded independently. It seems likely that HMS Electra then parted company on the convoy splitting and then returned to Batavia.

The other section was for Fremantle, and was made up of the Darvel and Giang Ann. Also with this section was HMS Ping Wo towing HMAS Vendetta. HMAS Yarra remained with this section until she was relieved by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) around 1830I/22 in position 15°50'S, 105°07'E.

Around 1830I/27, the Darvel was sent ahead to Fremantle due to being short of water.

The Fremantle section arrived there during the night of 3/4 March 1942. (104)

10 Mar 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. Once again she was in tow of the naval auxiliary HMS Ping Wo (T/Lt. J. Fant, RNR).

On 12 March 1942, HMS Ping Wo developed engine trouble and course was set for Albany where they arrived on the 15th. HMAS Vendetta then anchored outside Albany harbour. Due to the bad weather conditions and the risk of dragging anchor she was towed into the harbour on the 19th.

On 24 March 1942, HMS Ping Wo towed HMAS Vendetta out of the harbour where the merchant vessel Islander (British, 1619 GRT, built 1929) took over the tow.

Early on the 25th the tow parted and later HMS Ping Wo took over while the Islander prepared a new tow line. The Islander was able to resume towing HMAS Vendetta late in the afternoon.

Early the 29th, weather had become so bad that the ships had to hove to. HMS Ping Wo then parted company and continuing on to Melbourne independently. Late on the 29th the Islander resumed towing.

Around noon on 31 March the tow again parted and due to the bad weather conditions a new tow could not be established. HMAS Vendetta was at the mercy wind and sea.

On 1 April weather had cleared a little and an attempt was made to pass another tow line but while doing so the Islander fouled the line and as a result also lost propulsion to her port screw decreasing her manoeuvring capabilities.

Shortly before noon on the 3rd of April a new tow line was finally established and the ships got underway again. It had been decided to proceed to Adelaide.

Around mid afternoon of 5 April 1942, the sloop / escort vessel HMAS Moresby (T/Lt. C.H. Brown, RANR(S)) joined.

Around mid afternoon of 6 April 1942, the tug Woonda joined and shortly afterwards she took over the tow and towed HMAS Vendetta into Adelaide harbour. (103)

10 Apr 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) departed Adelaide for Melbourne. Once again she was in tow of the merchant vessel Islander (British, 1619 GRT, built 1929). they were escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Whyalla (T/Lt. L.N. Morison, RANR(S)).

Tow parted on the 12th but it was re-established after a few hours.

Tow parted again on the 13th but it was re-established after a few hours.

Very early on the 15th the tug Tooronga took over the tow and towed HMAS Vendetta into Port Phillip and they arrived at Melbourne later the same day. (103)

29 Sep 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) completed her refit at Melbourne. There was still work to be done later though at Sydney, which had mostly to do with the fitting of new equipment. (105)

2 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted basin trials at Victoria Dock, Melbourne. (105)

5 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted basin trials at Victoria Dock, Melbourne. (105)

11 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) proceeded from Victoria Dock to Williamstown where she embarked ammunition and the ship was fully fuelled. She then entered the Harbour Trust Dock for an inclining experiment. (105)

12 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) left dock and returned to Williamstown. (105)

13 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted post refit trials in Port Phillip. (105)

14 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted torpedo firing and full power trials in Port Phillip. (105)

15 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted gunnery and depth charge thrower trials in Port Phillip. She proceeded to Victoria Dock on completion for fumigation. (105)

16 Oct 1942
While leaving Victoria Dock, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) collided with the dock wall. She then secured again for repairs which took about a week to complete. (105)

24 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Melbourne for Sydney. (105)

26 Oct 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Melbourne. She then went to Garden Island for the fitting of new equipment which could not be installed at Melbourne. (105)

12 Dec 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) proceeded from Garden Island to the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (105)

22 Dec 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted D/G trials and compass swing trials at Sydney. (105)

23 Dec 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted RDF and steaming trials off Sydney. (105)

24 Dec 1942
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted A/S and full power trials off Sydney. (105)

30 Dec 1942
The light cruiser USS Phoenix (Capt. J.R. Redman, USN) and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. En-route exercises were to be carried out. (106)

31 Dec 1942
The light cruiser USS Phoenix (Capt. J.R. Redman, USN) and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived in Moreton Bay. (106)

1 Jan 1943
HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) proceeded up river to Brisbane. (106)

3 Jan 1943
HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) proceeded down river from Brisbane to Moreton Bay. (107)

4 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (108)

5 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (108)

6 Jan 1943
HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted towing exercises in Moreton Bay on completion of which they went to sea for A/S exercises with USS Flying Fish (T/Cdr. G.R. Donaho) which were only completed in the afternoon of the 7th. (107)

8 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) returned to Moreton Bay from A/S exercises. Later this day she conducted gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (108)

9 Jan 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) departed Brisbane for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Solomon Islands.

During 9 and 10 January 1943 exercises were carried out with the Australian destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

10 Jan 1943
On completion of the A/S exercises HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted torpedo firing exercises during which they acted as target for each other. During the exercises HMAS Vendetta's steering engine broke down. Temporary repairs were made at sea and HMAS Vendetta then set course to return to Brisbane. (107)

13 Jan 1943
During 13 and 14 January 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with USS Gato (T/Cdr. R.J. Foley, USN).

On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta returned to Brisbane on 15 January 1943 while USS Gato proceeded on patrol. (108)

15 Jan 1943
The light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers USS Patterson (T/Cdr. W.C. Schultz, USN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Moreton Bay. On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta returned to Moreton Bay early on the 16th. The other two ships remained at sea for night encounter exercises with HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN). These were followed by a refuelling at sea exercises during which HMAS Hobart refuelled HMAS Warramunga. On completion of the exercises, HMAS Hobart, HMAS Warramunga and USS Patterson returned to Moreton Bay / Brisbane in the early afternoon of the 16th. (108)

17 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the submarine tender Sperry (T/Capt. R.E. Blue, USN).

HMAS Vendetta parted company with USS Sperry around 1800L/18.

USS Sperry then continued her passage towards Pearl Harbour unescorted.

HMAS Vendetta set course for Townsville. (108)

21 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Townsville from escort duty. (108)

22 Jan 1943

Convoy TN 27.

This convoy departed Townsville on 22 January 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Fall River (near Gurney airfield), Milne Bay on 24 January 1943. (108)

26 Jan 1943
The transports Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) for Port Moresby. They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN). (108)

27 Jan 1943
The transports Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) and their escort, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN), arrived at Port Moresby. (108)

28 Jan 1943
The transports Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) and their escort, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN), departed Port Moresby for Townsville. (108)

30 Jan 1943
The transports Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) and their escort, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN), arrived at Townsville for Port Moresby. (108)

31 Jan 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) proceeded from Townsville to Cairns. (108)

1 Feb 1943
From 1 to 9 February 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN), cleaned boilers at Cairns. (109)

10 Feb 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Cairns escorting the RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937) to Goods Island (Torres Strait) where they arrived on 12 February 1943.

Off Goods Island, HMAS Castlemaine (T/Lt.Cdr. P.J. Sullivan, RANR(S)) was fuelled by the Bishopdale.

They all departed Goods Island on 13 February 1943 for Darwin where they arrived on 16 February 1943. (109)

18 Feb 1943
Around 1325KL/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN), was ordered to proceed with despatch to position 10°09'S, 127°05'E where a Allied bomber had force landed.

Around 1420KL/18, HMAS Vendetta left Darwin to proceed as ordered. Speed was set to 25 knots.

At 0140KL/19, a flare was sighted 600 yards on the starboard bow and four survivors from the crashed aircraft were picked up in position 10°12'S, 127°10'E.

Course was then set for Darwin where HMAS Vendetta arrived around 1345KL/19. (109)

20 Feb 1943
The RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937) departed Darwin for Townsville via Thursday Island.

She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Castlemaine (T/Lt.Cdr. P.J. Sullivan, RANR(S)).

They arrived off Thusday Island on 23 February 1943 where HMAS Castlemaine was detached.

HMAS Vendetta and the Bishopsdale arrived at Townsville on 26 February 1943. (109)

2 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) conducted exercises in Cleveland Bay. These included gunnery exercises. (110)

3 Mar 1943

Convoy TS 18.

This convoy departed Townsville on 3 March 1943.

This convoy was made up of the chartered (for the RFA) tanker Aase Maersk (6184 GRT, built 1930) and the Australian Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Kurumba (3798 GRT, built 1916).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

Around 1300L/4, the minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. B. Paul, RANR(S)) took over the escort of the convoy. HMAS Vendetta was then detached taking over the escort of the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) which HMAS Goulburn had been escorting northwards from Brisbane.

Convoy TS 18 arrived at Moreton Bay on the 7th. HMAS Goulburn did not enter though as she was detailed for other escort duties. (110)

5 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) and the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) arrived at Townsville A.M. on this day. (110)

5 Mar 1943

Convoy TN 46.

This convoy departed Townsville on 5 March 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) and Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Port Moresby on 7 March 1943. (110)

9 Mar 1943

Convoy NT 5.

This convoy departed Port Moresby on 5 March 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) and Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Port Moresby the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 10 March 1943. (110)

12 Mar 1943

Convoy TN 50.

This convoy departed Townsville on 12 March 1943.

It was made up of only one transport, the Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

The convoy arrived at at Fall River (near Gurney airfield), Milne Bay on 14 March 1943. (110)

15 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) for Townsville. (110)

17 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Townsville from Milne Bay. (110)

19 Mar 1943

Convoy TN 56.

This convoy departed Townsville on 12 March 1943.

It was made up of only one transport, the Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

The convoy arrived at at Fall River (near Gurney airfield), Milne Bay on 21 March 1943. (110)

22 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) for Townsville. (110)

23 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) arrived at Townsville from Milne Bay. (110)

24 Mar 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Townsville for Cairns where she arrived later the same day.

While en-route, mails and personnel had been transferred near Palm Island to HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN). (110)

25 Mar 1943
From 25 to 31 March 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) cleaned boilers at Cairns. (110)

31 Mar 1943

Convoy TN 64.

This convoy departed Townsville on 31 March 1943.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and Wanaka (Australian, 2259 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was unescorted.

On 1 April, near Cairns, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) joined.

The convoy arrived at Port Moresby on 3 April 1943. (111)

3 Apr 1943

Convoy NT 9.

This convoy departed Port Moresby on 3 April 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) and President Grant (American, 10558 GRT, built 1921).

They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 5 April 1943. (112)

6 Apr 1943

Convoy TN 67.

This convoy departed Townsville on 6 April 1943.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Balikpapan (Dutch, 1279 GRT, built 1939), Bontekoe (Dutch, 4668 GRT, built 1923) and Van Heemskerck (Dutch, 2996 GRT, built 1909).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

The convoy anchored off Rogeia Island during the night of 9/10 April 1943 and arrived at Fall River (Milne Bay) on 10 April 1943. (111)

11 Apr 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) for Townsville. She was escorting the transport Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936). (111)

13 Apr 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) and the transport Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Townsville from Fall River (Milne Bay). (111)

17 Apr 1943

Convoy TN 74.

This convoy departed Townsville on 17 April 1943.

This convoy was made up of only one transport, the Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Port Moresby on 19 April 1943. (111)

20 Apr 1943

Convoy NT 11.

This convoy departed Port Moresby on 20 April 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Port Moresby the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 22 April 1943. (111)

26 Apr 1943

Convoy TN 80.

This convoy departed Townsville on 26 April 1943.

This convoy was made up of only one transport, the Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Fall River (Milne Bay) on 28 April 1943. (111)

29 Apr 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) departed Fall River (Milne Bay) for Townsville. She was escorting the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935). (111)

1 May 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) and the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) arrived at Townsville from Fall River (Milne Bay). (111)

2 May 1943

Convoy TS 27.

This convoy departed Townsville on 2 May 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Bontekoe (Dutch, 5033 GRT, built 1922), Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926) and David Bushnell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Townsville the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN).

A.M. on the 5th the transport Stephen B. Elkins (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. She had stragged from convoy TS 26.

P.M. on the 5th the minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. B. Paul, RANR(S)) joined. She had been searching for the Stephen B. Elkins but had been unable to find her.

The convoy arrived at Brisbane on 6 May 1943. (113)

6 May 1943
Around 1045K/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the (troop) transport Willard A. Holbrook (American, 14812 GRT, built 1921) eastwards until Longitude 159°.

HMAS Vendetta parted company with the American ship around 1030K/7. She arrived back at Brisbane around 0900K/7. (113)

9 May 1943
From 9 to 15 May 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) cleaned boilers at Brisbane. (113)

16 May 1943
Around 1500K/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the transport Blue Jacket (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943) eastwards.

HMAS Vendetta parted company with the American ship around 1600K/17. She arrived off Caloundra around 0850K/18 where Lt.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN, was disermbarked having turned over command to Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN. (113)

18 May 1943

Convoy BT 60.

This convoy departed Caloundra (near Brisbane) for Townsville on 18 May 1943.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Admiral Halstead (American, 3545 GRT, built 1920), Giang Ann (British, 1265 GRT, built 1902), Sarpen (Norwegian, 1864 GRT, built 1912), Van den Bosch (Dutch, 2354 GRT, built 1903) and William M. Meredith (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Caloundra the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Geelong (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)), submarine chaser USS SC 748 (Lt.(jg.) M.B. Stone, Jr., USNR) and motor launch HMAS ML 425 (Lt. G.S.H. Champion, RANR(S)).

Around 2359K/19, HMAS Vendetta parted company with the convoy and set course to return to Brisbane.

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 21 May 1943. (113)

20 May 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from convoy escort duty. (113)

21 May 1943

Convoy BT 61.

This convoy departed Caloundra (near Brisbane) for Townsville on 18 May 1943.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Balikpapan (Dutch, 1279 GRT, built 1938), Henry Dearborn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pahud (Dutch, 2075 GRT, built 1927), Suva (British, 4873 GRT, built 1938), Van Spilbergen (Dutch, 3234 GRT, built 1908) and William Ellery Channing (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Caloundra the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. B. Paul, RANR(S)), submarine chaser USS SC 648 (?).

Around 0800K/23, USS SC 648 obtained an A/S contact and dropped depth charges. HMAS Vendetta joined the hunt but no contact could be obtained. The hunt was called off around 1030K/23 and USS SC 648 set course to rejoin the convoy. HMAS Vendetta did not rejoined the convoy as she was ordered to proceed to a rendezvous with the American troop transport President Johnson.

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 24 May 1943. (113)

24 May 1943
Around 1500K/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), reached the rendezvous position with the American troop transport President Johnson (13639 GRT, built 1904) and her escort, the French armed merchant cruiser Cap des Palmes (Cdr. G.E.J. Cabanier) but the ships are not sighted.

Rendezvous was finally made around 0900K/25. The ships were then escorted to Caloundra where they all arrived around 2245K/25. (113)

31 May 1943

Convoy BT 63.

This convoy departed Brisbane for Townsville on 31 May 1943.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Nancy Hanks (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), President Johnson (American, 13639 GRT, built 1904) and Van Heutsz (Dutch, 4552 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Brisbane the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and the submarine chasers USS SC 648 (?) and USS SC 748 (Lt.(jg.) M.B. Stone, Jr., USNR).

Around 1715K/1, HMAS Vendetta parted company with the convoy. HMAS Vendetta then set course to proceed to a rendezvous with a ahip coming from the east in position 26°37'S, 159°42'E.

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 2 June 1943. (114)

3 Jun 1943
Around 0900K/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) joined the transport Mormacsea (American, 7773 GRT, built 1941).

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1000K/4, having parted company with the transport off Caloundra. (115)

4 Jun 1943
Around 1210K/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to conduct an A/S search east of Moreton Bay in position 27°17'S, 153°55'E. An enemy submarine had been reported. [The Japanese I-174 was operating off the Australian east coast.]

Around 1700K/4, she joined HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) which had departed Brisbane earlier on the 4th to act on the same submarine report.

They parted company at 0505K/5, when HMAS Vendetta set course to proceed to position 27°06'S, 154°10'E where she was to make rendezvous around 0600K/5 with the stores ship USS Mizar (6982 GRT, built 1932). The stores ship did not show up at the rendezvous but the transport Cape Newenham (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943) was nearby so she was then escorted to Caloundra. HMAS Vendetta returned to Brisbane around 1300K/5.

HMS Warramunga later set course to proceed to Caloundra. On the way she encountered USS Mizar and then escorted her to Caloundra. HMAS Warramunga then proceeded to Brisbane. (115)

5 Jun 1943
Around 1700K/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane for Sydney where she arrived the following day. (115)

7 Jun 1943
Around 0800K/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the transport Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926) northwards.

They parted company around 0130K/10 near Lady Elliot Island.

HMAS Vendetta then proceeded to Brisbane where she arrived around 1910K/10. (115)

11 Jun 1943
From 11 June 1943 to early on 18 June 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) cleaned boilers at Brisbane. (115)

18 Jun 1943
Around 1220K/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), which had completed boiler cleaning earlier in the day, departed Brisbane for A/S patrol to the south of Brisbane. Two days before a submarine had attacked convoy GP 55 and sunk on transport and damaged an LST.

HMAS Vendette discontinued her A/S patrol at 0600K/20 when course was set to position 27°26'S, 160°00'E to make rendezvous with the (troop) transport Willard A. Holbrook (American (Army transport), 14812 GRT, built 1921) around 1200K/21.

However at 1400K/20, a signal was received ordering her to proceed to Elizabeth Reef where a submarine had been reported [This may again have been I-174 which now had just left the Australian east coast to proceed back to Truk via a route east of the Solomon Islands.]

She arrived off Elizabeth around daylight the following morning but no submarine was on the reef. Around 0700K/21 the search for the submarine was abandoned and course was set to position 27°36'S, 158°42'E, the new position for rendezvous with the Willard A. Holbrook. It however soon became apparent that HMAS Vendetta was unable to reach the rendezvous position in time due to the weather conditions. HMAS Vendetta was later ordered to proceed to Sydney where she arrived around 2330K/23 with only eight tons of fuel remaining. (115)

25 Jun 1943
Around 0800K/25, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the destroyer tender USS Dobbin (T/Capt. H.N. Williams, USN) to Brisbane where they arrived in the morning of the 27th. Both escorting destroyers did not enter Brisbane but anchored near Bribie Island. (116)

27 Jun 1943
Around 0700K/27, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed their anchorage near Bribie Island to escort the attack transport USS Henry T. Allen (APA 15) (Cdr. J. Meyer, USN).

Around 0125K/28, the destroyers parted company with the attack transport near Lady Elliot Island.

HMAS Stuart, was ordered to proceed ahead and returned to Brisbane around 1420K/28.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1730K/28. (116)

30 Jun 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (115)

1 Jul 1943
Around 0520K/1, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the transport Pennant (American, 6576 GRT, built 1937) in position 27°15'S, 160°55'E.

The transport was met at the arranged rendezvous position around 1000K/2.

HMAS Vendetta and the transport arrived at Brisbane around 1950K/3. (117)

5 Jul 1943
Around 1510K/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to escort the tanker Northfield (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943) northwards.

They parted company around 1330K/6 near Lady Elliot Island.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Brisbane around 0825K/7. (117)

8 Jul 1943
Around 0520K/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the troop transport Monterey (American, 18017 GRT, built 1932) in position 27°10'S, 162°18'E.

Rendezvous was effected around 1000K/10 and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1520K/11. (117)

13 Jul 1943
While changing berth, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) sustained some minor damage through colliding with the pier. (117)

15 Jul 1943
Around 0100K/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane. She then joined the troop transport Monterey (American, 18017 GRT, built 1932) off Caloundra and escorted her eastwards until 2300K/15.

HMAS Vendetta anchored in Moreton Bay around 1930K/16. She proceeded to Brisbane the following morning. (117)

17 Jul 1943
Around 1400K/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the transport Torrens (Norwegian, 6713 GRT, built 1939) in position 24°38'S, 158°48'E.

Rendezvous was effected around 1530K/18 and course was set for Lady Elliot Island where they parted company around 1300K/19.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Brisbane around 0815K/20. (117)

20 Jul 1943
From 20 to 31 July 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) cleaned boilers at Brisbane. She was also docked, undocking at 2100K/31. (117)

6 Aug 1943
Around 1200K/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to proceed to position 27°00'S, 156°20'E and make rendezvous with the troopship Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) and her escort, the destroyer USS Warrington (T/Capt. H.R. Demarest, USN).

Rendezvous was effected around 1440K/7 and HMAS Vendetta joined the two American ships.

They all arrived at Brisbane around 1200K/8. (118)

8 Aug 1943
From 8 to 10 August USS Billfish (Cdr. F.C. Lucas, Jr., USN) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with the Australian destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and RAAF aircraft.

HMAS Vendetta Returned to Moreton Bay on 10 August. USS Billfish remained at sea for one more day of exercises. (118)

10 Aug 1943
Around 1150K/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Caloundra to escort the troopship Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) eastwards. They parted company around 1800K/10.

HMAS Vendetta then set course to proceed to position 24°53'S, 161°57'E to make rendezvous with the troop transport Willard A. Holbrook (American (Army transport), 14812 GRT, built 1921) around 1500K/11.

The troop transport was not encountered at the rendezvous position at the given time and HMAS Vendetta started a search for her. At dark the ship had still not been found and W/T silence was broken to inform the Naval Officer in Charge, Brisbane.

Rendezvous was now made at dawn on the 13th in position 24°15'S, 156°08'E and course was set for the Curtis Channel.

At 1315K/13, a signal was received that a surfaced submarine had been spotted in the Curtis Channel. The master of the Willard A. Holbrook decided to change course and now head for the Capricorn Channel. As HMAS Vendetta had not enough fuel remaining to escort her there she parted company to return to Brisbane where she arrived around 1630K/14. The submarine sighted was thought to be Allied. (118)

15 Aug 1943
Around 1200K/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the transport Torrens (Norwegian, 6713 GRT, built 1939) to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island. They parted company around 2100K/15. HMAS Vendetta then set course to position 27°07'S, 159°24'E where rendezvous was to be made with the troopship David C. Shanks (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943). Rendezvous was effected around 1000K/17.

They arrived at Caloundra around 0800K/18. (118)

18 Aug 1943
Around 1400K/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to proceed to position 25°32'S, 156°13'E where rendezvous was to be made with HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and then escort her to Brisbane.

Rendezvous was effected around 0545K/19.

HMAS Australia and HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1745K/19. (118)

21 Aug 1943
Around 0830K/21, HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane for Sydney where they arrived around 1100K/22. (94)

22 Aug 1943
Around 1430K/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney for Caloundra where she arrived around 1655K/23. The troopship David C. Shanks (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) was then joined by HMAS Vendetta and course was set to Lady Elliot Island. They parted company around 0645K/24 and HMAS Vendetta set course to return to Caloundra where she arrived around 1845K/24. (118)

25 Aug 1943
Around 0700K/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Caloundra escorting the transport Maui (American, 10261 GRT, built 1917) eastwards.

They parted company around 1800K/25 and HMAS Vendetta set course to return to Caloundra.

While en-route she was ordered to join HMAS Gladstone (T/Lt. J.W. Penney, RANR(S)) which was conducting an A/S search off Great Sandy Island where the presence of an enemy submarine was suspected.

Around 1400K/26, HMAS Vendetta had to abandon her A/S patrol due to fuel shortage and she arrived at Brisbane around 2200K/26.

(118)

29 Aug 1943
During 29/30 August 1943, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with USS Scamp (T/Cdr. W.G. Ebert).

On completion of the exercises around 1815K/30, HMAS Vendetta set course for position 25°57'N, 160°10'E to make rendezvous with the transport USS Rochembeau.

On arrival at the rendezvous position the transport was not sighted and also a search for her produced no results. Course was later set for Sydney where HMAS Vendetta arrived around 1440K/2. (118)

29 Aug 1943

Convoy PW 2293.

This convoy departed San Francisco on 29 August 1943.

It was made up of the transports Kota Agoeng (Dutch, 7356 GRT, built 1930) and President Grant (American, 10558 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from San Francisco the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Grayson (T/Cdr. O.H. Hansen, USN).

On 9 September and 15 September, USS Grayson fuelled at sea from the Kota Agoeng. Also provisions were transferred.

Around 0845K/22, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) joined the convoy. USS Grayson then parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Noumea.

The convoy arrived at Caloundra around 1630K/23. (119)

3 Sep 1943
Around 0730K/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney. She to escort the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

The ships parted company around 1700K/5.

HMAS Vendetta then set course for Caloundra, however at 1945K/5 a signal was received that she was to make rendezvous with the transport Boschfontein (Dutch, 7139 GRT, built 1928) and then escort her towards Lady Elliot Island.

Around 0050K/6, HMAS Vendetta dropped anchor in Platypus Bay and then left again around 2330K/6 to make rendezvous with the southbound transport. The rendezvous was effected at 0530K/7 and three hours later the ships parted company again.

HMAS Vendetta arrived in Moreton Bay around 2300K/7 and anchored for the night. She arrived at Brisbane around 0840K/8. HMAS Vendetta then commenced boiler cleaning but was to be ready for sea with 24 hours notice. (120)

10 Sep 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), which is boiler cleaning at Brisbane, is ordered to be ready for sea at 0600K/12. (120)

12 Sep 1943
Around 0600K/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane. At sea, off Caloundra she joined the transport Mormacsea (American, 7773 GRT, built 1941) and relieved her current escort USS PC-476 (Lt.(jg) D.P. Butler, USNR).

The Mormacsea was then escorted by HMAS Vendetta to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island. They parted company around 1100K/13.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Caloundra around 2145K/13. (120)

14 Sep 1943
Around 1020K/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Caloundra escorting the stores ship USS Mizar towards Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 0100K/15.

HMAS Vendetta arrived back at Melbourne around 1410K/15. (120)

16 Sep 1943
Around 1300K/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the troop transport Fred C. Ainsworth (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) eastwards

They parted company around 1345K/17. HMAS Vendetta then commenced escorting the transport Mormaclark (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943) towards Caloundra.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1850K/18. (120)

21 Sep 1943
Around 0900K/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with convoy PW 2293.

Rendezvous was effected around 0845K/22.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy PW 2293 ' for 29 August 1943.] (120)

22 Sep 1943
Around 1940K/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from convoy escort duty. (120)

24 Sep 1943
Around 1600K/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane. Off Caloundra she joined the transports Cape Greig (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943) and President Grant (American, 10558 GRT, built 1921) to escort them to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island. This was known as convoy QL 14A.

On HMAS Vendetta arriving off Caloundra the President Grant reported that she had problems with her compass and was unable to depart until repairs were completed. HMAS Vendetta therefore dropped anchor to await the completion of these.

Around 0600K/25, the ships finally proceeded.

HMAS Vendetta parted company around 0315K/26 and then set course to return to Caloundra.

However she then received a signal to make rendezvous with the transport Day Star (American, 6599 GRT, built 1939) and rendezvous was made around 1200K/26 in position 25°58'S, 155°15'E and course was then set to escort this ship towards the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 0355K/27.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1630K/27. (120)

28 Sep 1943

Convoy QL 16.

This convoy departed Brisbane on 28 September 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Balikpapan (Dutch, 1279 GRT, built 1938), Carola (Panamanian, 3842 GRT, built 1916), Colorado (American, 2689 GRT, built 1920), Dundula (Australian, 3344 GRT, built 1920), Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935), Green Gables Park (Canadian, 7132 GRT, built 1943), John Evans (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mangola (British, 3352 GRT, built 1920), Ozark (American, 2689 GRT, built 1919) and Tambua (Australian, 3566 GRT, built 1938).

The auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. R.B.A. Hunt, OBE, RAN) and Tank Landing Ship USS LST 170 (Lt. T.N. Kelly, USCGR) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Brisbane the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Ararat (T/Lt. N.M. Muzzell, RANR(S)) and the patrol vessels USS PC 1122 (Lt. J.J. Peck, USNR), USS PC 1123 (Lt. W.R. Plage, USNR) and USS SC 650 (Lt.(jg) R.E. Huff, USNR).

Around 0300K/30, near Lady Elliot Island, HMAS Vendetta parted company with the convoy to proceed to Caloundra.

Around 1040K/30, the convoy was dispersed off Bustard Head.

30 Sep 1943
Around 1500K/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) arrived at Caloundra from convoy escort duty.

She departed again around 2122K/30 to make rendezvous with the troop transport President Johnson (American, 13639 GRT, built 1904).

Rendezvous was effected around 1050K/1 in position 27°22'S, 156°12'E and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 0630K/2. (121)

3 Oct 1943
Around 0855L/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane. She anchored off Bribie Island around 1245K/3 to await the arrival of the transport Boschfontein (Dutch, 7139 GRT, built 1928) as she was to escort this ship to the eastward.

This ship was however delayed and HMAS Vendetta was ordered to proceed to sea to make rendezvous with the troop transport Willard A. Holbrook (American, 14812 GRT, built 1921).

Rendezvous was effected around 1345L/4 and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1140L/5. (122)

7 Oct 1943
around 0900L/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the troopship West Point (American, 26454 GRT, built 1940) approaching from the east.

As a signal was received that the West Point was 14 hours late, HMAS Vendetta anchored.

She then weighted anchor around 2330L/7, to proceed to the rendezvous which was effected around 0620L/9.

Course was then set for Sydney where they arrived around 1100L/10.

On arrival at Sydney, HMAS Vendetta had some condensor problems for which repairs were undertaken. Also a diver inspected the propellers and underwater fittings, which were all found to be in good condition. (122)

11 Oct 1943
Around 2255L/11, the landing ship HMAS Kanimbla (A/Cdr. N.H. Shaw, RAN) departed Sydney to put to sea. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN). They were joined around 0700L/12 by the attack cargo ship USS Algorab (T/Capt. J.R. Lannom, USN) and landing ships HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. C.C. Baldwin, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)) which also came from Sydney.

Course was then set for Moreton Bay (Brisbane).

Around 2100L/13, the convoy was joined by the minesweepers HMAS Geelong (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)) and HMAS Stawell (T/Lt. S.J. Griffith, RANR(S)) as additional escorts.

They arrived in Moreton Bay around 0900L/14. (122)

14 Oct 1943
Around 2315L/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Meteor (American, 6221 GRT, built 1943).

Rendezvous was effected around 0900L/15 in position 27°14'S, 155°14'E and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 2030L/15.

On arrival at Brisbane HMAS Vendetta commenced cleaning boilers. Also on the 16th repairs to her condensers were commenced. (122)

23 Oct 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) completed boiler cleaning at Brisbane. (122)

25 Oct 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) was to conducted D/G trials off Brisbane but her steering gear broke down and the D/G trials had to be cancelled upon which she returned to Brisbane. (122)

29 Oct 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) is towed upstream and was docked in the drydock for repairs. (122)

3 Nov 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) is undocked at Brisbane. She then proceeded to Moreton Bay.

She departed Moreton Bay around 2130L/3, to make rendezvous with the troop transport Fred C. Ainsworth (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) approaching Brisbane from the east.

Rendezvous was effected around 0500L/4 and the American ship was then escorted to Caloundra.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1400L/4. (123)

8 Nov 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (123)

9 Nov 1943
Around 1400L/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Cape Meares (American, 7104 GRT, built 1943).

Rendezvous was effected around 1245L/10 and course was set for the Curtis Channel.

Around 0950L/11, they parted company near Lady Elliot Island.

HMAS Vendetta arrived in Moreton Bay around 0110L/12. She proceeded up river to Brisbane later in the morning. (123)

14 Nov 1943

Convoy QL 29.

This convoy departed Brisbane on 14 November 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Ban Hong Liong (British, 1671 GRT, built 1908), Cardross (Australian, 2515 GRT, built 1919), Floyd Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Francis G. Newlands (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frank Joseph Irwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Alden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Jacob Astor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Murada (Australian, 3345 GRT, built 1921), Point San Pedro (American, 3303 GRT, built 1920), Tambua (Australian, 3566 GRT, built 1938) and William Beaumont (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Brisbane it was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), minesweepers HMAS Geelong (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)), HMAS Lithgow (T/Lt. C.T.G. Haultain, RANR(S)) and the patrol vessel SC-741 (Lt. C.K.S. Latus, USNR).

Around 2000L/15, near Lady Elliot Island, HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Geelong parted company to return to Brisbane. [No details on the other two escorts.]

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Brisbane around 1220L/16.

HMAS Geelong arrived at Brisbane around 1330L/16.

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 17 November 1943.

19 Nov 1943
Around 0700L/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous at 1600L/20 in position 32°58'N, 158°14'E with the troopship USS Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1932) and then escort her to Sydney.

At 1524L/20, a signal was received that the troopship had passed through the rendezvous position around 1200L/20. Course was then set to intercept the troopship at daylight on 21 November. Speed had to be increased to 23 knots but due to the weather conditions the speed had later to be reduced to 18 knots and the thought of intercepting the troopship had to be abandoned.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Sydney around 1000L/21. (123)

22 Nov 1943
Around 1000L/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney for Caloundra where she arrived around 1500L/23. She then joined the transport Cefalu (American, 5221 GRT, built 1930) to escort her to Gladstone where they arrived around noon the following day. (123)

25 Nov 1943
Around 0820L/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Gladstone escorting the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) to Sydney where they arrived around 1300L/27. (123)

28 Nov 1943
Around 1000L/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with USS Altamaha (T/Capt. A.C. Olney, Jr., USN) and then escort her to Caloundra.

Rendezvous was effected around 1700L/29 and the ships arrived at Caloundra around 1000L/30. HMAS Vendetta then went on to Brisbane where she arrived around 1400L/30. (123)

3 Dec 1943
Around 1700L/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) departed Brisbane to proceed position 27°01'S, 155°01'E and make rendezvous with the transport Cape Mendocino (American, 7104 GRT, built 1943).

Rendezvous was effected as planned and both ships arrived off Caloundra around 0230L/4. (124)

5 Dec 1943
Around 0550L/5, USS Altamaha (T/Capt. A.C. Olney, Jr., USN) departed Moreton Bay for San Francisco. She was joined around 0900L/5 by HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) for A/S escort.

Around 2100K/5, HMAS Vendetta parted company to return to Brisbane where she arrived around 1200L/6.

(125)

10 Dec 1943
Around 0600L/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Brisbane to escort the transport Cape Mendocino (American, 7104 GRT, built 1943) to position 28°01'S, 155°30'E.

Following the above task HMAS Vendetta proceeded to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island where around 1200L/12 rendezvous was made with HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. C.C. Baldwin, RAN). Course was then set for Sydney where they arrived around 1140L/13. (124)

15 Dec 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) is docked in the dry dock at the Mort's Dock Shipyard at Balmain, Sydney. (124)

23 Dec 1943
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) is undocked. (124)

24 Dec 1943
Around 1900L/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the troop transport Fred C. Ainsworth (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) and then escort her towards the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

Rendezvous was effected around 1230L/27.

They parted company around 2115L/27 and HMAS Vendetta set course for Brisbane where she arrived around 1100L/28. HMAS Vendetta arrived with a defect in No.1 boiler room. She could be used operationally until repairs were made at a maximum speed of 20 knots. (124)

29 Dec 1943
Around 1330L/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Brisbane for exercises.

Around 2030L/29, HMAS Vendetta proceeded to sea with USS Albacore (T/Cdr. J.W. Blanchard, USN). Due to the heavy weather A/S exercises were only commenced around 0700L/30. Around 0200L/31 both ships parted company with USS Albacore proceeding on patrol and HMAS Vendetta proceeding to position 26°53'N, 158°09'E. (124)

31 Dec 1943
Around 1600L/31, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) made rendezvous with USS Copahee (T/Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN). Course was then set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1230L/1. (126)

3 Jan 1944
Around 1300L/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Brisbane to escort USS Copahee (T/Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN) eastwards from Moreton Bay. The ships joined company around 1545L/3.

They parted company around 1200L/4. (127)

5 Jan 1944
Around 1500L/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Sydney where repairs to the boiler room damage were started as well as hull and engine room repairs. (128)

29 Jan 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted post-repair trials off Sydney. On return to harbour the trials were found to be unsatisfactory. (128)

1 Feb 1944
From 1 to 7 February 1944, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), underwent further repairs at Sydney to her boiler room defects. (129)

8 Feb 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted post-repair trials off Sydney. On return to harbour the trials were found to be satisfactory with speeds up to 24 knots. (129)

9 Feb 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Sydney. The results were unsatisfactory and she was depermed (wiped) the following day.

Also a problem with the condensers had arisen and repairs were undertaken on this as well. (129)

11 Feb 1944
Around 0600L/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), departed Sydney for Brisbane where she arrived around 1015L/12. At Brisbane she topped off with fuel and then departed for Milne Bay later the same day. (129)

15 Feb 1944
Around 0940L/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay where she fuelled from the RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937). (129)

16 Feb 1944
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and HMAS Gascoyne (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) J. Donovan, RAN) briefly conducted exercises in Milne Bay. On completion of the exercises HMAS Stuart proceeded to Suiaha Bay while HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Gascoyne proceeded to sea for escort duties. (130)

18 Feb 1944
Around 1505L/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) made rendezvous with the transport Sea Scamp (American, 8396 GRT, built 1943). Course was then set for Milne Bay where they arrived on 20 February 1944. (129)

23 Feb 1944
Around 0500L/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Evangeline (American, 5043 GRT, built 1927).

Rendezvous was effected around 1800L/24 and the ship was then escorted to Milne Bay where they arrived on the 25th. (129)

25 Feb 1944
On the 25th, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport USS Orizaba (6937 GRT, built 1918).

Rendezvous was effected around 0540L/26 and the ship was then escorted to Milne Bay where they arrived later on the 26th. (129)

28 Feb 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), USS SC-732 (Lt. J.C. Rodman, USNR) and USS SC-747 (Lt.(jg) D.A. Kennedy, USNR) conducted A/S exercises off Milne Bay with USS Scamp (T/Cdr. J.C. Hollingsworth, USN).

HMAS Vendetta returned to Milne Bay with condenser trouble. Repairs were completed on 2 March 1944. (129)

2 Mar 1944
Around 1630L/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), departed Milne Bay for Townsville and eventually Sydney to have her condensers retubed.

On departure from Milne Bay she was escorting the transport Cape Perpetua (American, 7189 GRT, built 1943) up to the vicinity of Fitzroy Island where they parted company around 0800L/4.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Townsville around 1730L/4. (131)

2 Mar 1944
In the afternoon, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted trials off Sydney. She then returned to Garden Island to complete refit including the problems which surfaced during the trials. (131)

5 Mar 1944
Around 0700L/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), departed Townsville for Sydney where she arrived around 0830L/8.

At Garden Island she was taken in hand for retubing of her condensers. These repairs were only completed on 2 April 1944. In the meantime also changes to her armament were made. The three 4" LA guns were landed and two 4" HA/LA guns were shipped. ' A ' gun was replaced by a Hedgehog ahead throwing mortar. The 12pdr AA gun was replaced by an Oerlikon gun. Also the remaining bank of torpedo tubes was landed. Besides changes in the armament also changes in the radar outfit was made, for instance the searchlight was replaced by radar type 271. (132)

5 Mar 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted radar trials off Sydney during which HMAS Doomba (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Reading, RANR(S)) acted as target. These were followed by Hedgehog allignment trials.

Later the same day she departed Sydney to escort the troop transport Lurline (American, 18017 GRT, built 1932) to the vicinty of Lord Howe Island.

They parted company near Lord Howe Island around 1100K/6 and HMAS Vendetta returned to Sydney around 0830K/7. Some minor defects were then taken in hand by the Dockyard and these were completed on 9 April. (131)

9 Apr 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. (133)

10 Apr 1944
Around 1515K/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney.

Around 1720K/10, she departed for Milne Bay. (133)

13 Apr 1944
Around 0930K/13, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay from Sydney. (133)

14 Apr 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and USS PC-1134 (Lt. D.J. Callaghan. Jr. USNR) conducted A/S and radar exercises off Milne Bay with USS S-42 (T/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Glenn, USN). (133)

16 Apr 1944
During 16/17 April 1944, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and HMAS Gascoyne (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) J. Donovan, RAN) conducted gunnery and radar exercises off Milne Bay. These included night exercises. (133)

17 Apr 1944
Around 1335K/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Gili Gili, Milne Bay for Langemak Bay where she arrived around 1330K/18. (133)

19 Apr 1944
Around 2330K/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Seeadler Harbour. (133)

20 Apr 1944
Around 1500K/20, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Seeadler Harbour. Here she was joined by USS Scamp (T/Cdr. J.C. Hollingsworth, USN) and course was set for Milne Bay. (133)

22 Apr 1944
Around 1500K/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and USS Scamp (T/Cdr. J.C. Hollingsworth, USN) arrived at Milne Bay from Seeadler Harbour. (133)

23 Apr 1944
Around 1415K/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Gili Gili for Langemak Bay. (133)

24 Apr 1944
Around 1700K/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Langemak Bay from Gili Gili.

She departed again around 2200K/24, with troops and stores for Bogadjim. (133)

25 Apr 1944
Around 0700K/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived Bogadjim from Langemak Bay. On arrival it was found out that the troops at Bogadjim had moved on to Bil Bil so HMAS Vendetta also moved there. On arrival the troops had already moved on to Madang but eventually HMAS Vendetta was able to disembark her troops around noon.

HMAS Vendetta then returned to Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0940K/26. (133)

26 Apr 1944
Around 2000K/26, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang. On board were Australian troops and stores. (133)

27 Apr 1944
Around 0645K/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Madang where the troops and stores were disembarked.

Around 0900K/27, HMAS Vendetta departed Madang. On board were 10 wounded soldiers. She arrived at Dreger Harbour / Langemak Bay around 1800K/27. (133)

28 Apr 1944
Around 0645K/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang. On board were Australian troops and stores. She arrived at Madang around 1550K/28 where the troops and stores were disembarked and wounded were embarked. She then left around 1800K/28 to returned to Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0830K/29 after having fuelled at Dreger Harbour first. (133)

29 Apr 1944
Around 1945K/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang. On board were Australian troops and stores. (133)

30 Apr 1944
Around 0640K/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Madang where the troops and stores were disembarked.

She later departed Madang for Dreger Harbour with five Army officers on board. She arrived at Dreger Harbour around 1440K/30. After fuelling she proceeded to Langemak Bay for water. (133)

1 May 1944
Around 0805K/1, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang. On board were Australian troops and stores. She arrived at Madang around 1540K/1. After disembarking she immediately departed again to return to Langemak Bay with a short fuel stop at Dreger Harbour to fuel where she arrived around 0630K/2. On completion of fuelling she returned to Langemak Bay. (134)

3 May 1944
Around 0545K/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) embarked Australian troops and stores. On completion of which she departed Langemak Bay for Madang where she arrived around 1615K/3.

After disembarking the troops and stores she embarked 10 wounded, a POW and a provost and then left to return to Langemak Bay via Dreger Harbour. She arrived at Dreger Harbour around 0620K/4 and left there for Langemak Bay around 0745K/4 arriving there shortly afterwards. (134)

5 May 1944
Around 0945K/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Milne Bay where she arrived around 0940K/6. (134)

6 May 1944
Around 1615K/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Cairns. (134)

8 May 1944
Around 1000K/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Cairns from Milne Bay. At Cairns she was taken in hand for boiler cleaning and minor repairs. At Cairns it became apparent that she also required to be docked for repairs to ' A ' brackets and stern glands but this was not possible at Cairns. (134)

16 May 1944
Around 1100K/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Cairns for Brisbane. (134)

18 May 1944
Around 1835K/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Cairns. (134)

19 May 1944
Around 0700K/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) is docked at Brisbane. (134)

27 May 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) was undocked and basin trials were carried out. (134)

28 May 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) conducted speed trials in Moreton Bay. (134)

30 May 1944
Around 1100K/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Brisbane for Milne Bay. (134)

2 Jun 1944
Around 0900K/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay from Brisbane. (135)

6 Jun 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and HMAS Broome (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Denovan, RANVR) conducted radar and gunnery exercises off Milne Bay. (135)

7 Jun 1944
In the afternoon, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Langemak Bay via Morobe.

She arrived at Morobe around 0850K/8. She left again around 0945K/8 for Langemak Bay where she arrived around 1830K/8. (135)

10 Jun 1944
Around 1430K/10, a convoy departed Langemak Bay (Megum Island anchorage) for Humboldt Bay (Hollandia).

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Charles M. Russell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David C. Shanks (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943), Edward Lander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Esso Pittsburgh (American (tanker), 11236 GRT, built 1943), I.N. van Nuys (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), James H. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Clements (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis L. Dyche (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sea Pike (American, 7949 GRT, built 1943) and Yunnan (British, 2812 GRT, built 1934).

Also the landing craft USS LCI 444 (Lt. F.C. Gebhart, USNR) and USS LCI 446 (Lt.(jg) H.T. Coller, USNR) were with the convoy as were ten PT boats from MTB Squadron 9, these were; USS PT-126, USS PT-154, USS PT-155, USS PT-156, USS PT-157, USS PT-159, USS PT-160, USS PT-161, USS PT-162 and USS PT-187.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Witter (Cdr. A.C. Davis, USNR, SO of the escort), USS Bowers (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Hawes, USN), USS Foreman (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Manston, USNR), destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Strahan (Lt.Cdr. L.D. Williams, RANR).

Around 1650K/10, the Yunnan parted company with the convoy to return to Langemak Bay.

Around 1800K/10, the transport Tarakan (Dutch, 8183 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy.

Around 2210K/10, the transports Jean P. Chouteau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Hanyang (British, 2865 GRT, built 1940) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the patrol vessel USS PC 1123 (Lt. W.R. Plage, USNR) which also joined the convoy.

Around 0520K/12, the James M. Clements parted company with the convoy to proceed to Aitape escorted by USS PC-1123.

The convoy arrived at Humboldt Bay around noon on the 13th. (136)

14 Jun 1944
Around 1800K/14, a convoy departed Humboldt Bay (Hollandia) for Langemak Bay (Megum Island anchorage).

This convoy was made up of the transports; Empire Hamble (American, 3545 GRT, built 1920), Frances A. Wardwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Burroughs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Evans (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Matthew Thornton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and West Cactus (American, 5642 GRT, built 1919).

Also the landing craft USS LST-171 (Lt. L.H. Smiley, USNR) was part of the convoy.

On departure from Humboldt Bay the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Eichenberger (T/Lt.Cdr. N. Harrell, USN), USS James E. Craig (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Andrews, USNR), USS Lovelace (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. de Kay, Jr., USN), destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Strahan (Lt.Cdr. L.D. Williams, RANR).

Around 2015K/16, USS LST 171 parted company with the convoy to proceed to Madang. USS Eichenberger went with her as escort.

The convoy arrived at Langemak Bay around 2330K/17.

23 Jun 1944
Around 0845K/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), departed Langemak Bay for Cutarp Plantation, Jacquinot Bay, New Britain with a few Army personnel.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at her destination around 0630K/24.

The Army personnel was disembarked and three Army officers and 53 natives were embarked and HMAS Vendetta immediately departed to return to Langemak Bay where she arrived around 2020K/24. (135)

26 Jun 1944
Around 1710K/26, a convoy departed Langemak Bay (Megum Island anchorage) for Humboldt Bay (Hollandia).

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Abigail S. Duniway (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Ada Rehan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Ambrose Bierce (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Don Marquis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Franklin K. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Eastman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George A. Pope (American, 7212 GRT, built 1944), Henry White (American, 7216 GRT, built 1944), Julien Dubuque (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Mormachawk (American, 6711 GRT, built 1942), Otis Skinner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert S. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Simon Bamberger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stephen M. White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Van der Lijn (Dutch, 2464 GRT, built 1929), Walter Williams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Watson C. Squire (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wilfred Grenfell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Langemak Bay the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN, Senior Officer of the escort), minesweepers HMAS Broome (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Denovan, RANVR), HMAS Bunbury (T/Lt. J.S. Bell, RANR(S)), HMAS Gladstone (T/Lt. J.W. Penney, RANR(S)), HMAS Kiama (T/Lt. S.J. Benson, RANR(S)), HMAS Stawell (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Griffith, RANR(S)) and the patrol vessels PC-1131 (?) and SC-749 (Lt.(jg) H.W. Sadler, USNR).

At 0040K/27, the transports; Joseph P. Bradley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Francis A. Wardwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the patrol vessel PC-1121 (Lt. R.D. Blocksom, USNR) which also joined the convoy.

Around 1000K/28, the Francis A. Wardwell, Joseph P. Bradley and Julien Dubuque were detached to Aitape escorted by all three American patrol vessels.

The convoy arrived at Humboldt Bay around 0800K/29. (135)

29 Jun 1944
Around 1700K/29, a convoy departed Humboldt Bay (Hollandia) for Langemak Bay (Megum Island anchorage).

This convoy was made up of the transports; Annui (?, ? GRT, built ?) [Unable to find data on a vessel with this name], Charles M. Russell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hanyang ((British, 2865 GRT, built 1940)), Lewis L. Dyche (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Van Spilbergen (Dutch, 2868 GRT, built 1908).

The Army tanker Y-21 (American, 484 GRT, built 1943) and naval tanker USS Porcupine (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943) (Lt. D.M. Paul, USNR) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Humboldt Bay the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN, Senior Officer of the escort) and the minesweepers HMAS Gladstone (T/Lt. J.W. Penney, RANR(S)), HMAS Kiama (T/Lt. S.J. Benson, RANR(S)) and HMAS Stawell (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Griffith, RANR(S)).

En-route the Y-21 was detached to Aitape.

At 2359K/1, HMAS Vendetta was detached to proceed to Milne Bay.

The convoy arrived at Langemak Bay around 0910K/3. (137)

3 Jul 1944
Around 0800K/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay. She then commenced cleaning boilers which was completed on 12 July. Also some repairs were made during this time. (138)

13 Jul 1944
Around 0900K/13, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Madang. On board were 5 Officers and 128 other ranks of the 5th Company of Royal Australian Engineers and also 7 Royal Australian Air Force personnel.

She arrived at Madang around 1115K/14. (138)

14 Jul 1944
Around 1800K/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Madang for Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0915K/15.

From 15 to 17 July 1944, she repaired leaks in boiler tubes at Langemak Bay. (138)

20 Jul 1944

Convoy BG 102.

This convoy departed Langemak Bay (Cape Crepin) at 1700K/20 for Humboldt Bay (Hollandia).

The convoy was made up of the following transports; Joseph P. Bradley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Norlago (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Sacajawea (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942).

The landing ship LST-456 (T/Lt. G.W. Prue, USN) and gasoline tanker USS Pasquotank (1139 GRT, built 1943) (Lt. A.R. Norris, USNR) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Langemak Bay the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers HMAS Ararat (T/Lt. N.M. Muzzell, RANR(S)), HMAS Bendigo (T/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)), HMAS Glenelg (T/Lt. L. Robson, RANR(S)), HMAS Geelong (Lt. M.E. Mathers, RANR) and YMS-334 (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Loehr, Jr., USNR).

Around 1640K/22, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) joined the convoy. She came from Aitape.

The convoy arrived at Hunboldt Bay around 0800K/23.

21 Jul 1944
Around 0900K/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Aitape where she arrived around 1000K/22. (138)

22 Jul 1944
Around 1345K/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Aitape to join convoy BG 102.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BG 102 ' for 20 July 1944.] (138)

23 Jul 1944
Around 1730K/23, a convoy departed Humboldt Bay (Hollandia) for Biak.

This convoy was made up of the transports; Edward Lander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Stephen M. White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The gasoline tanker USS Pasquotank (1139 GRT, built 1943) (Lt. A.R. Norris, USNR) was also part of the convoy.

On depature from Humboldt Bay the convoy escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and the minesweepers HMAS Geelong (Lt. M.E. Mathers, RANR) and HMAS Glenelg (T/Lt. L. Robson, RANR(S)).

Around 0640K/24, HMAS Geelong was detached to Wakde.

The convoy arrived at Biak around 0830K/24. (138)

25 Jul 1944
Around 1800K/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed the Biak area for Wakde where she arrived around 0730K/26.

On arrival it was found that the Port Director and his office had proceeded to Maffin Bay so HMAS Vendetta also went there. (138)

26 Jul 1944
Around 2000K/26, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Maffin Bay for Hollandia where she arrived around 0730K/27. (138)

27 Jul 1944
Around 1700K/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay for Madang where she arrived around 1435K/28.

Shortly after departure, off Yako village, in position 02°38'S, 141°13'E, a barge and a small boat with two occupants were sighted. As Yako lay in enemy occupied territory fire was opened with the 4" guns from 5000 yards. The two occupants were seen to make for the shore and shortly afterwards their boat was hit and sank. The barge was then identified as a derelict and fire was ceased after 43 rounds of 4" had been fired. (138)

28 Jul 1944
Around 1900K/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Madang for Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0710K/29. (138)

5 Aug 1944
Around 1800K/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN), HMAS Cootamundra (T/Lt. George Alfred Johns, RANR(S)) and HMAS Glenelg (T/Lt. L. Robson, RANR(S)) departed Langemak Bay to escort a convoy of 14 LCI's to Humboldt Bay. An additional two LCI were to be detached to Aitake while en-route. HMAS Glenelg was to be detached to escort these two LCI's.

The LCI's in question were from LCI(L) Flottilla 22. The following LCI's were part of this convoy USS LCI(L)-224, USS LCI(L)-328, USS LCI(L)-333, USS LCI(L)-357, USS LCI(L)-360, USS LCI(L)-429, USS LCI(L)-433, USS LCI(L)-435, USS LCI(L)-445, USS LCI(L)-976, USS LCI(L)-977 and USS LCI(L)-979.

Around two hours after sailing four more LCI(L)'s joined the convoy, these were USS LCI(L)-436, USS LCI(L)-446, USS LCI(L)-968 and USS LCI(L)-970 joined.

Two of the LCI(L)'s soon straggled from the convoy, being unable to keep up, these were USS LCL(L)-328 and USS LCL(L)-970. HMAS Glenelg was detached around 2030K/5 to escort these two vessels to Aitape.

While doing so around 1934K/6, HMAS Glenelg obtained a promising A/S contact. She attacked with depth charges and then commenced to hunt the supposed submarine while the two LCI(L)'s continued on unescorted to Aitape.

Around 2100K/6, HMAS Cootamundra was detached from the main convoy to take over the escort of the two LCI(L)'s for Aitape where they eventually arrived around 1200K/7.

Around 2300K/6, HMAS Vendetta, now the sole escort of the remaining 14 LCI(L)'s, obtained an A/S contact. Several attacks were made but no definitive result could be observed.

The main convoy of 14 LCI(L)'s arrived at Humboldt Bay around 1300K/7. HMAS Vendetta remained on A/S patrol until the last LCI(L) had entered and then entered the Bay herself. (139)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1800K/7, convoy GB 5E departed Humboldt Bay for Langemak Bay.

The convoy was made up of the transport Jose C. Barbosa (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and the Army tug LT-20 (198 GRT, built 1943).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN).

Around 1700K/18, the transport James M. Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Aitape.

Around 1400K/19, HMAS Vendetta parted company with the convoy to proceed to Madang. They convoy then continued on unescorted. (139)

9 Aug 1944
Around 1805K/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Madang from convoy escort duty. (139)

11 Aug 1944

Convoy BG 8.

Around 1800K/11, this convoy left Langemak Bay for Humboldt Bay.

The convoy was made up of the transports; Extavia (American, 6535 GRT, built 1941), Owen Summers (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Symons (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Ellery Channing (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Langemak Bay the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMS Gympie (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Rowsell, RNZNR). The patrol vessel USS SC-737 (?) was to have sailed with the convoy but had been delayed and was unable to sail with the convoy. She later sailed to overtake and join the convoy which she did around 0035K/12.

Around 1300K/12, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Katoomba (T/Lt. J.A. Grant, RANR(S)) joined the convoy coming from Madang as additional escorts.

The convoy arrived at Humboldt Bay around 0800K/14. (140)

12 Aug 1944
Around 0800K/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and HMAS Katoomba (T/Lt. J.A. Grant, RANR(S)) departed Madang to join convoy BG 8 which they did around 1230K/12.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BG 8 ' for 11 August 1944.] (139)

14 Aug 1944
Around 1800K/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay for Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0600K/16. (139)

18 Aug 1944
Around 0900K/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Milne Bay via Oro Bay.

She arrived at Oro Bay around 1630K/18. HMAS Vendetta departed again later the same day.

Around 0900K/19, HMAS Vendetta arrived at Milne Bay. (139)

19 Aug 1944
Around 1600K/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Brisbane. She is to return to Australia for a short refit. (139)

22 Aug 1944
Around 1520K/22, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Milne Bay. (139)

23 Aug 1944
Around 0730K/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Brisbane for Sydney. (139)

24 Aug 1944
Around 1030K/24, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Brisbane. shortly afterwards she briefly went to sea again with a party from the Dockyard to conduct some trials returning to Sydney on completion of these. (139)

26 Aug 1944
After de-ammunitioning and de-storing the ship HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) was towed to the Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit. (139)

26 Sep 1944
During her refit, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN), is docked at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard.

[Undocking date not known but she was not in dock for a very long time though.] (141)

3 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) completed her refit at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (142)

5 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) conducted post-refit trials off Sydney. (142)

6 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) conducted compass swing trials at Sydney. (142)

8 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. (142)

10 Oct 1944
Around 1600K/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney. (142)

11 Oct 1944
Around 1100K/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) departed Brisbane for Milne Bay. (142)

14 Oct 1944
Around 1030K/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay from Brisbane. (142)

15 Oct 1944
Around 1100K/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Langemak Bay. (142)

16 Oct 1944
Around 0835K/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived at Langemak Bay from Milne Bay. (142)

17 Oct 1944
Around 0600K/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang where she arrived around 1500K/17.

Around 2200K/17, she departed Madang for Manus. (142)

18 Oct 1944
Around 1130K/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived in Seeadler Harbour, Manus. (142)

19 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Manus with USS S-47 (T/Lt. L.V. Young, USN).

Later they both conducted exercises with aircraft. (142)

20 Oct 1944
Around 1630K/20, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) departed Seeadler Harbour for a short AA gunnery with an aircraft towing a sleeve target. On completion of the exercises course was set for Madang. (142)

21 Oct 1944
Around 0700K/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived off Madang. she entered harbour after a short gunnery exercise on a target that was being towed by HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Collins, RANR(S)). (142)

22 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) conducted bombardment exercises off Madang. They bombarded Bil Bil Island.

HMAS Vendetta also conducted LA gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Collins, RANR(S)). (142)

24 Oct 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) conducted bombardment exercises off Madang. They again bombarded Bil Bil Island. (142)

31 Oct 1944
Around 1400K/31, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN, with Commander (D), Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN on board), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) departed Madang for Langemak Bay where they arrived around 1000K/1. It appears that at some point HMAS Vendetta proceeded ahead as she arrived at Langemak Bay around 0700K/31. (143)

2 Nov 1944
Around 0530K/2, HMAS Vendetta (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN, with Commander (D), Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN on board), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) departed Langemak Bay for Lae where they arrived around 1115K/2.

They departed again around 1845K/2, escorting the transport Cape Alexander (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943) to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain. On board the Cape Alexander were 1100 Australian troops.

They arrived at Jacquinot Bay around 0700K/5 and the troops and stores on board the Cape Alexander were put ashore unopposed.

HMAS Swan and HMAS Barcoo meanwhile conducted A/S patrols off the Bay. (144)

6 Nov 1944

Around 0001K/6, HMAS Vendetta (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN, with Commander (D), Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN on board), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) left the area of Jacquinot Bay to proceed to Wide Bay for a bombardment of enemy positions near Reid Bay (at the northern end of Wide Bay).

Around 0615K/6, they commenced bombarding their pre-allocated targets. Results were however difficult to observe. They then returned to Jacquinot Bay where they arrived around 1415K/6. (144)

7 Nov 1944

Around 1200K/7, HMAS Vendetta (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) departed Jacquinot Bay for Langemak Bay where they arrived around 0715K/8.

Cdr. Morrow was no longer on board HMAS Vendetta as he had left earlier that morning to return to [presumably] New Guinea by aircraft. (144)

8 Nov 1944

Around 1740K/8, HMAS Vendetta (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) departed Langemak Bay for Madang where they arrived around 0640K/9.

On arrival at Madang HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Swan commenced cleaning boilers. (144)

19 Nov 1944
Around 1500K/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Madang for Aitape where she arrived around 0840K/20.

While en-route she had been ordered to search for the crew of a downed aircraft in position 03°42'S, 145°00'E. She reached the area around 1945K/19 and commenced searching the area. Later in the search she used starshell to illuminate the area. The search was abandoned around 2240K/19 not having find any trace of the missing aircraft and its crew. (145)

20 Nov 1944
Around 0910K/20, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Aitape for Humboldt Bay where she anchored around 1815K/20 after having fuelled. (145)

21 Nov 1944
Around 1800K/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay for Sorido, Biak with a short stopover at Mios Woendi.

She arrived at Sorido in the afternoon of 23 November 1944. (145)

26 Nov 1944
Around 1800I/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Sorido, Biak for Morotai. She was escorting the gasoline tanker USS Elkhorn (2762 GRT, built 1944) (Lt. T.A. Norris, USNR).

They arrived at Morotai around 0900I/27 and departed again, after the USS Elkhorn had discharged her cargo, around 0100I/28.

They arrived at Sorido around 1500I/29. HMAS Vendetta then continued on to Mios Woendi where she arrived around 1700I/29. After fuelling at Mios Woendi, HMAS Vendetta returned to Sorido anchorage around 0800I/30. (145)

3 Dec 1944
Around 0600I/3, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Sorido to make rendezvous off Scharnhorst Point [This is in approximately 05°58 S, 147°27'E] with USS Griffin (T/Capt. J.F. Madden, USN) around 1100I/5.

They arrived at Mios Woendi around 0700I/8. (146)

10 Dec 1944
Around 0900I/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi for Sorido where she picked up her sailing orders. She then made rendezvous around 1300I/10 with the troopship General Harry Taylor (American, 12420 GRT, built 1944) which was en-route to Morotai.

They arrived at Morotai around 0740I/12.

Around 1700I/12, The troopship departed Morotai for Hollandia. She was escorted by HMAS Vendetta as far as Mios Woendi. (146)

14 Dec 1944
Around 0600I/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) arrived at Mios Woendi from escort duty. (146)

18 Dec 1944
Around 1300I/18, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi escorting the submarine USS Stingray (T/Cdr. H.F. Stoner, USN) to position 01°15'N, 134°40'E.

They parted company around 1030I/19. HMAS Vendetta then set course to make rendezvous with the motor torpedo boat tender USS Acontius () and a group of 15 motor torpedo boats. [The report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta gives the number of motor torpedo boats as 17 but this seems to be incorrect.]

Around 1300I/19, when 37 nautical miles to the west of the intended route of USS Acontius, 14 [The report of proceedings gives the number 16, but this must be incorrect] motor torpedo boats were sighted. They reported that they had not sighted the Acontius since leaving Mios Woendi around 1600I/18.

Around 1440I/19, USS Acontius and the 15th motor torpedo boat were sighted. The other motor torpedo boats had meanwhile continued on independently and contact was not regained.

HMAS Vendetta, USS Acontius and the single motor torpedo boat arrived at Palau around 1200I/21. Five hours later the other motor torpedo boats also arrived.

The motor torpedo boats were from Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 31 and were the following; PT-453, PT-454, PT-455, PT-462, PT-463, PT-464, PT-465, PT-466, PT-467, PT-468, PT-469, PT-470, PT-471, PT-472 and PT-473. (146)

21 Dec 1944
In the afternoon of evening, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN), departed Palau for Mios Woendi where she arrived around 0600I/23. (146)

23 Dec 1944
Around 2145I/23, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi to make rendezvous with the submarine USS Stingray (T/Cdr. H.F. Stoner, USN) in position 01°15'N, 134°40'E.

Rendezvous was effected around 1000I/24 and they arrived around 0840I/25. (146)

27 Dec 1944
Around 1300I/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi escorting the submarine USS Stingray (T/Cdr. H.F. Stoner, USN) to position 01°15'N, 134°40'E.

They parted company around 0940I/28.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Mios Woendi around 2130I/28. (146)

29 Dec 1944
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi for Madang, via Hollandia for a fuel stop there. (146)

31 Dec 1944
Around 1000I/31, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) arrived at Madang from Mios Woendi, via Hollandia.

At Madang she commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 8 January 1945. (147)

8 Jan 1945
Around 1100I/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Madang for Aitape.

9 Jan 1945
Around 0530I/9, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Aitape for bombardment duty. She had arrived at Aitape not long before. At Aitape she picked up bombardment liaison staff.

During the bombardment to the east of Aitape in the Matapau / Sowom area a total of 206 4" rounds were fired at three targets. Aircraft assisted in marking the targets and also for spotting duties.

On completion of the bombardment, HMAS Vendetta returned to Aitape.

Around 1100I/9, HMAS Vendetta then departed Aitape for Hollandia where she arrived later the same day.

After topping off with fuel at Hollandia she departed for Mios Woendi around 2030I/9. She arrived at Mios Woendi on the 10th. (148)

11 Jan 1945
Around 1300I/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi escorting the submarine USS Stingray (T/Cdr. H.F. Stoner, USN) westwards.

HMAS Vendetta returned to Mios Woendi around 0600/13. (148)

12 Jan 1945
Around 1730I/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN), which was on A/S patrol off Humboldt Bay, was ordered to provide medical assistance to the transport Edwin T. Meredith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

At 1825I/12, the ships doctor was transferred to the American transport but he was only able to make out a death certificate as the patient had died in the meantime.

HMAS Vendetta resumed the A/S patrol around 1900I/12. (149)

14 Jan 1945

Convoy BG 510.

This convoy departed Sorido, Biak around 1900I/14.

It was made up of the following ships; Edwin Markham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), El Morro (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1944) and Ludington (American, 8266 GRT, built 1920).

It was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) and the the minesweepers HMAS Gladstone (T/Lt. J.W. Penney, RANR(S)) and HMAS Lithgow (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN , Senior Officer).

The convoy arrived at Morotai around 0800I/17. (148)

20 Jan 1945

Convoy GB 729.

This convoy departed Morotai around 1600I/20.

It was made up of the following ships; Edwin Markham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), El Morro (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1944) and Stanford Newel (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

It was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) and the the minesweepers HMAS Gladstone (T/Lt. J.W. Penney, RANR(S)) and HMAS Lithgow (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D. Logan, RAN , Senior Officer).

At 2148I/22, HMAS Vendetta was detached to search for the crew of an aircraft which had crashed into the sea near the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Biak around 2345I/22.

HMAS Vendetta arrived at Mios Woendi around 0040I/23 having abandoned her search around 2250I/22. (148)

28 Jan 1945
Around 0630I/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi for Noemfoor Island where she arrived around 1230I/28.

Personnel and stores were embarked and Vendetta then departed for Morotai where she arrived around 1815I/29. (148)

30 Jan 1945
Around 1100I/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Morotai for Mios Woendi where she arrived around 1815I/31. (148)

2 Feb 1945
Around 1400I/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi for Madang via Hollandia.

A short fuel stop was made at Hollandia and she then departed Hollandia to continue the passage to Madang around 1430I/3.

She arrived at Madang around 1315K/4. (150)

5 Feb 1945
Around 1000K/5, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Madang for Hansa Bay with Army personnel and stores.

She arrived at Hansa Bay around 1600K/5, where a part of the passengers were disembarked.

Around 1800K/5, HMAS Vendetta anchored off the mouth of the Ramu river where the remainder of the Army personnel were landed.

Around 2130K/5, HMAS Vendetta weighted anchor and proceeded to make rendezvous with the repair vessel HMAS Platyphus (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Menlove, DSO, RANR(S)) and the air-sea rescue vessel HMAS Air Watch (Lt. E.B. Hopkins, RANVR).

Rendezvous was effected around 2350K/5.

Shortly after midnight HMAS Air Watch developed engine trouble and speed had to be reduced but around 1800I/6 she had to be taken in tow by HMAS Platyphus while repairs were being made.

Around 2100I/6, repairs were completed, the tow was slipped and HMAS Air Watch was able to proceed under her own power again.

They arrived at Humboldt Bay around 0700I/7. (150)

7 Feb 1945
Around 1600I/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay escorting HMAS Platyphus (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Menlove, DSO, RANR(S)) to Mios Woendi where they arrived around 0700I/9. (150)

14 Feb 1945

Convoy GI 11.

This convoy departed Humboldt Bay (Hollandia) around 1600I/14.

It was made up of the transports; Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1939), John Lind (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Moses Rogers (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ralph A. Cram (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Sea Corporal (American, 8040 GRT, built 1944), Simon Bolivar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Swartenhondt (Dutch, 5084 GRT, built 1924).

The tankers; Bandelier (American, 10448 GRT, built 1944), E.H. Blum (American, 11638 GRT, built 1941), Joshua Tree (American, 10448 GRT, built 1945) and Pennsylvania Sun (American, 11394 GRT, built 1938).

Small Army cargo ships; FS-175 (American, 573 GRT, built 1944), FS-179 (American, 573 GRT, built 1944), FS-193 (American, 573 GRT, built 1944), FS-258 (American, 560 GRT, built 1944), FS-317 (American, 560 GRT, built 1944) and FS-361 (American, 560 GRT, built 1944).

The following Navy ships were also part of the convoy; destroyer tender USS Dobbin (T/Capt. S.Y. Cutler, USN), attack transport USS Banner (6010 GRT, built 1944) (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Pace, USNR), attack cargo USS Torrance (8172 GRT, built 1944) (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Euerle, USNR), stores ship USS Acubens (7176 GRT, built 1944) (Cdr. E.B. Ellis, USNR) and landing ship LCI(L)-608 (Lt.(jg) D.S. Bays, USNR).

The convoy was escorted by the frigates USS Allentown (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Cardwell, USCG), USS Charlottesville (Lt.Cdr. B.D. Shoemaker, Jr., USCGR), USS Sandusky (Lt.Cdr. T.R. Sargent, 3rd., USCG) and the destroyer escorts USS Pratt (Cdr. R.H. Wanless, USNR) and USS Rombach (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Gill, USN).

At 2000I/15, the Biak section of the convoy departed that place.

It was made up of the transports; Elco Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) and Robert W. Bingham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944).

Also part of the Biak section were the Small Army cargo ships; FS-196 (American, 573 GRT, built 1944) and FS-253 (American, 560 GRT, built 1944).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt. M. Germaine, RANVR, temporary in command)

Around 0100I/16, USS Charlottesville parted company with the main body of the convoy to take over the escort of the Biak section from HMAS Vendetta which she did around 0230I/16. USS Charlottesville rejoined the main body of the convoy with the Biak section around 1245I/16.

The convoy arrived at San Pedro Bay (Leyte) around 1730I/20.

15 Feb 1945
Around 2000I/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. M. Germaine, RANVR, temporary in command) departed Sorido, Biak with the Biak section of convoy GI 11.

HMAS Vendetta's Commanding Officer, Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN, was at Mios Woendi to attend a seamanship board so the ships 1st Lt. was in temporary command.

[For more info see the event ' Convoy GI 11 ' for 14 February 1945.] (150)

16 Feb 1945
Around 0600I/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. M. Germaine, RANVR, temporary in command) returned to Sorido from escort duty. She proceeded to Mois Woedi later the same day. (150)

17 Feb 1945
From 17 to 24 February 1945, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) cleaned boilers at Mios Woendi. Also some small repairs were made and the ship was painted. (150)

26 Feb 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) conducted Hedgehog exercises off Mios Woendi. (150)

1 Mar 1945
Around 1115I/1, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Mios Woendi for Hollandia where she arrived the following day. (149)

2 Mar 1945
Around 1315I/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Hollandia to return to Mios Woendi. This signal was later cancelled and she returned to Hollandia taking over the A/S patrol off Humboldt Bay from HMAS Katoomba (Lt.Cdr. F.N. Allison, RANR) around 0715I/3. (149)

6 Mar 1945
Around 0700I/6, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) was relieved on the A/S patrol off Humboldt Bay by Colac (Lt. K.J. Hopper, RANR(S)). (149)

10 Mar 1945
Around 1145I/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) relieved Colac (Lt. K.J. Hopper, RANR(S)) on the A/S patrol off Humboldt Bay. (149)

13 Mar 1945
Around 1100I/13, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) was relieved on the A/S patrol off Humboldt Bay by HMAS Wagga (A/Lt.Cdr. C.J.P. Guille, OBE, RANR(S)).

After fuelling and watering, HMAS Vendetta departed Humboldt Bay for Madang around 1600I/13.

HMAS Vendetta was to proceed to Australia for refit. (149)

14 Mar 1945
Around 1630I/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) arrived at Madang from Humboldt Bay. (149)

15 Mar 1945
Around 1700I/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) departed Madang for Dreger Harbour. (149)

16 Mar 1945
Around 0720K/16, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) arrived at Dreger Harbour from Madang.

After fuelling she departed for Brisbane around 0920K/16. (149)

20 Mar 1945
At 0604K/20, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. G.S. Gordon, RAN) grounded while entering Brisbane.

She was refloated at 1418K/20 and towed upstream by tugs.

She was docked at 1555K/20 for underwater inspection for damage sustained. Damage was severe and she was then taken in hand for repairs and refit.

[We have been unable to find out when she was undocked.] (149)

23 Jun 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) is docked in the Cairncross Dry Dock at Brisbane astern of HMS Woodcock (A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Parsons, DSC, RN). (151)

11 Jul 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) and HMS Woodcock (A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Parsons, DSC, RN) are undocked at Brisbane. (152)

28 Jul 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) is fumigated. (152)

10 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

11 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

12 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

13 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

14 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

17 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted basin trials at Brisbane. (153)

18 Aug 1945
With her refit and basin trials completed, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Brisbane. (153)

21 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted trials in Moreton Bay. (153)

22 Aug 1945
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) conducted trials in Moreton Bay on completion of which she set course for Madang, New Guinea. (153)

27 Aug 1945
Around 0630K/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) arrived at Madang from Brisbane. En-route she had made a short fuel stop at Langemak Bay on the 26th.

Around 1800K/27, she departed Madang for Aitape. (153)

28 Aug 1945
Around 0700K/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.K. Tapp, RAN) arrived at Aitape from Madang. After embarking two generators she departed around 1015K/28 to return to Madang where she arrived very late on the 28th.

HMAS Vendetta remained in the waters of New Guinea until late September 1945 when she returned to Australia.

On 4 September 1945, at Rabaul, the Japanese in New Britain signed the surrender on board HMAS Vendetta. (153)

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