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Notable events involving Skeena include:

16 Sep 1939

Convoy HX 1.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 September 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following ships; Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Carimare (French, 4459 GRT, built 1920), City of Eastbourne (British, 5563 GRT, built 1923), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hartismere (British, 5498 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Mansepool (British, 4894 GRT, built 1928), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Springdale (British, 1579 GRT, built 1937) and Vermont (French, 5186 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN).

The Kirnwood had to return to Halifax where she arrived back on 17 September.

At 1530P/17 HMCS St. Laurent parted company with the convoy.

At 0545P/18, the destroyer HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) joined the convoy.

At 1845P/18, HMS Berwick, HMS York, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax where all four arrived on 20 September.

Around 1530A/29, to the southwest of Ireland, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1045A/30, the convoy split into the Channel / East coast section and Irish Sea / West coast section.

HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent escorted the Channel / East coast section towards the Downs and then proceeded to Dover where they arrived around 1700A/2.

HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole escorted the Irish Sea / West coast section and arrived at Liverpool around 0500A/2. (1)

19 Sep 1939

Convoy HXF 1.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 September 1939.

The following ships were part of the convoy; Antonia (British, 13867 GRT, built 1921), Arandora Star (British, 15501 GRT, built 1927), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Champlain (French, 28124 GRT, built 1932), Colombie (French, 13391 GRT, built 1931), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Dcuchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928) and Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915).

The heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), which had been escorting convoy HX 1 briefly provided cover for the convoy on departure.

Around 0730A/27, the destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined to escort the convoy in the Western Approaches. Around 0850A/27, the destroyer HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) also joined.

Around 1800A/28, the destroyer Grom (Lt.Cdr. A. Hulewicz, ORP) joined the convoy.

Around 1830A/28, HMS Amazon and HMS Juno parted company with the convoy. They took the merchant vessel Arandora Star with them and escorted her to Dartmouth. The destroyers then proceeded to Plymouth where they arrived very early on the 29th.

The three French ships proceeded to Le Havre.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded up the Irish Sea to Liverpool escorted by ORP Grom. The Cameronia went on to Glasgow. (2)

25 Nov 1939

Convoy HXF 10.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Flandre (French, 8503 GRT, built 1914), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Winnipeg (French, 9717 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Letitia (Capt.(Retd.) W.R. Richardson, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) and Assiniboine (Cdr. E. Mainguy, RCN).

The two Canadian destroyers parted company in position 44°38'N, 61°28'W, to return to Halifax at midnight during the night of 25/26 November 1939.

Around 0700Q/26, in position 44°45'N, 66°18'W, the Beaverdale parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax due to engine trouble.

Around 1100Z/4, in position 49°51'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Fryer, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 49°40'N, 08°50'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following ships; Manchester Citizen, Nova Scotia and Winnipeg. This section was escorted by HMS Versatile which arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 6 December 1939.

The other ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. They were escorted by HMS Letitia and HMS Witherington. Around 0200Z/6, HMS Letitia parted company off St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight, to proceed to Southampton. Around 1000Z/6, HMS Witherington parted company to proceed to Liverpool where she arrived in the morning of 7 December 1939. She had been relieved by the destroyer HMS Keith (Cdr.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN). Around 1330Z/6, the Flandre and were detached from the convoy to Le Havre. The Seminole by this time had already parted company for Pauillac. HMS Keith arrived at Dover in the afternoon of 7 December 1939. The remaining ships of the convoy procedeed to the Downs. (3)

26 Nov 1939

Convoy HX 10.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Birchbank (British, 5151 GRT, built 1924), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), British Workman (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), C.O. Stillman (Panamanian, 13006 GRT, built 1928), Caroni River (British, 7807 GRT, built 1928), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Esmond (British, 4976 GRT, built 1930), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lerwick (British, 5626 GRT, built 1938), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Maimoa (British, 10123 GRT, built 1920), Middleton (British, 4297 GRT, built 1935), Nailsea Lass (British, 4289 GRT, built 1917), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Newton Moore (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Rothley (British, 4996 GRT, built 1936), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Chief (British, 7006 GRT, built 1928), Stagpool (British, 4560 GRT, built 1930), Stanburn (British, 2881 GRT, built 1924), Statira (British, 4852 GRT, built 1937), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928) and Victor Ross (British (tanker), 12247 GRT, built 1933).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Cdr. E. Mainguy, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN).

Around 0800Q/28, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0920Z/8, in approximate position 50°03'N, 12°40'W HMS York parted company with the convoy shortly after the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN), HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) had joined the convoy. HMS York then set course to proceed independently to Liverpool.

Around 1800A/8, in position 50°08'N, 11°26'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ary Lensen (destination Liverpool), Birchbank (destination Liverpool and then on to Manchester), Caroni River (destination Belfast), Cefn-Y-Bryn (destination Dublin), Dalemore (destination Clyde), Esmond (destination Liverpool and then on to Manchester), Gemstone (destination Liverpool), Lerwick (destination Liverpool), Luluna (destination Clyde), Maimoa (destination Liverpool), New York City (destination Cardiff), Newton Moore (destination Newport), Rothley (destination Avonmouth) and Stagpool (destination Newport). HMS Vanoc and HMS Winchelsea went with them as escorts. These destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 11 December 1941.

Around 0950Z/10, the ships for Dublin, Belfast and the Clyde were detached from the Irish Sea / West Coast section.

Around the same time the Scottish Chief was detached to Brest for onward routing to Paulliac.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. They were escorted by HMS Wakeful and Aberdeen which both arrived at Dover on 11 December.

During the passage up the Channel several of the merchant vessels were detached to proceed indecently to their destinations but the majority of the Channel / East Coast section proceeded to the Downs from where they were to proceed onwards to their destinations. (4)

2 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Chancellor (British, 4607 GRT, built 1916), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Inkosi (British, 6618 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarines HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) and HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

Around 1940Q/2, in thick fog, the Chancellor was rammed by the Athelchief. The Oropesa was ordered to stand by the stricken Chancellor. Damage was first reported to be slight but in the and it proved to be serious and she was taken in tow to make for Halifax. No the less the ship was beyond salvage and sank. The entire crew was taken off. The Athelchief and Oropesa returned to Halifax.

Around 1130Q/3, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 5/6 December 1939 thick fog was once again encountered and the following ships straggled from the convoy; Beaverdale, Inkosi, Manchester Progress, Torr Head as well as HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal.

Around 1150P/6, the Torr Head rejoined the convoy.

In the morning of 7 December 1939, HMS Narwhal with the Beaverdale and Inkosi in company rejoined. Also the Manchester Progress rejoined which reported that she had seen HMS Seal on the 6th.

Around 1630O/8, HMS Seal rejoined the convoy.

Around 1700N/12, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2030N/12, in approximate position 50°08'N, 11°39'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0830Z/13, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Progress, Newfoundland, Rothermere, Strategist, Sulairia and Torr Head. HMS Mackay went with them as escort. Around 1100Z/13, they were joined by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN). The destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 December 1939 respectively.

The Channel / East coast section was initially only escorted by the two submarines but around 1045Z/13 the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) joined. Around 0845Z/14, HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal parted company to proceed to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Witch. HMS Wren continued on with the convoy and arrived at Dover on 15 December 1939. The convoy continued on towards the Downs minus the De Grasse which by then had been detached to Le Havre. (5)

4 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arizona (French, 5457 GRT, built 1925), Armanistan (British, 6805 GRT, built 1937), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), British Fusilier (British (tanker), 6943 GRT, built 1923), British Union (British (tanker), 6987 GRT, built 1927), Broompark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Caspia (British (tanker), 6018 GRT, built 1928), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), El Grillo (British (tanker), 7264 GRT, built 1922), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Hannington Court (British, 5449 GRT, built 1939), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Hartlepool (British, 5500 GRT, built 1932), Haxby (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Lady Glanely (British, 5497 GRT, built 1938), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938), Shekatika (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Shirvan (British (tanker), 6017 GRT, built 1925), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Tregarthen (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928). The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Aldersdale (British (tanker), 8402 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN), destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarines Casabianca (Capitaine de corvette (Lt.Cdr.) R.L.B. Sacaze) and Sfax (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) M.J.M. Groix).

HMCS St.Laurent and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy at 1610Q/5 and returned to Halifax.

HMS Hyperion parted company with the convoy on the 6th and also returned to Halifax.

During a gale on the 9th, the Carslogie straggled from the convoy. She never rejoined and proceeded independenly to the Clyde arriving on 21 December. Also the Sfax lost touch with the convoy. She rejoined around dawn on the 14th.

On the 10th, around 1400P/10, was seen to heave to. HMS Revenge investigated and reported that water was entering the submarine aft and that repairs were being made. The submarine was able to rejoin the convoy around dawn on the 15th.

Around 1500OP(+2.5)/13, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

In the moring of the 16th, around 0800Z/16, the convoy was joined in position 50°35'N, 13°30'W, by the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Cdr. R.F. Morice, RN). In the afternoon, around 1600Z/16, the destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) and HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN) also joined.

Around 1630Z/16, the convoy split into two sections, the Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arizona (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Athelfoam (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Caspia (arrived at Liverpool on 19 / 20 December), Clearpool (arrived at Cardiff on 19 December), Clunepark (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Comanchee (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Dorelian (arrived at Avonmouth on 18 / 19 December), Embassage (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 (?) December), Gogovale (arrived at Cardiff on 19 December), Hartlepool (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Haxby (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Lady Glanely (arrived in the Clyde on 25 (?) December), Llanishen (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Manchester Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Manchester Spinner (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Nailsea Manor (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December), Parracombe (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Parthenia (arrived in the Clyde on 20 (?) December), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Manchester on 20 December), Saganaga (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Scottish Monarch (arrived in the Clyde on 20 (?) December), Shekatika (arrived in the Clyde on 21 December), Tilsington Court (arrived at Avonmouth on 19 December), Tower Field (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December and at Manchester on 22 December), Tregarthen (arrived at Manchester on 20 December), Varand (arrived at Liverpool on 19 December) and Wanstead (arrived at Barry on 18 December). They took HMS Walpole and HMS Wanderer with them. These destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 19 December.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East coast section.

Around 1800Z/17, Casabianca, Sfax and the merchant vessel Scottish Maiden (arrived at Donges, France on 19 December) parted company with the Channel / East coast section of the convoy to proceed to Brest. The minesweeping sloop Commandant Riviere (Lt.Cdr. J.F.U.M. De Gantes) had joined to escort them.

Around 0910Z/18, the RFA tanker Aldersdale and merchant vessels Athelviscount and Shirvan parted company to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived later that day.

Later the British Fusilier was detached to Portsmouth and the El Grillo to Le Havre.

HMS Ardent and HMS Wolverine arrived at Dover around 1600Z/19.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in the Downs on 20 December and from there the ships went to their respective destinations. (6)

10 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 12.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), Bassano (British, 4843 GRT, built 1937), Cairnross (British, 5494 GRT, built 1921), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Gracia (British, 5642 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937) and San Delfino (British (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine Achille (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) P.A.G. Terlier).

Around 0750Q/11, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1100P/13, after thick fog had cleared, it was seen that the Manchester Commerce was missing from the convoy. She rejoined around 0900P/14.

Around 1045ZN/20, in position 50°13'N, 13°35'W, the destroyers HMS Walker (Cdr. W.J.C. Robertson, RN) and HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0910Z/21, in position 49°38'N, 08°08'W, the destroyers HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN) and HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) joined.

Around 0930Z/21, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Explorer, Gracia, Manchester Commerce and Regent Lion. HMS Walker and HMS Whirlwind escorted this section. The destroyers arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 22 December 1939.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East coast section. Around 1300Z/21, the French submarine Achille parted company to proceed to Brest escorted by the minesweeping sloop Commandant Duboc. They arrived at Brest around 0930Z/22. Around 1930Z/21, HMS Alaunia left the convoy to proceed to Southampton where she arrived in the afternoon of 22 December 1939. HMS Veteran and HMS Verity arrived at Dover in the morning of 23 December 1939. The ships of the convoy continued on to the Downs. The San Cipriano was detached to Dunkirk. (7)

12 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 12.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Box Hill (British, 5677 GRT, built 1920), British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931), Caledonian Monarch (British, 5851 GRT, buil 1928), Christoph v. Doornum (British (former German), 3845 GRT, built 1928), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Dunaff Head (British, 5258 GRT, built 1918), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Medon (British, 5444 GRT, built 1923), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Montrolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Diego (French, 6013 GRT, built 1930), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), Scholar (British, 3940 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936) and Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine Pasteur (Lt. P.E.A.E. Mertz).

Due to the bad weather conditions on leaving harbour the Merchant Royal (arrived Liverpool on 29 December) and Sirikishna (returned Halifax with weather damage on 13 December) never joined the convoy.

The two Canadian destroyers arrived back at Halifax on the 15th, having parted company with the convoy, most likely, around dusk on the 13th.

From the afternoon of the 14th until dawn on the 15th bad weather conditions and fog were encountered and the following merchant vessels straggled from the convoy;
Athelprincess, Baron Maclay, Botwey, Californian Monarch, Domby, King James, Nailsea Moor, San Felix and Scottish Star.

At daylight on the 17th, when the convoy was in position 45°38'N, 46°12'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Mactra and Sandsend.

On 19 December, in position 48°36'N, 40°20'W, the Baron Maclay caught up with the convoy coming from astern.

On 20 December, the Pasteur had to stop to make engine repairs. The Elona was detailed to stand by and this merchant vessel did not rejoin the convoy. She later arrived independently at Liverpool.

At daylight on the 21st, when the convoy was in position 50°01'N, 32°16'W, the following merchant vessels were seen to have straggled from the convoy during the night.
Baron Maclay, Box Hill, Christoph v. Doornum, Medon and Temple Yard.

On 22 December the Temple Yard managed to rejoin the convoy from astern.

Around 0900Z/25, in position 50°51'N, 14°22'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined. HMS Ausonia then parted company to return to Halifax. Around this time also the merchant vessels Baron Maclay and Domby rejoined the convoy.

Around 1600Z/25, the convoy split.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arndale (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Baron Maclay (arrived in the Clyde 29 December), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 December), Corabella (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December), Domby (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Dunaff Head (arrived at Dublin on 27 December), Riley (arrived at Cardiff on 27 December), Scholar (arrived at Liverpool 27/28 December) and Temple Yard (arrived at Avonmouth on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Walpole and Wessex.

Around 1010Z/27, HMS Wessex parted company and arrived at Milford Haven around 1300A/27.

HMS Walpole arrived at Liverpool around 0200Z/28.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Barrgrove (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), British Science (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), James McGree (arrived at Le Havre on 28 December), Montrolite (arrived at Southampton on 27/28 December), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Pacific Exporter (arrived in the Downs on 28 December), Rockpool (arrived in the Downs on 28 December) and San Diego (arrived in the Downs on 28 December). They were escorted by HMS Windsor and HMS Enchantress which both arrived in the Downs on 28 December. HMS Windsor had refuelled at Plymouth on the 27th though before rejoining the convoy.

All ships that had straggled from the convoy and that had not managed to rejoin arrived safely at their destinations. (8)

19 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 13.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Cairnglen (British, 5019 GRT, built 1926), Ferncourt (British (tanker), 9918 GRT, built 1938), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Masheer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1928) and San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 0100Q/20, in position 44°33'N, 60°14'W, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

In the afternoon of 25 December 1939, in position 51°10'N, 31°18'W, the British Prudence parted company to proceed independently to Invergordon.

Around 0815N/28, the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. H. Gartside-Tippinge, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in position 50°15'N, 15°55'W.

Around 0830N/28, HMS Enterprise left the convoy to proceed independently to Portsmouth.

Around 1700Z/28, the convoy split into two sections in position 49°59'N, 14°27'W.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; G.S. Walden, Italia, Lindenhall and San Ambrosio. They were escorted by HMS Volunteer and HMS Venetia.

The remainder of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section. At 0330Z/31 the Ferncourt parted company for St. Helens Roads. She was eventually to proceed to Dunkirk. HMS Wren and HMS Witch arrived at Dover later that morning while the convoy proceeded to the Downs. (9)

20 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 13.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), Baron Jedburgh (British, 3656 GRT, built 1936), Beaconhill (Panamanian (tanker), 6941 GRT, built 1919)), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Galaxias (Greek, 5768 GRT, built 1918), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Haughton Hall (British, 5103 GRT, built 1937), Joseph Duhamel (French (trawler), 928 GRT, built 1929), Lackenby (British, 5112 GRT, built 1928), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), San Melito (British (tanker), 10160 GRT, built 1914), San Zotico (British (tanker), 5582 GRT, built 1919), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Senateur Duhamel (French (trawler), 912 GRT, buil 1927), Simon Duhamel II (French (trawler), 928 GRT, built 1930), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929) and W.C. Teagle (British (tanker), 9552 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

The convoy departed from Halifax in bad weather and never properly formed up. Several ships never joined the convoy at all according to the Commodore report [which is not very detailed and it is thus not possible to give full details on this convoy]. This were the Erodona, Senateur Duhamel, Simon Duhamel II and Socony.

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena returned to Halifax on 23 December after having been detached on 22 December.

By 22 December the convoy had reformed with 20 merchant ships now present and by 24 December 3 more had joined up. Only the four merchant vessels listed above were now still missing from the convoy.

On 25 December the convoy again encountered heavy weather and became dispersed. Only 12 ships managed to rejoin when the weather improved. [No names are given in the Commodore's report.]

Around 0100Z/2, HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy to proceed to Portsmouth.

Around 1500Z/2, the destroyers HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN) joined. About half an hour later the convoy split into two sections. HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) escorted a straggler and arrived at Liverpool on 5 January 1940.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was escorted by HMS Mackay which arrived at Liverpool on 5 January 1940.

On 3 January 1940, the Athelbeach missed a signal to change course and ran aground on Galley Head, Cork. The ship was later re-floated and then proceeded to Queenstown, Ireland [now called Cobh].

[The Commodore report does not give further details on which ships were with the convoy at the time the convoy split into two sections.]

The Channel / East coast section was escorted by HMS Verity and HMS Wolverine.

Around 1700Z/4, the destroyers parted company with the Channel / East coast section. HMS Wolverine proceeded to Dover where she arrived around 1030Z/5. HMS Verity Portsmouth where she arrived around 1720Z/5. (10)

27 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 14.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Alabama (French, 5645 GRT, built 1931), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939) Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Manipur (British, 9242 GRT, built 1920), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Rousillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Saintonge (French (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930) and Wisconsin (French, 8062 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1400Q/28, both Canadian destroyers parted company. They arrived back at Halifax on 31 December 1939.

At dawn on 31 January it was noticed that during the night of 30/31 January 1939 the Saintonge had straggled from the convoy. She only rejoined around 1030Z/5.

Around 0900Z/5, the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN) and sloop HMS Deptford (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1030Z/5, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy.

Around 1100Z/5, the destroyer HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1800Z/5, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus, Alabama, Belinda, Custodian, Geraldine Mary, Manchester Division and San Conrado. HMS Versatile and HMS Deptford went with them as escort. HMS Versatile arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 8 January 1940. HMS Deptford had already arrived in the afternoon of 7 January 1940.

The remainder of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section. HMS Amazon and HMS Vanessa arrived at Dover in the morning of 8 January 1940. The ships of the convoy proceeded to the Downs. The Rousillon, Saintonge, San Arcadio, San Emiliano, Scherazade, Vacport and Wisconsin had been detached earlier as their destination was Le Havre and Nantes (Vacport only). (11)

29 Dec 1939

Convoy HX 14

This convoy departed Halifax on 29 December 1939.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Baron Pentland (British, 3410 GRT, built 1927), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Bonheur (British, 5327 GRT, built 1920), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Dallas City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1935), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), El Oso (British (tanker), 7267 GRT, built 1921), Greyburn (British, 6342 GRT, built 1938), Grelhead (British, 4274 GRT, built 1925), H.H. Rogers (Panamanian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), H.M. Flagler (Panamanian (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1918), Horn Shell (British (tanker), 8272 GRT, built 1931), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Keramiai (Greek, 5085 GRT, built 1917), Limousin (French (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937), Reginolite (British (tanker), 9069 GRT, built 1926), Ridley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1937), Rio Branco (Norwegian, 3210 GRT, built 1924), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Tacoma City (British, 4738 GRT, built 1929), Vaclite (British (tanker), 5026 GRT, built 1928), Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928), Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Effingham (Capt. J.M. Howson, RN), destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and the submarine HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN).

Around 1800Q/30, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Several ships straggled during the voyage but all were able to rejoin the convoy except the Grelhead which arrived at Leith on 14 January 1940.

Before the local escort joined two of the merchant vessels were detached to take the 'northern route'. This were most likely the El Ciervo (arrived at Scapa Flow on 11 January) and Horn Shell (arrived at Invergordon on 11 January). [Their names are not given in the Commodore's report but given their arrival dates at their destinations it seems logical this were the two ships that had been detached early.]

Around 0815Z/9, in position 49°50'N, 12°30'W, the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN), HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN), HMS Walker (Cdr. W.J.C. Robertson, RN) and HMS Whitshed (Cdr. E.R. Conder, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Effingham then parted company to proceed to Portsmouth.

Around 1645Z/9, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Douglas (arrived at Newport on 11 January), Baron Lovat (arrived at Belfast on 12 January), Baron Pentland (arrived at Cardiff on 11 January), Blairmore (arrived at Cardiff on 12 January. She had collided with the merchant vessel Leonard Pierce () in the Bristol Channel on 11 January. The Leonard Pierce sank as a result of this collision), Bonheur (arrived at Liverpool on 11 January), Bristol City (arrived at Swansea on 11 January), Brookwood (arrived at Liverpool on 12 January), El Oso (mined and sunk off the Bar lightvessel on 11 January. The mine had been laid on 6 January 1940 by the German submarine U-30), Kenbane Head (arrived at Belfast on 11 January), Luculus (arrived at Avonmouth on 11/12 January), Montreal City (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 January), New Westminster City (arrived at Liverpool on 11 January), Penrose (arrived at Ardrossan on 13 January), Queen Adelaide (arrived at Avonmouth on 12 January), Queen Anne (arrived at Liverpool on 12 January), Ridley (arrived at Liverpool on 12 January), Rio Branco (arrived at Liverpool on 11 January), Saranac (arrived at Avonmouth on 11/12 January), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 12 January), Swiftpool (arrived at Liverpool on 12 January), Tacoma City (arrived at Liverpool on 11 January) and Winamac (arrived at Greenock on 12 January). They were escorted by HMS Vimy and HMS Walker which both arrived at Liverpool on 12 January. During 11/12 January 1940 these destroyers patrolled in Liverpool Bay after the sinking of the El Oso.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelsultan (arrived at Plymouth on 11 January), Benedick (arrived at Le Verdon, France on 13 January), Bridgepool (arrived in the Downs on 12 January), Dallas City (arrived in the Downs on 12 January), Greyburn (arrived in the Downs on 12 January), H.H. Rogers (arrived at Southampton on 12 January), H.M. Flagler (arrived at Le Havre on 12 January), Inverilen (arrived in the Downs on 12 January), Keramiai (arrived at Falmouth on 11 January), Limousin (arrived at Le Havre on (most likely) 12 January), Reginolite (arrived at Southampton on 12 January), South America (arrived at Le Verdon, France on 13 January), Vaclite (arrived in the Downs on 12 January), Vancouver (arrived at Southampton on 12 January) and Wellfield (arrived in the Downs on 12 January). They were escorted by HMS Antelope and HMS Whitshed which both arrived at Dover around 1000Z/12. HMS Cachalot was also with the Channel / East coast section and arrived in the Downs around 1025Z/12. She later proceeded to Sheerness and then to the Chatham Dockyard for refit.

The Athelsultan, Benedick and South America parted company in the afternoon of the 10th and proceeded to their destinations independently.

At dusk on the 11th the ships for Southampton and Le Havre had been detached. (12)

6 Jan 1940

Convoy HX 15.

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1922), Athelcrown (British (tanker), 11999 GRT, built 1929), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Barn Hill (British, 5439 GRT, built 1921), Bonnington Court (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Houston City (British, 4935 GRT, built 1934), I.C. White (Panamanian (tanker), 7052 GRT, built 1920), Inverarder (British (tanker), 5578 GRT, built 1919), Moveria (British, 4867 GRT, built 1935), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Oiltrader (British (tanker), 5550 GRT, built 1927), Panaghis (Greek, 5187 GRT, built 1920), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Sinfra (French, 4470 GRT, built 1929), Syrian Prince (British, 1990 GRT, built 1936), Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax on 7 January 1940.

On 9 January 1940 the Athelcrown arrived back at Halifax having returned with engine trouble.

Around 0900Z/18, the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN) joined followed around 1200Z/18 by the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN).

HMS Resolution then left the convoy to proceed to Plymouth escorted by HMS Vanquisher, HMS Viscount and HMS Windsor where they arrived around 1315Z/19, minus HMS Viscount which did not enter harbour and made of to search for a reported submarine in the area.

Around 1100Z/18, the Inverarder parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to Scapa Flow where she arrived on 20 January.

Around 1300Z/18, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amakura (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Auditor (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Delilian (arrived at Glasgow on 21 January), El Aleto (arrived at Glasgow on 24 (?) January), Houston City (arrived at Belfast on 20 January), Oiltrader (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Panaghis (arrived at Liverpool on 24 (?) January), San Roberto (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Syrian Prince (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Trevalgan (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January), Voco (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January) and Wanderer (arrived at Liverpool on 20/21 January). They were escorted by HMS Venetia and HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool late on 20 January.

The Channel / East Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agros Hill (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Atlantic (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Barn Hill (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Bonnington Court (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Boulderpool (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 21 January), I.C. White (arrived at Southampton on 21 January), Moveria (arrived in the Downs on 21 January), Narragansett (arrived in the Downs on 21 January) and Sinfra (arrived at Le Havre on 22 January). They were escorted by HMS Vanessa and HMS Wren which arrived at Dover in the morning of 21 January.

28 Jan 1940

Convoy HXF 18.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Craftsman (British, 7896 GRT, built 1922), Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Indian Prince (British, 8587 GRT, built 1926) and Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 0715Q/29, both Canadian destroyers were detached to return to Halifax.

Bad weather was encountered during the passage and several ships straggled from the convoy during the passage but were able to rejoin later. However at the time the local A/S escort joined (see below) the Arthur F. Corwin and Europe were not in company and did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1200N/6, in approximate position 50°00'N, 14°00'W, the destroyer HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Alaunia parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax shortly afterwards.

Around 1300N/6, the merchant vessel Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy. She had been westbound but had picked up survivors of the torpedoed merchant vessel Beaveerburn. She returned to the U.K. (Falmouth) to land the 75 survivors she had picked up.

The convoy was split up later on 6 February 1940.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Corner Brook, Craftsman, Indian Prince and Manchester Progress. They were escorted by HMS Deptford which arrived at Liverpool on 8 February 1940.

The remaining ships made up of the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Antelope which arrived at Plymouth on 8 February 1940. (13)

31 Jan 1940

Convoy HX 18.

This convoy departed Halifax on 31 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Cefn Y Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Glenmoor (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Gretafield (British (tanker), 10191 GRT, built 1928), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Langleeford (British, 4622 GRT, built 1925), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sea Glory (British, 1964 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Telena (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Trontolite (British (tanker), 7115 GRT, built 1918), Ullapool (British, 4891 GRT, built 1927), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928), White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928), William Blumer (Norwegian, 3604 GRT, built 1920) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1730Q/1, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena were detached to return to Halifax.

On 3/4 February 1940 a lot of merchant ships lost touch with the convoy in bad visibility, these were the following vessels:
Aliakmon (arrived at Liverpool on 14 February), Boltonhall (arrived in the Downs on 15 (?) February), British Prince (arrived in the Downs on 15 (?) February), Canadian (arrived at Le Havre on 17 February), Cefn Y Bryn (arrived in the Downs on 14 (?) February), Conus (arrived at Scapa Flow on 14 February), Dalcairn (arrived in the Downs on 14 (?) February), Geddington Court (arrived in the Downs on 16 (?) February), Gretafield (torpedoed and sunk on 14 February by the German submarine U-57 off Noss Head), Harmonic (arrived at Plymouth on 14 February), Hindpool (arrived in the Downs on 16 February) Langleeford (torpedoed and sunk on 14 February by the German submarine U-26 north-west of Fastnet Rock, Ireland), Leiesten (arrived at Greenock on 16 February), Parthenia (arrived at Glasgow on 14 February), Rio Blanco (arrived at Belfast on 15 February), Sea Glory (arrived at Bristol on 16 February), Sire (arrived at Newport on 16 February), Taygetos (arrived at Belfast on 15 February), Trewellard (arrived at Leith on 15 February), Trontolite (arrived at Pauilliac, France on 17 February), White Crest (arrived at Plymouth on 14 February), Yarraville (arrived at Le Havre on 19 February). These ships never rejoined the convoy. More ships had lost contact but these all managed to rejoin later.

At midnight during the night of 8 / 9 February 1940, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy then continued on unescorted until the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) and sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined around 1700Z/13 in position 50°40'N, 14°12'W. Apparently the sloop HMS Wellington (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) also joined the convoy.

Around 1000Z/14, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of 11 merchant vessels;
Cerinthus (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Clearpool (arrived at Newport on 16 February), Daytonian (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Glenmoor (arrived at Ardrossan on 19 February), Lustrous (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Quebec City (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February), Telena (arrived in the Clyde on 17 February), Toronto City (arrived at Swansea on 15 February), Ullapool (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February) and William Blumer (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February) [No idea on the identity of the remaining 11th merchant vessel]. They were escorted by HMS Winchelsea (arrived at Liverpool on 15 February) and HMS Rochester (arrived at Liverpool on 16 February).

The Channel / East coast section was made up of 13 merchant vessels;
Athelking (arrived at Le Havre on 16 February), Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Caithness (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Dromus (arrived at on February), F.J. Wolfe (arrived at Plymouth on 15 February), Hopecastle (arrived at Plymouth on 15 February), Mataroa (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Ross (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Sheaf Holme (arrived in the Downs on 16 February), Starstone (arrived in the Downs on 16 February) and Vancolite (arrived at Le Havre on 21(?) February). [No idea on the identity of the remaining two merchant vessels]. They were escorted by, most likely, HMS Wellington which arrived at Plymouth on 15 February. (14)

4 Feb 1940

Convoy HXF 19.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Kohistan (British, 5884 GRT, built 1930), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Middlesex (British, 8569 GRT, built 1921), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), Rodney Star (British, 11803 GRT, built 1927), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935) and Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1800Q/5, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

P.M. on 9 February 1940, in gale force winds, the Middlesex straggled from the convoy after having sustained weather damage. She only rejoined on 14 February 1940 just before the destroyers of the local escort joined.

Around noon on 10 February 1940, the Kohistan straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 0830Z/14, in approximate position 50°10'N, 16°00'W, the destroyers HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN). HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax shortly afterwards.

Around 0900Z/15, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Regent Lion, Rodney Star and San Amado. They were escorted by HMS Venetia which arrived at Liverpool on 17 February 1940.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section and were escorted by HMS Witch which arrived at Dover on 17 February 1940. The merchant vessels of this section then proceeded to the Downs.

7 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 19.

This convoy departed Halifax on 7 February 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arakaka (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Athelduchess (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1929), Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Barrwhin (British, 4998 GRT, built 1929), Blairangus (British, 4409 GRT, built 1930), British Commander (British (tanker), 6901 GRT, built 1922), British Workman (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), Calgarolite (British (tanker), 11941 GRT, built 1929), Caprella (British (tanker), 8230 GRT, built 1931), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Conch (British (tanker), 8376 GRT, built 1931), Cressington Court (British, 4971 GRT, built 1929), Davisian (British, 6433 GRT, built 1925), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Frederick K.S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Hadleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Harpathian (British, 4671 GRT, built 1930), Hird (Norwegian, 4950 GRT, built 1924), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Loch Maddy (British, 4996 GRT, built 1934), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Mimosa (British, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Montrolite (British (tanker), 11309 GRT, built 1926), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Pacific Reliance (British, 6717 GRT, built 1927), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Rio Dorado (British, 4507 GRT, built 1924), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), San Ubaldo (British (tanker), 5999 GRT, built 1921), Statira (British, 4852 GRT, built 1937), Temple Pier (British, 4312 GRT, built 1928), Thistlebrae (British, 4747 GRT, built 1928), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Tregarthen (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Varand (British, 6023 GRT, built 1927), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928), Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924) and Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

During the forming up of the convoy HMS Revenge and the tanker Appalchee (British, 8826 GRT, built 1930) collided with each other. The tanker was therefore unable to proceed with the convoy and returned to Halifax. HMS Revenge was able to continue as planned.

On the 8th the Canadian destroyers parted company and returned to Halifax.

Around 1600O/14, on reaching 30°00'W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. On HMS Revenge parting company the following merchant vessels were not with the convoy having straggled from it [according to the report of HMS Revenge];
Barrwhin (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 February), Blairangus (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 February), Embassage (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Montrolite (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Peebles (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Queen City (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February) and Thistlebrae (arrived in the Downs on 22 February).

On 15 February, in position 45°30'N, 30°50'W, the Loch Maddy was detached to proceed to Leith by the 'northern route'. However she was hit in the early evening of 21 February 1940 by a torpedo from the German submarine U-57. The crew then abandoned ship but she did not sink. She was finished off shortly after midnight on 22 February 1940 by a torpedo the German submarine U-23. The ship broke in half and the bow section slowly sank. The stern section remained afloat and was later beached but the ship was declared a total loss.

Around 0830Z/19, the destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN), HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN) and HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Stocker, RN) joined.

Around 1400Z/19, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arakaka (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 February), Athelfoam (arrived in the Clyde on 21 February), British Workman (arrived at Belfast on 21 February), Conch (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Cressington Court (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 February), Davisian (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Dramatist (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Harpathian (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Hird (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Johilla (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Magician (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Mimosa (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), New York City (arrived at Bristol on 21 February), Parracombe (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Rio Dorado (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), San Alvaro (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 February), San Cipriano (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), San Ubaldo (arrived at Ardrossan on 24(?) February), Temple Pier (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February), Varand (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February) and Waziristan (arrived at Liverpool on 21 February). They were escorted by HMS Vanoc and HMS Wolverine which arrived at Liverpool on 21 February.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelduchess (arrived at Le Havre on 24 February), British Commander (arrived at Le Havre on 23 February), Calgarolite (arrived at Southampton on 22 February), Caprella (arrived at Dunkirk on 26(?) February), Capulet (arrived at Portsmouth on 24 February), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Le Havre on 24 February), Generton (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Hadleigh (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Pacific Reliance (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Port Halifax (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), San Florentino (arrived at Le Havre on 23 February), Statira (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Tower Field (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Tregarthen (arrived in the Downs on 22 February), Wanstead (arrived in the Downs on 22 February) and Warkworth (arrived in the Downs on 22 February). They were escorted by HMS Vanessa which arrived at Dover on 22 February. (13)

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 22.

This convoy departed Halifax on 22 February 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Counsellor (British, 5068 GRT, built 1926), Darcoila (British, 4084 GRT, built 1926), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gracefield (British, 4631 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Hoperidge (British, 5222 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Humber Arm (British, 5758 GRT, built 1925), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newton Moore (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Reginolite (British (tanker), 9069 GRT, built 1926), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Yang-Tse (French, 8150 GRT, built 1915).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1815Q/23, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0700N/2, in approximate position 47°00'N, 30°00'W, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The convoy then continued eastwards without escort.

Around 2020Z/5, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

Around 0830Z/6, the destroyer HMS Wren (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) joined followed at 1045Z/6 by HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN).

Around 1730Z/6, in position 50°12'N, 10°16'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aspasia Nomikos (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Athelprincess (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Athelsultan (arrived at Scapa Flow on 10 March), Counsellor (mined and sunk off Liverpool on 8 March. The mine was laid by the German submarine U-32 on 7 March), Director (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Erodona (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Hopestar (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 March), Laguna (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), Nailsea Moor (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 March), Newton Moor (arrived at Swansea on 9 March), Norman Monarch (arrived at Manchester on 9 March), Orduna (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), San Ambrosio (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March), San Francisco (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March) and Stratigist (arrived at Liverpool on 8 March). They were escorted by HMS Vanoc and HMS Walpole which both arrived at Liverpool on 8 March.

The Channel / East coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-Indian (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Anthea (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Bradford City (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Carras (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), Chama (arrived at Pauilliac on 10 March), Chesapeake (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), Darcoila (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Elona (arrived at Southampton on 9 March), Gracefield (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Hanseat (arrived at Le Havre on 9 March), Hoperidge (arrived at Falmouth on 8 March), Humber Arm (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), James McGee (arrived at Le Havre on 10 March), King Neptune (arrived at Plymouth on 8 March), Lindenhall (arrived at Weymouth on 9 March), Nyanza (arrived in the Downs on 9 March), Reginolite (arrived at Le Havre on 11 March), Scherazade (arrived at Le Havre on ?? March) and Yang-Tse (arrived at Bordeaux on 12 March). They were escorted by HMS Veteran which arrived at Plymouth on 7 March and HMS Wren which arrived at Dover on 9 March. (15)

2 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 24.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (British (tanker), 8016 GRT, built 1935), Amerika (Danish, 10218 GRT, built 1930), Augvald (Norwegian, 4811 GRT, built 1920), Aun (Norwegian, 1908 GRT, built 1930), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Delawarean (British, 5705 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Elisha Walker (Panamanian (tanker), 7007 GRT, built 1920), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Grey County (British, 5194 GRT, built 1918), H.H. Rogers (British (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Halcyon (British, 3531 GRT, built 1917), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Haxby (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kajak (Estonian, 3234 GRT, built 1902), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mount Taygetus (British, 3286 GRT, built 1921), Nidarholm (British, 2588 GRT, built 1920), Oakwood (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Pierre L.D. (French, 5705 GRT, built 1935), Roussillon (British (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909), Rushpool (British, 5125 GRT, built 1928), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Temple Moat (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Thalia (British, 8329 GRT, built 1926), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Tredinnick (British, 4589 GRT, built 1921), Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Urla (British, 5198 GRT, built 1924), W.C. Teagle (British (tanker), 9552 GRT, built 1917), Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Delawarean apparently never joined the convoy when it departed Halifax and if she did it was only briefly. She arrived at Le Havre, France on 18 March. The Oakwood returned to Halifax on 4 March after having parted company with the convoy.

The Canadian destroyers were detached to return to Halifax in the morning of 3 March. They were detached 12 hours early due to the heavy weather conditions.

During the night of 2/3 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to gale weather and bad visibility;
Halcyon (arrived at Le Havre on 19 March), Kajak (arrived at Liverpool on 20 March), Mount Taygetus (arrived at Dublin on 23 March), Nidarholm (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March), Rushpool (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Thalia (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and Wendover (arrived at Newport on 16 March).

During the night of 3/4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to poor weather and bad visibility;
Aun (arrived at Falmouth on 16 March), Brynymor (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Haxby (arrived in the Clyde on 19 March), Thistleford (arrived in the Downs on 19 March), Toorak (arrived at Pauilliac, France on 14 March) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

On 4 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to bad weather and thick fog;
Alexia (rejoined the convoy on 5 March), Elisha Walker (arrived at Southampton on 17 march), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Jersey (rejoined the convoy on 10 March), Uganda (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Urla (arrived at Cardiff on 18 March) and W.C. Teagle (rejoined the convoy on 13 March).

On 5 March the following ships straggled from the convoy due to the rough sea conditions and thick fog;
Everleigh (rejoined the convoy on 12 March), Harpagon (arrived at Plymouth on 16 March) and Templemoat (arrived at Liverpool on 17 March).

During the night of 6/7 March the Pierre L.D. straggled from the convoy in thick fog. She rejoined the convoy on 14 March.

HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy around 1400O/11 in position 50°20'N, 25°00'W, to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/13, in position 50°13'N, 15°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

Around 0715Z/14, in position 50°08'N, 13°28'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN).

Around 1700Z/14, in position 50°04'N, 10°20'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amerika (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Augvald (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Botwey (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March), Daronia (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March) and Ruahine (arrived at Liverpool on 16 March). HMS Versatile and HMS Walpole escorted this section. They both arrived at Liverpool on 16 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alexia (arrived at Pauillac on 17 March), Dolabella (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Everleigh (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March), Geraldine Mary (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Grey County (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), H.H. Rogers (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Jersey (arrived in the Downs on 17 March), Loch Don (arrived at Weymouth on 16 March), Pierre L.D. (arrived at Le Havre on 16 March), Roussillon (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Sovac (arrived at Le Havre on 18(?) March), Tredinnick (arrived in the Downs on 17 March) and W.C. Teagle (arrived at Le Havre on 19(?) March). They were escorted by HMS Wakeful (arrived at Plymouth on 17 March after having escorted the ships of the convoy destined for Le Havre) and HMS Wolverine (arrived at Dover on 17 March). (16)

10 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 26.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926), Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1939), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Arinia (British (tanker), 8024 GRT, built 1936), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Atland (Swedish, 5203 GRT, built 1910), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), British Courage (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1928), City of Baghdad (British, 7506 GRT, built 1919), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Diplomat (British, 8240 GRT, built 1921), Fowberry Tower (British, 4484 GRT, built 1929), Hertford (British, 11785 GRT, built 1917), Kenbane Head (British, 5225 GRT, built 1919), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Loreto (British, 6682 GRT, built 1913), Marstenen (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1915), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Persephone (Panamanian (tanker), 8426 GRT, built 1925), Port Fairy (British, 10243 GRT, built 1928), Ripley (British, 4997 GRT, built 1936), Rossington Court (British, 6922 GRT, built 1928), San Fabian (British (tanker), 13031 GRT, built 1922), San Tiburcio (British (tanker), 5995 GRT, built 1921), San Zotico (British (tanker), 5582 GRT, built 1919), Siris (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), Statesman (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Stylianos Chandris (Greek, 6059 GRT, built 1919), Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921), Victoria City (British, 4739 GRT, built 1929) and Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company around 2000Q/10 and the convoy was from then on escorted by the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) which had departed Halifax a few hours after the convoy had departed and overtook and joined the convoy at noon on the 10th.

Around 0300 hour on 13 March [time zone not known] the Athelviking and Rossington Court collided in position 41°50'N, 52°20'W. The Rossington Court was beyond salvage but did not sink due to her cargo of timber. She was then sunk by gunfire from HMS Malaya. The Ripley stood by and was able to pick up the entire crew. The damaged Athelviking then returned to Halifax. The Ripley rejoined the convoy at dawn on the 15th.

Around 1430 hours on 13 March [time zone not known] the Fowberry Tower had to stop to effect repairs. She rejoined the convoy around 0700 hours on the 23rd.

During bad weather conditions some ships straggled from the convoy but all were able to rejoin except for the Nailsea Manor which arrived in the Downs on 27 March.

HMS Malaya remained with the convoy until 0715 hours [time zone not known as no log of HMS Malaya is available] on 22 March when she parted company with the convoy and set course to return to Halifax.

The convoy was joined at 0715Z/24 by the destroyers HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN), HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN).

Around 1630Z/24, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aramo (arrived in the Clyde on 27 March), Amberton (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Argyll (arrived in the Clyde on 27 March), Atland (arrived at Swansea on 26 March), British Courage (arrived in the Clyde on 27 March), Delphinula (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Diplomat (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Fowberry Tower (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 March), Kenbane Head (arrived at Belfast on 28 March), Llanishen (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Loreto (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Marstenen (arrived in the Clyde on 27 March), Montreal City (arrived at Milford Haven on 26 March), Nova Scotia (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), San Tiburcio (arrived at Liverpool on 27(?) March), San Zotico (arrived at Manchester on 27 March), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Statesman (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Stylianos Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 25(?) March), Troilus (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March), Victoria City (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March) and Voco (arrived at Liverpool on 26 March). They were escorted by HMS Venetia and HMS Vimy which arrived at Liverpool on 26 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Antonio (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), Appledore (arrived at Weymouth on 26 March), Argos Hill (arrived in the Downs on 25(?) March), Arinia (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), Beaverdale (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), City of Bagdad (arrived at Portland on 24(?) March), Hertford (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), Kurdistan (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), Persephone (arrived at Le Havre on 28 March), Port Fairy (arrived in the Downs on 27 March), Ripley (arrived at Weymouth on 26 March), San Fabian (arrived in the Downs on 27 March) and Siris (arrived in the Downs on 27 March). They were escorted by HMS Vansittart and HMS Wolverine which arrived at Plymouth on 26 March and Dover on 27 March respectively. (13)

18 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 18 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldersdale (British (tanker), 8402 GRT, built 1937), Annik (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1940), Antigone (British, 4545 GRT, built 1928), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Avelona Star (British, 13376 GRT, built 1927), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dalcroy (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Dromore Castle (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1935), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French (tanker), 9805 GRT, built 1932), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Indiana (French, 5751 GRT, built 1917), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Jumna (British, 6078 GRT, built 1929), Jutland (British, 6153 GRT, built 1928), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 5998 GRT, built 1938), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Matheran (British, 7653 GRT, built 1919), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Scoresby (British, 3843 GRT, built 1923), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), Shirak (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1926), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Stiklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Trecarrell (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Tuira (Panamanian, 4397 GRT, built 1912), Varanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9305 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Walter D. Munson (Greek, 3703 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN).

HMCS Ottawa parted company with the convoy around 1830Q/18.

During the first night out the Lucerna straggled from the convoy due to engine trouble. She managed to rejoin the convoy at 1030 hours on 29 March in position 50°08'N, 15°40'W.

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company around 1800Q/19.

The convoy then continued on eastwards escorted by HMS Royal Sovereign which parted company with the convoy around 1800O/27 in position 50°22'N, 24°25'W.

Around 0600Z/30, the destroyers HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Stocker, RN), HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and [most likely] HMS Havant (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 50°00'N, 12°00'W. [It is possible they did not join all at the same time.]

[According to the Commodore's report the destroyer HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, RN) had also joined this convoy. HMS Havock was however with the Home Fleet and this must have been incorrect. Most likely it was HMS Havant that had joined the convoy as escort, she had been sent out from Plymouth on an A/S hunt on 28 March.]

Later [the Commodore's report does not give a date, time and location] the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea, west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldersdale (arrived at Scapa Flow on 3 April), Annik (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Antigone (arrived at Avonmouth on 1 April), Avelona Star (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Beckenham (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 2 April), Bridgepool (arrived at Sharpness on 3 April), British Captain (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Collegian (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Dalcroy (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Dromore Castle (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Eskdalegate (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Inversuir (arrived at Avonmouth on 2 April), Lancaster Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Manchester Citizen (arrived at Manchester on 2 April), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 2 April), Newfoundland (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Politician (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Ramsay (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), Rio Azul (arrived at Ardrossan on 4(?) April), Rockpool (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April), San Demetrio (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), San Gabriel (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April), Shirak (arrived in the Clyde on 2 April), Stanwell (arrived at Swansea on 2 April), Torr Head (arrived at Dublin on 2 April), Tuira (arrived at Liverpool on 2 April) and Varanger (arrived at Liverpool on 1(?)/2 April). They were escorted by HMS Vimy and HMS Warwick which both arrived at Liverpool on 2 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelknight (arrived at Plymouth on 1 April), Boreas (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), British Prudence (arrived at Weymouth on 1 April), Cardita (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Cordelia (arrived at Southampton on 2 April), Edward F. Johnson (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Empire Confidence (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Europe (arrived at Bordeaux on 2 April), Grainton (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Harlingen (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Henri Desprez (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Hopepeak (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Indiana (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Induna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Jean L.D. (arrived at La Pallice on 1 April), Jumna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Jutland (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Lucerna (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Macharda (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Malayan Prince (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Matheran (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Mathilda (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Narragansett (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Nicolaou Georgios (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Pomella (arrived at Pauillac on 3 April), San Ernesto (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Sarthe (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Scoresby (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Selvistan (arrived in the Downs on 2 April), Stiklestad (arrived at Le Havre on 2 April), Trecarrell (arrived at Southampton on 2 April), W.B. Walker (arrived in the Downs on 2 April) and Walter D. Munson (arrived at Le Havre on 3 April). They were escorted by HMS Vanessa (arrived at Dover on 2 April), HMS Antelope (arrived at Dover on 2 April) and most likely also HMS Havant arrived at Plymouth on 31 March). (17)

25 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 30.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Anadara (British (tanker), 8009 GRT, built 1935), Appalachee (British (tanker), 8826 GRT, built 1930), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Athelchief (British, 10000 GRT, built 1939), Athelmonarch (British, 8995 GRT, built 1928), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Cairnglen (British, 5019 GRT, built 1926), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dean Emery (British (tanker), 6664 GRT, built 1919), Derry More (British, 4799 GRT, built 1938), Dimitrios Inglessis (British, 5275 GRT, built 1918), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Ethel Radcliffe (British, 5673 GRT, built 1920), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), King Edward (British, 5224 GRT, built 1919), Lochkatrine (British, 9419 GRT, built 1922), Losada (British, 6520 GRT, built 1921), Lowther Castle (British, 5171 GRT, built 1937), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Port Hardy (British, 8897 GRT, built 1923), Regent Panther (British (tanker), 9556 GRT, built 1937), Remuera (British, 11445 GRT, built 1911), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), Sandsend (British, 3612 GRT, built 1925), South Gate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937), Victor Ross (British, 12247 GRT, built 1933) and Welcombe (British, 5122 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1850P/26, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

In the morning of 30 March 1940, in position 43°29'N, 43°15'W, the Dimitrios Inglessis and the King Edward collided. The King Edward was unable to continue and was towed to St. Johns where she arrived on 16 April. The Port Hardy stood by her for a while but subsequently continued her passage to the U.K. and she arrived in the Downs on 9 April. The Dimitrios Inglessis had only some minor damage and rejoined the convoy.

Around 1325N/3, in position 48°57'N, 22°45'W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0545Z/6, in position 49°53'N, 12°30'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN).

Around 1700Z/6, in position 49°55'N, 10°30'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Agia Marina (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Araby (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Conus (arrived at Scapa Flow on 10 April), Davila (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), El Aleto (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Ethel Radcliffe (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 April), Governor (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Lochkatrine (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Losada (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Lowther Castle (arrived at Avonmouth on 8 April), Modavia (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), New Westminster City (arrived at Port Talbot on 8 April), Nolisement (arrived at Belfast on 9 April), Northleigh (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), Rowanbank (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April), San Gerardo (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April) and Southgate (arrived at Liverpool on 8 April). They were escorted by HMS Viscount and HMS Witch but later [not known exactly when] the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN) took over as these destroyers arrived with the convoy at Liverpool on 8 April. HMS Viscount arrived at Dover on 11 April. HMS Witch arrived at Plymouth on 9 April.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anadara (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Appalachee (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Athelchief (arrived at Le Havre on 9 April), Athelmonarch (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Barrdale (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Cairnglenn (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Dean Emery (arrived at Le Havre on 9 April), Derrymore (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Dimitrios Inglessis (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 8 April), Filleigh (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Luculus (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Penrose (arrived at Weymouth on 8 April), Regent Panther (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Remuera (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Sandsend (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Taxiarchis (arrived at St. Nazaire, France on 9 April), Testbank (arrived in the Downs on 9 April), Victor Ross (arrived in Spithead (for Southampton) on 8 April) and Welcombe (arrived in the Downs on 9 April). They were escorted by HMS Whitehall (arrived at Dover on 9 April) and HMS Acasta (arrived at Plymouth on 8 April). (18)

27 Mar 1940
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) returned to Halifax from escort duty. She was escorted in by HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN). (19)

6 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 33.

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Allende (British, 5108 GRT, built 1928), Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), Brockley Hill (British, 5287 GRT, built 1918), Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Coimbra (British (tanker), 6768 GRT, built 1937), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Elmbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Lumen (British (tanker), 6500 GRT, built 1925), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Sheaf Mead (British, 5008 GRT, built 1924), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Tennessean (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919) and Venetia (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and the submarine Bévéziers (Lt.Cdr. H. Nicolau).

HMCS Restigouche parted company with the convoy later on the 6th to return to Halifax.

HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Skeena were ordered to part company with the convoy at 1800Q/7 and then return to Halifax.

At dawn on the 15th it was seen that the Bévéziers was no longer with the convoy apparently having lost contact during the night. She arrived safely at Brest in the morning of 20 April.

Shortly before noon on the 15th, in position 49°06'N, 26°03'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

At 0615A/18, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.

Around 1600A/18, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Allende (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Atlantic (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Barrgrove (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), British Ardour (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Brockley Hill (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Chelea (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Clearpool (arrived at Cardiff on 21 April), Dakotian (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Dalcross (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Dan-Y-Bryn (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Italia (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 April), Regent Lion (arrived at Swansea on 20 April), San Adolfo (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Sheaf Mead (arrived at Swansea on 20 April) and Tennessean (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 20 April.

At 0614A/20, HMS Rochester signalled the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool that she was holding a stationary target in position 343° - Great Ormes Head - 15 nautical miles. Large patches of oil were seen on the surface. She asked whether this had already been reported, before attacking. At 0755A/20, the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool signalled to HMS Rochester that the contact was a new one at that she should attack. HMS Rochester then carried out two attacks but the contact was later classified as non-sub.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashby (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Milford Haven where she arrived on 23 April), Beaverbrae (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), Botavon (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Boulderpool (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Avonmouth where she arrived on 23 April), Brookwood (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), City of Karachi (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Coimbra (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Elmbank (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Karamea (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), King Lud (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Langleebrook (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Lumen (arrived at Le Havre on 22 April), Miralda (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Southampton where she arrived on 22 April), Pacific President (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Holyhead where she arrived on 23 April), San Cirilo (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Scottish Heather (arrived at Southampton on 21 April), Scottish Prince (arrived at Dunkirk on 22 April), Spondilus (arrived in the Downs on 22 April) and Venetia (arrived at Southampton on 21 April). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) which must thus have joined by he time the convoy split up. HMS Whitehall arrived at Dover on 22 April. (20)

18 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 36.

This convoy departed Halifax on 18 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelempress (British (tanker), 8941 GRT, built 1930), Blairangus (British, 4409 GRT, built 1930), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Dorelian (British, 6431 GRT, built 1923), Ferncourt (British (tanker), 9918 GRT, built 1938), Ile de Batz (French, 5755 GRT, built 1918), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Margarita Chandris (British, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Mosfruit (Norwegian, 2714 GRT, built 1938), Nailsea River (British, 5548 GRT, built 1917), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Samuel Bakke (Norwegian, 4719 GRT, built 1929), Silveray (British, 4535 GRT, built 1925), Sithonia (British, 6723 GRT, built 1919), Sylvafield (British (tanker), 5709 GRT, built 1925), Titanian (Norwegian, 4880 GRT, built 1924), Vendemaire (French (tanker), 9228 GRT, built 1929) and Vinland (Norwegian, 4436 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Halifax it was escorted by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN).

HMCS St. Laurent already parted company with the convoy shortly before 1900Q/18 to return to Halifax.

The other two Canadian destroyers had orders to remain with the convoy until 1800Q/19 and then return to Halifax.

Also on 19 April, the Titanian lost contact with the convoy due to the foggy conditions. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived at Liverpool on 2 May.

Around 1900O/23, in position 42°50'N, 41°45'W, the Sylvafield broke down and had to stop to effect repairs. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived at Belfast on 4 May.

Around 1400N/27, in position 48°25'N, 24°20'W, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0530Z/30, in position 49°53'N, 13°00'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN) and HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN).

Around 1800Z/30, in position 49°58'N, 10°05'W, the convoy was divided into sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelempress (arrived at Scapa Flow on 6 May), Boltonhall (arrived at Liverpool on 2 May), Dorelian (arrived at Avonmouth on 2 May), Lyras (arrived at Portishead on 4 May), Manchester Commerce (arrived at Manchester on 2 May), Margarita Chandris (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 May), Mosfruit (arrived at Liverpool on 2 May), Oilreliance (arrived at Liverpool on 2 May), Samuel Bakke (arrived in the Clyde on 3 May), Silveray (arrived at Liverpool on 2 May) and Sithonia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 May). They were escorted by HMS Vimy which arrived at Liverpool on 2 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairangus (arrived at Portland on 2 May), City of Lyons (arrived at Portland on 2 May), Ferncourt (arrived in the Downs on 3 May), Ile de Batz (arrived at Le Havre on 3 May), Nailsea River (arrived at Portland on 2 May), Rio Blanco (arrived at Portland on 2 May), Rothermere (arrived in the Downs on 3 May), Vendemaire (arrived at Le Havre on 3 May) and Vinland (arrived at Falmouth on 2 May). They were escorted by HMS Wakeful which arrived at Dover on 3 May. HMS Wakeful was bombed by an enemy aircraft around 0600A/3 but sustained no damage. (21)

26 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 38.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Anglo-Saxon (British, 5596 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), British Grenadier (British (tanker), 6857 GRT, built 1922), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Europa (British, 10224 GRT, built 1931), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Gretavale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Ile de Ré (French, 5104 GRT, built 1920), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Llanwern (British, 4966 GRT, built 1928), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Mytilus (Norwegian (tanker), 5716 GRT, built 1916), Norfolk (British, 10948 GRT, built 1918), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935), San Angelo (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Texas Banker (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917), Vestfold (Panamanian (whale factory ship), 14547 GRT, built 1931), Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924) and White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928).

The RFA tankers Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937) and Olwen (6470 GRT, built 1917) are also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1800Q/27, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1900Q/27, the merchant vessel Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914) overtook and joined the convoy. She had departed late from Halifax.

During the night of 28/29 April 1940, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Bourgogne (arrived at Le Verdon on 11 May), Brazil (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Drupa (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Gretavale (rejoined the convoy on 1 May), Hanseat (arrived at Le Havre on 12 May), Ile de Ré (arrived at Le Havre on 11 May), Merchant Royal (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Scottish Maiden (arrived at Brest on 10 May) and Simonburn (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 1 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Abbeydale (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Akaroa (arrived at Portland on 10 May), Ancylus (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Athelsultan (arrived at Belfast on 12 May), Athelviking (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), British Grenadier (arrived at Milford Haven on 10 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Europa (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Kaia Knudsen (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Magician (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Mytilus (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Quebec City (arrived at Newport on 10 May), San Amado (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), San Gaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Stigstad (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Texas Banker (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Valparaiso (rejoined the convoy on 6 May), Vestfold (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Waziristan (rejoined the convoy later the same day) and White Crest (arrived at Ardrossan on 14 May).

On 3 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in bad weather conditions;
Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy on 9 May), Anglo-Saxon (arrived at Portland on 11 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 4 May), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy on 4 May) and San Angelo (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 5 May, the Vimiera straggled from the convoy but she rejoined the following day.

Around 0630O/8, in position 49°50'N, 22°35'W, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0600A/10, in position 50°04'N, 13°30'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN) joined the convoy.

Later that day, around 1700A/10 [???, time difficult to read on the Commodore's report] in position 50°05'N, 10°45'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abbeydale (arrived in the Clyde on 12 May), Drupa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Magician (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), San Amado (arrived at Swansea on 12 May), Sovac (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Texas Banker (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Valparaiso (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May) and Waziristan (arrived at Swansea on 12 May). They were escorted until 2200A/10 by HMS Walpole. HMS Walpole then parted company to join the Nore Command as a result of the German attack of The Netherlands, Belgium and France. She was to proceed to Plymouth first to fuel. The Irish Sea / west coast section then proceeded apparently unescorted.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-African (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Brasil (arrived at Le Verdon on 13 May), Delhi (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Gretavale (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Kaia Knudsen (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Llanwern (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Norfolk (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Olwen (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May), Queen City (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Skeldergate (arrived at Portland on 12 May) and Vimeira (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May). They were escorted by HMS Wessex. Like HMS Walpole, HMS Wessex was also ordered to part company with the convoy, proceed to Plymouth to fuel and then join the Nore Command. It looks like the Channel / east coast section also proceeded unescorted. (22)

1 May 1940

Convoy US 3.

The troopship Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, 1508 troops) departed Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand (near Christchurch) on 1 May 1940. She was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN).

Around noon on May, 2nd, in Cook Strait they were joined by the troopships Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, 3627 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, 2047 troops) and Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930, 1554 troops) and their escorts, the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN). They came from Wellington.

Early on May, 5th, HMS Leander parted company and proceeded to Sydney. During the forenoon the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936, 5059 troops) came out escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN). Shortly afterwards HMAS Canberra also entered Sydney harbour to pick up correspondence. Around 1600K/5, HMAS Canberra and HMS Leander came out together with the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939, 2616 troops). The convoy then set course for Fremantle.

At 2045K/5, HMAS Perth parted company to return to Sydney where she arrived around 0330K/6.

At 1600K/6, off Melbourne, the troopship Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922, 1615 troops) joined the convoy.

At 0630H/10, when 70 nautical miles from Rottness Island, HMS Leander parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Fremantle.

At 0800H/10, the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), joined the convoy and guided into Gage Roads. The transports berthed alongside Fremantle Harbour as arranged except for the Aquitania and Queen Mary. The other transports fuelled and took in water. All ships of the escort berther alongside except for HMAS Adelaide which patrolled in Gage Roads.

At 1200H/12, the convoy started to leave the harbour. On forming up course was set for Colombo.

At 2214G/15, the convoy altered course towards the Cape of Good Hope. It had been decided that the convoy was not to pass through the Mediterranean as the situation with Italy was deteriorating. During the night HMS Leander parted company to proceed to Colombo.

At 1529D/20, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) joined in position 28°13'S, 60°50'E. HMAS Canberra then parted company to return to Australia.

At dawn on May, 26th, the convoy started to pass down the searched channel and entered Table Bay, Capetown.

At 0743B/26, HMS Shropshire set course to proceed to Simonstown.

The Queen Mary and Aquitania anchored in Table Bay while the other troopships berthed alongside the harbour.

At 1350B/26, the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) arrived from Simonstown.

At 0300B/28, the Queen Mary and Aquitania departed Table Bay to proceed to False Bay escorted by HMS Cumberland.

At 1000B/31, the ships at Capetown, less the Empress of Japan commenced to leave the Bay led by HMAS Australia. At sea they were joined by the Queen Mary and Aquitania and their escorts HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland. They had departed from False Bay around 0815B/31. At the rendezvous HMAS Australia then parted company and proceeded to Simonstown.

Course was set for Freetown where the convoy arrived in the morning of June, 7th.

The convoy departed Freetown in the morning of the June, 8th. Still escorted by HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland but now joined by the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN).

At 0035N/10, HMS Hermes parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Dakar.

Around 0900N/12, the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0800N/14, the aircraft carrier Argus joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1000/14, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) joined the convoy coming from the U.K. HMS Dorsetshire then parted company.

around 1500N/14, the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) joined followed around 1600N/14 by the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the afternoon of the 16th.

4 May 1940

Convoy HX 40.

This convoy departed Halifax on 4 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Athelregent (British (tanker), 8881 GRT, built 1930), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Botwey (British, 5106 GRT, built 1916), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), City of Dieppe (British, 7958 GRT, built 1929), Clairy (Panamanian (tanker), 5840 GRT, built 1916), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Graig (British, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Gujarat (British, 4148 GRT, built 1923), Gypsum Queen (British, 3915 GRT, built 1927), Hadleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Holmelea (British, 4223 GRT, built 1928), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), Leopold L.D. (French, 5267 GRT, built 1933), Lista (Norwegian, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Salvage King (Canadian (salvage vessel), 1164 GRT, built 1925), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), Teiresias (British, 7606 GRT, built 1915), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Touraine (French, 6589 GRT, built 1934) and Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Esperance Bay (Capt.(ret) G.S. Holden, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

At 2303Q/4, the Graig grounded on Egg Island in thick fog. She could not be salvaged and was later declared a total loss. It was not clear to the convoy Commodore how this ship ended up in this location.

Both Canadian destroyers were to part company around 1800Q/5 and return to Halifax. [Due to the thick fog their movements were not known to the Convoy Commodore.]

Heavy fog persisted until 1000Q/7. On the fog lifting only 9 ships of the convoy and HMS Esperance Bay were seen from the Commodore's ship.

By 1700P/8, 21 ships were in company.

Around 0500Z/16, the corvette HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0750Z/16, in position 50°09'N, 11°57'W, HMS Esperance Bay parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1100Z/16, in position 50°07'N, 11°22'W, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1630Z/16, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), Belinda (arrived at Avonmouth on 18 May), Botwey (arrived at Manchester on 19 May), Chesapeake (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), Gujarat (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), Gypsum Queen (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), Holmelea (arrived in the Clyde on 19 May), Kars (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), Manchester Progress (arrived at Manchester on 19 May), Margrethe Bakke (arrived at Manchester on 19 May), Nova Scotia (arrived at Manchester on 19 May), Salvage King (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May), San Emiliano (arrived in the Clyde on 19 May), Teiresias (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May) and Tilsington Court (arrived at Liverpool on 18 May). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress until 1530Z/17 when she parted company and the convoy proceeded further up the Irish Sea unescorted.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (arrived in the Downs on 18 May), City of Dieppe (arrived at Plymouth on 17 May), Clairy (Bombed and sunk by German aircraft on 21 May while at anchor off Boulogne-sur-Mer), Delphinula (arrived at Portland on 18 May), Esturia (arrived at Southampton on 18 May), Fernbank (arrived in the Downs on 18 May), Geddington Court (arrived in the Downs on 18 May), Hadleigh (arrived in the Downs on 18 May), Leopold L.D. (arrived at St. Nazaire on 18 May), Lista (arrived at Le Havre on 19 May), Mount Kassion (arrived at Falmouth on 18 May), Touraine (destination was St. Nazaire / Donges, arrivale date not known) and Uffington Court (arrived in the Downs on 18 May). They were escorted by HMS Arabis which arrived at Dover on 18 May. (23)

12 May 1940

Convoy HX 42.

This convoy departed Halifax on 12 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bencleugh (British, 5755 GRT, built 1919), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cygnet (Panamanian, 3530 GRT, built 1917), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 192), El Mirlo (British (tanker), 8092 GRT, built 1930), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Empire Unity (British (tanker), 6369 GRT, built 1927), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Peterton (British, 5221 GRT, built 1919), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Stylianos Chandris (Greek, 6059 GRT, built 1919), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), Windsorwood (British, 5395 GRT, built 1936) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1745Q/13, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0800P/14, the merchant vessel Uganda (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927) overtook and joined the convoy. She had sailed from Halifax late. [The position given in the Commodore's report can not be correct.]

On 18 May, in position 42°57'N, 39°30'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 42) joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Atheltemplar (British (tanker), 8992 GRT, built 1930), Brandanger (Norwegian, 4624 GRT, built 1924), British Resource (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Davisian (British, 6433 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kumasian (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Pacific Ranger (British, 6865 GRT, built 1929), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Solstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5952 GRT, built 1927), Sticklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1845Z/24, in position 50°15'N, 13°11'W, HMS Laconia parted company. The local A/S escort had not yet joined.

Around 2100A/24, in position 50°14'N, 13°00'W, the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR) joined.

Around 2400A/24, in position 50°12'N, 12°23'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.

Around 1030A/25, in position 50°04'N, 10°09'W, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adellen (arrived at Scapa Flow on 30 May), British Resource (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Cygnet (arrived at Sharpness on ?? May), Demeterton (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), El Mirlo (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Kumasian (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Llanover (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Norwegian (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Pacific Exporter (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived in the Clyde on 28 May), Scottish Star (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Silverelm (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Solstad (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Strategist (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Stylianos Chandris (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May), Uganda (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May), Vancouver (arrived at Avonmouth on 27 May) and Yearby (arrived at Liverpool on 27 May). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 27 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amberton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Atheltemplar (arrived at Southampton on 27 May), Beaverdale (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Bencleuch (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Brandanger (arrived at Falmouth on 26 May), Brant County (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Calgarolite (arrived at Brest on 26 May), City of Christiania (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Davila (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Davisian (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Eleni (arrived at Bordeaux on 28 May), Empire Unity (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Gemstone (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Inversuir (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), King Arthur (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Lindenhall (arrived in the Downs on 28 May), Niceto de Larrinaga (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Pacific Ranger (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Peterton (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Petter (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Pomella (arrived at Le Verdon on 28 May), Rapana (arrived at Le Verdon on 27 May), San Ambrosio (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), San Roberto (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scherazade (arrived at Brest on 27 May), Scottish Trader (arrived at Weymouth on 27 May), Stiklestad (arrived at Pauillac on 28 May), Voco (arrived in the Downs on 28 May) and Windsorwood (arrived in the Downs on 28 May). They were escorted by HMS Gladiolus which arrived at Dover on 28 May. (24)

16 May 1940

Convoy HX 43.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Fort Medine (French, 5261 GRT, built 1919), Frederick S. Fales (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Ida Bakke (Norwegian, 5455 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Montreal City (British, 3066 GRT, built 1920), Pierre L.D. (French, 5705 GRT, built 1935), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Temple Moat (British, 4427 GRT, built 1928), Thornlea (British, 4261 GRT, built 1929), Wendover (British, 5487 GRT, built 1928), Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914), Wirta (Finnish, 4013 GRT, built 1909) and Wisa (Finnish, 3768 GRT, built 1907).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser Emerald and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

During the night of 16/17 May, the Wirta straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived in the Tyne on 3 June.

Around 1800Q/17, in position 42°38'N, 57°57'W, the Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1100P/21, in position 41°31'N, 42°32'W, the Bermuda section of the convoy (Convoy BHX 43) joined convoy HX 43. This were the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (British, 8621 GRT, built 1926), Athelcrest (British (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1940), Athelprince (British (tanker), 8782 GRT, built 1926), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Courage (British (tanker), 6952 GRT, built 1928), British Hussar (British (tanker), 6944 GRT, built 1923), British Loyalty (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1928), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Dallas City (British, 4952 GRT, built 1935), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Ensis (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Inverilen (British (tanker), 9456 GRT, built 1938), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Laurits Swenson (Norwegian, 5725 GRT, built 1930), Napier Star (British, 10116 GRT, built 1927), Neion (Greek, 5241 GRT, built 1918), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936), Victor Ross (British (tanker), 12247 GRT, built 1933), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1130O/24, in position 45°50'N, 30°36'W, the merchant vessel Jamaica Pioneer (British, 5471 GRT, built 1931), which had lost two propeller blades, but non the less was able to do 9.5 knots, joined the convoy.

Around 1400O/24, in position 46°20'N, 29°40'W, the Ahamo lost a men overboard which was picked up by the Vivi. The Vivi was then however unable to take up her position in the convoy and never rejoined. She arrived at Avonmouth on 31 May.

Around 2000O/25, in position 47°25'N, 25°00'W, the Bristol City dropped out of the convoy with engine defects. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived at Swansea on 31 May.

Around 2359N/26, in position 49°06'N, 20°00'W, HMS Emerald parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1800Z/27, in position 49°47'N, 16°23'W, the sloop HMS Sandwich (Cdr. M.J. Yeatman, RN) and corvette HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1900Z/28, in position 50°00'N, 10°36'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ahamo (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Bengore Head (arrived at Belfast on 30 May), Bhima (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), British Courage (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), British Hussar (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), British Loyalty (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Brynymor (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Daytonian (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), Ida Bakke (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Inverilen (arrived at Swansea on 30 May), Iroquois (arrived at Avonmouth on 30 May), Laurits Swenson (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Manchester Port (arrived at Manchester on 31 May), Monteal City (arrived at Newport on 31 May), Opalia (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Ramsay (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Sildra (arrived at Swansea on 31 May), Spinnington Court (arrived at Liverpool on 30 May), Sulairia (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May), Thornlea (arrived at Avonmouth on 30 May), Wendover (arrived at Manchester on 31 May) and Winterswijk (arrived in the Clyde on 31 May). They were escorted by HMS Sandwich which arrived at Liverpool on 30 May.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelcrest (arrived at Brest on 30 May), Athelprince (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Baxtergate (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Beaverford (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Chama (arrived at Pauillac on 31 May), Dallas City (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Ensis (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Fort Medine (arrived at Bordeaux on 1 June), Frederick S. Fales (arrived at Brest on 30 May), Gold Shell (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Jamaica Pioneer (arrived in the Downs on 31 May), Napier Star (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Neion (arrived at St. Nazaire on 1 June), Pierre L.D. (arrived at St. Nazaire on 31 May), Standella (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Temple Moat (arrived at Weymouth on 1 June), Victor Ross (arrived at Southampton on 31 May), Wisa (arrived in the Downs on 31 May) and Yarraville (arrived at Brest on 30 May). They were escorted by HMS Clarkia which arrived at Dover on 31 May. (25)

20 May 1940

Convoy HX 44.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), Blairmore (British, 4141 GRT, built 1928), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Geo H. Jones (Panamanian (tanker), 6689 GRT, built 1919), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Hollinside (British, 4172 GRT, built 1930), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Llanishen (British, 5053 GRT, built 1929), Mahronda (British, 7926 GRT, built 1925), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), San Fabian (British (tanker), 13031 GRT, built 1922), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929) and Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1800Q/21, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

On 24 May, the Stanwell straggled from the convoy. She arrived in the Clyde on 5 June. Around 0830P/25, convoy BHX 44 joined convoy HX 44. The following merchant vessels now joined the convoy;
Acavus (British (tanker), 8010 GRT, built 1935), Arakaka (British, 2379 GRT, built 1933), Charles Racine (Norwegian (tanker), 9957 GRT, built 1937), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), H.H. Rogers (Panamanian (tanker), 8807 GRT, built 1916), Invershannon (British (tanker), 8154 GRT, built 1938), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935) and San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939).

On 25 May, the Blairesk and Blairmore straggled from the convoy. They arrived at Falmouth on 2 June and in the Downs on 4 June respectively.

On 26 May, the Olev straggled from the convoy. She arrived at Liverpool (for Warrington) on 4 June.

Around 1230ON/30, 49°34'N, 21°20'W, HMS Ausonia parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1830A/31, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1315A/1, the sloop HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1830A/1, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arakaka (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Beckenham (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Charles Racine (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Cordelia (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Corner Brook (arrived at Dublin on 3 June), Dramatist (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Goldmouth (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June), Invershannon (arrived at Scapa Flow on 9 June, via ???), Langleetarn (arrived at Swansea on 3 June), Llanishen (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Newfoundland (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Norman Monarch (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June), Polarsol (arrived in Barry Roads on 3 June, to Avonmouth on 6 June), San Arcadio (arrived in the Clyde on 3 June (?) for Ardrossan where she arrived on 5 June), San Ernesto (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June), San Fabian (arrived at Liverpool on 3 June) and San Gerardo (arrived at Avonmouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 3 June.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Acavus (arrived in the Gironde on 4 June), Baron Yarborough (re-directed and arrived at Liverpool on 5 June), Europe (arrived at Bordeaux on 6 June), Geo H. Jones (arrived at Southampton on 5 June), Grainton (re-directed and arrived at Belfast on 5 June), H.H. Rogers (destination was Brest, arrival date not known), Hollinside (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Mahronda (re-directed and arrived at Manchester on 5 June), Malayan Prince (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Nailsea Moor (arrived in the Downs on 4 June), Pontfield (arrived at Southampton on 6 June) and Port Melbourne (arrived at Plymouth on 3 June). They were escorted by HMS Enchantress which arrived at Plymouth on 3 June following an A/S hunt. (26)

11 Jun 1940

Convoy TC 5.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 11 June 1940 for Liverpool where it arrived on 21 June 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928, carrying 1173 troops), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928, carrying 1792 troops), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921, carrying 787 troops),

With them was also the troopship Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914) which was to proceed to Iceland. [Number of troops on board not known.]

On departure from Iceland the escort was made up of the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

At 1830OP(+2.5)/12, HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Saguenay parted company to return to Halifax.

On the 13th or the 14th the Empress of Australia parted company to proceed to Reykjavik, Iceland where she arrived on the 16th.

At 0430A/19, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) joined the convoy.

Around 0600A/20, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth escorted by HMCS Skeena, HMCS Fraser, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS St. Laurent.

The convoy proceeded to Liverpool with HMS Wanderer.

12 Jun 1940
HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) is undocked ant then immediately departed Liverpool escorted by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN). They were to join troop convoy US 3 on the 14th. (27)

13 Jun 1940
HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) and her three escorting destroyers, HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) are joined around 1130 hours by another Canadian destroyer, HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), which came from Plymouth after effecting repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (27)

14 Jun 1940
Convoy US 3, made up of the troopships (liners) Andes (25689 GRT, built 1939), Aquitania (44786 GRT, built 1914), Empress of Britain (42348 GRT, built 1931), Empress of Canada (21517 GRT, built 1922), Mauretania (35739 GRT, built 1939) and Queen Mary (81235 GRT, built 1936) with troop from New Zealand and Australia on board and escorted by the British heavy cruisers HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) and HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) was joined around 0800 hours by HMS Argus (Capt. H.C. Bovell, RN), which came from Gibraltar, and joined around 1000 hours by the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) escorted by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) which came from the U.K. Shortly afterwards HMS Dorsetshire left the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Later that day, around 1500 hours, the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN) and around 1600 hours by two more destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). (28)

16 Jun 1940
HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) arrived in the Clyde with convoy US 3.

18 Jun 1940
Around 0400A/18, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. I.G. Glennie, RN) departed the Clyde for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the Canadian destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and the British destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. J.H. Ruck-Keene, RN). HMS Wanderer was however replaced by the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) shortly after sailing.

Around 1500A/18, rendez-vous was made with the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde the previous day but while on passage through the Minches had been ordered to make rendezvous with HMS Hood to proceed direct to Gibraltar. The destroyer HMS Foxhound had also been with HMS Ark Royal but she had been detached at 0520A/18 to fuel at Milford Haven and then rejoin.

The destroyers that had been escorting HMS Hood were detached at 1625A/18.

In the late afternoon and evening of the 20th, HMS Fearless, HMS Faulknor and then HMS Escapade fuelled from HMS Hood.

At 1830A/21, HMS Foxhound finally was able to join.

21 Jun 1940
The battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) arrived at Plymouth after convoy escort duty. (29)

29 Jun 1940
Around 0715A/29, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) departed Greenock. Before leaving the Clyde 6" gunnery exercises were carried out on completion of which course was set for Gibraltar and the destroyers HMS Fury (Cdr. E.W.B. Sim, RN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) joined as escorts.

Early on 1 July 1940, HMS Nelson is ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow instead of Gibraltar. Course was set accordingly.

In the morning of 2 July 1940, HMCS St. Laurent was detached to proceed towards the position where the transport Arandora Star (British, 15501 GRT, built 1927) had been torpedoed.

HMS Nelson, HMS Fury, HMS Fame and HMCS Skeena arrived at Scapa Flow around 0530A/3. (30)

17 Jul 1940
HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) picks up 65 survivors from the British merchant Manipur that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-57 8 nautical miles north-west of Cape Wrath in position 58°41'N, 05°14'W.

2 Sep 1940
HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) picks up 19 survivors from the British merchant Thornlea that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-46 about 200 miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°41'N, 14°20'W.

19 Oct 1940

Convoy OL 8.

This convoy departed Liverpool on 19 October 1940 and was dispersed on 22 October in about 25'W.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Jamaica Planter (British, 4098 GRT, built 1936), Port Fairy (British, 10243 GRT, built 1928), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921).

Escort was provided on departed from Liverpool by the destroyers HMS Havelock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN).

The Canadian destroyer HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) sailed from the Clyde that day and also joined the escort.

The Canadian destroyer HMCS Margaree (Cdr. J.W.R. Roy, RCN) departed from Londonderry on the 20th. She joined the convoy at sea.

On 21 July Cdr. Roy on board HMCS Margaree (Senior Officer of the escort) was ordered by the Admiralty (in a signal timed 1153 hours) to detach the merchant vessel Arundal Castle and remain with the convoy until 25°00'W and then disperse the convoy.

At 0230/22 the merchant vessel Port Fairy and HMCS Margaree collided. The destroyer was heavily damaged and sank later with heavy loss of life. Port Fairy rescued 32 of the crew.

1 Nov 1940

Convoy WS 4A.

This convoy departed Liverpool / the Clyde on 1 / 2 November 1940 for the far east.

The Liverpool section of the convoy departed Liverpool on 1 November and was made up of the following troopships / transports; Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914), City of Manchester (British, 8917 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928), Dunedin Star (British, 11168 GRT, built 1936), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) and Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936).

From the Bristol Channel three ships joined this convoy, these were; Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939) and Port Wyndham (British, 11005 GRT, built 1937).

It was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski). This last destroyer had been escorting the three ships that came from the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde section of the convoy departed the Clyde on 2 November was made up of the following troopships / transports;

Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Clan Chattan (British, 7262 GRT, built 1937), Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1935), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928) and Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930).

They were escort by the heavy cruiser HMS Cornwall (Capt. C.F. Hammill, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, RN).

The convoy merged around 1000/2 in position 55°45'N, 07°21'W.

HMS Bulldog and ORP Garland left the convoy around 1200/3 in position 54°25'N, 14°39'W to go to the aid of the troopship Windsor Castle which had been damaged by German aircraft bombs in position 54°12'N, 13°18'W.

HMS Cairo left the convoy at 1830/3 in position 54°12'N, 16°13'W.

HMS Hesperus and HMS Hurricane left the convoy around 1900/3 to go to the aid of the torpedoed armed merchant cruiser HMS Laurentic.

HMS Beagle, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy at 0300/4 in position 52°30'N, 19°00'W.

HMCS Ottawa and HMS Harvester parted company with the convoy at 1600/4 in position 52°30'N, 22°25'W.

At 0310/5 the Duchess of Richmond parted company with the convoy in position 52°10'N, 26°05'E to proceed to her destination independently.

At 0630/9 the Akaroa parted company with the convoy in position 32°44'N, 22°58'W to proceed to Trinidad.

At 0855/11 the Almanzora, Abosso, City of Manchester, Darius, Malancha and Martland were detached ('slow' group) were detached in position 23°47'N, 22°15'W under the escort of the armed merchant cruiser HMS Pretoria Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.J. Shelly, RN) which had just joined the convoy.

The 'fast' section of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 14 November escorted by HMS Cornwall.

The 'slow' section of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 15 November escorted by HMS Pretoria Castle.

----------------------------------------------------

The convoy, now made up of troopships / transports Almanzora, City of Manchester, Clan Chattan, Clan Lamont, Delius, Dunedin Star, Highland Monarch, Malancha, Martand, Port Wyndham, Scythia, Stirling Castle and Warwick Castle, departed Freetown for South Africa around 1630 hours on 17 November 1940.

They were escorted by HMS Cornwall and HMS Pretoria Castle.

At 0805 hours on 26 November the Scythia and Warwick Castle parted company with the convoy in position 22°55'S, 09°03'E to proceed to Capetown. They were escorted by HMS Pretoria Castle.

These ships arrived off Capetown on 29 October. The troopships both entered the harbour but Scythia only briefly to take on board water.

HMS Pretoria Castle rejoined to convoy around 1200 hours on 29 November. Scythia rejoined about 45 minutes later.

At 1500 hours on 2 December, while in position 32°15'S, 29°35'E, the Almanzora, City of Manchester, Delius, Malancha and Martand were left astern to enable to other ships to arrive at Durban early the next day. HMS Pretoria Castle remained with these five ships while HMS Cornwall went ahead with the others.

Pretoria Castle arrived with the five ships that had split off at Durban some hours after the others. The convoy then entered harbour while HMS Pretoria Castle set course for Capetown.

----------------------------------------------------

The convoy, now made up of troopships / transports City of Manchester, Clan Chattan, Clan Lamont, Delius, Dunedin Star, Highland Monarch, Malancha, Martand, Port Wyndham and Stirling Castle, departed Durban for Aden around 1030 hours on 5 December 1940.

There was one more ships in the convoy, this was the troopship Dunera (11162 GRT, built 1937) who had taken over the troops of the Scythia and took her place in the convoy.

Escort was once again HMS Cornwall but she was now with the armed merchant cruiser HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN).

----------------------------------------------------

In the morning of 18 December 1940 the convoy arrived near Aden and was transferred to the Red Sea escort. HMS Cornwall and HMS Kanimbla parted company with the convoy at 0925/18 in position 11°53'N, 45°08'E. The then proceeded to Aden where they arrived around 1300/18.

The Red Sea escort joined the convoy as follows; sloops HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined the convoy at 0730/18 in position 11°53'N, 45°34'E.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) joined at 0945/18 in position 11°55'N, 45°03'E.

And the last ship to join, the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined at 1023/18 in position 11°57'N, 44°56'E.

Two more troopships / transports joined the convoy at 1130/18 in position 12°02'N, 44°45'E. These were the City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936) and Melbourne Star (British, 11076 GRT, built 1936).

HMS Carlisle parted company with the convoy at 1650/20 in position 20°33'N, 38°45'E.

HMIS Indus and HMAS Yarra parted company with the convoy at 1730/20 in position 20°42'N, 38°41'E.

At 1200/21, the Dunedin Star, Melbourne Star and Stirling Castle, escorted by HMS Kingston proceeded ahead. They arrived at Suez at 1500/22.

The remaineder of the convoy arrived at Suez at 0700/23 escorted by HMAS Perth. (31)

15 Nov 1940
HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN). (32)

18 Nov 1940

Convoy WS 4B.

This convoy departed Liverpool / the Clyde on 17/18 November 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 28 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the troopships; Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929).

The convoy was formed at sea at 0830/18 when the two sections made rendez-vous west of Oversay Light.

The convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMS Bath (Cdr.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN) and HMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).

The AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined at 0945/18.

An additional destroyer, HMS St. Marys (Lt. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), joined the convoy in the afternoon of the 18th.

Destroyers HMS Bath, HMS St. Albans and HMS St. Marys parted company with the convoy at 1730/19 followed by HMS Cairo one hour later.

Destroyer HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy at 0900/20 followed at 1800/20 by the four Canadian destroyers.

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) joined the convoy at 1300/23. HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy at 1600/23 and proceeded to patrol east of the Azores.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 November 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Edinburgh.

--------------------------------------------------

The convoy departed Freetown on 1 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN).

HMS Cumberland parted company with the convoy late in the morning of December 4th having been relieved by HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN). HMS Cumberland then proceeded to join the South America Division.

HMS Hawkins was detached with orders to proceed to Simonstown in the morning of December 8th. After fuelling at Simonstown, she was to rejoin the convoy. She arrived at Simonstown around 1630B/9 and departed again around 2110B/9 rejoining the convoy around dawn on the 10th.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 12 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Hawkins.

--------------------------------------------------

The convoy departed Durban on 16 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN).

At 1000/18, the light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) took over from HMS Devonshire. This last cruiser then set course to return to Durban.

The convoy arrived near Aden on 25 December 1940 but it did not enter the port. HMS Southampton was briefly detached to fuel at Aden after which she rejoined the convoy. The escort was reinforced with the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN). HMS Shropshire was then detached from the convoy and entered Aden.

HMS Carlisle and HMS Kimberey parted company with the convoy on 27 December 1940 and joined a southbound convoy.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 28 December 1940 escorted by HMS Southampton and HMS Kandahar. (31)

23 Nov 1940
HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) picks up 6 men from the Norwegian merchant Bruse that was torpedoed and damaged west of Ireland in position 55°04'N, 12°15'W by German U-boat U-100.

Skeena also picks up 9 survivors from the Norwegian merchant Salonica that was torpedoed and sunk by U-100 west of Ireland in position 55°16'N, 12°14'W.

12 Dec 1940
Shortly after 1200A/10, the troopship Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), HMS Argus (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) were joined by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. M.T. Collier, RN). (33)

13 Dec 1940
Around 0800A/13, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. M.T. Collier, RN) parted company with the troopship Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN),armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) which continued on towards the Clyde. (33)

14 Dec 1940
The troopship Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) all arrived in the Clyde. (33)

31 Jan 1941
Around 2330A/31, ' Z Force ' departed Lamlash for Freetown. ' Z Force ' was made up of the infantery landing ships HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN), HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) and HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) Sir J.F. Paget, RN). On passing the boom at Lamlash they were joined by the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 0830A/1, they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) which had departed Greenock at 0001A/1.

Around 0900A/1, the troopship Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932) joined.

At 0530Z/3, the Georgic and the destroyers parted company.

At 0955N/7, the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) joined.

At 0655N/9, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.

At 1030N/10, ' Z Force ', HMS Kenya and HMS Dorsetshire arrived at Freetown.

(34)

3 Feb 1941
Around 1010Z/3, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and light cruiser HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) on passage from Gibraltar for the U.K. were joined by the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN). Shortly afterwards the destroyer HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) also joined.

At 2212Z/3, starshell and a seafire was sighted. Four minutes later HMCS Ottawa and HMCS St. Laurent were detached to investigate.

At 1205Z/4, HMCS Skeena reported ' man overboard ' and the ship back turned to search.

Around 1915Z/4, HMS Neptune parted company with HMS Furious and the remaining destroyers and set course for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1800A/5.

HMS Furious arrived in the Clyde also around 1800A/5. She was then taken in hand for engine repairs while also loading up with aircraft for the upcoming mission. (35)

9 Feb 1941

Convoy WS 6A.

This convoy departed U.K. waters on 9 February 1941 and arrived at Freetown on 1 March 1941.

The convoy was formed at in position from three sections of troopships / transports coming from Avonmouth, Liverpool and the Clyde.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Ascanius (British, 10048 GRT, built 1910), Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Burdwan (British, 6069 GRT, built 1928), Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929), City of Athens (British, 6558 GRT, built 1923), City of Corinth (British, 5318 GRT, built 1918), City of Hankow (British, 7360 GRT, built 1915), City of Pittsburg (British, 7377 GRT, built 1922), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Dalesman (British, 6343 GRT, built 1940), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Kina II (British, 9823 GRT, built 1939), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Llandaff Castle (British, 10799 GRT, built 1926), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Masheer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Opawa (British, 10354 GRT, built 1931), Port Alma (British, 8400 GRT, built 1928), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Ruahine (British, 10832 GRT, built 1909), Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) and Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922).

Escort was initially provided by the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN), destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP), HMS Keppel (?), HMS Broadwater (Lt.Cdr. C.L.de H. Bell, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN) and HMS Cottesmore (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, RN).

Information on this convoy is difficult to find but it appears that most of the A/S escort parted company with the convoy in the early evening of 12 February (according to the logbook of HMS Birmingham) and then proceeded as follows; HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam to Scapa Flow passing north of Rockall, HMS Keppel, HMS Atherstone and HMS Cottesmore to Londonderry, HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Restigouche, HMCS St. Laurent and HMCS Skeena through area 52°N to 53°N, 23°W to 20°W and then to Greenock through position 55°N, 15°W, HMS Legion, HMS Broadwater, ORP Piorun and ORP Garland through position 57°N, 19°W and then to Greenock while passing north of Rockall. All groups were to conduct A/S sweeps on their way back.

Shortly before noon on the 15th the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) was sighted which was to join the convoy.

Shortly after Rodney joined HMS Phoebe parted company with the convoy to fuel at Gibraltar.

HMS Rodney remained with the convoy until 1700/16. She then set course to join convoy HX 108.

The battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN) joined the convoy at 1000/17. They remained with the convoy until 1030/21 when they were relieved by HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN).

HMS Phoebe rejoined the convoy shortly before noon on 23 February 1941.

Shortly after noon on 25 February 1941 the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy.

At 2030/25 the armed yacht HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) also joined.

Around 0900/27 the sloop HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) joined the escort of the convoy.

On February 28th, HMS Malaya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown taking the destroyers HMS Faulknor and HMS Forester with her. Also on this day the destroyers HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) joined the escort of the convoy.

At 1226A/1, a Walrus aircraft from HMS Birmingham force landed on the water 95° from position 09°25'N, 16°39'W. Birmingham searched for the aircraft rejoining the convoy for the night not having found the aircraft. A new search was not possible without first fuelling at Freetown.

Shortly before arrival at Freetown on 2 March 1941 the corvettes HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR) and HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR) joined. (31)

3 Mar 1941
HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) arrived at Halifax for a refit.

21 Jun 1941

Convoy TC 11.

This troop convoy departed Halifax on 21 June 1941.

Is was made up of the troopships Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1930), Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1245Z/21, HMCS St. Laurent and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy and proceeded to St. John's.

Shortly after 1900B/26, the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSO, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) joined the convoy coming from Hvalfjord, Iceland.

Around 1200B/27, HMS Ramillies, HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock and HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Around 0345B/28, HMS Sherwood was detached to return to Hvalfjord due to defects.

Around 0900B/28, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the morning of June, 30th. (36)

31 Jul 1942
German U-boat U-588 was sunk in the North Atlantic, in position 49°59'N, 36°36'W, by depth charges from the Canadian corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN) and the Canadian destroyer HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. D.L. Dyer, RCN).

9 Dec 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. K.L. Dyer, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Wetaskiwin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Kidston, RCNVR). (37)

7 May 1943

Convoy HX 238.

This convoy departed New York on 7 May 1943.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Atlanta City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bralanta (Norwegian (tanker), 9608 GRT, built 1936), British Fidelity (British (tanker), 8465 GRT, built 1938), Cyrus Field (British (cable ship), 1288 GRT, built 1924), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edwin M. Stanton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Elizabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Elmer A. Sperry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nugget (British (tanker), 9807 GRT, built 1942), Evita (Norwegian (tanker), 6346 GRT, built 1927), Fort Acton (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 11194 GRT, built 1932), Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920), Kaldfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9931 GRT, built 1936), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Lista (Norwegian, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Montevideo (Norwegian, 4639 GRT, built 1928), Morgenen (Norwegian (tanker), 7093 GRT, built 1930), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Norvinn (Panamanian (tanker), 6322 GRT, built 1930), O.B. Sorensen (Norwegian (tanker), 7919 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Philipp Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert E. Peary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), Southern Sun (American (tanker), 8893 GRT, built 1931) and William J. Worth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN), carrying new aircraft was also part of the convoy. She was not able to operate aircraft.

On departure from New York the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMCS Lethbridge (T/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR), HMCS Oakville (T/Lt. H. Farncomb, RCNVR) and the minesweeper HMCS Brockville (Lt. R.C. Chenoweth, RCNVR).

On 9 May 1943, the following merchant vessels departed Halifax to join the convoy Aedanus Burke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alcedo (Panamanian, 1392 GRT, built 1937), Argolicos (Greek, 4786 GRT, built 1921), Bruarfoss (Icelandic, 1580 GRT, built 1927), Cavina (British, 6907 GRT, 1924), City of Glasgow (British, 5321 GRT, 1920), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Tjisalak (Dutch, 5787 GRT, built 1917) and Troubadour (Norwegian, 5808 GRT, built 1920).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR) and the corvettes HMCS Shawinigan (T/Lt. C.P. Balfry, RCNR), HMCS Sudbury (T/Lt. D.S. Martin, RCNR) and the minesweeper HMCS Milltown (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Marshall, RCNVR).

On these ships from Halifax joining, most likely on 10 May, the Cyrus Field parted company with the convoy to proceed, with the original escort, to Halifax where they arrived on 11 May 1943.

On 12 May 1943, the merchant vessels Stephen A. Douglas (American, 7219 GRT, built 1942) and Wendell Phillips (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) sailed from St.John's, Newfoundland to join the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), corvettes HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. H.L. Quinn, RCNVR), HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR), HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR), HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. W.G.N. Aplin, RNR). The rescue tug HMS Samsonia was also with them. They joined the convoy on 13 May 1943. On these ship joining HMS Chelsea, HMCS Shawinigan, HMCS Sudbury and HMCS Milltown were detached to proceed to St. John's.

On the 14th the destroyer HMS Burnham (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and corvette HMCS La Malbaie (T/Lt. J.S. Davis, RCNVR) departed St. John's to overtake and join the convoy.

Around 0415A/20, HMS Fencer and HMCS Skeena to proceed to Belfast and Londonderry respectively.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 21/22 May 1943.

17 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Burnham (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN). (38)

25 Sep 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR), HMCS Saskatchewan (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN), HMS Burnham (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN). (39)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with, first HMS Columbine T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR), then with HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR) and finally with HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Edwards, RNVR). (40)

16 Dec 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN), HMCS Pictou (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.K. Fox, RCNVR), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and aircraft. (41)

9 May 1944
HMS H 50 (T/Lt. A.F. Wicker, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Saskatchewan (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Easton, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN) and HMCS Qa'Appelle (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN). (42)

18 Jun 1944
Around 0400B/18, the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Plymouth. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN).

Around 1900B/18, HMS Volage and HMS Wessex parted comany.

Around 0630B/19, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Saladin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.G.C. King, RNVR) and HMS Scimitar (Lt. P. Archer-Shee, RNVR) joined.

Around 1255B/19, the destroyers HMCS Qa'Appelle (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMCS Saskatchewan (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Easton, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Restigouche (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Groos, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN) joined.

HMS Anson arrived at Plymouth around 1800B/19. (43)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMCS Chaudiere (A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Nixon, RCN), HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN), HMCS Qa'Appelle (T/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, DSO, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Stephen, DSC, RCNR). (44)

8 Oct 1944
Around 0700A/8, the escort carriers HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta.

They departed for the U.K. around 1315A/8. They were now escorted by the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and Wrangler (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN).

Around 0500A/10, the destroyers HMCS Chaudiere (A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Nixon, RCN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Stephen, DSC, RCNR) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN) joined. The original escort then parted company to return to Gibraltar.

Around 0930A/12, HMS Pursuer parted company to proceed to Greenock where she arrived around 1415A/8.

HMS Searcher and HMS Khedive arrived in Bangor Bay around 1030A/12.

The Canadian destroyers arrived at Londonderry on the 12th. (45)

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