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Notable events involving Delight include:

The page for this destroyer was last updated in August 2020.

28 Aug 1939
Destroyer Division 41, part of the 21st Destroyer Flotilla and made up of te destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) departed Hong Kong for Singapore. They were to proceed to the Mediterranean to enable other destroyers to proceed from there to the South Atlantic and Home waters. (1)

1 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) arrived at Singapore from Hong Kong. (2)

2 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo. (2)

5 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) arrived at Colombo from Singapore. (2)

8 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) departed Colombo for Aden. (2)

14 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (2)

15 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) departed Aden for Alexandria. (2)

19 Sep 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Aden where they joined the Mediterranean Fleet. (3)

26 Sep 1939
HMS Salmon (Lt.Cdr. E.O. Bickford, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with HMS Deptford (Cdr. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and later with HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN). (4)

27 Sep 1939
The battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Barham (Capt. H.T.C. Walker, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral G. Layton, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for exercises. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).

HMS Warspite returned to harbour around 1800B/27. HMS Barham and HMS Malaya returned to harbour around 1630B/28. HMS Glorious returned to harbour around 1500B/29. (3)

28 Sep 1939

Convoy Red 2.

This convoy departed Southampton on 29 September 1939.

It was made up of the liners (serving as troopships); Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914) and Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923).

The armed merchant cruiser (not outfitted yet) HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. A.G. Talbot, RN) and HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. B. Jones, RN) which joined in Spithead early on the 29th.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 3 October 1939.

The convoy, less the Athlone Castle departed Gibraltar later the same day. The convoy was now escorted by the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, RN) and HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN).

At 0815A/5, the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), which came from Malta, took over from HMS Greyhound and HMS Gipsy which then parted company.

At 1746A/5, HMS Alcantara and the Franconia collided. Both ships were damaged.

The convoy arrived at Malta on 6 October 1939.

The convoy departed Malta on 7 October 1939 but was now only made up of the Empress of Australia. She was now escorted by the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN) and HMS Gipsy (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Crossley, RN).

The convoy arrived at Alexandria on 9 October 1939.

2 Oct 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (5)

3 Oct 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. (5)

4 Oct 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous with convoy Red 2.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy Red 2 ' for 28 September 1939.]

6 Oct 1939
HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) returned to Malta from escort duty. (5)

9 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed Malta to patrol in the Kithera area. (5)

15 Oct 1939

Convoy OA 20G.

This convoy departed Southend on 15 October 1939. It merged with convoy OG 20 into convoy OB 3 on 17 October 1939 in position 49°40’N, 07°00’W.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; African Prince (British, 4653 GRT, built 1939), Anthippi N. Michalos (Greek, 3436 GRT, built 1905), Athelcrown (British (tanker), 11999 GRT, built 1929), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), British Colonel (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Councillor (British (tanker), 7048 GRT, built 1922), British Workman (British (tanker), 6694 GRT, built 1922), Camerata (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Corhampton (British, 2495 GRT, built 1933), Leadgate (British, 2125 GRT, built 1925), Medjerda (British, 4380 GRT, built 1924), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Uskside (British, 2706 GRT, built 1937), Wisla (Polish, 3108 GRT, built 1928) and Woodlark (British, 1501 GRT, built 1928).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN) which joined the convoy in the Downs at shortly after 1600 hours. They escorted the convoy until 0700/17 when they were relieved by HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN).

16 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) returned to Malta from patrol. (5)

17 Oct 1939
HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duties. (6)

21 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) is docked in No.4 dock at Malta. (5)

26 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) is undocked. (5)

28 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (5)

31 Oct 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta. (5)

1 Nov 1939
The British passenger/cargo ship Lancashire (9445 GRT, built 1917) departed Gibraltar for Marseilles. She is being escorted by HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN). (7)

4 Nov 1939
The British passenger/cargo ship Lancashire (9445 GRT, built 1917) and her destroyer escort, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), arrived at Marseilles. (7)

6 Nov 1939
The British passenger/cargo ship Lancashire (9445 GRT, built 1917) departed Marseilles for Malta. She is still being escorted by HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN). (7)

8 Nov 1939
The British passenger/cargo ship Lancashire (9445 GRT, built 1917) and her destroyer escort, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), arrived at Malta.

HMS Delight departed Malta for Port Said later the same day. (7)

11 Nov 1939
Around 0800B/11, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Alexandria. She departed again around 1100B/11 with the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN). They were to proceed to Port Said. (8)

12 Nov 1939
Around 0800B/12, HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Port Said from Alexandria.

They commenced the southbound passage of the Suez Canal later that morning.

On completion of the passage of the Canal they set course to proceed to Aden. (8)

16 Nov 1939
Around 0830D/16, HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Aden. They departed again around 1700D/16 for a rendezvous near Socotra with other units. (8)

18 Nov 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) anchored off Socotra.

Here they were joined by HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) coming from Aden.

HMS Daring then parted company and proceeded to Aden.

The remaining ships departed again later the same day to patrol in the area. (9)

21 Nov 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) anchored off Socotra.

Here they were joined by HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) which had also been patrolling in the area. (9)

22 Nov 1939
After oiling, HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) departed Socotra to patrol in the area.

HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) also departed Socotra with the same purpose, patrol in the general area off Socotra.

28 Nov 1939
Shortly after midnight HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) anchored off Socotra.

Here they were joined later that morning by HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) which had also been patrolling in the area.

After oiling all ships departed again to continue their patrols, Malaya, Glorious and Bulldog departed again late on the 28th followed by Ramillies and Delight the following day. (9)

2 Dec 1939
Around 1100D/2, HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Aden having patrolled the Socotra area for over two weeks. (10)

4 Dec 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) departed Aden for Alexandria. (11)

8 Dec 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (11)

13 Dec 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) departed Alexandria for a contraband patrol in the Aegean. (11)

18 Dec 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (11)

21 Dec 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was escorted by HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN). (11)

24 Dec 1939
HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and her escorts, the destroyers, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), arrived at Gibraltar from Malta. HMS Malaya departed Gibraltar later the same day for Halifax. She was still being escorted by HMS Delight and HMS Diana but also by HMS Watchman (Cdr.(Retd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN).

HMS Watchman parted company at 1730/26 and returned to Gibraltar.

HMS Delight and HMS Diana parted company at 1100/27 and set course to proceed to the U.K. (11)

30 Dec 1939
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

At Portsmouth she was taken in hand for repairs which lasted over a month. (11)

30 Jan 1940

Convoy TC 3.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 30 January 1940 for the Clyde where it arrived on 7 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / liners; Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914, carrying 2733 troops), Chobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939, number of troops unknown), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914, carrying 1577 troops), Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1588 troops) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1334 troops),

Close escort was provided on leaving Halifax by the battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN), HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN). These Canadian destroyers remained with the convoy until the afternoon of February 1st when they set course to return to Halifax. HMS Enterprise remained with the convoy until about 25°W when she parted company with the convoy in the afternoon 4 February to return to Halifax.

When the convoy approached the British isles, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) departed the Clyde on 2 February. HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) departed Portsmouth on the 3rd also to join the convoy. They joined the convoy in the morning of the 5th with the exception of HMS Delight which had been detached as she was unable to join on time. She was replaced by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN).

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 7th. (12)

3 Feb 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN) departed Portsmouth to join convoy TC 1 at sea. As her sailing had been delayed it proved not possible to join this convoy on time. She was therefore ordered to join convoy ON 10 from Methil to Norway instead.

This convoy was to depart Methil on the 5th.

5 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 10.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 5 February 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 8 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abisko (Swedish, 3088 GRT, built 1913), Activ (Norwegian, 507 GRT, built 1903), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Bokn (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1890), Bruse (Norwegian, 2205 GRT, built 1933), Castor (Finnish, 1225 GRT, built 1906), Ek (Norwegian, 995 GRT, built 1911), Folda (British, 1165 GRT, built 1920), Forsvik (Norwegian, 1248 GRT, built 1919), Haarlem (British, 970 GRT, built 1917), Halmstad (Swedish, 1546 GRT, built 1907), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Jetta (Norwegian, 368 GRT, built 1914), Lysland (Norwegian, 1335 GRT, built 1907), Margareta (Finnish, 1860 GRT, built 1919), Pan (Norwegian, 1309 GRT, built 1922), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Regulus (Finnish, 1821 GRT, built 1921), Saga (Swedish, 1077 GRT, built 1909), Saimaa (Finnish, 2001 GRT, built 1922), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Severn Leigh (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Svanholm (British, 1321 GRT, built 1922), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Teano (British, 762 GRT, built 1925), Themis (Norwegian, 706 GRT, built 1919), Tiberton (British, 5225 GRT, built 1920), Tonu (Estonian, 1431 GRT, built 1884), Torbrand (Norwegian, 308 GRT, built 1918) and Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913),

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN). Also part of the convoy escort was the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN).

HMS Tartar was relieved on the 6th by HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

Also on the 6th, HMS Delight was detached as she had been ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow with dispatch.

7 Feb 1940
After having been detached from the escort of convoy ON 10 and on passage to Scapa Flow, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), attacked an A/S contact to the east of South Ronaldsay in position 58°55'N, 02°09'E. HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN) were sent to assist in the hunt but the contact was most likely non-sub.

HMS Delight arrived at Scapa Flow later the same day. She must have departed almost immediately again as she joined a convoy near Bergen, Norway the next day.

8 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 10.

This convoy was formed off Bergen, Norway on 8 February 1940. It arrived at Methil on 11 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ada Gorthon (Swedish, 2405 GRT, built 1917), Asgerd (Norwegian, 1308 GRT, built 1924), Avance I (Norwegian, 1300 GRT, built 1912), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Brisk (Norwegian, 1838 GRT, built 1913), C.A. Banck (Swedish, 1838 GRT, built 1913), Castor (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1920), Dagmar Bratt (Swedish, 1421 GRT, built 1920), Edda (Swedish, 1451 GRT, built 1919), Edle (Norwegian, 654 GRT, built 1916), Falken (Swedish, 1308 GRT, built 1893), Frisia (Swedish, 1059 GRT, built 1909), Gallia (Swedish, 1436 GRT, built 1926), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Gunny (Panamanian, 1367 GRT, built 1882), Halse (Norwegian, 2136 GRT, built 1910), Hermes (Estonian, 1545 GRT, built 1901), Karen (Norwegian, 750 GRT, built 1900), Keret (Norwegian, 1718 GRT, built 1927), Kuressaar (Estonian, 2283 GRT, built 1914), Lake Lucerne (Estonian, 2317 GRT, built 1909), Meero (Estonian, 1866 GRT, built 1918), Minorca (British, 1123 GRT, built 1921), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), P.G. Halvorsen (Norwegian, 1101 GRT, built 1912), Raftsund (Norwegian, 610 GRT, built 1919), Rask (Norwegian, 632 GRT, built 1890), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Salonica (Norwegian, 2694 GRT, built 1912), Selbo (Norwegian, 1778 GRT, built 1921), Sjofna (Norwegian, 619 GRT, built 1918), Sollund (Norwegian, 941 GRT, built 1908), Stargard (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1915), Ubari (Estonian, 1392 GRT, built 1899), Uranus (Estonian, 1329 GRT, built 1906), Varmdo (Swedish, 2956 GRT, built 1901), Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911) and Wirma (Finnish, 2609 GRT, built 1903).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Close cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

The convoy was split into two sections on the 10th. The west coast section was joined by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN). On this day the HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) departed the Clyde to meet this section and take over escort duties from the other destroyers on the 11th. This section of the convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 12th.

11 Feb 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Rosyth after convoy escort duty. (2)

13 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 12.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 13 February 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 16 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Blythmoor (British, 6582 GRT, built 1922), Breda (Norwegian, 1260 GRT, built 1915), Carolus (Finnish, 2375 GRT, built 1919), Cathrine (Estonian, 1885 GRT, built 1904), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Edna (Norwegian, 915 GRT, built 1905), Ericus (Finnish, 2114 GRT, built 1919), Finse (Norwegian, 1618 GRT, built 1916), Fulton (Norwegian, 1109 GRT, built 1905), Hammarland (Finnish, 3875 GRT, built 1911), Hardingham (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Havborg (Norwegian, 1234 GRT, built 1924), Karentoft (Danish, 2220 GRT, built 1920), Lysaker (Norwegian, 910 GRT, built 1919), Ophir (Norwegian, 1005 GRT, built 1906), Otterpool (British, 4876 GRT, built 1926), Romanby (British, 4887 GRT, built 1927), Salmonpool (British, 4803 GRT, built 1924), Senta (Swedish, 1497 GRT, built 1905), Signe (Finnish, 1540 GRT, built 1882), Skodsborg (Swedish, 1450 GRT, built 1919), Swainby (Norwegian, 4935 GRT, built 1917) and Trio (Swedish, 1482 GRT, built 1922).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN). Also the submarine HMS Thistle (Cdr. R.W. Stirling-Hamilton, RN) was part of the escort.

On the 15th the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) and the destroyer HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) joined the escort. (13)

16 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 12

This convoy departed from Norway, near Bergen on 16 February 1940. The bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 19 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Activ (Norwegian , 507 GRT, built 1903), Amsterdam (Dutch, 7329 GRT, built 1922), Arnold Bratt (Swedish, 1430 GRT, built 1925), Bera (Swedish, 11286 GRT, built 1939), Columba (Norwegian, 1118 GRT, built 1929), Consul Bratt (Swedish, 1117 GRT, built 1913), Frode (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1917), Gottfrid (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1899), Hundvaag (Norwegian, 690 GRT, built 1908), Iberia (Swedish, 1399 GRT, built 1903), Kongshavn (Norwegian, 751 GRT, built 1906), Liv (Norwegian, 3068 GRT, built 1906), Maria Toft (Danish, 1911 GRT, built 1928), Meteor (Norwegian, 3717 GRT, built 1904), Mimer (Norwegian, 1143 GRT, built 1905), Rex (Swedish, 1013 GRT, built 1877), Rosten (Norwegian, 737 GRT, built 1920), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sekstant (Norwegian, 1626 GRT, built 1919), Skarv (Norwegian, 852 GRT, built 1923), Stig Gorthon (Swedish, 2241 GRT, built 1924), Svanholm (British, 1321 GRT, built 1922), Vaga (Norwegian, 1612 GRT, built 1924), Viiu (Estonian, 1908 GRT, built 1917), Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913) and Wipunen (Finnish, 4103 GRT, built 1913).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN). Anti-Aircraft protection was provided until the afternoon of the 17th by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) which then proceeded to Sullom Voe. The submarine HMS Thistle (Cdr. R.W. Stirling-Hamilton, RN) was also part of the convoy escort.

The destroyer HMS Daring (Cdr. S.A. Cooper, RN) joined the convoy at sea on the 16th having departed Rosyth on the 15th.

Cover for the convoy was provided from the afternoon of February 17th until early on the 18th by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

On the 18th the convoy was joined by three merchant ships from the Orkneys and by their escort, the destroyer HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN).

Shortly before 0400 hours, on the 18th, HMS Daring was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-23 about 40 nautical miles east of the Pentland Firth in position 58°40'N, 01°35'W. HMS Thistle sights the sinking destroyer and directs the other destroyers to the rescue. HMS Inglefield (appartenly returned) picked up one officer and three ratings from a Carley float and HMS Ilex another rating from wreckage, they are the only survivors. 156 of the crew are lost. HMS Ilex also hunted the U-boat without success.

Following the sinking of HMS Daring the destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) were sent out from Rosyth to join the convoy and escort the merchant vessels to Methil so that the original destroyer escort could hunt the submarine. [It remains unclear to us though if HMS Jaguar actually joined the convoy as she also departed Methil as escort for an east coast convoy on the 18th.] (13)

20 Feb 1940
HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from escort duties.

22 Feb 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) departed Scapa Flow for an A/S hunt. They arrived at Rosyth later the same day.

23 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 15.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 23 February 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 27 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Annfin (Norwegian, 729 GRT, built 1919), Bjerka (Norwegian, 1893 GRT, built 1916), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Bjornvik (Norwegian, 812 GRT, built 1918), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Burgos (Norwegian, 3220 GRT, built 1920), Colombia (Norwegian, 794 GRT, built 1893), Delaware (Finnish, 2441 GRT, built 1902), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Elgo (Swedish, 1888 GRT, built 1918), Frost (Swedish, 1573 GRT, built 1922), Gol (Norwegian, 985 GRT, built 1920), Gun (Norwegian, 670 GRT, built 1918), Gundborg Segrell (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1914), Inari (Finnish, 2116 GRT, built 1900), Inger Toft (British (former German), 2190 GRT, built 1920), Jaederen (Norwegian, 902 GRT, built 1918), Kadri (Estonian, 2775 GRT, built 1897), Kemi (Finnish, 2462 GRT, built 1900), Keri (Finnish, 1172 GRT, built 1913), Kis (Norwegian, 1249 GRT, built 1915), Lab (Norwegian, 1118 GRT, built 1912), Log (Norwegian, 1560 GRT, built 1931), Lotte (Danish, 1420 GRT, built 1906), Mertainen (Swedish, 4531 GRT, built 1907), Meteor (Norwegian, 3717 GRT, built 1904), Mira (Norwegian, 1152 GRT, built 1891), Nordia (Swedish, 1316 GRT, built 1921), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Oddevold (Swedish, 1186 GRT, built 1883), Oscar Midling (Finnish, 2237 GRT, built 1889), Pollux (Estonian, 931 GRT, built 1890), Sarp (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1916), Sitona (Norwegian, 1143 GRT, built 1920), Spes (Norwegian, 1142 GRT, built 1918), Thyra (Danish, 1023 GRT, built 1923), Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916), Wirpi (Finnish, 1227 GRT, built 1899) and Zilos (Finnish, 1711 GRT, built 1884).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN). On the 25th the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) joined the escort having sailed from Sullom Voe on that day.

On the 24th HMS Nubian attacked an A/S contact north-east of Kinnaird Head in position 58°00'N, 01°19'W. This appeared to be a non-sub contact.

On the 26th HMS Imperial collided with the Swedish merchant Nordia in position 61°12'N, 03°08'E. The merchant vessel sank while HMS Imperial proceeded with HMS Calcutta to Lerwick for emergency repairs.

28 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 15.

This convoy was formed off Bergen, Norway on 28 February 1940. The bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 1 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna (Finnish, 1043 GRT, built 1897), Ask (Norwegian, 1541 GRT, built 1917), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), Bothnia (Swedish, 1343 GRT, built 1918), Bruse (Norwegian, 2205 GRT, built 1933), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Cygnus (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1921), Diana (Norwegian, 1154 GRT, built 1904), Edna (Norwegian, 915 GRT, built 1905), Finse (Norwegian, 1618 GRT, built 1916), Fulton (Norwegian, 1109 GRT, built 1905), Grana (Norwegian, 1297 GRT, built 1920), Grenaa (British, 1261 GRT, built 1917), Gudrid (Norwegian, 1305 GRT, built 1922), Gudrun (Norwegian, 1128 GRT, built 1919), Hardingham (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Havnia (Norwegian, 1571 GRT, built 1888), Helder (British, 979 GRT, built 1920), Helmond (British, 983 GRT, built 1921), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1901), Island (Norwegian, 638 GRT, built 1918), Jarl (Norwegian, 437 GRT, built 1889), Kronprins Olaf (Norwegian, 1137 GRT, built 1908), Lysaker IV (Norwegian, 1551 GRT, built 1924), Ophir (Norwegian, 1005 GRT, built 1906), Otterpool (British, 4876 GRT, built 1926), Pan (Norwegian, 1309 GRT, built 1922), Porsanger (Norwegian, 4267 GRT, built 1918), Ringhorn (Norwegian, 1298 GRT, built 1919), Romanby (British, 4887 GRT, built 1927), Rona (Norwegian, 1376 GRT, built 1894), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Salmonpool (British, 4803 GRT, built 1924), Standard (Norwegian, 1264 GRT, built 1930), Stensaas (Norwegian, 1359 GRT, built 1918), Svanefjell (Norwegian, 1371 GRT, built 1936), Teano (British, 762 GRT, built 1925), Tordenskjold I (Norwegian, 576 GRT, built 1889), Ulf (Norwegian, 938 GRT, built 1920), Ursa (Norwegian, 958 GRT, built 1911) and Vang (Norwegian, 678 GRT, built 1901).

Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN).

The destroyer HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) joined on the 29th, coming from Lerwick after her emergency repairs there had been completed.

Also on the 29th, eight of the merchant vessels split off from the convoy to proceed to the west coast of the U.K. escorted by HMS Sikh and HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) which joined from Scapa Flow.

3 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 17.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 3 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 7 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aina (British, 1698 GRT, built 1904), Aspen (Swedish, 1305 GRT, built 1908), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Borgund (Norwegian, 303 GRT, built 1917), Brita (Swedish, 1252 GRT, built 1908), Carbonia (Swedish, 1918 GRT, built 1916), Drabant (Swedish, 1767 GRT, built 1897), Edle (Norwegian, 654 GRT, built 1916), Falken (Swedish, 1308 GRT, built 1893), Finlandia (Finnish, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Frans (Swedish, 1169 GRT, built 1924), Frode (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1917), Greenawn (British, 784 GRT, built 1924), Helfrid (Swedish, 719 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (Norwegian, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Jacob Christensen (Norwegian, 3594 GRT, built 1920), Karen (Danish, 1194 GRT, built 1917), Knud Villemoes (Danish, 1582 GRT, built 1905), Kongshavn (Norwegian, 751 GRT, built 1906), Kul (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1907), Lily (Danish, 1281 GRT, built 1920), Marianne (Danish, 1239 GRT, built 1924), Marita (Finnish, 1869 GRT, built 1923), Merkur (Estonian, 1291 GRT, built 1913), Minona (Norwegian, 1147 GRT, built 1919), Nicke (Swedish, 1170 GRT, built 1918), Nurgis (Norwegian, 700 GRT, built 1919), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Rolf (Swedish, 1120 GRT, built 1919), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Sixten (Swedish, 2171 GRT, built 1912), Skarv (Norwegian, 852 GRT, built 1923), Sophie (Danish, 945 GRT, built 1920), Svanholm (Norwegian, 696 GRT, built 1917), Thore Hafte (Norwegian, 626 GRT, built 1896), Torafire (Norwegian, 823 GRT, built 1920), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Varanges (Norwegian, 2214 GRT, built 1908) and Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913).

Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN), the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN).

The light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Rosyth on the 4th to provide cover.

On the 4th the merchant vessel Greenawn was detached to Scapa Flow escorted by HMS Diana. HMS Narwhal was also detached with orders to proceed to Scapa Flow.

7 Mar 1940

Convoy HN 17.

This convoy was formed off Bergen, Norway on 7 March 1940. The bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 10 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albuera (British, 3477 GRT, built 1921), Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Effie Maersk (Danish, 1308 GRT, built 1925), Einvik (Norwegian, 2000 GRT, built 1918), Ek (Norwegian, 995 GRT, built 1911), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Gol (Norwegian, 985 GRT, built 1920), Hafnia (Norwegian, 1315 GRT, built 1920), Havborg (Norwegian, 1234 GRT, built 1924), Jaederen (Norwegian, 902 GRT, built 1918), Janna (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1919), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Lysaker (Norwegian, 910 GRT, built 1919), Margareta (Finnish, 1860 GRT, built 1919), Maurita (Norwegian, 1569 GRT, built 1925), Nesstun (Norwegian, 1271 GRT, built 1917), Notos (Norwegian, 2712 GRT, built 1898), Orland (Norwegian, 1899 GRT, built 1917), Ovington Court (British, 6095 GRT, built 1924), Reias (Norwegian, 1128 GRT, built 1918), Royal (Norwegian, 759 GRT, built 1918), Spica (Norwegian, 500 GRT, built 1915), Stanja (Norwegian, 1845 GRT, built 1915), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Varegg (Norwegian, 943 GRT, built 1910), Vesta (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1930) and Warlaby (British, 4875 GRT, built 1927).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN).

Close cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

On the 9th the convoy split and the west coast section was then escorted by HMS Delight and HMS Diana. They were reinforced by HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) which came from Scapa Flow. Also HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) joined having sailed late in the afternoon of the 8th.

In the moring of the 9th, HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) joined the escort but she collided with HMS Gurkha in bad weather and soon had to be detached to Lerwick for emergency repairs.

At 1412/9, HMS Gurkha obtained an A/S contact and attacked with several pattern of depth charges in position 59.07’N, 00.44’W. HMS Ilex then took over the hunt and HMS Gurkha rejoined the east coast section of the convoy. HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined from Scapa Flow in the early hours of the 10th to replace HMS Ilex which was still hunting Gurkha’s A/S contact. She eventually rejoined the convoy before it arrived at Methil. The A/S contact was later determined to be a wreck.

10 Mar 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. They had parted company with the west coast section of convoy HN 17 off Cape Wrath.

19 Mar 1940
Ships from the Home Fleet departed Scapa Flow in the afternoon in two groups to cover (convoy) operations.

These groups were;
Battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN). These were escorted by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN).

Battlecruisers HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN). These were escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN) and HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN).

22 Mar 1940
Around 1630/22, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) arrived at Sullum Voe to refuel.

They departed to rejoin the Home Fleet at sea shortly before 0800/23.

27 Mar 1940
The two groups of the Home Fleet that had been covering operations returned to Scapa Flow around 1100 hours. These were;

Battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN). Escorted by the destroyers HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN).

Battlecruisers HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN). Escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN) and HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN).

29 Mar 1940
HMS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Forbes, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN). (14)

4 Apr 1940
HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), which was to proceed to the Mediterranean, departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). HMS Jupiter was however replaced soon after sailing by HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN). HMS Jupiter then returned to Scapa Flow.

5 Apr 1940
HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) arrived in the Clyde.

9 Apr 1940
Around 0020A/9, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) departed the Clyde for operations off Norway. She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN) and HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN).

HMS Delight however had to turn back for repairs due to weather damage. She arrived back in the Clyde later on the 9th. She was then taken in hand for repairs at the Barclay Curle shipyard in Scotstoun.

HMS Furious then flew on 18 Swordfish aircraft.

At 0500/10, the 'Furious' group made rendezvous, just north of Muckle Fluga with the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and her escorting destroyers; HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN). These ships had departed Scapa Flow around 2130A/9. They all joined the C-in-C Home Fleet in the morning of the 11th.

13 Apr 1940
With her repairs completed, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow. (2)

14 Apr 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (2)

17 Apr 1940

Convoy NSM 1.

This convoy departed Scapa Flow for Norway at 0800 on 17 April 1940 for Namsos.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Balmaha (collier, British, 1428 GRT, built 1924), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Inverarder (tanker, British, 5578 GRT, built 1919) and Macgregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN).

One additional destroyer, HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), departed Scapa Flow at 1345/17 to join the convoy escort at sea.

On 22 April, Cdr. Fogg-Elliot (SO), was ordered to proceed with the convoy to Vaagsfjord (Harstad).

25 Apr 1940
Around 1000A/25, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) departed Harstad, Norway for the Clyde. She had to return to the U.K. as she had only six serviceable aircraft left on board and also had sustained some underwater damage limiting her speed. She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN).

HMS Delight, HMS Diana and HMS Imperial were detached to Scapa Flow at 1800A/27.

28 Apr 1940
Around 1900A/28, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

They had been diverted to assist the damaged tanker Scottish American (6999 GRT, built 1920), that had been torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-13 west of the Pentland Firth and was being towed to Loch Eribol.

30 Apr 1940
HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral G. Layton, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) departed Scapa Flow together for Aandalsnes where they were to evacuate troops. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN). (15)

1 May 1940
In the evening, HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral G. Layton, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived off Aandalsnes to evacuate troops. At Aandalsnes they joined the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, RN). (16)

2 May 1940
After having taken on board troops, HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral G. Layton, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) set course to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0015/3. HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) was detached to transport the Norwegian General Ruga and his staff to Tromsö, where she arrived at 1100/3. HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN) had gone ahead and arrived at Scapa Flow at 1630/2. HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow at 0730/3 and finally HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, RN) arrived there at 1015/3. (16)

4 May 1940
The troopships Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Lancastria (British, 16243 GRT, built 1922), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Ulster Monarch (British, 3791 GRT, built 1929) departed Scapa Flow at 0600 hours for the Clyde. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN).

5 May 1940
The troopships Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Lancastria (British, 16243 GRT, built 1922), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Ulster Monarch (British, 3791 GRT, built 1929) dand their escort, the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) arrived at the Clyde shortly after noon this day.

6 May 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) is taken in hand for repairs at the Barclay Curle shipyard in Scotstoun. It was expected repairs would be completed by 11 May. (2)

12 May 1940
Around 1030A/12, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) departed the Clyde for operations escorted by the destroyers HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN).

At 1300A/12, the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) also departed the Clyde for operations. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN).

Both groups were recalled to the Clyde later the same day.

13 May 1940

Convoy NP 3.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 13 May 1940 for the Narvik area, Norway where it arrived on 17 May 1940.

It was made up of the following troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

Escort was provided by two British destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) as well as the large French destroyer Milan (Cdr. L.M.E. Plumejeaud).

17 May 1940
In the early evening convoy NP 3, the troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and their escort; the British destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and the large French destroyer Milan (Cdr. L.M.E. Plumejeaud) arrived at Narvik.

20 May 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) is at Harstad, Norway during a German air raid. She gave assistance to the British transport Balteako (1328 GRT, built 1920) when she was bombed and damaged.

HMS Delight operated in the Harstad / Narvik area during this period.

27 May 1940

Assault on Narvik.

The following naval vessels were operating in the Narvik area supporting the assauly by the army; light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), AA cruisers HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G.P. Vivian, RN) and HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet W.H.D. Boyle (Lord Cork), GCB, GCVO, RN), destroyers HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Whirlwind (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliot, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN) and sloop HMS Stork (Cdr. A.C. Behague, RN).

Some of these ships bombarded Narvik very late in the evening following which the final assault by the Allies on Narvik began.

Narvik was captured from the German in the evening of the 28th.

During the 28th multiple ships sustained damage due to German air attacks;

The most serious damage was to AA cruiser HMS Cairo. She was hit by hit by two bombs at 0620/28 and was badly damaged. One bomb struck abaft B gun. It penetrated the deck and exploded among the supply ammunition party. The other bomb hit the starboard .5" anti-aircraft gun mounting. Twelve of the crew were killed.

Light cruiser HMS Southampton was near missed and damaged by bomb splinters. Her Commanding Officer was wounded and two ratings were killed.

AA cruiser HMS Coventry was also near missed and had one rating killed by bomb splinters.

The destroyers HMS Walker, HMS Whirlwind and HMS Havelock all sustained minor damage from near misses. The most serious damage was to Walker. (17)

31 May 1940
During the night of 31 May / 1 June 1940, the destroyers HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) embarked around 1500 troops at Bodø and took them to Harstad.

8 Jun 1940

Evacuation of the 'Narvik / Harstad / Tromso area'.

2nd troop evacuation convoy from Harstad.

From 7 to 8 June 1940 the troopships Arandora Star (15501 GRT, built 1927), Duchess of York (20021 GRT, built 1929), Ormonde (14982 GRT, built 1917), Oronsay (20043 GRT, built 1925), Royal Ulsterman (3244 GRT, built 1936), Ulster Monarch (3791 GRT, built 1929) and Ulster Prince (3791 GRT, built 1930) embarked almost 10000 troops in the Andfiord, near Harstad, Norway. They did this one by one.

They then departed the Harstad area for the U.K. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN) and HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN).

The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and her escort, the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Acheron (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) initially operated near the convoy but they acted independently to enable flying operations which continued throught the entire day. A/S and most of all fighter patrols were flown.

They were joined in the evening of the 9th by the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN).

Around 0930/10, HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN) joined.

Around 2115/10, the destroyers HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN) joined.

On the 11th, HMS Valiant, HMS Repulse, HMS Tartar, HMS Bedouin, HMS Maori, HMS Forester, HMS Diana and HMS Acheron were detached to proceed to Scapa Flow.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde very late in the evening of the 12th.

13 Jun 1940
At 0900 hours, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) and HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), departed Greenock to go to the assistance of the armed merchant cruiser HMS Scotstoun who had been torpedoed by the German submarine U-25 about 80 miles west of Barra Island, Outer Hebrides in position 57°00'N, 09°57'W that morning. HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), who is enroute to Plymouth, was also ordered to assist. She arrived first but the damaged ship was already on the bottom of the sea and she then picked up the survivors. The three destroyers returned to the Clyde on the 14th.

16 Jun 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed the Clyde as escort for the merchant vessels Lombardy (3379 GRT, built 1921) and Nailsea Lass (4289 GRT, built 1917) southwards.

19 Jun 1940
HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) arrived at Portsmouth to refit there. (2)

29 Jul 1940
Having completed her refit at Portsmouth, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN) departed that place at 1500 hours for the Clyde.

She was sunk later that day by German bombing off Portland (see above).

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