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Notable events involving Loyal include:

19 Nov 1942
The battleship HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises HMS Anson was escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN).

In the morning HMS Glasgow had also carried out in oiling at sea exercise during which the destroyer HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) was fuelled. (1)

15 Dec 1942
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and Adrias. (2)

18 Jan 1943
The British destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) sink the German (former Norwegian) Favor (1323 GRT) south of Sardinia, Italy in position 38°40'N, 09°32'E.

29 Jan 1943
Around 0400A/29, the light cruiser HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) and the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived around 1700A/29. HMS Abdiel was detached to Philippeville en-route. (3)

2 Feb 1943
Around 1630A/2, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Bone for a minelay operation off the Skerki Bank. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

Around midnight the destroyers parted company to conduct a sweep to the eastward.

At 0124A/3, HMS Abdiel commenced laying the first line of the field. Minelaying continued until 0204A/3 when an error in drill resulted in that the last 10 mines could not be laid.

The field laid thus was made up of 150 mines set to a depth of 10 feet with flooders set to 11 March 1943. The field was laid in three lines as follows;
A) Line 1 was made up of 96 mines along a line extending for 3 miles in a direction 310° from position 37°36'2"N, 10°45'6"E.
B) Line 2 was made up of 48 mines along a line extending for 1.8 miles in a direction 130° from position 37°40'8"N, 10°44'6"E.
C) Line 3 was made up of 6 mines along a line extending for 0.3 miles in a direction 120° from position 37°38'9"N, 10°47'5"E.

On completion of the lay, HMS Abdiel set course for Mers-el-Kebir via Algiers at 35 knots passing to the south of Galita Island. She arrived at Mers-el-Kebir around 0815A/4 after having refuelled at Algiers on 3 February. (4)

4 Feb 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Bone where they arrived later the same day. (5)

7 Feb 1943
Around 1650A/6, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Bone for a minelay operation off the Skerki Bank. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

A fix could be taken off Galita Island at 1935A/7.

On reaching position 37°49'N, 11°17'E parted company to conduct an independent anti-shipping sweep.

When six miles from her laying position, a bright flare was dropped about 3000 yards on the starboard quarter of HMS Abdiel and a few seconds later an aircraft was heard approaching. It flew over the ship at a height of 1500 feet and was fired on, thereafter disappearing to the westward. There was no other interference and between 0103A/7 and 0120A/7, 164 mines were laid along a line extending for five miles in a direction of 170° from position 37°26'N, 10°51'E. Mines were set to a depth of 10 feet, with flooders to operate on 3 March 1945. Sprockets were fitted to 32 and grapnels to 33 units.

HMS Abdiel then set course to return to Bone where she arrived, with the two destroyers, around 0835A/7. At Bone she then picked up her starboard anchor which had to be slipped on departure the night before as it had been fouled. She then departed for Algiers around 1900A/7.

While on passage, around 2320A/7 and in approximate position 37°28'N, 06°20'E, HMS Abdiel was missed by two torpedoes fired by the Italian submarine Acciaio. (6)

13 Feb 1943
HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Bone for Algiers where they arrived later the same day.

On the same day HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) proceeded in the opposite direction.

Around noon, while en-route, these two forces conducted exercises for about 40 minutes. (7)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Bone. (8)

5 Mar 1943
Around 1815/5, ' Force Q ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Bone for a sweep to the eastward.

They returned to Bone around 0900/6 not having sighted the enemy. (9)

5 Mar 1943
Around 0630A/4, the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) departed Algiers for a minelaying mission off the Skerki Bank.

Around 1645A/4, she briefly entered Bone but departed again at 1700A/4 in company with the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN).

They passed north of Galita Island around 1945A/4. The destroyers parted company later to proceed on a diversionary anti-shipping sweep to the north-eastward while HMS Abdiel proceeded to the minelaying position.

Between 0048A/5 and 0112A/5, 160 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet with flooders set to operate on 15 April 1943. Sprockets were fitted to 33 units and grapnels to 31 units. Four mines were laid inoperative as the flooding clocks could not be started. The mines were laid as follows;

Line 1) 120 mines along a line extending four miles in a direction 110° from position 37°28'4"N, 10°52'6"E.
Line 2) 40 mines along a line extending 1.5 miles in a direction 140° from position 37°25'5"N, 10°59'0"E.

Following the minelay HMS Abdiel proceeded to Algiers arriving later on the 5th but she departed for Mers-el-Kebir even later on the 5th. The two destroyers returned to Bone around 0645A/5. (6)

16 Mar 1943

Combined convoy WS 28 / KMS 11.

This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 March 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 28 and KMS 11 at sea on 21 March 1943.

The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914), Brittanic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, built 1923), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1925), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Perthshire (British, 10496 GRT, built 1936), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Reina del Pacifico (17702 GRT, built 1931), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934), Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

Also the naval auxiliaries HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) were part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the following escorts were with the convoy; sloops HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN, with the S.O. 2nd Escort Group on board, Capt. F.J. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, DSC, RN), destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Goathland (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Pumphrey, RN, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz, ORP).

On 21 March the convoy split up into two sections, KMF 11, made up of Banfora, Cuba, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Ormonde, Orion, Nea Hellas, Rangitata, Windsor Castle and HMS Ulster Monarch proceeded to Algiers where it arrived on 23 March 1943 escorted by the original escort minus HMS Douglas which put into Gibraltar on 22 March with damage to her port propeller. After inspection it was apparent that she was able to continue but she was not to exceed 22 knots so it was decided that she could rejoin the convoy. All five escort destroyers also put into Gibraltar to fuel but departed again later the same day to rejoin the convoy. HMS Ulster Monarch also put into Gibraltar.

At 0254/23, the Windsor Castle was torpedoed by a German He.111 from I/KG 26 in position 37°28'N, 01°10'E. The passengers (troops) were taken off by HMS Wren, HMS Eggesford and HMS Whaddon. The last two ships reported to be dangerously overloaded with survivors.

Three tugs were sailed to go to the damaged ship assistance, Salvestor from Algiers, Hengist from Gibraltar and Restive from Oran.

Also the destroyer HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN), which were on A/S patrol off Algiers were ordered to proceed to the convoy. Also the destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) were ordered to do the same sailing from Oran.

At 1027/3, it was reported that Windsor Castle was abandoned and slowly sinking and the HMS Loyal had taken off the crew. HMS Whaddon and HMS Eggesford were proceeding to Algiers covered by HMS Douglas.

At 1621/3, Windsor Castle was still afloat and HMS Farndale was ettempting to take her in tow. The ship however sank suddenly at 1724/3. HMS Eskimo, HMS Loyal, HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale, Hengist and Restive then proceeded to Oran while HMS Lamerton and Salvestor proceeded to Algiers.

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WS 28, made up of Brittanic, Duchess of Bedford, Empire Might, Monarch of Bermuda, Orontes, Otranto, Perthshire, Reina del Pacifico, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Tegelberg, Waipawa, Winchester Castle, HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and HMS Largs.

To escort these ships the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) sailed from Casablanca on 20 March and the destroyers HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) sailed from Gibraltar also on 20 March. They joined the convoy in the morning of March 21st after which the convoy split up.

Another destroyer, HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), departed Gibraltar on 21 March and she joined the convoy later the same day.

On 22 March the transport Empire Might reported a fire in her stokehold rendering her immobile. She was then towed to Dakar by HMS Ashanti.

The remainder of convoy WS 28 arrived at Freetown on 27 March 1943.

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Convoy WS 28 departed Freetown for South Africa on 30 March 1943.

The composition of the convoy was the same on departed as in which it had arrived at Freetown three days earlier.

Escort was provided on departure from Freetown by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN), destroyers HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN), HMS Quadrant, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch and HMS Wolverine.

At 2359Z/30, HMS Ulster Monarch overtook and joined the convoy coming from Freetown.

At 0600A/4, HMS Redoubt and HMS Quadrant parted company with the convoy to refuel at Pointe Noire. They rejoined the convoy at 1212B/5.

At 1300B/5, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch and HMS Wolverine were detached.

At 1420B/5, HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) joined the escort.

On the 11th the convoy split up, Britannic, Duchess of Bedford, Monarch of Bermuda, Tegelberg, Waipawa and Winchester Castle went to Capetown apparently escorted by HMS Redoubt and HMS Relentless. HMS Largs and HMS Ulster Monarch went to Simonstown, as did HMS Kenya and HMS Quadrant and HMS Racehorce.

The destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the remainder of the convoy (Orontes, Otranto, Perthshire, Reina del Pacifico, Sobieski, Strathnaver, HMS Bulolo and HMS Keren) which arrived at Durban on 14 April 1943.

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On 15 April the 'Capetown section' of the convoy departed from there, it was made up of the same ships as that had arrived at Capetown but apparently without the Britannic. HMS Largs joined the convoy off Simonstown. Escort was provided by HMS Kenya, HMS Quadrant, HMS Redoubt and HMS Relentless.

Around noon on the 18th the 'Capetown section' joined up with the 'Durban section' which had departed from there escorted by HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) which also joined the convoy as escorts. HMS Quadrant parted company and proceeded to Durban.

At 2000C/20, the destroyers parted company to return to Aden.

At 1015D/24, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) joined the convoy to take over the escort. They had sailed from Kilindini on 22 April. HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy at noon and set course for Kilindini where she arrived on 25 April to join the Eastern Fleet.

At 2300D/27, HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy following which she proceeded to Bombay where she arrived on 1 May 1943.

On 30 April 1943 the convoy was dispersed off Aden. HMS Canton arrived at Aden later on the same day.

31 Mar 1943
HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, with Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN, on board) conducted flying exercises off Gibraltar. She was escorted by HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). (10)

4 Apr 1943
Around 1430A/4, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Brocklesby (Lt.Cdr. G. Blackler, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 0900A/5. (11)

5 Apr 1943
Around 1630A/5, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Brocklesby (Lt.Cdr. G. Blackler, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Algiers where they arrived around 0830A/6 minus HMS Brocklesby which had to return to Oran with a defective feet pump. (11)

6 Apr 1943
Around 2100A/6, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 1330A/7. (11)

14 Apr 1943
Around 0800A/14, ' Force H ', which was made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR), HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) and RHS Adrias (Cdr. I. Toumbas) departed Mers-el-Kebir for Gibraltar.

They arrived at Gibraltar around 0900A/15. En-route, various exercises had been carried out. (12)

16 Apr 1943
Around 1000 hours, HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), departed Gibraltar for Algiers where they arrived the next day. (11)

7 May 1943
The German auxiliary minesweeper M 6616/Alba Eder (21 GRT) and the Italian tug Porto Cesareo (230 GRT) were sunk off Cape Bon, Tunisia by gunfire from the British destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN).

7 Jun 1943
Around 2015B/7, the light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, DSO, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) departed Malta to bombard Pantellaria.

Around 0800B/8, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, with General Eisenhower and Admiral Cunningham on board) departed Bone to join the other ships. At sea, around 0620B/8, she was joined by the destroyer HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN).

The island was bombarded between approximately 1115B/8 and 1215B/8. HMS Aurora also bombarded the island (harbour area). She opened fire at 1126 and ceased fire after having fired 35 round of 6".

Following the bombardment HMS Newfoundland, HMS Penelope, HMS Orion and the destroyers returned to Malta arriving around 2230B/8. HMS Euryalus proceeded to Bone where she arrived around 2130B/8. En-route to Bone HMS Euryalus, was attacked at 1405B/8, near Cape Bon in position 36°59'N, 11°17'E, by seven FW 109's but she was not damaged despite being near-missed several times. HMS Euryalus arrived at Bone around 2100B/8.

HMS Aurora, still escorted by HMS Troubridge, proceeded to Bizerta to land the General and the Admiral. She arrived there around 1700B/8. A little over an hour later she departed Bizerta for Malta escorted by HMS Troubridge and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas). They arrived at Malta around 0715B/9. (13)

11 Jun 1943

Operation Corkscrew.

Capture of Pantellaria and Lampedusa.

From Sfax, ' Convoy A ' sailed for the landings on Pantelleria. This convoy was made up the headquarters ship HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGregor, RN), landing ships HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN) and HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN). They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN).

From Sousse, departed ' Convoy B ' and ' Convoy C '.
' Convoy B ' was made up of the landing ship HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR), 20 LCI(L)'s and 2 ML's. They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.deL. Brooke, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN).
' Convoy C ' was made up of landing ship HMS Misoa (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Grace, DSC, RD, RNR), gunboat HMS Aphis ( Lt.Cdr. F.Y. Bethell, RN), and 21 LCI(L)'s, 4 LCF's and 2 ML's. They were escorted by the minesweepers HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR), HMS Polruan (Lt. C.D. Sampson, RNVR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the M/S trawlers HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR) and HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR).

From Malta departed the bombardment / cover force which was made up of the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, DSO, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas).

Eight motor torpedo boats and / or motor gun boats were also set to patrol in the area.

All forces sailed on 10 June to be off Pantellaria on 11 June 1944.

A final bombardment was then carried out and also aircraft from North African air bases carried out attacks. The island surrendered shortly before noon without further fighting. Rear-Admiral McGregor transferred his flag to HMS Tartar. HMS Largs, landing ships, landing craft and escorts were then ordered to proceed to Sousse.

The cruisers and fleet destroyers then proceeded to Lampedusa. Bombandment of that island commenced at 2245/11 and continued throughout the 12th. Also air bombardments were carried out. The island surrendered in the evening.

Weather was to bad to land at Lampion Island but the island appeared to be uninhabited.

The surrender of Linosa Island was accepted by HMS Nubian.

The forces that were still at sea were then dispersed. (14)

8 Jul 1943
Around 0530B/8, the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), which came from Malta, joined ' Force H, 1st Division ', which was at that time made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, RN), light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S.T. Dzienisiewicz).

The original destroyer screen then proceeded to Malta to refuel. They returned later the same day, around 1720B/8, after which the relief destroyers were detached to convoys MWF 36 and KMF 18. HMS Quilliam, HMS Quail and HMS Queenborough had already rejoined around 1505B/8.

The light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) also joined early on the day. They then proceeded to Malta around 1100B/8 to refuel. They rejoined around 0900B/9.

HMS Cleopatra and HMS Euryalus were detached at 1450B/8 to Tripoli to refuel there. They rejoined around 1140B/9. (15)

9 Jul 1943
Around 0845B/9, HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), departed Malta for their part in operation ' Husky '. They were to escort convoy KMF 18 during it's final approach. They were also designated as ' Bombarding Group for the Bark areas '.

They joined the convoy around 1200B/9.

Around 2000/7, they were joined by the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) which were also part of the ' Bombarding Group for the Bark areas '. Most likely HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) was also operating in the area. These ships were part of ' Force K ' together with two other cruisers and three destroyers which were assigned ' Bombarding Group for the Acid areas '.

The convoy was released around 0030B/10 when it was approaching the landing zone. The landings commenced about two hours later. (16)

10 Jul 1943
Around 0115/10, HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) split up. HMS Orion and HMS Loyal were ordered to act independently. Most likely HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) was also operating in the area.

HMS Laforey assisted in silencing machine guns in Porto Palo Bay.

At 1237/10, HMS Newcastle fired a few rounds against a shore target.

Between 1942 and 1954 hours, HMS Newfoundland bombarded Spaccaforno.

Between 1958 and 2010 hours, HMS Orion bombarded Rosolini.

Between 2031 and 2039 hours, HMS Newfoundland bombarded Rosolini. (17)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) continued to operate as bombardment force in the ' Bark area's '.

During daylight the ships more or less acted independently retiring to seaward around dusk with the destroyers screening the cruisers during darkness.

The town of Modica was bombarded by HMS Orion late in the afternoon. (17)

12 Jul 1943
HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) continued to operate as bombardment force in the ' Bark area's '.

During daylight the ships more or less acted independently retiring to seaward around dusk with the destroyers screening the cruisers during darkness.

HMS Orion went a bit further north and late in the morning, early in the afternoon she conducted several bombardments (5) on the town of Catania.

In the evening several air attacks were carried out on the ships but none was damaged although some bombs exploded close to HMS Loyal. (17)

13 Jul 1943
The bombardment force of the Acid area; made up of the light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN), HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) and the destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) [the damaged destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) had been towed to Malta by her sister ship HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN)] and the bombardment force of the Bark area; the light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) joined company [' Force K '].

Around 0500B/13, several enemy aircraft attacked ' Force K '. Bombs were dropped close to HMS Laforey but she sustained no damage.

During the day several bombardments were carried out. Around 0900B/13, HMS Mauritius commenced a bombardment of the towns of Lentini and Carlentini. She had to break off this bombardment at 0923B/13, when a heavy shore battery opened fire on her. This battery was then taken under fire between 0940B/13 and 1007B/13.

At 1000B/13 another coastal battery near Brucoli was then being fired upon briefly by HMS Newfoundland and all destroyers.

Also around this time HMS Orion, HMS Uganda and HMS Nubian parted company to proceed to Malta to load ammunition and fuel. They arrived at Malta around 1430B/13.

Around noon both HMS Loyal and HMS Mauritius reported being attacked by aircraft.

Around 1630B/13, HMS Loyal was detached to Malta.

Between 1700B/13 and 1724B/13, HMS Mauritius bombarded a target to the south of Catania. Coastal batteries opened fire on her and at 1724B/13 she was straddled and then withdrew out of range of the heavy coastal battery.

At 1705B/13, HMS Newfoundland briefly bombarded Lentini (only for 2 minutes).

Between 1745B/13 and 1800B/13, HMS Mauritius bombarded Lentini.

At 1950B/13, HMS Newfoundland, HMS Mauritius, HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout formed formation and retired to seaward for the night.

HMS Newfoundland had carried out two bombardments on this day and HMS Mauritius seven. The monitor HMS Erebus (Cdr.(Retd.) H.W. D'Arcy-Evans, RN) was also operating in the area. (18)

16 Jul 1943
At 0524B/16, HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) was detached to join ' Force H '.

Around 0530B/16, the ships of 'Force K' that were operating of Sicily at the time; HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) arrived off Augusta.

At 0630B/16, HMS Loyal was detached to escort HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN) to Malta.

At 0835B/16, HMS Uganda opened fire on a road in the Augusta area. At 0855B/16, HMS Orion opened fire on a target in the Catania area.

At 1014B/16, HMS Uganda opened fire on an enemy position. At 1042B/16, the target was reported to have been destroyed.

At 1130B/16, the other ships of ' Force K ' arrived as relief.

At 1200B/16, HMS Nubian was detached to rescue the crew of a crashed allied aircraft. They were able to rescue the entire crew. HMS Nubian then rejoined the cruisers.

At 1256B/16, HMS Uganda opened fire on an enemy shore battery.

At 1329B/16, HMS Orion opened fire on a target in the Catania area.

Around 1800B/16, HMS Uganda, HMS Orion and HMS Nubian set course to proceed to Malta where they arrived around 2330B/16. (19)

19 Jul 1943
During this day the light cruiser HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and the dutch sloop HMS Flores (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Bax, RNN) engaged a total of seventeen targets on the east coast of Sicily, including nine batteries, in answer to calls from the army. (20)

22 Jul 1943
Late in the morning the light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) were cruising off Catania to commence a bombardment when they were taken under fire from long range by unlocated enemy batteries to the north of Catania. Early in the afternoon they came under attack from enemy aircraft and bombs were dropped close to HMS Loyal.

The force then returned to Augusta without having carried out any bombardments. (21)

23 Jul 1943
Around 1250B/23, the light cruisers HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) departed Augusta for Malta.

At 1341B/23 (1338B/23 according to German sources), while in position 37°03'N, 15°24'E, HMS Newfoundland was hit in the stern by a torpedo from the German submarine U-407. Her rudder was blown off but she was able to continue at 22 knots steering by her propellers.

HMS Laforey was detached to hunt the submarine where the remainder of the ships continued their passage to Malta where they arrived around 1730B/23.

HMS Laforey meanwhile searched for the attacker. She attacked a contact at 1428B/23 but this was thought to be non-sub.

At 1440B/23, she joined the 8th Destroyer Flottila which was patrolling in the area and they commenced a box search. Six destroyers were now present, these were HMS Laforey, HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN).

At 1541B/23, while sweeping northwards HMS Laforey and HMS Eclipse sighted two torpedo tracks coming their way. They combed the tracks and commenced an attack. At 1550 hours HMS Laforey dropped a pattern of eight depth charges for no result. Shortly afterwards HMS Eclipse dropped a pattern of five depth charges.

HMS Laforey made a second attack at 1557B/23 and HMS Eclipse also made a second attack at 1608B/23.

At 1615B/23 HMS Laforey made her third attack in which, once again, eight depth charges were dropped. Shortly afterwards the Italian submarine Ascianghi surfaced in her wake. The other destroyers closed in and opened fire with all guns. The submarine sank stern first at 1623B/23. A total of twenty-seven survivors were picked up by HMS Laforey and HMS Eclipse.

It was long thought that it had been Ascianghi which had torpedoed and damaged HMS Newfoundland as the Italians had claimed to have attacked a cruiser but their torpedoes were in fact the ones sighted by HMS Laforey and HMS Eclipse at 1451B/23. The German submarine had managed to slip away undetected. (22)

31 Jul 1943
Around 1715/31, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) departed Augusta.

They made rendezvous around 1950/31 with the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

Course was then set towards Crotone.

At 0207/1, the bombardment commenced. After about 15 to 20 minutes fire was ceased. During the bombardment two small craft that were patrolling off the coast were sunk.

HMS Aurora, HMS Penelope, HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout returned to Augusta around 1200/1. One hour before HMS Faulknor, HMS Inglefield, HMS Loyal and HMS Raidar were detached to Malta where they arrived later the same day. (23)

1 Sep 1943
The battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN) and HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN) departed Malta for exercises. On completion of the exercises they proceeded to bombard the Italian coast near Capo dell'Armi, Calabria. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN).

The destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and ORP Piorun (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) had been patrolling in the area during the night of 1/2 September joined them for a while before proceeding to Augusta later on 2 September 1943.

HMS Warspite, HMS Valiant, HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury, HMS Eclipse, HMS Inglefield, HMS Intrepid and HMS Raider also proceeded to Augusta on 3 September but they departed again later the same day and proceeded to Malta. (24)

3 Sep 1943

Operation Baytown.

Allied landing between Catona and Reggio Calabria.

The 5th Division, 13 Corps and the 1st Canadian Division were landed on three beaches between Catona and Reggio Calabria during the early hours of the morning. Troops and stores were ferried across the Straits of Messina in 22 LST's, 65 LCI(L)'s, 38 LCT's, 100 LCM's and 70 LCA's.

Support for the landing was provided by the light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), monitors HMS Abercrombie (A/Capt. G.V.B. Faulkner, RN), HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN), HMS Erebus (Cdr.(Retd.) H.W. D'Arcy-Evans, RN), destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Quail (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Jenks, RN), HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN), Loyal, HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN),ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) S.T. Dzienisiewicz), monitors HMS Abercrombie (A/Capt. G.V.B. Faulkner, RN), HMS Roberts (A/Capt.(Retd.) R.E.C. Dunbar, RN), HMS Erebus (Cdr.(Retd.) H.W. D'Arcy-Evans, RN) and the (river) gunboats HMS Aphis (Lt.Cdr. F.Y. Bethell, RN) and HMS Scarab (T/Lt. E. Cameron, RNZNVR).

A heavy barrage by 8th Army artillery sited on Sicily preceded the landing and the first assault wave touched down at 0430B/3 and found very little opposition. By 0730B/19 advance elements of the Canadian Division were on the outskirts of Reggio Calabria and the aerodrome was captured during the morning. The 8th Army reached Cannitello during the day.

The population was reported as friendly. 2500 Prisoners were taken the majority being Italians.

By 1400B/3, a second flight was well under way, all first flights loads having been cleared well ahead of the planned programme.

The naval port party had entered Reggio Calabria at 0945B/3. In the harbour the outer breakwater was found to be undamaged, with bollards intactand wholly clear of underwater obstructions. Other quays have suffered damage through bombing but should be quickly repairable.

During the day the C-in-C, Mediterranean, Admiral of the Fleet Sir A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN, inspected the landing beaches from the destroyer HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN).

During the night three of the destroyers, HMS Quilliam, HMS Quail and HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN), patrolled south-east of the Straits of Messina and coastal forces north of Messina and off the south Calabrian coast to guard against interference with enemy surface forces. The two cruisers and the remaining destroyers patrolled north of Cape Santa Groce (near Augusta) and east of 16°E. The monitors and gunboats anchored south of Taormina during the night.

HMS Quilliam, HMS Quail and HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) had been ordered to leave patrol around 0600B/4 and then proceed to Malta arriving there around 1030B/4.

HMS Mauritius, HMS Orion, HMS Offa, HMS Loyal and ORP Piorun returned to Augusta around 0800B/4.

HMS Erebus, HMS Aphis and HMS Scarab remained off the landing beaches to give fire support if required.

[The movements of HMS Abercrombie and HMS Robets are not clear and will have to be further reseached. It appears though that thy had already returned to Augusta on 3 September.] (25)

6 Sep 1943

Convoy TSF 1.

This convoy departed Tripoli around 1700B/6 for Salerno Bay to participate in Operation Avalanche, the landings there.

It was made up of the following ships; Headquarters ship HMS Hilary (Capt.(Retd.) J.F. Paget, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), landing ships glengyle, HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Princess Astrid (T/A/Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) C.E. Hall, RNR), HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (Lt. J.E. Bromley, RNR), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN), HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR, with Capt. N.V. Dickinson, DSO, DSC, RN on board) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR). Also part of the convoy were the troop transports Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Tripoli the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN), RHS Pindos and the minesweepers HMS Fly (Capt. J.W. Boutwood, RN), HMS Circe (Lt.Cdr. J.H.M. Malcolm, RN), HMS Cadmus (Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Acute (A/Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN) and HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR).

Around 0545B/8, ' Force K ' made up of the light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. On Force ' K ' joining the Hunt class escort destroyer parted company and proceeded to Palermo to refuel and then rejoin the convoy later in the day.

Also joining on 8 September were the motor launches ML 121 (T/Lt. R.G. Bell, RNVR) and ML 126 (T/Lt. G.W. Stead, RCNVR). These two motor launches were fitted for minesweeping.

Around 1710B/8, HMS Mauritius, HMS Orion, HMS Tartar and HMS Nubian parted company with the convoy and proceeded independently to act as a strike force in case the enemy would interfere with surface ships.

The convoy arrived in the landing zone in the early hours of 9 September. (26)

7 Sep 1943
Around 1815B/7, ' Force K ' made up of the light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Augusta to proceed through the Messina Strait to the Gulf of Salerno as part of the cover forces for the landing there (Operation Avalanche).

Around 0545B/8, they joined convoy TSF 1 to provide additional escort / cover for this convoy during its passage northwards. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TSF 1 ' for 6 September 1943.] (27)

18 Jan 1944
Around 1545/18, The light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and the destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), USS Niblack (T/Cdr. R.R. Conner, USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN) departed Malta for Naples. They arrived at Naples around 1015/19. (28)

21 Jan 1944
A large amphibious force called ' Peter Force ' was to land north of Anzio on 22 January. To provide cover for this force the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN), HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN), fighter direction ship HMS Ulster Queen (A/Capt. M.H.J. Bennett, RD, RNR), destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. W.B.R. Morrison, RN), HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and 6 minesweepers were deployed. Most of these ships, if not all, departed Naples on this day.

[Note; Further research is required in the future.]

28 Jan 1944
During the day the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) provided fire support for the Army in ' P sector ' north of Anzio. (29)

31 Jan 1944
In the morning, around 0845A/31, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) parted company with USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN).

HMS Phoebe then proceeded to ' Area P ' near Anzio for fire support duty. She was joined by HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Fire support was given to the army in the afternoon.

again retired from the inshore area for the night to return the following morning. (30)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) returned to the operations area off Anzio for fire support duty. She was again in company with HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Fire support was given to the army in the late morning and afternoon.

HMS Phoebe again retired from the inshore area for the night to return the following morning. (31)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) returned to the operations area off Anzio for fire support duty. She was again in company with HMS Laforey (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN). Around 1120A/2, HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN) joined. HMS Dido had departed Naples around 0630A/2. She was to take over from HMS Phoebe. Fire support was given to the army in the late morning and early afternoon.

Around 1325A/2, HMS Phoebe retired from the area to proceed to Naples where she arrived around 1650A/2.

(31)

9 Feb 1944
Around 0520A/8, the light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) departed the Gulf of Pozzuoli to return to the Anzio area for bombardment duties.

During these bombardments they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN), USS Trippe (T/Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) and USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. V. Huber, USN on board).

Around 1100A/9, HMS Loyal was hit by enemy gunfire sustaining some minor damage.

All ships returned to Naples in the evening except for USS Brooklyn and USS Trippe which set course for Palermo. (32)

8 Apr 1944

Convoy MKF 30.

This convoy departed Port Said on 8 April 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Mahanada (British, 8489 GRT, built 1943), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

The landing ship Keren and dock landing ship Highway were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir ( Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos.

They were later joined by the escort destroyer HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) which had departed Alexandria on 8 April 1944.

On 11 April 1944, HMS Highway, Strathnaver, Takliwa and most likely also HMS Keren parted company with the convoy. HMS Highway arrived at Messina later the same day. Most likely HMS Keren was with her but the movements of this ship are not clear to us.

On 12 April 1944, the Strathnaver and Takliwa arrived at Naples.

On the above ships parting company with the convoy they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), which had departed Benghazi on 10 April and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) which had departed Malta on 11 April. These destroyers arrived at Naples also on 12 April 1944.

Meanwhile, on 11 April 1944, the ' Napels ' section of the convoy had departed that place. It was made up of the following troop transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) and the naval transports USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (Cdr. W.A. Wiedman, USNR), USS Florence Nightingale (T/Cdr. F.J. Nelson, USN), USS Lyon (Capt. T.C. Sorensen, USNR)

The ' Napels ' section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR).

Around 1000A/12, the minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 12 April 1944, the following troop transports; Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle and Ranchi arrived at Bone after having been detached to Bone escorted by RHS Miaoulis.

On 14 April 1944, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale, USS Lyon were detached to Oran Bay as did HMS Antwerp, USS Speed and HMS Byard. HMS Byard rejoined the convoy taking the troop transport USS General A.E. Anderson (17832 GRT, built 1943, T/Capt. W.E. Miller, USN) with her.

On 14 April 1944, HMS Beaufort and HMS Calder arrived at Gibraltar.

On 15 April 1944, HMS Caledon, HMS Belvoir and RHS Pindos arrived at Gibraltar and the destroyer HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. HMS Calder also rejoined the convoy.

In the Atlantic near Gibraltar the transport Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy. This ship came from Rio de Janeiro.

On 20 April 1944, HMS Wishart arrived at Plymouth after having parted company with the convoy. HMCS Prince Robert arrived there the following day.

On 21 April 1944, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder and HMS Drury arrived at Belfast.

On 22 April 1944, Almanzora, Cameronia, General A.E. Anderson and Leopoldville arrived in the Clyde.

On 22 April 1944, Capetown Castle, Devonshire, Franconia, Lancashire, Mahanada, Orontes, Stratheden, Troilus and HMS Lochy arrived at Liverpool.

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