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Notable events involving Aldenham include:

14 Feb 1942
The battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by the destroyer HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. J.M. Palmer, RN). (1)

19 Feb 1942
HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter CB, CVO, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap. Shortly after departed it was thought that an enemy submarine was sighted and even later some depth charges were dropped. No enemy submarine was in the area though. The escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. J.M. Palmer, RN) were sent from Scapa Flow to conduct an A/S sweep in the area but they found nothing and they returned to Scapa Flow early the following day. (2)

24 Mar 1942

Convoy WS 17.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 24 March 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Bhutan (British, 6104 GRT, built 1929), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Athol (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Dunedin Star (British, 11168 GRT, built 1936), Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Kina II (British, 9823 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925), Port Wyndham (British, 11005 GRT, built 1935), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922), Winchester Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

The submarine depot ship HMS Adamant (Capt. R.S. Warne, RN) and the landing ships HMS Karanja (British, 9891 GRT, built 1931, Cdr.(Retd.) C. Naylor, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Keren (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930, Lt.Cdr. E.G. Welchman, RN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was being escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt. B.M.D. I'Anson, RN), HNoMS Newport (?), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

Around 0130A/25, HMS Beverley and HNomS Newport collided, the latter had to proceed to Liverpool for repairs.

Around 0333Z/27, HMS Keppel picked up a U-boat transmitting on her HF/DF. HMS Grove, HMS Aldenham and HMS Leamington were ordered to search for this U-boat. HMS Leamington sigted the U-boat which then dived. A hunt was then started on completion of which HMS Leamington set course to return to the U.K. while HMS Grove and HMS Aldenham set course for the Azores where they were to refuel before rejoining the convoy. The hunt was considered 'not succesfull' but in fact postwar, the German U-boat U-587 is credited to have been sunk in this attack.

Around 0910Z/27, HMS Badsworth parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K.

Around 1500Z/27, HMS Keppel, HMS Volunteer and HMS Beverley parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. Both HMS Badsworth and HMS Volunteer reported after having parted company that U-boats were trailing the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, HMS Lookout parted company with the convoy to proceed to Azores to refuel before she was to rejoin the convoy.

Around 0800Z/29, HMS Grove and HMS Lookout rejoined from fuelling at the Azores. Shortly afterwards HMS Pakenham, HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant parted company to proceed to the Azores to refuel. HMS Aldenham rejoined the convoy later in the day.

HMS Pakenham, HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant arrived at Ponta Delgada around 1300Z/29. HMS Pakenham departed Ponta Delgada around 1910Z/29 followed by the other two destroyers shortly before midnight.

HMS Pakenham rejoined the convoy around 1330Z/30. During her absence HMS Antelope (around 1820Z/29) and HMS Boadicea (around 0915Z/30) had parted company with the convoy to return to the U.K. via the Azores.

Around 1730Z/30, in position 31°00'N, 22°42'W, HMS Illustrious parted company with the convoy to proceed direct to Freetown escorted by HMS Pakenham and HMS Rockingham. HMS Lookout, HMS Grove and HMS Aldenham were left with the convoy as A/S escorts.

At 2008Z/30, a message was received by HMS Illustrious from the Admiralty which stated that a large battleship or battlecruiser had been sighted at 0148Z/30 in position 24°48'N, 15°40'W proceeding on a course of 300°. As this course would have brought this vessel in close proximity of the convoy HMS Illustrious decided to remain in close proximity of the convoy. HMS Rockingham was sent back to the convoy to divert the convoy to the westwards. After having transferred the order she set course to return to the U.K. via the Azores. HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant meanwhile joined HMS Illustrious and HMS Pakenham around 1945Z/30.

At 0348Z/31, a message was received that the reported battleships course had been 200° instead of 300°. The convoy was therefore altered course. HMS Illustrious and her escorting destroyers then swept astern of the convoy before setting course direct to Freetown around 0846Z/31. (Position was then 28°50'N, 24°20'W).

At 1430Z/2, HMS Javelin was detached from the screen of HMS Illustrious to proceed to Bathurst to refuel. She later proceeded to Freetown independently.

In the afternoon of 2 April, HMS Shropshire fuelled HMS Grove.

In the afternoon of 3 April, HMS Shropshire fuelled HMS Aldenham.

HMS Illustrious, HMS Pakenham and HMS Inconstant arrived at Freetown around 0830Z/4.

Around 0900Z/4, the destroyer HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN) joined the convoy escort.

Around 1900Z/4, the corvettes HMS Hydrangea (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) and FFS Commandant Detroyant (?) joined the convoy escort.

The convoy arrived at Freetown in the morning of April 6th. (3)

27 Mar 1942
On 27 March 1942 German U-boat U-587 was sunk in position 47°21'N, 21°39'W by depth charges by the British escort destroyers HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and the British destroyers HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) and HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) of the 2nd Escort Group, escorting the troop convoy WS-17. The U-boat was found after a HF/DF fix by the British destroyer HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN).

7 Apr 1942

Convoy AS 2A.

This convoy departed Freetown on 7 April 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Monterey (American, 148017 GRT, built 1932) and Mormactide (American, 7773 GRT, built 1941).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

Around 1800Z/9, the escort destroyers parted company with the convoy to fuel at St. Helena and then proceed to Capetown at best speed.

Around 1500B/17, the Largs Bay parted company with the convoy to continue on to Durban independently.

Around 1445B/18, the convoy arrived at Capetown escorted only by HMS Devonshire (4)

20 May 1942
HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), RHS Aetos, RHS Kondouriotis, HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

Later the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. R.J.R. Dendy, RN) also went to sea. (5)

27 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

No logs are available for HMS Otus from June 1942 to April 1943 so her exact movements (on a day to day basis) are currently unknown to us). (6)

11 Jun 1942

Operation Vigorous.

Convoy MW 11 from ports in the Eastern Mediterranean to Malta.

Operation Vigorous in the Eastern Mediterranean took place at the same time of Operation Harpoon in the Western Mediterranean.

11 June 1942.

On 11 June 1942, a diversionary convoy, MW 11C, departed Port Said for Malta. It was made up of the following transports; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Bhutan (British, 6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940) and Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941).

The convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. R.J.R. Dendy, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN) and HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN).

The four transports all had an MTB in tow. These were HMS MTB 259, HMS MTB 261, HMS MTB 262 and HMS MTB 264.

The convoy proceeded eastwards and on 12 June the convoy was joined while near Alexandria by the escort destroyer HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN).

12 June 1942.

On 12 June 1942, convoy MW 11A departed Haifa for Malta. It was made up of the following transports; Ajax (British, 7540 GRT, built 1931), City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), City of Pretoria (British, 8049 GRT, built 1937), Elizabeth Bakke (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937) and Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925).

On depature from Haifa this part of the convoy was escorted by the detroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN).

Also on 12 June 1942, convoy MW 11B departed Port Said to join up with convoy MW 11A. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bulkoil (American (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1942) and Potaro (British, 5410, built 1940).

It was escorted by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN).

13 June 1942.

Convoy MW 11C turned back eastward after dark on the 12th and joined convoys MW 11A and MW 11B near Alexandria on the 13th. The Hunt-class escort destroyers escorting convoy MW 11C were sent to Alexandria to fuel.

The transport City of Calcutta had been damaged by a near miss at 2100C/12 while the convoy was still proceeding to the west. She had been detached and was now escorted to Tobruk by HMS Croome and HMS Exmoor. The four MTB's that were in tow of the four merchant ships of convoy MW 11C, were slipped and also sent to Tobruk due to the bad weather conditions. MTB 259 however was damaged and sunk.

The transport Elizabeth Bakke was unable to keep up with the convoy and was therefore detached from convoy MW 11A to return to Alexandria. The decoy ship Centurion joined the convoy from Alexandria. This ship was disguised as a battleship.

The destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. N.H.G. Austen, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, RN) departed Alexandria in the afternoon to relieve all the fleet destroyers which were with the convoy at that time. The rescue ships Antwerp (British, 2957 GRT, built 1920) and Malines (British, 2969 GRT, built 1921) took passage to the convoy with these destroyers. The destroyers they were to relieve were then to proceed to Alexandria to fuel. The corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN), HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR), HMS Primula (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Fuller, RNR) and HMS Snapdragon (T/Lt. P.H. Potter, RNR) also joined the convoy escort from Alexandria.

At 1730C/13 the Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron, which was in overal command, sailed from Alexandria in HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) with HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN). They were escorted by the destroyers: HMAS Napier, HMAS Nestor, HMAS Nizam, HMAS Norman, HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin, HMS Inconstant, HMS Fortune, HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Hotspur and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton, HMS Airedale, HMS Aldenham, HMS Beaufort, HMS Eridge, HMS Hurworth and HMS Tetcott (Lt. R.H. Rycroft, RN).

14 June 1942.

HMS Erica had to be detached to Mersa Matruh during night of 13th/14th due to defects.

The escort destroyers HMS Croome and HMS Exmoor rejoined the convoy at daylight coming from Tobruk.

The transport Aagtekerk was unable to keep up with the convoy and was ordered to proceed to Tobruk escorted by HMS Tetcott and HMS Primula. She was later attacked by aircraft, set on fire and had to be grounded near Tobruk. She was later declared a total loss.

The minesweepers HMS Boston (Lt. D.H.G. Coughlan, RNR) and HMS Seaham (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Brett, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.

During the afternoon and evening the convoy and escort were heavily bombed. The transport Bhutan was hit and sank while the transport Potaro was damaged but she was able to remain with the convoy. The rescue ships picked up crew and passengers from the Bhutan following which they parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Tobruk.

In the early evening it was reported that Italian warships had left Taranto.

15 June 1942.

Rear-Admiral Vian ordered the convoy to turn back at 0145C/15 so that an air attack could launched on the enemy fleet before contact could be made. During the night of the 14th/15th the convoy was constantly illuminated by aircraft flares and was also attacked by E-Boats and submarines. HMS Newcastle was hit forward by an E boat (S 56) torpedo around 0300C/15, her speed being reduced to 24 knots and her forward turret was put out of action. HMS Hasty was torpedoed and damaged also byan E boat (S 55) at 0525C/15 and later had to be scuttled by HMS Hotspur which also rescued her crew, only 12 of the crew of HMS Hasty were lost.

At 0630C/15 the convoy turned west again, but had to turn back to the east at 0930C/15 when the enemy was only 100 miles to the west and air attacks had not developed. At 1115C/15 a Beaufort torpedo bomber striking force reported hits on the two Littorio battleships, and the Commander in Chief Mediterranean ordered the convoy to turn westward once again. However the enemy continued to proceed to the south-east, apparently not reduced in speed. Rear-Admiral Vian, therefore, maintained his course to the eastward.

There were heavy air attacks with mainly Ju-88's and Ju-87's throughout the day and torpedo bombers attacked at dusk. Both Centurion and HMS Birmingham were damaged, but were able to continue. HMS Airedale was hit and she was later scuttled by HMS Aldenham and HMS Hurworth, casualties were fortunately once again slight. HMAS Nestor was also hit and immobilized but she did not sink and taken in tow by HMS Javelin with HMS Beaufort and HMS Eridge escorting the tow.

By 1630C/15 it had been reported that the enemy fleet had turned northward and the Commander in Chief Mediterranean again ordered the convoy to turn to the westward if in any way possible. Shortage of fuel and ammunition, however, did not permit this, and Rear-Admiral Vian was instructed to return to Alexandria with his whole force.

Submarines then intercepted the enemy fleet, but a simultaneous air attack caused the enemy to alter course and unfortunately the attacks could not be pressed home. The heavy cruiser Trento was damaged by the air attack and later sunk by HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) while making her way back to Italy. HMS P 35 also reported one torpedo hit on a Littorio-class battleship but this was not the cast, she had missed the Vittorio Veneto.

16 June 1942.

At 0126C/16 HMS Hermione was torpedoed by the German submarine U-205 and sank shortly afterwards taking 88 of her crew with her. HMS Aldenham, HMS Beaufort and HMS Exmoorrescued 498 of her crew.

The efforts to tow the damaged HMAS Nestor had to be abandoned at 0530C/16 and she was scuttled by HMS Javelin who then proceeded to rejoin the 15th Cruiser Squadron and its escort.

During the day several attacks on A/S contacts were carried out by the convoy escort, but there was no evidence of damage or a submarine sunk.

In the early evening ships started to arrive back at Alexandria and all the remaining ships arrived there during the evening except the merchant vessels Bulkoil and Ajax which went on to Port Said escorted by HMS Pakenham, HMS Inconstant, HMS Griffin and HMS Fortune. (7)

19 Jun 1942
The damaged light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN).

The escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN) accompanied them until off Port Said as they were on passage to Haifa. (8)

28 Jun 1942
A convoy made up of the destroyer tender HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) L.H. Bayley, RN), repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) and four transports, (this appears to be the City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938) and Llandovery Castle (British, 10609 GRT, 1925) departed Alexandria for Port Said (Suez Canal). They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN) and HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN).

On arrival at Port Said, in the afternoon of the 29th, the convoy entered the Suez Canal to proceed southwards while the escort entered Port Said harbour. (9)

19 Jul 1942
Around 1130C/19, the light cruisers HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral I.G. Glennie, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) departed Port Said to carry out a bombardment of the Mersa Matruh harbour area.

The bombardment was carried out between about 0130C/20 and 0145C/20. Aircraft spotting had been excellent and the cruisers had fired about 400 rounds of 5.25" of which it was estimated 60% landed in the target area.

At the same time the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Dulverton(Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) carried out an inshore anti-Eboat sweep.

The ships returned to Port Said around 1615C/20. (10)

24 Sep 1942
At 2109/23 the radar station at Paphos, Cyprus reported surface craft moving at high speed about 30 nautical miles to the south-west of Paphos.

In response, light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) sailed from Haifa early on the 24th, and light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), escorted by HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) were sailed from Port Said. Nothing was found and all forces returned to Haifa / Port Said without incident. (11)

30 Sep 1942
The light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Haifa.

The light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) departed Port Said.

When the forces met night exercises were carried out.

Op completion of the exercises HMS Arethusa, HMS Paladin, HMS Aldenham and HMS Belvoir proceeded to Haifa arriving on October, 1st.

All other ships proceeded to Port Said also arriving on October, 1st.

HMS Exmoor transited the Suez Canal southwards and arrived at Suez for repairs and refit. (12)

5 Oct 1942
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. These included A/S exercises with first HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and later with HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN). (13)

22 Oct 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) departed Port Said for exercises.

The light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) had departed Haifa very late on 21 October.

The forces joined for the exercises.

On completion of the exercises HMS Orion, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin proceeded to Haifa. All the other ships proceeded to Port Said. (12)

28 Oct 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Port Said. (14)

7 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for exercises. At sea they were joined by the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN). (15)

8 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) and the escort HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) returned to Port Said from exercises. (15)

10 Nov 1942
Around 0700B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN), HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) proceeded from Port Said to Alexandria where they arrived after dark the same day. (16)

11 Nov 1942

Operation MH 1.

Around 0500B/11, the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.

On board HMS Manxman was 350 tons of foodstuff, including powdered milk, dried cereals and preserved meat as well as 200 military personnel.

On leaving the boom, HMS Manxman grounded but was soon towed clear by a tug. As she had no apparent damage it was decided to go ahead with the operation.

After dark, the escort destroyers parted company and returned to Alexandria arriving on the 12th. HMS Manxman then proceeded unescorted at high speed. (16)

15 Nov 1942
The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos proceeded from Port Said to Alexandria. (17)

16 Nov 1942

Convoy MW 13.

This convoy departed Port Said on 16 November 1942 and arrived at Malta on 20 November 1942.

The convoy was made up of the following transports; Bantan (Dutch, 9312 GRT, built 1939), Denbighshire (British, 8983 GRT, built 1938), Mormacmoon (American, 7939 GRT, built 1940) and Robin Locksley (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941).

The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN).

At 0700B/17, while off Alexandria all destroyers parted company and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos joined the convoy.

The seven fleet destroyers arrived at Alexanrdria at 0745B/17.

Shortly after 1300B/17 the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) departed Alexandria to join the convoy at dawn the following morning. They were escorted by the seven fleet destroyers that had arrived at Alexandria a few hours before.

At 1110B/18, air attacks commenced on the convoy but no damage was done.

At 1700B/18, the cruisers (minus HMS Euryalus) and the fleet destroyers parted company with the convoy to take up a position to the north of the convoy during the night.

At 1805B/18, in a dusk torpedo attack, when in position 33°36'N, 20°44'E, HMS Arethusa was hit abreast 'B' turret and took on heavy list to port. HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Petard stood by the damaged cruiser. HMS Jervis and HMS Javelin however soon rejoined the cruiser force. HMS Arethusa and HMS Petard were to try to make it back to Alexandria.

Around 1400B/19, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Dido, HMS Orion, HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin, HMS Nubian, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin set course to return to Alexandria.

At 2045B/19, the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) joined HMS Arethusa and HMS Petard.

The convoy and the ramaining escort arrived safely at Malta in the early hours of November, 20th.

Around 0800B/20, the destroyer HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) joined HMS Arethusa and her escorts.

At 1340B/20, HMS Arethusa was taken in tow, stern first, by HMS Petard. Shorty after 1805B/20 the tugs HMS Brigand and HMS Roysterer took over the tow.

Around 0600B/21, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Dido, HMS Orion, HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin, HMS Nubian, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin arrived at Alexandria.

HMS Arethusa, her escorts and the two tugs arrived at Alexandria in the late afteroon of 21 November. (18)

1 Dec 1942

Convoy MW 14.

This convoy departed Port Said on 1 December 1942 and arrived at Malta on 5 December 1942.

The convoy was made up of the following transports; Agwimonte (American, 6679 GRT, built 1941), Alcoa Prospector (American, 6796 GRT, built 1941), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940) and Suffolk (British, 11063 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy was escorted on departure from Port Said by the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN).

Around 0300B/2 the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), destroyer HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, RN) and Pindos was sailed from Alexandria to rendezvous with the convoy which they did around 0700B/2.

Around 1800B/2, HMS Hurworth was detached and returned to Alexandria with defects.

Also on 2 December the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) departed Malta for Benghazi.

The tanker Yorba Linda (Panamanian, 6900 GRT, built 1921), escorted by HMS Croome and HMS Tetcott sailed from Benghazi. They joined the convoy around 1700B/3.

At 1900A/3, 'Force K', light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to provide cover for the convoy during the night of 3rd/4th December. They joined the convoy at dawn on the 4th.

The convoy arrived safely at Malta on 5 December. (19)

6 Dec 1942

Convoy MW 15.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 December 1942 and arrived at Malta on 10 December 1942.

The convoy was made up of the following transports; American Packer (American, 6802 GRT, built 1941) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940).

The convoy was escorted on departure from Alexandria by the minesweepers HMS Boston (Lt. D.H.G. Coughlan, RNR), HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR) and HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, RNR).

Around 0900B/9, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1100A/10, the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta to provide cover for the convoy. Air reconnaissance had failed to locate three Italian cruisers at Messina. Later it became clear that there was no threat to the convoy and they were recalled around 1315A/10. They returned to Malta around 1815A/10.

The convoy arrived safely at Malta late on December, 10th. (20)

21 Jan 1943

Convoy MH 3.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 21 January 1943 and was to proceed, if possible, to Tripoli. The final destination would depend on the situation on land.

The convoy was made up of the transports; Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940). The rescue tug HMS Brigand and RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Alexandria (at 1100 hours) it was escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Exmoor ( Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) and RHS Kanaris.

At 1745/21, the destroyer HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta to conduct a sweep along the coast of North Africa and make rendez-vous with the convoy on 23 January.

On 22 January the convoy was ordered to enter Tobruk for the night of 22/23 January to await clarification about the situation on land.

At 1400/23, the convoy departed Tobruk. The Harmelin was left behind due to her slow speed. The Antwerp (British, 2957 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy. The destroyers HMS Pakenham, RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) had meanwhile arrived at Tobruk and after fuelling also sailed to overtake the convoy and reinforce the escort.

At 1700/24, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) departed Malta to make rendez-vous with the convoy.

At 1900/24, the destroyers HMS Pakenham and Vasilissa Olga parted company with the convoy with orders to proceed to Benghazi.

At 2130/24, the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and Pindos joined the convoy. They were coming from Benghazi.

At dawn on the 25th, HMS Orion, HMS Jervis, HMS Kelvin and HMS Tetcott joined the convoy.

The convoy had meanwhile been ordered to proceed to Malta but this was changed at 2200/25 when the convoy was ordered to proceed to Tripoli except for the tanker Cherryleaf which continued on to Malta escorted by HMS Orion, HMS Jervis, HMS Kelvin, HMS Paladin, HMS Aldenham, HMS Beaufort and HMS Croome.

Both the Tripoli section and Malta section of the convoy arrived at their destinations on 26 January.

At dusk on the 26th, the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton, HMS Exmoor, HMS Hursley, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos arrived at Malta after having escorted the convoy to the vicinity of Tobruk. (21)

27 Jan 1943

Convoy ME 16.

This convoy departed Malta on 27 January 1943 and arrived at Alexandria on 1 February 1943.

The convoy was made up of the transports; Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pierre S. DuPont (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.

At 0200/28, HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta to overtake the convoy and join the escort at dawn.

At 1000/28, HMS Croome and HMS Hursley parted company and set course for Tobruk where they were required for escort duty.

Shortly after dark on the 29th, HMS Cleopatra, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin parted company with the convoy and set course to proceed to Alexandria.

At 1600/31, HMS Aldenham and HMS Beaufort were detached from the convoy and proceeded to Alexandria. The convoy itself proceed a bit further to the eastward and then turned back and entered Alexandria at daylight on 1 February. (21)

6 Feb 1943

Convoy's MW 20 / XT 2.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 February 1943 and was to split up into two on 9 February. Convoy MW 20 was to proceed to Malta where it arrived on 10 February. Convoy XT 2 was to proceed to Tripoli where it also arrived on 10 February.

The combined convoy was made of the following ships; American Packer (American, 6802 GRT, built 1941), Clan Macindoe (British, 4635 GRT, built 1920), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Manaar (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Voyager (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Phemius (British, 7406 GRT, built 1921), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kondouriotis and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.

On 7 February the Greek destroyer Kondouriotis detached to Tobruk to fuel and rejoin the convoy on completion.

Around 1800/8, the light cuiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destoyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) departed Malta to join the convoy at dawn the following day.

Around 0745/9, HMS Euryalus, HMS Nubian and HMS Paladin joined the convoy.

At 2000/9, the convoy split up into two sections, the Malta section (MW 20) was made up of the; Egra, Erinna, Glaucus, Manaar, Phemius and Yorba Linda and escorted by HMS Euryalus, HMS Jervis, HMS Javelin, HMS Kelvin, HMS Nubian, HMS Paladin, RHS Kondouriotis, HMS Aldenhan, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, HMS Exmoor, HMS Hurworth and RHS Kanaris.

The other ships proceeded to Tripoli escorted by HMS Tetcott and RHS Pindos. At Tripoli the convoy was swept in the the minesweepers HMS Boston (Lt. D.H.G. Coughlan, RNR), HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR) and HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, RNR).

HMS Tetcott and RHS Pindos then proceeded to Malta. (21)

15 May 1943

Convoy MW 28 (+ convoy XT 14)

This convoy departed Alexandria on 15 May 1943 and arrived at Malta on 21 May 1943.

Several ships of the convoy split off on 20 May 1943 forming convoy XT 14 destined for Tripoli where they arrived later on the same day.

On departure from Alexandria this combined convoy was made up of the following ships; Benreoch (British, 5818 GRT, built 1921), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919), Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892), David Stone (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dunkeld (British, 4944 GRT, built 1937), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Patrol (British, 3334 GRT, built 1928), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Francis Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), John Hart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), GRT, built ), Ozarda (British, 9685 GRT, built 1940), Princess Kathleen (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929) and Vacport (British, 6774 GRT, built 1930). The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Green Ranger (3313 GRT, built 1941) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), FFS Leopard and the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) and RHS Adrias.

The sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) departed Tobruk on the 15th and joined the escort.

HMS Rockwood arrived back at Alexandria on 19 May 1943 having been detached from the escort earlier.

On the 16th, the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) departed Tobruk to join the escort.

On the 18th, the escort destroyer HMS Easton (Lt. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Tripoli to join the convoy.

HMS Kelvin arrived at Tripoli on 19 May and departed again on the 20th to rejoin the convoy.

On 20 May 1943 the convoy split up and the following ships proceeded to Tripoli arriving later the same day; Benreoch, Benrinnes, City of Keelung, Darien II, Empire Patrol, Fort Tadoussac, Francis Drake, Hermelin, John Hart, Neuralia and Romney.

The remainder of the convoy continued on to Malta arriving on 21 May 1943.

8 Sep 1943

Operation Slapstick.

Landing of troops at Taranto following the Italian armistice.

Around 1545/8, the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Commodore W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. J. Terry, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), USS Boise (T/Rear-Admiral T.H. Thebaud, USN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) departed Bizerta for Taranto. These cruisers and the minelayer had troops on board as well as stores and vehicles.

Around 0630/9, they joined the battleships HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) which had departed Malta around 2200/8 with the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 3 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN).

Around 1315/9, the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN), HMS Hurworth (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Kanaris joined coming from Sousse (via Malta) from where they had sailed on the 8th. They had on board a port party for Taranto.

Around 1400B/9, the Italian battleships Caio Duilio (flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Da Zara), Andrea Doria, light cruisers Luigi Cadorna, Pompeo Magno and the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco were sighted proceeding towards Malta to surrender. HMS King George V with HMS Panther, Pathfinder, HMS Penn then parted company to escort these ships to Malta.

Around 1630/9, the minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR), HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and HMS BYMS 2012 (T/A/Skr.Lt. C.J. Watson, RNR) joined. These ships had also departed Malta on the 8th.

In the evening all the other ships entered the harbour of Taranto where the troops, port party, stores and vehicles were disembarked.

Troops were then to be disembarked, however, on 10 September, shortly after midnight, HMS Abdiel was mined and sunk with heavy loss of life inside the harbour before she had been able to disembark her troops.

16 Sep 1943

Convoy KMF 24.

This convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 September 1943. The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR). Additional escorts were the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. T.M. Dorrien-Smith, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN)and RHS Themistocles (?).

On 17 September 1943, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR) departed Liverpool to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On 21 September 1943, the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) conducted an A/S sweep in the vicinity of the convoy.

On 22 September 1943, the Empire Viceroy and Highland Princess arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Malcolm, HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Zetland, RHS Themistocles and HMS Rother.

Joining the convoy from Gibraltar were the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) and AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN). The escort destroyer HMS Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) also sailed later from Gibraltar to overtake and join the convoy.

Also rejoining the convoy from Gibraltar were HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Zetland, RHS Themistocles and HMS Rother.

On 23 September 1943, the following vessels arrived at Algiers after having detached from the convoy; Almanzora, Athlone Castle and Cameronia. HMS Pelican, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother, HMS Spey and HMS Wear also parted company with the convoy.

The escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), RHS Kanaris (?) and RHS Miaoulis (?) joined the convoy.

Early on 24 September 1943, the Bergensfjord and Volendam were detached to Philippeville escorted by HMS Rockwood and RHS Miaoulis which later rejoined the convoy.

At 1625B/24, HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland were detached from the convoy to proceed to Augusta.

Around 1130B/25, in position 36°52'N, 15°46'E, the (troop) transport Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935) and escort destroyer HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) joined coming from Taranto. Also joining around the same time were the (troop) transports Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922) and Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) coming from Augusta. With them the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland also (re)joined.

At 1230B/25, HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Oakley and HMS Zetland were detached to Malta.

Around 0325C/28, HMS Carlisle, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kanaris parted company to proceed to Alexandria where they arrived around 0730C/28.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said in afternoon of 28 September 1943.

17 Sep 1943

Convoy MKF 24.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 September 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt. U.H.R. James, RN) was also part of the convoy. She was en-route from the East Indies station to the U.K. to be decommissioned and be outfitted for her new role as troop transport.

The convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), RHS Kanaris and RHS Miaoulis.

At 0620C/18, the Eastern Prince was detached to Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Algiers on 22 September 1943.

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On 28 September 1943 the convoy departed Algiers for the U.K.

It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Clan Campbell, Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Staffordshire, Strathmore, Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and Volendam (British, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage was still part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

At 0700A/30, the Ruys and Volendam were detached.

At 0900A/30, the Empress of Australia and Monarch of Bermuda were detached.

At 0930A/30, the (troop) transports Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Gibraltar.

Also the following warships joined at the same time; escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), seaplane carrier HMS Albatross (A/Capt.(Retd.) S. Barry, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN).

At 1400A/30, the Volendam rejoined.

At 1500A/30, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar.

At 1600A/30, the Ruys rejoined.

At 0420A/1, the Bergensfjord, Highland Princess and Volendam parted company to proceed to Freetown. They took HMS Wishart and HMS Witherington with them as escorts. Also the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) joined them which had came from Casablanca.

At 1300A/1, the Athone Castle was detached to proceed independently to New York.

At 0640Z/4, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy escort.

At 0635Z/5, HMS Spartan parted company with the convoy.

At 0930Z/5, HMS Charybdis and HMS Albatross parted company to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived on 6 October.

On 7 October the convoy arrived in U.K waters. The bulk of the convoy proceeded either to Greenock or to Liverpool.

23 Oct 1943
Around 0630C/23, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean.

During the night of 23/24 October 1943, they swept to the west of Kalymnon before retiring through the Scarpanto Strait to Kastelorizo where they arrived around 1405C/24. There the escort destroyers fuelled from HMS Phoebe. (22)

27 Oct 1943
Around 0700C/27, south of the Scarpanto Strait, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) made rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Church, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) which were returning from operations in the Aegean. Course was then set to Alexandria where they arrived around 1930C/27. (22)

4 Nov 1943
At 0617B/4, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and Miaoulis which were coming Alexandria. Course was then set for Limasol where they arrived around 0805B/4. The escort destroyers were then fuelled by HMS Phoebe which on completion of fuelling the destroyers left Limasol around 1000B/4 for Haifa where she arrived around 1600B/4. The escort destroyers proceeded to the Aegean. (23)

6 Nov 1943
Around 0650/6, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), departed Alexandria for trials and exercises. On completion of these she set course to proceed to a position about mid way between Alexandria and Rhodes so as to be in a position to proceed to the aid of light forces operating in the Aegean if called upon.

Around 0600/7, HMS Penelope was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and Miaoulis. These ships parted company around 1700/7.

Around 0600/8, HMS Penelope was joined by the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN). These ships parted company around 0900/8.

Around 1200/9, HMS Penelope was joined by the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos.

They arrived in Episkopi Bay, Cyprus around 1545/9 where they fuelled. (24)

13 Nov 1943
Around 1130B/13, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), destroyer HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR) and HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN) departed Limasol.

Around 1945B/13, the cruiser and destroyers parted company to the south-east of Kastelorizo and the latter then set course for the Aegean.

HMS Phoebe then remained patrolling in the area to make rendezvous with destroyers coming from the Aegean the following morning. (23)

23 Mar 1944

Convoy XIF 12.

This convoy departed Port Said on 23 March 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN) and HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN).

On 24 March 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Croome (A/Lt.Cdr. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and RHS Miaoulis departed Alexandria to join the convoy which they did later on the 24th.

Also joining from Alexandria were the (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

Around 0745A/25, the escort destroyer RHS Pindos joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.

Around 2230A/26, HMS Frobisher parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Taranto on 28 March 1944 minus the Circassia and Volendam which had been detached to Augusta and Naples respectively. They had been detached around 0600A/27. HMS Croome and HMS Liddesdale went with the Volendam to Napels where they arrived on the 28th.

29 Mar 1944

Convoy IXF 12.

This convoy departed Taranto on 29 March 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Taranto the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kriti, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos.

Around 1340A/30, HMS Caledon was detached. She was to proceed to Bizerta.

On 30 March 1944, the (troop) transport Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) departed Malta to join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).

On 1 April 1944, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos were detached to Alexandria with the Derbyshire.

The escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and destroyer HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) joined coming from Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Port Said on 2 April 1944.

23 May 1944
Around 1815B/23, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived around 0915B/24. (25)

24 May 1944

Convoy NSF 23.

This convoy departed Oran Bay on 24 May 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).

Around 0730B/25, the (troop) transports; Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming off Algiers.

Around 0800B/26, the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming off Benghazi.

The convoy arrived at Naples on 27 May 1944.

The Ville d'Oran had been detached to Taranto where she too arrived on 27 May 1944 escorted by HMS Atherstone

28 May 1944

Convoy SNF 23.

This convoy departed Naples on 28 May 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Naples the convoy was escorted by AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Cdr. J.G. Farrant, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.C. Lapage, RN) and HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).

On the same day the (troop) transport Ville d'Oran (British, 10172 GRT, built 1936) departed Taranto escorted by HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.I. Pilditch, DSC, RN). They joined the convoy the following day.

On 29 May 1944, the Hai Lee arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 30 May 1944, the Champollion and HMS Atherstone arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy.

The remaining (troop) transports of the convoy arrived at Oran / Mers-el-Kebir on 31 May 1944 escorted by HMS Aldenham, HMS Cleveland and HMS Brecon.

HMS Caledon and HMS Haydon continued on to Gibraltar arriving there on 31 May 1944.