| Navy | The Royal Hellenic Navy |
| Type | Escort destroyer |
| Class | Hunt (Type III) |
| Pennant | L 65 |
| Built by | Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd. (Wallsend-on-Tyne, U.K.): Wallsend |
| Ordered | 28 Jul 1940 |
| Laid down | 3 Apr 1941 |
| Launched | 5 Nov 1941 |
| Commissioned | 27 Jun 1942 |
| End service | |
| History | Transferred to the Royal Hellenic Navy before completion and renamed Pindos. |
| Former name | HMS Bolebroke |
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Notable events involving Pindos include:
29 Aug 1942
Convoy WS 22.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 29 August 1942.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923), Canara (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Leinster (British, 4303 GRT, built 1937), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937) and Suffolk (British, 11145 GRT, built 1939).
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.V.H. Harris, DSC, MVO, RN), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN), HMS Chesterfield (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN), HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) and the escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN).
Around 1800Z/31, ORP Blyskawica was detached to Londonderry due to abnormal high fuel consumption.
Around 0600Z/1, HMS Bulldog, HMS Keppel and HMS Zetland were detached to return to the U.K.
Around 1315Z/1, HMS Bicester was detached to Plymouth.
Around 1520Z/1, HMS Partridge and HMAS Quiberon were detached to fuel at the Azores. They arrived there around 1600Z/2.
Around 1540Z/2, the Leinster parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. The destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) had come from Gibraltar to escort her.
Around 0930Z/3, HMS Partridge and HMAS Quiberon rejoined from fuelling having departed Ponta Delgada around 0200Z/3. HMS Beverley and HMS Chesterfield were then detached to fuel at the Azores.
Around 1400Z/6, the destroyer HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair) joined.
Around 1300Z/7, the escort destroyer RHS Pindos joined.
The convoy arrived at Freetown shortly after noon on 9 September 1942.
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The convoy departed Freetown in the same composition around 0700Z/13. One additional vessel had joined the convoy, this was the transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927). The convoy was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), destroyers HMAS Quiberon, HMS Partridge, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope and the escort destroyers HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos.
Around 1800Z/15, the Highland Princess was detached to Takoradi escorted by HMS Boreas. HMS Antelope was also detached to return to Freetown.
Around 1800A/16, HMS Alcantara, HMS Derwent and RHS Pindos were detached to Pointe Noire to fuel. They rejoined the convoy around 1800A/19 after which HMS Aurora, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Partidge parted company with the convoy to fuel at Pointe Noire. They did not rejoin the convoy.
Around 1015BC/24, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) joined the convoy coming from Simonstown.
Around 1200BC/24, the convoy split into the Capetown section and the Durban section.
The Capetown section was made up of the Almanzora, Andes, California, Canara, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nea Hellas, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Ruys. The arrived at Capetown on 25 September escorted by HMS Alcantara, HMS Derwent and RHS Pindos.
The Durban section was made up of the Boissevain, Highland Brigade, Highland Chieftain, Mataroa, Orcades, Rangitata, Sibajak and Suffolk. They were escorted by HMS Shropshire.
The Durban section arrived at Durban on 29 September 1942.
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On 29 September 1942, the Capetown section, now made up of the following ships; Almanzora, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nieuw Holland and Orduna departed. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Alcantara and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN).
On 3 October 1942, HMS Alcantara parted company with the convoy and entered Durban. The Durban section of the convoy then joined. It was now made up of the following ships; Boissevain, California, Canera, Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Rangitata and Ruys. They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN).
Around 0600D/8, HMS Ranchi parted company with the convoy to fuel at Diego Suarez. She arrived there around 1730D/9. Having completed fuelling she departed again around 2330D/9 to rejoined the convoy which she did around 0600D/11.
Around 1130E/10, the 'heavy' cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Devonshire then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini / Mombasa taking the Almanzora and Rangitata with her. They arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa on the 12th.
Around 0710D/11, HMS Hawkins parted company taking the Bombay section of the convoy with her. The Bombay section was made up of the Boissevain, California, Canara, Dominion Monarch, Franconia, Indrapoera, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Nieuw Holland and Ruys. They arrived at Bombay on 17 October 1942 minus the Canera which had been detached around 1920EF/15 to Karachi where she arrived on 18 October 1942.
HMS Ranchi escorting the Aden section, made up of the Ekma, Felix Roussel and Orduna , had meanwhile arrived at Aden on 16 October 1942. (1)
18 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos fuelled at Pointe Noire on completion of which they immediately departed to rejoin convoy WS 22.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 22 ' for 29 August 1942.] (2)
25 Sep 1942
HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN), HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and RHS Pindos arrived at Capetown with the Capetown section of convoy WS 22. (2)
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. (3)
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. (4)
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. (5)
28 Dec 1942
Convoy ME 14.
This convoy departed Malta on 28 December 1942. It arrived at Port Said on 2 January 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following transports; American Packer (American, 6802 GRT, built 1941), Clan MacIndoe (British, 4635 GRT, built 1920), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940).
On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos.
At 1546A/30, the convoy was attacked by the German submarine U-617 which had fired four torpedoes. Three of the torpedoes were seen by the convoy at 1550A/28. No ships were hit. HMS Beaufort was detached for a while from the escort to hunt the enemy submarine.
At 1643A/30, HMS Euryalus was detached from the convoy to return to Malta at high speed.
On 1 January 1943, the transports American Packer and Clan MacIndoe were detached to Alexandria where they arrived later the same day escorted by HMS Beaufort and RHS Pindos.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 2 January 1943. (6)
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. (7)
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. (7)
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. (7)
13 Feb 1943
Convoy ME 17.
This convoy departed Malta on 14 February 1943 and arrived at Port Said on 18 February 1943.
The convoy was to have merged with convoy TX 1 coming from Tripoli but as this convoy was delayed both convoys proceeded independently.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Malta the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Jervis (Capt. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos.
On the 14th, HMS Jervis was detached to join convoy TX 1. HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, DSO, RN) sailed from Alexandria to join the escort of convoy ME 17.
On the 15th, HMS Beaufort made a short to fuel at Tobruk after which she departed to join convoy ME 17 at dawn the next morning.
On convoy was later split up and the Egra arrived at Alexandria on the 18th escorted by HMS Beaufort and HMS Tetcott.
The remainder of the convoy, the Erinna and Yorba Linda arrived at Port Said later on the 18th, escorted by HMS Belvoir and RHS Pindos. (7)
1 Mar 1943
Convoy MW 22 (+ convoy XT 4).
This convoy departed Alexandria on 1 March 1943 and arrived at Malta on 6 March 1943.
Several ships of the convoy split off on 4 March 1943 forming convoy XT 4 destined for Tripoli where it arrived on 5 March 1943.
The convoy was made up of the following ships; Belray (British, 2888 GRT, built 1926), British Sovereign (British, 3657 GRT, built 1917), Charles Gordon Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Dafila (British, 1940 GRT, built 1927), Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Edward Everett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pronto (British, 2201 GRT, built 1920), Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921). The RFA tanker Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) and the escort destroyers 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 Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos.
On 3 March the transport Belray arrived at Tobruk.
On 4 March the ships destined for Tripoli split off and formed convoy XT 4. This convoy arrived at Tripoli the following day. Convoy XT 4 was made up of the British Sovereign, Charles Gordon Curtis, Dafila, Darien II, Destro, Edward Everett, James Duncan, Neuralia and Pronto. They were escorted by HMS Beaufort, HMS Exmoor and HMS Tetcott.
The remainder of the ships; Erinna, Greystoke Castle, O'Henry, Tosari, Yorba Linda and RFA Cherryleaf arrived at Malta on 6 March escorted by HMS Kelvin, RHS Vasilissa Olga, HMS Dulverton, HMS Rockwood and RHS Pindos.
8 Mar 1943
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), destroyers HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas) and the escort destroyers HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) and Pindos conducted exercises off Malta. (8)
10 Mar 1943
Convoys ME 19 and TX 3.
Convoy ME 19 departed Malta on 10 March 1943 and arrived at Alexandria on 15 March 1943 / Port Said on 16 March 1943.
It had merged as sea on 12 March with convoy TX 3 coming from Tripoli.
On departure from Malta convoy ME 19 was made up of the following ships; Dromus (British (tanker), 8036, built 1938), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), Kaikoura (British, 5852 GRT, built 1937), Orna (British, 6779 GRT, built 1938), Panama (British, 6650 GRT, built 1915) and Yorba Linda (Panamanian (tanker), 6900 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Malta convoy ME 19 was escorted by the destroyer HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Easton (Lt. C.W. Malins, DSC, RN), Miaoulis.
Convoy TX 3 departed Tripoli on 11 March 1943 and merged with convoy ME 19 at sea on 12 March 1943.
It was made up of following ships; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), British Sovereign (British, 3657 GRT, built 1917), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918), City of Guildford (British, 5157 GRT, built 1919), Daltonhall (British, 7250 GRT, built 1941), Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912).
On departure from Tripoli convoy TX 3 was escorted by the destroyer HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and Pindos. HMS Tetcott apparently returned to Tripoli later on the 11th.
The following ships arrived at Alexandria on 15 March 1943;
Benrinnes, British Sovereign, City of Evansville, City of Florence, City of Guildford, Darien II, Erinna, They were escorted by; HMS Kelvin, HMS Javelin, HMS Dulverton and HMS Rockwood.
The following ships arrived at Port Said on 16 March 1943;
Daltonhall, Dromus, Orna, Panama and Yorba Linda. They were escorted by; HMS Belvoir, RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos. 22 Aug 1943 6 Sep 1943 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. (9) 31 Oct 1943 Around 1800B/1, HMS Phoebe parted company with the destroyers which then proceeded to the Gulf of Doris where they were to anchor. They were to pass to the north of Rhodes.
HMS Phoebe then set course to return to Alexandria where she arrived around 0920B/2. (10) 6 Nov 1943 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. (11) 10 Nov 1943 Around 1800/10, HMS Faulknor, HMS Beaufort and RHS Pindos parted company to proceed into the Aegean for operations.
HMS Penelope then set course to proceed to Alexandria where she arrived around 1530/11. (11) 14 Nov 1943 17 Nov 1943 This convoy departed Port Said on 17 November 1943.
It was made up of the (troop) transports;
Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928),
Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928),
Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938),
Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and
Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer RHS Kriti.
On 18 November 1943, the (troop) transports;
Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923),
Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and
Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) departed Alexandria to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos which also joined the convoy.
On 21 November 1943, the bulk of the convoy, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Tegelberg escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Paladin, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kriti arrived at Augusta. Meanwhile the Cuba and Staffordshire had been detached to Taranto where they arrived on 22 November 1943 escorted by HMS Beaufort, RHS Kriti and RHS Pindos.
The ships that had arrived at Taranto (convoy XIF 4) departed from there again on 24 November 1943 and arrived at Augusta the following day.
Convoy MKF 26 departed Augusta on 27 November. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna, Staffordshire and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp, escort destroyers HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos. The destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC, RN) joined coming from Malta which she had departed on the same day.
On 28 November 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) joined the convoy escort coming from Bizerta while the Cuba was detached to Bizerta.
Later on the 28th, the troop transport Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.
On 29 November 1943, the Karamea was detached to Algiers as were the following escorts; HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos.
The following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923),
Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931),
Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and
Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920). Also joining from Algiers were the following escorts; sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) 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) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).
Later on the 29th, the (troop) transport Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. Also joining from there were the USN transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN), USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Barnett (T/Capt. G.E. Maynard, USN), USS Charles Carroll (T/Capt. H. Biesemeier, USN), USS Frederick Funston (T/Cdr. J.E. Murphy, USN), USS James O'Hara (T/Capt. C. Allen, USN), USS Joseph T. Dickman (Capt. R.J. Mauermann, USCG), USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, Jr., USN), USS Procyon (T/Cdr. B.A. Hartt, USN) and USS Thomas Jefferson (T/Capt. P.P. Welch, USN).
Around 1945A/30, USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Algiers. HMS Nubian also parted company with the convoy on the 30th to fuel at Gibraltar and then rejoin the convoy when it passed through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Around 0445A/1, HMS Colombo was detached from the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. Also on 1 December 1943 the following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943) and City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937). The destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) also joined the convoy off Gibraltar.
HMS Velox fuelled at Horta, Azores during 3/4 December 1943 and then rejoined the convoy.
Around 1800O/4, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 1800Z/6.
The Margrethe Bakke was detached in the North Atlantic and arrived at New York on 12 December 1943.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8/9 December 1943. 14 Feb 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 14 February 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers;
Cleodora (Dutch (tanker), 8026 GRT, built 1938),
Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943),
Esso Montpelier (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940),
Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913),
Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937),
Java (Dutch, 9250 GRT, built 1939),
Sampler (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Van der Helst (Dutch, 6946 GRT, built 1942). The rescue tug HMRT Vagrant was also with the convoy.
They were escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN), corvette HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).
On 15 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy;
Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942),
Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926),
Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
Hubert Howe Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Ignatius Donnelly (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932),
Oran M. Roberts (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Peter Zenger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943),
William Whipple (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and
Zachery Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). The armed boarding vessel HMS Arpha () and the rescue tugs HMRT Barwick and HMRT Respond also joined the convoy from Alexandria.
They were escorted by the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) which also joined the convoy.
On 19 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy;
Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939),
Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921),
Benjamin Hawkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928),
David Caldwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920),
Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942),
Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943),
George Dewey (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943),
Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936),
Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935),
J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John M. Morehead (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
Joseph Hooker (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Louis Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918),
Marga (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1923),
Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943),
Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Thomas W. Hyde (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 20 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy;
Aelbert Cuyp,
Belpareil,
Cleodora,
Empire Cameron,
Empire Capulet,
Empire Daring,
Empire Rock,
Euryades,
Fort Cadotte and
Fort Clatsop.
On 21 February 1944, HMS Arpha, HMS Barwick and HMS Respond arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy.
On 22 February 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy;
Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939),
British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941),
British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943),
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911),
Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938),
James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Paul Hamilton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Thomas Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
William Carson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy;
Charles Brantley Aycock,
Esso Montpelier,
Henry Middleton,
Joseph E. Brown,
Joseph Hooker and
Thomas W. Hyde. Also the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant arrived at Bizerta. Joining the convoy from Bizerta were the following transports / tankers;
Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943),
Ena (Dutch (tanker), 6229 GRT, built 1936),
Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942),
George Cleeve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917),
Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929),
Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937),
John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915),
Peter Skene Ogden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Rufus W. Peckham (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942),
Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939) and
Thelma (British, 1593 GRT, built 1935). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).
On 22 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy;
Destro,
Empire Grange,
Fort Rae,
Fort St.Regis,
Gezina,
Guinean and
Narwick while the transport Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
Around 1215A/22, the transports George Cleeve and Peter Skene Ogden were torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-969.
On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Philippeville after having parted company with the convoy;
Empire Mariott,
Fort Frederick,
Hjalmar Wessel while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville;
Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936),
Nelson Dingley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and
Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).
On 23 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy;
Fort Fairford,
Fort Fidler,
Fort Meductic,
Fort Reliance,
Grainton,
Gudrun Maersk,
Innerton,
Loke,
Marga,
Ocean Vesper,
Riverton,
Rufus W. Peckham and
Thelma while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933),
Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925),
City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936),
Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942),
Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935),
John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937),
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
Thomas B. Robertson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 24 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy;
Capitaine Paul Lemerle,
James G. Blaine,
Johns Hopkins,
Louisa M. Alcott,
Nelson Dingley and
William T. Barry while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran;
Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939),
Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Elg (Norwegian, 4014 GRT, built 1930),
Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942),
Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938),
F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
George W. Woodward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Joaquin Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John R. Park (American, 7184 GRT, built 1944),
Joseph Gale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Justin S. Morrill (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943),
King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lawton B. Evans (American, 7197 GRT, built 1943),
Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
William S. Young (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos also joined the convoy. HMS Gloxinia and HMS Primula were detached (or meanwhile had been detached) to assist in A/S operations.
On 26 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy;
Argyll,
Baron Elgin,
Blairdevon,
City of Canterbury,
Cragpool,
Generton,
Govert Flinck,
Jean L.D. and
Manchester Exporter while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar;
Cyrus H. McCormick (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931),
Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931),
Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and
Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930). HMS Colombo also arrived at Gibraltar.
Around 1600A/26, the British escort was relieved by an American escort made up of the destroyer USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. V. Huber, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt. W.F. Stokey, USNR, with COMDESDIV 9, Cdr. J.H. Forshew, USNR, on board), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. K.D. Talley, USNR), USS Farquhar (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rosenberg, USNR), USS Fessenden (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Dobbs, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Cdr. G.R. Keating, USNR), USS Menges (Lt.Cdr. F.M. McCabe, USCG, with COMDESDIV 46, Capt. R.E. Wood, USCG, on board), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. R.H. French, USCG) and USS Mosley (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG). These ships had departed Casablanca around 1300A/25 to conduct an A/S sweep and then make rendezvous with the convoy.
Around 1730A/26, the transports / tankers
Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and the naval tanker USS Chicopee (Cdr. C.O. Peak, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 25th. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Pride (Cdr. R.R Curry, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On these ships joining the transport / tankers Elg, Empire Damsel and Esso Baltimore parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on 27 February 1944.
Around 1000A/27, the transport Edward M. House (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943) and the tanker Pan-Maine (American (tanker), 7237 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 26th. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette FFS Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) which subsequently returned to Casablanca.
Around 0005N/2, USS Douglas L. Howard was sent o the Azores to pick up two merchant vessels which were to join the convoy. Around 1455N/3, these two merchant vessels still had not appeared and USS Douglas L. Howard then proceeded to rejoin the convoy which she did around 0615N/4. Shortly afterwards the two merchant ships joined the convoy having departed from the Azores unescorted due to miscommunication. The two merchant vessels in question were the; Amelia Earhart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Harold L. Winslow (American, 7276 GRT, built 1943).
During the morning of 6 March 1943, USS Edison fuelled from USS Chicopee.
Around 1030P/8, the transport Samuel Livermore developed engine trouble and straggled from the convoy. USS Lowe was ordered to remain with her.
Around 2200Q/12, the Samuel Livermore and her escort USS Lowe rejoined the convoy.
Around 0700Q/14, USS Chicopee parted company to proceed to Bermuda. Two destroyer escorts had joined to escort her to that place, these were the USS Osmus (Cdr. R.R. Jackson, USNR) and USS Barr (Lt.Cdr. H.H. Love, USNR). They arrived at Bermuda in the afternoon of the 14th.
Around 1530Q/14, the transport Richard Basset was detached to Bermuda due to fuel shortage.
Around 0600Q/16, the transports Oran M. Roberts and Van der Helst were detached to proceed to Boston and Saint Johns, New Brunswick respectively.
The convoy arrived at New York on 18 March 1944. 21 Feb 1944 This convoy was assembled in the North Channel on 21 February 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports;
Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914),
Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925),
Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924),
Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937),
Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938),
Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931),
Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928),
Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923),
Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929),
Morarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931),
Monowai (New Zealand, 10852 GRT, built 1925),
New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935),
Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917),
Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929),
Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931),
Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927),
Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937),
Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and
Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), AA ship Prince HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN), destroyers HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. A.C. Behague, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN, HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Curzon (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Diggins, DSC, RN) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).
On 26 February 1944, the New Zealand Star arrived at Fayal after having been detached from the convoy. She later continued on independently towards the River Plate area.
Around 1200N/26, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join northbound combined convoy SL 149 / MKS 40.
Around 0900Z/27, the destroyers USS Kendrick (T/Cdr. A.M. Boyd, Jr., USN) and USS Mackenzie (T/Cdr. B.N. Rittenhouse, Jr., USN) joined the convoy.
Also on 27 February, the Antenor and Sibajak were detached to Horta, Azores where they arrived later the same day. They were escorted by HMS Terpsichore and HMS Urania. These ships departed for Gibraltar the next day. They all arrived at Gibraltar on 29 February 1944.
On 28 February 1944, the destroyers HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 27th. These two destroyers, with HMCS Prince Robert and the two American destroyers were detached on passing the Straits of Gibraltar and returned there on 29 February 1944.
On passing Gibraltar the escort was reinforced by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR), destroyer HMS Isis (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.
During the night of 29 February / 1 March 1944, the convoy passed Oran. The Dempo and Volendam were detached to that place while the (troop) transports
Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924),
Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937),
Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929),
Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917),
Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925),
Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929) and the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) joined the convoy.
On 1 March 1944, the Capetown Castle and Ormonde were detached to Algiers while the (troop) transports
Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and
Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined.
Around 2105A/1, the Monarch of Bermuda parted company to proceed to Palermo where she arrived the following day. She was escorted by HMS Blankney which subsequently arrived at Augusta on 3 March.
Around 1100A/2, the Naples section of the convoy parted company. This was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Almanzora,
Boissevain,
Champollion,
Circassia,
Hai Lee,
Highland Chieftain,
Letitia,
Llangibby Castle,
Leopoldville,
Tegelberg,
Winchester Castle. Escort for the Naples section was provided by HMS Colombo, HMS Bentinck, HMS Burges, HMS Byard, HMS Calder, HMS Curzon and HMS Drury. The Naples section arrived at its destination on 3 March 1944.
On 3 March 1944, HMS Isis arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.
Later on 3 March 1944, the Aorangi and HrMs Heemskerck arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the (troop) transport Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and the netlayer HMS Guardian (Capt.(Retd.) H.A.C. Lane, OBE, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta.
Also on 3 March 1944, the Duchess of Richmond was detached to August as was HMS Farndale as escort.
On 4 March 1944, RHS Kanaris arrived at Tobruk after having been detached from the convoy. She departed again later the same day and rejoined the convoy.
On 5 March 1944, HMS Antwerp and RHS Pindos arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.
The remainder of the convoy,
Franconia,
Lancashire,
Monowai,
Orontes,
Princess Kathleen,
Reina del Pacifico,
Stratheden escorted by
HMS Beaufort, RHS Kanaris and HMS Guardian arrived at Port Said on 6 March 1944.
23 Mar 1944 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 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. 8 Apr 1944 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. 15 Apr 1944 16 Apr 1944 17 Apr 1944 This convoy departed Oran Bay on 17 April 1944.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and
Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
On 18 April 1944, the (troop) transports Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) departed Algiers to join the convoy which they did around 0700B/18. They were escorted by HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) which also joined the convoy.
On 18 April 1944, the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938) and Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) departed Bone to join the convoy which they did around 0310B/19.
Around 0825B/19, USS Herbert C. Jones was detached to Bizerta where she arrived around 1050B/19.
Also on the 19th, the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from Bizerta.
The convoy arrived at Naples on 20 April 1944. 21 Apr 1944 This convoy departed Naples on 21 April 1944.
It was made up of the (troop) transports;
Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927),
Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938),
Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934),
Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914),
Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925),
Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and
Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Naples the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos, RHS Themistocles and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
Around 1847B/21, the minesweeper USS Steady (Lt.Cdr. B. Orella, USNR) joined the convoy having departed from Palermo around 1633B/21.
Around 1010B/22, the Takliwa parted company to proceed to Bizerta briefly escorted by HMS Beaufort.
Around 1100B/22, HMS Beaufort rejoined the convoy.
Around 1635B/22, the Christiaan Huygens and Ranchi were detached to Bone.
Around 1130B/23, the Hai Lee was detached to Algiers escorted by HMS Beaufort.
Around 1630B/23, HMS Beaufort rejoined the convoy.
Around 0800B/24, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.
On 24 April 1944, the Durban Castle, Orduna and Strathnaver arrived at Oran Bay as did HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Themistocles and USS Steady.
HMS Caledon arrived at Gibraltar around 1715B/24. 30 Apr 1944 This convoy departed Oran Bay on 30 April 1944.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938),
Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914) and
Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).
The amphibious command ship USS Catoctin (T/Capt. C.O. Comp, USN) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), destroyer USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN), escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Pindos and the escort ship HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR).
Around 0625B/1, off the Algiers swept channel, USS Catoctin was detached and entered that port.
Around 0640B/1, the transport Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) joined company coming from Algiers as did her escort, the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis.
Around 0100B/2, the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927) and Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) joined coming from Bone.
Later that day the (troop) transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from Bizerta.
The convoy arrived at Naples on 3 May 1944. 9 Jan 1945 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
German U-boat U-458 was sunk in the Mediterranean south-east of Pantelleria, Italy, in position 36°25'N, 12°39'E, by depth charges from the British escort destroyer HMS Easton and the Greek escort destroyer Pindos.Convoy TSF 1.
Around 1800C/31, the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos departed Alexandria for operations in the Aegean. The light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) joined to escort them towards the Aegean.
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 1100/10, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and Pindos departed Episkopi Bay.
Around 0555B/14, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) 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 which came from the Aegean. Course was then set for Limasol where they arrived around 1620B/14. (12)Combined convoy MKF 26 / XIF 4.
Convoy GUS 31.
Convoy KMF 29.
Convoy XIF 12.
Convoy IXF 12.
Convoy MKF 30.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN) and RHS Pindos arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty with convoy MKF 30. (13)
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN) and RHS Pindos departed Gibraltar for Oran / Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived the following day. (14)Convoy NSF 20.
Convoy SNF 20.
Convoy NSF 21.
HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. These were followed by a RIX (range and inclination) exercises during which RHS Pindos served as the target. (15)