Allied Warships

RHS Miaoulis (L 91)

Escort destroyer of the Hunt (Type III) class

NavyThe Royal Hellenic Navy
TypeEscort destroyer
ClassHunt (Type III) 
PennantL 91 
Built bySwan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd. (Wallsend-on-Tyne, U.K.): Wallsend 
Ordered28 Jul 1940 
Laid down5 Aug 1941 
Launched13 Apr 1942 
Commissioned25 Nov 1942 
End service 
History

Transferred to the Royal Hellenic Navy before completion and renamed Miaoulis.
Returned to the Royal Navy in 1959.
Scrapped in 1960.

 
Former nameHMS Modbury

We don't have any commands listed for RHS Miaoulis (L 91)


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Notable events involving Miaoulis include:


1 Jan 1943
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and Miaoulis. (1)

6 Jan 1943
HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN) and Miaoulis. (1)

24 Jan 1943

Combined convoy WS 26 / KMF 8.

This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 24 January 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 26 and KMF 8 at sea on 29 January 1943.

The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), California (British, 16792 GRT, built 1923), Chyebassa (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Rembrandt (Dutch, 8126 GRT, built 1941), Ruys (British, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sibajak (British, 12226 GRT, built 1927), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tiwali (British, 8178 GRT, built 1931) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, RN) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN), destroyers HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN), HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RNR), escort destroyers RHS Adrias, RHS Miaoulis, sloops HMS Egret (Cdr. C.R.S. Farquhar, RN), Savorgnan de Brazza, cutters HMS Banff (Lt. P. Brett, RNR), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigate HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RN).

On 25 January 1943 the destroyer HMS Clare parted company to return to Londonderry. The escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis had lost touch with the convoy during the night of 24/25 January 1943. She was unable to regain touch and was also ordered to return to Londonderry. Her sister ship RHS Adrias had also lost touch but apparently was able to regain contact.

Around 1730A/26, the Antenor parted company with defects to return to the Clyde. It appears that she was escorted back to the Clyde by the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza.

Around 1630A/29, the convoy split into two parts.

Convoy KMF 8 continued on towards the Mediterranean and was made up of the transports Circassia, Duchess of York, Dunnottar Castle, Empire Pride, Letitia, Samaria, Strathnaver, Tawali and the aircraft carrier HMS Argus. They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Banff, HMS Fishguard and HMS Test.

Around 1630A/30, HMS Argus and the transport Letitia parted company with convoy KMF 8 to proceed to Gibraltar. They entered Gibraltar Bay around 0330A/31. Presumably they were escorted by the frigate HMS Test which also arrived at Gibraltar on this day.

On 31 January the destroyer HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN) joined convoy KMF 8 having departed Gibraltar on 30 January.

Later on 31 January the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Alberni (Lt. I.H. Bell, RCNVR), HMCS Baddeck (T/Lt. J. Brock, RCNVR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. W.E. Harrison, RCNVR), HMCS Port Arthur (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.T. Simmons, DSC, RCNVR) and HMCS Summerside (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.O. Gerity, RCNR) joined the escort of convoy KMF 8. They had departed Mers-el-Kebir earlier on 31 January. On the joining of HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout, HMS Verity was detached to join convoy GUF 4 as was the corvette HMCS Port Arthur.

The transport Strathnaver was detached to proceed to Oran escorted by HMCS Alberni, HMCS Baddeck, HMCS Luneburg and HMCS Summerside.

The remainder of convoy KMF 8 arrived at Algiers on 1 February escorted by HMS Laforey, HMS Lookout, HMS Egret, HMS Enchantress, HMS Banff and HMS Fishguard.

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When the convoys split up, WS 26 continued on to Freetown. It was made up of the transports . They were escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, destroyers HMS Quadrant, HMS Relentless and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.

On 31 January, the repair ship HMS Wayland (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.S. Carson, RN) and the transport Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) joined. They had departed Gibraltar on 29 January. Also on 31 January the destroyers HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) joined. They had departed Gibraltar on 30 January.

The destroyers HMS Quadrant, HMS Relentless and escort destroyer RHS Adrias parted company on 31 January to fuel at Casablanca from where they departed again on 1 February to rejoin the convoy. HMS Quadrant and HMS Relentless rejoined on 3 February. RHS Adrias only rejoined on 5 February.

On 4 February the transport Leopoldville parted company with the convoy escorted by the destroyer HMS Redoubt. They arrived at Bathurst on 5 February.

Convoy WS 26 arrived at Freetown on 6 February 1943 escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, destroyers HMS Quality, HMS Quadrant, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.

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Convoy WS 26 departed Freetown on 9 February for South Africa. It was made up of the transports Arundel Castle, California, Chyebassa, Dempo, Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Dominion Monarch, Duchess of Richmond, Empress of Canada, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Mooltan, Orduna, Rembrandt, Ruys, Sibajak, Stratheden, Volendam and the repair ship HMS Wayland.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Canton, HMS Cilicia, armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR), destroyers HMS Quality, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch, HMS Racehorse and the escort destroyer RHS Adrias.

On 12 February HMS Corinthian and RHS Adrias parted company with the convoy.

At 1145AB(-1.5)/13, the destroyer HMS Relentless joined the convoy coming from Lagos having departed there on 12 February immediately after being undocked.

Also on the 13th the corvette FFS Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves joined the convoy escort.

In the morning and early afternoon of the 14th, HMS Racehorse and HMAS Quickmatch fuelled from HMS Canton.

Around 0900AB/15 the destroyers HMS Quality and HMAS Quiberon arrived at Porte Noire to fuel after having parted company with the convoy around 2300AB/14. After doing so they departed again around 1230AB/15 to rejoin the convoy which they did around 1700AB/15. Also on the 15th the Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves fuelled from HMS Canton.

Around 2215B/20, the escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) joined the convoy coming from Saldanha Bay.

Around 0630B/21, HMAS Quiberon and HMAS Quickmatch parted company with the convoy to proceed to Capetown where they arrived around 2100C/21. They departed again around 0730C/22 to rejoin the convoy which they did around 1000C/22.

Around 1000C22, the Capetown section of the convoy, made up of Arundel Castle, California, Cheyebassa, Duchess of Richmond, Highland Chieftain, Orduna, Ruys, Sibajak and HMS Wayland parted company with the convoy to proceed to Capetown. Part of the escort, HMS Racehorce, HMS Relentless, HMAS Quiberon and FFS Commandant d'Estienne d'Orves went with them, some of which then went on to Simonstown.

The light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) joined the Durban section as did the corvette HMS Genista (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR). This corvette was later detached around 1000C/24 and arrived at Port Elizabeth on later 24 February. Around 1200C/22, HMS Racehorce later rejoined after having fuelled at Capetown. HMS Blackmoor then parted company.

HMS Canton proceeded to Simonstown where she arrived around 1530C/22.

The remaining ships proceeded to Durban arriving there on 25 February escorted by HMS Ceres, HMS Cilicia, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch and HMS Racehorse.

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On 26 February 1943 the Capetown section departed there to proceed towards Durban. It was now made up of the transports Arundel Castle, California, Cheybassa, Highland Chieftain, Orduna and HMS Wayland. The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton, destroyer HMS Relentless and the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN) and HMS Blackmore.

At 0115C/1, HMS Relentless was detached to proceed ahead to Durban to fuel.

On completion of fuelling she returned from Durban together with the corvette HMS Freesia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Cherry, RNR), and the minesweepers HMIS Carnatic (Lt. H.J.D. Hamilton, RIN) and Commandant Duboc.

Meanwhile the corvette HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR) had also joined the convoy escort.

HMS Blackmore and HMS Catterick also went to Durban to fuel. They returned later together with the light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) and HMS Ceres.

HMS Canton parted company with the convoy and entered Durban.

Transports that joined coming from Durban were the City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922), Dempo, Dilwara, Dominion Monarch, Lancashire (British, 9445 GRT, built 1917), Maloja, Mooltan, Rembrandt, Selandia (South African, 8482 GRT, built 1938) and Stratheden. The repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) also joined the convoy. The Dilwara however returned to Durban with defects shortly after sailing.

Around 1830C/3, HMS Jasmine and HMS Freesia parted company.

Around 0530C/4, HMS Relentless, HMS Blackmore and HMS Catterick parted company.

Around 1500D/6, the Lancashire was detached to Tamatave escorted by the Commandant Duboc.

Around 0300C/8, HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy to proceed to Diego Suarez.

Around 0800CD(-3.5)/9, HMS Resource was detached from the convoy to proceed to Kilindini escorted by HMS Birmingham. The heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) had joined just before.

Around 1200D/10, the heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0700D/11, the convoy split up into the Aden section and the Bombay section.

The Aden section was made up of the Arundel Castle, City of Paris, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Orduna, Rembrandt and Selandia. They were escorted by HMS Frobisher. They arrived off Aden on 15 March 1943 where the convoy was dispersed.

The Bombay section was made up of the California, Chyebassa, Dempo, Dominion Monarch, Mooltan and Stratheden. They were escorted by HMS Hawkins. They arrived at Bombay on 17 March 1943.

6 Feb 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR), HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR) and RHS Miaoulis. (2)

7 Feb 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with RHS Miaoulis, HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR). (2)

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, , Indochinois, Kaikoura, Karoa and Neuralia.

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.

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.

6 Oct 1943
Around 1100/6, the light cruisers HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN), HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, DSO, RN, Senior Officer) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, DSO, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Taylor, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria to proceed to the Aegean to attack enemy forces proceeding to Leros.

Around 2315/6 [source log of HMS Sirius, the log of HMS Penelope gives 0100/7], HMS Eclipse was detached to return to Alexandria due to defective steering. She arrived back at Alexandria around 1415/7.

The force arrived off Leros around 0530/7 but found no sign of a German invasion. At 0630/7 they picked up an enemy sighting from the submarine HMS Unruly (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN). At 0800/6, they intercepted the convoy sighted by HMS Unruly and completely destroyed it. The convoy had been made up of the transport Olympos (852 GRT, built 1904), the landing barges F 308, F 327, F 336, F 494 and F 532. They were escorted by UJ 2111. F 496 was no longer with them, she had been damaged earlier by HMS Unruly and was beached on Stampalia.

HMS Penelope, HMS Sirius, HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury then set course to return to Alexandria via the Scarpanto Strait. The force came under heavy German air attacks by Ju-87's and Ju-88's.

Around 1120/7, the force was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) and Miaoulis which came from Casteloriso.

Around 1215/7, during an attack by Ju-87 dive bombers HMS Penelope was hit aft by a bomb but it did not explode. There were also many near missed. Two officers and twenty-two ratings were killed and twenty-nine were wounded. HMS Penelope was able to continue at 22 knots.

At 1705/8, HMS Rockwood and RHS Miaoulis parted company.

HMS Sirius and HMS Faulknor arrived at Alexandria around 0050/8 followed by HMS Penelope and HMS Fury around 0200/8. (3)

10 Oct 1943
Rescued the crew of the British destroyer HMS Panther (G 41) (4)

26 Oct 1943
Around 0150C/26, the destroyer HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and Miaoulis departed Alexandria with 310 troops and 40 tons of equipment for Leros.

Around 0800C/26, they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) in approximate position 35°10'N, 29°40'E.

Around 1850C/26, when between Rhodes and Kastelorizo the destroyers parted company to proceed on their assigned mission while HMS Phoebe kept patrolling in the area to the west of Kastelorizo. (5)

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. (6)

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. (7)

15 Nov 1943

Convoy KMF 26.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 15 November 1943 and arrived at Alexandria / Port Said on 30 November 1943 / 1 December 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Chinese Prince (British, 9485 GRT, built 1943), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Dempo (British, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Samanco (British, 8336 GRT, built 1943), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sarmiento (British, 8335 GRT, built 1943) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) (actually joined on the 16th), sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN, S.O. of A/S escort), 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).

In the afternoon of 19 November, HMS Birmingham fuelled HMS Spey as the frigate had two out of four fuel tanks contaminated with seawater drastically effecting her range. With this underway refuelling she was able to continue on to Algiers.

During the morning of 20 November, the frigate HMS Rother also received some fuel from HMS Birmingham.

On passing the Straits of Gibraltar, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar harbour. The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also the submarine HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy for passage to Alexandria.

On the 25th, HMS Anthony and HMS Spey parted company with the convoy.

Off Oran / Mers-el-Kebir the transports Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR), USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) and the minesweepers USS Pioneer (Lt. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR) and USS Portent (Lt. H.C. Plummer, USNR).

Off Algiers transport Monarch of Bermuda and the escorts HMS Brilliant, HMS Pelican, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother parted company with the convoy while the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN), RHS Miaoulis and ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of 26 November the convoy was attacked by German aircraft and the transport Rohna was sunk by a glider bomb in position 36°56'N, 05°20'E. 1149 crew and passengers (mostly US troops) were killed in this attack.

Off Philipeville the transports Cameronia, Clan Campbell and Duchess of Bedford parted company with the convoy to proceed to that place while the transport Derbyshire joined the convoy coming from there.

On 27 November first HMS Colombo and later USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded towards Alexandria / Port Said arriving there on 30 November / 1 December 1943.

17 Dec 1943

Combined Convoy MKF 27 / XIF 6.

This combined convoy sailed from Port Said on 17 December 1943.

On departure from Port Said the combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Volendam (British, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Cdr. J. Jefferis, RN) and RHS Themistocles.

Two more (troop) transports sailed from Alexandria and joined the convoy, these were the; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941) and Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925).

They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and RHS Miaoulis. These also joined the convoy.

On 17 December 1943, the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP), ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz), HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.. J.K. Hamilton, RN) departed Tobruk to join the convoy which they did the following day. They later split off with convoy the ships for Taranto (Convoy XIF 6).

The ships that were in convoy XIF 6 were the following; Aronda, Bergensfjord, Highland Princess, Indrapoera, Princess Kathleen, Ruys, Takliwa and Volendam.

Convoy XIF 6 arrived at Taranto on 21 December 1943.

Meanwhile the Orion and Strathmore had continued on to Augusta where they arrived on 20 December 1943 escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Tetcott, Exmoor, HMS Croome, RHS Miaoules and RHS Themistocles.

The Orion and Strathnmore remained at Augusta until 24 December 1943 when they departed for the U.K. They had been joined by the ships from convoy XIF 6A which had arrived on 23 December 1943 after having departed Taranto on 22 December 1943. The ships in convoy XIF 6A were the same ships that had been in convoy XIF 6 except for the Aronda which remained at Taranto. Also the escort had been the same.

On the convoys departure from Augusta it was escorted by ORP Slazak, ORP Krakowiak, HMS Atherstone and HMS Cleveland.

Around 1415A/25, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined off Bizerta.

Also on 25 December 1943, the escort destroyers HMS Blencathra (Lt. E.G. Warren, RN) and HMS Hambledon (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) joined.

Off Algiers, on the 26/27th, the escort destroyers were relieved by the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Calder (Lt.Cdr. A.D. White, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).

Also the (troop) transports Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923) and Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) joined.

Off Oran on the 27th, more (troop) transports joined, these were the Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

Off Gibraltar, HMS Spartan was detached which then entered harbour while the (troop) transport Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in the U.K. on 4 January 1944.

2 Mar 1944

Convoy MKF 29.

This convoy departed Port Said on 2 March 1944.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Dunnotar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Mormacswan (American, 7194 GRT, built 1939), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932). They were escorted by the escort destroyers ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), ORP Krakowiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) W. Maracewicz), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.G.R. Clay, RN), HMS Mendip (Lt. P.D. Davey, RN) and RHS Themistocles.

The troop transport Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) departed Port Said later the same day to overtake and join the convoy. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and RHS Miaoulis.

In the afternoon of 5 March 1944, the troop transport Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Augusta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Blencathra (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Warren, RN).

Around the same time the troop transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Malta which she had departed earlier the same day escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR) and RHS Kriti.

On these ship joining the troop transports Ascania, Derbyshire and Sobieski parted company with the convoy to proceed through the Messina Strait towards Naples where they arrived on the 6th. They were escorted by HMS Farndale, HMS Blankney, HMS Blencathra and RHS Kriti and RHS Themistocles.

HMS Tetcott returned to Augusta.

Also on 5 March the Naples section of the convoy departed that place. Convoy SNF 16 also formed part of the Naples section which was then made up of the following troop transports; Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), LLangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and the following from convoy SNF 16; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Letitia ((British, 13595 GRT, built 1925) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

The Naples section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, 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 the 6th, off Palermo, the Naples section was joined by the troop transport Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931).

The Naples section merged with the main convoy around 1745A/7. The troop transport Leopoldville then proceeded to Bone while the Hai Lee arrived at Philippeville later the same day after having straggled from the convoy.

On 8 March 1944, the troop transport Winchester Castle was detached to Algiers while the troop transports Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938) and Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 8 March 1944, the (troop) transports Almanzora, Champollion, Circassia,Letitia and Mormacswan were detached to Oran.

On 9 March 1944, the convoy arrived at Gibraltar where part the current escort; HMS Colombo, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck, ORP Slazak, HMS Catterick, HMS Mendip and RHS Miaoulis. ORP Krakowiak and HMS Haydon had already arrived at Gibraltar the previous day after having proceeded ahead of the convoy.

Coming from Gibraltar the folling (troop) transports joined the convoy; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

Also joining from Gibraltar were the battleship HMS Warspite (A/Capt. D. Edwardes, RN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN), destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and the sloops HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN), HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RN), HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) and HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN).

On 11 March 1944, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Horta, Azores which she had departed the previous day. She parted company with the convoy early on 15 March and arrived at Greenock later the same day.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 16 March 1944.

9 Mar 1944
HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN), HMS Mendip (Lt. P.D. Davey, RN) and RHS Miaoulis arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty. (8)

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.

8 Apr 1944

Convoy MKF 30.

This convoy departed Port Said on 8 April 1944.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 Apr 1944

Convoy NSF 21.

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.

11 Jun 1945
RHS Miaoulis is docked in AFD 27 at Alexandria. (9)

13 Jun 1945
RHS Miaoulis is undocked. (10)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis. (9)

21 Jun 1945
HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis. (9)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis. (9)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyer RHS Miaoulis. (9)

Sources

  1. File 2.12.03.6397 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  2. ADM 173/17779
  3. ADM 53/118344 + 118559 + ADM 199/774
  4. Personal communication
  5. ADM 53/118369 + ADM 199/774
  6. ADM 53/118370
  7. ADM 53/118345
  8. ADM 199/2494
  9. ADM 53/121030 + ADM 53/121458
  10. ADM 53/121030

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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