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Notable events involving Aubretia include:

26 Mar 1941
ORP Wilk (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) B.D. Krawczyk, DSO) and HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR) were both docked at Dundee. (1)

2 Apr 1941
ORP Wilk (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) B.D. Krawczyk, DSO) and HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR) were both undocked. (1)

20 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 122.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 April 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antigone (British, 4545 GRT, built 1928), Athelregent (British (tanker), 8881 GRT, built 1930), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), Capira (Panamanian, 5625 GRT, built 1920), Empire Cheetah (British, 5673 GRT, built 1918), Empire Gannet (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Empire Hail (British, 7005 GRT, built 1941), Empire Silver (British, 8602 GRT, built 1941), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1937), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Michalis (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1919), Moorby (British, 4992 GRT, built 1936), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Saganaga (British, 5454 GRT, built 1935), Saint Gobain (Swedish (tanker), 9959 GRT, built 1936), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Sama (Norwegian, 1799 GRT, built 1937), San Delfino (British (tanker), 8072 GRT, built 1938), Stiklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Strix (Norwegian (tanker), 6219 GRT, built 1930), Sveve (Norwegian (tanker), 6313 GRT, built 1930), Tortuguero (British, 5285 GRT, built 1921), Torvanger (Norwegian, 6564 GRT, built 1920) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR).

On departure from Halifax thick fog was encountered and it is not (currently) known to us when the two Canadian corvettes were detached to return to Halifax but most likely this was the next day.

Around 1030Q/22, in position 42°48'N, 56°30'W, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1930Q/23, in position 42°19'N, 50°38'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1700P/25, in position 45°20'N, 44°45'W, the Empire Hail parted company with the convoy to proceed to St. John's, Newfoundland due to engine trouble.

Around 1315O/30, The battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN) was sighted. They were sighted again several times on 1 and 2 May 1941. These ships were to provide additional cover in this area for convoys SC 29 and HX 122. On 3 May 1941, these ships returned to Iceland (Reykjavik / Hvalfjord).

Around 0700O/1, in approximate position 58°48'N, 34°11'W, the destroyer HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN), corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Picotee (Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Daneman (Lt. A.H. Ballard, RNR) and HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR).

Around 0850O/1, additional escorts had joined, these were the destroyer HMS Chesterfield (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and corvettes HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR).

Around 0735O/2, in approximate position 60°48'N, 30°36'W, the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) and HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0730N/3, in approximate position 62°30'N, 25°22'W, HMS Chesterfield parted company.

Around 1830N/3, in approximate position 62°27'N, 22°10'W, the merchant vessels Diana (British (former Danish), 942 GRT, built 1911) and Ronan (British, 1489 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy coming from Iceland.

Around 0500Z/4, in aproximate position 62°25'N, 19°36'W, the Sveve parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik, Iceland. She took HMS St. Apollo and HMS Daneman with her as escorts.

Around 0600Z/4, in aproximate position 62°27'N, 19°00'W, the destroyer HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1045Z/4, in aproximate position 62°29'N, 17°48'W, the destroyer Walker joined the convoy.

Around 1130Z/4, in position 62°28'N, 17°50'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to proceed to Iceland (Hvalfjord) escorted by HMS Amazon and HMS Broadway.

By 1330Z/4, more escort vessels had joined the convoy at intervals, these were the destroyers HMS Chesterfield (which had returned after having fuelled at Hvalfjord), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR) and HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR).

HMS Bulldog, HMS Aubretia, HMS Hollyhock and HMS Nigella then parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord.

Around 2100Z/5, in approximate position 59°45'N, 10°00'W, the destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1430B/6, in approximate position 58°38'N, 06°22'W, the Diana parted company for Scrabster. She took HMS Picotee with her as escort.

Around the same time also HMS Electra and HMS Escapade parted company to join convoy SC 29.

Around 1830B/6, in approximate position 58°03'N, 05°59'W, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Antigone, Bornholm, Empire Silver, Saganaga and Tortuguero. HMS Walker went with them as escort.

Around 1430B/7, in approximate position 55°35'N, 07°00'W, Candytuft, Honeysuckle and Hydrangea parted company to proceed to Londonderry.

Around 1945B/7, in approximate position 55°09'N, 05°49'W, the Athelregent, Ronan and Strinda parted company to proceed to the Clyde. They took HMS Chesterfield with them as escort.

Around 2020B/7, in approximate position 55°05'N, 05°44'W, the Michalis parted company to proceed to Belfast.

Around 0515B/8, the Bristol Channel section parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Brant County, Empire Cheetah, G.S. Walden, James J. Maguire, Moorby, Saint Gobain, Sama, Sticklestad, Strix and Torvanger.

The remaining ships made up the Liverpool section which proceeded to Moelfre Bay where they anchored for the night before proceeding to their destination.

HMS Ramsey subsequently proceeded to Greenock. (2)

30 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 124.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 20 May 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Alchiba (British, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Echodale (British (tanker), 8150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Steel (British (tanker), 8138 GRT, built 1941), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Morska Wola (Polish, 3208 GRT, built 1924), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached later the same day.

On 2 May the convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). She detached from the convoy on 9 May.

On 11 May the destroyer HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) joined the convoy

On 12 May the destroyers HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR), HMS Notts County (T/S.Lt. R.H. Hampton, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0600Z/13, the destroyers HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1715Z/14 the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyers HMS Scimitar, HMS Malcolm, corvettes HMS Aubretia, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Hollyhock, HMS Mallow, HMS Nigella, HMS Verbena, HMS Veronica and all the A/S trawlers were detached on 14 May.

Around 1200Z/15, the tanker British Industry and the transport Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923) [from convoy SC-30] were detached to Reykjavik escorted by HMS Mallow and HMS Verbena.

HMS Circassia, HMS Watchman and HMS Burwell were detached around 1810Z/15 while on the same day the destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), minesweepers HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Niger (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), and catapult ship Ariguani joined the escort.

On 18 May the destroyer HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy. Also on this day HMS Leamington and HMS Anemone were detached.

On 19 May the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined the escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 20 May 1941.

9 May 1941
German U-boat U-110 was captured on 9 May 1941 in the North Atlantic south of Iceland by the British destroyers HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN) and HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and the British corvette HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR). The U-boat was allowed to sink the day after to preserve the secret capture.

6 Jul 1941

Convoy HX 137.

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 July 1941 for the U.K.

On departure from Halifax it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alchiba (Dutch, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Beaverhill (British, 10041 GRT, built 1928), Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Integrity (British (tanker), 8412 GRT, built 1927), Clairton (British, 6080 GRT, built 1919), Empire Guillemot (British, 5720 GRT, built 1919), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Empire Woodcock (British, 5572 GRT, built 1918), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Lechistan (Polish, 1937 GRT, built 1929), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Margartia Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Matiana (British, 9045 GRT, built 1922)), Michalis (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1919), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Moorby (British, 4992 GRT, built 1936), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Nicoya (British, 5364 GRT, built 1929), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Port Caroline (British, 8263 GRT, built 1919), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Saint Gobain (Swedish (tanker), 9959 GRT, built 1936), Sandar (Norwegian (tanker), 7624 GRT, built 1928), Sourabaya (British (tanker / whale factory ship), 10107 GRT, built 1915), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Torfinjarl (Norwegian, 1481 GRT, built 1922), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928), Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927) and Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. R.S. Kelley, RCNR) and HMCS Spikenard (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Shadforth, RCNR).

During 7/8 July 1941, the corvettes HMCS Barrie (T/Lt. R.M. Mosher, RCNR) and HMCS Matapedia (T/Lt. R.J. Herman, RCNVR) were also with the convoy.

At 0617P/9, in thick fog, HMS Circassia struck the fishing schooner Andavaka in position 44°37'N, 52°31'W. The schooner quickly sank and 15 survivors were picked up, there were no casualties and no one was injured also HMS Circassia sustained no damage.

On 9 July 1941, the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN) and corvette HMS Honeysuckle (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR) joined the convoy coming from St. John's, Newfoundland.

On 10 July 1941, Convoy BHX 137 joined, which had departed Bermuda on 4 July 1941 and was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Baron Dechmont (British, 3675 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), British Fortitude (British (tanker), 8482 GRT, built 1937), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Marseilles (British, 8317 GRT, built 1913), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Hammaren (Swedish, 3220 GRT, built 1930), Prins Willem III (Dutch, 1524 GRT, built 1939), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930) and Siris (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Bermuda convoy BHX 137 had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cheshire (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Begg, RN) which was detached to Halifax after the convoys had joined company.

Around 0600N/17, the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) and the rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy.

Around 1920N/17, the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN) joined the convoy.

Also joining on the 17th was the destroyer HMS Georgetown (Lt. A.J.R. White, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR).

Around 1955N/17, HMS Circassia, HMCS Saguenay, HMS Reading, HMS Honeysuckle, HMS Dianthus, HMCS Snowberry and HMCS Spikenard parted company with the convoy to proceed to Iceland.

Later the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) Z.I. Wojewodzki) and A/S trawler HMS Daneman (T/Lt. G.O.T.D. Henderson, RNVR) also joined. These ships had departed Scapa Flow on the 17 July and Stornoway on 15 July respectively.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 21 July 1941.

2 Sep 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. N. Marriott, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RNR). (3)

30 Mar 1942
The British merchant Muncaster Castle that was torpedoed and sunk south-south-west of Monrovia, Liberia in position 02°02'N, 12°02'W. HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) later picks up some of the survivors.

19 Dec 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR), HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR). (4)

3 Feb 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR), HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Black Swan (Capt. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) and HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR). (5)

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. (6)

13 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR), HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, RCNVR) and HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR). (7)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Bideford (Cdr. J.R. Westmacott, RN) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (8)

26 Nov 1943

Combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 26 November 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Allerton (British, 7195 GRT, built 1941), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benton Field (British, 1124 GRT, built 1943), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Elswick Park (British, 4138 GRT, built 1920), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Chivalry (British, 6007 GRT, built 1937), Empire Jessica (British, 2890 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Torridge (British, 4050 GRT, built 1923), Erastus Smith (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Alexander (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Augustus (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Jerome K. Jones (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kaldfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9931 GRT, built 1936), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nassa (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1942), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Norfalk (British, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Timok (Yugoslavian, 3130 GRT, built 1924), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930) and William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy as was the French survey vessel President Theodore Tissier.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Linaria (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Jameson, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Spray (Lt. F.A.J. Downer, RNR) and HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. H. Meredith, RNVR).

On 27 November 1943, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) joined coming from Londonderry.

On 1 December 1943, the frigates HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR), HMS Tweed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and corvettes HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined . These ships had departed Plymouth on 28 November 1943. They parted company with the convoy on 3 December 1943 to join convoy MKF 26. Also on 1 December 1943, a fighter from HMS Fencer reported shooting down a German Focke Wolf reconnaissance aircraft.

On 2 December 1943, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) overtook and joined the convoy after having departed Londonderry on 30 November. She had grounded on 27 November when originally sailing to join the convoy and had needed repairs.

Also on 2 December 1943, the Allerton arrived in the Clyde after having been detached from the convoy, most likely due to engine trouble.

Around 0515Z/6, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 141 / MKS 32.

Also on 6 December 1943, HMS Linaria arrived at Horta with the Kaldfonn. They had parted company with the convoy on 4 December 1943.

On 7 December 1943 the convoy split into convoy OS 60 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 34 bound for the Mediterranean. The merchant vessels Alex, Baron Ramsay, Elswick Park, Pandorian and Thistleford were detached to Lisbon.

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Convoy OS 60 was made up of the merchant vessels; Fauzon, Flimston, Gabon, Mary Kingsley, Nassa, Silverteak and Stuyvesant.

These were joined by the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936) and Stanford (British, 5969 GRT, built 1941) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.

These ships had been escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.

On 8 December 1943 the merchant vessel Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did later the same day. She was escorted by the sloop / minesweeper Annamite which also joined the convoy.

On 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 15 December 1943, the Canada and Fauzon arrived at Dakar after having parted company with the convoy. They were escorted to Dakar by the Annamite.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 18 December 1943. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 34 was made up of the merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor, Benton Field, Chief Joseph, Clan Forbes, Clan MacBean, Colytto, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Jessica, Empire Planet, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Augustus, Hardanger, Inventor, Jerome K. Jones, Jobshaven, John M. Harlan, Kerma, Nairung, Narwick, Norefjord, Norfalk, Scorton, Simon Willard, Souliotis, Stad Haarlem, Timok, Tudor Prince, Vera Radcliffe, Wellington Court and William Kent as well as the Fastnet and the President Theodore Tissier.

Escort was provided by the remaining escort from combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

While en-route to the Straits of Gibraltar the Kerma and Empire Jessica were detached to Huelva and Cadiz respectively.

On 9 December 1943 the original escort parted company and entered Gibraltar harbour as did the Fastnet, President Theodore Tissier, Timok and Tudor Prince. The Vera Radcliffe, which had straggled from the convoy, arrived on the 10th.

Off Gibraltar new escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), frigate HMS Cuckmere (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, VRD, RNVR) corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR). The rescue tug HMRT Mindful, minesweeper HMS BYMS 2187 (T/Lt. P. Moore, RNVR), motor minesweeper HMS MMS 20 (T/Lt. L.S. Kay, RNVR) and boom defence vessel HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 10 December 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943) and Russell A. Alger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1304A/11, in position 36°55'N, 03°01'E, north-north-east of Algiers, HMS Cuckmere was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-223. She was towed to Algiers but later declared a total loss.

On the 11th the following merchant ships were detached to Algiers; Empire Planet, John M. Harlan, Russell A. Alger as was HMS MMS 20 while the following merchant ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Argentina (Italian, 5085 GRT, built 1907), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Lesto (British, 1893 GRT, 1918), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the motor minesweepers HMS MMS 13 (T/Lt. A.E. Durham, RNVR) and HMS MMS 48 (T/Lt. J.R. Kingdon, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 11 December 1943, the merchant vessels Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) departed Bougie to join the convoy while the Borgholm and Empire Tana were detached to Bougie arriving on the 12th.

On 12 December 1943, the merchant vessel Norefjord was detached to Philippeville while the Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934) and Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.

On 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Belgian Sailor, John Wise, Lesto, Narwick and HMS Mindful were detached to Bone while the Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940) joined the convoy.

Later on 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Baron Inchcape, Empire Gain, Helmwood, Jobshaven, Norfalk and William L. Yancey arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George Vickers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Hopkinson (British, 1314 GRT, built 1932), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarvisio (Italian, 5484 GRT, built 1927) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from Bizerta. HMS Colombo also parted company with the convoy arriving at Bizerta around 0800A/13.

On 14 December 1943, HMS BYMS 2187 and HMS HMS Barnehurst arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the minesweepers HMS BYMS 2203 (/Lt. R.D. Adam, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2204 (T/Lt. M.R. Bell, RNR), HMS BYMS 2232 (?) and the merchant vessel Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy.

On the 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Reginald A. Fessenden (American, 7213 GRT, built 1943), Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 14/15 December 1943, the merchant vessels Argentina, Benjamin Huntington, Benjamin Tay, British Endurance, Chester O. Swain, Chief Joseph, Chloris, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Daniel H. Lownsdale, David G. Farragut, Dux, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Daring, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Carillon, Fort Reliance, George Shiras, George Vickers, Gleniffer, Hardanger, Hjalmar Wessel, Jade, Jerome K. Jones, John Blair, John Hopkinson, John Howland, John Murray Forbes, John Stevens, Jonathan Worth, Marion McKinley Bovard, Marita, Nairung, Newton D. Baker, Patrick Henry, Ponce de Leon, Richard Rush, Scorton, Shirrabank, Simon Willard, Stad Haarlem, Stancleeve, Tarvisio, Thorsholm, Wellington Court and William Kent arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy. HMS MMS 13 and HMS MMS 48 were also detached to Augusta.

On 18 December 1943, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Fort St. Francois and Newbrough arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Coltsfoot

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 19 December 1943.

4 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 64 / KMS 38.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 January 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Scottish American (British (tanker / escort oiler), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Sreca (Yugoslavian, 5248 GRT, built 1918), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy as was the Greek LST RHS Chios.

Of the transports the following had to return after departure; Empire Cormorant, Empire Thackeray- and Merchant Royal.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Burdock (T/Lt. F.R.M. Greasley, RNR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR), HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) and A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. B. James, RNVR). The rescue tug HMRT Stormking was also with the convoy.

On 6 January 1944, the frigate HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier as her new Commanding Officer had not yet arrived to take over command.

On 6/7 January 1944, the frigate HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Edmundston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined from convoy SL 143. They parted company on 12 January 1944 to join northbound convoy SL 144.

On 7 January 1944, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, DSC, RD, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier due to defects.

In the evening of 8 January 1944, HMS Bayntun and HMCS Camrose sank the German submarine U-757 in position 50°33'N, 18°03'W.

On 9 January 1944, the corvette HMS Abelia sustained damage to her rudder. The damage was possibly due to a T-5 acoustic torpedo fired by a German submarine but might also have been inflicted due to one of her own depth charges exploding prematurely. She was able to steam under her own power but could not steer. HMRT Stormking then took her in tow towards Cardiff where they arrived on 13 January 1944. They had been escorted by HMS Vizalma which subsequently proceeded to Liverpool arriving on the 14th.

On 11 January 1944, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and frigates HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR) joined from convoy SL 144. They parted company again the following day to rejoin convoy SL 144 taking HMS Burdock also with them.

In the late afternoon of 11 January 1944, the German submarine U-953 attacked the corvette HMCS Lunenburg with a T-5 homing torpedo but it missed. The submarine was then hunted for hours by the Lunenburg herself as well as HMS Foley, HMCS Waskesiu and HMCS Edmundston. The U-boat was damaged but was able to remain on patrol.

On 17 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 64 and KMS 38.

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Convoy OS 64, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Biafra, Bosphorus, Danae II, Empire Geraint and Port Melboune.

On 15 January 1944, the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 64G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 64) which was made up of the following transports; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 17th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy then proceeded with convoy KMS 38 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 January 1944, the transport/ tanker Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943) had departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette Commandant Detroyant and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. These escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 January 1944, the and arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Arcturus (French, 2514 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

Convoy OS 64 arrived at Freetown 26 January 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 38, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; City of Leicester, Copeland, Empire Caxton, Empire Melody, Empire Wolfe, Laguna, North Devon and Scottish American. The Greek LST RHS Chios also arrived at Gibraltar.

The original escort, made up of HMS Helmsdale, HMS Bayntun, HMS Avon, HMS Foley, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Asphodel, HMS Clover and HMS Crocus also arrived at Gibraltar.

On the convoy passing Gibraltar on the 17th, the transports Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928) and Empire Daring (British 7059 GRT, built 1943) joined.

Also a new escort joined, this was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), RHS Sakhtouris, RHS Apostolis, A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the M/S trawler HMS Filla (T/Lt. G.H. Syrett, RNVR).

The submarines HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) also joined the convoy for passage to Port Said.

On 18 January 1944, the transport Lornaston was detached to Oran while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907) and William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 19 January 1944, the transports / tanker Atlantic City, Baron Douglas, Hartbridge, Mount Othrys, Ocean Gallant and Telesfora de Larrinaga were detached to Algiers as was the M/S trawler HMS Filla while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Edward P. Costigan (American, 7194, built 1943), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176, built 1943), Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Thomas Pickney (American, 7177, built 1942).

On 20 January 1944, the transport Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.

On 20 January 1944, the transport Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 20 January 1944, the transports / tanker , Anna N. Goulandris, Empire Harbour, George G. Meade, Gouverneur General Lepine and Srbin arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bone; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cyrus H.K. Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941) and Senga (Yugoslavian, 5140 GRT, built 1913). The RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) also joined the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Cartago, James R. Randall, Senga, Sreca, Theomitor and the RFA tanker Prestol arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). HMS Colombo also arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Eskdalegate and Joseph N. Teal arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cedar (British (tug), 129 GRT, built 1941), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Raja (British, 6224 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930) and Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 January 1944, the transports Amberton, Benjamin Tay, Brighton, Coulbeg, Craigpool, Cyrus H.K. Curtis, Destro, Djebel Aures, Dornoch, Dux, Edward P. Costigan, Empire Brook, Empire Grange, Empire Opossum, Empire Peacock, Empire Stronghold, Fort Fairford, Fort Norman, Fort Reliance, George Matthews, George W. McCrary, Guinean, Irvin MacDowell, John A. Campbell, John P. Mitchell, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph E. Brown , Kyklades, Manchester Exporter, Ocean Vulcan, P.L.M. 13, Pan-Maryland , Silvester Gardiner, Tabitha Brown, Temple Inn, Thomas Pinckney, Van Honthorst and William Mulholland arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Blairclova, Edam, Fort Capot River, Fort Nashwaak, Fort St. Francois, Lublin, Marsdale, Ocean Trader, Samaritan, Samnebra, Samsylvan and Trevelyan. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Alexandria; HMS Inver, HMS Delphinium and RHS Apostolis.

On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said; Anglo-African, Antilochus, Comliebank, Empire Ballad, Empire Cedar, Empire Daring, Empire Raja, Empire Rock, Fort Clatsop, Governor, Nolisement and Tide Water. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Port Said; RHS Sakhtouris, HMSAS Southern Sea

3 Apr 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (9)

15 May 1944
The German U-boat U-731 was sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar north of Tangier, in position 35°54'N, 05°45'W, by depth charges from the British patrol vessel HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR), the British A/S trawler HMS Blackfly (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR) and 2 US Catalina aircraft (VP-63 USN/P-1 & P-14). The British corvette HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) had also been ordered to participate in the hunt [her role needs to be investigated further.]

18 Sep 1944

Convoy SL 171.

This convoy departed Freetown on 18 September 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Friendship (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943)), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917) and Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilham (?).

Around 0830Z/20, in position 10°09'N, 18°12'W, the Souliotis was ordered to leave the convoy and proceed to Bathurst as she was unable to keep up with the convoy. She arrived at Bathurst on 22 September but later went on to Dakar where she arrived on 24 September.

Around 2330Z/20, in position 11°38'N, 18°00'W, the Rajahstan left the convoy to proceed to Dakar for engine repairs. She arrived at Dakar on 23 September.

Around 0830Z/21, in position 12°54'N, 17°50'W, the Adrastus and Silverteak were detached to proceed independently to the U.K. They both arrived at Liverpool on 30 September 1944.

Around 1800Z/21, in position 14°05'N, 17°59'W, the minesweeping sloop Gazelle and the corvettes Lobelia and Commandant Drogou joined. They parted company around 1900Z/24 in position 23°00'N, 18°04'W. Most likely on these ships joining on 21 September HMS Kilham parted company as she arrived back at Freetown on 25 September. Perhaps she escorted the Slesvig which parted company around 2000Z/21, in position 14°20'N, 18°00'W, to Dakar.

Around 1300A/29, in position 34°18'N, 09°53'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Casablanca; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930) and Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels L'Ardent and L'Effronté.

Around 1000A/30, in position 36°16'N, 09°14'W, convoy MKS 62G coming from Gibraltar merged with the convoy which now became the combined convoy SL 171 / KMS 62.

The ships that joined, and thus made up convoy KMS 62G, were the following; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Baron Renfrew (British, 3635 GRT, built 1935), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort St. Antoine (British, 7165 GRT, built 1943), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Novelist (British, 6133 GRT, built 1940), Ocean Valley (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 grt, built 1943), Samvigna (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944) and Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928).

Also with them was the rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929), depot ship HMS Vienna (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.J. Holland, RNR) and submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN).

They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR), HMS Oxlip (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and the minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN). On these ships joining HMS Odzani and HMS Aire parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

On 30 September 1944, the merchant vessel Bothnia (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928) departed Lisbon to join the convoy.

Around 1045A/6, in approximate position 49°00'N, 07°15'W, the convoy split into a section bound for Plymouth and a section bound for Irish Sea ports.

During the passage from the Gibraltar area to the point the convoy split into two sections, four of the merchant vessels had straggled from the convoy. All arrived safely at their destinations though. The four ships in question were; Dalcross, Empire Mariott, Empire Spey and Thistleford.

The Irish Sea section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alex, Basil, Bothnia, Brighton, Caduceus, Custodian, Dunera, Empire Friendship, Empire Stronghold, Gloucester City, Novelist, Ocean Valley, Samettrick, Samphire, Samsylvan, Samvigna and Thurland Castle as well as the Melrose Abbey and HMS Vienna. They were escorted by HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle and HMS Oxlip.

The Channel (Falmouth) section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier, Baron Renfrew, Eemland, Empire Flame, Empire Stalwart, Fairwater, Fort Drew, Fort St. Antoine, Hilversum, Matheran, Pencarrow, Samothrace, Samson and Sobo as well as HMS Truant.

They were escorted by the frigates HMS Affleck (Cdr.(Retd.) C. Gwinner, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Garlies (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Calpe, DSC, RN), HMS Gore (Lt. J.V. Reeves-Brown, DSC, RN), corvette HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Fowler, RNR), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter and armed yacht HMS Conqueror (T/Lt. T.W. Craig, RNR). They had all just joined the convoy. The three frigates parted company with the Channel / Falmouth section off the Lizard.

The Channel / Falmouth section arrived at Falmouth on 7 October 1944.

29 Sep 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Lewis, RNR) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (10)