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Notable events involving Drury include:

26 Jun 1943
The battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Hampton Roads for Bermuda. They were escorted by the destroyer Harrison (T/Cdr. C.M. Dalton, USN) and the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN). (1)

28 Jun 1943
HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) arrived at Bermuda from Hampton Roads.

Harrison (T/Cdr. C.M. Dalton, USN) did not enter and set course to proceed to Boston. (2)

30 Jun 1943
Around 1000Q/30, the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) departed Bermuda for the U.K. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC, RN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN).

At 1240Z/5, HMS Phoebe parted company to proceed to Barrow-in-Furness where she arrived on 7 July to completed her refit there.

The other ships arrived at Plymouth on 8 July. HMS Queen Elizabeth went to the Devonport Dockyard to complete her refit there. (3)

8 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Polyanthus (T/Lt. J.G. Aitken, RNR), HMCS Drumheller (T/Lt. L.P. Denny, RCNR), HMS Lagan (Lt.Cdr. (retired) A. Ayre, RNR), HMCS Kamloops (T/Lt. D.M. Stewart, RCNR), HMCS Gatineau (Cdr. P.W. Burnett, RN), HMCS Chambly (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (4)

9 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN). (4)

9 Aug 1943

Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 9 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alresford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Porpoise (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fenad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Assiniboine (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Lanrick (British, 1276 GRT, built 1920), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Penshurst (British, 1454 GRT, built 1921), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), St. Rosado (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) was also part of the convoy.

Also part of the convoy were the boom defence vessels HMS Barndale (T/Lt. R.L. Jones, RNR) and HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR, with Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSC, RN on board as Senior Officer of the Escort Group), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Fal (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the M/S trawlers (for passage to the Mediterranean) HMS Staffa (T/Lt. R.L. Roat, RNVR) and HMS Unst (T/Lt. F.M. Cornall, RNVR).

Around 1700Z/11, in position 51°38'N, 13°14'W, the sloop HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN) joined coming from Londonderry.

Around 1300Z/12, the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) joined the convoy coming from Milford Haven. She had the tanker Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943) with her.

Around 0715Z/13 the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide cover against surface attack. About an hour later she positioned herself well to the east of the convoy. She left the vicinity of the convoy the following day after the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) had joined around 0535Z/14 in position 43°42'N, 14°15'W. She was stationed inside the convoy for AA protection. During daylight hours, HMS Stork and HMS Redpole were also stationed inside the convoy to provide AA protection with their 4" gun batteries. During the night there were deployed in the A/S screen.

At 0915Z/15, when the convoy was in position 39°40'N, 13°33'W, it was noticed that en enemy FW 200 aircraft was shadowing the convoy.

At 1015Z/15, two FW 200's commenced high level bombing attacks on the convoy but all bombs fell wide.

Around 1745Z/15, the convoy was attacked by (16 to 18) German FW 200 aircraft from 1./KG.40 in position 38°59'N, 12°58'W. The Warfield was heavily damaged and later sank while the Baron Fairlie and Ocean Faith were both damaged. The Baron Fairlie was making water in the engine room. HMS Bazeley remained behind to assist these ships but she later rejoined the convoy. She sank the wreck of the Warfield which was beyond salvage. HMS Bazeley was near missed and slightly damaged but this was not discovered until the ship was docked for inspection.

Around 1200Z/16, HMS Trent was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2045Z/16, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived around 0830B/17.

Around 0600Z/16, HMS Test was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 0900Z/17, the convoy split into convoy OS 53 and KMS 23.

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Convoy OS 53, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus, Botlea, British Engineer, Empire Bardolph, Empire Bombardier, Empire Cabot, Empire Porpoise, Empire Prowess, English Monarch, Hilversum, Leighton, MacGregor Laird, Neleus, New Brooklyn, Norjerv, Peterston, Solarium, St. Rosario, Trojan Star and Tynemouth.

They were joined by the merchant vessels; Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Fort Alexandria (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Antic which came from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 15th escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the trawler HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury, HMS Fal and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau. HMS Trent and HMS Test latr rejoined from Casablanca on the 18th and 19th of August respectively.

On 17 August 1943, the convoy was joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Casablanca which they had departed the previous day; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR). These patrol vessels did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca arriving there on the 18th. They had taken the merchant vessel Empire Prowess with them.

Around 1000Z/22, the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) joined the convoy. HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau then parted company to proceed to Dakar to fuel where they arrived the following day.

On 23 August 1943, the El-Biar, Finistere and Montaigne arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessels Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, 1942) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

On 24 August 1943, the British Engineer and Empire Bombardier arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessel Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy the following day coming from Bathurst.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 27 August 1943. Not all merchant ships entered Freetown but continued on to their destination independently.

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Convoy KMS 23, towards the Mediterranean, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford, Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Baron Forbes, Chloris, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Capulet, Empire Chamois, Empire Clarion, Empire Deed, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Empire Shearwater, Euryades, Facto, Fenad Head, Filleigh, Fort Albany, Fort Ash, Fort Assiniboine, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort Fraser, Fort Glenyon, Fort McLeod, Fort St. Paul, Fort Ville Marie, Greathope, Itinda, Lanrick, Lowlander, North Leigh, Ocean Faith, Ocean Valentine, Penshurst, Portsea, Selvik, Tigre and Wayfarer.

The rescue vessel Rathlin and the boomb defence vessels HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst were also with the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, sloops HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, A/S trawler HMS St. Nectan and the M/S trawlers HMS Staffa and HMS Unst. Also joining on the split up of the combined convoy was the Mediterranean escort of the convoy. It had departed Gibraltar on 16 August 1943 and was made up of the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN), HMS Romney (Lt. W.E. Halbert, RNR), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, DSC, RNR), HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)), HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)) and HMAS Maryborough (T/Lt. J.C.P. Boyle, RANR(S)).

On 18 August 1943, the Arlesford, Baron Forbes, Ocean Faith, Selvik, Rathlin, HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy. From the escort, HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, HMS St. Nectan, HMS Staffa and HMS Unst also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 18 August 1943 the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Gibraltar; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919) and Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927).

Around 1700B/19, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar which she had departed around 1200B/19. She parted company with the convoy around 0725B/20 to return to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1915B/20.

On 20 August 1943, the Cloris, Elizabeth Massay, Greathope and Gulf of Venezuela arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining from Oran were the LST's USS LST 17 (Lt. H.B. Gallagher, USCGR), USS LST 21 (Lt. C.M. Brookfield, USCGR), USS LST 25 (Lt. J.P. Houlinan, USCGR), USS LST 72 (Lt. H.A Kaye, USNR), USS LST 73 (Lt. W.K. Bradbury, USNR), USS LST 175 (Lt. E.J. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS LST 176 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Salt, USNR), USS LST 208 (Lt. R.W. Emmons, USNR), USS LST 209 (Lt. F.J. Oberg, USNR) and USS LST 261 (Lt. L.I. Reilley, USCG).

On 21 August 1943, the Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Empire Chamois, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Facto, Filleigh, Fort Fraser, Grand Quevilly, Lanrick and Penshurst arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Empire Cato (British, 7039 GRT, built 1942), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Miriam (British, 1903 GRT, built 1912), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

The submarines HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) also joined the convoy off Algiers for passage to Malta.

On 22 August 1943, the Fort Ash arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Benedict, Empire Cato, Fort Albany, Northleigh and Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Empire Clarion, Empire Commerce, Empire Deed, Fenad Head, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Ville Marie and Ravens Point arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

Around 1800B/22, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) joined coming from Bizerta which she had departed around 1000B/22.

On 23 August 1943, the A.C. Bedford, Armenara, Balteako, Edward Richardson, Eildon, Empire Salvage, Horace Binney, Kingsborough, Toorak and all the LST's arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 23 August 1943, the Cape Sable arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 August 1943, the Belnor, Empire Shearwater, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort St. Paul, Jade, Miriam and Ocean Valentine arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940).

The two submarines were detached to Malta. The escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) escorted them there.

Around 2230C/26, HMS Colombo parted company with the convoy to proceed to Benghazi.

On 27 August 1943 the merchant vessels Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi.

On 29 August 1943, the British Vigour, Egret, Euryades, Fort Assiniboine, Lowlander, Meroe, Ovula , Shirrabank and Trajanus arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Shoreham, HMS Hythe, HMS Romney, HMS Whitehaven and HMAS Gawler.

HMAS Lismore proceeded to Haifa where she arrived on 30 August 1943.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 August 1943.

24 Aug 1943
The battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. St.J. Cronyn, DSO, RN), transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) departed Freetown for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN), escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) and the frigate HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

Around 0655Z/26, the destroyers HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) joined. HMS Bulldog and HMS Catterick were then detached to fuel at Dakar.

Around 1000Z/26, the Aorangi was detached and joined the French transport Canada (9684 GRT, built 1912) that had sailed from Dakar on the 25th escorted by the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN).

Around 1115Z/27, HMS Bulldog and HMS Catterick rejoined and HMS Boadicea was detached to Dakar. (5)

23 Nov 1943
German U-boat U-648 was sunk in the North Atlantic north-east of the Azores, in position 42°40'N, 20°37'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Cdr. E. Chavasse, RN) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN).

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.

20 Feb 1944
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (6)

20 Feb 1944
HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Curzon (Lt. A.A. Diggins, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN). (7)

21 Feb 1944
with HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR) and RHS Kriezis. (6)

21 Feb 1944

Convoy KMF 29.

This convoy was assembled in the North Channel on 21 February 1944.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Morarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Monowai (New Zealand, 10852 GRT, built 1925), New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), AA ship Prince HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN), destroyers HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. A.C. Behague, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Urania (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN, HMS Burges (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Curzon (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Diggins, DSC, RN) and HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).

On 26 February 1944, the New Zealand Star arrived at Fayal after having been detached from the convoy. She later continued on independently towards the River Plate area.

Around 1200N/26, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join northbound combined convoy SL 149 / MKS 40.

Around 0900Z/27, the destroyers USS Kendrick (T/Cdr. A.M. Boyd, Jr., USN) and USS Mackenzie (T/Cdr. B.N. Rittenhouse, Jr., USN) joined the convoy.

Also on 27 February, the Antenor and Sibajak were detached to Horta, Azores where they arrived later the same day. They were escorted by HMS Terpsichore and HMS Urania. These ships departed for Gibraltar the next day. They all arrived at Gibraltar on 29 February 1944.

On 28 February 1944, the destroyers HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 27th. These two destroyers, with HMCS Prince Robert and the two American destroyers were detached on passing the Straits of Gibraltar and returned there on 29 February 1944.

On passing Gibraltar the escort was reinforced by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR), destroyer HMS Isis (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos.

During the night of 29 February / 1 March 1944, the convoy passed Oran. The Dempo and Volendam were detached to that place while the (troop) transports Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929) and the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) joined the convoy.

On 1 March 1944, the Capetown Castle and Ormonde were detached to Algiers while the (troop) transports Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined.

Around 2105A/1, the Monarch of Bermuda parted company to proceed to Palermo where she arrived the following day. She was escorted by HMS Blankney which subsequently arrived at Augusta on 3 March.

Around 1100A/2, the Naples section of the convoy parted company. This was made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora, Boissevain, Champollion, Circassia, Hai Lee, Highland Chieftain, Letitia, Llangibby Castle, Leopoldville, Tegelberg, Winchester Castle. Escort for the Naples section was provided by HMS Colombo, HMS Bentinck, HMS Burges, HMS Byard, HMS Calder, HMS Curzon and HMS Drury. The Naples section arrived at its destination on 3 March 1944.

On 3 March 1944, HMS Isis arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

Later on 3 March 1944, the Aorangi and HrMs Heemskerck arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the (troop) transport Princess Kathleen (British, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and the netlayer HMS Guardian (Capt.(Retd.) H.A.C. Lane, OBE, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

Also on 3 March 1944, the Duchess of Richmond was detached to August as was HMS Farndale as escort.

On 4 March 1944, RHS Kanaris arrived at Tobruk after having been detached from the convoy. She departed again later the same day and rejoined the convoy.

On 5 March 1944, HMS Antwerp and RHS Pindos arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy, Franconia, Lancashire, Monowai, Orontes, Princess Kathleen, Reina del Pacifico, Stratheden escorted by HMS Beaufort, RHS Kanaris and HMS Guardian arrived at Port Said on 6 March 1944.

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.

3 Mar 1944
Around 0915A/3, HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), 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) arrived at Naples with convoy KMF 29. (8)

5 Mar 1944
Around 1000A/5, HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), 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) departed Naples with the Naples section of convoy MKF 29. 9)

29 Mar 1944

Combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.

Convoy KMF 30.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 29 March 1944.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Alcantara (British, 22209 GRT, built 1922), Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Capetown Castle (British, 27002 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), City of Calcutta (British, 8063 GRT, built 1940), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

The naval transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN) and USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Cepheus (Capt. R.B. Hall, USCG) and USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) 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), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR).

On 30 March 1944, the troop transport Queen of Bermuda (British, 22575 GRT, built 1932) departed Plymouth to join the convoy. She was escorted by the frigate HMS Wear (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G.L. Hone, RNVR) which had departed Swansea also on 30 March 1944.

When approaching Gibraltar several ships of the convoy were detached for destination not in the Mediterreanean, these were the following; Antenor, Boissevain, Clan Campbell, Duchess of Richmond and Silversandal.

On 5 April 1944, the destroyers ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) and HMS Isis (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy which they did later the same day. Black Swan On 6 April 1944, the Nieuw Holland and Ormonde arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy while the troop transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar as did the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. D.P. Willan, DSC, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN).

On 6 April 1944, HMCS Prince Robert parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar later the same day. HMS Byard also made a short stop at Gibraltar but rejoined the convoy.

Convoy NSF 19.

This convoy departed Oran Bay on 6 April 1944.

It was made up of the following 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) and the troop transports Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Oran Bay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. A.T. Morgan, RNVR) and the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR).

Around 2000B/6, convoy NSF 19 merged with convoy KMS 30 in position 35°53'N, 00°38'W.

On convoy NSF 19 merging with convoy KMF 30 the four USN transports; USS Andromeda, USS Arcturus, USS Cepheus, USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, USN) and the troop transports Highland Princess and Orduna parted company and proceeded to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir.

On 7 April 1944, HMS Nadder and HMS Wear arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy.

Around 0900B/7, the 'Algiers' section of the now combined convoy joined in position 36°54'N, 03°12'E. It was made up of the troop transports Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1924), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939). With them the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN) which also joined the convoy.

Around 0230B/8, the 'Bone' section joined in position 37°08'N, 07°49'E. It was made up of the troop transport Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914).

At 1200B/8, the 'Naples' section of the convoy split off. It was made up of the Almanzora, Capetown Castle, Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle, Leopoldville, Ranchi, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale and USS Lyon.

The 'Naples' section was escorted by HMS Caledon, HMS Liddesdale, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder, HMS Drury, HMS Lochy and USS Seer.

The Naples' section of the convoy arrived at it's destinsation on 9 April 1944.

The remaining ships continued on to Port Said where they arrived on 12 April 1944. HMS Catterick remained with the convoy until Port Said. The Tegelberg had been detached to Alexandria where she also arrived on the 12th as did HMS Farndale, HMS Calpe and HMS Cleveland.

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.

9 Apr 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN), 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), HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR) and USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) arrived at Naples with the 'Naples' section of the combined convoy KMF 30 / NSF 19.

11 Apr 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), 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) departed Naples escorting the ' Napels ' section of convoy MKF 30.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 30 ' for 8 April 1944.]

4 May 1944
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pennywort (T/Lt. A.W. James, RNR), HMS Wanderer, HMS Drury (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) and HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN). (10)

21 Jun 1944

Convoy MKF 32.

This convoy departed Port Said on 21 June 1944 and arrived in U.K. waters on 4 July 1944.

It was made up of the following transport vessels; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Nieuw Holland (British, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. T.M. Dorrien-Smith, RN), HMS Croome (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Lawrence, DSC, RNVR), HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.D. Howson, RN), HMS Tetcott (Lt. H.J. Watkins, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt. H.A. Corbett, DSC, RN).

Later on 21 June 1944 the damaged light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) joined the convoy for passage to Gibraltar. She came from Alexandria together with the netlayer HMS Guardian (Capt.(Retd.) H.A.C. Lane, OBE, RN) which also joined the convoy for passage westwards to Djidjelli, Algeria [now called Jijel].

In the eastern Mediterranean the escort destroyer Quantock was also with the convoy for a while. [Further details currently unkown.]

Around noon on 25 June 1944 convoy SNF 25 coming from Naples merged with the convoy. Convoy SNF 25 had departed Naples on 24 June 1944 and was made up of the transports Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Naples this convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Pasley (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR) and the destroyer escort USS Frederick C. Davcis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR). This last ship served as jammer escort against German radio guided bombs.

The transport Hai Lee proceeded to Bizerta while the other two transports joined convoy MKF 32.

On 26 June, off Djidjelli, HMS Guardian was detached and later off Algiers the transport Champollion (French, 12263 GRT, built 1925) joined the convoy while HMS Attacker was detached.

On 27 June, off Oran the transport Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) and the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN) joined the convoy. They were escort from Oran to the rendezvous with convoy MKF 32 by the destroyers USS Knight (T/Cdr. J.C. Ford, Jr., USN) and USS Doran (T/Cdr. N.E. Smith, USN). USS Frederick C. Davis was detached to Mers-el-Kebir.

On 28 June, off Gibraltar the escort carrier HMS Hunter was detached as were the escort destroyers HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Croome, HMS Exmoor, HMS Tetcott and HMS Wheatland.

Also off Gibraltar the transports Felix Roussell (French, 17083 GRT, built 1930) and Tai Shan (Norwegian, 6962 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy as did the escort carriers HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), HMS Ravager (A/Capt. G.V.B. Faulkner, RN) and the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN).

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 July 1944.

18 Jul 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Allington Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Ogden, DSC, RNVR) and later with ships from the 4th Escort Group. (11)

3 Sep 1944

Convoy MKF 34.

This convoy departed Port Said on 3 September 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following troop transports;
Clan MacAulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

Escort was provided by the escort destroyers Exmoor, Chiddingfold, Croome and Tetcott.

Later that day the following troop transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937).

These ships were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Higson, DSC and Bar, RN), Wheatland and Kanaris which also joined the convoy.

Around 1500B/6, the Clan MacAulay and Ruys parted company to proceed to Taranto and Naples repectively.

Around 1530B/6, the landing ships HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN) and HMS Prince Badouin (A/Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR) joined coming from Augusta.

The Clan MacAulay arrived at Taranto on 7 September 1944 as did RHS Kanaris.

The Ruys arrived at Naples on 7 September 1944 as did HMS Wheatland.

HMS Exmoor, HMS Ledbury and HMS Tetcott arrived at Malta on 6 September 1944. Joining the convoy coming from Malta was the headquarters ship HMS Largs (Capt. H.S. Allan, RNR).

Around 1600B/6, the Naples section of the convoy departed Naples Bay. It was made up of the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927) and Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Capt. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. R.C.S. Garwood, RN), HMS Bazely (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Byard (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Pasley (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR).

Around 1000B/7, the Naples section of the convoy joined the main convoy in position 37°15'N, 10°25'E. HMS Croome and HMS Chiddingfold then parted company to proceed to Bizerta where they were to fuel and then rejoin.

Around 1200B/7, the Reina del Pacifico was detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Naples. She was escorted by HMS Bazely and HMS Pasley until these were relieved by HMS Croome and HMS Chiddingfold coming from Bizerta after fuelling.

Around 0140B/8, HMS Bazely and HMS Pasley rejoined the main convoy after they had been relieved.

Around 0600B/8, in position 37°08'N, 04°42'E, HMS Prince Badouin was detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Gibraltar. She proceeded unescorted.

Around 0945B/8, HMS Byard parted company with the convoy to enter Algiers for fresh water after which she was to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1200B/8, the Algiers section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the following troop transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

Around 1700B/8, the Ascania which had straggled from the convoy, due to insufficient speed, was ordered to proceed to Oran. HMS Pasley was ordered to escort her.

Around 2100B/8, HMS Byard rejoined the convoy.

Around 0400B/9, the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) joined coming from Oran. Around the same time HMCS Prince Robert was detached to Gibraltar to embark stores and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0700B/9, HMS Pasley rejoined the convoy.

Around 2100B/9, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN) joined. She had been conducting exercises off Gibraltar escorted by the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) which did not join the convoy but returned to Gibraltar.

Around 2300B/9, HMCS Prince Robert, HMS Prince Badouin and the (troop) transports City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 0600B/10, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Reaper (A/Capt. J.F.H. Sawyer, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the destroyer RHN Salamis and the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN) which subsequently returned to Gibraltar.

Around 2055B/12, in position 48°19'N, 07°41'W, HMCS Prince Robert was detached to Plymouth.

Around 1500B/13, in position 51°47'N, 07°23'W, HMS Reaper was detached to proceed ahead to the Clyde.

Around 2200B/13, all frigates except HMS Bazely and HMS Byard were detached to proceed to Belfast.

Around 0500B/14, the Liverpool section of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the Christiaan Huygens, City of Bristol, Derbyshire, Empire Pride, Highland Princess, Indrapoera, Moreton Bay, Orontes and Sibajak.

Around 0700B/14, HMS Nairana was detached to proceed ahead to the Clyde for gunnery exercises.

Around 1100B/14, HMS Nairana rejoined, having completed her exercises.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the afternoon of 14 September 1944. HMS Bazely and HMS Byard proceeded to Belfast. (12)

14 Sep 1944
Around 0600B/14, HMS Bentinck (Cdr. R.C.S. Garwood, RN), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Pasley (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR) arrived at Belfast from convoy escort duty. (13)

15 Oct 1944

Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

This combined convoy assembled in the North Channel on 15 October 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels thoough some of these only joined later during the passage through the Irish Sea; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Alder Park (Canadian, 7141 GRT, built 1944), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Empire Camp (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Flag (British, 7024 GRT, built 1943), Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941), Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samfoyle (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).

Also taking passage in the convoy were the submarines HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as 9 LCT's which were towed by some of the merchant vessels; These 9 LCT's were the following; HM LCT 480 (T/S.Lt. G.R. Sample, RNVR) which was being towed by the City of Lyons, HM LCT 488 (T/S.Lt. A.P.P. Thomas, RNVR) and HM LCT 489 (?) which were being towed by the Samfoyle, HM LCT 491 (T/Lt. W.C. Gray, RNVR) and HM LCT 7015 (T/S.Lt. D.H. Condick, RNVR) which were being towed by the Fort Finlay, HM LCT 494 (T/Lt. J. DSC, Murts, RNVR) and HM LCT 7014 (T/A/S.Lt. J. Farrell, RNVR) which were being towed by the Nairnbank and the HM LCT 7022 (?) and HM LCT 7023 (?) which were being towed by the Ocean Vanity.

The convoy was escorted by and the sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).

The convoy encountered poor weather and by the 17th it had even worsened. Some of the landing craft were now suffering from the weather conditions. Due to the extreme weather conditions the convoy hove to A.M. on the 18th and additional escorts were requisted.

Late in the afternoon of the 18th, HM 480 had to be abandoned by her crew due to the damage she had sustained and water she had shipped from the weather, loose cargo and defective welds. The crew was picked up from Carley floats around 2200A/18 by HMS Allington Castle. She sank to the south of Ireland around 2330A/18 after having been scuttled with gunfire.

HM 488 had sustained damage during the night of the 17th/18th. Around 1000A/18, she slipped her tow and got underway under her own power to try to make for Milford Haven. More and more water entered the landing craft and when a pump failed it became apparent that she most likely would go down. HMS Knaresborough Castle then closed and it was attempted to abandon the landing craft. Some of the crew was taken off but ten men remained on board during the night of 18/19 and tried to keep the ship afloat. By 0415A/19 the ship had to be abandoned as it was about to sink. Red flares were fired and HMS Knaresborough Castle closed. While doing so the landing craft sank and only one of the ten men on board could be picked up. The other nine, including the landing craft's Commanding Officer drowned.

HM LCT 491 got into trouble during the early afternoon of the 18th and as a result she slipped her tow as did HM LCT 7015. By mid afternoon of the 18th she had shipped a very heavy sea which damaged the welding around the door in the bow. More big seas followed and the ship was shipping a lot of water. Around 0100A/19, HMS Allington Castle closed. Around 0330A/19, HM LCT 491 started to sink. HMS Allington Castle went alongside and managed to take off the entire crew.

HM LCT 494 parted her tow around 0845A/18. She was last seen during the afternoon of that day while under her own power. She must have sunk in the evening with the loss of the entire crew.

HM LCT 7014 also slipped her tow in the morning of the 18th and got underway under her own power. By noon power had been lost and she sank not long afterwards. Part of her crew were picked up by the rescue ship, from convoy ON 260, Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) but nine men, including the Commanding Officer lost their lives.

HM LCT 7015 also slipped her tow around 1500A/18. She was not seen afterwards and disappeared with her entire crew.

Meanwhile the frigates HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR) and HMS Zanzibar (T/Lt. F.F. Parker, RNVR) were ordered to detach from convoy HX 312 and join convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

Three more escorts were also ordered to join, these were the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt. B.H. Brown, RN) corvettes HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR) and HMS Kingcup (T/Lt. T. Cooper, DSC, RNR).

Also on the 19th the City of Lyons parted company with the convoy due to damage sustained. She arrived at Milford Haven the following day.

P.M. on the 19th, HMS Kingcup reported proceeding to Falmouth with HM LCT 7022 and HM LCT 7023. Later the two landing craft were abandoned. HMS Kingcup took on board their crews and proceeded at best possible speed to Falmouth to land an injured men. The frigate HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) was ordered to stand by the two landing craft. Later HMS Kingcup returned with their crews and the landing craft were reboarded.

A.M. on the 20th found the convoy badly scattered.

P.M. on the 20th the Lagarto reported being in distress with weather damage and also having lost a men overboard. HMS Knaresborough Castle was also not in contact with the convoy. A signal was sent to requist more additional escorts. HMS Drury was then ordered to relieve HMS Allington Castle. Lagarto put into Falmouth.

A.M. on the 21st HMS Trident reported that a wire had fouled one of her propellers. HMS Knaresborough Castle was able to rejoin the convoy.

By P.M. on the 22nd, all ships had rejoined the convoy except four.

A.M. on the 23rd a signal was received from FOCNA (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) that the Lisbon / Huelva section of the convoy was to part company on passing 39°N and proceed independently. They did so A.M. on the 24th.

A.M. on the 25th, the Empire Confidence and Nairnbank arrived independently at Gibraltar. P.M. on the 25th the Rodsley also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 25 October the convoy split into convoy OS 92 which continued on towards Freetown and KMS 66 which set course for the Mediterranean.

The three original escorts and the three submarines arrived at Gibraltar P.M. on the 26th.

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Convoy OS 92 was made up of the merchant vessels; Conakrian, Empire Camp, Empire Flag, Jonathan Holt and Tudor Star.

They were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 24th; Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930) and Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RD, RNR) which now took over the escort of convoy OS 92.

Also joining at the rendezvous were the merchant vessels Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) coming from Casablanca which they had left on the 24th together with thee merchant vessels Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Sarah Orne Jewitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) which joined convoy KMS 66. They were escorted by the French patrol vessels patrol vessels L'Effronté and Le Resolu. These two French patrol vessels returned to Casablanca on the 26th with the Ragnhild.

On 1 November 1944, the Charles Schiaffino and Chelma arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. With them was also the Empire Stour which had engine defects.

The convoy escorts and some of the merchant vessels arrived at Freetown on 4 November 1944. Some of the merchant vessels continued on independently to their destinations.

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Convoy KMS 66 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Adviser, Alder Park, Belgian Trader, Bosphorus, Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Elizabethville, Empire Confidence, Empire Kangaroo, Fernbank, Fort Finlay, Hardanger, Hermelin, King Stephen, Mantola, Miguel de Larrinaga, Nairnbank, Ocean Vanity, Ottinge, Robert Maersk, Rodsley, Samfoyle, Sarah Orne Jewitt, St. Rosario, Umgeni and Vancouver City.

The convoy passed Gibraltar on the 26th. On passing the Strait the following merchant vessels were detached; Miguel de Larrinaga, Ottinge and St. Rosario. These three merchant ships had all sustained weather damage and put into Gibraltar to effect repairs. Also the three submarines and three original escorts put into Gibraltar.

The convoy was joined by a new escort made up of the frigate HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and Nada. Also the merchant vessel Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy.

On 27 October 1944, the merchant vessel Sarah Orne Jewitt was detached to Oran while the merchant vessel Jamaique (French, 10123 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 28 October 1944, the merchant vessel Rodsley was detached to Algiers while the merchant vessel Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 29 October 1944, the merchant vessels Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 30 October 1944, the merchant vessel Belgian Trader was detached to Algiers while the tanker Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 31 October 1944, the tanker British Destiny (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The corvette Nada parted company and proceeded to Malta.

On 31 October 1944, the merchant vessels / tankers Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samsperrin (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 1 November 1944, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Empire Kangaroo, Fort Finlay, Fort Grahame, King Stephen, Lyminge, Ocean Vanity, Samaffric and Vancouver City arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 4 November 1944, the merchant vessels Fernbank, Hardanger, Nairnbank and Sambre arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 5 November 1944.

9 Dec 1944
HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Grou (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dupont, RCNR), HMCS Annan (T/A/Lt.Cdr C.P. Balfry, RCNR), HMS Byard (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN). (14)

21 Apr 1945
German U-boat U-636 was sunk in the North Atlantic west of Ireland, in position 55°50'N, 10°31'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bazely (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, DSC, RNR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Bentinck (A/Lt.Cdr. P.R.G. Worth, RN).

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