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Notable events involving Friso (ii) include:

7 Apr 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Stork (Cdr. F.J. Walker, DSO, RN) and HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. C.J Jackson, RNVR). (1)

19 Jul 1943

Combined convoy OS 52 / KMS 21G.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 19 July 1943.

On assembly it was made up of the transports; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), Bothnia (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Contractor (British, 6004 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), El Argentino (British, 9501 GRT, built 1928), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Carpenter (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glen (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Empire Kingsley (British, 6996 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mountain (British, 2906 GRT, built 1943), Empire Samson (British (tug), 261 GRT, built 1943), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Fernhill (British, 4116 GRT, built 1926), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Forresbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Fort Brule (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Buffalo (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Enterprise (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Longueuil (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Wringley (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Highwear (British, 1173 GRT, built 1936), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Hughli (British, 6589 GRT, built 1943), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kofresi (British, 4934 GRT, built 1920), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Lwow (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Madalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Masirah (British, 6578 GRT, built 1919), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Nurjehan (British, 5424 GRT, built 1923), Ocean Vigour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2870 GRT, built 1940), Parklaan (Dutch, 3807 GRT, built 1911), Pegu (British, 7838 GRT, built 1943), Recorder (British, 2276 GRT, built 1902), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922), Spurt (Norwegian, 2061 GRT, built 1918), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN), frigate HMS Berry (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

Later the escort was reinforced with the corvette HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR) which departed Liverpool on 24 July 1942 to overtake the convoy. She proceeded via the south of Ireland.

The merchant vessels Antilochus and Highwear were forced to return due to defects.

On 26 July 1943, the convoy was attack by German Focke-Wulf reconnaissance aircraft which managed to sink the El Argentino in position 39°50'N, 13°36'W. The Empire Brutus was damaged shortly afterwards and was taken in tow by the tug Empire Samson towards Lisbon. They were escorted by HMS Jonquil. They arrived at Lisbon on 30 July.

On 27 July 1943, the convoy was again attacked by German aircraft and the Halizone was damaged in position 38°04'N, 12°59'W. She finally sank on 30 July in position 37°22'N, 13°03'W. HMS Berry had been standing by her for a short period but as she could not be spared from the A/S screen she was soon ordered to rejoin the convoy. From Gibraltar the destroyer HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN) and tug Prosperous was sent out. She found the ship on 30 July but she sank soon afterwards.

On 26 July 1943, the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 52 [see below for the ships in this section] had departed Gibraltar to make rendezvous with the combined convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), minesweepers Shippigan (Cdr. M.H. Brown, DSC, RN), Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. J.R.T. Broom, RNVR), HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR), HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. G.B. Angus, DSC, RNVR).

They made rendezvous with the combined convoy on 27 July which then split up. The ships coming from Gibraltar then joined the ships continuing on towards West Africa. They were escorted by the ships of the original escort. HMS Southern Pride joined them as she was to join the West Africa Command.

The ships making up convoy KMS 21G set course for Gibraltar.

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Convoy KMS 21G was now made up of the following transports; Avristan, City of Lyons, Clan MacBrayne, Contractor, Empire Carpenter, Empire Celia, Empire Glen, Empire Heath, Empire Kingsley, Empire Mountain, Empire Voice, Finland, Forresbank, Fort Brule, Fort Buffalo, Fort Enterprise, Fort Longueuil, Fort Wringley, Glaisdale, Grondo, Hallfried, Highwear, Hughli, Kana, Kofresi, Levernbank, Lwow, Magician, Mandalay, Masirah, Nurani, Nurjehan, Ocean Valour, Ottinge, Parklaan, Pegu, Recorder, Spero and Temple Arch.

They were escorted by HMS Isis, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS Shippigan, HMS Tadoussac, HMS Haarlem, HMS Lady Hogarth and HMS St.Nectan.

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined them late in the evening of the 27th.

The convoy arrived at/ off Gibraltar on 29 July 1943.

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Convoy OS 52 continued on towards the south. It was made up of the following transports; Amberton, Barrgrove, Bothnia, Cordillera, Deido, Empire Highway, Flimston, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Nakasley, Governor, Henri Jaspar, Hopecrest, Jenny, Kyklades, Mary Kingsley, Silvermaple, Sobo, Themistocles, Thomas Holt and Wellington Court.

They were escorted by the sloop HMS Fowey, frigate HMS Berry, corvettes HMS Campion, HMS Mallow, HMS Myosotis, HMS Stonecrop, HMS Friso and the A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride.

As the convoy split they were joined by the Gibraltar section made up of the following transports; Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Belgian Airmen (Belgian, 6959 GRT, built 1942), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Kristianiafjord (British, 6759 GRT, built 1921), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928) and Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).

Later the following transport joined coming from Casablanca; Alsace (French, 2000 GRT, built 1939), Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912), Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), La Pampa (British, 4149 GRT, built 1938), Nivose (British, 9200 GRT, built 1932) and Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930).

These ships were escorted out by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR).

The following ships were detached to Casablanca; Fort Chesterfield and Fort Nakasley. They were escorted by the three USN patrol vessels listed above.

HMS Berry, HMS Mallow and HMS Stonecrop from the escort fuelled at Casablanca before rejoining the convoy. HMS Berry departed Casablanca at 1500A/29, HMS Mallow at 1700A/29 and HMS Stonecrop at 0500A/30.

Later the following transport joined coming from Dakar; Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Fort Lac La Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942) and Schiaffino Freres (French, 3314 GRT, built 1910).

The following ships were detached to Dakar; Alsace, Canada, Fort Vercheres, Henri Jaspar, Nivose and Thomas Holt.

Detached to Bathurst was the Bothnia.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 7 August 1943.

28 Jul 1943

Convoy SL 134.

This convoy departed Freetown on 28 July 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aleksandar I (Yugoslavian, 5948 GRT, built 1927), Anna (Greek, 5173 GRT, built 1919), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Clan Murray (British, 5953 GRT, built 1918), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930), Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920), Empire Ruskin (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Torrent (British, 7076 GRT, built 1942), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Ettrickbank (British, 5138 GRT, built 1937), Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Halkett (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kohistan (British, 5884 GRT, built 1930), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pilgrim (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Princ Andrej (Yugoslavian, 5041 GRT, built 1930), Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919), Sheridan (British, 4665 GRT, built 1918), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Testbank (British, 5136 GRT, built 1937), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937) Ville d'Amiens (British (former French), 6975 GRT, built 1924) and Waterland (Dutch, 6847 GRT, built 1922).

The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN, Senior Officer of the A/S escort) and the corvettes HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR) and HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. W.A. Burnett, RNVR).

The corvette HMS Burdock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Lynes, RD, RNR) sailed a day late (29th) to overtake and join the convoy.

At dawn on the 29th, the Lida and Stancleeve were found to be missing from the convoy. These ships had to part company during the night and both returned to Freetown with defects on the 30th.

Around 1400Z/28, HMS Burdock joined the convoy.

Around 1900Z/28, in position 10°58'N, 17°10'W, the Dunelmia, Fort Halkett, King Stephen and Testbank were detached from the convoy to proceed independently to destinations in South America. During this passage the Fort Halkett was sunk by the German submarine U-185.

Around 0500Z/1, in position 14°43'N, 17°47'W, the Quercy parted company with the convoy to proceed to Dakar independently in contrary to her sailing orders as she was supposed to only part company later at the rendezvous point with the ships coming from Dakar.

Around 0630Z/1, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and the tug Empire Oberon (British, 242 GRT, built 1943). With them was the corvette HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR) and two ML's. HMS Geranium joined the convoy. The ML's, which were to have escorted the Quercy to Dakar returned with the Empire Oberon which was found to be unable to keep up with the convoy.

Around 0800Z/1, ORP Burza was detached to Dakar to effect repairs to a defective boiler joint. At the same time HMS Blackmore was detached to St. Vincent.

Around 2000Z/1, the Jaarstroom was detached to Dakar as she was unable to keep up with the convoy.

Around 0130Z/2, ORP Burza rejoined the convoy having effected repairs at Dakar.

Around 0600Z/2, HMS Snowdrop was detached to convoy OS 52.

Around the same time the RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from convoy OS 52. Her escort, the corvette HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) returned to convoy OS 52.

Around 1600Z/3, the merchant vessel Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) joined the convy from Port Etienne. She was escorted to thee rendezvous by the sloop La Grandiere which did not join the convoy.

Around 1900Z/3, HMS Blackmore rejoined the convoy coming from St. Vincent.

On 6 August 1943, HMS Rochester and HMS Azalea fuelled from the Fortol.

On 7 August 1943, HMS Balsam and HMS Geranium fuelled from the Fortol.

On 8 August 1943, HMS Blackmore and HMS Burdock fuelled from the Fortol.

On 9 August 1943, ORP Burza and HMS Mignonette fuelled from the Fortol.

Around 1000Z/9, the Chelma, Elorn, Hoggar parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca. To escort them to this place the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt. M. Beerman, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. N.P. Hallowell, Jr., USNR) had come out from Casablanca.

Around 1725Z/9, in position 33°58'N, 09°33'W, the Fortol escorted by HMS Blackmore parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 0600Z/10, in position 35°13'N, 09°50'W, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1700Z/10, in position 35°58'N, 10°40'W, the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She was to have joined earlier but while en-route to rendezvous with the convoy had been diverted to search the area near position 35°35'N, 06°57'W where an SOS signal from an aircraft had been sent from around 2200Z/9. She had abandoned her search, having found nothing, around 0927Z/10 and then set course to join the convoy.

At 1722Z/12, when the convoy was in position 40°12'N, 15°58'W, HMS Azalea reported contact on an enemy FW 200 aircraft. The escort closed up to provice better AA protection for the convoy. At 1750Z/12, the enemy aircraft was seen to jettison some bombs well clear of the port quarter of the convoy and at 1815Z/12, the escorts resumed their previous stations.

At 1925Z/12, the enemy aircraft commenced a bombing run at a height of 10000 feet from the port beam of the convoy. HMS Scylla opened a rapid and accurate fire. The enemy bombs fell between the second ship of the second column and the leading ship of the third column causing no damage. At 1950Z/12, HMS Scylla reported her radar screen clear of enemy aircraft.

At 1141Z/13, HMS Scylla reported contact on an enemy FW 200 aircraft. The position of the convoy at 1200Z/13 was 42°12'N, 16°15'W.

At 1306Z/13, this aircraft made a bombing run from the port quarter of the convoy at a height of 15000 feet. HMS Scylla's AA fire was impressive and the bombs again missed, falling 70 feet astern of the Royal Star which was the leading ship of the 7th column.

Around 2100Z/13, in position 43°30'N, 16°17'W, HMS Scylla parted company to join the combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 22.

At 1105Z/14, a FW 200 aircraft was sighted and it was driven off by the Liberator air escort / patrol which scored some hits on it. At 1200Z/13, the convoy was in position 45°07'N, 16°47'W.

At 1215Z/14, in position 44°58'N, 16°46'W, the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) closed the convoy to cover it against surface attack. At 1223Z/13, she reported a FW 200 in sight and directed the relief Liberator air escort / patrol to it. The enemy made off and was not seen again.

Around 2000Z/15, in position 47°40'N, 15°13'W, six ships of the convoy, capable of 12 knots, were detached to proceed ahead escorted by HMS Burdock (S.O.) and HMS Brissenden. The ships in question were the Ettrickbank, Mahout, Malancha, Markhor, Royal Star and Silverlaurel.

At 0600Z/16, in position 50°04'N, 15°32'W, HMS Bermuda parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

At 1320Z/17, the Empire Geraint was detached to proceed to Avonmouth escorted as far as 07°00'W by HMS Geranium.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 18 August 1943 after which the ships proceeded to their respective destinations. (2)

14 Mar 1944

Convoy UGS 36.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 March 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), E. Kirby Smith (American, 7193 GRT, built 1943), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Frederick C. Howe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ignace Paderewski (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jubal A. Early (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis Hennepin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Robert R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Walter Releigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William B. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Dall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943). The LST's USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN), naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and stores ship USS Polaris (8222 GRT, built 1939, T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and the French patrol vessel Sabre.

Around 1130Z/14, USS Sellstrom parted company to proceed the Portsmouth Navy Yard to effect repairs to her sound gear. She rejoined the following day.

Around 1600Z/14, the tanker Petter parted company to proceed to New York.

Around 1200Z/15, the transport Charles Crocker parted company to return to the USA. USS Tomich was ordered to escort her and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1400Z/15, USS Sellstrom rejoined the convoy.

Around 1200Z/16, the destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) joined the convoy. She had been unable to depart with the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0800Z/17, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy.

During 17 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple, USS Alden, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford and Sabre fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 0225Z/18, radar contact was obtained on two vessels which proved to be the transport Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929) and her escort, the minesweeper USS Despite (Lt.(jg) F.T. Peck, Jr., USNR), coming from Bermuda. The transport subsequently joined the convoy and the minesweeper returned to Bermuda.

On 20 March 1944, USS Sloat fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 23 March 1944, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1300Z/24, Hoke Smith and Iroquois were detached from the convoy to proceed to the Azores. They were escorted by USS John D. Edwards whivh had first fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 26 March 1944, USS Decatur fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1330Z/27, USS John D. Edwards rejoined the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, USS John D. Ford was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar to obtain written orders and other paperwork so that the Task Force would to be able to operate in the Mediterranean. Before parting company she fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0554Z/28, the transport A.J. Cermak and USS Richey collided but damage to both was minor.

On 28 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0330Z/29, USS John D. Ford collided with the British auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Agate (T/Lt. R.J. Langley, RANVR) in Gibraltar harbour. The destroyer sustained extensive damage and one of her crew was killed and five were wounded. USS Alden was then detached to take over the duties of USS John D. Ford.

Around 0800Z/29, the transport Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, corvette Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports Edward Burleson, Edwin L. Godkin, Howell E. Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, Oregon and USS Escalante with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 30 March 1944.

Around 2320Z/29, USS Alden rejoined from Gibraltar.

Around 2330Z/29, USS John D. Edwards parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to refuel and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0940Z/30, the Gibraltar section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the transports Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Don (British, 1037 GRT, built 1924) and Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940). At the same time USS Polaris parted company to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran. To escort her the destroyers USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) had arrived on the scene.

Around 1000Z/30, USS Decatur briefly stopped in Gibraltar Bay to embark a British liaison officer.

Around 1100Z/30, British (controlled) escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN). Also the submarine HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and motor minesweeper MMS 300 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.W. Lawn, RNVR) joined for passage. The rescue tug HMRT Mindful also joined. The American minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).

Around 1100Z/31, the following ships were detached to Oran; A.J. Cermak, Dilworth, Frithjof Nansen, James Rumsey, John Catron, John Sedgwik, Norfjell, Patrick C. Boyle, Peter Cartwright, Samuel Moody, Stephen C. Foster, Walter Raleigh and William L. Yancey. From the escort, USS Richey and Sabre were also detached to Oran.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Abernethy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0300A/1, the convoy was attacked by about 20 German aircraft in approximate position 36°52'N, 01°43'E. They attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Two enemy aircraft were claimed to have been shot down. The Jared Ingersoll was hit by a torpedo. USS Mills picked up the crew and together with HRMT Mindful then effected the salvage of the ship. The damaged ship arrived at Algiers later the same day.

Around 1030Z/1, USS Richey rejoined from Oran after having effected repairs there.

Around 1145Z/1, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Donacilla, Fort Dauphin, Solor and Woodrow Wilson. HMS Black Swan was also detached to Algiers.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1130Z/2, the transport Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 1630Z/2, the transport Don was detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Lidvard (Norwegian, 4785 GRT, built 1939) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).

Around 0115Z/3, USS Mills rejoined the convoy from Algiers.

Around 0515Z/3, the Bizerta section of the convoy made up of the following ships parted company with the convoy; B.F. Shaw, British Diligence, George Abernethy, John A. Brown, Kemp B. Battle, Lawrence D. Tyson, Paul H. Harwood, Titus and William H. Dall. Also the complete American escort proceeded to Bizerta as did all the LST's and HMS Colombo. The tanker Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 3 April 1944, the transport Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.

On 4 April 1944, the Indiana, HMS Sirdar and HMMS 300 arrived at Malta while the transport Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 4 April 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Angelo, Atle Jarl, Bruse Jarl, Corstar, Coulgorm, E. Kirby Smith, Empire Grebe, Erodona, Fort Frobisher, Fort Gaspereau, Fort la Prairie, Fort Sturgeon, George Bancroft, George M. Bibb, Henry Baldwin, Henry W. Longfellow, Ignace Paderewski, James McHenry, Jan Lievens, John C. Fremont, John Trumbull, Lincoln Steffens, Lucretia Mott, Macuba, Marion McKinley Bovard, Morialta, Ocean Fame, Samannan, Samleven, Samstrule, Samtyne, Serula, Sun, Sun-Yat-Sen, Tarleton Brown, Theodoric Bland., Trondheim, Ulla, William D. Moseley and William F. Cody.

On 8 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Blackheath, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Empire Unicorn, Eridan, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Glenora, Fort Grant, Fort Lennox, Fort Meductic, Frederick C. Howe, Harlesden, Samlyth, Samshire, Samsteel and Stancleeve. Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, HMS Amethyst and HMS Deptford.

The remaining ships in the convoy arrived at Port Said on 9 April 1944.

24 Apr 1944

Combined convoy OS 75 / KMS 49.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 24 April 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Irisbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Sarpedon (British, 11321 GRT, built 1923) and Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919).

The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also with the convoy. Later, at sea, the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) also joined after having parted company with northbound combined convoy SL 155 / MKS 46.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), HMS Havelock (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN), frigate HMS Gardiner (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. N. Harrison, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR) and HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC, RNR). The M/S trawler HMS Gulland (T/S.Lt. W.G. de Jonge, RNVR (?)) was also with the convoy as was the auxiliary boom defence vessel HMS Basuto (T/Lt. N. Minshull, RNR).

En route the Empire Gareth and HMS Basuto were detached to Azores while the Badjestan earlier had returned to the Clyde arriving on 27 April 1944 as she had been unable to keep up with the convoy. HMS Havelock was detached on 28 April 1944.

On 5 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 75 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 49 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 75 was made up of the merchant vessels; Astrid, Bradburn, David Livingstone, Empire Peacock, MacGregor Laird, Norman Star and Tudor Star.

On 3 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) and Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921). They were 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 corvette HMS Stonecrop (T/Lt. P.N.F. Appleyard, RNVR). These ships joined the combined convoy when it split.

On 4 May 1944, the following transports departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936) and John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt. J.K. Miller, USNR). La Boudeuse and USS PC-480 then returned to Casablanca arriving on 5 May 1944. On 6 May 1944, USS PC-472 also arrived back at Casablanca having escorted the Empire Peacock to that place.

On 6 May 1944, the transport Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941) departed Las Palmas, Canary Islands to join the convoy.

On 11 May 1944, the transports Astrid, Fauzon, John P. Mitchell and Southgate arrived at Dakar while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Dunkerque (French, 2477 GRT, built 1925), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942) and Newchang (British, 2482 GRT, built 1922).

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 14 May 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 49, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy. On 6 May 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Palermo, Scottish American and Zamalek. Also the current escort arrived at Gibraltar.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Baron Yarborough, Dalcross, Dalmore, Empire Gale, Empire Meteor, Hopepeak, Isisbank, Johilla, Marsdale and Sarpedon.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the tanker Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942) and transport Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN).

On 7 May 1944, the following ships departed Oran to join the convoy; Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John M. Morehead (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) and Toltec (Honduran, 5527 GRT, built 1929). The tug USS ATR-1 (Lt.(jg) H.L. MacGill, USN) also joined the convoy.

On 8 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy; Empire Cavalier, Empire Meteor, Joel Chandler Harris, John Sergeant, Port Melbourne and Tabitha Brown. Also USS ATR-1 was detached to Algiers. The following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), Cap-Pinede (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938), Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James W. Nesmith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930) and Samsylvan (British, 7219 grt, built 1943).

On 9 May 1944, the Cap-Pinede was detached to Philippeville while the RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 9 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Bone to join the convoy; Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Empire Lass (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941), Fort Maisonneuve (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Fort Missanabie (British, 7147 GRT, built 1943), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942).

On 10 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Baron Yarborough, Empire Lass, Esek Hopkins, Facto, John Blair, Prestol, Titus as well as HMS Colombo .0 and Toltec while the following transports departed Bizerta to join the convoy; Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943) and Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The RFA tanker Celerol (2649 GRT, built 1917) also joined the convoy.

On 10 May 1944, the Lucia C. was detached to Tunis.

On 11 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy; Celerol, Dalmore and Empire Gale while the following transports / tankers departed Malta to join the convoy; Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).

On 11 May 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Kiungchow (British, 2653 GRT, built 1921), Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939).

On 11 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Abbazia, Archbishop Lamy, Bourgogne, Charles Brantley Aycock, Corfell, Edward Burleson, Fort Maisonneuve, Fort Missanabie, Hopepeak, Iceland, James W. Nesmith, John M. Morehead, Joseph H. Nicholson, Marathon, Samsylvan, Thistledale and Thistlemuir.

On 15 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Dalcross, Fort Aklavik, Fort Richelieu, Johilla, Kiungchow and Ocean Vesper. Also HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, Deptford, Campion and arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 16 May 1944 escorted by HrMs Friso.

6 May 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 49.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 75 / KMS 49 'for 24 April 1944.] (3)

13 May 1944

Convoy UGS 42.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 13 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), Daniel H. Hill American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), David Holmes (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Fort Anne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), George B. Selden (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Faifield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 19432), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Lambert Caldwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Philander R.C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sverre Helmersen (Norwegian, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Wilfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909). The naval tanker USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR), auxiliary minelayers USS Chimo (Lt. J.W. Gross, USNR), USS Planter (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Scudder, Jr., USNR), USS Barricade (Lt. C.P. Haber, USNR), LST's USS LST-601 (?, with Lt.Cdr. F.M. Perrin, USNR, on board), USS LST-602 (Lt. J.H. Mehus, USNR), USS LST-603 (T/Lt. W.B. Sweet, USN) and the LCI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-587 (Lt.(jg) H.N. Cox, USNR), USS LCI(L)-588 (Lt.(jg) J.K. McMahon, USNR), USS LCI(L)-589 (Lt.(jg) J.J. McCarthy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-672 (Lt. H.G. Hilton, USNR), USS LCI(L)-673 (Lt.(jg) R.G. Creadick, USNR), USS LCI(L)-943 (Lt. J.L. Kuhn, USNR), USS LCI(L)-945 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Saylor, USN), USS LCI(L)-946 (Lt. S.F. Hirshberg, USNR), USS LCI(L)-948 (Lt.(jg) D.P. Kennedy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-949 (Lt.(jg) R. Steele, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-950 (Lt.(jg) J.G. Wilson, USNR) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 63 which was made up of the destroyer USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 63, T/Capt. H.T. Read, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jordan (Lt.Cdr. D. Bontecou, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 55, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN, on board), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR), USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Gammelgard, USNR), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Eisner (Lt.Cdr. D. McVickar, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. R.P. Walker, USN, on board), USS Garfield Thomas (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Werner, USN), USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN), USS Roche (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Thornhill (Lt. J.B. Shumway, USNR), USS Wingfield (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Purdy, USNR) and Marocain (Capt. de Freg.(Cdr.) M.B. Geli).

Shortly after departure the Sverre Helmersen had to turn back due to engine trouble.

On 14 May 1944, the Hiram S. Maxim had to turn back due to engine trouble.

Around 1030P/16, the transport Felix Gundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bermuda. The Helencrest, which was straggling, unable to keep up with the convoy, was then ordered to proceed to Bermuda.

Between 0700P/18 and 1310P/18, USS MacLeish, USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd from USS Cowanesque.

Between 0700O/20 and 1202O/20, USS Eisner, USS Garfield Thomas, USS Wingfield, USS Thornhill, USS Rinehart, USS Roche and Marocain from USS Cowanesque.

Between 0700O/22 and 1203O/22, USS MacLeish, USS Jordan, USS Newman, USS Liddle, USS Kephart, USS Cofer and USS Lloyd from USS Cowanesque.

Around 1000O/22, the Middlesex Trader, USS Planter and USS Chimo were detached to Horta, Azores. USS Thornhill was ordered to escort them there.

Around 0900N/24, USS Thornhill rejoined the convoy.

Around 1110Z/27, USS Eisner was detached to proceed to Gibraltar to pick up a liasion officer for operations in the Mediterranean.

Around 0600Z/28, the tanker Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which she had departed the previous day escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse. On this ship joining the British Promise, David Holmes, George B. Selden and John Morton were then detached to Casablanca escorted by the two French escorts. They arrived at Casablanca later on the 28th.

At 1307A/28, USS Eisner rejoined the convoy. The liaison officer was then transferred to USS MacLeish.

Around 2100A/28, the rescue tug HMRT Aspirant and HMRT Eminent joined the convoy.

On 28 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; British Governor and Iroquois.

At 1953B/29, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

At 2055B/29, the destroyer USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

At 2055B/29, the minesweepers USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) and USS Sustain (Lt. J.E. Lindeman, Jr., USNR) joined for jammer duty (against German radio controlled bombs).

Around 0050B/30, the Oran section of the convoy, made up of the following ships parted company; Bernard N. Baker, Bourgogne, Daniel H. Hill, Felix Grundy, John Fairfield, John P. Holland, Lambert Caldwalader, Sarah Orne Jewett, Walt Whitman, Walter Forward and Zacapa as well as USS Cowanesque, USS LST-602, USS LST-603, USS LCI(L)-587 and USS LCI(L)-588. These last four ships due to the fact that they were straggling from the convoy.

Shortly afterwards the Oran section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following ships; Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944) and Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 1725B/30, the City of Durban parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran to pick up the British Commodore for the remainder of the passage through the Mediterranean. She was escorted by USS Garfield Thomas. They rejoined the convoy around 0120B/31.

Around 0125B/31, the Algiers section of the convoy joined, it was made up of the following ships; Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942). The following ships were detached to Algiers; Empire Spinney, Howell E. Jackson, Lawrence J. Brengle, Loch Dee and Vacport.

At 2253B/31, USS Livermore, USS Speed and USS Sustain were detached.

At 0434B/1, HMRT Aspirant was detached to Bone. The transport Fort Anne also arrived at bone on 1 June while the transport Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943) departed Bone to join the convoy.

Also on 1 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; George F. Patten and Van der Capelle while the Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944) departed Bizerta to join the convoy.

USS Barricade, USS LST-601 and the remaining LCI(L)'s also arrived at Bizerta.

Also the current American escort (plus HMS Colombo and the Marocain) was replaced by a new escort which was made up of the following ships; frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvette HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN).

Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy KMS 51.

Convoy UGS 42 was at that moment made up of the following ships; A.P. Hill, Andrew Briscoe, Arthur R. Perry, British Confidence, British Tradition, Charles A. Warfield, Charles Nordhoff, City of Durban, David F. Houston, David G. Farragut, David L. Swain, Dilworth, Eli Whitney, Ezra Meeker, Fort Frontenac, Fort Venango, Frans Hals, George E. Hale, George Sharswood, George Weems, Gylfe, Harrogate, Henry L. Benning, Hoegh Hood, Hoegh Silvercloud, Homer Lea, Houston Volunteers, Isaac van Zandt, James B. Hickok, James B. Richardson, James Duncan, James Harrod, James Otis, Jersey Hart, John B. Gordon, John E. Schmeltzer, John Hathorn, John Ireland, Joseph T. Robinson, Keith Palmer, Lafontaine Park, Lyman Abbott, Maya, Michael Pupin, Moses Brown, Nathaniel Macon, Nicholas Gilman, Nuculana, Oregon, Pan-Delaware, Philander C. Knox, Robert F. Stockton, Robert Lucas, Robert T. Hill, Samadre, Sambanka, Samclyde, Samdon, Samnid, Samspring, Samtweed, Samvannah, Samwash, Simon Willard, Stephen T. Mather, Tabitha Brown, Thomas R. Marshall, William Cushing, William G. Fargo, William M. Stewart, Winfred L. Smith and Winslow Homer.

They were escorted by the frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, sloops HMS Deptford, HMS Amethyst and the corvette HrMs Friso.

2 Jun 1944

Combined convoy KMS 51 / UGS 42.

This convoy was formed at sea, south of Sicily, on 2 June 1943 when the two convoys merged.

The combined convoy was made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 194), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Gallant (), Ocean Rider (), Ocean Traveller (), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), President de Vogue (), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Howe (), Robert Lucas (), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) were also taking passage in the convoy.

The combined convoy was escorted by the frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).

Later on 2 June the following transports arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy; Andrew Pickens and Star. Also HMS Trenchant, HMS Vivid and KB Nada were detached to Malta. the transports Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) and Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 2 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the combined convoy; Algonquin (British, 7229 GRT, built 1920), Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917), Limousin (French (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941) and Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 3 June 1943, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the combined convoy; Abel Stearns, Albert A. Micholson, Andrew Briscoe, A.P. Hill, Beckenham, British Confidence, British Tradition, Campidoglio, Charles A. Warfield, Chiswick, David G. Farragut, David L. Swain, Dilworth, Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Ezra Meeker, Facto, Fort Frontenac, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Manin, Fort Venango, George Davis, George E. Half, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Gylfe, Harrogate, Henry L. Benning, Hopestar, Hoegh Hood, Houston Volunteers, Iceland, James B. Richardson, James Jackson, Jersey Hart, John B. Gordon, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John E. Schmeltzer, John Harhorn, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph T. Robinson, Kamp P. Battle, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Lymann Abbott, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Maya, Michael Pupin, Moses Brown, Nicholas Gilman, Nuculana, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, Pan-Delaware, Philander C. Knox, Robert F. Stockton, Robert T. Hill, Sambanka, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Samwash, Simon Willard, Stancleeve, Tabitha Brown, Thomas R. Marshall, William Cushing and William G. Fargo.

On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Algorab, British Lord, City of Khios, Empire Rosalind, Eridan, Fort Astoroa, Fort Grahame, Fort Kootenay, Fort la Prairie, Gascony, King Frederick, Kwai Sang and Nathaniel Macon. Also the following ships of the escort arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau , HMS Jed, HMS Usk, HMS Amethyst, HMS Hyderabad, HrMs Friso and HMSAS Protea.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 June 1944 escorted by HMS Deptford, HMS Delphinium and HMSAS Southern Sea.

23 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 23 June 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Condesa (British, 10367 GRT, built 1944), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Katanga (Belgian, 5183 GRT, built 1917), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Lieutenant de la Tour (French, 5844 GRT, built 1917), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Oksywie (Polish, 766 GRT, built 1938), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Taxiarchis (Greek, 4221 GRT, built 1913), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Van Ruysdael (Dutch, 7862 GRT, built 1938) and Westbank Park (Canadian 7161 GRT, built 1944).

The French armed merchant cruiser Quercy, submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Crosswell, DSC, RN) and the rescue vessel Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), destroyer RHN Salamis, frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On 24 June 1944, the Arosa arrived at Belfast after having been forced to return to the U.K.

On 26 June 1944, the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy coming from the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

On 1 July 1944, the Empire Chamois arrived at Fayal, Azores. She was escorted there by the A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR).

Around 2345A/1, HMS Activity parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 162 / MKS 53 which she joined around 0730A/2. She was escorted by HMS Antigua and HMS Knaresborough Castle which returned to convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 after HMS Activity had made rendezvous.

Around 0900A/3, the convoy split in position 35°11'N, 08°44'W.

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Convoy OS 81, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Veteran, Berwickshire, Bosphorus, Condesa, Katanga, Oksywie, Pilar de Larrinaga, Taxiarchis and Westbank Park.

On the convoys splitting the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 81 joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Fort Panmure (French, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920) and Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922).

They had left Gibraltar on 2 July 1944 and were escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) which now formed the escort of convoy OS 81.

Around the same time the Casablanca section also joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921).

The escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) was also part of the Casablanca section.

They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the mineweeeping sloop La Gracieuse, Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel L'Indiscret and Le Resolve. These French escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca taking the Taxiarchis with them.

Around 1400Z/9, the Dakar section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bosphorus, Medie II, Oksywie, Sandown Castle and Westbank Park.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 12 July 1944. Som ships did not enter harbour but proceeded direct to their respective destinations.

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Convoy KMS 55 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier, Caduceus, City of Delhi, Cochrane, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Copperfield, Empire Planet, Empire Trent, Fairwater, Fort Bourbon, Fort Colville, Fort Dauphin, Fort Frederick, Fort Jasper, Glaisdale, Kindat, Lagarto, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorca, Nijkerk, Teucer and Van Ruisdael.

Also part of convoy KMS 55 were the; Quercy, HMS Truant, Scottish American and Dundee.

The original escort of the combined convoy OS 81 / KMS 55 went with it to Gibraltar.

On the combined convoy splitting the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 4 July 1944, off Gibraltar, the following merchant vessels parted company and entered Gibraltar; Baron Napier, Clausina, Fairwater and Teucer.

Also HMS Truant and the Scottish American and Dundee entered Gibraltar.

The original escort also entered Gibraltar.

The following merchant vessels Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937) and Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

Also a new escort joined the convoy which was made up of the sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the corvettes HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN) and Nada.

On 5 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Fort Frederick, Smith Thompson and the Quercy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944).

On 6 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Fort Colville, Glaisdale, Lieutenant de la Tour, Lorraine, Samshire and Van Honthorst while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 7 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bone; Empire Damsel and Empire Trent while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Empire Candida (British, 2908 GRT, built 1943), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Empire Titania (British (tug), 258 GRT, built 1943) and Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924).

On 8 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Cartago, Empire Harbour and Empire Planet while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Furnifold M. Simmons (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Malta; Cape Brenton, Cochrane, Thomas F. Cunningham and the Empire Titania. The Nada also parted company with the convoy.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Abbazia, Beaconsfield, Betty Zane, Clausina, Daniel H. Hill, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Candia, Empire Copperfied, Fort Bourbon, Fort Dauphin, Fort Jasper, Fort Michipicoten, Furnifold M. Simmons, George E. Hale, Henry L. Benning, John B. Gordon, John Murray Forbes, John S. Casement, Joseph Alston, Josiah Bartlett, Kola, Lawrence J. Brengle, Norman Monarch, Ocean Glory, Samconon, Samcrest, Sarah Orne Jewett, Simon Willard, Solomon Juneau, Thistlemuir and William M. Eastland while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Empire Lionel (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lord (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samfeugh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Caduceus, Empire Lionel, Fort Astoria, Fort Meductic, Kepong, Kindat, Lagarto and Lech. Ocean Liberty

All escorts except HrMs Friso also proceeded to Alexandria.

The remaining ships of the convoy arrived at Port Said on the 14th escorted by HrMs Friso.