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Notable events involving Primrose include:

16 Jul 1940

Convoy SL 40.

This convoy departed Freetown on 16 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Araby (British, 4936 GRT, built 1912), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), Celtic Star (British, 5575 GRT, built 1918), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Dayrose (British, 4113 GRT, built 1928), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Jersey (British, 4986 GRT, built 1936), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Kirriemoor (Brititsh, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Adelaide (British, 8422 GRT, built 1919), Port Denison (British, 10334 GRT, built 1918), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Rydboholm (Swedish, 3197 GRT, built 1933), Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918) and Winsum (Dutch, 3224 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN).

On 17 July, the Dayrose dropped astern being unable to keep up due to a foul bottom. She was last seen in position 10°39'N, 17°20'W.

The Pindos had great difficulty keeping up with the convoy since departure from Freetown. She complained of bad coal as being the reason of this. She was last seen on 18 July 12 miles astern of the convoy in position 09°25'N, 17°20'W. The Pindos was sunk on 4 August 1940 by the German submarine U-58 in position 55°22'N, 08°50'W.

P.M. on 20 July, the Kirriemoor parted company with the convoy in position 17°15'N, 20°19'W. She had been continuously dropping astern unable to keep up with the convoy due to a very foul bottom.

On 21 July, the Richard de Larrinaga and Sylvia de Larrinaga both parted company with the convoy due to being unable to keep up. Both due to faul bottoms. They were last seen in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.

Around 0430Z/1, when the convoy was to the west of Ireland in position 53°28'N, 20°12'W, the City of Wellington and the Grangepark collided and dropped out of the convoy but they were able to rejoin later. The Grangepark was ordered to proceed to Belfast for repairs.

Around 1100Z/1, Convoy SLF 40, merged with convoy SL 40 in position 20°40'N, 20°20'W.

Convoy SLF 40 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afric Star (British, 11900 GRT, built 1926), Anchises (British, 10000 GRT, built 1911), Bintang (British, 2825 GRT, built 1922), City of Simla (British, 10138 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922), Clytoneus (British, 6278 GRT, built 1930), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Nanking (British, 5931 GRT, built 1924), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926), Otaio (British, 10298 GRT, built 1930), Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zaanland (Dutch, 6813 GRT, built 1921).

Convoy SLF 40, had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) which also joined convoy SL 40.

Around 0445Z2, in position 54°40'N, 16°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) and the corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the now combined convoy. The sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) was also to join but she never did.

On HMS Aberdeen and HMS Periwinkle joining, HMS Asturias and HMS Canton parted company with the convoy and both proceeded independently to Greenock.

At 1500Z/3, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) joined in position 55°41'N, 08°35'W.

On the 4th, the corvettes HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR), which came direct from the A/S training facility at Tobermory, also joined.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 4 August 1940. (1)

23 Jul 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR). (2)

24 Jul 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR). (2)

26 Jul 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR). (2)

29 Jul 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR). (2)

1 Aug 1940
HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Godetia (Lt.Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) and HMS Fandango (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR). (2)

11 Aug 1940

Convoy SL 43.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 August 1940.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Cieszyn (Polish, 1386 GRT, built 1932), Chile (British, 6956 GRT, built 1915), Corinthian (British, 3121 GRT, built 1938), Dartford (British, 4093 GRT, built 1930), Debrett (British, 6244 GRT, built 1940), Dixcove (British, 3790 GRT, built 1927), Helmspey (British, 4764 GRT, built 1931), Helvig (British (former Danish), 2252 GRT, built 1937), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Maccreggor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Marken (Dutch 5719 GRT, built 1937), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), Oregon I (British (former Danish), 4774 GRT, built 1916), Port Dunedin (British, 7441 GRT, built 1925), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rodney Star (British, 11803 GRT, built 1927), Spar (Dutch, 3616 GRT, built 1924), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Margaret (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Theodoros T. (Greek, 3409 GRT, built 1912), Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939), Tyr (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1926) and Umtali (British, 8135 GRT, built 1936),

The transport New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920) departed Bathurst on 13 August to join the convoy at sea.

Several transports, some of which had been coaling at St. Vincent (São Vicente Island), Cape Verde Islands, were to join the convoy at sea on the 14/15th. these were the following, Alchiba (Dutch, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Alcyone (Dutch, 4534 GRT, built 1921), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Duquesa (British, 8651 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Marconi (British, 7402 GRT, built 1917), Minnie de Larrinaga (British, 5049 GRT, built 1914), Springfontein (Dutch, 6406 GRT, built 1921) and Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and the sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN).

On 13 (or 14) August 1940, the Cieszyn and HMS Milford parted company to proceed to Bathurst where they arrived at 1945N/15. On board the Cieszyn was the Gambia Company, Sierra Leone Battalion, Royal West African Frontier Force.

Around 1855Z/14, the light cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 2020Z/16.

On 26 August, the sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN) and corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy.

On 27 August, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 27 August, HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Belfast where she was to be taken in hand for repairs.

12 Oct 1940

Convoy SL 51.

This convoy departed Freetown on 12 October 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baarn (Dutch, 5621 GRT, built 1927), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Balingkar (Dutch, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Barneveld (Dutch, 5597 GRT, built 1928), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bereby (British 5248 GRT, built 1919), Breda (Dutch, 6941 GRT, built 1921), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Mariner (British (tanker), 6996 GRT, built 1922), British Officer (British (tanker), 6990 GRT, built 1922), British Prestige (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Reliance (British (tanker), 7000 GRT, built 1928), British Security (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Clan Macfadyen (British, 6191 GRt, built 1923), Clan Mackinlay (British, 6365 GRT, built 1918), Clan Macnair (British, 6096 GRT, built 1921), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Dunkwa (British, 4752 GRT, built 1927), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Grena (Norwegian (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Harborough (British, 5415 GRT, built 1932), Mahseer (British, 7911 GRT, built 1925), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Muncaster Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Nailsea Manor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Pendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 10746 GRT, built 1939), Primero (British, 4414 GRT, built 1925), Sardinian Prince (British, 3491 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930), Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926), Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938), Tongariro (British, 8729 GRT, built 1925), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938) and Wray Castle (British, 4253 GRT, 1938).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN).

Around 1020Z/29, the corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 30 October, the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) and the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. A.J.S. Anderson, RNR) joined.

On 31 October the destroyer HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) also joined. The convoy arrived in U.K. waters later the same day.

18 Feb 1941

Convoy SL 66.

This convoy departed Freetown on 18 February 1941 and arrived in U.K. waters on 14 March 1941.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Ardenvohr (British, 5025 GRT, built 1940), Benlomond (British, 6630 GRT, built 1922), Benvenue (British, 5920 GRT, built 1927), Berbery (British, 5248 GRT, built 1919), Berhala (Dutch, 6622 GRT, built 1927), Bothnia (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Bradglen (British, 4741 GRT, built 1930), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), British Desteny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Darlington Court (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Egba (British, 4989 GRT, built 1914), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Etrib (British, 1943GRT, built 1919), Glendene (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Hjalmar Wessel (British, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Hoogkerk (British, 5132 GRT, built 1911), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Kingbury (British, 4898 GRT, built 1937), Lord Cochrane (British, 4157 GRT, built 1934), Lynton Grange (British, 5029 GRT, built 1937), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Meropi (Greek, 4181 GRT, built 1911), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), O.A. Kundsen (Norwegian (tanker), 11007 GRT, built 1938), Ornefjell (British, 1334 GRT, built 1937), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), River Afton (British, 5479 GRT, built 1935), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Salvus (British, 4815 GRT, built 1928), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919), Sir Ernest Cassel (British, 7739 GRT, built 1910), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Somme (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Toward (British (rescue ship), 1571 GRT, built 1923), Trevorian (British, 4599 GRT, built 1920), Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) and Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917).

[It is possible some of these ships did not sail from Freetown but joined the convoy at sea.]

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Comorin (Capt.(Retd.) J.I. Hallett, DSO, RN).

Around 1345N/3, the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 0700N/8, the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) joined.

Around 1800N/9, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), escort destroyer HMS Vivien (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Beattie, RN) and the corvettes HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR).

At 1915Z/9, HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy but she rejoined it at 2000A/10 after having been ordered to do so. While absent from the convoy HMS Kenya sighted and engaged a German Focke Wulf aircraft but it was not damaged and disappeared to the east.

At 2000A/11, HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 14 March 1941.

11 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 114.

This convoy departed Halifax on 11 March 1941 and arrived in UK waters on 30 March 1941.

This convoy was made up of following merchant vessels; Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Clavella (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Colonial (British, 5108 GRT, built 1926), Corrales (British, 5363 GRT, built 1930), Cristales (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Elmdene (British, 4853 GRT, built 1939), Emile Francqui (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Empire Mermaid (British, 6381 GRT, built 1919), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Heranger (Norwegian, 4877 GRT, built 1930), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Labette (British, 4989 GRT, built 1919), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Royal Emblem (British, 4900 GRT, built 1940), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Tilapa (British, 5392 GRT, built 1928), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Toward (British (rescue ship), 1571 GRT, built 1923) and Zagloba (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN).

Shortly after departure the merchant vessel Labette was to return to Halifax with engine trouble.

On the 14th the convoy merged with convoy BHX 114 coming from Bermuda. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy; Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dephnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Hidlefjord (British (tanker), 7639 GRT, built 1928), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Lincoln Ellsworth (British (tanker), 5580 GRT, built 1927), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938) and Velox (Norwegian, 3831 GRT, built 1922 ).

The escort of convoy BHX 114, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN), then parted company.

Around 1200OP/15 the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company at 1520P/16 when a warship was sighted which turned out to be HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) which was to join the convoy to take over from HMS Rodney.

At that moment the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), which was in sight, reported heavy calibre gunfire on the horizon. HMS Rodney increased speed and set course towards this reported gunfire. HMS Royal Sovereign briefly followed but due to her slower speed opted to remain between the enemy and the convoy. HMS Royal Sovereign remained in position between the enemy and the convoy until late in the evening.

The source of the gunfire was the German battlecruiser Gneisenau which was in the process of sinking the merchant vessel Chilean Reefer (British, 1739 GRT, built 1936). She spotted the tops of the approaching British battleship and quickly got underway and made off at high speed. HMS Rodney was left with picking up the survivors of the Chilean Reefer unable to catch the German battlecruiser due to her inferior speed. HMS Rodney then continued to patrol the area where convoy HX 114 was passing through during the next few days.

At 1545N/24, the merchant vessels Inger Lise and Velox were detached with orders to join convoy SC 25.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax.

On the 25th, the merchant vessel (tanker) Lincoln Ellsworth with a cargo of fuel oil parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik was she was to discharge her cargo. She arrived at Reykjavik the next day.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax. The convoy was joined by destroyers late on the 24th or early on the 25th by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Vanity ( Lt. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), HMS Montgomery (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.L. Puxley, RN), sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN), corvettes HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. C.A. Shillan, RNVR), HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) and HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR). Destroyers HMS Montgomery, HMS Vanity, sloop HMS Weston and the auxiliary A/S trawlers were detached later to join other convoys. The remainder of the escort remained with the convoy until its arrival in UK waters on the 30th.

9 Apr 1941

Convoy SC 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 April for Liverpool where it arrived on 28 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aeas (Greek, 4729 GRT, built 1915), Akabahra (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1929), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Anna Bulgaris (Greek, 4603 GRT, built 1912), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Despina (Greek, 3016 GRT, built 1907), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Euthalia (Greek, 3553 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Katvaldis (British, 3163 GRT, built 1907), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kisnop (British, 5874 GRT, built 1919), Manatee (British, 5948 GRT, built 1920), Matronna (Greek, 2846 GRT, built 1902), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Prins Willem van Oranje (Dutch, 1303 GRT, built 1918), Rossum (Dutch, 2118 GRT, built 1928), Runswick (British, 3970 GRT, built 1930), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924) and West Amargosa (British, 5462 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN).

Around 1615Q/11, the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0915P/13, the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived in the vicinity of the convoy. The battleship provided cover for both the convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

In the morning of the 13th, the Runswick dropped out of the convoy. HMS Chital doubled back for her but she was not seen again.

In the afternoon of the 18th, the Bernhard dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

In the morning of the 19th, the Kisnop dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1720P/19, HMS Talisman left the convoy to return to Halifax.

Also on the 19th, convoys HX 120 and SC 28 closed and from then until the 24th they remained in close company of each other.

Around 1900O/20, HMS Royal Sovereign left the vicinity near the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/21, HMS Chital left the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik.

When Chitral left the destroyer HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN) and several other escort vessels (identity currently not known to us, further research is required) joined convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

On 24 April 1941 the destroyer HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN) and HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, RN) joined the convoy. The minesweepers departed later the same day. On the 26th, corvette HMS Mallow was detached. The destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) joined on the 27th.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on the 28th.

25 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 123.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 April 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Barbro (Norwegian (tanker), 6325 GRT, built 1934), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), Cairnesk (British, 5007 GRT, built 1926), Cocle (Panamanian, 5630 GRT, built 1920), Corner Brook (British, 5767 GRT, built 1925), Dalmore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dromore (British, 4096 GRT, built 1920), Empire Oryx (British, 5756 GRT, built 1919), Empire Penguin (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919), Empire Swan (British, 7899 GRT, built 1922), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Heina (Norwegian, 4028 GRT, built 1925), Hektoria (British, (whale factory ship / tanker), 13834 GRT, built 1899), Helgoy (Norwegian, 7116 GRT, built 1920), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Jaarstroom (Dutch, 2480 GRT, built 1922), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935), Kirkpool (British, 4840 GRT, built 1928), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), Kongsgaard (Norwegian (tanker), 9467 GRT, built 1937), Kristianiafjord (Norwegian, 6759 GRT, built 1921), Lechistan (Polish, 1937 GRT, built 1929), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Manaqui (British, 2802 GRT, built 1921), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Ostende (Belgian, 4528 GRT, built 1903), Pachesham (British, 6085 GRT, built 1920), Socony (British (tanker), 4404 GRT, built 1936), Southern Princess (British (whale factory ship / tanker), 12156 GRT, built 1915), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935), Virgilia (British (tanker), 5723 GRT, built 1927), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940) and Winona County (British, 6049 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Around 2100Q/25, both Canadian corvettes parted company.

Between 1700Q/26 and 1930Q/26 three merchant vessels which were unable to keep up with the convoy were detached from the convoy to return to Halifax. These were the following; Cocle, Imperial Monarch and Ostende.

At dawn on 27 April 1941 it was seen that the Amberton was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.

At dawn on 28 April 1941 it was seen that the Winona County was no longer in company with the convoy. She had returned to Halifax as she had insufficient speed to keep up with the convoy.

Around 0800P/30, in position 42°54'N, 46°17'W, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) joined the convoy.

During the night of 30 April 1941 / 1 May 1941 and during the whole of 1 May 1941 the convoy had to hove to due to a heavy gale.

During the morning of 2 May 1941 the convoy was re-formed. It was seen that the Stad Vlaardingen was no longer in company. She eventually returned to Halifax.

Around 0430P/4, in position 49°37'N, 43°07'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy.

At dawn on 4 May 1941 it was seen that the Welsh Prince was no longer in company with the convoy. She arrived back at Halifax on 10 May 1941.

Around 0830P/5, the Empire Swan dropped astern and straggled from the convoy. She rejoined around 1730O/7.

Around 1630O/6, in position 58°00'N, 37°50'W, the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvette HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2000O/8, in position 60°32'N, 27°48'W, the destroyer HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0100O/9, in position 60°16'N, 26°30'W, the destroyers Chelsea and Mansfield joined the convoy.

Around 0515O/9, in position 60°26'N, 25°30'W, the sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0845O/9, HMS Begonia parted company.

Around 1710O/9, the rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy. She had been escorted from Iceland to the rendezvous by the HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. R. Edwards, RNVR) which did not join the convoy.

Around 1815O/9, in position 60°05'N, 22°00'W, the destroyers HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN), HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN)and HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B.O'B. Harding, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Derbyshire then parted company to proceed to Hvalfjord taking HMS Verity, HMS Wolverine, HMS Chelsea and HMS Mansfield with her.

Ships of the convoy arrived in the U.K. as follows;

On 12 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Athelvictor, British Ardour, British Power, Cairnesk, Dalmore, Donacilla, Empire Oryx, Jaarstroom, Kinross, Kirkpool, Kristianiafjord, Loch Don, Mactra, Manaqui and Virgilia.

On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in the Clyde; Empire Pinguin, Empire Swan, Kongsgaard and Southern Princess.

Also the Copeland arrived in the Clyde on 12 May 1941.

On 12 May 1941 the following ships arrived in Belfast Lough; Socony and Tiba.

On 13 May 1941 the following ships arrived at Liverpool; Barbro (for Manchester), Corner Brook (for Manchester), Dromore (for Manchester), Gdynia, Heina, Hektoria, Helgoy, Kolsnaren, Lechistan (for Manchester), Newbrough, Pachesham (for Manchester), Valldemosa (for Manchester) and Wellpark (for Manchester).

The escorts arrived in the U.K. as follows;

HMS Newmarket, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Londonderry on 12 May 1941. HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium later departed again for Liverpool.

HMS Westcott, HrMs Campbeltown and HMS Marigold arrived at Greenock on 12 May 1941.

HMS Primrose arrived at Londonderry on 13 May 1941.

HMS Rochester arrived at Greenock on 13 May 1941.

HMS Auricula, HMS Dianthus and HMS Nasturtium arrived at Liverpool on 13 May 1941.

24 May 1941
At 0445Z/24, HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) is joined by HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. A. Ayre, RNR) in position 58°16'N, 18°18'W. Both ships proceeds together towards the Clyde. They remained in company until 1330A/26. (3)

28 Mar 1942
HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. (retired) A. Ayre, RNR), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Waterhouse, RN) and HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR). (4)

8 Aug 1942
HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. A. Ayre, RNR (retired)) picks up 54 survivors from the Greek merchant Mount Kassion that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-176 and 7 survivors from the British merchant Anneberg that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-379 in convoy SC-94 southeast of Cape Farwell in position 56°30'N, 32°14'W.

6 Mar 1943
HMS H 44 (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR), HMCS Drumheller (T/Lt. L.P. Denny, RCNR) and Morden (T/Lt. J.J. Hodgkinson, RCNR). (5)

24 May 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR), HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR), HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR), HMCS Chambly (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR) and HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR). (6)

30 Jun 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, RN), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, DSC, RNR), HMS Lagan (Lt.Cdr. A. Ayre, RNR) and HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (7)

1 Jul 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Hotspur (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. H.E. McArthur, RCNVR), HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Lagan (Lt.Cdr. A. Ayre, RNR), HMCS Kamloops (T/Lt. D.M. Stewart, RCNR) and HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (8)

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). (9)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR) and HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). (10)

20 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR), USS Mackenzie (T/Cdr. B.N. Rittenhouse, Jr., USN) and HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN). (10)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was to conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR) and HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN). However the other ships collided with each other and the exercises were cancelled. (10)

19 Feb 1944
HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with aircraft and later with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR). (11)