| Navy | The South African Navy |
| Type | Corvette |
| Class | Flower |
| Pennant | K 51 |
| Built by | Hill: Richardson and Clark |
| Ordered | |
| Laid down | 28 Nov 1940 |
| Launched | 26 Jul 1941 |
| Commissioned | |
| End service | |
| History | Operational area South Atlantic commissioned into SAN 4 Oct, 1947 and named PROTEA shortly afterwards converted to a survey vessel broken up 1967. |
| Former name | HMS Rockrose |
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Notable events involving Protea include:
7 Nov 1943
Convoy GUS 21.
This convoy departed Port Said on 7 November 1943.
On departure from Port Said this convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algenib (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Franklin K. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Pickett (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), John F. Steffen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampenn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sun-Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wilson P. Hunt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and minesweeper HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR).
On the 8th the following merchant vessels departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Alexander H. Stephens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cerion (British, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samhain (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938).
They were escorted by corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR) and A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) which also joined the convoy.
On 12 November 1943, the Lublin arrived at Bari after having detached from the convoy earlier.
Also on 12 November 1943, the Cerion, Euryades, Fort Cadotte, Fort Connolly, Fort Remy and Ocean Valentine arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.
Departing Augusta on the 12th to join the convoy were the following merchant vessels; Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Charles Gordon Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pierre S. Dupont (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Roger Moore (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Samuel Ashe (American, 7177 GRT, 1942), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Todd (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Walter Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William S. Thayer (American, 7176 GRT, 1943).
The attack transport USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) also joined coming from Augusta.
Thorshov however did not join (or only brielfy) but turned back to Augusta.
On 12 November 1943, the following ship joined coming from Malta; Lynghaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919). Also joining from Malta were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and the submarine HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN).
Also on the 12th, HMS Gloxinia was detached to Malta to make some repairs after which she was to rejoin the convoy which she did around 1345A/13.
Around 2055A/13, HMS Rye parted company.
Around 2110A/13, HMS Trident dropped astern of the convoy due to engine trouble. HMSAS Protea was also detached from the convoy to escort her. They were soon able to rejoin.
On 14 November 1943, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; British Character, Esek Hopkins, James Monroe, Noah Webster, Pierre S. Dupont, Walter Reed and the USS Samuel Chase while the following ships joined the convoy off Bizerta; Abraham Lincoln (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Franklin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Braxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joel R. Poinsett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mannington (British, 1127 GRT, built 1943), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas W. Bickett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Later on the 14th the merchant vessel George W. Childs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Bone and joined the convoy.
On 15 November 1943, the Mannington arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.
On 16 November 1943, the Llangibby Castle arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Artemas Ward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edwin M. Stanton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Day (British, 7242 GRT, built 1941), John Langdon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Knute Rockne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lou Gehrig (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907).
On 17 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Carrillo, Charles Gordon Curtis, Paul de Rousiers, Samuel Ashe, Thomas Todd, Ville de Bougie, Walter E. Ranger, William Floyd and William S. Thayer.
The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Bernard Carter (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edward Bates (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Edwards (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Rawle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).
The French submarine Perle also joined the convoy.
On 18 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; Carter Braxton, City of Bristol, City of Capetown, City of Kimberley, Ocean Traveller, Samhain, Samos and Starstone. Also detached from the convoy were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi and submarines HMS Trident and Le Perle.
The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943) and Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942).
Off Gibraltar the destroyer Simoun, minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) joined.
Around 1630A/18, HMS Dart, HMS Gloxinia, HMS Rye and HMSAS Protea were relieved by the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 5, T/Cdr. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN, on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. C.S. Farmer, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kerr, USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. B.H. Katschinski, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. T.H.P. Whitney, USNR). The original escorts then proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day.
Around 0740A/19, the Casablanca section joined the convoy. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930) and Harpalyce (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942). Also with this section was the naval tanker USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR). They were escorted by the destroyers USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressy, USN, with COMDESDIV 38, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board) and USS Kalk (T/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN).
At 0830A/19, the Lynghaug was detached to Casablanca escorted by Simoun, Commandant Delage and USS PC 480. They arrived at Casablanca later the same day.
At 1215Z/21, the escort carrier USS Santee (T/Capt. H.F. Fick, USN) and the destroyers USS Bainbridge (T/Lt.Cdr. H.C. Transue, USN), USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Sedgwick, USNR) and USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR) joined the convoy so that the destroyers could refuel from USS Chiwawa. Fuelling operations however had to be abandoned due to the rough sea. Only USS MacLeish had been refuelled.
On 21 November 1943, USS Bainbridge and USS Simpson fuelled from USS Chiwawa which subsequently also topped off USS MacLeish.
Around 1600Z/21, USS Santee, USS Bainbridge, USS Simpson and USS MacLeish parted company with the convoy.
On 23 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Kalk, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Hobby.
On 24 November 1943, USS Chiwawa refuelled the destroyer escorts in the following order; USS Evarts, USS Decker, USS Smartt, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Dobler and USS Wyffels.
On 27 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Hobby, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Kalk.
At 1914Q/3, USS Chiwawa left the convoy for Norfolk, Virginia due to an urgent medical case. She proceeded unescorted. She arrived at Norfolk in the afternoon of 4 December 1943.
Around 0720Q/4, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy (21 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination. Escort for this section was proviced by USS Hobby, USS Gillespie and USS Kalk. It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in the morning of 5 December 1943.
Around 0800Q/4, the Delaware section of the convoy parted company. Escort for this section was provided by USS Wyffels and USS Dobler. It arrived in the Delaware estuary in the morning of 5 December 1943.
The New York section of the convoy, with the remaining four destroyer escorts, arrived at its destination in the morning of 5 December 1943.
14 Feb 1944
Convoy GUS 31.
This convoy departed Port Said on 14 February 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Cleodora (Dutch (tanker), 8026 GRT, built 1938), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Esso Montpelier (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Java (Dutch, 9250 GRT, built 1939), Sampler (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Helst (Dutch, 6946 GRT, built 1942). The rescue tug HMRT Vagrant was also with the convoy.
They were escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN), corvette HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).
On 15 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Hubert Howe Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ignatius Donnelly (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Oran M. Roberts (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Peter Zenger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), William Whipple (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Zachery Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). The armed boarding vessel HMS Arpha () and the rescue tugs HMRT Barwick and HMRT Respond also joined the convoy from Alexandria.
They were escorted by the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) which also joined the convoy.
On 19 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), Benjamin Hawkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), David Caldwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), George Dewey (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Morehead (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Hooker (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Louis Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marga (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1923), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Thomas W. Hyde (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 20 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp, Belpareil, Cleodora, Empire Cameron, Empire Capulet, Empire Daring, Empire Rock, Euryades, Fort Cadotte and Fort Clatsop.
On 21 February 1944, HMS Arpha, HMS Barwick and HMS Respond arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy.
On 22 February 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy; Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul Hamilton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Carson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Charles Brantley Aycock, Esso Montpelier, Henry Middleton, Joseph E. Brown, Joseph Hooker and Thomas W. Hyde. Also the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant arrived at Bizerta. Joining the convoy from Bizerta were the following transports / tankers; Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Ena (Dutch (tanker), 6229 GRT, built 1936), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), George Cleeve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Peter Skene Ogden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Rufus W. Peckham (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939) and Thelma (British, 1593 GRT, built 1935). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).
On 22 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Destro, Empire Grange, Fort Rae, Fort St.Regis, Gezina, Guinean and Narwick while the transport Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.
Around 1215A/22, the transports George Cleeve and Peter Skene Ogden were torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-969.
On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Philippeville after having parted company with the convoy; Empire Mariott, Fort Frederick, Hjalmar Wessel while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Nelson Dingley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).
On 23 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Fort Fairford, Fort Fidler, Fort Meductic, Fort Reliance, Grainton, Gudrun Maersk, Innerton, Loke, Marga, Ocean Vesper, Riverton, Rufus W. Peckham and Thelma while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas B. Robertson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 24 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Capitaine Paul Lemerle, James G. Blaine, Johns Hopkins, Louisa M. Alcott, Nelson Dingley and William T. Barry while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elg (Norwegian, 4014 GRT, built 1930), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. Woodward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joaquin Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John R. Park (American, 7184 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Gale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Justin S. Morrill (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lawton B. Evans (American, 7197 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William S. Young (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos also joined the convoy. HMS Gloxinia and HMS Primula were detached (or meanwhile had been detached) to assist in A/S operations.
On 26 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy; Argyll, Baron Elgin, Blairdevon, City of Canterbury, Cragpool, Generton, Govert Flinck, Jean L.D. and Manchester Exporter while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Cyrus H. McCormick (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930). HMS Colombo also arrived at Gibraltar.
Around 1600A/26, the British escort was relieved by an American escort made up of the destroyer USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. V. Huber, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt. W.F. Stokey, USNR, with COMDESDIV 9, Cdr. J.H. Forshew, USNR, on board), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. K.D. Talley, USNR), USS Farquhar (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rosenberg, USNR), USS Fessenden (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Dobbs, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Cdr. G.R. Keating, USNR), USS Menges (Lt.Cdr. F.M. McCabe, USCG, with COMDESDIV 46, Capt. R.E. Wood, USCG, on board), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. R.H. French, USCG) and USS Mosley (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG). These ships had departed Casablanca around 1300A/25 to conduct an A/S sweep and then make rendezvous with the convoy.
Around 1730A/26, the transports / tankers Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and the naval tanker USS Chicopee (Cdr. C.O. Peak, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 25th. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Pride (Cdr. R.R Curry, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On these ships joining the transport / tankers Elg, Empire Damsel and Esso Baltimore parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on 27 February 1944.
Around 1000A/27, the transport Edward M. House (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943) and the tanker Pan-Maine (American (tanker), 7237 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 26th. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette FFS Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) which subsequently returned to Casablanca.
Around 0005N/2, USS Douglas L. Howard was sent o the Azores to pick up two merchant vessels which were to join the convoy. Around 1455N/3, these two merchant vessels still had not appeared and USS Douglas L. Howard then proceeded to rejoin the convoy which she did around 0615N/4. Shortly afterwards the two merchant ships joined the convoy having departed from the Azores unescorted due to miscommunication. The two merchant vessels in question were the; Amelia Earhart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Harold L. Winslow (American, 7276 GRT, built 1943).
During the morning of 6 March 1943, USS Edison fuelled from USS Chicopee.
Around 1030P/8, the transport Samuel Livermore developed engine trouble and straggled from the convoy. USS Lowe was ordered to remain with her.
Around 2200Q/12, the Samuel Livermore and her escort USS Lowe rejoined the convoy.
Around 0700Q/14, USS Chicopee parted company to proceed to Bermuda. Two destroyer escorts had joined to escort her to that place, these were the USS Osmus (Cdr. R.R. Jackson, USNR) and USS Barr (Lt.Cdr. H.H. Love, USNR). They arrived at Bermuda in the afternoon of the 14th.
Around 1530Q/14, the transport Richard Basset was detached to Bermuda due to fuel shortage.
Around 0600Q/16, the transports Oran M. Roberts and Van der Helst were detached to proceed to Boston and Saint Johns, New Brunswick respectively.
The convoy arrived at New York on 18 March 1944.
25 Mar 1944
Convoy GUS 35.
This convoy departed Port Said on 25 March 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports; Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Chippewa Park (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Reynolds (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samcree (British, 7210 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) and Wendell Phillips (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS HMSAS Southern Isles (Lt. J.K. Mallory, SANF).
On 26 March 1944, the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Souris (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Henry H. Blood (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Glory (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Perak (British, 1188 GRT, built 1906), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940).
They were escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).
On 31 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Cyrus W. Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Traveller (British (tanker), 8201 GRT, built 1943), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Far (Norwegian, 2475 GRT, built 1921), Frederick Banting (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Jacques Cartier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Guthrie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fairfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John H. Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920), Robert Y. Hayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Sambay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sestriere (Italian, 7992 GRT, built 1942), Walter Forward (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William Sturgis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Thornton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
These ships have been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the escort destroyer HMS Wilton (Lt. G.G. Marten, DSC, RN), the torpedo boat Indomito (C.C.(Lt.Cdr.) E.F. Perucca), and the corvettes Gabbiano and Cormorano.
On the Augusta section joining the following ships of the convoy were detached to Augusta where they arrived on 1 April 1944 escorted by the ships that had brought out the Augusta section; Belgian Sailor, Empire Beatrice, Empire Conrad, Empire Daring, Fort Cumberland, Fort Erie, Fort Souris, Ocean Glory, Perak, Samcree, Samphire, Temple Inn and Van Honthorst.
On 1 April the Eridan arrived at Tripoli after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 April 1944, the landing ship HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.C. Gervers, RN) and the transport Samovar (British, 7219 grt, built 1943) departed Malta to join the convoy.
Around 1900B/2, the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) joined the convoy near Bizerta. Also from Bizerta came the transport Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936).
at 0035A/3, the minesweeper USS Seer (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Walker, Jr. USNR) joined as additional escort.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; Blairesk, City of Canterbury, Cyrus W. Field, Djebel Aurus, Hugh Williamson, Joseph H. Hollister and Mary Wilkins Freeman.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy; Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910), Christopher Gadsen (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7352 GRT, built 1918), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909). Also with them was the boom defence vessel HMS Barova (T/Lt. J.R. Radley, RNR) and the salvage vessel USS Extricate (Lt. C.H. Rooklidge, USNR).
The Empire Trent was detached to Tunis arriving there on 3 April 1944.
On 2 April 1944, the following transports departed Bone to join the convoy; Samforth (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 3 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Alexander Graham Bell, Empire Copperfield, Everleigh, Far, Jacques Cartier, Lewant, Novasli and Robert Y. Hayne.
On 3 April 1944, the following transports departed Philippeville to join the convoy; Jeanne Schiaffino (French, 1032 GRT, built 1922) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
Also on 3 April the sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
On 4 April 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Algiers to join the convoy; British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Jacinth (British, 650 GRT, built 1937), James Shields (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Pan Aruba (Norwegian, 9231 GRT, built 1931), Pan Delaware (American, 8128 GRT, built 1918), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), Samchess (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922).
The following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and arrived at Algiers on 4 April 1944; Atlantic City, British Pride, Caudebec, Clan Cameron, Empire Capulet, James Guthrie, Jeanne Schiaffino, Samaritan and William J. Bryan. HMS Royal Scotsman and USS Extricate also proceeded to Algiers.
On 5 April 1944, the following transports departed Oran to join the convoy; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Edwin Markman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lambert Cadwalader (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Richard Jordan Gatling (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
The following transports parted company with the convoy and arrived at Oran on 5 April 1944; Christopher Gadsen, Star and William Thornton.
Around 1400A/5, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1555A/5, USS Seer parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oran.
Around 1030A/6, The USN Task Force 63 joined the convoy and took over the escort duties from the current escort which was then detached. Task Force 63 was made up of the destroyers USS Nelson (T/Cdr. T.D. McGrath, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63 also COMDESRON 17, T/Capt. A.C. Murdaugh, USN on board), USS Glennon (T/Cdr. C.A. Johnson, USN), USS Jeffers (T/Cdr. Leo William Nilon, USN), USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN, with COMDESDIV 34, T/Capt. W.L. Benson, on board), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Herndon T/Cdr. G.A. Moore, USN), USS Shubrick (T/Cdr. W. Blenman, USN) and the escort destroyers USS Jordan (Cdr. F.C. Billing, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 52, T/Cdr. C.R. Simmers, USN), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Meyer, USNR), USS Liddle (T/Cdr. R.M. Hinckley, Jr., USN), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR) and USS Cofer (Lt.Cdr. A.P. Chester, USNR).
On 6 April 1944, the following transports departed Gibraltar to join the convoy; John W. Mackay (British (cable laying ship, 4049 GRT, built 1922) and Largs Bay (British (damaged), 14182 GRT, built 1921).
The following transports / tanker parted company with the convoy and arrived at Gibraltar on 6 April 1944; British Chancellor, Charlton Hall, Chippewa Park, Empire Austen, Jacinth, Joshua Hendy, Pilar de Larrinaga, Solarium and Umberleigh. HMS Barova was also detached to Gibraltar.
On 6 April 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Casablanca to join the convoy. Linda (Danish, 962 GRT, built 1936) and Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929). The naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) was also with them. They joined the following day and had been escorted out of Casablanca by the patrol vessels; USS PC-471 (Lt. G.B. Calkins, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR).
The following transports were detached to Casablanca escorted by the four patrol vessel listed above; Egton, Empire Damsel, Frederick Banting, Sambay, Samchess and Samovar. They arrived at Casablanca on 8 April 1944.
On 11 April 1944, the transport James Schureman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy near Horta, Azores.
On 12 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled all twelve escort vessels.
On 15 April 1944, the Richard Jordan Gatling straggled from the convoy. USS Jeffers was ordered to screen her. The Richard Jordan Gatling arrived at Bermuda on 21 April 1944. USS Jeffers had been relieved earlier that day by HMCS Q 090 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.C. Campbell, RCNVR). USS Jeffers then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did the following day shortly before the 'New York' section arrived at New York.
On 16 April 1944, USS Escalante fuelled USS Nelson and USS Newman.
On 17 April 1944, the Bellerophon and Samforth parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda as the Bellerophon had engine (boiler) defects and the Samforth had uncontrollable leaks. they were escorted by USS Newman. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944. USS Newman had been relieved around dawn that day by HMCS Q 100 (T/Lt. D.A. Dobson, RCNVR). USS Newman then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did in the evening.
On 19 April 1944, USS Escalante parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bermuda. To escort her the destroyer escorts USS Dennis (Lt.Cdr. S. Hansen, USNR) and USS Eversole (T/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Marix, USN) had joined. They arrived at Bermuda on 20 April 1944.
On 21 April 1944, the convoy split into two sections. 14 ships with 4 escorts set course to proceed to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. 35 ships with the remaining 7 escorts proceeded towards New York / Philadelphia.
The four escorts for this section were the following; USS Gherardi, USS Herndon, USS Liddle and USS Kephart.
The 'Chesapeake Bay' section arrived there on 22 April 1944.
The 'New York / Philadelphia ' section was escorted by USS Nelson, USS Glennon, USS Butler, USS Shubrick, USS Jordan, USS Newman and USS Cofer.
Around dusk the George Sharswood parted company to proceed to Philadelphia.
The remaining ships of this section arrived at New York on 22 April 1944.
9 May 1944
Convoy MKS 49.
This convoy departed Port Said on 9 May 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Fort Turtle (British, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Hart Crane (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944) and Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).
At 2230C/9, the Elise and HMS Hyderabad collided between Port Said and Alexandria. HMS Hyderabad put into Alexandria but was later able to rejoin the convoy.
On 10 May 1944 the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), J.C. Osgood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Nordnes (Norwegian, 4147 GRT, built 1932) and Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).
The boom carrier HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) was also in company with the convoy.
Also the escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) and A/S trawler HMS Bream (A/Skr.Lt. S.C. Larner, RNR) joined coming from Alexandria.
On 11 May 1944, the Empire Ballad arrived at Alexandria after having been detached due to engine trouble.
On 15 May 1944, the Also on 15 May 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Augusta;
Bialystok,
Boskoop,
Fort Grant,
Fort Turtle,
Hart Crane,
J.C. Osgood,
John A. Brown,
Nordnes and
while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Augusta;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940),
Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
James Gordon Bennett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Joseph Le Conte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Samave (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samnethy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914),
William Few (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 16 May 1944, the transports Edward Livingston and Sampan were detached to Bizerta while the transports
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943),
Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943),
Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Roger Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Bizerta. Also the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the transports Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Fort Lennox, Harlesden, Ocean Traveller and Sampford were detached to Bone while the rescue tug HMS Hengist joined the convoy.
On 18 May 1944, the transports and tanker
Empire Beatrice,
Empire Noble,
Empire Wyclif,
Esso Nashville,
Fort de Douaumont,
Fort Gaspereau,
James Gordon Bennett,
John Sullivan,
Joseph le Conte,
Lornaston,
Ocean Gallant,
Richard Bassett,
Samaye,
Samboston,
Samoa,
Samphire,
Samwash,
Stancleeve,
Thelma,
William Few and
William W. Campbell as well as USS Restorer arrived at Algiers while the transports / tanker
Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919),
Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914),
Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924) and
Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.
On 19 May 1944, the transports
Empire Conrad,
Jared Ingersoll,
John Sergeant,
Josiah Bertlett,
Luther Martin,
Roger Williams,
Samaffric,
Samnethy,
Silverelm and
Tabitha Brown arrived at Oran having been detached from the Convoy. The transports / tanker
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942),
Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943),
Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936),
Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938),
Caudebec (French, 1471 GRT, built 1910),
Dartmouth (American, 9879 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918),
Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) and
Lookout Mountain (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Oran. With them were also the LST's USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 20 May 1944. 14 May 1944 This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940),
Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929),
Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928),
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942),
Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933),
City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925),
Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928),
Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915),
Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924),
Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929),
Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941),
Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941),
Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925),
King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920),
Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940),
Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918),
Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923),
Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919),
Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925),
New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920),
Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922),
Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942),
Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923),
Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918),
Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920),
Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919),
Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and
Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).
The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), 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 Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.
The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.
On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.
The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.
On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.
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Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amstelkerk,
Dunelmia,
Marquesa,
Menelaus,
Mount Rhodope,
Nairnbank,
New Brooklyn and
Port Darwin.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up;
Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932),
Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934),
Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930),
Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and
Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.
On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up;
Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942)
Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943),
Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909),
Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943),
Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and
President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.
On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.
On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy;
Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940),
Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and
Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.
Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.
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Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Afghanistan,
Bajestan,
Beckenham,
Belgian Trader,
Biafra,
City of Khios,
Cragpool,
Defender,
Drakepool,
Dunelmia,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Mariott,
Esturia,
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
King Frederick,
Madras City,
Melrose Abbey,
Norbryn,
Nordeflinge,
Pendeen,
Stad Arnhem,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].
The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.
The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.
The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships;
Afghanistan,
Bajestan,
Beckenham,
Belgian Trader,
Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943),
City of Khios,
Cragpool,
Defender,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Mariott,
Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936),
King Frederick,
Madras City,
Norbryn,
Nordeflinge,
President de Vogue,
Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Stad Arnhem,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.
The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), 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). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.
On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran;
Empire Gareth,
Norbryn,
Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran;
Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920),
Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943),
Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944),
George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and
William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers;
Belgian Trader,
Cragpool,
Edward H. Crockett,
Empire Caxton,
Empire Foam,
Empire Strenght,
Palermo,
Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910),
Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943),
John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930),
Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943),
Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and
Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.
On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone;
Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914),
Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942),
Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).
On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta;
Badjestan,
John S. Casement,
John Sergeant,
Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921),
George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942),
John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942),
Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930),
Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.
Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships;
Abel Stearns,
Afghanistan,
Albert A. Michelson,
Andrew Pickens,
Beckenham,
Campidoglio,
Charles A. Wickliffe,
Chiswick,
City of Khios,
Defender,
Dwight W. Morrow,
Eloy Alfaro,
Empire Clarion,
Empire Mariott,
Facto,
Fort Gaspereau,
Fort Marin,
Fort Tadoussac,
Gascony,
George Davis,
George Handley,
George W. McCrary,
Hopestar,
Iceland,
James Jackson,
John B. Hood,
John Cropper,
John Murray Forbes,
John S. Pillsbury,
Kemp P. Battle,
King Frederic,
King S. Woolsey,
Laurent Meeus,
Lincoln Steffens,
Louis McLane,
Madras City,
Marathon,
Marion McKinley Bovard,
Ocean Gallant,
Ocean Rider,
Ocean Traveller,
President de Vogue,
Robert Howe,
Samoa,
Sampan,
Samphire,
Samsteel,
Samuel Griffin,
Stancleeve,
Star,
Tiba and
Tjimanoek.
The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.
They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea. 20 May 1944 2 Jun 1944 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. 13 Jul 1944 This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 13 July 1944.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923),
Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924),
Astrid (Norwegian, 2861 GRT, built 1942),
Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),
Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927),
Benedick (British, 6978 GRT, built 1928),
Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920),
Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930),
Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925),
Clan Chattan (British, 7262 GRT, built 1937),
Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Derwent (British, 4026 GRT, built 1930),
Empire Fal (British, 4880 GRT, built 1914),
Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Pakeha (British, 8115 GRT, built 1910),
Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919),
English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924),
Fort Lawrence (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943),
Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919),
Geologist (British, 6202 GRT, built 1944),
Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921),
Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930),
Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935),
Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917),
Novasli (Norwegian, 3204 GRT, built 1920),
Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927),
Samcebu (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944),
Samfinn (British, 7253 GRT, built 1944),
Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924) and
Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930).
The rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) was also part of the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?).
On assembly the Empire Fal and Tweedbank collided and the returned to port.
On 21 July 1944, the merchant vessel Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.
Around 0615B/22, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 164 / MKS 55 which she did around 1945B/22. She was escorted by HMS Cotton which did not join this convoy but returned to convoy OS 83/ KMS 57.
On 23 July 1944 the convoy split into convoy OS 83 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 53 bound for the Mediterranean.
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Convoy OS 83 was made up of the merchant vessels;
Adrastus,
Bactria,
Bornholm,
Clan Chattan,
Empire Chamois,
Empire Clive,
Empire Pakeha,
Fresno Star,
Harberton and
Silverlarch.
These were joined by the merchant vessels
Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937),
Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941),
Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937) and
Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.
These ships had been escorted by the frigates HMS Aire
(A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), corvette HMS Bellwort (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Banks, RNVR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.
on 24 July 1944, the merchant vessel Samstrudy (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. On this ship joining the convoy, the Hamberton parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the Amiral Mouchez. They arrived at Casablanca on 25 July.
On 31 July 1944, the Bactria and Empire Clive arrived at Dakar having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938) had joined the convoy coming from Dakar.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 2 August 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.
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Convoy KMS 57 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up the merchant vessels
Ashbury,
Astrid,
Baton Tweedmouth,
Benedick,
Bestik,
Capitaine Paul Lemerle,
Empire Addison,
Empire Derwent,
Empire Derwent,
Empire Melody,
Empire Peacock,
English Monarch,
Fort Lawrence,
Geologist,
Glaucus,
Harpalycus,
Maihar,
Novasli,
Pacheco,
Samcebu and
Samfinn.
The rescue ship Gothland was also with them.
Escort was provided by the escort from combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.
On 25 July 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth, Benedick, Pacheco and Gothland arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy.
Off Gibraltar the merchant vessels
Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928),
Antonio (British, 5225 GRT, built 1918),
Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Colville (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943),
Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy as did a new escort which was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR) and the A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).
On 26 July 1944, the Empire Derwent and Parame arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels
Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929),
Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914),
Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938),
Elias Boldinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Silverster Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and the net tender USS Pepperwood (Lt. E.F. McLaughlin, USNR) and the self propelled fuel barge USS Gauger (Lt. G.V. Davis, USNR) joined the convoy.
On 27 July 1944, the Alexandre Andre, Astrid, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, Chateau Latour, Empire Highway, Empire Melody, Fort Lawrence, Silverster Gardiner, Smith Thompson and William H. Wilmer arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessels
Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923),
Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919),
Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943) and
James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939) joined the convoy.
On 28 July 1944, the Empire Tern arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy.
Around 0555B/29, HMS Colombo parted company wth the convoy and set course for Malta where she arrived around 1850B/29.
On 30 July 1944, the Antonio, Aztec, Dromus, Joel Chandler Harris and Novasli arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, the Bestik arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, Avon Coast and Fort Colville arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 30 July 1944, the merchant vessels
Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920),
Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921),
Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943),
James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942),
Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942),
Samconon (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), and
Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy. With them was also the frigate HMS Awe (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.
On 31 July 1944, the
Ashbury,
Elias Boldinot,
Empire Peacock,
English Monarch,
Fort Grahame,
Fort Hall,
George F. Patten,
Harpalycus,
James E. Howard,
James J. Maguire,
Kola and
Samcebu,
Samfinn,
Silvester Gardiner and
Smith Thompson as well as USS Pepperwood and
USS Gauger all arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 3 August 1944, the Fort Clatsop, James J. Hill, Ocean Vulcan and Zaanstroom arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. With them the HMS Awe, HMS Evenlode and HMS Usk also arrived at Alexandria.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 4 August 1944. 25 Jul 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 83/ KMS 57 ' for 13 July 1944.] Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), RHS Kriti, frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) all arrived at Gibraltar with convoy MKS 49. (1)Combined convoy KMS 51 / UGS 42.
Combined convoy OS 83 / KMS 57.
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), frigates HMS Evenlode (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Delphinium (T/Lt. S. Rule, RNVR) and the A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 57.