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Notable events involving Bayntun include:

20 Jun 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of H 32]. (1)

4 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 64 / KMS 38.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Jan 1944
German U-boat U-757 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Ireland, in position 50°33'N, 18°03'W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) and the Canadian corvette HMCS Camrose (A/T/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR).

23 Mar 1944
HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Kilbride (Lt. H.O. L’Estrange, DSC, RNR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR), an unidentified vessel (unable to read the name in the log of HrMs O 9) and HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR). (2)

30 Mar 1944

Convoy MKS 45.

This convoy departed Port Said on 30 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Brajara (Norwegian (tanker), 8116 GRT, built 1934), British Ambassador (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), British Soldier (British (tanker), 5564 GRT, built 1918), City of Delhi (British, 7443 GRT, built 1925), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), George D. Prentice (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Mirror (British (cable ship), 1850 GRT, built 1923), Mooncrest (British, 5173 GRT, built 1941), Nathan Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Niobe (Panamanian (tanker), 7299 GRT, built 1915), Pronto (Norwegian, 2201 GRT, built 1920), Samnesse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thorshavn (Norwegian (tanker), 6869 GRT, built 1930), Tide Water Associated (American (tanker), 8906 GRT, built 1930), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942), William Dunbar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William J. Bryan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR).

On 31 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samyork (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 4 April 1944, the transport Pronto arrived at Benghazi after having parted company with the convoy.5

Also on 4 April 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), Edward N. Hurly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Ezilda Croce (Italian, 1230 GRT, built 1900), Fanad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Felipe de Neve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort Maurepas (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Henry Jocelyn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jesse Billingsley (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Quincy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), M.M. Guhin (American, 7180 GRT, 1943), Morrison R. Waite (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nyhorn (Norwegian, 4494 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Robert Jordan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samearn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Sully (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907), W.H. Libby (Panamanian (tanker), 7992 GRT, built 1921), William Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and William W. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Brajara, British Soldier, Empire Noble, Empire Stronghold, Empire Wyclif, Fort Clatsop, Fort St.Regis, Macharda, Marit Maersk, Nathan Hale, Ocean Vulcan, Samnebra, Thorshavn, Tide Water Associated, Tobruk and William Eaton.

On 5 April 1944, the transport Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921) departed Malta to join the convoy.

On 6 April 1944, the transports Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Mary Wilkins Freeman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921) departed Tunis to join the convoy.

On 6 April 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta; British Ambassador, Ezilda Croce, Thomas Sully, William Dunbar and William Kent while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Adjutant (British, 1931 GRT, built 1922), Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921) and John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 7 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone; Empire Trent, Henry Jocelyn, Ocean Rider, Pencarrow, Ponce de Leon, Theodore Foster and William W. Campbell while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Bairn (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941) and Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914).

On 8 April 1944, the transport Ingertre arrived at Philippeville.

On 8 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers; Adjutant, Alexandre Andre, Edward N. Hurley, Empire Bairn, Empire Shearwater, Fort Maurepas, Jesse Billingsley, Joseph Alston, Josiah Quincy, Morrison R. Waite, Narwick, Nyhorn, Prosper Schiaffino, Robert Jordan, Samearn, Samuel V. Shreve, Ville de Bougie, W.H. Libby and William Johnson while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929) and Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910).

On 9 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Oran; Ezra Cornell, Fanad Head, Felipe de Neve, Fort de Douaumont, George B. McClellan, George D. Prentice, Harmatris, John B. Gordon, M.M. Guhin, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Radmanso, Samson, Tanafjord and Theomitor while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921) and Peribonka (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937).

On 10 April 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Balfe, Chateauroux, Empire Capulet, Janeta, Mirror, Mooncrest, Peribonka and William J. Bryan. The current escort also arrived at Gibraltar.

The following transports proceeded directly into the Atlantic where the convoy merged with convoy SL 154 coming from Freetown; Adviser, Ary Lensen, Castalia, City of Agra, City of Delhi, Clan Matheson, Historian, Samnesse and Samyork. They were joined by the following transports / tankers; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Baron Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Jacinth (British, 650 GRT, built 1937), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7046 GRT, built 1918), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929) and Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919). With these ships a new escort also joined coming from Gibraltar, this was made up of the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) frigates HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR) and HMS Pennywort (T/Lt. A.W. James, RNR).

11 May 1944

Convoy SL 158.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 May 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR).

Around 1130Z/12, in position 09°14'N, 16°31'W, the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul joined the convoy. They were then ordered to sweep 30 miles ahead of the convoy as a Support Group which they did until daylight on the 17th.

Around 0800Z/13, in poosition 11°02'N, 18°02'W, the Isaac Coles was detached to proceed independently to Trinidad.

Around 1115Z/14, in position 14°16'N, 17°58'W, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918) and Rutenfjell (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1935) as well as the submarine Atalante. Two of the convoy's merchant vessel parted company and proceeded to Dakar, these were Antilochus and Topsdalfjord.

Around 0700Z/14, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942) and Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau and Hoggar with them as well as the submarine Atalante.

At 1155Z/17, in position 22°49'N, 18°25'W, the Sheaf Crown straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to Gibraltar where she arrived on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/22, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 49(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

On this convoy joining HMS Ness parted company with the convoy to escort the Generton to Lisbon while HMS Enchantress and HMS Pimpernel parted company to escort the Empire Strength to Gibraltar.

Convoy MKS 49(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

The following warships were also part of the convoy; submarines HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), boom carriers HMS Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933, Cdr.(Retd.) A. McD. Harvey, RN), HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) and the landing ships 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).

Also parted of the convoy were the rescue ship Dewsbury (British, 1631 GRT, built 1910) and the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920)).

On its departure from Gibraltar convoy MKS 49(G) was escorted by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

During the afternoon of 24 May, HMS Highlander fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1215Z/25, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN) and the frigates HMS Louis (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and HMS Inglis (Lt. R.S. Beveridge, RN) joined the convoy.

At 0106Z/26, the frigate HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She had been unable to sail with convoy MKS 49(G) and had departed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On the 27th, the frigate HMS Lawson (Lt. J.P. Somerville, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1630Z/28, the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvette HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0730Z/29, the escort carrier HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMCS Meon (T/Lt.Cdr. S. Balfour, RCNVR), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR) joined.

On these ships joining, HMCS Meon and HMCS Stormont fuelled from HMS Emperor and HMCS Swansea fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1030Z/29, HMS Louis, HMS Lawson and HMS Inglis were detached.

Around 1500Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbrooke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle were detached.

Around 1530Z/29, HMCS Swansea, HMCS Stormont and HMCS Meon were detached.

On 31 May 1944, HMS Highlander and HMS Kenilworth Castle were detached to escort the three USN LST's to Port Talbot.

During the night of 31 May / 1 June, the Empire Governor straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 1330Z/1, HMS Emperor was detached to proceed independently to Moville.

Around 1800Z/2, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached escorted by HMS Bayntun. Also HMS Nairana left the convoy to proceed to her destination ahead of the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 June 1944. (3)

12 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 12 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports; Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Cape Breton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Philips Wouwerman (Dutch, 7089 GRT, built 1943), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939) and Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917).

The tanker (escort oiler) Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) was to join later at sea after having parted company with the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

The rescue ship Syrian Prince (British, 1990 GRT, built 1936) was also with the combined convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

On 13 June 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth arrived in the Clyde and the Jenny arrived at Liverpool after having forced to return to the U.K.

On 16 June 1944, the Caduceus arrived in the Clyde after having forced to return to the U.K.

The Empire Prosepero was detached en-route to Horta, Azores.

Around 0500Z/22, HMS Searcher, HMS Highlander and HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51 which they did around 0920Z/22. HMS Highlander and HMS Bayntun then parted company to rejoined the combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54, most likely tanking the tanker (escort oiler) Esturia with them.

Also on 22 June the convoy split into convoy OS 80 and KMS 54.

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Convoy OS 80, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports; Cap Cantin, Deido, Empire Buckle, Empire Galahad, Hilversum, Ispingo, Llanberis, Sansu and Souliotis.

They were joined on 22 June 1944 by the transports Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925) and King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928). These ships had departed Gibraltar on 21 June together with the new escort for convoy OS 80 which was made up of the frigates HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).

On 23 June 1944, the transports Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) and Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed the day before. They were escorted by the destroyer Trombe, minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. The French escort vessels did not join the convoy. On 30 June 1944, the Agen, Cap Cantin, Chelma, Montaigne, Paul de Rousiers and Souliotis arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Convoy OS 80 arrived at Freetown on 1 July 1944 though some of the ships proceeded to other destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 54 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports Baharistan, Baron Fairly, Cape Brenton, City of Worcester, Clan Matheson, Empire Zephyr, Esturia, Fort Chambly, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Fort Stager, Framlington Court, Govert Flinck, Keilehaven, Ottinge, Philips Wouderman, Radmanso and Syrian Prince.

On 23 June 1944, the Cape Breton, Empire Zephyr, Esturia and Syrian Prince arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Highlander, HMS Bayntun, HMS Foley, HMS Helmsdale, HMS Kenilworth Castle and HMS Portchester Castle.

From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tankers Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy.

Escort was now provided by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and RHS Apostolis.

On 24 June 1944, the transports Cape Brenton and John Howland arrived in Oran Bay after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Sidi-Brahmin (British, 2439 GRT, built 1910) and Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. With them came also the tug AST-76 (Army tug) and the salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR).

On 25 June 1944, the transports Fomalhaut, Fort Stager, Keilehaven and Sidi-Brahmin arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. With them the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) also joined the convoy.

USS Restorer was soon detached to Dellys.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Ottinge arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 June 1944, the transports Anatina (Norwegian, 4986 GRT, built 1939) and William M. Stalwart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone. With these ships the M/S trawler HMS Ruskholm (T/S.Lt. R.V. Brown, RNVR) also joined the convoy.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Darien as well as HMS Caledon and HMS Ruskholm arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927), David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918)), Monte Cucco (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944) and Samual V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Radmanso arrived at Tunus (La Goulette) after having parted company with the convoy.

On 28 June 1944, the transport Monte Cucco arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the tanker Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 29 June 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander J. Dallas, Chloris, Corchester, Empire Usk, Esneh, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Framlington Court, Gallia, George Davis, Govert Flinck, Henry Dundas, James Moore, John Stagg, John Trumbull, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Ocean Faith, Paul H. Harwood, Samesk, Samuel V. Shreve, Sheaf Crown, Tabitha Brown and William M. Stewart arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy as did the tug AST-76. RHS Apostolis also proceeded to Augusta.

The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940), Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Samblade (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

On 2 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria; Bantria, Empire Brook and Morialta. With these ships the escorts Fleetwood, Hazard, Anemone and Bergamot also arrived at Alexandria.

On 3 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria; Anatina, Badarpur, Baharistan, Baron Fairly, City of Worcester, Clan Mathesonn, David Holmes, Fort Chambly, Garonne, Ninella, Norissia, Northia, Philips Wouderman, President de Vogue, Samblade, Tobruk and Wallace E. Pratt . With these ships the escorts Coltsfood and Convolvulus also arrived at Alexandria.

20 Jul 1944

Convoy SL 165.

This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 194), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Fort Sakisdac (British, 7160 GRT, built 1943), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918) and Taranaki (British, 10534 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR). Around 0700Z/23, in position 14°29'N, 18°05'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launch HMML 244 which then returned to Dakar at 0745Z/23 taking the merchant vessels Biafra and John Laurance with her.

The merchant vessel Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919) was also to have joined with the Dakar section but she was delayed and joined later at sea, around 1600Z/23 in position 15°27'N, 18°00'W.

Around 0800Z/23, the Bathurst section of the convoy joined in position 14°36'N, 18°05'W. This was made up of the fleet tenders HM FT 1 and HM FT 10. HM FT 9 was also to have joined but she was unable to leave Bathust while HM FT 4 did leave but had to return with engine defects. HM FT 1 and HM FT 10 were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel HMS Kilchatten (T/Lt. D.M. Edwards, DSC, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to proceed to Freetown.

On the 25th, HM FT 10 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.

On the 28th, HM FT 1 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.

At 1015Z/30, in position 31°41'N, 12°03'W, the Cap Cantin was detached to proceed unescorted to Casablanca due to a medical problem on board. She arrived at Casablanca the following day.

Around 0900Z/31, in position 34°24'N, 11°09'W, the Medie II was detached to Casablanca where she arrived on 1 August escorted by the the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel Le Ruse. These escorts had brought out the merchant vessel Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930) with them which joined the convoy at the same time the Medie II had been detached.

At 1401Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmartin was detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 1 August 1944.

At 1418Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmarnock parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the Brigthon with her. They arrived at Gibraltar on 1 August 1944.

Also around this time (1400Z/31), convoy MKS 56 joined in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W coming from the Mediterranean. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Wycliff (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), Samana (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN), escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) and rescue vessel Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) were also part of convoy MKS 56 and joined the convoy.

The escort of convoy MKS 56 was made up of the 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) and the 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 (?) they all joined the now combined convoy SL 165 / MKS 56.

At 1420Z/31, after the convoys had merged HMS Leith parted company in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, to proceed to Gibraltar independently. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1630Z/1.

Around 1900Z/31, in position 35°13'N, 11°34'W, the escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. A.N.C. Bingley, OBE, RN) having detached earlier that day from the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) and HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR). On joining convoy SL 165 / MKS 56, HMS Biter then fuelled both frigates before they parted company to rejoin the combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.

During 2/3 August 1944, all escorts except HMS Gardiner fuelled from the San Tirso.

Around 2130Z/5, in position 48°14'N, 18°32'W, the San Triso was detached to join the southbound combined convoy OS 85 / KMS 59. The frigate HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) had come from that convoy to escort the oiler.

Around 0535Z/3, in position 39°50'N, 18°28'W, two merchant ships joined coming from the Azores, these were the; Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937) and Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which did not join the convoy but returned to the Azores.

Also on the 6th, HMS Gardiner was fuelled by HMS Biter.

Around 1700Z/6, a fast section was formed and parted company with the convoy in position 50°40'N, 17°40'W to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. The fast section was made up of six merchant vessels which were the following; Amstelkerk, David Livingstone, Nigerstroom, Stuyvesant, Taranaki and Troubadour. They were escorted by HMS Biter, HMS Cotton, HMS Flint Castle and HMS Rushen Castle.

The fast section of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8 August 1944.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 August 1944. (4)

3 Feb 1945
German U-boat U-327 was sunk in the Norwegian Sea north-west of Bergen, in position 61°21'N, 02°00'E, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, DSC, RD, RNZNR), HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Stoner, RN) and HMS Loch Eck (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR).

14 Feb 1945
German U-boat U-989 was sunk in the Norwegian Sea north of the Shetland Islands, in position 61°36'N, 01°35'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, DSC, RD, RNZNR), HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Stoner, RN), HMS Loch Eck (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Loch Dunvegan (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

17 Feb 1945
German U-boat U-1278 was sunk in the North Sea north-west of Bergen, Norway in position 61°32'N, 01°36'E, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, DSC, RD, RNZNR) and HMS Loch Eck (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR).

4 Mar 1945
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, DSC, RD, RNZNR) and HMS Loch Eck (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR). (5)

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