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Notable events involving Allington Castle include:

18 Jul 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Allington Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Ogden, DSC, RNVR) and later with ships from the 4th Escort Group. (1)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Allington Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Ogden, DSC, RNVR). Upon completion of these HMS Upshot proceeded to Holy Loch escorted by HMS ML 249 (T/Lt. H.W. Evans, RNVR). (1)

1 Aug 1944
HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR), HMS Allington Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Ogden, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR). (2)

15 Sep 1944

Convoy JW 60.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 15 September 1944 and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 23 September 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), Cardinal Gibbons (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), David Stone (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dexter W. Fellows (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Edward A. Savoy (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Edward E. Spafford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis Scott Key (Amercian, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Frederic A. Kummer (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Frederic W. Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George T. Angell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Lomb (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Vining (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Woolman (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Julius Olsen (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker for refueling the escorts), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Nathaniel Alexander (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Noreg (Norwegian (tanker), 7605 GRT, built 1931), Raymond B. Stevens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Richard M. Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas U. Walter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) was also with the convoy.

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

A group of destroyers; HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) also departed Loch Ewe with the convoy. The destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) later joined at sea having departed Scapa Flow at 2359B/14.

To provide cover for this convoy the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Scapa Flow around 1300B/16.

At 0720B/17, the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN) joined. These destroyers had departed Scapa Flow at 2100B/15 and had fuelled at Skaalefiord in the Faroer Islands on the 16th. Upon these destroyers joining HMS Myngs, HMS Zambesi, HMS Savage and HNoMS Stord then parted company to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived at 1900B/17.

The cover force joined the convoy around 1030B/17. HMS Rodney and the escort carriers took station in the convoy.

The convoy and it's escort arrived in the Kola Inlet unmolested on 23 September.

On arrival Rear-Admiral McGregor transferred his flag to HMS Rodney. Shortly before leaving the Kola Inlet with the return convoy he transferred back to HMS Campania.

23 Sep 1944
The battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) arrived in the Kola Inlet with convoy JW 60.

28 Sep 1944

Convoy RA 60.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 28 September 1944 and arrived in the Clyde on 5 October 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Dauray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Clark Howell (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), David B. Johnson (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward L. Grant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elijah Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Glenora (American, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Frank Gilbreth (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), John La Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jose Marti (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Josephine Shaw Lowell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Noreg (Norwegian (tanker), 7605 GRT, built 1931), Oakley Wood (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samcalia (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samconstant (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samidway (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samloyal (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsuva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samtredy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas H. Sumner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

Two rescue ships were with the convoy Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) and Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921).

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloop HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RD, RNR, Senior Officer of the close escort), destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

A cover force was with the convoy made up of HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN), escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. W.S. Clouston, DSC, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN) and HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN).

On 29 September 1944 the merchant vessels Edward H. Crockett and Samsuva were sunk during an attack by the German submarine U-310. Following the sinking the rescue ships picked up the survivors and the wreck of the Edward H. Crockett was scuttled by HMS Milne and the wreck of the Samsuva by HMS Bulldog and HMS Musketeer. The German submarine was hunted and depth charged but managed to escape undamaged.

HMS Diadem arrived at Scapa Flow at 0700A/3 having parted company with the convoy at 2030B/1.

Around 1800A/3, HMS Rodney, HMS Campania, HMS Striker, HMS Saumarez, HMS Scorpion, HMS Venus, HMS Virago, HMS Volage and HMCS Sioux parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0800A/4.

The remaining destroyers, HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Meteor, HMS Musketeer, HMS Verulam and HMCS Algonquin parted company with the convoy later and arrived at Scapa Flow around 1800A/4.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 5 October 1944.

15 Oct 1944

Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29 Nov 1944

Operation Acumen, the passage of convoys JW 62 and RA 62 between the U.K. and Northern Russia vice versa.

Convoy JW 62.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 29 November 1944 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amasa Delano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Turnbull (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Barbara Frietchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Highfield (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Island (British, 7167 GRT, built 1944), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Luculus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Lowry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanton H. King (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Stephen Leacock (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), U.S.O. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936).

The convoy had a close escort made up of the sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), frigates HMS Tavy (Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN), HMCS Monnow (Cdr. E.G. Skinner, DSO, RCNR), HMCS Nene (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Shaw, RCNR), HMCS Port Colborne (T/Lt.Cdr. C.J. Angus, RCNR), HMCS Saint John (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R. Stacey, RCNR), HMCS Stormont (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.A. Myra, RCNR), HMS Bahamas (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomson, RNR), HMS Somaliland (A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Hopkins, DSC, RNVR), HMS Tortola (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.C.L. Payne, RNVR) and the corvettes HNoMS Eglantine, HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle.

On 1 December 1944, the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt. C.D.T. Williams, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN) joined coming from the Faeroer Islands having departed there on 30 November.

Part of the convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet on 7 December 1944. Another part of the convoy was detached to Archangelsk and had parted company with the convoy around 1730B/6. To escort this part of the convoy the Russian destroyers Baku, Gremyashchiy, Razumniy, Uritsky, Dejatelnyj, Derzkij, Doblestnyj and Zivuchij as well as some patrol vessels had joined as escorts.

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Convoy RA 62.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 10 December 1944 for Loch Ewe.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abner Nash (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Andrew W. Preston (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Collis P. Huntington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Donald W. Bain (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Elroy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Crevecour (British, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Romaine (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Adams (American, 7212 GRT, built 1944), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sharp Williams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Laurelwood (British (tanker), 7347 GRT, built 1929), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Lucullus (British (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1929), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Park Benjamin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Windfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936).

The convoy had the same close escort as JW 62 with the exception of the two Norwegian corvettes which remained in Northern Russia. The damaged frigate Mounsey (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN) took passage in / with this convoy.

Before the convoy departed the Russian destroyers Baku, Gremyashchiy, Razumniy, Derzkij, Doblestnyj und Zivuchij conducted an A/S sweep of the Kola Inlet to drive off the concentration of German submarines in the area.

The convoy arrived at Loch Ewe on 19 December 1944.

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Cover for these convoys was provided by a force made up of escort carriers HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN), HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN), HMS Cassandra (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt. D.M. Vaughan-Hughes, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN).

Around 1745A/29, HMS Offa, HMS Onslaught, HMS Oribi, HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell departed Scapa Flow for the Faeroer Islands where they were to fuel and then join the remainder of the Force. HMS Onslow also proceeded to the Faeroer Islands to fuel but she departed Loch Ewe, also on 29 November. Her Commanding Officer had attended the convoy conference.

Around 1145A/30, HMS Campania, HMS Nairana, HMS Bellona, HMS Caesar, HMS Cambrian, HMS Caprice and HMS Cassandra departed Scapa Flow for the operation.

The cover force joined convoy JW 62 around 0800A/1 in position 63°29'N, 03°46'W and arrived in the Kola Inlet around 0100B/7 after having been detached from the convoy around 2145B/6.

The cover force departed the Kola Inlet on 10 December 1944 with convoy RA 62.

Around 0611A/11, HMS Cassandra was torpedoed and damaged by a Gnat torpedo fired by the German submarine U-365 in position 71°57'N, 32°04'E. The entire bow of the destroyer was blown off. HMS Cassandra was taken in tow (stern first) by the HMS Bahamas (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomson, RNR). Later the tow was passed over to a Soviet tug which towed her to the Kola Inlet escorted by HMS Tavy, HMS Bahamas, HMS Somaliland and HMS Tortola. They arrived on the 14th.

HMS Campania, HMS Vindex, HMS Bellona, HMS Caesar, HMS Cambrian, HMS Caprice and HMS Onslaught arrived at Scapa Flow around 1100A/18.

Around 0900A/19, HMS Onslow, HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell arrived at Scapa Flow.

Around 1000A/19, HMS Offa and HMS Oribi arrived at Liverpool.

30 Dec 1944

Convoy JW 63.

This convoy departed Loch Ewe on 30 December 1944 for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alanson B. Houghton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin H. Hill (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Caesar Rodney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Schwab (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edmund Fanning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Celia (British, 7025 GRT, built 1943), Francis C. Harrington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Wynkoop (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Horace Gray (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), J.D. Yeager (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Quitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John la Farge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua W. Alexander (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929), Lebaron Russell Briggs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Paul H. Harwood (American, 6610 GRT, built 1918), Philip F. Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R. Ney McNeely (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Scott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Warren Delano (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker British Promise (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942) were also with the convoy as escort oilers.

On departure from Loch Ewe the convoy was escorted by the destroyers us (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt. T.W. Lancaster, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

Around 1230A/31, the escort carrier HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy which they did around 1300A/1.

The convoy was not detected by the Germans and arrived in the Kola Inlet on 8 January 1945.

11 Jan 1945

Convoy RA 63.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 11 January 1945 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amasa Delano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Turnbull (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), August Belmont (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Barbara Frietchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Cecil N. Bean (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward S. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Highfield (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Island (British, 7167 GRT, built 1944), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), John Gibbon (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Nelson W. Aldrich (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Owen Wister (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Renald Fernald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Robert Lowry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanton H. King (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Stephen Leacock (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), U.S.O. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William Tyler Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943) were also with the convoy as escort oilers.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Vindex (A/Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt. T.W. Lancaster, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott (A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Reade, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Lark (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR).

During the night of 16/17 January 1945, the convoy encountered very heavy weather and was forced to seek shelter off the Faeroer Island as many ships suffered weather damage. There the bulk of the convoy arrived on the 18th. While at Thorshavn, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Vindex to HMS Diadem.

On the 20th, the convoy left again to continue its passage and it arrived at Loch Ewe on 21 January 1945. The convoy was escorted on its last leg by HMS Keppel, HMS Walker, HMS Westcott, HMS Cygnet, HMS Lapwing, HMS Lark and HMS Bamborough Castle. The destroyers HMS Scorpion, HMS Serapis, HNoMS Stord and HMCS Algonquin were most likely with the convoy as they arrived at Scapa Flow around 2359A/21, presumably after first having escorted the convoy to Loch Ewe.

Meanwhile HMS Zambesi, HMS Zebra and HMS Scourge had already arrived at Scapa Flow around 1700A/20 while HMS Vindex, HMS Diadem, HMS Myngs, HMS Savage, HMCS Sioux arrived at Scapa Flow around 0900A/21 after having departed from Thorshavn, Faeroer around 1700A/20.

11 Mar 1945

Convoy JW 65.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 11 March for Northern Russia.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Eleazar Lord (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Elroy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Boise (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John McDonogh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leo J. Duster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Riddle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942), Stage Door Canteen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), W.R. Grace (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), William Wheelwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929) were also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from the Clyde the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), sloop HMS Lapwing (Cdr.(Retd.) E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR).

Around 1230A/12, the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) departed Greenock. Around 1330A/12, when off Rothesay, the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, was transferred to the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN). HMS Diadem then set course to proceed to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1105A/13. HMS Campania and the two destroyers set course to overtake and join convoy JW 65 which they did around 1100A/13 minus HMS Onslaught which had to return to the Clyde after colliding with the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) around 2145A/12 in position 56°46'5"N, 06°51'W.

Around 0500A/13, the destroyer HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.

Around 1200A/13, the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy.

Around 1900A/13, HMS Diadem, escort carrier HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN). They joined the concoy around 0730A/14.

On 14 March 1945, the corvette HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which she had departed on the 13th.

Also on 13 March 1943, HMS Myngs and HNoMS Stord parted company with the convoy to fuel at the Faeroer Islands. They rejoined the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0910A/20, the German U-boat U-995 attacked the convoy and heavily damaged the Horace Bushnell. The ship was later beached and declared a total loss.

Around 1014A/20, the German U-boat U-716 attacked the convoy with a T-5 homing torpedo but missed. The target was idenified a Russian Project 7-class destroyer but was most likely HMS Lapwing.

Around 1149A/20, the German U-boat U-968 attacked the convoy with a T-5 homing torpedo and sank HMS Lapwing.

Around 1213A/20, U-968 torpedoed and sank the Thomas Donaldson.

Around 1220A/20, the German U-boat U-997 was depth charged and damaged by HMS Myngs and HMS Alnwick Castle. Damage was such that the U-boat had to abandon her patrol and return to base.

Around 1232A/20, the German U-boats U-313 and U-363 both made attacks, U-313 attacked escort vessels with T-5 torpedoes but none hit. U-363 attacked a single merchant vessel but also missed.

The convoy arrived in the Kola Inlet during the night of 20/21 March 1945.

20 Mar 1945
During the night of 20/21 March 1945, the escort carriers HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR) arrived in the Kola Inlet.

23 Mar 1945

Convoy RA 65.

This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 23 March 1945 for the U.K.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adolph S. Ochs (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ben F. Dixon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Merit (British (tanker), 8093 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Willard (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Edwin L. Drake (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flint (British (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1941), F.T. Frelinghuysen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Crevecoeur (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Fort Verscheres (American, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), George Steers (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Harold L. Winslow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John J. Abel (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Wanamaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lewis Emery Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Marie M. Meloney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathan Towson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922) and Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and the chartered tanker Lacklan (British (tanker), 8670 GRT, built 1929) were also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR), HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR), HMS Bamborough Castle (T/A/Lt.cdr. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Farnham Castle (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR), HMS Lancaster Castle (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (T/Lt. J.A. Wright, RNR) and HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.K. Craig, RNVR).

The convoy split on 30 March 1945, with west coast bound ships arriving at Kirkwall on 30/31 March 1945 escorted by HMS Savage and HNoMS Stord , which subsequently arrived at Scapa Flow around 0100A/31. East coast bound ships arrived in the Clyde on 1 April 1945 escorted by HMS Allington Castle, HMS Alnwick Castle, HMS Bamborough Castle, HMS Farnham Castle, HMS Lancaster Castle, HMS Camellia, HMS Honeysuckle and HMS Oxlip. The destroyers HMS Opportune and HMS Orwell had also been escorting this section of the convoy but did not enter the clyde but set course for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0900A/2.

Meanwhile, around 0700A/30, when in position 61°27'N, 04°10'W, HMS Campania, HMS Trumpeter, HMS Diadem, HMS Myngs, HMS Scorpion, HMS Scourge, HMCS Sioux and HMS Zambesi had parted company to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived early in the evening except for HMS Diadem which had arrived late in the afternoon after having parted company with the other ships around 1600A/30. Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN, then transferred his flag from HMS Campania to HMS Diadem.