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14 Feb 1944

Convoy GUS 31.

This convoy departed Port Said on 14 February 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Cleodora (Dutch (tanker), 8026 GRT, built 1938), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Esso Montpelier (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Java (Dutch, 9250 GRT, built 1939), Sampler (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Helst (Dutch, 6946 GRT, built 1942). The rescue tug HMRT Vagrant was also with the convoy.

They were escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN), corvette HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).

On 15 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926), Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Hubert Howe Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ignatius Donnelly (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Oran M. Roberts (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Peter Zenger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), William Whipple (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Zachery Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). The armed boarding vessel HMS Arpha () and the rescue tugs HMRT Barwick and HMRT Respond also joined the convoy from Alexandria.

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 19 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), Benjamin Hawkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), David Caldwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Regis (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), George Dewey (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John M. Morehead (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Hooker (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Louis Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marga (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1923), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Thomas W. Hyde (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William T. Barry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 20 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp, Belpareil, Cleodora, Empire Cameron, Empire Capulet, Empire Daring, Empire Rock, Euryades, Fort Cadotte and Fort Clatsop.

On 21 February 1944, HMS Arpha, HMS Barwick and HMS Respond arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy.

On 22 February 1944, the following transports departed Tunis to join the convoy; Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul Hamilton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Johnson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Carson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Charles Brantley Aycock, Esso Montpelier, Henry Middleton, Joseph E. Brown, Joseph Hooker and Thomas W. Hyde. Also the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant arrived at Bizerta. Joining the convoy from Bizerta were the following transports / tankers; Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Ena (Dutch (tanker), 6229 GRT, built 1936), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), George Cleeve (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John W. Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Peter Skene Ogden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Richard Bassett (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Rufus W. Peckham (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939) and Thelma (British, 1593 GRT, built 1935). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 22 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy; Destro, Empire Grange, Fort Rae, Fort St.Regis, Gezina, Guinean and Narwick while the transport Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 1215A/22, the transports George Cleeve and Peter Skene Ogden were torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-969.

On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Philippeville after having parted company with the convoy; Empire Mariott, Fort Frederick, Hjalmar Wessel while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Nelson Dingley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

On 23 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Fort Fairford, Fort Fidler, Fort Meductic, Fort Reliance, Grainton, Gudrun Maersk, Innerton, Loke, Marga, Ocean Vesper, Riverton, Rufus W. Peckham and Thelma while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Leidy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Strinda (Norwegian (tanker), 10973 GRT, built 1937), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Thomas B. Robertson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 24 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Capitaine Paul Lemerle, James G. Blaine, Johns Hopkins, Louisa M. Alcott, Nelson Dingley and William T. Barry while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elg (Norwegian, 4014 GRT, built 1930), Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), F.A.C. Muhlenberg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. Woodward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joaquin Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John R. Park (American, 7184 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Gale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Bartlett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Justin S. Morrill (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lawton B. Evans (American, 7197 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William S. Young (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos also joined the convoy. HMS Gloxinia and HMS Primula were detached (or meanwhile had been detached) to assist in A/S operations.

On 26 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy; Argyll, Baron Elgin, Blairdevon, City of Canterbury, Cragpool, Generton, Govert Flinck, Jean L.D. and Manchester Exporter while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Cyrus H. McCormick (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930). HMS Colombo also arrived at Gibraltar.

Around 1600A/26, the British escort was relieved by an American escort made up of the destroyer USS Edison (T/Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN, with COMTASKFOR 65, T/Capt. V. Huber, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt. W.F. Stokey, USNR, with COMDESDIV 9, Cdr. J.H. Forshew, USNR, on board), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. K.D. Talley, USNR), USS Farquhar (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Rosenberg, USNR), USS Fessenden (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Dobbs, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Cdr. G.R. Keating, USNR), USS Menges (Lt.Cdr. F.M. McCabe, USCG, with COMDESDIV 46, Capt. R.E. Wood, USCG, on board), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. R.H. French, USCG) and USS Mosley (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG). These ships had departed Casablanca around 1300A/25 to conduct an A/S sweep and then make rendezvous with the convoy.

Around 1730A/26, the transports / tankers Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Imperial Transport (British (tanker), 8022 GRT, built 1931), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and the naval tanker USS Chicopee (Cdr. C.O. Peak, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 25th. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Pride (Cdr. R.R Curry, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On these ships joining the transport / tankers Elg, Empire Damsel and Esso Baltimore parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on 27 February 1944.

Around 1000A/27, the transport Edward M. House (American, 7240 GRT, built 1943) and the tanker Pan-Maine (American (tanker), 7237 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca which they had departed on the 26th. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette FFS Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) which subsequently returned to Casablanca.

Around 0005N/2, USS Douglas L. Howard was sent o the Azores to pick up two merchant vessels which were to join the convoy. Around 1455N/3, these two merchant vessels still had not appeared and USS Douglas L. Howard then proceeded to rejoin the convoy which she did around 0615N/4. Shortly afterwards the two merchant ships joined the convoy having departed from the Azores unescorted due to miscommunication. The two merchant vessels in question were the; Amelia Earhart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Harold L. Winslow (American, 7276 GRT, built 1943).

During the morning of 6 March 1943, USS Edison fuelled from USS Chicopee.

Around 1030P/8, the transport Samuel Livermore developed engine trouble and straggled from the convoy. USS Lowe was ordered to remain with her.

Around 2200Q/12, the Samuel Livermore and her escort USS Lowe rejoined the convoy.

Around 0700Q/14, USS Chicopee parted company to proceed to Bermuda. Two destroyer escorts had joined to escort her to that place, these were the USS Osmus (Cdr. R.R. Jackson, USNR) and USS Barr (Lt.Cdr. H.H. Love, USNR). They arrived at Bermuda in the afternoon of the 14th.

Around 1530Q/14, the transport Richard Basset was detached to Bermuda due to fuel shortage.

Around 0600Q/16, the transports Oran M. Roberts and Van der Helst were detached to proceed to Boston and Saint Johns, New Brunswick respectively.

The convoy arrived at New York on 18 March 1944.

4 Mar 1944

Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44.

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

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Maclay (British, 6317 GRT, built 1924), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Empire Nile (British, 6318 GRT, built 1921), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Helencrest (British, 5233 GRT, built 1941), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Kana (British, 2783 GRT, built 1929), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Matheran (British, 8007 GRT, built 1942), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nanceen (French, 2895 GRT, built 1929), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Radport (British, 5355 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Striker (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN), frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Moyola (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lawson, RD, RNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR), HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR), HMS Clarkia (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Dittany (T/Lt. S.W. Lock, RNVR), HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Fusilier (T/Lt. F.M. Phillips, RNVR).

The following merchant vessels of the convoy returned to the U.K. after sailing; Angelo, Hopestar and Stal.

On 10 March 1944, the frigate HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the northbound combined convoy SL 150 / MKS 41 while the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined coming from this convoy.

On 16 March 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 70 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 44 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 70 was made up of the merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer, Cap Cantin, Fort Liard, Groix, Isipingo, Jenny, Porjus, Thomas Holt and Ville de Strasbourg.

On 15 March 1944, the merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929) and Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Gibraltar 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). These ships joined the combined convoy when it split.

On 16 March 1944, the following transports departed Casablanca to join the convoy; Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920) and Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloops Chevreuil, Gazelle and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR).

On these ships joining on the 17th, the transports Empire Nerissa, Fort Liard, Langleebrook, Porjus and Romney were detached to Casablanca where they arrived later on the 17th. They were escorted by the two American patrol vessels as the two French minesweeping sloops had joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the transports Finistere, Isaac Coles and Vernon L. Kellogg arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. The two French minesweeping sloops also proceeded to Dakar.

On 23 March 1944, the transports Cap Cantin and Fort Nashwaak arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 25 March 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 44, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 March 1944, the following transports arrived at Gibraltar; Archangelos, Lorca, Redgate, Slesvig, rescue ship Fastnet and the escort oiler San Tirso arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the combined convoy minus HMS Dittany.

The transports Baron Forbes, Kana, Monkleigh, Radport and Stanhope proceeded directly to Lissabon after the convoy had split. They were possible escorted by HMS Dittany which did not arrive with the other escort at Gibraltar on the 17th but only arrived there on the 20th.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Baron Maclay, Bruse Jarl, Carslogie, Empire Nile, Empire Rosalind, Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Eurybates, Fort Aklavik, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Nakasley, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermiston, Janeta, Langleetarn, Leonidas, Matheran, Nanceen, Nurani, Radmanso, Samoa, Topsdalfjord, Urbino and Wyfarer.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the transports Joshua Hendy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maycrest (British, 5923 GRT, built 1913) and Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada. The submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

On 18 February 1944, the transports Carslogie, Joshua Hendy and Maycrest arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Crawford W. Long (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mayo Brothers (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Fort Gaspereau, Hermiston, Janeta, Leonidas and Zapaca arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Fort Rae (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942) and Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 20 February 1944, the transports Bruse Jarl, Empire Gain, Fort Rae and Radmanso arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy while the transports Empire Cameron (British, 7015 GRT, built 1941), Empire Copperfield (British, 6013 GRT, built 1943), Empire Viceroy (British, 7803 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samson (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Empire Spartan, Empire Spey, Mayo Brothers, Nanceen, Parame and Solarium arrived at Bizerta as did HMS Colombo after having parted company with the convoy while the transport / tankers Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Meline (Norwegian (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Graiglas, Topsdalfjord arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy as did HMS Spiteful and the Yugoslavian corvette Nada while the tanker Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), transport Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944) and the bouy / lighthouse tender Darien II (British, 459 GRT, built 1892) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the transports / tankers Beaconsfield (British, 4635 GRT, built 1938), Corfell (British, 1802 GRT, built 1934), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Senneville (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) departed Augusta to join the convoy while the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Augusta; Asa Gray, Benito Juarez, Brighton, City of Canterbury, Crawford W. Long, Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Addison, Empire Cameron, Empire Copperfield, Empire Rosalind, Empire Southey, Empire Wordsworth, Esneh, Fort Aklavik, Fort Ash, Fort Glenora, Fort la Traite, Fort Marin, Fort Richelieu, Helencrest, Hermelin, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Langleetarn, Lightfoot, Linge, Ousel, Samettick, Sammex, Samoa, Samson, Samuel V. Shreve, Southgate, Spindletop and William Kent.

On 26 March 1944, the transports Beaconsfield, Corfell, Elise, Empire Noble, Empire Peak, Fort Glenlyon, Ocean Vulcan, Riverton, Samnebra and Van der Capelle arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Barle and HMS La Malouine arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 March 1944.

15 Mar 1944

Convoy GUS 34.

This convoy departed Port Said on 15 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George B. Selden (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John W. Mackay (British, 4049 GRT, built 1922), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samdee (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN).

On 16 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Billy Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Brand Whitlock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), David Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edward Canby (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), James B. Hickox (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Makedonia (Greek, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Mark Hopkins (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), P.T. Barnum (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942) and Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) and the frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) which also joined the convoy. The Commanding Officer of HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau was the Senior Officer of the escort.

On 20 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Duncan U. Fletcher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heritage (British (tanker), 15702 GRT, built 1930), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936)), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), James Gunn (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), West Point (British, 4999 GRT, built 1920), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 21 March 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Anglo-African, Bantria, Baron Inchcape, City of Rangoon, Fort Capot River, Ocean Trader, Samwater, San Eliseo and San Venancio.

On 21 March 1941, the transports Makedonia and Neuralia escorted by HMS Active arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941) as well as the Neuralia and HMS Active (re)joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Tunis; Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Neocardia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 194).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Bizerta; Tanafjord and Thomas R. Marshall while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Horace H. Lurton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936) and Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Bone; Atle Jarl, Empire Harbour, Fort Jasper and Hardingham while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929) and Samholt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant.

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Philippeville; Fort Michipicoten and Norman Monarch while the transport Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 23 March 1944, the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers; Guinean, Neuralia, Sagittaire and West Point while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Arthur P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Harry A. Garfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Peregrine White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 1920), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). Also the boom carrier HMS Leonian (5424 GRT, built 1936) (A/Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Lundy, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy. HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau and HMS Active also briefly entered Algiers before rejoining the convoy.

On 25 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Oran; Daniel H. Hill, Dunelmia, Fort Frederick, Framlington Court, Horace H. Lurton and Houston Volunteers while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942), Culebra (Panamanian, 5260 GRT, built 1919), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

On 26 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Gibraltar; Empire Heath, Empire Stour, John W. Mackay, Rugeley, Staffordshire, Starstone and Thistleford as were HMS Colombo, HMS Leonian and HMRT Vagrant. The transport Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Gibraltar as did the corvette Commandant Detroyat.

On 26 March 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander Ramsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samtroy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) as well as the naval tanker USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Eldridge (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR), USS Neunzer (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Greenbacker, USN) and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR). They joined the convoy around 1140Z/27. On these ships joining the transports Culebra and Nicolaos Michalos parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by Commandant Detroyat, USS PC-472 and USS PC-475. They arrived at Casablanca on 28 March 1944.

On 27 March 1944, the destroyer Le Triomphant departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. She was to proceed to Boston, USA where she was to refit. She joined the convoy around 1410Z/28.

Around 1000A/27, the American Task Force 62 relieved the Mediterranean escort in position 35°32'N, 07°47'W. The Mediterranean escort then set course for Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day. The American escort was made up of the cutter USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyers USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), USS Parrott (T/Lt.Cdr. E.F. Rye, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Hetherington, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll ( T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN) and USS Cooner (T/Cdr. J.M. Stuart, USN).

On 28 March 1944, two transports, the Baron Cawdor and Linda were unable to keep up with the convoy. They were ordered to proceed to Casablanca.

Around 1600Z/31, in position in position 36°49'N, 24°42'W, Le Triomphant parted company with the convoy to fuel at Horta, Azores.

Around 2105Z/1, the tanker Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907) and the transport Pocahontas (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy in position 37°01'N, 32°33'W coming from Horta, Azores. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR).

Around 0945Z/3, Le Triomphant rejoined the convoy in position 36°41'N, 28°02'W after having fuelled at the Azores.

Also on 3 April 1944, USS Barker and USS Bulmer were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 4 April 1944, USS Paul Jones, USS Parrott and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 8 April 1944, USCGC Spencer, USS Conner and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 10 April 1944, USS Bulmer was fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

Around 0100Z/11, in position 34°51'N, 61°09'W, Le Triomphant was detached to proceed to Boston independently.

Around 2345Z/11, in position 35°05'N, 65°01'W, USS Cowanesque was detached to Bermuda for which the destroyer escorts USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Smith, USN) and USS Hayter (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Theriault, USNR) had come over to escort her to that place. They arrived at Bermuda the following morning.

Around 0730Z/13, while in position 36°30'N, 70°55'W, the convoy split into the New York / Delaware section and Chesapeake Bay section

The New York / Delaware section section was escorted by USCGC Spencer, USS Paul Jones, USS Barker, USS Bulmer, USS Parrott, USS Cooner and USS Neunzer. Around 2030Z/13, in position 38°03'N, 71°05'W, the transport Homer Lea parted company to proceed independently towards Delaware Bay. The New York section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the evening of 14 April 1944.

The Chesapeake Bay, escorted by USS Amick, USS Atherton, USS Booth, USS Carroll and USS Eldridge had meanwhile arrived at its destination in the morning of 14 April 1944.

17 Mar 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and (the Yugoslavian) Nada, submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 44.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 70 / KMS 44 ' for 4 March 1944.] (1)

26 Mar 1944
Around 1745A/26, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), boom carrier HMS Leonian (5424 GRT, built 1936) (A/Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Lundy, OBE, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant arrived at Gibraltar from convoy GUS 34. (2)

24 Jun 1944

Convoy UGS 46.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 24 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Albert G. Brown (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Alexander Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ammla (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Arthur St. Clair (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Benjamin D. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin H. Latrobe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Lundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Charles Goodnight (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frederick L. Dau (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Gideon Welles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Howard A. Kelly (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Irvin McDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James E. Howard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James J. Hill (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Madison (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), John H. Reagan (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931), Kildonan Park (Canadian, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Marshall Elliott (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), R.F. Peckham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Samavon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcolne (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlistar (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sammex (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsoaring (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samspeed (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtorch (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtucky (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Gorton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Livermore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samwye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Theodore Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tibia (Dutch (tanker), 10356 GRT, built 1939), Toltec (Honduran, 5527 GRT, built 1929), Tulsa (American, 5083 GRT, built 1919), Vernon L. Kellogg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ward Hunt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the LST's; USS LST-548 (Lt. J.B. Brady, USN), USS LST-550 (Lt. V.A. Meehan, USNR), USS LST-561 (Lt. V.W. Foster, USNR), 11715 655 (T/Lt. D.D. Sumrall, USN), USS LST-656 (Lt. F.T. McCahill, USNR), USS LST-664 (Lt. J.R. Burke, USNR), USS LST-665 (Lt. H.L. Jones, USNR), USS LST-690 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Reif, USNR), USS LST-691 (Lt. J.H. Monroe, USNR), USS LST-692 (Lt. R.B. Carothers, USNR), USS LST-913 (Lt. L.C. Gwin, USNR), USS LST-914 (Lt. A.W. Meyer, USNR), USS LST-994 (Lt. R.P. Gonder, USNR), USS 995 (Lt. G.W. Chamberlain, USNR), USS LST-996 (Lt. C.A. Leach, Jr, USNR), USS LST-997 (Lt. L.R. Dhuyvetter, USNR), USS LST-1019 (Lt. N.C. Ross, USNR), USS LST-1020 (Lt. P.D. Tracy, USNR), USS LST-1021 (Lt. R.W. Erickson, USNR),

The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) (transporting aircraft) was also part of the convoy as was the naval tanker (escort oiler) USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 60 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Bibb (Cdr. H.T. Diehl, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 60, T/Capt. R.B. Nickerson, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Vance (Lt.Cdr. F.V. Helmer, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 45, Cdr. E.J. Roland, USCG, on board), USS Lansing (Cdr. R.F. Rea, USCG), USS Durant (Cdr. C.C. Knapp, USCG), USS Calcaterra (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Howard, USCGR), USS Chambers (Cdr. H.A. Loughlin, USCG), USS Merrill (Cdr. I.J.Stephens, USCG), USS Riley (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 67, T/Cdr. F.G. Gould, USN, on board), USS Leslie L.B. Knox (Lt. J.A. Moffett, USNR), USS McNulty (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jennings, USNR), USS Metivier (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Maher, USNR), USS George A. Johnson (Lt.Cdr. A. Robinson, USNR), USS Eugene E. Elmore (T/Lt.Cdr. G.L. Conkey, USN), Somali and the sloop Dumont d'Urville.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Tulsa developed engine trouble and was detached to return to Hampton Roads unescorted.

On 28 June 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

On 3 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb.

On 4 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

At 1108O/4, the tanker Norsol was detached to Horta, Azores escorted by USS Leslie L.B. Knox. At 0419N/5, the escort of the tanker was taken over by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR) and USS Leslie L.B. Knox then set course to rejoin the convoy which she did around 2026N/5.

On 5 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Chambers, USS Calcaterra, USS Vance and USS Merrill.

On 7 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled the ships of Hunter Killer Task Group 22.5, the escort carrier USS Wake Island (T/Capt. J.R. Tague, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Farquhar (Delton E Walter, USNR), USS Fiske (Lt. J.A. Comly, USNR), USS Hill (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Bane, USNR), USS J.R.Y. Blakely (Lt. A.S. Archie, USNR) and USS Douglas L. Howard (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Stokey, USNR). Task Group 22.5 was operating in the area also covering the passage of the convoy.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 34°23'N, 08°47'W, the transport Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted out by the minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse, La Boudeuse and Commandant Delage.

These three French escort vessels now proceeded to Casablanca escorting HMS Trouncer and the transports / tankers Alexander Lillington, Esso Nashville, George Shiraz, Henry L. Ellsworth, John T. Holt, Joseph Habersham and Samtucky. They arrived at Casablanca on the 10th. With them was also the Dumont d'Urville.

Around 1730Z/10, the transports Socotra (British, 7840 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) joined coming from Gibraltar. With these ships the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), submarine HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Vagrant also joined the convoy.

Around 1650B/12, the destroyer USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Soule, 3rd, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1700B/11, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran Bay Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luctretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Hart Benton (American, 7187 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas Sumter (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) while the following ships parted company with the convoy and entered Oran Bay; David J. Brewer, Howard A. Kelly, James E. Howard, Katy, USS LST-561, USS LST-664, USS LST-665, USS LST-691, USS LST-994, USS LST-995 and USS LST-1020. The LST's however later rejoined the convoy.

On 12 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USS Leslie L.B. Knox, USS Riley, USS Metivier, USS McNulty, USS Eugene E. Elmore and USS George A. Johnson.

Also on 12 July 1944, the following ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Essex Trader (British, 7237 GRT, built 1943), Hai Lee (Norwegian, 3616 GRT, built 1934), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Ocean Pride (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) with the following transports Fort Grahame and Thomas Hart Benton parted company and entered Algiers harbour.

On 13 July 1944, USS Mattaponi refuelled USCGC Bibb, USS Durant, USS Lansing, USS Vance, USS Calcaterra, USS Chambers and USS Merrill.

On 13 July 1944, the transports Chertsey and Essex Trader arrived at Bougie after having straggled from the convoy.

On 13 July 1944, the transport Middlesex Trader arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy.

On 14 July 1944, the tankers Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917) and Vittorino Zanibon (Italian (tanler), 1622 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta. Also the new (British) escort joined the convoy, this was made up of the sloop Pheasant and the corvettes Alisma, Saxifrage and Spiraea.

When the above ships joined the convoy the following transports / tankers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta Hai Lee, Mattaponi, San Cipriano and Tibia. Also all the USN escort vessels and the naval tanker proceeded to Bizerta as did HMS Caledon and the French Somali. Also the LST's had entered Bizerta.

On 14 July 1944, the transport Thomas Stone arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy. Around the same time the transport Prosper Schiaffino must also have left the convoy. She arrived at Sfax on 15 July 1944.

On 15 July 1944, the tanker Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. HMS Virtue arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 15 July 1944, the transports / tankers Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to joined the convoy.

On 16 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Albert G. Brown, Benjamin H. Latrobe, Charles Goodyear, Coulgorm, Edward N. Hurley, Edward Richardson, Empire Gain, Felix Grundy, Fitzhugh Lee, George Matthews, Gideon Welles, Iceland, Irvin McDowell, James Hoban, James Rumsey, John B. Hood, John Howland, Joseph Holt, Joyce Kilmer, Joseph Goldberg, Marshall Elliott, Memphis City, Ocean Pride, Pan-Maryland, Salamis, Samavon, Samsoaring, Samstrule, Samuel Gorton, Samuel Livermore, Taria, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Theodore Sedgwick, Thomas Hill, Thomas Sumter, Toltec, Vittorino Zanibon, Ward Hunt, William D. Moseley, William L. Yancey, William Moultrie and Zaanstroom.

The Empire Harbour arrived at Catania on the same day.

On 19 July 1944, the following transports Marit Maersk, Samcolne, Samleven, Sammex arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Also HMS Alisma and HMS Saxifrage arrived at Alexandria.

On 20 July 1944, the following transport / tankers arrived at Port Said; Algorab, Ammla, Anson Jones, Arthur St. Clair, Benjamin D. Wilson, Benjamin Lundy, Benjamin Williams, Charles Goodnight, Empire Coleridge, Fort la Prairie, Fort Venango, Frederick L. Dau, James Harlan, James Madison, John C. Spencer, John H. Reagan, Joseph Goldberger, Kildonan Park, Kobad, Lorraine, Louis McLane, Lucretia Mott, O'Henry, Ponce de Leon, R.F. Peckham, Samesk, Samlista, Samport, Samspeed, Samstrae, Samtorch, Samtyne, Samwye, Socotra, Steel Engineer, Suderholm, Teucer, Thomas F. Cunningham and Vernon L. Kellogg. Also HMS Pheasant and HMS Spiraea arrived at Port Said.

10 Jul 1944
HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) and HMRT Vagrant departed Gibraltar to join convoy UGS 46.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 46 ' for 24 June 1944.

14 Jul 1944

Convoy UGS 48.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 July 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Augustin Stahl (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), British Harmony (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Calvin Coolidge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Carole Lombard (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Charles W. Wooster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), David Lubin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rangoon (British, 6988 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), George Read (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Uhler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jose Bonifacio (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joshua A. Leach (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Leopold Damrosch (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Maria Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Oliver Loving (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Oscar S. Straus (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1944), Park Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rachel Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rivercrest (British, 7008 GRT, built 1944), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsylarna (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Thomas B. Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tweedsmuir Park (Canadian, 7143 GRT, built 1943), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William R. Day (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Moffett (T/Cdr. G.H. Richards, Jr., USN, with COMTASKFOR 62, T/Capt. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (Lt. F.O. Moorman, USNR), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR), USS William T. Powell (Lt. J.L. Davenport, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 66, Cdr. G.F. Adams, USNR, on board), USS Buckley (Lt.Cdr. B.M. Abel, USNR), USS Reuben James (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Isaacs, USNR), USS Spangenberg (T.H.P. Whitney, USNR), USS Alexander J. Luke (T/Lt.Cdr. J.V. Cameron, USN), USS Robert I. Paine (Lt.Cdr. D. Cochran, USNR).

The naval stores ships USS Yukon (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Barnhart, USNR) and USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN) were also part of the convoy as were the naval tankers USS Maumee (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Ballard, USNR), USS Winooski (Lt.Cdr. T.B. Christenson, USNR), USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR) and USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR).

On 18 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 21 July 1944, USS Moffett fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 22 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 23 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 15 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 27 July 1944, USS Moffett and the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 28 July 1944, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca; Calvin Coolidge, John Barton Payne and Samgallion while the French naval tanker Var joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels L'Emporté and L'Enjoue which then returned to Casablanca with the three ships that had parted company with the convoy.

Around noon on 29 July 1944, the merchant vessel Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927), submarines HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) as well as the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1945A/29, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1845B/30, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Furuseth, John Banvard, John Stevens, Oscar S. Strauss, USS Yukon, USS Merak, USS Winooski, USS Chiwawa and USS Cowanesque while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Elmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1700B/31, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Andrew Hamilton, British Pride, Empire Nerissa, Jonathan Elmer, Joseph Warren, Thomas B. Reed, Thomas Heyward and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Samlamu (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) as did the landing ship HMS LST 322 (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Howard, RNR).

During the night of 31 July / 1 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained.

Around 2000B/1, the Esso Concord and HMRT Vagrant were detached to Bone while the Vito (Norwegian, 5181 GRT, built 1937) and the rescue tug HMRT Charon joined coming from Bone.

Around 0645B/2, the following ships were detached to Benghazi; British Harmony, British Respect, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Donacilla, George H. Dern, James McCosh, John Morton, Levi Woodbury, Narva, Samuel V. Shreve, Thomas Cresap, Walt Whitman, William R. Day and Zachary Taylor as well as LST 322 while the merchant vessel Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

Also, HMS Delhi and all American escort vessels as well as the naval tanker USS Maumee arrived at Bizerta after having been relieved by a group of British escort vessels, these were the following; sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), corvette HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?).

On 3 August the following ships were detached to Malta; Empire Highway and Pacheco. Also detached to Malta were HMS Truant and HMS Visigoth. They were escorted there by HMS Campion which afterwards rejoined the convoy.

On 4 August the following ships were detached to Augusta; Alexandre Andre, Athelvictor, Christopher Gale, Cornelius Harnett, D.L. Harper, David Lubin, Egda, Empire Emerald, Empire Stalwart, Esek Hopkins, Finley Peter Dunne, Fort Carlton, Fort Columbia, Hardingham, Henry George, Henry W. Longfellow, James Turner, John Dickinson, John P. Holland, Joseph N. Teal, Leland Stanford, Maria Mitchell, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Nueva Granada, Robert Treat Paine, Stanhill, Van Honthorst and Var while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942) and Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944).

On 4 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by one or two enemy torpedo bombers which hit and heavily damaged the Samsylarna in position 33°05'N, 20°16'E. HMSAS Southern Maid remained behind to assist and she also took off the crew. The derelict ship was later towed to Benghazi.

On 7 August 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Cape Hawke, Carola Lombard, Empire Splendour and Rachel Jackson. They took HMS Deptford with them.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 August 1944 escorted by HMS Amethyst and HMS Campion.