Allied Warships

HMCS Collingwood (K 180)

Corvette of the Flower class

NavyThe Royal Canadian Navy
TypeCorvette
ClassFlower 
PennantK 180 
Built byCollingwood Shipyards Ltd. (Collingwood, Ontario, Canada) 
Ordered1 Feb 1940 
Laid down2 Mar 1940 
Launched27 Jul 1940 
Commissioned19 Nov 1940 
End service23 Jul 1945 
History

Collingwood was the first Canadian Flower class corvette to enter service.

Fo'c's'le extention at the New York Navy Yard (New York, New York, U.S.A.) completed on 14 December 1943.

Decommissioned on 23 July 1945. Broken up at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1950.

 

Commands listed for HMCS Collingwood (K 180)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1T/Lt. Norman G. Bennett, RCNR9 Nov 194016 Apr 1941
2T/Lt. William Woods, RCNR17 Apr 19419 Dec 1942
3Lt. David Walter Groos, RCN10 Dec 19425 Jun 1943
4T/Lt. Roderick John Cornell Pringle, RCNVR6 Jun 19434 Jul 1944
5T/Lt. Hugh Russell Knight, RCNR5 Jul 19442 May 1945
6T/Lt. Edward Burton Pearce, RCNVR3 May 194517 Jun 1945
7Skr.Lt. Joseph David Burnham, RCNR18 Jun 194523 Jul 1945

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Notable events involving Collingwood include:


30 Jan 1941

Convoy HX 106.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 January 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abercos (American, 6076 GRT, built 1920), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Evanger (Norwegian, 3869 GRT, built 1920), Harpagus (British, 5173 GRT, built 1940), Horda (Norwegian, 4301 GRT, built 1920), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), R.J. Cullen (Canadian, 6589 GRT, built 1919), San Fabian (British (tanker), 13031 GRT, built 1922) and Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) and the corvette HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

At 1735Q/31, HMCS Collingwood parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1400Q/2, in position 41°05'N, 52°22'W, convoy BHX 106, coming from Bermuda merged with convoy HX 106. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Athelbeach (British (tanker), 6568 GRT, built 1931), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Cardium (British (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1931), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Contractor (British, 6004 GRT, built 1930), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914), Ganges (British, 6246 GRT, built 1930), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Hopemount (British (tanker), 7434 GRT, built 1929), Kheti (British, 2734 GRT, built 1927), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Malmanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7078 GRT, built 1920), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Mirza (Dutch (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1929), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), Silveray (British, 4535 GRT, built 1925), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921) and Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919).

Convoy BHX 106 had been escorted from Bermuda to the rendezvous position by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) which then parted company to proceed to Halifax.

Around 1200P/3, in position 41°41'N, 49°16'W, the Hopemount straggled from the convoy with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy and arrived indepentently at Holyhead on 14 February 1941.

Around 1620P/4, in position 43°07'N, 43°51'W, the Abercos straggled from the convoy due to engine trouble. She managed to rejoin the convoy around 1010P/6.

At 0855P/8, in position 53°14'N, 34°12'W, an unknown ship was sighted by HMS Ramillies bearing 330° at a range of about 20 nautical miles. This ship was thought to be the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. This was however incorrect as the ship in question was the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst which together with her sister ship Gneisenau was trying to attack the convoy. Scharnhorst tried to lure HMS Ramillies away from the convoy so that the Gneisenau could attack from a different direction. HMS Ramillies remained close to the convoy though and the German battlecruisers did not press their attack in accordance with their instructions not to do so in case an enemy battleship was present.

Around 0830N/10, in position 57°45'N, 28°29'W, the Leiesten straggled from the convoy with engine trouble.

Around 1715N/10, in position 58°41'N, 27°53'W, HMS Ramillies parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

On 11 February 1941, around noon, the following ships all straggled from the convoy in bad visibility and bad weather conditions; Abercos, Arthur F. Corwin, Botavon, Charlton Hall, Clea, Edward F. Johnson, Esturia, Horda, Laguna, Lodeston, Temple Arch, Torborg and Trelissick. Off these only the Trelissick managed to rejoin the convoy around 1500Z/15 in position 60°04'N, 11°36'W.

On 12 February 1941, the local A/S escort was to join. This local A/S escort was was made up of the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN), HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.A. Campbell, RNR), HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR). They were however unable to find the convoy in the bad weather conditions with reduced visibility.

At 1246Z/12, when in position 60°50'N, 18°47'W, HMS Malcolm signalled that she had not met the convoy. At that time HMS Saladin, HMS Sardonyx and HMS Skate were in company with HMS Malcolm.

At 1410Z/12, when in position 60°50'N, 18°25'W, HMS Burnham signalled that she had not met the convoy.

At 1557Z/12, HMS Malcolm signalled that HMS Saladin and HMS Skate had to return to Lough Foyle to fuel. At 2219Z/12, the C-in-C, Western Approaches however ordered these two destroyers to fuel at Loch Ewe and then rejoin the convoy.

At 1308Z/13, the Clea, a straggler, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-96. There were no survivors.

At 1429Z/13, the Arthur F. Corwin, a straggler, signalled she had been torpedoed and damaged in position 60°20'N, 17°11'W. At 1603Z/13, HMS Malcolm was ordered to sent one of the escorts to assist the damaged tanker. At 1715Z/13, HMS Burnham signalled she was proceeding to do so. The Arthur F. Corwin had been torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-103.

At 1845Z/13, the corvette HMS La Malouine, with HMS Kingcup, HMS Northern Pride and HMS Vizalma in company reported that she was searching for the Edward F. Johnson which had been with the Arthur F. Corwin when she was attacked, but that she had been unable to find this second tanker.

At 1913Z/13, HMS Malcolm asked HMS Burnham for her position.

At 2216Z/13, HMS Burnham signalled that the Arthur F. Corwin was on fire and sinking. She had been attacked again around 1750Z/13, but now by the German submarine U-96. There were no survivors from the crew of the tanker.

At 2320Z/13, HMS Burnham replied to the signal (1913Z/13) from HMS Malcolm that she was in position 60°32'N, 16°10'W and that she was proceeding at 12 knots to Loch Ewe to refuel.

At 1051Z/14, HMS Malcolm ordered HMS Saladin to take over as Senior Officer as HMS Malcolm now also was proceeding to Loch Ewe to refuel. So far no escort vessel had joined convoy HX 106.

At 1051Z/14, HMS La Malouine reported that no survivors had been seen from the Arthur F. Corwin and that she was searching from stragglers from the convoy.

At 1554Z/14, HMS Kingcup signalled that she, and the three A/S trawlers which were in her company, were to join the convoy which position had been reported by the A/S air escort.

At 1633Z/14, the C-in-C Western Approaches ordered one A/S trawler to remain with the Edward F. Johnson. HMS Saladin and another trawler were ordered to search along the route of the convoy.

Around 1020A/15, HMS Malcolm arrived at Loch Ewe to refuel. HMS Burnham had arrived a little over an hour earlier. After fuelling they proceeded to sea again to join the convoy.

At 1523A/15, HMS Saladin signalled that she had joined the convoy and that HMS Kingcup was also in company.

At 1545A/15, the destroyer HMS Mistral (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Loch Ewe to join the convoy. At 0021A/16, she signalled that she had encountered trawlers and tankers of the convoy near the Butt of Lewis.

At 1230A/16, HMS St. Elstan signalled that she was escorting the Edward F. Johnson and that they expected to arrive off Liverpool around 1500A/17.

At 1907A/16, HMS Malcolm that 12 ships of the convoy were missing at the rendezvous.

The following ships arrived at Loch Ewe on 17 February 1941; Abercos, Botavon, British Fortune, Cardium, Dover Hill, Esturia, Garonne, Harpagus, Kheti, Lodestone, Mactra, Nurtureton, Oilfield, Opalia, R.J. Cullen, Temple Arch and Trelissick.

The following ships arrived at Greenock on 18 February 1941; Athelbeach, Capsa, Chama, Cliona, Geo W. McKnight and Mirza.

The following ships arrived at Liverpool on 18 February 1941; Contractor, Evanger, Ganges, Horda, Leiesten, Malmanger, Miralda, San Eliseo, San Fabian, Silveray and Topdalsfjord.

On 18 February 1941, the Torborg arrived at Milford Haven.

On 19 February 1941, the Charlton Hall, Edward F. Johnson and Laguna arrived at Barry.

The escort vessels arrived in U.K. ports as follows; HMS Burnham arrived at Londonderry on 19 February, HMS Kingcup arrived at Londonderry on 18 February, HMS La Malouine arrived at Londonderry on 17 February, HMS Malcolm arrived at Londonderry on 17 February, HMS Northern Pride arrived at Londonderry on 19 February, HMS St. Elstan arrived at Londonderry on 19 February, HMS Saladin arrived at Londonderry on 19 February, HMS Sardonyx arrived at Londonderry on 17 February, HMS Skate arrived at Belfast on 21 February and HMS Vizalma arrived at Londonderry on 18 February. (1)

28 Feb 1941

Convoy SC 24.

This convoy departed Halifax for the U.K. on 28 February 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Atlanticos (Greek, 5446 GRT, built 1919), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Borgfred (British, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Brave Coeur (British, 6458 GRT, built 1919), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Bruxelles (Belgium, 5085 GRT, built 1919), Emmy (Greek, 3895 GRT, built 1914), Flynderborg (Norwegian, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5686 GRT, built 1918), Kyma (Greek, 3959 GRT, built 1911), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Start Point (British, 5293 GRT, built 1919), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Thistleglen (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922), Victo (Norwegian, 3655 GRT, built 1906), Western Chief (British, 5759 GRT, built 1918) and Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN) and the corvette HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvette however soon returned to harbour.

The merchant vessel Bernhard turned back during the night of 28 February / 1 March due to engine defects.

At 1100Q/1, the merchant vessel Kalypso Vergotti turned back to Halifax due to a leak.

From 5 March the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) was nearby to provide cover for the convoy (and convoy HX 112 as well).

On 14 March, the merchant vessel Western Chief, which had straggled from the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Emo.

At 1200A/15, HMS Wolfe parted company with the convoy.

Later on the 15th the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy followed by the corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) the following day.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 March 1941.

6 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 119

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1941 in two sections, convoy HX 119A and convoy HX 119B. They merged in the morning of April 13th.

Convoy HX 119A was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Argos Hill (British, 7178 GRT, built 1922), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Bra-Kar (Norwegian, 3778 GRT, built 1928), British Consul (British (tanker), 6940 GRT, built 1924), British Tenacity (British (tanker), 8439 GRT, built 1939), Brittany (British, 4772 GRT, built 1928), Ceronia (British (tanker), 4955 GRT, built 1929), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), Curacao (British, 8269 GRT, built 1930), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Dolius (British, 5507 GRT, built 1924), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Goolistan (British, 5851 GRT, built 1929), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Kentar (British, 5878 GRT, built 1920), Lista (British, 3671 GRT, built 1920), Lobos (British, 6479 GRT, built 1921), Mangkalihat (Dutch, 8457 GRT, built 1928), Mount Helmos (Greek, 6481 GRT, built 1923), Oscilla (Dutch (tanker), 6341 GRT, built 1939), Port Auckland (British, 8789 GRT, built 1922), Port Sydney (British, 9129 GRT, built 1914), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Reaveley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Robert Maersk (British, 2290 GRT, built 1937), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939), Schuylkill (British (tanker), 8965 GRT, built 1928), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927), Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937), Tucurinca (British, 5412 GRT, built 1926) and West Totant (British, 5628 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119A was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

The convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) around 0900Q/8.

Around 1400P/11, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

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Convoy HX 119B was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alphacca (British, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Barberrys (British, 5170 GRT, built 1920), Braddock (British, 6619 GRT, built 1919), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Glaiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Idefjord (Norwegian, 4287 GRT, built 1921), Kars (British (tanker), 8888 GRT, built 1939), Leerdam (Dutch, 8815 GRT, built 1921), Maasdam (Dutch, 8812 GRT, built 1921), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mercier (Belgian, 7556 GRT, built 1915), Peder Bogen (British (tanker), 9741 GRT, built 1925), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), Soekaboemi (Dutch, 7051 GRT, built 1923), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926) and Tureby (British, 4372 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 119B was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached to return to Halifax the next day.

Around 0900P/13, Convoy HX 119B merged with convoy HX 119A.

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At 1215Z/14, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN).

At 1210Z/15, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Aurania and HMS Montclare parted company with convoy HX 119 (now combined).

At 1815Z/15, the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy. Followed during the night of 15/16 April by the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN).

At 2130Z/16, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy to proceed to Hvalfjord.

On the 17th, destroyer HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) joined the convoy.

On the 18th, destroyer HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th, corvette HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy

On the 20th, HMS Havelock, HMS Hurricane, HMS Restigouche and HMS Saguenay parted company with the convoy.

On the 21st, HMS Viscount and corvette HMS Freesia parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 22 April.

16 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 121.

This convoy departed Halifax on 16 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antar (British, 5222 GRT, built 1941), Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), British Endurence (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Caledonia (British, 9892 GRT, built 1936), Capsa (British (tanker), 8229 GRT, built 1931), Capulet (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), City of Barcelona (British, 5787 GRT, built 1930), Cornwall (British, 10605 GRT, built 1920), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), Denbydale (British, (Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker), 8145 GRT, built 1941), Dordrecht (British, 4402 GRT, built 1928), El Ciervo (British (tanker), 5841 GRT, built 1923), Empire Puma (British, 7777 GRT, built 1920), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wildebeeste (British, 5631 GRT, built 1918), Ensis (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Grena (British (tanker), 8117 GRT, built 1934), Hilda Knudsen (British (tanker), 9178 GRT, built 1928), Indochinois (British, 6966 GRT, built 1939), King Arthur (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kolsnaren (Swedish, 2465 GRT, built 1923), La Pampa (British, 4149 GRT, built 1938), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929), Lombardy (British, 3379 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Mirza (Dutch (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1929), Moena (Dutch, 9286 GRT, built 1923), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Opalia (British (tanker), 6195 GRT, built 1938), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930), Port Hardy (British, 8897 GRT, built 1923), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), San Felix (British (tanker), 13037 GRT, built 1921), Sourabaya (British (tanker), 10107 GRT, built 1915), Stanford (British, 5969 GRT, built 1941), Stanley (British, 6463 GRT, built 1919), Tahchee (British (tanker), 6508 GRT, built 1914), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1918), Tresillian (British, 4743 GRT, built 1925) and Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN) and the corvettes HMCS Chambly (T/A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR). The corvettes however soon returned to Halifax.

Around 1000PQ(+3.5)/19, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Halifax on 17 April 1941.

HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy around 2245ON(+1.5)/23 to return to Halifax.

In the afternoon of 25 April the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN, HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN) and corvette HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0930Z/27, HMS California parted company with the convoy to proceed to Iceland escorted by HMS Malcolm.

In the morning of the 28th the corvettes, HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR), HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR), HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR), HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) and the rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of the 28th the destroyers HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) joined the convoy.

Also on 28 April 1941, German submarines attacked the convoy. The tanker Capulet was torpedoed and damaged by U-552. Later on the 28th, the tankers Caledonia, Oilfield and transport Port Hardy were torpedoed and sunk by U-96.

On 2 May 1941, the drifting wreck of the abandoned Capulet was finshed off by the German submarine U-201.

The convoy arrived in British waters on 3 May 1941.

25 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 123.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 April 1941.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around 0845O/9, HMS Begonia parted company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Primrose arrived at Londonderry on 13 May 1941.

HMS Rochester arrived at Greenock on 13 May 1941.

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

29 Apr 1941

Convoy SC 30.

This convoy departed Halifax on 29 April 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Bellemina (British, 6517 GRT, built 1919), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Cocle (Panamanian, 5630 GRT, built 1920), Empire Eland (British, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Ingertre (Norwegian, 2462 GRT, built 1921), Jutland (British, 6153 GRT, built 1928), Lifland (British (former Danish), 2254 GRT, built 1921), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919), Marika Protopapa (Greek, 4447 GRT, built 1915), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Selbo (Norwegian, 1778 GRT, built 1921), Sevilla (British, 5135 GRT, built 1900), Shaftesbury (British, 4284 GRT, built 1923), Soborg (British (former Danish), 1993 GRT, built 1924), Somersby (British, 5168 GRT, built 1930), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910), Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923), Twickenham (British, 4762 GRT, built 1940), Vigsnes (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1930), West Raritans (British, 5704 GRT, built 1919), Willemsplein (Dutch, 5489 GRT, built 1910) and Yearby (British, 5666 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Salopian (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) and the submarine HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, DSO, RN). The corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) were also with the convoy until dusk when they returned to Halifax.

Around 2200N/10, in position 56°20'N, 34°50'W, HMS Thunderbolt parted company with the convoy.

Around 1600N/12, in position 59°02'N, 38°34'W, the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN) and the rest of her group [further research required] joined the convoy.

Around 1700N/12, in position 59°06'N, 38°28'W, HMS Salopian parted company with the convoy.

Around noon on the 13th of May the convoys SC 30 and HX 124 joined company continued their passage to the U.K. together as one large convoy. The combined convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 May 1941.

The two convoys had already been in close company since 6 May 1941. (2)

30 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 124.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 20 May 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Alchiba (British, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Echodale (British (tanker), 8150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Steel (British (tanker), 8138 GRT, built 1941), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Morska Wola (Polish, 3208 GRT, built 1924), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached later the same day.

On 2 May the convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). She detached from the convoy on 9 May.

On 11 May the destroyer HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) joined the convoy

On 12 May the destroyers HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR), HMS Notts County (T/S.Lt. R.H. Hampton, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0600Z/13, the destroyers HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1715Z/14 the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyers HMS Scimitar, HMS Malcolm, corvettes HMS Aubretia, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Hollyhock, HMS Mallow, HMS Nigella, HMS Verbena, HMS Veronica and all the A/S trawlers were detached on 14 May.

Around 1200Z/15, the tanker British Industry and the transport Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923) [from convoy SC-30] were detached to Reykjavik escorted by HMS Mallow and HMS Verbena.

HMS Circassia, HMS Watchman and HMS Burwell were detached around 1810Z/15 while on the same day the destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), minesweepers HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Niger ( Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), and catapult ship Ariguani joined the escort.

On 18 May the destroyer HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy. Also on this day HMS Leamington and HMS Anemone were detached.

On 19 May the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined the escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 20 May 1941.

19 May 1941

Convoy SC 32.

This convoy departed Halifax on 19 May 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antiope (British, 4545 GRT, built 1930), Baron Kinnaird (British, 3355 GRT, built 1927), Brynhild (British, 2195 GRT, built 1907), Chagres (British, 5545 GRT, built 1919), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Flynderborg (British, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Inger Elizabeth (Norwegian, 2166 GRT, built 1920), Ingerfire (Norwegian, 3835 GRT, built 1905), Juno (Dutch, 1763 GRT, built 1908), Katwijk (Dutch, 1589 GRT, built 1921), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Picotee (British, 4307 GRT, built 1913), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Rosenborg (British, 1997 GRT, built 1914), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), Stalowa Wola (Polish, 3133 GRT, built 1924), Stonepool (British, 4815 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940), West Saginaw (British, 6187 GRT, built 1919), Western Ocean (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918) and Zypenberg (British, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

The Picotee and Stonepool both developed engine trouble and returned to Halifax.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Around 2030P/19, HMCS Cobalt and HMCS Collingwood parted company with the convoy and returned to Halifax.

During the night of 24/25 May 1942, the Marita straggled from the convoy and she did not rejoin.

Around 1900O/29, Convoy SC 32 temporary joined Convoy HX 128. Convoy SC 32 took station astern of convoy HX 128. With convoy HX 128 was the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) which also was to provide protection to Convoy SC 32.

Around 2000N/30, HMS Talisman parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 2200Z/31, HMS Revenge and HMS Laconia parted company with the convoys to return to Halifax or to proceed to Reykjavik respectively.

A/S escorts commenced to join the convoy as from 29 May but sources vary on their composition, [this will have to be researched further in the future.]

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 7 June 1941.

27 May 1941

Convoy HX 129.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 May 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941.

On departure from Halifax this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agra (Swedish, 4569 GRT, built 1925), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Braganza (Norwegian, 6327 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Empire Albatross (British, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Empire Dawn (British, 7241 GRT, built 1941), Empire Ibex (British, 6990 GRT, built 1918), Empire Impala (British, 6116 GRT, built 1920), Empire Lapwing (British, 5403 GRT, built 1921), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Empire Panter (British, 5600 GRT, built 1919), Empire Ptarmigan (British, 6013 GRT, built 1920), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Erna III (British, 1590 GRT, built 1930), Evanger (Norwegian, 3869 GRT, built 1920), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Koenjit (Dutch, 4551 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas M. (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), Salando (Dutch, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924), Saluta (British, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Suderoy (Norwegian (whale factory ship), 7562 GRT, built 1913), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Zaglobia (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

The rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Earl Beattie, RN) and HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN).

On 28 May 1941, HMS Buxton and HMCS St. Croix were detached.

This convoy merged at sea on 31 May 1941 with convoy BHX 129 which had departed Bermuda on 25 May 1941 and was made up of the following ships; Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), British Princess (British (tanker), 7019 GRT, built 1917), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), El Grillo (British (tanker), 7264 GRT, built 1922), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Ferncastle (Norwegian (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Geisha (British, 5113 GRT, built 1921), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Malmanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7078 GRT, built 1920), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Solsten (Norwegian (tanker), 5379 GRT, built 1929), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930) and Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Bermuda convoy BHX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) which was then detached.

Also on 31 May 1941 the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) joined the convoy to provide cover against attack by enemy surface ships (the German light cruiser Prinz Eugen was still at sea).

On 3 June 1941 the corvettes HMCS Chambly (A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR) joined the convoy.

On 4 June 1941, HMS Repulse parted company with the convoy having been relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN).

On 6 June 1941, HMS Suffolk was detached after the destroyers HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) and HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.S. Connell, RNR) had joined the convoy.

On 7 June the corvettes HMCS Chambly, HMCS Collingwood and HMCS Orillia were detached.

On 8 June the destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR) and the MAC-ship Springbank joined.

On 10 June HMS Alisma was detached.

On 11 June HMS Chelsea, HMS Lincoln, HMS Mansfield, HMS Veteran, HMS Wolverine and HMS Sunflower were detached.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941 escorted by HMS Chitral, HMS Sabre, HMS Venomous, HMS Begonia, HMS Convolvulus, HMS Kincup and HMS Wellard.

27 Jun 1941
HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Malaya II that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-564 in the north Atlantic east of Cape Farewell in position 59°56'N, 30°35'W.

14 Sep 1941
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSC, RN) (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off St. John's. A practice attack was made on a corvette and also A/S exercises were carried out.

Around the same time two corvettes also departed the harbour and were most likely also taking part in the exercises, these were; HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Later in the day HMS Truant also made a practice attack on a merchant vessel. (3)

17 Sep 1941
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off St. John's with HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR).

Later HMS Truant also carried out gunnery exerices. (3)

23 Apr 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Benson, HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR), HMCS Hepatica (T/Lt. T. Gilmour, RCNR) and FFS Aconit. (4)

26 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR), HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN), USS Babbitt, USS Spencer, HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR). (5)

27 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR), HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR), HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN). (6)

5 Apr 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Collingwood (Lt. D.W. Groos, RCN), HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. H.E. McArthur, RCNVR), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) P.J. Fitzgerald, RN), HMCS Amherst (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L. de la C. Audette, RCNVR), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) T.S.L. Fox-Pitt, RN) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, RNR). (7)

1 Jul 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hurricane (Cdr. E.C. Bayldon, DSC, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC, RD, RNR), HMCS Restigouche (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Groos, RCN), HMS Nasturtium (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. R.J.C. Pringle, RCNVR) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of H 28]. (8)

13 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Churchill (Lt. A.C.D. Leach, RN) and HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.J.C. Pringle, RCNVR). (9)

16 Dec 1944
HMS Truculent (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) and her escort HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. H.R. Knight, RCNR) depart from St. John's bound for Philadelphia, U.S.A. (10)

Media links


Corvettes of the Royal Canadian Navy, 1939-1945

MacPherson, Ken and Milner, Marc

Sources

  1. ADM 53/114928 + ADM 53/114929 + ADM 199/718 + ADM 199/1144 + ADM 199/1215 + ADM 199/2099
  2. ADM 199/55 + ADM 199/56
  3. ADM 53/114284 + ADM 173/17098
  4. ADM 173/17248
  5. ADM 173/17216
  6. ADM 173/17252
  7. ADM 173/17793
  8. ADM 173/17772
  9. ADM 173/17773
  10. ADM 173/18993

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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