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Notable events involving Vasilefs Georgios (ii) include:

18 Aug 1943

Combined convoy OG 92 / KMS 24.

This convoy assembled off Oversay on 18 August 1943. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Auk (British, 1338 GRT, built 1921), Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Baron Semple (British, 4573 GRT, built 1939), Bodegraven (Dutch, 5541 GRT, 1929), Cape Brenton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), City of Hongkong (British, 9609 GRT, built 1924), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), City of Lille (British, 6588 GRT, built 1928), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Empire Mortimer (British, 7051 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rhodes (British, 7030 GRT, built 1941), Empire Service (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Exilona (American, 5593 GRT, built 1919), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Fort Camosun (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort Coulonge (British, 7136 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Highwear (British, 1173 GRT, built 1936), Howra (British, 6709 GRT, built 1922), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922) Lom (Norwegian, 1268 GRT, built 1920), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Mers el Kebir (French, 2052 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Angel (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921) and Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930).

The escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920) and rescue vessel Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the desroyers HMS Hurricane (Cdr. E.C. Bayldon, DSC, RN, HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN) and the corvettes HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Hydrangea (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.S. Howell, RNR), HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR) and HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR). Also part of the escort was the sloop HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN) which initially was part of the A/S escort but after the convoy would cross 46°00'N she was to act as AA ship during daylight being stationed astern of the convoy and she was to be part of the A/S escort during the night.

The merchant vessel Zaanstroom (Dutch, 1646 GRT, built 1920) sailed late and joined the convoy around 1030A/19 in position 55°08'N, 10°00'W, with the corvette HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR) which had remained behind to escort her.

Around 1815A/18, the Exilona was detached to the Clyde as ordered by the C-in-C Western Approaches.

During the night of 18/19 August 1943, the Highwear developed engine trouble and then detached from the convoy to return to the U.K.

Around 0015A/21, HMS Wanderer was detached to search for a missing aircraft as ordered in the C-in-C Western Approaches signal timed 2323A/20. She rejoined the convoy around 1925A/21 having seen nothing.

On 22 August 1943, HMS Hurricane and HMS Wanderer fuelled from the escort oiler Scottish American.

On 22 August 1943, HMS Wallfolower fuelled from the escort oiler Scottish American.

At 0320A/25, HMS Wanderer obtained a small radar echo on her port bow at a range of 14000 yards. She then proceeded to close this contact at 20 knots. Her contact faded at a range of 3800 yards. Asdic contact was then gained and a depth charge attack was carried out. HMS Wallflower was then ordered to join her in the A/S hunt. Meanwhile HMS Wanderer carried out another depth charge attack after which contact was lost. Later HMS Wanderer and HMS Wallflower regained contact after which HMS Wallflower carried out two depth charge attacks. Contact was then again lost. About an hour later HMS Wanderer again regained contact and carried out a Hedgehog attack. One explosion was heard. This was followed ten minutes later by a depth charge attack by HMS Wanderer and seven minutes later the U-boat surfaced. HMS Wanderer and HMS Wallflower opened fire and hits were obtained. The U-boat then sank and thirty-seven survivors, including the Commanding Officer, were then picked up. Four of these were seriously wounded and were subsequently transferred to the Zamalek. Fifteen others were transferred by HMS Wallflower to HMS Hurricane.

On 26 August 1943, HMS Wanderer, HMS Cygnet and HMS Hydrangea fuelled from the escort oiler Scottish American.

Around 2100A/28, the following merchant vessels were detached from the convoy to proceed to Lisbon; Empire Mortimer, Empire Rhodes, Empire Service, Empire Wolfe, Flaminian, Fort Coulonge, Leonardia, Lightfoot, Ocean Angel and Skeldergate. They were escorted by HMS Cygnet, HMS Wanderer and HMS Wallflower. They arrived at Lisbon on the 29th.

Around 05305A/30, in position 36°01'N, 05°23'W the following merchant vessels were detached to Gibraltar (where convoy OG 92 ended); Bactria, City of Lancaster, Empire Spey, Fort Fidler, Fort Thompson, Lom, Mers el Kebir and PLM 13. Also detached were the Scottish American, Zamalek. They were escorted by HMS Hydrangea and HMS Monkshood. They arrived at Gibraltar later the same day.

Around 0800A/30, in position 36°14'N, 04°30'W the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Charles M. Conrad (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Elihu Yale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Louisa M. Alcott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932) and Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Gibraltar were the tugs Weazel, Empire Griffin and the boom defence vessel HMS Barndale (T/Lt. R.L. Jones, RNR). Also the light (AA) cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), HMS Camellia (T/Lt. R.F.J. Maberley, RNVR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR) and the patrol vessel RHS Vasilefs Georgios II joined. HMS Borage and HMS Dahlia then parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

At 1055A/30, HMS Hurricane parted company to proceed to Gibraltar.

In the afternoon the corvette HMS Bluebell (Lt. G.H. Walker, RNVR) overtook and joined the convoy after having been delayed due to defects.

Around 0930B/31, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), Lorraine (French (tanker), 9512 GRT, built 1937), Tintern Abbey (British, 2471 GRT, built 1939), Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) and Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907). Lorraine however almost immediately returned to Oran.

At 0915B/1, the following merchant vessels were detached to Algiers; Auk, Chelma, Elihu Yale, Louisa M. Alcott, Hallfried, Lublin, Solomon Juneau, Zaanstroom. The tugs HMS Weazel and Empire Griffin were also detached.

At the same time the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), Crackshot (British, 2379 GRT, built 1924), Empire Dace (British (ferry), 716 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Gallium (French, 1775 GRT, built 1924), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907). Also joining was the submarine HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN).

During the night of 1/2 September 1943, the Empire Dace, Ville de Bougie and Ville de Djidjelli were detached to Bougie while two merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bougie, these were the; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925) and Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925).

Around 1330B/2, the merchant vessel British Character parted company off Philippeville while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy; Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910) and Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938).

At 2000B/2, the merchant vessels Baron Semple, Fort Glenora and Langleebrook parted company off Bone while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bone; British Purpose (British (tanker), 5845 GRT, built 1943), Como (British, 1295 GRT, built 1910), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922) and Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920).

At 0900B/3, the following merchant ships parted company off Bizerta; Alcinous, Como, Ousel, Prometheus, Tintern Abbey and Ulla. The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bizerta, these were the; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Empire Opal (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1941), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942). Also joining the convoy was the boom defence vessel HMS Barmond (T/Lt. L.J. Essery, RNR), the gasoline tanker USS Aroostook and the self propelled fuel barge USS Anticline.

At 1330B/3, the following ships were detached to Tunis, Eildon, Prosper Schiaffino, USS Aroostook and USS Anticline.

Around 1800B/3, the Selvik parted company to proceed to Sfax.

Around 1330B/4, in position 35.10'N, 13.30'E the following merchant vessels were detached to Malta; Crackshot, Empire Thackeray, Gallium, Odysseus and Spero. Also detached were HMS Delhi, HMS Bergamot, HMS Barmond and HMS Barndale. Joining from Malta were the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Debrett (British, 6244 GRT, built 1940), Empire Kamal (British, 7862 GRT, built 1938), Empire Patrol (British, 3334 GRT, built 1928), Fort Lajoie (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935) and Suiyang (British, 2590 GRT, built 1917). With these ships the escort destroyer HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid also joined.

At the same time these ships were detached and joined from Malta the Augusta / Syracusa portion of the convoy parted company. They were to proceed to their destination via Malta. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Chloris, Conakrian, Empire Snow, Empire Summer, Manchester Exporter and Portsea.

Around 1100C/5, in position 34°26'N, 17°05'E, HMS Tally-Ho parted company to proceed independently to Port Said.

Around 1200C/6, in position 33°07'N, 20°52'E, the merchant vessel Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi.

Around 1215C/6, in position 33°08'N, 20°53'E, HMSAS Southern Maid parted company to proceed to Benghazi.

Around 1130C/7, the merchant vessels Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917) and Lee Sang (British, 1655 GRT, built 1907) joined the convoy coming from Tobruk.

Around 0745C/9, the following merchant vessel were detached to Alexandria; Cape Brenton, City of Hongkong, City of Lille, Clan Murdoch, Empire Kamal, Fort la Traite, Fort Lajoie, Kwai Sang, Neuralia, Sofala and Suiyang. Also detached were HMS Rockwood, HMS Camellia, HMS La Malouine and RHS Vasilefs Georgios II.

Around 0630C/9, the sloop HMIS Sutlej (A/Cdr. A.H. Watt, RIN) joined in position 31°20'N, 29°39'E.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 10 September 1943. (1)

10 Mar 1944

Convoy MKS 43.

This convoy departed Port Said on 10 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), British Aviator (British (tanker), 6998 GRT, built 1924), British Chemist (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1925), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Egero (Norwegian (tanker), 7590 GRT, built 1929), Empire Baron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920), Mactra (British (tanker), 6193 GRT, built 1936), Samdel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samneva (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR) and auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and corvette RHS Apostolis.

Around 1700B/10, the Alexandria section of the convoy joined. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gloucester (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Hugh McCulloch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911), Pegu (British, 7838 GRT, built 1943), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphill (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940) and Wiley Post (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the patrol vessel RHS Vasilefs Georgios II.

Around 0900A/16, in position 35°55'N, 15°46'E, the following ships were detached to Augusta;
Balfe, Belgian Veteran, British Aviator, British Chemist, Buccinum, Cape Hawke, Empire Tristram, Fort Gloucester, Fort St. Paul, Hugh McCulloch, Mactra, Maihar, Samarina, Sambrake, Sampa, Samsylvan, Tidewater and Wiley Post. Also HMS Teviotbank was detached.

Around 1000A/16, in position 36°00'N, 15°39'E, the following merchant ships joined coming from Augusta;
British Chancellor (British (tanker), 7085 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Christopher Gadsden (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Horace H. Lurton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Odysseus (Dutch, 1057 GRT, 1922), Pio Pico (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), R.C. Brennan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ralph Waldo Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 1920), Samothrace (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918), Slemmestad (Norwegian, 4258 GRT, built 1928), Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The boom defence vessel HMS Barova (T/Lt. J.R. Radley, RNR) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary salvage vessel King Salvor (1111 GRT, built 1942) also joined the convoy with this section.

Around 1700A/16, in position 36°26'N, 14°48'E, the following merchant vessels were detached to Malta;
Egero and Glenogle while the following merchant vessels joined coming from Malta;
Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Nordlys (British, 3726 GRT, built 1916) and Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928). Also joining from Malta was the submarine FFS Curie (Lt. P.J. Chailley).

Around 1345A/17, in position 36°55'N, 11°55'E, the merchant vessel Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918) joined. She should have joined with the Augusta section but had sailed late.

Around 1600A/17, in position 36°58'N, 11°34'E, the merchant vessel Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927) joined. She should have joined with the Augusta section but had sailed late.

Around 2230A/17, in position 37°14'N, 10°29'E, the following merchant ships joined coming from Tunis;
Abbazia (Italian, 3706 GRT, built 1912), Belpareil (Norwegian, 7203 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919).

Around 0140A/18, in position 37°20'N, 10°00'E, the following ships were detached to Bizerta;
British Vigour, Christopher Gadsden, Horace H. Lurton and Odysseus.

Around 0200A/18, in position 37°20'N, 09°58'E, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Bizerta;
Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Empire Harp (British (tanker), 861 GRT, built 1942), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) and Var (French, 7935 GRT, built 1931). Also joining from Bizerta were the LST's HMS LST 9 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Windle, RNR), HMS LST 62 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Rayer, DSC, OBE, RNR), HMS LST 65 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.J. Smith, RD, RNR), HMS LST 322 ( A/Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS 401 (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Devitt, RNR), HMS 402 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Sprigge, RNR), HMS 408 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Cook, RNR), HMS 409 (A/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Dixon, RANVR), HMS 416 (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Braine, RNR), HMS 419 (T/Lt. H.A. Standfield, RNR), HMS 423 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomson, RNR), HMS 428 (T/Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hamlyn, RNR) and HMS 430 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.H. Laws, RD, RNR).

Around 0430A/18, HMS Barova was detached to Bizera due to engine defects.

Around 1545A/18, in position 37°14'N, 07°52'E, the following ships were detached to Bone;
Belpareil, Corchester, Empire Harp, Fort Frontenac, Lyminge, Samothrace, Serula and Stancleeve.

Around 2100A/18, in position 37°10'N, 07°00'E, the following ships were detached to Phillipeville;
Fort Chesterfield and Fort Grant.

Around 0800A/19, in position 37°01'N, 05°07'E, the merchant vessel Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.

Around 2000A/19, in position 36°54'N, 03°11'E, the following ships were detached to Algiers;
Abbazia, Boltonhall, British Chancellor, Chloris, Corstar, Felix Grundy, Iceland, James M. Wayne, James Turner, Kobad, Louis McClane, Nicholas Gilman, Norholm, Rhea, Salawati, Samtampa, Var and Winslow Homer. The King Salvor was also detached to Algiers.

Around 2100A/19, in position 36°53'N, 03°00'E, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Coxwold (British, 1124 GRT, built 1938), Fort de Troyon (French, 5131 GRT, built 1919), Imperial Monarch (British, 5831 GRT, built 1926), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Mont Everest (French, 5183 GRT, built 1918), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Sneland I (Norwegian, 1791 GRT, built 1922) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

Around 2130A/20, in position 36°00'N, 00°44'W, the following ships were detached to Oran;
Daniel H. Lownsdale, Emma Willard, Empire Stour, Frances E. Willard, George F. Patten, Hannis Taylor, John C. Fremont, John Murray Forbes, Joseph Warren, Leland Stanford, Mont Everest, Pio Pico, R.C. Brennan, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Stone, Ville de Djidjelli, Will R. Wood and William R. Davie. Also the patrol vessel RHS Vasilefs Georgios II was detached to Mers-el-Kebir.

Around 2200A/20, in position 35°51'N, 00°51'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers.
Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928) and Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). Also the French armed merchant cruiser Quercy and American naval tug USS ATR 47 (Lt.(jg) H.L. Lane, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 2345A/20, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy coming from Mers-el-Kebir.

The convoy arrived in Gibraltar Bay in the early hours of 22 March 1944. (2)