Background Events

(November 1942)-January 1943

Landings in French North Africa ('Torch'), Final battles for Guadalcanal & Stalingrad, 'Cockleshell heroes', Battle of Barents Sea

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

JANUARY 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

            1st-5th              At sea with HOWE, BERMUDA, and a screen of six destroyers covering convoy R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa

            5th-31st            Scapa

 

2. HMS DUKE OF YORK

            1st-31st            Rosyth, refitting

 

3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st                    Left Seidisfiord, escorted by FORESTER, IMPULSIVE, and ICARUS for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with SHEFFIELD and a screen of four destroyers to cover convoy J W 52

            27th                  Returned to Akureyri on completion

30th                  Left Akureyri with SHEFFIELD and a screen of four destroyers to cover R A 52

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-5th              At Sea with the Battlefleet covering R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            5th-31st            Scapa

 

5. HMS MALAYA

            1st-31st            Scapa, working up

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. HMS RENOWN

            1st-31st            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

            5th                    Captain J. E. Parry, RN assumed command Vice Captain C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, RN

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. HMS INDOMITABLE (Flag of Vice Admiral, Aircraft Carriers

            1st-31st            Liverpool refitting and repairing action damage

 

8. HMS FURIOUS

            1st-31st            Detached with Force H in the Western Mediterranean

 

9. HMS DASHER

            1st-26th            Liverpool for repairs and alterations

            26th                  Left Liverpool for Clyde to work up

            27th                  Arrived Clyde

            27th-31st           Clyde

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

10. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-6th              At Sea with BERWICK covering R A 51

            6th                    Returned to Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe arriving p.m. for J W 52 convoy conference

            18th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m. and sailing later the same day with BERMUDA and GLASGOW

                                    (Force R) to Seidisfiord to fuel and cover J W 52

20th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            21st                  Left Seidisfiord with Force R to cover J W 52

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

30th                  Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 52

 

11. HMS LONDON

            1st-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

12. HMS NORFOLK

            1st                    Left Patrol WHITE for Hvalfiord, arriving p.m.

            1st-31st            Hvalfiord

 

13. HMS SUFFOLK

            1st-31st            London, refitting

 

14. HMS BERWICK

            1st-6th              At Sea with KENT covering R A 51

            6th                    Returned to Scapa

            22nd                 Left Scapa for the Clyde for minor repairs and to give leave

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde

            23rd-31st           Clyde

 

 15. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st-21st            Hvalfiord

            21st                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            23rd                  Arrived Scapa

            23rd-31st           Scapa

 

16. HMS SUSSEX

            1st-4th              Tyne, for repairs to boilers and main armament

            4th                    Left Tyne on completion for trials and for Scapa to work up

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            5th-31st            Scapa, working up

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

17. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-31st            Scapa

            12th                  Flag of Rear Admiral R.L. Burnett, CBE, as Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron hoisted

 

18. HMS BERMUDA

            1st-5th              At Sea with the Battlefleet covering R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with GLASGOW to cover Operation F C.

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            18th                  Left Scapa with KENT and GLASGOW (Force R) for Seidisfiord to fuel

20th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            21st                  Left Seidisfiord with Force R to cover J W 52

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

30th                  Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 52

 

19. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-4th              With JAMAICA (Force R) covering R A 51

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord with JAMAICA

            5th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            8th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for minor repairs and to give leave

            9th                    Arrived Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with ANSON and screen of four destroyers to cover J W 52

            27th                  Arrived Akureyri on completion with ANSON

30th                  Left Akureyri with ANSON and screen of four destroyers to cover R A 52

 

20. HMS GLASGOW

            1st-11st            Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with BERMUDA to cover Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            18th                  Left Scapa with KENT and BERMUDA (Force R) for Seidisfiord to fuel

20th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            21st                  Left Seidisfiord with Force R to cover J W 52

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet on completion

30th                  Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 52

 

21. HMS KENYA

            1st-12th            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs

            3rd                    Captain D.P. Evans, RN assumed command vice Captain A.S. Russell, DSO, RN

            12th                  Left Tyne for Rosyth for tilt test, arriving p.m.

            18th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

            18th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

22. HMS JAMAICA

            1st-4th              At Sea with SHEFFIELD (Force R) covering R A 51

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord on completion

            5th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            6th-31st            Scapa

 

23. HMS SCYLLA

            1st                    On passage from Gibraltar to United Kingdom intercepted and sank German blockade runner RHAKOTIS in

                                    45-01N, 10-50W

            3rd                    Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for the Tyne for refit

            5th                    Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            5th-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

24. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-31st            Barrow for refit and Arctic fitting

 

Cruisers temporarily attached for working up

 

25. HMS PENELOPE

            1st-16th            Scapa, working up

            16th                  Left Scapa for Clyde on completion

            17th                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for Gibraltar

            22nd                 Arrived Gibraltar to join the Mediterranean Fleet

 

26. HMS CARLISLE

            1st-17th            Scapa, working up

            11th                  Suffered weather damage while putting to sea to cover Operation F C

            17th                  Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion of working up, for weather damage repairs and alterations.

            19th                  Arrived Plymouth

 

27. HMS UGANDA

            1st-7th              Rosyth for trials, tilt test etc

            7th                    Left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            7th-31st            Scapa, working up

 

28. HMS NEWFOUNDLAND

            15th                  Left Tyne on completion for Rosyth for trials, arriving p.m.

            22nd                 Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

            22nd-31st          Scapa, working up

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

29. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-7th              On passage from Gibraltar to United Kingdom, sweeping through positions 43-30N, 28-00W and

                                    44-30N, 29-00W.

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            8th                    Left Scapa for Tyne for refit

            9th                    Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            9th-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

30. HMS MARNE

            1st-31stGibraltar for temporary action damage repairs

 

31. HMS METEOR

            1st-6th              On passage from Gibraltar to United Kingdom, sweeping through positions 43-30N, 28-00W and

                                    44-30N, 29-00W.

            6th                    Arrived Clyde, taken in hand for boiler cleaning

20th                  Taken in hand for short refit on the Clyde

20th-31st           Clyde, refitting

 

32. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st                    Arrived Scapa with OPPORTUNE from Kola Inlet

            10th                  Left Scapa with OFFA for Seidisfiord

            12th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            13th                  Left Seidisfiord with OFFA for Akureyri

            14th                  Arrived Akureyri

            16th                  Left Akureyri with OFFA for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers, joining J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

 33. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st-5th              At Sea, screening the Battlefleet covering R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            6th                    Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            12th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with PIORUN for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers, joining J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

34. ORP ORKAN

            1st-20th            Scapa, working up

20th                  Left Scapa for Seidisfiord to fuel and for screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord with screen to fuel, sailing p.m.

            23rd                  Joined ANSON and SHEFFIELD from Scapa, proceeded to cover J W 52

            27th                  Returned to Akureyri on completion

30th                  Left Akureyri with screen for ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

 

35. ORP PIORUN

            1st-5th              At Sea with screen of Battlefleet, covering R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with the 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Scapa with MUSKETEER for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers, joining J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

36. HMS ESKIMO (Captain (D), Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-31st            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

37. HMS TARTAR

            1st-31st            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

38. HMS ASHANTI

            1st-31st            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

39. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st-7th              Humber, refitting

            7th                    Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa for Aberdeen, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Embarked the First Lord of the Admiralty and sailed for Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for position 59-38N, 1-48E to cover Operation CARHAMPTON

            16th                  Arrived in covering position. Operation unsuccessful, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Sailed Scapa for Loch Ewe , arriving a.m. for J W 52 convoy conference and sailing p.m. with J W 52

                                    and escort

            21st                  Left J W 52 with BLANKEY and LEDBURY for Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with BLANKNEY to Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            24th-31st           Scapa

 

40. HMS LEDBURY

            1st-6th              Seidisfiord

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and MONTROSE, joining R A 51 p.m. for escort to Loch Ewe

            10th                  Detached from R A 51 to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with ONSLAUGHT and EASTON for Loch Ewe for J W 52 convoy conference, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 52 and escort

            21st                  Detached from J W 52 with MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY to Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. for the Clyde for boiler cleaning and repairs

            24th                  Arrived Clyde and taken in hand

            24th-31st           Clyde, boiler cleaning

 

41. HMS WHEATLAND

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

42. HMS LAMERTON

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

43. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st-6th              Seidisfiord

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with LEDBURY and MONTROSE, joining R A 51 p.m. for escort to Loch Ewe

            9th                    Detached from R A 51 for Scapa, sailing p.m. for the Clyde for boiler cleaning.

            11th                  Arrived Clyde and taken in hand

            16th                  Sailed on completion for Loch Ewe for J W 52 convoy conference

            17th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, sailing p.m. with J W 52

            21st                  Left J W 52 with MIDDLETON and LEDBURY for Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with MIDDLETON for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            24th-31st           Scapa

 

44. HMS WILTON

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

45. HMS BRECON

            1st-18th            Scapa, working up

            18th                  Left Scapa with OBDURATE for the Tyne

            19th                  Arrived Tyne sailing p.m. with PORT QUEBEC to Scapa

20th                  Arrived Scapa with PORT QUEBEC

20th-29th           Scapa, working up

            29th                  Left Scapa for Southampton for boiler cleaning and repairs

            31st                  Arrived Southampton

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

46. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-6th              At Sea, escorting R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            13th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            14th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

20th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD to cover J W 52

            23rd                  Detached from screen with ECLIPSE to Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa with ECLIPSE

            24th-31st           Scapa

 

47. HMS FURY

            1st-6th              At Sea, escorting R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Dundee for repairs

            11th                  Arrived Dundee, taken in hand

            28th                  Left Dundee on completion for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th-31st           Scapa

 

48. HMS FORESTER

            1st                    Arrived Seidisfiord after being hove to in a gale off Langanes. Sailed p.m. with screen of ANSON to Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with ANSON

            9th                    Left Scapa with ICARUS for Seidisfiord and Kola Inlet

            10th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled and sailed p.m. for Kola Inlet

            14th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

            25th                  Left Kola Inlet with ICARUS to reinforce escort of J W 52

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

49. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st-6th              At Sea, escorting R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth with the First Lord of the Admiralty arriving a.m. and returning p.m. to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            23rd                  Detached from screen with FAULKNOR to Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Akureyri, movement later cancelled and returned p.m. to Scapa

            26th-31st           Scapa

 

50. HMS ECHO

            1st-6th              At Sea, escorting R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, detached to assist VIVACIOUS, broken down in 60-15N, 10-00W.

                                    Proceeded p.m. to Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

20th                  Left Scapa with ORKAN, QUEENBOROUGH, and RAIDER for Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled and sailed p.m. to rendezvous with ANSON and SHEFFIELD from Scapa

            23rd                  Joined screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            27th                  Arrived Akureyri on completion, sailing p.m. with QUEENBOROUGH and RAIDER for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

30th                  Left Scapa for the Humber to refit

            31st                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

51. HMS INTREPID

            1st-26th            Humber, refitting

            26th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            27th                  Arrived Scapa

 

52. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st-6th              At Sea, escorting R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, detached to assist VIVACIOUS, broken down in 60-15N, 10-00W.

                                    Proceeded p.m. to Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

20th                  Left Scapa with ORKAN, QUEENBOROUGH, and RAIDER for Seidisfiord

            21st                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            23rd                  Detached from screen to Akureyri with MONTROSE, arriving p.m.

30th                  Left Akureyri with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

 

53. HMS ICARUS

            1st                    Left Seidisfiord with screen of ANSON for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with ANSON

            9th                    Left Scapa with FORESTER for Seidisfiord

            10th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled and sailed p.m. for Kola Inlet

            14th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

            25th                  Left Kola Inlet with FORESTER to reinforce escort of J W 52

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

54. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st                    Arrived Seidisfiord after being hove to in a gale off Langanes. Sailed p.m. with screen of ANSON for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa with ANSON, sailing p.m. for the Humber for refit

            4th                    Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            4th-31st            Humber, refitting

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

55. HMS ONSLOW

            1st                    Arrived Kola Inlet for temporary action damage repairs

            11th                  Captain R. St V. Sherbrooke, VC, Royal Navy (Captain D)) left Kola Inlet in OBEDIENT for United Kingdom.

                                    (wounded in action 31st December 1942)

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet on completion with R A 52 and escort

 

56. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-7th              Hull, refitting

            7th                    Left Hull on completion for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa with MATCHLESS for Seidisfiord

            12th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            13th                  Left Seidisfiord with MATCHLESS for Akureyri

            16th                  Left Akureyri for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers and joined J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

57. HMS ORIBI

            1st                    Arrived Kola Inlet from J W 51 B having lost contact with the convoy

            14th                  Left Kola Inlet with ORWELL and BOADICEA for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with ORWELL for Scapa

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa with OBEDIENT for Hvalfiord

            26th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            27th                  Left Hvalfiord with OBEDIENT for Akureyri

            28th                  Arrived Akureyri

30th                  Left Akureyri with screen for ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

 

58. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st                    Leith, refitting

            2nd                   Left Leith on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Scapa with 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned, returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Scapa with LEDBURY and EASTON for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m. for J W 52 convoy conference

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers and joined J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

59. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st                    Arrived Scapa with MATCHLESS from Kola Inlet

            5th                    Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            6th                    Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            6th-31st            Humber, refitting

 

60. HMS OBDURATE

            1st                    At Sea escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 51 B

            11th                  Left Kola Inlet with OBEDIENT for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with BRECON for Tyne for refit

            19th                  Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            19th-31st           Tyne, refitting

 

61. HMS ORWELL

            1st                    At Sea escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with J S 51 B

            14th                  Left Kola Inlet with ORIBI and BOADICEA for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with ORIBI for Scapa

            19th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

20th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            26th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            27th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th-31st           Scapa

 

62. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st                    At Sea escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola with J W 51 B

            11th                  Left Kola Inlet (with Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla – wounded) with OBDURATE for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth

            16th                  Arrived Rosyth, disembarked Captain (D), 17th Destroyer Flotilla

            19th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa

20th                  Arrived Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord with ORIBI

            26th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            27th                  Left Hvalfiord with ORIBI for Akureyri

            28th                  Arrived Akureyri

30th                  Left Akureyri with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

63. HMS CHIDDINGFOLD

            1st-4th              Seidisfiord

            4th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            6th                    Arrived Scapa, reverted to Vice Admiral Commanding, Orkney and Shetland’s Command

 

64. HMS MONTROSE

            1st                    At Sea with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 51

            2nd                   Detached from the Battlefleet at Seidisfiord

            3rd                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and LEDBURY and joined R A 51 p.m. for escort to Loch Ewe

            10th                  Detached from R A 51 with LEDBURY to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            23rd                  Detached from screen with INGLEFIELD to Akureyri, arriving p.m.

30th                  Left Akureyri for Scapa

 

65. HMS WALPOLE

            1st-15th            Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            17th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            18th                  Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            21st-31st           Scapa

 

66. HMS WINDSOR

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for Harwich on completion of duty with the Home Fleet

            5th                    Arrived Harwich

 

67. HMS VIVACIOUS

            1st-11th            Scapa

            11th                  Left Scapa with 8th Destroyer Flotilla for Operation F C

            12th                  Operation F C abandoned. Broke down in 60-15N, 10-00W. Eventually got under way and arrived Lerwick

                                    p.m. for temporary repairs

            15th                  Left Lerwick for Scapa for repairs

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th-31st           Scapa

 

68. HMS WORCESTER

            1st-2nd             At Sea with screen of Battlefleet covering R A 51

            3rd                    Detached from the Battlefleet to Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord and joined R A 51 for escort to Loch Ewe

            10th                  Detached from convoy to Stornoway with defects in condensers, arriving p.m. for temporary repairs

            12th                  Left Stornoway for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Scapa for Chatham for repairs

            15th                  Arrived Chatham

 

69. HMS RAIDER

            1st-5th              At Sea with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 51

            5th                    Returned to Scapa

20th                  Left Scapa with three other destroyers for Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled, and sailed p.m. to rendezvous with ANSON and SHEFFIELD from Scapa

            23rd                  Joined screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering J W 52

            27th                  Returned on completion to Akureyri, sailing p.m. with QUEENBOROUGH and ECHO for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

 

71. HMS BOADICEA

            1st-14th            Kola Inlet

            14th                  Left Kola Inlet with ORIBI and ORWELL for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. for the Clyde

            19th                  Arrived Clyde on completion of duty with Home Fleet

 

72. HMS BEAGLE

            1st-6th              At Sea with R A 51

            6th                    Detached from R A 51 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            7th                    Left Seidisfiord for the Clyde

            9th                    Arrived Clyde

            15th                  Sailed from Clyde with BULLDOG for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers and joined J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52 and escort

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

73. HMS BULLDOG

            15th                  Sailed from Clyde with BEAGLE for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers and joined J W 52 p.m. as additional escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52 and escort

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

Destroyers Attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

74. HMS QUADRANT

            1st-7th              Scapa, working up

            7th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for foreign service

 

75. GS MIAOULES

            1st-7th              Scapa, working up

            7th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for foreign service

 

76. GS ADRIAS

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for foreign service

 

77. HMS RELENTLESS

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa for Liverpool for foreign service

 

78. HMCS IROQUOIS

            1st-27th            Scapa, working up

            27th                  Left Scapa for Tyne for boiler cleaning and repairs

            28th                  Tyne

            28th-31st           Tyne, boiler cleaning

 

79. HMS EASTON

            1st-16th            Scapa, working up

            16th                  Left Scapa with ONSLAUGHT and LEDBURY for Loch Ewe for J W 52 convoy conference, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m. to continue working up

            26th                  Left Scapa for the Clyde on completion of working up

            27th                  Arrived Clyde for foreign service

 

80. HMS QUAIL

            18th                  Arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up

            18th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

81. HMS EGGESFORD

            27th                  Arrived Scapa from Plymouth to work up

            27th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

Minelayers temporarily attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

82. HMS AGAMEMNON

            18th                  Arrived Scapa from Sheerness to work up

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Port Z A with PORT QUEBEC on completion, arriving p.m.

 

83. HMS PORT QUEBEC

20th                  Arrived Scapa from the Tyne, escorted by BRECON, to work up

            23rd                  Left Scapa with AGAMEMNON, on completion, for Port Z A, arriving p.m.

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

84. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola with SEAGULL to provide local escort for J W 51B

            3rd                    Returned to Kola Inlet

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

85. HMS SEAGULL

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola with HARRIER to provide local escort for J W 51B

            3rd                    Returned to Kola Inlet

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

86. HMS BRITOMART

            1st-15th            Humber, refitting

            15th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Loch Ewe

            17th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, sailing p.m. with J W 52 and escort for North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

 

87. HMS HAZARD

            1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

88. HMS SHARPSHOOTER

            1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

89. HMS GLEANER

            1st-10th            At Sea with R A 51

            10th                  Detached from R A 51 to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            13th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            13th-31st           Humber, refitting

 

90. HMS HALCYON

            1st-31st            Milford Haven, refitting

 

91. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st-31st            Aberdeen, refitting

 

92. HMS JASON

            1st-27th            Rosyth, converting to Fleet Minesweeper

            27th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up

            28th                  Arrived Scapa

            28th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

93. HMS FRASERBURGH (Senior Officer, Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

            1st-2nd             Reykjavik

            3rd                    Left Reykjavik with BOOTLE and BEAUMARIS for Clyde for boiler cleaning and to give leave

            7th                    Arrived Clyde

            28th                  Left Clyde on completion with BOOTLE for Seidisfiord

 

94. HMS BEAUMARIS

            1st-2nd             Reykjavik

            3rd                    Left Reykjavik with FRASERBURGH and BOOTLE for Clyde for boiler cleaning and to give leave

            7th                    Arrived Clyde; taken in hand

            7th-31st            Clyde, refitting

 

95. HMS BOOTLE

            1st-2nd             Reykjavik

            3rd                    Left Reykjavik with FRASERBURGH and BEAUMARIS for Clyde for boiler cleaning and to give leave

            7th                    Arrived Clyde; taken in hand

            28th                  Left Clyde on completion with FRASERBURGH for Seidisfiord

 

96. HMS LLANDUDNO

            1st-15th            Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            17th-31st           Seidisfiord

 

97. HMS PETERHEAD

            1st-4th              At Sea on passage to Reykjavik

            4th                    Arrived Reykjavik

            12th                  Left Reykjavik with CIRCE and FLY for Seidisfiord

            14th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            14th-31st           Seidisfiord

 

98. HMS CIRCE

            1st-12th            Hvalfiord

            12th                  Left Hvalfiord with PETERHEAD and FLY for Seidisfiord

            14th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            23rd                  Left Seidisfiord for Clyde for boiler cleaning and to give leave

            25th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            25th-31st           Clyde

 

99. HMS FLY

            1st-5th              At Sea, on passage from Scapa to Hvalfiord

            5th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            12th                  Left Hvalfiord with PETERHEAD and CIRCE for Seidisfiord

            14th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            14th-31st           Seidisfiord

 

Corvettes attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

100. HMS OXLIP

            1st-29th            Kola Inlet

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort for United Kingdom

 

101. HMS HYDERABAD

            1st-29th            Kola Inlet

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort for United Kingdom

 

102. HMS RHODODENDRON

            1st                    At Sea, escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 B

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort for United Kingdom

 

103. HMS HONEYSUCKLE

            1st                    At Sea, escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 B

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort for United Kingdom

 

104. HMS LOTUS

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 52 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            27th-31st           Kola Inlet

 

105. HMS STARWORT

            1st                    At Sea, escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 B

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort for United Kingdom

 

Trawlers attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

106. HMS LADY MADELEINE

107. HMS NORTHERN WAVE

            1st-29th            Left Kola Inlet with R A 52 and escort

 

108. HMS NORTHERN GEM

109. HMS VIZALMA

            1st                    At Sea, escorting J W 51 B

            2nd                   Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 B

            29th                  Left Kola Inlet with R A 52

 

110. HMS ST ELSTAN

111. HMS NORTHERN PRIDE

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 52 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 52

            27th-31st           Kola Inlet

 

North Russian Convoys

 

112. Convoy R A 51

 

This westbound convoy left North Russia on 30 December and arrived without loss in the Untied Kingdom on 11th January. 14 ships left Kola Inlet with a normal close escort, but in view of the attack by enemy surface forces on J W 51 B on 31st December, there were two cruiser forces in addition to the Battlefleet providing surface cover for the convoy. No enemy air, surface, or U boat attack materialized, but the convoy was shadowed by enemy aircraft, and probably by U boats as well, during the first part of its passage

 

Details of the passage of R A 51 are as follows:

 

1. Convoy and close escort

 

30th December  The convoy (14 merchant ships) escorted by FAULKNOR (Senior Officer), ECHO, ECLIPSE, FURY,

                        INGLEFIELD, BEAGLE, GLEANER, CAPE ARGONA,

DANEMAN, CAPE MARIATO, and ST KENAN left Kola Inlet for Loch Ewe

            31st                  Convoy sighted and shadowed by enemy aircraft

 5th January      BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and MONTROSE left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with the convoy

 6th                   BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and MONTROSE joined the convoy for escort to Loch Ewe.

FAULKNOR, INGLEFIELD, ECLIPSE, ESCHO, FURY, and BEAGLE detached from the convoy to

 Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

Oiler OLIGARCH escorted by CAPE MARIATO and ST KENAN left the convoy for Hvalfiord

 7th                   DANEMAN detached to Seidisfiord for repairs to engines, arriving a.m.

WORCESTER left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with the convoy, joining a.m. for escort to Loch Ewe.

FAULKNOR, INGLEFIELD, FURY, ECHO, and ECLIPSE left Seidisfiord for Scapa

BEAGLE left Seidisfiord for the Clyde

 8th                   OLIGARCH escorted by CAPE MARIATO arrived Hvalfiord

 9th                   FAULKNOR, INGLEFIELD, FURY, ECHO, and ECLIPSE arrived Scapa.

BEAGLE arrived Clyde

BLANKNEY detached from R A 51 to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 10th                 WORCESTER, with defects to condenser, detached to Stornoway, arriving p.m.

LEDBURY, MONTROSE, and GLEANER detached to Scapa

11th                  LEDBURY, MONTROSE, and GLEANER arrived Scapa

Convoy escorted by CAPE ARGONA arrived Loch Ewe

 

2. Force R (SHEFFIELD (Senior Officer) and JAMAICA

 

 31st December Engaged enemy surface forces off North Cape in defense of convoy J W 51 B (see War Diary for 16th-31st

                        December 1942). Transferred cover from JW 51 B to R A 51

 2nd January      Proceeded to Seidisfiord

 4th                   SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA arrived Seidisfiord

 5th                   Left Seidisfiord to Scapa

 6th                   SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA arrived Scapa

 

3. Cruiser Force under Command of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron (KENT and BERWICK)

 

 31st December Left Scapa with the Battlefleet and proceeded independently to covering position approximately

                        72-50N, 11-40E

 2nd January      Arrived in covering position

 4th                   Left covering position for Scapa

 6th                   KENT and BERWICK arrived Scapa

 

4. Battlefleet

 

 31st December The Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V (Commander in Chief), HOWE, and BERMUDA screened by

                        MONTROSE, RAIDER, MUSKETEER, QUEENBOROUGH, PIORUN, and WORCESTER left Scapa

                        to cover R A 51 between latitudes 070 and 071-30N and longitude 1 degree and 5 degrees E.

2nd January      Arrived in covering position.

                        MONTROSE detached to Seidisfiord for local escort of R A 51.

3rd                    Battlefleet left covering position for Scapa

WORCESTER detached to Seidisfiord for local escort of R A 51

MONTROSE arrived Seidisfiord

4th                    WORCESTER arrived Seidisfiord

5th                    The Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA escorted by RAIDER, QUEENBOROUGH,

                         PIORUN, and MUSKETEER) arrived Scapa

 

5. Submarines

 

The submarines P 216, P 312, P 49, and GRAF (sic – for ex-German U-boat renamed GRAPH) were on patrol off the north coast of Norway during the passage of this convoy.

 

113. Convoy J W 52

 

This convoy of 14 merchant ships also arrived in North Russia without loss, leaving Loch Ewe on 17th January and arriving in North Russia on 27th, less one ship which was unable to keep the speed of the convoy and sent in to Akureyri. The Battlefleet and a cruiser force provided surface cover for the convoy. The convoy was shadowed by enemy aircraft and U boats at various times during the passage, and one enemy air attack by four torpedo bombers were broken up without loss or damage; two enemy aircraft were shot down.

 

Details of the movements of J W 52 are as follows:

 

1. Convoy and close escort

 

16th                  OFFA and MATCHLESS left Akureyri for Seidisfiord

PIORUN and MUSKETEER left Scapa for Seidisfiord

ONSLAUGHT left Scapa for Loch Ewe for convoy conferences, arriving p.m.

BULLDOG and BEAGLE left Clyde for Seidisfiord

 17th                 OFFA and MATCHLESS arrived Seidisfiord from Akureyri

ONSLAUGHT left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

BULLDOG and BEAGLE arrived Seidisfiord from the Clyde

Convoy J W 52 (14 merchant ships) escorted by BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, MIDDLETON (local escort),

BRITOMART, LOTUS, STARWORT, ST ELSTAN, and

NORTHERN PRIDE left Loch Ewe for North Russia

18th                  PIORUN and MUSKETEER arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

ONSLAUGHT arrived Seidisfiord from Loch Ewe

20th                  ONSLAUGHT (Senior Officer), OFFA, MATCHLESS, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, MUSKETEER, and PIORUN

                        left Seidisfiord to join J W 52      

21st                  ONSLAUGHT and six destroyers from Seidisfiord joined the convoy

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON detached to Scapa after fuelling at Seidisfiord

LEDBURY detached to Clyde after fuelling at Seidisfiord

One merchant ship, unable to keep the speed of the convoy, detached to Akureyri

22nd                 BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

23rd                  The merchant vessel detached from the convoy arrived Akureyri

24th                  Convoy attacked by four H E 115 torpedo bombers. No damage or casualties, two enemy aircraft shot

                        down. U boats in contact with the convoy

25th                  Shadowed by enemy aircraft, one of which dropped a bomb. No damage or casualties.

27th                  Convoy and escorts arrived Kola Inlet without loss

 

2. Force R (Cruiser Covering Force – KENT (Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron), BERMUDA, GLASGOW

 

16th                  KENT left Scapa for Loch Ewe for convoy conference, arriving p.m.

18th                  KENT left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. with BERMUDA and GLASGOW to

                        Seidisfiord to fuel

20th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

21st                  Force R left Seidisfiord to cover J W 52

26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet on completion

 

3. Battlefleet

 

20th                  QUEENBOROUGH, ORKAN, ECHO, and RAIDER left Scapa for Seidisfiord to act as relief screen

                        for the Battlefleet.

21st                  The Battlefleet (ANSON and SHEFFIELD screened by FAULKNOR, ECLIPSE, INGLEFIELD, and

                        MONTROSE) left Scapa to cover J W 52.

22nd                 QUEENBOROUGH, ORKAN, ECHO, and RAIDER arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled and sailed p.m. to

                        rendezvous with the Battlefleet.

23rd                  QUEENBOROUGH, ORKAN, ECHO, and RAIDER joined the Battlefleet in position 66-12N, 22-50W.

INGLEFIELD and MONTROSE detached to Akureyri arriving p.m.

FAULKNOR and ECLIPSE detached to Scapa

The Battlefleet sighted by enemy aircraft in 67-20N, 8-50W.

Battlefleet reached covering position.

25th                  ORIBI and OBEDIENT left Scapa for Hvalfiord and for Akureyri for screen of the Battlefleet.

Battlefleet proceeded to Akureyri

FAULKNOR and ECLIPSE arrived Scapa

26th                  Battlefleet arrived Akureyri screened by QUEENBOROUGH, ORKAN, ECHO, and RAIDER.

27th                  ORIBI and OBEDIENT arrived Hvalfiord, sailing p.m. for Akureyri

QUEENBOROUGH, RAIDER and ECHO left Akureyri for Scapa

28th                  ORIBI and OBEDIENT arrived Akureyri

29th                  QUEENBOROUGH, RAIDER, and ECHO arrived Scapa

30th                  MONTROSE left Akureyri for Scapa

1st February      MONTROSE arrived Scapa

 

3. Submarines

 

The submarines P 224, TRIDENT, and P 314 were on patrol off the north coast of Norway during the passage of J W 52.

 

114. Convoy R A 52

 

One merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk in this convoy of eleven ships which had an unusually large close escort a bigger convoy being anticipated. Apart from this one casualty, the convoy and escorts arrived intact, leaving Kola Inlet on 29th January and arrived Loch Ewe on 8th February. The usual cover was provided for R A 52 in the shape of the Battlefleet from Akureyri and a cruiser force (Force R) from Kola Inlet. No enemy aircraft were encountered but the convoy was shadowed on several occasions by U boats in addition to the one successful attack which they made.

 

Details of the movements of R A 52 are as follows:

 

1. Convoy and close escort

 

29th January      Convoy (11 ships) escorted by ONSLAUGHT (Senior Officer), OFFA, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS,

                        BULLDOG, BEAGLE, ONSLOW (damaged), FORESTER, ICARUS, PIORUN, HARRIER, SEAGULL,

                        RHODODENDRON, OXLIP, HYDERABAD, HONEYSUCKLE, LADY MADELEINE, VIZALMA,

                        NORTHERN GEM, and NORTHERN WAVE left Kola Inlet for Loch Ewe

ONSLOW with action damage was stationed inside the A/S screen

1st February      Convoy consistently shadowed by U boats.

BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and VIVACIOUS left Scapa for Seidisfiord

2nd                   ONSLOW detached to Scapa

3rd                    One merchant ship torpedoed and sunk by U boat.

MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and VIVACIOUS arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for local escort of R A 52.

4th                    FORESTER detached to Seidisfiord to report convoy’s position to the local escort and to fuel, arriving p.m.

ONSLOW arrived Scapa

BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and VIVACIOUS left Seidisfiord to join R A 52.

5th                    BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and VIVACIOUS joined R A 52 for local escort to Loch Ewe.

ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, ICARUS, and PIORUN detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

SEAGULL and HONEYSUCKLE detached to Seidisfiord for repairs and fuel, arriving p.m.

ICARUS left Seidisfiord for Scapa

6th                    BULLDOG and BEAGLE left Seidisfiord for the Clyde.

ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, FORESTER, and PIORUN left Seidisfiord for Scapa

SEAGULL and HONEYSUCKLE sailed from Seidisfiord to re join R A 52

7th                    SEAGULL and HONEYSUCKLE rejoined R A 52

ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, FORESTER, and PIORUN arrived Scapa

VIVACIOUS detached from R A 52 for screen of ANSON

8th                    BEAGLE and BULLDOG arrived Clyde

VIVACIOUS arrived Hvalfiord

MIDDLETON detached from R A 52 to the Clyde

BLANKNEY, HARRIER, and SEAGULL detached from R A 52 to Scapa

HONEYSUCKLE, OXLIP, RHODODENDRON, and HYDERABAD detached to the Clyde

LADY MADELEINE, NORTHERN WAVE, NORTHERN GEM, and VIZALMA detached to Belfast

9th                    R A 52 (10 ships) arrived Loch Ewe

MIDDLETON, HONEYSUCKLE, OXLIP, RHODODENDRON, and HYDERABAD arrived Clyde

BLANKNEY, HARRIER, and SEAGULL arrived Scapa

LADY MADELEINE, NORTHERN WAVE, NORTHERN GEM, and VIZALMA arrived Belfast

 

2. Force R (Cruiser Covering Force – KENT (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron), GLASGOW, and BERMUDA)

 

30th January      Force R left Kola Inlet to cover R A 52.

2nd February     Left covering position for Scapa

4th                    Force R (KENT, GLASGOW, and BERMUDA) arrived Scapa

 

3. Battlefleet

 

30th January      The Battlefleet (ANSON (Vice Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Squadron) and SHEFFIELD

                        screened by INGLEFIELD, ORKAN, ORIBI, and OBEDIENT) left Akureyri to cover R A 52

1st February      Arrived in covering position, approximately 73-45N, 12-40E

2nd                   Left covering position for Hvalfiord

3rd                    OBEDIENT detached to Seidisfiord for fuel, arriving p.m.

4th                    OBEDIENT left Seidisfiord for Scapa

Battlefleet (ANSON and SHEFFIELD screened by INGLEFIELD, ORKAN, and ORIBI) arrived Hvalfiord.

5th                    OBEDIENT arrived Scapa

 

4. Submarines

 

The submarines P 216, O 15, SOKOL, and P 53 were on patrol off the north coast of Norway during the passage of R A 52.

 

115. Independent westbound sailings of Russian Merchant Ships

 

These sailings continued as follows during January:

 

Ship                              left North Russia                        arrived Akureyri

1. MSTA                       22nd December (Iokanka)           6th January

2. ALDAN                      23rd December (Iokanka)            6th January

3. URITSKY                   23rd December (Iokanka)            6th January

4. SANKO                     24th December (Iokanka)            6th January

5. KARA                       24th December (Iokanka)            6th January

6. VANSETTI                 29th December (Iokanka)            18th January

7. KRASNOE ZNAMY    30th December (Kola Inlet)          9th January

8. OSMUSSAAR           30th December (Kola Inlet)          9th January

9. SHECKSNA              31st December (Kola Inlet)          12th January

10. LEONID KRASSIN    20th January (Kola Inlet)             31st January

11. UFA                        23rd January (Kola Inlet)             on passage

12. KRASNI PARTISAN  24th January (Kola Inlet)             on passage

 

116. Operation F C

 

This operation was a sweep, by a destroyer striking force, down the Norwegian coast with the object of sinking any German shipping or naval units which might be encountered. FAULKNOR (Senior Officer), ONSLAUGHT, QUEENBOROUGH, PIORUN, VIVACIOUS, ECHO, and INGLEFIELD formed the 8th Destroyer Flotilla for the operation and sailed on 11th January to sweep south from position 60-55N, 4-02E.

 

On 11th Coastal Command aircraft sighted an enemy force of one battleship, one cruiser, and one destroyer proceeding out of the Belts northbound. The aircraft failed to maintain touch and an air striking force was unable to find the enemy. It later became apparent that the enemy had turned back to the Baltic.

 

BERMUDA and GLASGOW were sailed from Scapa p.m. on 11th to provide cover for the destroyer force.

 

In a south easterly gale which the force encountered, VIVACIOUS’ steering gear broke down and she turned back to Scapa. The weather showed no signs of improving and late on 11th, Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla was compelled to abandon the operation and return to Scapa.

 

On the morning of the 12th, VIVACIOUS with her steering gear out of action, broke down and stopped in position 60-15N, 00-10W. INGLEFIELD and ECHO were detached from the 8th Destroyer Flotilla to assist her, but during the forenoon she got under way again and arrived Lerwick p.m. for temporary repairs. FAULKNOR, ONSLAUGHT, QUEENBOROUGH, and PIORUN Returned to Scapa p.m., but INGLEFIELD and ECHO were hove to in a gale off Lerwick after going to the assistance of VIVACIOUS and did not arrive until the following day.

 

GLASGOW and BERMUDA Returned to Scapa on 12th.

 

117. Visit of the First Lord of the Admiralty

 

The First Lord of the Admiralty paid a short visit to the Home Fleet during the month, arriving in the MIDDLETON from Aberdeen on 14th January. During the stay, he was accommodated in the Fleet Flagship and went onboard several of the ships in Scapa at that time, addressing the Ships’ Companies. He left Rosyth in the ECLIPSE on 17th arriving there p.m. the same day.

 

 

 

---

Background Events

 

February-(May) 1943

Battles for Tunis & North Africa, Battle of Atlantic peaks, U-boats withdraw, 'Dambusters' raid'

 

---

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

FEBRUARY 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

            1st                    Scapa

            11th                  Flag of Commander in Chief transferred temporarily to DUNLUCE CASTLE

            14th                  Flag of Commander in Chief transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE

            18th                  Left Scapa with NORFOLK with three destroyers for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with HOWE, BERWICK, and six destroyers to cover JW 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            26th-28th           Akureyri

 

2. HMS DUKE OF YORK

            1st-28th            Rosyth, refitting

 

3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st-4th              At Sea with SHEFFIELD and destroyer screen covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            9th                    Left Hvalfiord with SHEFFIELD and screen of four destroyers for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            11th-28th           Scapa

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with BERWICK, KENT, and screen of three destroyers for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with four destroyers for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with KING GEORGE V, BERWICK, and six destroyers to cover J W 53.

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            26th-28th           Akureyri

 

 5. HMS MALAYA

            1st-22nd            Scapa, working up

            22nd                 Left Scapa for Clyde

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde for escort of W S 27

            25th                  Left Clyde with W S 27 and escort

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. HMS RENOWN

            1st                    Gibraltar

            2nd                   Left Gibraltar with FURIOUS and screen, joining ILLUSTRIOUS from Eastern Fleet p.m. for Clyde

            5th                    Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. escorted by two destroyers to Rosyth for refit

            7th                    Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            7th-28th            Rosyth, refitting

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. HMS INDOMITABLE ( Flag of Vice Admiral, Aircraft Carriers

            1st-20th            Liverpool refitting and repairing action damage

            20th                  Left Liverpool on completion for Clyde to work up

            21st                  Arrived Clyde to work up

            21st-28th           Clyde, working up

 

8. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

            1st                    On passage to United Kingdom from Eastern Fleet

            2nd                   Joined by RENOWN and FURIOUS and screen from Gibraltar

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            26th                  Left Clyde for Liverpool for refit

            27th                  Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand

 

9. HMS FURIOUS

            1st                    Gibraltar

            2nd                   Left Gibraltar with RENOWN and screen, joining ILLUSTRIOUS from Eastern Fleet p.m. for Clyde

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            10th                  Left Clyde escorted by MIDDLETON and ORWELL for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            11th-28th           Scapa

 

10. HMS DASHER

            1st-7th              Clyde, working up

            7th                    Left Clyde, escorted by EGGESFORD for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with three destroyers (Force A) for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to weather, proceeded to Akureyri with SCYLLA and five destroyers

            19th                  Hove to off Akureyri in gale

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri with weather damage

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with BLANKNEY and LEDBURY for Scapa and for repairs

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            28th                  Left Scapa escorted by NEWARK and WELLS for Dundee for repairs

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

11. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-4th              At Sea with Force R covering R A 52

            4th                    Arrived Scapa on completion

            7th                    Left Scapa with HOWE, BERWICK, and screen of three destroyers for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            9th-28th            Hvalfiord

 

12. HMS LONDON

            1st-28th            Tyne, refitting

 

 13. HMS NORFOLK

            1st-5th              Hvalfiord

            5th                    Left Hvalfiord for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with KING GEORGE V and three destroyers for Akureyri

            19th                  Detached to Seidisfiord for Force R

            21st                  Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with Force R to cover J W 53

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

            26th-28th           Kola Inlet

 

14. HMS SUFFOLK

            1st-28th            London, refitting

 

15. HMS BERWICK

            1st                    Clyde

            2nd                   Left Clyde for Scapa on completion of repairs

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with HOWE, KENT, and screen of three destroyers for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

            21st                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and six destroyers to cover J W 53

            26th                  Detached from the Battlefleet to Akureyri

            27th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

 

 16. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa for Clyde for quick docking and repairs

            3rd                    Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            15th                  Left Clyde for Seidisfiord to join Force R

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            21st                  Left Seidisfiord with Force R to cover J W 53

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet on completion

            27th-28th           Kola Inlet

 

17. HMS SUSSEX

            1st-20th            Scapa, working up

            20th                  Left Scapa on completion for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for Operation REGULATION, escort of W S 27, from Freetown to the Cape

                                    and for the Eastern Fleet

            26th                  Sank a homeward bound blockade runner 500 miles W.S.W. of Cape Finisterre

            27th                  Proceeded to Freetown

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

18. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-14th            Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord to join Force R

            18th                  Unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to weather

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

21st                  Left Seidisfiord with Force R to cover J W 53

            26th                  Arrived Kola Inlet

            27th-28th           Kola Inlet

 

19. HMS BERMUDA

            1st-4th              At Sea with Force R covering R A 52

            4th                    Arrived Scapa on completion

            4th-28th            Scapa

 

20. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-4th              At Sea with ANSON and screen covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            9th                    Left Hvalfiord and ANSON and screen of four destroyers for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Captain T.A. Addis, R.N. assumed command

            16th                  Left Scapa for Seidisfiord for Force R

            19th                  Hove to in a gale south of Iceland, half of A turret roof washed overboard

            20th                  Arrived Seidisfiord for temporary repairs

            24th                  Left Seidisfiord for Clyde for repairs

            26th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            26th-28th           Clyde for repairs and refit

 

21. HMS GLASGOW

            1st                    At Sea with Force R covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Scapa on completion

            20th                  Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

            21st                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Dragged aground, but refloated immediately – no damage

            27th                  Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri for Battlefleet

            28th                  Arrived Akureyri

 

22. HMS KENYA

            1st-28th            Scapa, working up

 

23. HMS JAMAICA

            1st                    Left Scapa for Operation REGULATION

            10th                  Arrived Gibraltar to fuel

            13th                  Left Gibraltar to continue REGULATION

            16th                  Returned to Gibraltar

            18th                  Left Gibraltar to continue Operation REGULATION and for the United Kingdom

            26th                  Arrived Scapa on completion

            27th-28th           Scapa

 

24. HMS SCYLLA

            1st-8th              Tyne, refitting

            8th                    Left Tyne on completion for Scapa to work up

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for Seidisfiord for J W 53

            18th                  Unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to weather, proceeded with DASHER and five destroyers to Akureyri

            19th                  Hove to off Akureyri in a gale

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with five destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53 for escort to North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

25. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-22nd            Barrow, refitting

            22nd                 Left Barrow for Liverpool, arrived p.m. to continue refit

            22nd-28th          Liverpool, refitting

 

Cruisers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

26. HMS UGANDA

            1st-28th            Scapa, working up

 

27. HMS NEWFOUNDLAND

            1st-28th            Scapa, working up

 

28. HMS CARLISLE

            15th                  Left Plymouth for Scapa to work up

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            17th-28th           Scapa, working up

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

29. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    Tyne, refitting

            8th                    Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for J W 53 convoy conference

            15th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers, joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

30. HMS MARNE

            1st-15th            Gibraltar for temporary action damage repairs

            15th                  Left Gibraltar in M K S 7 for Tyne

            26th                  Arrived Tyne, taken in hand for action damage repairs

            26th-28th           Tyne for repairs

 

31. HMS METEOR

            1st-16th            Clyde, refitting

            16th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V and NORFOLK for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen for the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

32. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st-5th              At Sea escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with five other destroyers for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with MUSKETEER to escort J W 53 B to rendezvous with J W 53

            17th                  Joined J W 53 B

            18th                  Left J W 53 B escorting damaged merchant ship back to Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa with weather damage

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and weather damage repairs

            24th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            24th-28th           Rosyth

 

 33. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with five other destroyers for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with MATCHLESS to escort J W 53 B to rendezvous with J W 53

            17th                  Joined J W 53 B

            19th                  Left J W 53 for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

34. ORP ORKAN

            1st-4th              At Sea with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord, taken in hand for boiler cleaning

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord on completion with screen of HOWE for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            18th                  Left Seidisfiord with four other destroyers and joined SCYLLA and DASHER proceeding to Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

35. ORP PIORUN

            1st-5th              At Sea escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with five other destroyers for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with OFFA for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri for screen of Battlefleet

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

36. HMS ESKIMO (Captain (D), Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-28th            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

37. HMS TARTAR

            1st-28th            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

38. HMS ASHANTI

            1st-28th            Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean

 

39. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st                    Left Scapa for Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and VIVACIOUS for escort of R A 52 to United Kingdom

            3rd                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            4th                    Left Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and VIVACIOUS

            5th                    Joined R A 52 for escort to Loch Ewe

            8th                    Detached from convoy to the Clyde

            9th                    Arrived Clyde for screen of FURIOUS

            10th                  Left Clyde with FURIOUS for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa with FURIOUS

            15th                  Left Scapa with MEYNELL and PYTCHLEY to join J W 53

            16th                  Joined J W 53 for local escort

            20th                  Detached from J W 53 to Seidisfiord with local escort

            21st                  Arrived Seidisfiord, unable to anchor, proceeded to Scapa

            23rd                  Arrived Scapa

            23rd-28th           Scapa

 

40. HMS LEDBURY

            1st                    Left Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

            2nd                   Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe with BLANKNEY for oiling trials

            13th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, trials cancelled owing to weather

            14th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Scapa with screen of DASHER for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            19th                  Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of DASHER for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa with DASHER

            25th-28th           Scapa

 

41. HMS WHEATLAND

            1st-28th            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

42. HMS LAMERTON

            1st-28th            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

43. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st                    Left Scapa with MIDDLETON and VIVACIOUS for Seidisfiord for escort of R A 52 to United Kingdom

            3rd                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            4th                    Left Seidisfiord with MIDDLETON and VIVACIOUS

            5th                    Joined R A 52 for escort to Loch Ewe

            8th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa with LEDBURY for Loch Ewe for oiling trials

            13th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, trials cancelled owing to weather

            14th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Scapa with screen of DASHER for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Arrived Seidisfiord with LEDBURY

            19th                  Left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord for weather damage repairs

            20th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            21st                  Left Hvalfiord on completion of repairs for Akureyri

            22nd                 Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with screen of DASHER for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa with DASHER

            25th-28th           Scapa

 

44. HMS WILTON

            1st-28th            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

45. HMS BRECON

            1st-28th            Southampton for repairs and boiler cleaning

 

46. HMS BRISSENDEN

            26th                  Arrived Scapa from Portsmouth to join the Home Fleet

            26th-28th           Scapa

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

47. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-16th            Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

48. HMS FURY

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with screen of HOWE, BERWICK, and KENT for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            18th                  Left Seidisfiord with four destroyers and joined SCYLLA and DASHER for escort to Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

49. HMS FORESTER

            1st-2nd             At Sea, escorting R A 52

            3rd                    Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            8th                    Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            15th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V and NORFOLK for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            20th-28th           Akureyri

 

50. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with screen of HOWE, BERWICK, and KENT for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            18th                  Left Seidisfiord with four destroyers and joined SCYLLA and DASHER for escort to Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

51. HMS ECHO

            1st-28th            Humber, refitting

 

52. HMS INTREPID

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with screen of HOWE, BERWICK, and KENT for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            15th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of HOWE for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

            17th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            18th                  Left Seidisfiord with four destroyers and joined SCYLLA and DASHER for escort to Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

53. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st-4th              At Sea with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            9th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six other destroyers joined J W 53 p.m. for escort to North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

 

54. HMS ICARUS

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m., sailing later the same day for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. to Clyde for boiler cleaning

            8th                    Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            16th                  Left Clyde for Scapa, on completion

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V and NORFOLK for Akureyri

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

55. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st-7th              Humber, refitting

            7th                    Left Humber for Scapa on completion

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with screen of DASHER for Seidisfiord

            18th                  Unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to weather, proceeded with SCYLLA and DASHER and screen of four destroyers to Akureyri

            19th                  Hove to off Akureyri in gale

            20th                  Arrived Akureyri, sailing p.m. with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

            21st                  Joined J W 53 for escort to North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

56. HMS ONSLOW

            1st-2nd             At Sea, escorting R A 52

            3rd                    Detached from R A 52 to Scapa

            4th                    Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Humber for repairs

            5th                    Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            5th-28th            Humber for action damage repairs

 

57. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with five other destroyers fro Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with PIORUN for Akureyri

            16th                  Arrived Akureyri for screen of the Battlefleet

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

58. HMS ORIBI

            1st-4th              At Sea with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD covering R A 52

            4th                    Returned to Hvalfiord

            9th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON and SHIEFFIELD for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            13th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            13th-28th           Humber, refitting

 

59. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with five other destroyers fro Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            16th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            18th                  Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

            22nd                 Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering J W 53

            26th                  Returned to Akureyri

            27th-28th           Akureyri

 

60. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st-7th              Humber, refitting

            7th                    Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

61. HMS OBDURATE

            1st-9th              Tyne, refitting

            9th                    Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            10th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

62. HMS ORWELL

            1st-9th              Scapa

            9th                    Left Scapa to rendezvous with FURIOUS form the Clyde for escort to Scapa

            10th                  Joined FURIOUS

            11th                  Arrived Scapa with FURIOUS

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

63. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st-3rd              At Sea with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD, covering R A 52

            3rd                    Detached from the screen to Seidisfiord

            4th                    Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            5th                    Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            6th                    Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            13th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            16th                  Left Scapa with five destroyers for Seidisfiord

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

64. HMS BULLDOG

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arriving Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with BEAGLE for the Clyde

            8th                    Arrived Clyde

 

65. HMS BEAGLE

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52, arriving Seidisfiord p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with BULLDOG for the Clyde

            8th                    Arrived Clyde

 

66. HMS BOADICEA

            16th                  Left Clyde for Seidisfiord for escort of J W 53

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            20th                  Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers joining J W 53 p.m.

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

67. HMS MONTROSE

            1st                    Arrived Scapa from Akureyri, sailing p.m. with WALPOLE for Sheerness on completion of duty with

                                    the Home Fleet

            2nd                   Arrived Sheerness

 

68. HMS WALPOLE

            1st                    Left Scapa with MONTROSE for Harwich on completion of duty with the Home Fleet

            2nd                   Arrived Harwich

 

69. HMS VIVACIOUS

            1st                    Left Scapa with MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY for Seidisfiord for escort of R A 52

            3rd                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            4th                    Left Seidisfiord with MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY

            5th                    Joined R A 52

            7th                    Detached from convoy to Hvalfiord

            8th                    Arrived Hvalfiord for screen of ANSON

            9th                    Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON and SHEFFIELD to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa, taken in hand for repairs

            19th                  On completion left Scapa for Rosyth and joined BITER p.m. off Rosyth for escort to the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde with BITER, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            28th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

70. HMS PYTCHLEY

            13th                  Arrived Scapa from the Nore with MEYNELL for J W 53

            15th                  Left Scapa with MEYNELL and MIDDLETON to join J W 53

            16th                  Joined J W 53

            20th                  Detached from convoy with local escort to Seidisfiord

            21st                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Left Seidisfiord with MEYNELL for Scapa, returning to Seidisfiord with contaminated oil fuel

            23rd                  Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            25th-28th           Scapa

 

71. HMS MEYNELL

            13th                  Arrived Scapa from the Nore with PYTCHLEY for J W 53

            15th                  Left Scapa with PYTCHLEY and MIDDLETON to join J W 53

            16th                  Joined J W 53

            20th                  Detached from convoy with local escort to Seidisfiord

            21st                  Arrived Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Left Seidisfiord with PYTCHLEY for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            24th-28th           Scapa

 

Destroyers Attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

72. HMS RAIDER

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa on completion of working up for Liverpool for repairs, boiler cleaning, and foreign service

            6th                    Arrived Liverpool

 

73. HMS QUEENBOROUGH

            1st                    Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa on completion of working up for the Clyde for repairs, boiler cleaning, A/S trials at Fairlie,

                                    and foreign service

            6th                    Arrived Clyde

 

74. HMS QUAIL

            1st-12th            Scapa, working up

            12th                  Left Scapa on completion of working up for the Clyde for boiler cleaning, minor repairs, and foreign service

            13th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

 

75. HMS RAPID

            23rd                  Arrived Scapa from Liverpool to work up

            23rd-28th           Scapa, working up

 

76. HMCS ATHABASKAN

            15th                  Left Rosyth on completion of trials for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa to work up

            16th-22nd          Scapa, working up

            22nd                 Left Scapa with screen of MALAYA to the Clyde

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            24th-28th           Scapa

 

77. HMS EGGESFORD

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa for Clyde for escort of DASHER

            7th                    Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. with DASHER for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa with DASHER

            9th-22nd            Scapa, working up

            22nd                 Left Scapa with screen of MALAYA to the Clyde

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            24th-28th           Scapa, working up

 

78. FFS LA COMBATTANTE

            12th                  Left Tobermory for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            13th-22nd          Scapa, working up

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde with MALAYA, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            24th-28th           Scapa, working up

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

79. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st-8th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa with SEAGULL for Leith for refit

            14th                  Arrived Leith, taken in hand

            14th-28th           Leith, refitting

 

80. HMS HALCYON

            1st                    Milford Haven, refitting

            12th                  Left Milford Haven on completion for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa to join J W 53, joining p.m.

            21st                  Detached from local escort of J W 53 to Seidisfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Seidisfiord

            25th                  Left Seidisfiord for Scapa to work up

            27th                  Arrived Scapa

 

81. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st-20th            Aberdeen, refitting

            20th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with defects

            22nd                 Left Scapa for Aberdeen for repairs, arriving p.m.

            22nd-28th          Aberdeen for repairs

 

82. HMS SEAGULL

            1st-5th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with HONEYSUCKLE, rejoining R A 52 p.m.

            8th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa with HARRIER for Leith for refit

            14th                  Arrived Leith, taken in hand

            14th-28th           Leith, refitting

 

83. HMS BRITOMART

            1st-26th            Kola Inlet

            26th                  Left Kola Inlet with five Russian destroyers to escort White Sea portion of J W 53 to Archangel

            27th                  Joined White Sea portion of J W 53

            28th                  Arrived Archangel

 

84. HMS HAZARD

            1st-6th              Humber, refitting

            6th                    Left Humber on completion with SHARPSHOOTER for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for J W 53. Returned p.m. to Scapa with weather damage

            20th                  Left Scapa with SHARPSHOOTER for Hvalfiord

            24th                  Arrived Hvalfiord to join    15th Minesweeping Flotilla temporarily

            24th-28th           Hvalfiord

 

85. HMS SHARPSHOOTER

            1st-6th              Humber, refitting

            6th                    Left Humber on completion with SHARPSHOOTER for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with HARRIER for Hvalfiord

            24th                  Arrived Hvalfiord to join    15th Minesweeping Flotilla temporarily

            24th-28th           Hvalfiord

 

86. HMS GLEANER

            1st-24th            Humber, refitting

            24th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            26th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th-28th           Scapa

 

87. HMS JASON

            1st-14th            Scapa, working up

            14th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

88. HMS FRASERBURGH (Senior Officer, Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

            1st-14th            Seidisfiord

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord

            16th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            16th-28th           Hvalfiord

 

89. HMS BOOTLE

            1st-14th            Seidisfiord

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord

            16th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            16th-28th           Hvalfiord

 

90. HMS BEAUMARIS

            1st-28th            Clyde, refitting

 

91. HMS LLANDUDNO

            1st-15th            Seidisfiord

            15th                  Left Seidisfiord for Aberdeen for refit

            17th                  Arrived Aberdeen

            17th-28th           Aberdeen, refitting

 

92. HMS PETERHEAD

            1st-15th            Seidisfiord

            15th                  Left Seidisfiord for Aberdeen for refit

            17th                  Arrived Aberdeen

            17th-28th           Aberdeen, refitting

 

93. HMS FLY

            1st-14th            Seidisfiord

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord

            15th                  In collision with merchant ship off Reykjavik – extensive damage to minesweeping structure

            16th                  Arrived Reykjavik

            18th                  Left Reykjavik for Aberdeen for repairs

            21st                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            21st-28th           Aberdeen for repairs

 

94. HMS LYME REGIS

            1st                    On passage from Clyde to Aberdeen for boiler cleaning and repairs

            2nd                   Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            17th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-28th          Hvalfiord

 

95. HMS ARDROSSAN

            1st                    On passage from Clyde to Aberdeen

            2nd                   Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand for boiler cleaning and repairs

            17th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-28th          Hvalfiord

 

96. HMS DUNBAR

            1st                    On passage from Clyde to Aberdeen for boiler cleaning and repairs

            2nd                   Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            17th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-28th          Hvalfiord

 

97. HMS WORTHING

            1st                    On passage from Clyde to Humber for refit

            2nd                   Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            2nd-28th            Humber, refitting

 

A/A Ship attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

98. HMS ULSTER QUEEN

            13th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for J W 53

            14th                  Arrived loch Ewe with weather damage returning p.m. to Belfast

            15th                  Arrived Belfast for repairs

 

Corvettes attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

99. HMS LOTUS

            1st-5th              At sea, escorting R A 52

            5th                    Detached from R A 52 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            6th                    Left Seidisfiord with SEAGULL, rejoining R a 52 p.m.

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52.

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Clyde, arriving p.m.

 

100. HMS HYDERABAD

            1st-8th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52.

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Clyde, arriving p.m.

 

101. HMS OXLIP

            1st-8th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52.

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Clyde, arriving p.m.

 

102. HMS RHODODENDRON

            1st-8th              At Sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52.

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Clyde, arriving p.m.

 

103. HMS POPPY (note: HMS POPPY repeated as entry 109)

            1st-28th            Kola Inlet

 

104. HMS STARWORT

1st-28th            Kola Inlet

 

105. HMS BRYONY

            13th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for J W 53

            14th                  Arrived Loch Ewe with weather damage

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 B to overtake J W 53 to overtake J W 53. Joined a.m. by MUSKETEER and

                                    MATCHLESS from Scapa and detached to Liverpool for weather damage repairs.

            19th                  Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand

 

106. HMS CAMELLIA

            15th                  Left Clyde for Seidisfiord with BLUEBELL for J W 53

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to join J W 53

            20th                  Joined J W 53 for escort to North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

107. HMS BLUEBELL

            15th                  Left Clyde for Seidisfiord with CAMELLIA for J W 53

            19th                  Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to join J W 53

            20th                  Joined J W 53 for escort to North Russia

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

108. HMS BERGAMOT

            13th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for J W 53

            14th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

109. HMS POPPY

            13th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for J W 53

            14th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

110. HMS DIANELLA

            13th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for J W 53

            14th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            17th                  Left J W 53 to escort LORD MIDDLETON (damaged in heavy weather) to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with LORD MIDDLETON

            19th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry

            20th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

Trawlers attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

111. HMS LADY MADELEINE

            1st-8th              At sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Belfast

            10th                  Arrived Belfast

 

112. HMS NORTHERN WAVE

            1st-8th              At sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Belfast

            10th                  Arrived Belfast

 

113. HMS NORTHERN GEM

            1st-8th              At sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Belfast

            10th                  Arrived Belfast

 

114. HMS VIZALMA

            1st-8th              At sea, escorting R A 52

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe with R A 52

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Belfast

            10th                  Arrived Belfast

 

115. HMS ST ELSTAN

            1st-28th            Kola Inlet

 

116. HMS NORTHERN PRIDE

            1st-28th            Kola Inlet

 

117. HMS LORD MIDDLETON

            14th                  Left Stornoway for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            17th                  Damaged by heavy weather and returned to Scapa, escorted by DIANELLA

            18th                  Arrived Scapa for repairs

 

118. HMS LORD AUSTIN

            14th                  Left Stornoway for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            15th                  Left Loch Ewe with J W 53 and escort

            27th                  Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 53

 

North Russian Convoys

 

119. Convoy J W 53 – Operation F E

 

This convoy of 22 merchant ships with a large close escort of 1 Light Cruiser, 13 destroyers, 4 corvettes, 1 minesweeper, and 1 A/S trawler arrived in North Russia without loss or damage to either the convoy or escort, other than weather damage suffered at the beginning of the voyage.

 

(a) A strong gale blowing during the first few days out delayed the convoy by 48 hours and, as a result, the passage took 12 days instead of the normal 10, and three merchant ships Returned to Loch Ewe with weather damage. J W 53 left Loch Ewe on 15th and arrived at Kola Inlet on 27th. The White Sea portion, detached off Kola arrived at Archangel, with a Russian local escort, twenty four hours later.

 

(b) Weather damage immediately before and after the convoy sailed from Loch Ewe reduced the close escort, causing Force A (DASHER escorted by two Hunt Class destroyers), one A/A ship, two corvettes, and one A/S trawler to drop out. SHEFFIELD also suffered heavy weather damage and was replaced in Force R by the NORFOLK. The three merchant ships mentioned above Returned to Loch Ewe and three others which were sailed as J W 53 B to overtake J W 53 failed to catch up and Returned to Loch Ewe.

 

(c) The covering force consisted of the Battlefleet (two Battleships, one eight inch cruiser and six destroyers) and Force R (two eight inch cruisers and one six inch cruiser). The Battlefleet operated from Akureyri and the cruiser force proceeded from Seidisfiord to Kola Inlet.

 

(d) 14 JU 88s carried out a medium level bombing attack on the convoy on 25th, there was no damage or casualties. The convoy was shadowed by aircraft and/or U boats almost continually from 23rd onwards. A further bombing attack developed on 26th by an unknown number of aircraft, the bombs being released through the clouds. Again, there was no damage or casualties.

 

(e). Details of the passage of J W 53 are as follows:

 

(i) Convoy and close escort

 

14th                  MILNE and JASON left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

ULSTER QUEEN arrived Loch Ewe with weather damage and Returned to Belfast for repairs

15th                  J W 53 (25 ships) escorted by JASON, DIANELLA, POPPY, BERGAMOT, LORD MIDDLETON, and

                        LORD AUSTIN left Loch Ewe for North Russia

MILNE left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

ULSTER QUEEN arrived Belfast for repairs

PYTCHLEY, MEYNELL, MIDDLETON, and HAZARD left Scapa to rendezvous with convoy for local escort to Seidisfiord area

BLUEBELLL and CAMELLIA left Belfast for Seidisfiord

HAZARD Returned to Scapa with weather damage

PYTCHLEY, MEYNELL, and MIDDLETON from Scapa joined J W 53.

SCYLLA left Scapa for Seidisfiord

16th                  HALCYON left Scapa to join local escort of J W 53, joining p.m.

BOADICEA left Clyde for Seidisfiord

ECLIPSE, FURY, INTREPID, and ORKAN left Akureyri for Seidisfiord

OBEDIENT, OPPORTUNE, OBDURATE, ORWELL, FAULKNOR, and INGLEFIELD left Scapa for Seidisfiord

J W 53 B (3 ships) escorted by BRYONY left Loch Ewe to overtake J S 53

MATCHLESS and MUSKETEER left Scapa to join J W 53

17th                  ECLIPSE, FURY, INTREPID, and ORKAN arrived Seidisfiord from Akureyri

LORD MIDDLETON with weather damage detached from J W 53, escorted by DIANELLA to Scapa for repairs

MATCHLESS and MUSKETEER joined escort of J W 53 B

BRYONY detached to Liverpool for weather damage repairs

SCYLLA hove to in a gale off Seidisfiord

FURY, INTERPID, ECLIPSE, and ORKAN left Seidisfiord and joined SCYLLA

18th                  LORD MIDDLETON, escorted by DIANELLA, arrived Scapa for repairs

BRYONY arrived Liverpool for weather damage repairs

SCYLLA, FURY, INTREPID, ECLIPSE, and ORKAN joined by DASHER and IMPULSIVE (Force A) proceeded to Akureyri to fuel

MILNE arrived Seidisfiord from Loch Ewe

FAULKNOR, OBEDIENT, OPPORTUNE, ORWELL, OBDURATE, and INGLEFIELD arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

MATCHLESS escorting one ship with weather damage, ex J W 53 B, turned back to Scapa

19th                  SCYLLA, DASHER, FURY, ORKAN, INTREPID, ECLIPSE, and IMPULSIVE hove to off Akureyri in gale

CAMELLIA and BLUEBELL arrived Seidisfiord from Belfast

BOADICEA arrived Seidisfiord from Clyde

DIANELLA left Scapa for Londonderry

Three ships of J W 53 turned back to Loch Ewe with weather damage. Remaining two ships of J W 53 B, unable to overtake J W 53, turned back to Loch Ewe

MUSKETEER proceeded to Akureyri

20th                  SCYLLA, DASHER, FURY, ORKAN, INTREPID, ECLIPSE, and IMPULSIVE arrived Akureyri

MILNE, FAULKNOR, BOADICEA, INGLEFIELD, ORWELL, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord to join J W 53, joining the convoy p.m.

CAMELLIA and BLUEBELL left Seidisfiord to join J W 53, joining p.m.

SCYLLA, FURY, ORKAN, INTREPID, ECLIPSE, and IMPULSIVE left Akureyri to join J W 53

MUSKETEER arrived Akureyri

DIANELLA arrived Londonderry

21st                  SCYLLA, FURY, ORKAN, INTREPID, ECLIPSE, and IMPULSIVE from Akureyri joined J W 53

PYTCHLEY and MIDDLETON detached from J W 53 to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

MIDDLETON unable to anchor proceeded p.m. to Scapa

22nd                 Three ships from J W 53 and three from J W 53 B arrived Loch Ewe

MEYNELL detached from J W 53 arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

HALCYON detached from J W 53 to Seidisfiord

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa from J W 53 B

PYTCHLEY and MEYNELL left Seidisfiord for Scapa, PYTCHLEY returning p.m. with contaminated oil fuel

23rd                  MIDDLETON arrived Scapa

HALCYON arrived Seidisfiord

Convoy sighted and reported by enemy aircraft

PYTCHLEY left Seidisfiord for Scapa

24th                  MEYNELL arrived Scapa

Convoy shadowed by enemy aircraft and U boats

25th                  PYTCHLEY arrived Scapa

Convoy attacked by 14 J U 88s in 73-41N, 29-42E. Medium level bombing. No damage or casualties

26th                  Convoy attacked by unknown number of enemy bombers in 71-16N, 36-54E. Bombs released above

                        the cloud base. No damage or casualties.

Seven merchant ships detached to Archangel, escorted by BRITOMART and five Russian destroyers.

27th                  J W 53 (Kola Inlet Section – 15 ships) escorted by SCYLLA, MILNE, FAULKNOR, OPPORTUNE, OBDURATE, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, FURTY, ECLIPSE, ORKAN, INGLEFIELD, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, BOADICEA, JASON, CAMELLIA, BLUEBELL, BERGAMOT, POPPY, and LORD AUSTIN arrived Kola Inlet

28th                  J W 53 (White Sea section – 7 ships) escorted by BRITOMART and five Russian destroyers arrived

                        Archangel

 

(ii) The Battlefleet

 

13th                  ONSLAUGHT left Scapa for Hvalfiord

14th                  OFFA and PIORUN left Scapa for Akureyri

15th                  ONSLAUGHT arrived Hvalfiord

HOWE, escorted by ORKAN, FURY, ECLIPSE, and INTREPID left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

16th                  OFFA and PIORUN arrived Akureyri

HOWE, escorted by ORKAN, FURY, ECLIPSE, and INTREPID arrived Akureyri, destroyers proceeding

to Seidisfiord

17th                  ORKAN, FURY, ECLIPSE, and INTREPID arrived Seidisfiord

18th                  ONSLAUGHT left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

KING GEORGE V and NORFOLK, screened by METEOR, FORESTER, and ICARUS left Scapa

for Akureyri

19th                  ONSLAUGHT arrived Akureyri

MUSKETEER detached from J W 53 B to Akureyri

NORFOLK detached to Seidisfiord

20th                  KING GEORGE V, METEOR, FORESTER, and ICARUS arrived Akureyri

MUSKETEER arrived Akureyri

BERWICK left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

21st                  NORFOLK arrived Seidisfiord

BERWICK arrived Akureyri

22nd                 KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERWICK, screened by ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, PIORUN,

                        MUSKETEER, ICARUS, and METEOR left Akureyri to cover J W 53

24th                  Arrived in Covering position 150 miles S.W. of Bear Island

26th                  BERWICK detached to Hvalfiord

KING GEORGE V and HOWE with screen of six destroyers Returned to Akureyri on completion

27th                  BERWICK arrived Hvalfiord

 

(iii) Force R (Cruiser covering Force)

 

14th                  BELFAST (Senior Officer, Force R) left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m. for J W 53 convoy conference

15th                  CUMBERLAND left Clyde for Seidisfiord

16th                  BELFAST left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

SHEFFIELD left Scapa for Seidisfiord

18th                  BELFAST hove to off Seidisfiord in a gale

CUMBERLAND arrived Seidisfiord from Clyde

SHEFFIELD hove to in a gale in 63-25N, 15-05W with half of A turret washed overboard

20th                  NORFOLK detached from the Battlefleet to Seidisfiord (for Force R)

SHEFFIELD arrived Seidisfiord for temporary repairs

GLASGOW left Scapa for Seidisfiord for Force R

21st                  NORFOLK arrived Seidisfiord to replace SHEFFIELD in Force R.

Force R (BELFAST, NORFOLK, and CUMBERLAND) left Seidisfiord to cover J W 53 for North Russia

GLASGOW arrived Seidisfiord

22nd                 Force R probably sighted and reported by enemy aircraft

26th                  Force R arrived Kola Inlet on completion

 

(iv). Force A (Carrier Force)

 

16th                  Force A (DASHER, screened by IMPULSIVE, BLANKNEY and LEDBURY) left Scapa for Seidisfiord

18th                  BLANKNEY and LEDBURY arrived Seidisfiord, BLANKEY with weather damage

DASHER and IMPULSIVE unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to gale, proceeded with SCYLLA and

four destroyers to Akureyri

19th                  DASHER and IMPULSIVE hove to in a gale off Akureyri

BLANKNEY left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord for temporary repairs

LEDBURY left Seidisfiord to Akureyri

20th                  DASHER and IMPULSIVE arrived Akureyri both with weather damage

LEDBURY arrived Akureyri

BLANKNEY arrived Hvalfiord and taken in hand

IMPULSIVE left Akureyri with SCYLLA and four destroyers to join J W 53

21st                  BLANKNEY left Hvalfiord for Akureyri on completion of temporary repairs

Owing to weather damage, DASHER unable to take any further part in operation

22nd                 DASHER escorted by BLANKNEY and LEDBURY left Akureyri for Scapa and for Dundee for repairs

25th                  DASHER and screen arrived Scapa

 

(v). Submarines

 

There were five submarines on patrol of the north coast of Norway during the passage of this convo

 

120. Operation REGULATION (ex Operation F D)

 

The object of this operation was to locate, capture, or destroyer enemy blockade runners in the Bay of Biscay area, using Home Fleet cruisers or those proceeding to foreign stations on completion of working up at Scapa.

 

After the arrival of the cruiser taking part in the Operation at Plymouth, Commander in Chief, Plymouth assumed control of the operation. It was intended to maintain at least one cruiser on patrol, or at Plymouth ready to proceed at short notice, while the enemy continued his attempt to run the blockade

 

JAMAICA, the first ship to carry out this operation, left Scapa on 1st February and proceeded direct to the Bay of Biscay, remaining on patrol there until 10th when, having sighted nothing, she put in Gibraltar to fuel.

 

JAMAICA’s departure from Gibraltar was delayed owing to contaminated oil fuel, but she left on 13th and swept northwards and westwards as far as 45-01N, 33-01W. She remained in the bay of Biscay area until 24th and then proceeded to Scapa, arriving on 26th.

 

SUSSEX left Scapa for the Clyde on the 20th where she arrived the following day and sailed p.m. to carry out Operation REGULATION proceeding direct to the Patrol Area.

 

SUSSEX arrived in the patrol area on 24th and two days later U.S. Liberator aircraft operating from Plymouth reported an enemy tanker of 8000 tons 300 miles W.S.W. of Cape Finisterre attempting to run the blockade to a French port. The aircraft continued to shadow the tanker until SUSSEX arrived in position p.m. and sank the enemy ship by gunfire

 

SUSSEX then proceeded to Freetown to act as ocean escort to W S 27 to the Cape and then to join the Eastern Fleet.

 

121. Eastbound and westbound sailings of Russian merchant ships

 

Eastbound ship              left                                arrived

1. MUSSOVIET             Reykjavik 8th February   Kola Inlet 17th

2. ANDRE MARTE         Reykjavik 9th February   Kola Inlet 20th

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

 

MARCH 1943

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.)

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with HOWE, GLASGOW, and six destroyers to cover R A 53.

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            6th-31st            Scapa

 

2. HMS DUKE OF YORK

            1st-14th            Rosyth, refitting

            14th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion, escorted by FORESTER, BLANKNEY, and ECHO.

            15th                  Arrived Scapa to work up

            15th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with BERMUDA, screened by MATCHLESS, PIORUN, and ICARUS for Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with KENT, BERMUDA and three destroyers for exercises and for Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            22nd-31st          Scapa

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with KING GEORGE V, GLASGOW, and six destroyers to cover R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with Battlefleet

            10th                  Left Scapa escorted by MUSKETEER, METEOR, and MIDDLETON to Clyde for repairs and leave

            11th                  Arrived Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde with INDOMITABLE and screen of five destroyers for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with BELFAST, GLASGOW, and screen of three destroyers for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            22nd-31st          Hvalfiord

 

  5. HMS MALAYA

            1st-17th            Detached on passage to Gibraltar as ocean escort for W S 27

            17th                  Arrived Gibraltar to join Force H temporarily

            17th-31st           Force H

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. HMS RENOWN

            1st-31st            Rosyth refitting

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. HMS INDOMITABLE ( Flag of Vice Admiral, Aircraft Carriers

            1st-17th            Clyde, working up

            17th                  Left Clyde with HOWE and screen of five destroyers for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with ARCHER for the Clyde to continue working up

            21st                  Arrived Clyde

            21st-31st           Clyde

 

8. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

            1st-31st            Liverpool, refitting

 

9. HMS FURIOUS

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa, escorted by RAPID and MATCHLESS for the Clyde

            6th                    Arrived Clyde

            6th-31st            Clyde

 

10. HMS DASHER

            1st                    Arrived Dundee from Scapa escorted by NEWARK and WELLS

Taken in hand for weather damage repairs

            12th                  Captain L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, Royal Navy assumed command vice Captain C.N. Lentaigne, DSO,

                                    Royal Navy

            20th                  Left Dundee escorted by INGLEFIELD and ORWELL from Rosyth, for Scapa on completion of repairs

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            22nd                 Left Scapa escorted by BLANKNEY for the Clyde to join the Western Approaches Command temporarily

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde

            27th                  Sank after internal explosion while exercising off the Clyde

 

Aircraft Carrier temporarily attached to the Home Fleet

 

11. HMS ARCHER

            17th                  Left Clyde escorted by MIDDLETON for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with INDOMITABLE and screen of three destroyers for the Clyde to join Western

                                    Approaches Command

            21st                  Arrived Clyde

            21st-31st           Western Approaches Command

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

12. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-20th            Hvalfiord

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with ANSON, BERMUDA, and three destroyers for exercises and Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            22nd-31st          Scapa

 

13. HMS LONDON

            1st-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

 14. HMS NORFOLK

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 53

            7th                    Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord to continue covering R A 53

            11th                  Arrived Scapa on completion, sailing p.m. for the Clyde

            12th                  Arrived Clyde

            13th                  Left Clyde for Portsmouth for refit

            14th                  Arrived Portsmouth, taken in hand

            14th-31st           Portsmouth, refitting

 

15. HMS SUFFOLK

            1st-31st            London, refitting

 

16. HMS BERWICK

            1st-7th              Hvalfiord

            7th                    Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE

            9th                    Left Patrol WHITE for Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            19th                  Left Hvalfiord for exercises and for Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            22nd-31st          Scapa

 

 17. HMS CUMBERLAND

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 53

            7th                    Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord to continue covering R A 53

            11th                  Arrived Scapa on completion, sailing p.m. for the Clyde

            31st                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

18. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 53

            7th                    Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Left Seidisfiord to continue covering R A 53

            11th                  Arrived Scapa on completion

            20th                  Left Scapa with HOWE, GLASGOW, and screen of three destroyers from Hvalfiord

            21st                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            29th                  Left Hvalfiord with INTREPID for Patrol WHITE

            29th-31st           Patrol WHITE

 

19. HMS BERMUDA

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa with ANSON screened by MATCHLESS, PIORUN, and ICARUS for Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with ANSON, KENT, and three destroyers for exercises and Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa with ATHABASKAN for Patrol BLACK

            29th-31st           Patrol BLACK

 

20. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-31st            Clyde for weather damage repairs and refit

 

21. HMS GLASGOW

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and six destroyers to cover R A 53

            5th                    Detached to Faroes with FORESTER to fuel FORESTER

            6th                    Arrived Faroes, fuelled FORESTER, and sailed p.m. for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with HOWE, BELFAST, and screen of three destroyers for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord

            25th                  Left Hvalfiord with ECHO for Patrol WHITE

            30th                  Intercepted German blockade runner in position 66-41N, 25-31W. Enemy ship scuttled herself

            31st                  Patrol WHITE

 

22. HMS KENYA

            1st-6th              Scapa, working up

            6th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION and to join the Eastern Fleet

            8th                    Arrived Plymouth

            12th                  Left Plymouth with MUSKETEER and METEOR for Operation REGULATION

            15th                  Detached to Freetown and for the Eastern Fleet

 

23. HMS JAMAICA

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs and to give leave

            5th                    Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            16th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Left Scapa for Barrow for main armament

 

24. HMS SCYLLA

            1st                    Left Kola with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy with MILNE, ORKAN, and ORWELL to Akureyri to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11st                  Left Akureyri for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with His Majesty the King onboard for Scrabster, returning p.m. to Scapa

            21st-31st           Scapa

 

25. HMS CHARYBDIS

            1st-6th              Liverpool, refitting

            6th                    Left Liverpool for Scapa on completion

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            19th                  Left Scapa and joined Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and First Minelaying Squadron as escort during S N 90 A

            23rd                  Returned to Scapa on completion of the operation

            28th                  Left Scapa for sweeping Patrol BLACK area and for Milford Haven for Operation REGULATION

            30th                  Arrived Milford Haven, sailing p.m. with MILNE for Operation REGULATION

 

Cruisers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

26. HMS UGANDA

            1st-4th              Scapa, working up

            4th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth

            6th                    Arrived Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            11th                  Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            14th                  Returned to Plymouth

            15th                  Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            18th                  Detached to Freetown for West Africa Station

            24th                  Arrived Freetown

 

27. HMS NEWFOUNDLAND

            1st-10th            Scapa, working up

            10th                  Left Scapa on completion for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            12th                  Arrived Plymouth

            17th                  Left Plymouth with METEOR and MUSKETEER for Operation REGULATION

            21st                  Returned to Plymouth, sailing p.m. with METEOR for Operation REGULATION

            29th                  Returned to Plymouth

            29th-31st           Plymouth

 

28. HMS NEWCASTLE

            17th                  Left Plymouth for Scapa to work up

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            19th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

29. HMS CARLISLE

            1st-9th              Scapa, working up

            9th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde on completion of working up

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            11th                  Left Clyde for Gibraltar and for Eastern Mediterranean Fleet

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

30. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy with SCYLLA, ORWELL, and ORKAN to Akureyri to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Akureyri with ORWELL and ORKAN to search for stragglers from R A 53

            12th                  Proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel

            13th                  Arrived Seidisfiord, fuelled and sailed p.m. for Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa a.m. for Scrabster, returning p.m. to Scapa with His Majesty the King

            24th                  Left Scapa for Liverpool for temporary duty with Western Approaches command

            25th                  Arrived Liverpool

            26th                  Left Liverpool for Moville arriving p.m.

            29th                  Left Moville for Milford Haven for Operation REGULATION, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Milford Haven with CHARYBDIS for Operation REGULATION

 

31. HMS MARNE

            1st-30th            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs, reduced to care and maintenance

 

32. HMS METEOR

            1st                    Left Akureyri for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE to the Clyde

            11th                  Detached from screen of HOWE to Plymouth with MUSKETEER

            12th                  Arrived Plymouth, sailing p.m. with KENYA and MUSKETEER for Operation REGULATION

            14th                  Returned to Plymouth

            17th                  Left Plymouth with NEWFOUNDLAND and MUSKETEER for Operation REGULATION

            21st                  Returned to Plymouth, sailing p.m. with NEWFOUNDLAND for Operation REGULATION

            26th                  Returned to Plymouth

            26th-31st           Plymouth

 

33. HMS MATCHLESS

            1st-3rd              Rosyth for boiler cleaning and weather damage repairs

            3rd                    Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            5th                    Left Scapa with RAPID for screen of FURIOUS to the Clyde

            6th                    Arrived Clyde with FURIOUS, sailing p.m. for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa, sailing a.m. with screen of ANSON and BERMUDA to Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord with ANSON and BERMUDA

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON for exercises and Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa with ANSON

            25th                  Left Scapa for Londonderry for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Londonderry

            29th                  Left Londonderry for Milford Haven for Operation REGULATION, arriving p. m.

            30th                  Left Milford Haven to rendezvous with ORKAN for Operation REGULATION

 

 34. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            10th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE to the Clyde

            11th                  Detached from screen of HOWE to Plymouth with METEOR

            12th                  Arrived Plymouth, sailing p.m. with KENYA and METEOR for Operation REGULATION

            14th                  Returned to Plymouth

            17th                  Left Plymouth with NEWFOUND and METEOR for Operation REGULATION

            21st                  Returned to Plymouth

            22nd                 Left Plymouth for Tyne for refit

            25th                  Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            25th-31st           Tyne, refitting

 

36. ORP ORKAN

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy with SCYLLA, MILNE, and ORWELL to Akureyri to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Akureyri with MILNE and ORWELL to search for stragglers

            13th                  Proceeded to Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Escort for MILNE with His Majesty the King on board from Scrabster for Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            22nd                 Arrived Plymouth

            24th                  Left Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            28th                  Returned to Plymouth

            30th                  Left Plymouth and joined MATCHLESS from Milford Haven for Operation REGULATION.

 

37. ORP PIORUN

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of Battlefleet covering R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            7th                    Left Scapa with screen of ANSON and BERMUDA to Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord with ANSON and BERMUDA

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON for exercises and Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa with ANSON

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning

            24th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            30th                  Left Clyde for Plymouth for Operation REGULATION

            31st                  Arrived Plymouth

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

38. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            6th                    Detached with IMPULSIVE, ECLIPSE, and OPPORTUNE to Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            9th                    Left Seidisfiord with same three destroyers and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            12th                  Detached from R A 53 with ECLIPSE and FURY to Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            17th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            17th-31st           Humber, refitting

 

39. HMS FURY

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            11th                  Detached from R A 53 to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

Sailed later same day and rejoined R A 53

            12th                  Detached from R A 53 with FAULKNOR and ECLIPSE to Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Escort for MILNE, with His Majesty the King on board, from Scrabster to Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa with 5 other destroyers for Moville for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Moville

            29th                  Left Moville with 4th Escort Group to act as support group

            29th-31st           At sea with 4th Escort Group

 

40. HMS FORESTER

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 53

            5th                    Detached from the Battlefleet with GLASGOW to the Faroes to fuel from GLASGOW

            6th                    Arrived Faroes, fuelled and sailed p.m. for Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with screen for DUKE OF YORK, arriving Rosyth p.m. and joining DUKE OF YORK for escort

                                    to Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa with DUKE OF YORK

            20th                  Left Scapa for Leith for repairs

            21st                  Arrived Leith, taken in hand

            21st-31st           Leith, refitting

 

41. HMS ECLIPSE

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            6th                    Detached from convoy with FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, and OPPORTUNE to Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            9th                    Left Seidisfiord with same three destroyers and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            12th                  Detached from R A 53 with FAULKNOR and FURY to Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and defects

            14th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            23rd                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa with 5 other destroyers for Moville for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Moville

            29th                  Left Moville with 4th Escort Group to act as support group

            29th-31st           At sea with 4th Escort Group

 

42. HMS ECHO

            1st-10th            Humber, refitting

            10th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with screen of DUKE OF YORK, arriving Rosyth p.m. and joining DUKE OF YORK for

                                    escort to Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa with DUKE OF YORK

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE, BELFAST, and GLASGOW for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord with HOWE

            25th                  Left Hvalfiord with GLASGOW for Patrol WHITE

            30th                  Returned to Hvalfiord

            31st                  Hvalfiord

 

43. HMS INTREPID

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            7th                    Detached from convoy with OBEDIENT, OBDURATE, and BOADICEA to Seidisfiord to fuel

            9th                    Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with OBEDIENT and OBDURATE to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Escort for MILNE with His Majesty the King onboard, from Scrabster to Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with escort of HOWE, BELFAST, and GLASGOW for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord with HOWE

            29th                  Left Hvalfiord with BELFAST for Patrol WHITE

            29th-31st           Patrol WHITE

 

44. HMS INGLEFIELD

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. with defects

            12th                  Left Seidisfiord on completion of defects and rejoined R A 53 a.m., detached to Scapa p.m.

            13th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            14th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            20th                  Left Rosyth with ORWELL on completion and joined DASHER off Dundee for escort to Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with DUNDEE

            25th                  Left Scapa with five other destroyers for Clyde for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. with ICARUS for Londonderry

            27th                  Arrived Londonderry

            29th                  Left Londonderry with 4th Escort Group to act as support group

            29th-31st           At sea with 4th Escort Group

 

45. HMS ICARUS

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            7th                    Left Scapa with screen of ANSON and BERMUDA for Hvalfiord

            10th                  Arrived Hvalfiord with ANSON and BERMUDA

            20th                  Left Hvalfiord with screen of ANSON for exercises and for Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa with ANSON

            25th                  Left Scapa with five other destroyers for Clyde for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. with INGLEFIELD for Londonderry

            27th                  Arrived Londonderry

            29th                  Left Londonderry with 4th Escort Group to act as support group

            29th-31st           At sea with 4th Escort Group

 

46. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            6th                    Detached from convoy with FAULKNOR, ECLIPSE, and OPPORTUNE to Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            9th                    Left Seidisfiord with same three destroyers and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            10th                  Detached from R A 53 to stand by sinking merchant ship from the convoy

            13th                  Proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. and sailing later the same day for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            22nd                 Left Scapa with ORIBI for Moville for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            23rd                  Arrived Moville

            24th                  Left Moville with 5 other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with Support Group

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

47. HMS ONSLOW

            1st-31st            Humber for action damage repair and refit

 

48. HMS OFFA (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            16th                  Left Scapa with four other destroyers for Clyde

            17th                  Joined INDOMITABLE and HOWE for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE and INDOMITABLE

            19th                  Left Scapa for Liverpool, for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            20th                  Arrived Liverpool

            22nd                 Left Liverpool for Moville, arriving p.m.

            24th                  Left Moville with 5 other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with support group

 

49. HMS ORIBI

            1st-19th            Humber, refitting

            19th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa

            22nd                 Left Scapa with IMPULSIVE for Moville for temporary duty in Western Approaches Command.

            23rd                  Arrived Moville

            24th                  Left Moville with five other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with support group

 

50. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st                    Akureyri

            2nd                   Left Akureyri with screen of the Battlefleet covering R A 53

            6th                    Returned to Scapa with the Battlefleet

            16th                  Left Scapa with four other destroyers for the Clyde

            17th                  Arrived Clyde, joined INDOMITABLE and HOWE for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE and INDOMITABLE

            21st                  Left Scapa with OBEDIENT and ORWELL for Londonderry for temporary duty in the Western

                                    Approaches Command

            22nd                 Arrived Londonderry

            24th                  Left Moville with five other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with Support Group

 

51. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            6th                    Detached with FAULKNOR, ECLIPSE, and IMPULSIVE to Seidisfiord to fuel

            8th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            9th                    Left Seidisfiord with same 3 destroyers and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            11th                  Took damaged merchant ship from R A 53 in tow for Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

            12th                  Left Seidisfiord for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with four other destroyers for the Clyde

            17th                  Arrived Clyde, joined HOWE and INDOMITABLE for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE and INDOMITABLE

            21st                  Escort for SCYLLA, with H.M. The King onboard, from Scapa to Scrabster and back

            25th                  Left Scapa for Moville with five other destroyers for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Moville

            26th-31st           Moville

 

52. HMS OBDURATE

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            7th                    Detached from convoy with INTREPID, OBEDIENT, and BOADICEA to Seidisfiord to fuel

            9th                    Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with INTREPID and OBEDIENT to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Escort for SCYLLA, with H.M. The King onboard, from Scapa to Scrabster and back

            25th                  Left Scapa for Moville with five other destroyers for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            26th                  Arrived Moville

            26th-31st           Moville

 

53. HMS ORWELL

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy with SCYLLA, MILNE, and ORKAN to Akureyri to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Akureyri with MILNE and ORKAN to search for stragglers

            12th                  Rejoined R A 53, detached p.m. for Scapa

            13th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            14th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            20th                  Left Rosyth with INGLEFIELD on completion and joined DASHER off Dundee for escort to Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa with DASHER, sailing p.m. for Londonderry with ONSLAUGHT and OBEDIENT for

                                    temporary duty in Western Approaches Command

            22nd                 Arrived Londonderry

            24th                  Left Moville with five other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with Support Group

 

54. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            7th                    Detached from convoy with INTREPID, OBDURATE, and BOADICEA to Seidisfiord to fuel

            9th                    Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with INTREPID and OBDURATE to Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            16th                  Left Scapa with four other destroyers for the Clyde

            17th                  Arrived Clyde, joined HOWE and INDOMITABLE for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE and INDOMITABLE

            21st                  Escort for SCYLLA, with His Majesty the King on board from Scapa to Scrabster and back; sailed p.m.

                                    with ONSLAUGHT and ORWELL for Londonderry for temporary duty in the Western Approaches Command

            22nd                 Arrived Londonderry

            24th                  Left Moville with five other destroyers to act as support group for ocean convoy

            24th-31st           At sea with Support Group

 

Hunt Class Destroyers

 

55. HMS MIDDLETON

            1st-10th            Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa with screen of HOWE to the Clyde

            11th                  Arrived Clyde with HOWE

            17th                  Left Clyde with ARCHER for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with ARCHER

            20th                  Left Scapa with escort of INDOMITABLE and ARCHER for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde, returning p.m. to Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            22nd-31st          Scapa

 

56. HMS LEDBURY

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa for Akureyri with PYTCHLEY and MEYNELL for local escort of R A 5 3

            4th                    Arrived Akureyri

            6th                    Left Akureyri to join R A 53

            9th                    Joined R A 53

            10th                  Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel with one merchant ship from R A 53

            12th                  Left Seidisfiord to rejoin R A 53, joining p.m.

            13th                  Detached from R A 53 to Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa for Sheerness for refit

            23rd                  Arrived Sheerness, taken in hand

            23rd-31st           Sheerness, refitting

 

57. HMS WHEATLAND

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

58. HMS LAMERTON

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

59. HMS BLANKNEY

            1st-14th            Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with screen for DUKE OF YORK, arriving Rosyth, p.m. and joining DUKE OF YORK for

                                    escort to Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa with DUKE OF YORK

            16th                  Left Scapa with four other destroyers for the Clyde

            17th                  Arrived Clyde and joined HOWE and INDOMITABLE for escort to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with HOWE and INDOMITABLE

            22nd                 Left Scapa as escort for DASHER to the Clyde

            23rd                  Arrived Clyde with DASHER, returning p.m. to Scapa

            24th                  Arrived Scapa

            25th                  Left Scapa with PENN to carry out an A/S in Patrol BLACK and for Hvalfiord

            29th                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            29th-31st           Hvalfiord

 

60. HMS WILTON

            1st-31st            Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean

 

61. HMS BRECON

            1st-8th              Southampton for repairs and trials

            12th                  Left Southampton for Scapa

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen for HOWE, BELFAST, and GLASGOW for Hvalfiord

            22nd                 Arrived Hvalfiord with HOWE

            29th                  Left Hvalfiord for patrol BLACK area

            29th-31st           Patrol BLACK

 

62. HMS BRISSENDEN

            1st-31st            Scapa

 

Destroyers lent from other Commands for duty with the Home Fleet

 

63. HMS VIVACIOUS

            1st                    Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            3rd                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            4th                    Left Hvalfiord for Akureyri for local escort of R A 53

            5th                    Arrived Akureyri

            6th                    Left Akureyri to join R A 53

            9th                    Joined R A 53

            10th                  Detached to Seidisfiord to fuel arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Seidisfiord with PYTCHLEY and MEYNELL and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            13th                  Detached from R A 53 to Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa with MEYNELL and PYTCHLEY for Sheerness on completion of temporary duty with the

                                    Home Fleet

            16th                  Arrived Sheerness

 

64. HMS BOADICEA

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            7th                    Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord with INTREPID, OBDURATE, and OBEDIENT to fuel

            9th                    Arrived Seidisfiord

            11th                  Left Seidisfiord escorting one merchant vessel, rejoined R A 53 p.m.

            14th                  Detached from R A 53 to Clyde

            15th                  Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

65. HMS PANTHER

            14th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE and ARCHER for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde, returning p.m. to Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            22nd-31st          Scapa, working up

 

66. HMS PENN

            14th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            15th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE and ARCHER for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde, returning p.m. to Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            25th                  Left Scapa with BLANKNEY for A/S sweep in Patrol BLACK area

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

            31st                  Scapa

 

67. HMS PATHFINDER

            11th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            13th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th                  Left Scapa with screen of INDOMITABLE and ARCHER for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde, returning p.m. to Scapa

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            25th                  Left Scapa with BLANKNEY for A/S sweep in Patrol BLACK area

            30th                  Returned to Scapa

            31st                  Scapa

 

68. HMS PYTCHLEY

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa with MEYNELL and LEDBURY for Akureyri for local escort of R A 53

            4th                    Arrived Akureyri

            6th                    Left Akureyri to join R A 53

            9th                    Joined R A 53

            10th                  Detached to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Seidisfiord and rejoined R A 53 a.m. with VIVACIOUS and MEYNELL

            13th                  Detached from R A 53 to Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa with MEYNELL and VIVACIOUS for Sheerness on completion of temporary duty with the

                                    Home Fleet

            16th                  Arrived Sheerness

 

69. HMS MEYNELL

            1st                    Scapa

            2nd                   Left Scapa with PYTCHLEY and LEDBURY for Akureyri for local escort of R A 53

            4th                    Arrived Akureyri

            6th                    Left Akureyri to join R A 53

            9th                    Joined R A 53

            10th                  Detached to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Seidisfiord and rejoined R A 53 a.m. with VIVACIOUS and PYTCHLEY

            13th                  Detached from R A 53 to Scapa

            14th                  Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa with VIVACIOUS and VIVACIOUS for Sheerness on completion of temporary duty with the

                                    Home Fleet

            16th                  Arrived Sheerness

 

Destroyers Temporarily Attached for working up

 

70. HMCS ASSINIBOINE

            1st-11th            Scapa, working up

            11th                  Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs to hull

            12th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            20th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to continue working up

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa with BERMUDA for Patrol BLACK

            29th-31st           PATROL BLACK

 

71. HMS RAPID

            1st-5th              Scapa, working up

            5th                    Left Scapa with screen of FURIOUS for the Clyde

            6th                    Arrived Clyde with FURIOUS, returning p.m. to Scapa

            7th                    Arrived Scapa to continue working up

            7th-31st            Scapa, working up

 

72. HMS TROUBRIDGE

            19th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to work up and join the Home Fleet

            20th                  Arrived Scapa

            20th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

73. HMS TUSCAN

            29th                  Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th-31st           Scapa, working up

 

74. HMS ARROW

 

 (n.b. page missing containing 74. HMS ARROW through 81, respectively.

 Also in this missing page is 82. Minelayer)

 

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

83. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st-31st            Leith, refitting

 

84. HMS SEAGULL

            1st-27th            Leith, refitting

            27th                  Left Leith on completion for Scapa

            28th                  Arrived Scapa

            28th-31st           Scapa

 

85. HMS BRITOMART

            1st-31st            Murmansk

 

86. HMS HAZARD

            1st-31st            Hvalfiord

 

87. HMS GLEANER

            1st-6th              Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            9th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            9th-31st            Hvalfiord

 

88. HMS SHARPSHOOTER

            1st-31st            Hvalfiord

 

89. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st                    Aberdeen, refitting. Left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion arriving p.m.

            26th                  Left Scapa with HALCYON for Plymouth, for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            29th                  Arrived Plymouth

            29th-31st           Plymouth

 

90. HMS HALCYON

            1st-5th              Scapa, working up

            5th                    Left Scapa for Aberdeen, arriving p.m. for repairs

            17th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            26th                  Left Scapa with SALAMANDER for Plymouth, for temporary duty with Western Approaches Command

            29th                  Arrived Plymouth

            29th-31st           Plymouth

 

91. HMS JASON

            1st-31st            Kola Inlet

 

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

92. HMS FRASERBURGH (Senior Officer, Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

            1st-13th            Hvalfiord

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord with five other minesweepers for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa with five other minesweepers to clear Q Z X 910

            29th-31st           At sea clearing Q Z X 910

 

93. HMS BOOTLE

            1st-13th            Hvalfiord

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord with five other minesweepers for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa with five other minesweepers to clear Q Z X 910

            29th-31st           At sea clearing Q Z X 910

 

94. HMS BEAUMARIS

            1st-8th              Clyde, refitting

            8th                    Left Clyde on completion for Aultbea

            10th                  Arrived Aultbea, sailing p.m. for Kirkwall

            11th                  Arrived Kirkwall

            29th                  Left Scapa with five other minesweepers to clear Q Z X 910

            29th-31st           At sea clearing Q Z X 910

 

95. HMS LLANDUDNO

            1st-31st            Aberdeen, refitting

 

96. HMS HOUND

            1st-2nd             Rosyth

            2nd                   Left Rosyth for Scapa

            3rd                    Arrived Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            7th                    Arrived Hvalfiord

            7th-31st            Hvalfiord

 

97. HMS FLY

            1st-17th            Aberdeen for collision damage repairs and refit

            17th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            19th                  Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

            21st                  Arrived Hvalfiord

            21st-31st           Hvalfiord

 

88. HMS PETERHEAD

            1st-30th            Oban (Clearing Q Z X 910)

 

89. HMS DUNBAR

            1st-13th            Hvalfiord

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord with five other minesweepers for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            18th                  Left Scapa with PETERHEAD for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

            19th                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            27th                  Left Aberdeen on completion with PETERHEAD for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            29th                  Left Scapa with five other minesweepers to clear Q Z X 910

            29th-31st           At sea clearing Q Z X 910

 

100. HMS ARDROSSAN

            1st-13th            Hvalfiord

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord with five other minesweepers for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

            26th-31st           Aberdeen, boiler cleaning

 

101. HMS WORTHING

            1st-6th              Humber, refitting

            6th                    Left Humber for Scapa on completion

            7th                    Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa with five other minesweepers to clear Q Z X 910

            29th-31st           At sea clearing Q Z X 910

 

102. HMS LYME REGIS

            1st-13th            Hvalfiord

            13th                  Left Hvalfiord with five other minesweepers for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

            26th-31st           Aberdeen, boiler cleaning

 

Corvettes lent for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

103. HMS LOTUS

            1st-11th            Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            11th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. and sailing later the same day to rejoin R A 53.

            12th                  Rejoined R A 53

            14th                  Detached from R A 53 to Londonderry

            15th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

104. HMS STARWORT

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            11th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. and sailing later the same day to rejoin R A 53.

            12th                  Rejoined R A 53

            14th                  Detached from R A 53 to Londonderry

            15th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

105. HMS BLUEBELL

            1st-31st            Kola Inlet

 

106. HMS CAMELLIA

            1st-31st            Kola inlet

 

107. HMS POPPY

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            11th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord with oiler and two trawlers for Loch Ewe

            16th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, proceeding p.m. to Londonderry

            17th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

108. HMS BERGAMOT

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            11th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. and sailing later the same day to rejoin R A 53.

            12th                  Rejoined R A 53

            14th                  Detached from R A 53 to Liverpool

            15th                  Arrived Liverpool

 

Trawlers lent for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

109. HMS NORTHERN PRIDE

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord with oiler OLIGARCH, POPPY, and ST ELSTAN for Loch Ewe

            16th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, proceeding p.m. to Belfast

            17th                  Arrived Belfast

 

110. HMS LORD AUSTIN

            1st-31st            Kola Inlet

 

111. HMS ST ELSTAN

            1st                    Left Kola Inlet with R A 53 and escort

            10th                  Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Seidisfiord with oiler OLIGARCH, POPPY, and NORTHERN PRIDE for Loch Ewe

            16th                  Arrived Loch Ewe, proceeding p.m. to Belfast

            17th                  Arrived Belfast

 

112. Convoy R A 53

 

The large westbound convoy of 30 ships left North Russia on 1st March and, after being continually delayed and scattered by bed weather, 23 ships arrived in British and three in Icelandic ports fourteen days later. Three of the four ships sunk in this convoy were torpedoed, the other was lost as a result of weather damage.

 

The SCYLLA and the same 13 destroyers that had escorted J W 53 to North Russia formed the close escort together with four corvettes and two A/S trawlers. Covering forces were provided by the Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V, HOWE, GLASGOW, and six destroyers) operating from Akureyri and Force R (BELFAST, CUMBERLAND, and NORFOLK) which left Kola Inlet the day after the convoy sailed.

 

The details of the passage of R A 54 from North Russia are as follows:

 

(i) Convoy and close escort

 

1st March          Convoy (30 ships) escorted by SCYLLA, MILNE, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, OBDURATE, ORWELL,

                        FAULKNOR, FURY, ECLIPSE, INGLEFIELD, INTREPID, IMPULSIVE, BOADICEA, POPPY,

                        BERGAMOT, LOTUS, STARWORT, ORKAN, ST ELSAN, and NORTHERN PRIDE left Kola Inlet.

VIVACIOUS left Scapa for Hvalfiord and for Akureyri for local escort of R A 53.

2nd                   PYTCHLEY, MEYNELL, and LEDBURY left Scapa for Akureyri for local escort of R A 53

3rd                    VIVACIOUS arrived Hvalfiord

4th                    PYTCHLEY, MEYNELL, and LEDBURY arrived Akureyri

VIVACIOUS left Hvalfiord for Akureyri

5th                    VIVACIOUS arrived Akureyri

Convoy reported by enemy aircraft

One merchant ship sunk and one torpedoed and damaged by circling torpedoes. Damaged ship remaining in convoy.

Convoy attacked by 12 J U 88 medium level bombers. No damage to casualties to the convoy.

6th                    Local escort of VIVACIOUS, LEDBURY, MEYNELL, and PYTCHLEY left Akureyri to rendezvous with

                        the convoy.

FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECLIPSE, and OPPORTUNE detached from the convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel

7th                    Local escort delayed by broken up pack ice. VIVACIOUS’ asdic dome crashed

INTREPID, OBDURATE, OBEDIENT, and BOADICEA detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel

8th                    FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECLIPSE, and OPPORTUNE arrived Seidisfiord

9th                    Local escort joined R A 53 from Akureyri

INTREPID, OBDURATE, OBEDIENT, and BOADICEA arrived Seidisfiord

One merchant ship from R A 53 broke up and sank in heavy weather. Crew rescued by ST ELSTAN

FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECLIPSE, and OPPORTUNE left Seidisfiord and rejoined R A 53 P.M.

INTREPID, OBEDIENT, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord for Scapa

10th                  SCYLLA, MILNE, ORWELL, and ORKAN detached from convoy to Akureyri to fuel, arriving p.m.

INGLEFIELD detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m. with defects

NORTHERN PRIDE detached from convoy to Seidisfiord arriving p.m.

One Merchant ship with defective steering gear detached from convoy to nearest to nearest Icelandic port

One merchant ship torpedoed and sunk

LEDBURY and one merchant ship detached from R A 53, arrived Seidisfiord a.m.

11th                  MILNE, ORWELL, and ORKAN left Akureyri to search for stragglers from R A 53

Merchant ship with defective steering gear taken in tow by OPPORTUNE, escorted by ST ELSTAN arrived Seidisfiord p.m.

INTREPID, OBEDIENT, and OBDURATE arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

BOADICEA and one merchant ship left Seidisfiord and rejoined R A 53 p.m.

Merchant ship damaged on 5th, and now straggling, again torpedoed , abandoned and later sunk

MEYNELL, PYTCHLEY, and VIVACIOUS left Seidisfiord and rejoined convoy p.m.

BERGAMOT, LOTUS, and STARWORT detached from convoy to Seidisfiord arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. after fuelling to join R A 53

POPPY detached from R A 53 from Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.

SCYLLA left Akureyri for Scapa

FURY and oiler OLIGARCH detached from convoy to Seidisfiord, arriving a.m. FURY sailed p.m. After fuelling and rejoined R A 53

IMPULSIVE detached to stand by sinking merchant ship

12th                  INGLEFIELD and LEDBURY left Seidisfiord to rejoin R A 53, joining a.m.

INGLEFIELD detached to Scapa

BERGAMOT, LOTUS, and STARWORT rejoined convoy from Seidisfiord

ORWELL, after searching for stragglers rejoined R A 53, being detached p.m. to Scapa

OPPORTUNE left Seidisfiord for Scapa

One merchant ship from R A 53 arrived Akureyri

FAULKNOR, ECLIPSE, and FURY detached from convoy to Scapa

MILNE, searching for stragglers, proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel

13th                  IMPULSIVE (standing by sinking merchant ship) proceeded to Seidisfiord for fuel, sailing p.m. for Scapa

ORKAN searching for stragglers proceeded to Scapa

SCYLLA arrived Scapa

MILNE arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. for Scapa

FAULKNOR, ECLIPSE, FURY, ORWELL, INGLEFIELD, and OPPORTUNE arrived Scapa

LEDBURY, MEYNELL, PYTCHLEY, and VIVACIOUS detached from convoy to Scapa

Two ships of R A 53 arrived Loch Ewe

14th                  BOADICEA detached from R A 53 to Clyde

STARWORT and LOTUS detached from R A 53 to Londonderry

BERGAMOT detached from R A 53 to Liverpool with Clyde section of R A 53 (5 ships)

R.F.A. OLIGARCH escorted by POPPY, ST ELSTAN, and NORTHERN PRIDE left Seidisfiord for Loch Ewe

MILNE, VIVACIOUS, LEDBURY, MEYNELL, and PYTCHLEY arrived Scapa

R A 53 (Loch Ewe section 16 ships) arrived Loch Ewe

15th                  ORKAN and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa

R A 53 (Clyde section 5 ships) arrived Clyde

BERGAMOT arrived Liverpool

BOADICEA arrived Clyde

STARWORT and LOTUS arrived Londonderry

16th                  R.F.A. OLIGARCH, escorted by POPPY, ST ELSTAN, and NORTHERN PRIDE arrived Loch Ewe. POPPY

                        proceeding to Londonderry, NORTHERN PRIDE and ST ELSTAN to Belfast

17th                  NORTHERN PRIDE and ST ELSTAN arrived Belfast

POPPY arrived Londonderry

 

(ii) The Battlefleet

 

2nd                   The Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V ( Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet), HOWE and GLASGOW)

                        screened by ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, ICARUS, MUSKETEER, PIORUN, FORESTER left Akureyri to

                        cover R A 53

4th                    Arrived in covering positions north of convoy route

5th                    Left covering position for Scapa

6th                    GLASGOW and FORESTER arrived Skaalefiord and FORESTER fuelled from GLASGOW, sailing p.m.

                        for Scapa

The Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V, HOWE, ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, ICARUS, MUSKETEER, and PIORUN)

arrived Scapa

7th                    GLASGOW and FORESTER arrived Scapa

 

(iii) Force R

 

2nd                   Force R (BELFAST (Senior Officer), CUMBERLAND and NORFOLK) left Kola Inlet to cover R A 53.

7th                    Force R arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

8th                    Force R left Seidisfiord on completion of fuelling and continued to cover R A 53

9th                    Force R proceeded to Scapa

11th                  BELFAST, CUMBERLAND, and NORFOLK arrived Scapa

 

(iv). Submarines

 

Four submarines (TRUCULENT, SIMOON, SPORTSMAN, and SEANYMPH) were on patrol off the north coast of Norway during the passage of R A 53 in zones R 6, R 7, R 8, and R 9

 

113. Visit of His Majesty the King

 

His Majesty the King visited the Home Fleet at Scapa from 18th to 21st March, staying with the Commander in Chief in HMS KING GEORGE V

 

The following is a brief summary of his visit:

 

18th                  His Majesty arrived Scapa in MILNE from Scrabster, escorted by INTREPID, FURY, and ORKAN.

Visited SCYLLA

19th                  Visited CUMBERLAND, GLASGOW, INDOMITABLE (Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers), HOWE,

                        JAMAICA, and BELFAST (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

20th                  Visited DUKE OF YORK, ARCHER, and TYNE (Rear Admiral (D) and representatives of the

                        destroyer command)

Proceeded to ONSLAUGHT in Scapa Bay

Visited the R.N. Air Station, Hatston

Returned to KING GEORGE V in ONSLAUGHT

Attended E.N.S.A. show at R.N. Cinema, Flotta

21st                  Inspected the Fleet Flagship and attended Divine Service

Left Scapa in SCYLLA escorted by OPPORTUNE, OBDURATE, and ORIBI for Scrabster on

completion of the visit

 

114. Operation REGULATION

 

The following Home Fleet ships were temporarily detached to the Plymouth Command during March for Operation REGULATION (interception of inward and outward blockade runners and protection of Allied convoys in the Bay of Biscay area and). The detailed movements of these ships are shown in the foregoing paragraphs. No enemy blockade runners were intercepted in this area during March

 

Cruisers

KENYA (on passage to join Eastern Fleet)

CHARYBDIS

UGANDA (on passage to West Africa Station)

NEWFOUNDLAND (afterwards proceeding to join the Mediterranean Fleet

 

Destroyers

MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla) 29th-31st

METEOR 12th-31st

MATCHLESS 29th-31st

MUSKETEER 12th- 22nd

ORKAN (ORP) 22nd-31st

PIORUN (ORP) 31st

 

115. Destroyers Lent to the Western Approaches Command for Atlantic Convoy duties

 

The following Home Fleet destroyers were lent to the Western Approaches Command, during the periods shown, in March, for duty in support groups with Atlantic convoys. The detailed movements of these ships are shown in the foregoing paragraphs:

 

MILNE 25th-29th                        MATCHLESS 25th-29th              FURY 25th-31st

ECLIPSE 25th-31st                    INGLEFIELD 25th-31st               ICARUS 25th-31st

IMPULSIVE 22nd-31st                OFFA 19th-31st                         ORIBI 22nd-31st

ONSLAUGHT 21st-31st              OPPORTUNE 25th-31st             OBDURATE 25th-31st

ORWELL 21st-31st                    OBEDIENT 21st-31st

 

116. Patrol Black

 

The following Home Fleet Ship carried out patrol BLACK during March against German warships or blockade runners breaking in or out through the Faroes Iceland Passage.

 

PENN               left Scapa 25th               Returned to Scapa 30th

BLANKNEY       left Scapa 25th              Arrived Hvalfiord 29th

BERMUDA        left Scapa 29th              On patrol 29th-31st

ATHABASKAN  left Scapa 29th              On patrol 29th-31st

BRECON          left Hvalfiord 29th           On patrol 29th-31st; BRECON proceeded to Scapa with weather damaged

                                                           p.m. 30th

 

117. Patrol White

 

The following Home Fleet Ship carried out patrol WHITE during March against German warships or blockade runners breaking in or out through the Denmark Straits.

 

BERWICK         left Hvalfiord 7th             Returned to Hvalfiord 10th

GLASGOW       left Hvalfiord 25th            On patrol 25th-31st (see para. 118)

ECHO               left Hvalfiord 25th            Returned to Hvalfiord 30th

BELFAST          left Hvalfiord 29th            On patrol 29th-31st

INTREPID          left Hvalfiord 29th            On patrol 29th-31st

 

118. Sinking of Blockade runner

 

On 30th the GLASGOW on patrol WHITE intercepted the German blockade runner REGENSBURG, bound from Rangoon to Germany, in position 66-41N, 25-31W at 0625Z. She immediately scuttled herself and sank in that position. One officer and five other survivors were picked up and landed in Iceland.