Passage to Mediterranean after Acceptance Trials

                                Took part in bombardment of Turkish shore targets during Dardanelles operations.

                                Sank enemy transport.

                                Returned to UK for repair of defective turbine and joined Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow.

 

1 9 1 6

 

                                Under repair and resumed Grand Fleet service.

                                (Note: Did not take part in Battle of Jutland.)

 

1 9 1 7

 

                                Grand Fleet Service with periodic refits to modify armament equipment, improve

                                protection and machinery arrangements.

 

1 9 1 8

 

                                Grand Fleet service including presentation of surrender terms to German Admiral

                                von Reuter after the armistice.

 

1 9 1 9    t o    1 9 2 4

 

                                Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.

 

1 9 2 5

 

                                Deployed with Mediterranean Fleet.

 

 

1 9 2 6    t o    1 9 2 7

 

                                Under major refit during which torpedo bulges were fitted and two funnel

                                trunks merged into one single uptake.

                                 3in AA armament replaced by 4in mountings.

                                Aircraft platform removed from Y turret.

                                Fire control arrangements changes involving redesign of bridge structure.

 

1 9 2 8

 

                                Deployed in Home waters for trials.

 

1 9 2 9

 

                                Deployed in Mediterranean

 

1 9 3 0

 

                                Under refit during which fire control system was fitted for AA weapons with

                                director on fore-top.

 

1 9 3 1    t o    1 9 3 3

 

                                Deployed in Mediterranean.

 

1 9 3 4

 

                                Under refit during which aircraft catapult was removed from B turret.

 

1 9 3 5

 

                                Deployed in Mediterranean

 

1 9 3 6

 

                                Under refit during which two pom-pom mountings were fitted on conning tower platform

                                for close range AA defence.

                                Nominated for modernisation at Portsmouth.

 

1 9 3 7    t o    1 9 3 8

 

                                Paid-off into Dockyard control and taken in hand by HM Dockyard, Portsmouth for

                                modernisation on 11th August

                                During modernisation the following changes were made:

                                Existing 25 boilers replaced by 8 High Pressure type saving 50% weight

                                and 33% space.

                                New turbines fitted to improve speed performance from 22½ knots to 25 knots.

                                Main armament elevation modified to increase range by 8,000 yards to 32,200 yards.

                                6" armament replaced by five twin 4.5" dual-purpose mountings.

                                AA close range armament improved by fit of quadruple pom-pom weapons.

                                Aircraft stowage provided for four aircraft and an athwartship catapult fitted.

                                Complete redesign of bridge structure.

 

1 9 3 9

 

January to December 

                                Approval given for fit of radar equipment for gunnery fire control when this became available.

                                Modernisation in continuation

                                Under modernisation at Portsmouth.

 

D e t a i l s   o f   W a r   S e r v i c e

 

1 9 4 0

 

January to November 

                               Under modernisation

                               Arrangements made for completion of modernisation by HM Dockyard Rosyth.

                                (Note: This was made after air raids on Portsmouth)

December

                10th        Re-commissioned for trials. Commanding Officer Captain C. B. Barry DSO, RN.

                11th        Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and

                                PUNJABI. Because of a sighting of a U-Boat off North Cornwall, close to her proposed

                                route, she put into Plymouth for 24 hours.

                12th        Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR,

                                KIPLING and PUNJABI.

                13th        36 miles 060º from Tusker Rock Light, HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER,

                                KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI detached and HM Destroyers BRILLANT, EXMOOR,

                                PYTCHLEY and SOUTHDOWN took over the escort. En route through the North Sea HM

                                Anti Aircraft Cruiser CURACOA joined the escort and detached off May Island.

                15th        Arrived at Rosyth.

 

1 9 4 1

 

January                  Modernisation in continuation.

                                (Note: Radar outfits to provide warning of approach of aircraft (Type 279) and for

                                fire control of main armament (Type 284) and secondary armament (Type 284)

                                were fitted before ship left Rosyth. For details of development and use of radar

                                in the RN see RADAR AT SEA by D Howse.)

                                Harbour trials in continuation.

                31st         Modernisation completed

 

February                Post refit sea trials and preparation for foreign service in Mediterranean.

                20th        On completion of full power trial, took passage to Scapa Flow escorted by HM Cruiser Dido

                                and HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, SOMALI and HMAS NAPIER for work-up with Home

                                Fleet.

                21st         Arrived at Scapa Flow.

 

March                    Work up in continuation

                                During March the German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were

                                operating in the North Atlantic. Mid month the Admiralty considered that the German ships

                                would attempt to return to Germany by the northern route so  Home Fleet dispositions

                                were made accordingly. On the 15th, HM Battleship NELSON sailed to take up a position

                                south of Iceland.

                19th        Work up interrupted. Sailed from Scapa Flow in company with HM Cruiser LONDON and

                                HM Destroyers ARROW, ECHO, ECLIPSE, ELECTRA, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD to RV

                                with HM Battleship NELSON south of Iceland. Off Dunnet Head LONDON detached and

                                HM Battlecruiser HOOD joined.

                                (20th March 600 miles WNW of Cape Finisterre the German ships were sighted by a

                                Swordfish from HMS Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. Following the sighting the two

                                battleship forces set interception courses for the area of the sighting)

                21st         The NELSON and QUEEN ELIZABETH Forces joined.

                22nd       The German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST arrived at Brest and the

                                hunt was called off.

                23rd        Arrived back at Scapa Flow.

                24th        At Scapa Flow the CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag from NELSON to QUEEN

                                ELIZABETH.

 

April

                1st           At Scapa Flow CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag to KING GEORGE V.

                2nd         Sailed from Scapa Flow for Halifax escorted by HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESKIMO and

                                INGLEFIELD. ESKIMO later detached.

                6th          Diverted to RV with HM Battlecruiser REPULSE in position 46N, 21W. HM Destroyers

                                ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD detached for Iceland.

                                (This move was because a report had been received that GNEISENAU and

                                SCHARNHORST were leaving Brest. On the 5th, GNEISENAU had been

                                moved out of dry dock due to a UXB and moored in mid stream. Early on the 6th, 4

                                Beauforts of 22 Squadron of RAF Coastal Command carried out a torpedo attack on

                                her and aircraft X/22 achieved a hit on the starboard side aft causing

                                considerable damage. On the 7th GNEISENAU was moved back into dry dock)

                8th          Made RV with REPULSE and HM Destroyers FURY, FORTUNE, HIGHLANDER and

                                VELOX.

                11th        When it was confirmed that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were not about to sail she

                                left the area for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FURY and VELOX.

                13th        HM Destroyer BOREAS joined escort.

                14th        Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers BOREAS, FURY and VELOX.

                15th        Sailed from Gibraltar for Freetown escorted by HM Destroyers FURY, VELOX and

                                WRESTLER.

                20th        Arrived at Freetown. Carried out boiler clean.

                25th        Sailed from Freetown for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers DUNCAN and

                                FOXHOUND.

                26th        At 12ºN DUNCAN and FOXHOUND detached for Bathurst.

                29th        Joined by HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER.

                30th        Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER.

 

 

May                        At Gibraltar

                4th          Sailed west from Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FORTUNE, FEARLESS and

                                VELOX to RV with convoy WS8 and relieve HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers

                                HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS as escort for the five mercantiles during

                                passage to Gibraltar.

                                (Note: These five ships had been part of military convoy WS8 for passage from the Clyde

                                and had detached west of Gibraltar to form Operation TIGER convoy. The five mercantiles

                                carried urgently needed military stores and equipment, including 238 tanks, for the British

                                Army in Egypt)

                5th          In company with HM Cruiser NAIAD, took over the escort of the five mercantiles and

                                proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. Later in the day they were joined by Force H,

                                comprising HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM

                                Cruisers FIJI, SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING.

                6th          As the convoy and escort passed through the Straits they were joined by HM Cruiser

                                GLOUCESTER and HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, HARVESTER,

                                HAVELOCK and HESPERUS to form Force F.

                8th          Under air attack, some of which were repelled by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier ARK

                                ROYAL. In one attack she was near missed by a bomb off her port bow.

                                In the evening on arrival at Skerki Channel, Force H ships detached from the convoy which

                                continued now escorted by QUEEN ELIZABETH, FIJI, GLOUCESTER, NAIAD,

                                FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, KASHMIR and KIPLING.

                9th          Joined by the Mediterranean Fleet.

                12th        Arrived at Alexandria and joined Mediterranean Fleet. Became flagship of the 1st Battle

                                Squadron wearing the flag of Vice Admiral Pridham Wippell CB, CVO, RN.

                                (For details of Operation TIGER and all Malta relief convoys, see MALTA CONVOYS by

                                R Woodman, THE BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre, ENGAGE

                                THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and the Naval Staff History.)

                14th        Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers NAIAD,

                                PHOEBE and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, HASTY, IMPERIAL,

                                JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM.

                                These vessels comprised Forces A and D for the defence of Crete.

                15th        PHOEBE detached to return to Alexandria with hull problems. Later Force A and D

                                divided. Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, IMPERIAL,

                                JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM proceeded to take up a position to the west of Crete

                                to interpose itself between the Italian Fleet and British Forces operating off Crete.

                16th        Force A arrived in blocking position. Later in the day HM Destroyer ILEX joined Force A.

                                Followed later by Force B comprising HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and HM

                                Destroyers HAVOCK and HOTSPUR, and Force D comprising HM Cruisers NAIAD,

                                HMAS PERTH and HM Destroyers GREYHOUND and HASTY.

                17th        Forces C and D, less HOTSPUR, detached for Alexandria.

                19th        Force A relieved by Battleship Force A1, and Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH,

                                BARHAM, DEFENDER, ILEX, JAGUAR, JERVIS and NIZAM detached to return to

                                Alexandria.

                20th        Arrived at Alexandria.

                25th        Sailed from Alexandria as part of Force A, on Operation MAQ3 (This was to be an air

                                attack by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE on the airfield at Scarpanto).

                                Force A comprised QUEEN ELIZABETH, Flag 1st BS, HM Battleship BARHAM, HM

                                Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HEREWARD, JERVIS,

                                JANUS, KANDAHAR, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER.

                26th        At 0530 hours, Force A were south of the Kaso Strait, approximately 100 miles south west of

                                Scarpanto airfield, 4 Albacores and 4 Fulmars were flown off to attack the airfield. At 0700

                                hours, Force A was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, DIDO and HM Destroyers JACKAL,

                                KELVIN, NAPIER and NUBIAN. The augmented Force A then withdrew to the south.

                                At 1200 hours Force A altered course west to cover a northbound convoy. At 1300 hours

                                Force A were 90 miles north east of Bardia when they were attacked by a force of 40 Ju

                                87’s. In the attack FORMIDABLE was seriously damaged and NUBIAN had her stern

                                damaged by a bomb. At 2000 hours HM Destroyer DECOY joined Force A. At 2030 hours

                                FORMIDABLE, DECOY, HEREWARD, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER detached

                                for Alexandria.

                                (Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was badly damaged during the air attack and later was

                                withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet for repair in USA. This placed severe restrictions

                                on use of capital ships in eastern Mediterranean at a crucial time.)

                27th        At 0600 hours Force A were 250 miles south east of the Kaso Strait and AJAX, DIDO and

                                JACKAL were detached for Alexandria. At 0858 hours Force A was attacked by 15 Ju 88’s

                                and He 111’s . BARHAM was hit on Y turret and damaged by near misses.

                                Because of the damage to BARHAM, Force A was ordered to return to Alexandria where

                                they arrived at 1900 hours.

                                (Not deployed during naval operations in defence and later evacuation of Crete which ended

                                on the night of 1st June. See above references.)

 

June                        Deployed at Alexandria.

                26th        Sailed from Alexandria eastwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT,

                                WARSPITE (damaged), HM Cruiser AJAX, HM Minelayer ABDIEL and HM Destroyers

                                DEFENDER, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HERO, JAGUAR, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY to

                                carry out gunnery exercises. At 1600 hours WARSPITE escorted by GRIFFIN,

                                KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY detached for Port Said. The Battle Fleet then turned for

                                Alexandria. Later KIMBERLEY rejoined the Battle Fleet.

                27th        Arrived back at Alexandria.

 

July                         Deployed at Alexandria.

                18th        Sailed from Alexandria to carry out exercises in company with HM Battleship VALIANT,

                                HM Cruiser PHOEBE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, KIPLING and

                                HMAS NIZAM.

                19th        Arrived back at Alexandria.

                22nd       At 2100 hours sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM

                                Cruisers HMAS HOBART, NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM Minelayers

                                ABDIEL and LATONA screened by HM Destroyers GRIFFIN, HASTY, HAVOCK,

                                JACKAL, HMAS NIZAM and NUBIAN.

                23rd        At 0600 hours off Alexandria the Battle Fleet was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX,

                                HMNZS LEANDER and HM Destroyers JAGUAR, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, and

                                KINGSTON. The Fleet then sailed for a diversionary cruise in the eastern Mediterranean

                                during passage of a relief convoy to Malta from Gibraltar (Operation MD5 –cover for

                                Operation SUBSTANCE by Force H.)

                                At 2200 hours NEPTUNE, ABDIEL and KIMBERLEY detached for the fleet.

                24th        LEANDER and JAGUAR detached from the fleet.

                25th        The Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria.

 

August                  Deployed at Alexandria.

                5th          Sailed from Alexandria for exercises in company with HM Cruiser NAIAD and HM

                                Destroyers HERO, JERVIS, KINGSTON and HMAS VENDETTA. During the exercises

                                JARVIS and KINGSTON detached.

                6th          Arrived back at Alexandria.

 

September

                1st           Became Flagship of Mediterranean Fleet.

                                (See CUNNINGHAM by J Winton.)

                10th        Carried out exercises off Alexandria in company with HM Minelayers ABDIEL and

                                LATONA screened by HM Destroyers JACKAL and HMAS NIZAM.

                26th        At 0900 hours the Mediterranean Fleet comprising HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH,

                                BARHAM, VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART screened

                                by HM Destroyers DECOY, HERO, HOTSPUR, JERVIS, JUPITER, KINGSON, KIPPLING

                                and HMAS VENDETTA sailed for diversionary cruise in eastern Mediterranean during passage

                                of  Malta relief convoy (Operation MD6 – cover for Operation HALBERD by Force H.)

 

October                  Deployed at Alexandria

                8th          At sea off Alexandria carrying out exercises.

                12th        Sailed from Alexandria and headed westwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT,

                                HM Cruisers AJAX, GALATEA, HMAS HOBART and HM Destroyers AVONDALE,

                                DECOY, ERIDGE, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JAGUAR, JERVIS, JUPITER and

                                KANDAHAR. At 1800 hours JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached.

                13th        At daylight the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined.

                                At 1315 hours a report was received of enemy naval activity to the west and the fleet

                                reversed course to investigate. At 1800 hours the Battle Fleet reversed course and

                                JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached.

                14th        At daylight JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined the fleet. At 1530 hours the Battle

                                Fleet arrived back at Alexandria.

 

November              Deployed in support of military advance in western desert (Operations CHIEFTAIN and

                                LANDMARK to provide naval gunfire support.)

                20th        Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleships BARHAM, VALIANT and HM

                                Cruisers EURYALUS, GALATEA, NAIAD screened by HM Destroyers DECOY,

                                HASTY, HOTSPUR, JACKAL, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY, KINGSTON,

                                KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM. (This was part of Operation LANDMARK, the

                                fleet’s part was to simulate an attack on Tripoli) At 1200 hours HM Cruisers AJAX,

                                NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART joined the fleet. At nightfall AJAX, NEPTUNE and

                                HMAS HOBART detached from the fleet.

                22nd       At daylight the fleet returned to Alexandria.

                24th        Sailed from Alexandria in support of operations by Force K in company with HM

                                Battleships BARHAM and VALIANT, screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, GRIFFIN and

                                JERVIS. (Force K were operating from Malta against Italian convoys). Off Alexandria HM

                                Destroyers AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE joined the Battle Fleet. AT 2245 hours

                                HM Destroyers HASTY, JACKAL, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM joined and

                                AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE detached.

                                During the day the fleet carried out a search for enemy supply ships whilst on passage to

                                Benghazi.

                25th        Under submarine attack by U331 which penetrated screen and fired torpedoes which hit

                                and sank HMS BARHAM in Gulf of Sollum.

                26th        At 1000 hours arrived back at Alexandria.

 

December              Deployed at Alexandria.

                18th        Whilst in Alexandria harbour, attacked by Italian two man human torpedoes whose

                                crew placed limpet mine on ship’s hull underwater. At 0610 hours the mine exploded

whilst ship was at anchor causing major damage extending for 190 feet below B

                            Boiler Room. This caused extensive flooding of machinery compartments and bulges and

                            causing her to sink to seabed. Nine of ship’s company were killed. Withdrawn from service.

                            (For details see THE NAVAL WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN by J Greene and A

                            Massignani.)

 

1 9 4 2

 

January to May

                               Under temporary repair in dry-dock at Alexandria to enable passage for permanent repair.

                               Repair arranged in US Navy dockyard.

 

                4th          Moved into Dry Dock.

                14th        Whilst in dry dock she was again the subject of a human torpedo attack, this time

                                unsuccessful.

 

June

                27th        Undocked and prepared for ocean passage.

                28th        Sailed from Port Said for Aden on first stage of passage.

 

July                         Passage in Indian Ocean with call at Durban.

 

August                  Passage in Atlantic Ocean with call at Cape Town.

                13th        Arrived at Freetown.

 

September

                6th          Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair.

                                Paid-off.

 

October to December

                                Under repair with reduced complement

                                (Note: Work included:

                                Increased AA armament to improve defence against close range attacks.

                                Preparation for fit of British radar equipment for fire-control and surface warning.

                                See above reference.)

 

1 9 4 3

 

January to April 

                               Under repair

 

 

May                        Post refit harbour and sea trials.

                                Complement increased for return passage.

 

June

                1st           Repairs and refit completed

                                Post refit sea trials and prepared for passage to UK

                30th        Sailed from Boston for Bermuda escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BENTINCK,

                                BLACKWOOD and DRURY.

 

July

                2nd         Sailed from Bermuda for Devonport escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BENTINCK,

                                BLACKWOOD and DRURY.

                9th          Arrived at Devonport to complete refit work by HM Dockyard, Devonport.

                                (Note: Work included:

Fit of radar equipment. Aircraft facilities removed.

                                Direction Finding outfit fitted on quarterdeck.

                                Re-commissioned for service in Eastern Fleet.

August

                1st           At Portsmouth for leave and repairs

                to

                13th        .

                14th        Sailed from Portsmouth for Plymouth.

                28th        Sailed from Plymouth for Scapa Flow.

                29th        Off the Firth of Clyde she was joined by the Destroyers HMCS HURON and RNethNS

                                SCORPION.

                30th        At 1400 hours arrived at Scapa Flow to work-up with ships of Home Fleet and for radar

                                equipment trials.

 

October to November

                               At Scapa Flow carrying out working up exercises

                             .

 

December              Deployed at Scapa Flow.

                30th        Sailed from Scapa Flow with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM

                                Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Frigates of EG 3,

                                BERRY, BLAKWOOD, COOKE, DOMETT, DUCKWORTH, ESSINGTON and HM

                                Destroyer TUSCAN. En route TUSCAN detached for the Clyde with weather damage.

                                West of Ireland HM Destroyers KEMPENFELT and TENACIOUS joined the screen.

 

1 9 4 4

 

January

                7th          Arrived at Gibraltar to refuel.

                12th        Arrived at Alexandria.

                14th        Sailed from Alexandria with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM

                                Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD,

                                PALADIN, PATHFINDER and ROCKET.

                19th        Arrived at Aden.

                22nd       Sailed from Aden with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM

                                Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD,

                                PALADIN, PATHFINDER, RACEHORSE, RAPID, ROCKET, ROEBUCK,

                                ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and NORMAN.

                28th        Arrived at Trincomalee and joined Eastern Fleet.

 

February                Deployed with Eastern Fleet and carried out exercises in preparation for planned

                                operations.

                                (For details of naval activities in Indian Ocean by Eastern Fleet see THE FORGOTTEN

                                FLEET, by J Winton, Operation PACIFIC by E Gray and WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).)

 

March

                21st         Sailed from Trincomalee as part of the Eastern Fleet in company with HM Battlecruiser

                                RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, HMNZS

                                GAMBIA, CEYLON and CUMBERLAND screened by HM Destroyers PATHFINDER,

                                NEPAL, QUILLIAM, HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NORMAN, and Dutch HNethMS TJERK

                                HIDDES and VAN GALEN on Operation DIPLOMAT. (Operation DIPLOMAT was to

                                practice operational procedures, such as replenishment at sea, and co-operation with USN

                                vessels in preparation for the formation of a British Pacific Fleet)

                22nd       South of Ceylon HM Battleship VALIANT and HM Destroyers HMAS QUALITY,

                                QUEENBROUGH and QUIBERON joined, having sailed from Colombo on the  21st.

                24th        850 miles South of Ceylon the Eastern Fleet replenished from three tankers escorted by the

                                Dutch Cruiser HNethMS TROMP.

                27th        The Eastern Fleet RV’ed with US Task Group 58 comprising the US Aircraft Carrier USS

                                SARATOGA escorted by US destroyers USS FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS on

                                passage in Indian Ocean for loan service with Eastern Fleet. Two days of joint exercises then

                                commenced, during which air crew from the SARATOGA gave the FAA pilots the benefit of

                                their combat experience against the Japanese, before the combined force returned to

                                Trincomalee.

 

April                       Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet.

                2nd         Eastern Fleet arrived back at Trincomalee with US Navy ships.

                16th        Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 69 in company with HMS VALIANT, French

                                Battleship FS RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers NEWCASTLE, NIGERIA, CEYLON, HMNZS

                                GAMBIA and Dutch HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers PENN, PETARD,

                                ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, NEPAL, and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and QUIBERON

                                and Dutch HNethMS VAN GALEN. Force 69 was deployed to provide cover for an air attack

                                Sabang, northern Sumatra with provided screen. (Operation COCKPIT).

                                (Note: Attacks were to be carried out by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS

                                SARATOGA deployed as Force 70. HMS RENOWN, HMS LONDON

                                HM Destroyers HMAS QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and US Destroyers

                                CUMMINGS, DUNLAP and FANNING were deployed as screen for Force 70.)

                18th        HMS CEYLON and HMNZS GAMBIA detached to provide additional AA defence for

                                Force 70 during air operations.

                19th        0530 hours 100 miles from Sabang the Carriers of Force 70 launched an air attack against

                                the port and oil installations at Sabang. During the air operations, Force 69 provided cover.

                22nd       The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee.

 

May                        Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet

                6th          Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 65 in company with HMS VALIANT, HMS

                                RENOWN, FS RICHELIEU, Cruisers HMS KENYA, HNethMS TROMP screened by HM

                                Destroyers RACEHORSE, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NEPAL, QUALITY,

                                QUIBERON and QUICKMATCH. Deployed to provide cover for Force 66.

                                Force 66 were to carry out joint air attacks on Soerabaya, (now Surabaya), Java (Operation

                                TRANSOM).

                                Force 66 sailed at the same time and comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS

                                SARATOGA, HMNZ GAMBIA, HMS CEYLON, screened by HM Destroyers QUILLIAM,

                                QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and USS DUNLAP, CUMMINGS and FANNING.

                15th        Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia from Force 67, which comprised, 7 RFA’s, 6

                                oil tankers and a water tanker RFA, screened by HMS LONDON and HMS SUFFOLK.

                17th        Air strike carried out against Soerabaya by air units of Force 66. Force 65 provided cover

                                during the attack.

                                (Note: RN and USN submarines were deployed to carry out patrols to give warning of any

                                enemy attempt to interfere with operations by surface or submarine attack. Air Sea

                                Rescue requirements were covered by USN submarines near Soerabaya.)

                18th        Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, following which USS SARATOGA, FANNING, DUNLAP and

                                CUMMINGS detached for Pearl Harbour.

                27th        Arrived back at Trincomalee with RN ships. Fuel remaining on return was less than 20%.

 

June                        Deployed at Trincomalee.

                10th        Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 68 in company with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HM

                                Escort Aircraft Carrier ATHELING screened by HM Cruisers CEYLON, PHOEBE and

                                HMNZS Gambia and five destroyers with HM Submarine SURF. On operation

                                COUNCILLOR. (Note: This was a diversionary operation in the form of a feint air strike on

                                Sabang to distract Japanese attention from the US Marianas landings)

                12th        Operation COUNCILLOR carried out.

                14th        Arrived back at Trincomalee.

July

                22nd       Sailed from Trincomalee Joined HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, French Battleship

                                RICHELIEU, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers

                                NIGERIA, HMNZS GAMBIA, KENYA, CEYLON, CUMBERLAND, PHOEBE and Dutch

                                HNethMS TROMP as Force 62 screened by HM Destroyers RELENTLESS, ROTHERHAM,

                                RACEHORSE, RAIDER, ROEBUCK, ROCKET, RAPID and HMAS QUILLIAM,

                                QUALITY and QUICKMATCH to provide cover during air operations by the two carriers

                                at Sabang, Sumatra and then carry out bombardment of shore targets. (Operation CRIMSON)

                24th        Remained with Force 62 ships when HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS VICTORIOUS

                                detached with HMS PHOEBE, HMS ROEBUCK and HMS RAIDER to take passage to the

                                carrier operational area. HM Submarines TATALUS and TEMPLAR were employed on Air

                                Sea Rescue duties.

                25th        On completion of air operations carried out bombardment of Sabang with HMS VALIANT,

                                HMS RENOWN, RICHELIEU, cruisers and destroyers.

                29th        Deployed at Trincomalee.

 

August                  Deployment at Trincomalee as Fleet Flagship in continuation.

                                At the end of August the USAAF carried out a series of B 29 air attacks on targets in NW

                                Sumatra. (Operation BOOMERANG).

                                Deployed in company with HM Cruisers CEYLON and KENYA and HM Destroyers

                                RACEHORSE, RAPID, RELENTLESS, ROCKET and ROTHERHAM to carry out Air-Sea

                                Rescue duties in the Indian Ocean during US air raids.

 

September             Nominated for refit in Durban and took passage.

 

October

                6th          Taken in hand for refit

 

November

                17th        Carried out post refit trials when work completed

                                On completion prepared for return passage to Trincomalee.

 

December              Passage in Indian Ocean to Ceylon to rejoin the East Indies Fleet.

                                (Note: The Eastern Fleet was renamed in November 1944)

                                On arrival became Flagship of 3rd Battle Squadron.

                                (Note: Other ship in Squadron was HMS RENOWN.

                                HMS VALIANT had been withdrawn from Eastern Fleet in August 1944

                                after being damaged in floating dock which had collapsed.)

 

1 9 4 5

 

January                  Deployed at Trincomalee and prepared for support of planned landings on Ramree

                                Island off coast of Burma (Operation MATADOR)

                                (Note: Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, Admiral Mountbatten was

                                to be embarked to witness this operation.)

                18th        Sailed from Trincomalee with the Supreme Commander embarked, screened by

                                HM Destroyers NORMAN and PATHFINDER for passage to Ramree Island. En route she

                                caught up with HM Escort Carrier AMEER escorted by HM Destroyer RAIDER which had

                                sailed earlier from Trincomalee. The two forces joined and continued towards Ramree

                                Island.

                20th        The Force was joined by HM Sloop REDPOLE and HM Frigate SPEY.

                21st         In the early hours off Ramree Island she was joined by HM Cruiser PHOEBE, and screened

                                by REDPOLE and SPEY, they moved into a bombarding position. One hour before the

                                landing of troops from the 71st Brigade of the 26th Indian Division they commenced a

                                bombardment of the northern tip of Ramree Island. Hellcats from AMEER provided CAP

                                and carried out fall-of-shot spotting.

                25th        Deployed at Trincomalee

 

February to March

                               Trincomalee deployment in continuation and prepared for support of planned

                               operations in Indian Ocean

                                (Note: HMS RENOWN was replaced by French battleship RICHELIEU

                                on 20th March.)

 

April

                8th          Sailed from Trincomalee with French battleship RICHELIEU, HMS LONDON,

                                HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VERULAM and VIGILANT as TF 63.1. In company with TF

                                63.2 which comprised HM Escort Carriers EMPEROR and KHEDIVE, HM Cruiser

                                CUMBERLAND and HM Destroyers VENUS and VIRAGO. (Operation SUNFISH), TF 63.1

                                was to carry out bombardment of Sabang whilst Hellcats of TF 63.2 provided  CAP and

                                also carried out air attacks on Sabang.

                11th        Carried out bombardment at Sabang with RICHELIEU and HMS LONDON.

                12th        TF 63 refuelled from the tanker support force TF 70. (TF 70 comprised the RFA

                                EASEDALE escorted by HM Frigate LOSSIE). Following refuelling TF 63 sailed into the

                                Strait of Malacca.

                14th        Provided cover for TF 63.2 whilst the Hellcats of TF 63.2 carried out Photo Reconnaissance

                                of Port Swettenham (now Klang) and Port Dickson Malaya, and air attacks on Emmahaven

                18th        Returned to Trincomalee with Force 63.

                27th        Sailed from Trincomalee with, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND, SUFFOLK, CEYLON,

                                Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PENN, TARTAR, ROTHERHAM

                                and VERULAM as TF 63. To carry out Operation BISHOP (a multi-task operation

                                to create a diversion to cover Operation DRACULA, the landings at Rangoon and to

                                intercept shipping in the Indian Ocean supporting Japanese bases in Andaman and Nicobar

                                Islands.). At the same time TF 62 comprising HM Escort Carriers EMPRESS and SHAH

                                escorted by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, REDOUBT and ROEBUCK sailed from

                                Trincomalee on the same operation.

                29th        200 miles west of Car Nicobar the short endurance ships of TF 62 and TF 63 refuelled from

                                TF 69. (TF 69 comprised RFA OLWEN escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN)

                30th        At dawn TF 62 and TF 62 carried out a bombardment and Hellcat strikes on the two

                                airfields at Car Nicobar. In the evening a repeat of the morning operation was carried out

                                plus air strikes against Port Blair.

May

                1st           Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Car Nicobar.

                2nd         Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Port Blair.

                3rd          The combined force split. Queen Elizabeth was deployed with RICHELIEU, SUFFOLK,

                                Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, SAUMERAZ, ROTHERHAM,

                                VENUS, VERULAM, and VIGILANT for interception of shipping along the coast of Burma.

                                The remainder of the force carried out a reconnaissance of coastal shipping between Mergui

                                and Victoria Point southern Burma.

                6th          Carried out bombardment of shore batteries on Kwantung Point in Stewart Sound between

                                North and South Andaman Islands.

                                (Note: These batteries had hit and damaged HM Destroyers VOLAGE and RAPID during

                                Operation SUFFICE to attack shipping on 19th March by ships of the 26th Destroyer

                                Flotilla.)

                9th          Returned to Trincomalee with TF 63 and TF 62 ships.

                10th        Sailed from Trincomalee in company with French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM

                                Cruisers ROYALIST, CUMBERLAND, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Escort Aircraft

                                Carriers HUNTER, KHEDIVE, SHAH and EMPEROR screened by HM Destroyers

                                SAUMAREZ, VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, ROTHERHAM, TARTAR and

                                NUBIAN as TF 61 on Operation DUKEDOM . (Operation DUKEDOM was an operation to

                                intercept the Japanese cruiser ASHIGARI and destroyer KAMIKAZE reported to have left

                                Singapore and taken passage northwards in Malacca Straits.

                                (Note: The enemy ships were heading for the Andamans to evacuate the garrison.)

                14th        Escort Carriers and destroyers detached from Force 61 to carry out interception of the

                                Japanese warships which were reported on 12th as heading southwards in Indian Ocean.

                                (Operation MITRE).

                                (Note: The enemy ships were the cruiser HAGURO and destroyer KAMIKAZE on

                                passage to the Andamans.)

                                Remained clear of the interception area and refuelled from RFA ECHODALE escorted by

                                HM Destroyer PALADIN deployed as TF 70.

                15th        HMS CUMBERLAND and Dutch HNethMS TROMP detached to support the impending

                                attack by destroyers of the 26th Flotilla.

                                (Note: Aircraft from the Escort Carriers were unable to locate the Japanese ships during

                                daylight but the destroyers intercepted the two Japanese warships and carried out a

                                brilliantly executed night encounter during which the cruiser was sunk in a gun and torpedo

                                action. See Naval Staff History, WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO) and SINK THE HAGURO

                                by J Winton)

                17th        Took passage to Trincomalee with part of TF 61.

 

 

June                        East Indies Fleet duties in continuation at Trincomalee

                                (Note: During this period planning was in progress to carry out landings in Malaya

                                Operation ZIPPER). These were to be delayed because of difficulties in obtaining

                                US government approval for any offensive other than those in the Pacific. For details see

                                Final Report of Supreme Commander South East Asia and above references. Preparatory

                                exercises were carried out by Eastern Fleet ships.)

 

July                         Relieved by HM Battleship NELSON as Flagship 3rd Battle Squadron, East Indies Fleet.

                12th        Flag of BS3 transferred to HMS NELSON.

                17th        Took passage from Ceylon to return to UK.

                                (Note: ZIPPER was further delayed by problems related to implementation of the PYTHON

                                scheme to repatriate service personnel who had been in SEAC for several years.)

 

August                  On passage

                15th        Arrived at Rosyth.