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ADMIRALTY WAR DIARIES of WORLD WAR 2 - ADM 199/427

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND - April to December 1942

 

Transcribed by Don Kindell

HMS Eskimo (Navy Photos,/Mark Teadham, click to enlarge)

on to Home Fleet Destroyers, January-June 1943

 

(for more ship information, go to Naval History Homepage and type name in Site Search)

 

Home Fleet Destroyer Operations September 1939 to April 1942

 
       
       
  Areas of Operations (click to enlarge). Only some locations in text are shown  

 

Click for Convoy Route Codes, Operation Code Names and Home Fleet Minelaying

 


 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 APRIL 1942

 

Wednesday, 1st April 1942

 

SHEFFIELD and MARNE sailed at 1330 for the Tyne, and were to have been joined by ESCAPADE off Rosyth as additional escort, but a report, graded B 2, stating that HIPPER had sailed caused Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR, with ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, WALLACE, VANITY, and VALOROUS to sail for position 56-40N, 2-30E, rendezvousing at 0800 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in INGLEFIELD with FORESTER and LEDBURY returned to Scapa at 1400 after covering the passage of two convoys in Pentland Firth.

 

TETCOTT sailed at 1100 to act as a rescue ship for another Bomber Command Operation similar to that carried out on the night of 30/31st March. The operation was postponed and TETCOTT proceeded to Sollom Voe, arriving 2050.

 

OFFA and LAMERTON sailed from Iceland for Scapa at 2220.

 

 

Thursday, 2nd April 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla’s force was recalled and subsequently ordered to search for two Norwegian ships, one a tanker, which had been seized by Sweden and had escaped and were making their way to England. They were however bombed and had to be sunk by our forces.

 

MIDDLETON and WHEATLAND arrived Falmouth at 0400.

 

BRITOMART and SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Hvalfiord at 0730 bound for Scapa.

 

HURSLEY sailed from the Tyne at 0830 for Scapa to work up on newly commissioning arrived at 1730 the following day.

 

SHEFFIELD and MARNE arrived off the Tyne at 1735 where MARNE turned back to Scapa arriving at 0630 on the following day.

 

SPEED sailed from Scapa for Hvalfiord to join the escort of convoy PQ 14 to Murmansk.

 

WILTON, TETCOTT, and MATCHLESS sailed to act as rescue ships for a Bomber Command operation which was later postponed. They returned to Scapa on the following morning.

 

 

Friday, 3rd April 1942

 

LIVERPOOL, MARNE, and PUNJABI sailed in company for Murmansk to act as additional escort for QP 10.

 

LANCASTER, CHARLESTOWN, and ST MARYS having been detached from R. A. (M) to operate under the orders of Rear Admiral (D) arrived Scapa at 1900. This was necessary if Bomber Command’s requirements were to be met. The operation was however cancelled finally on Saturday.

 

LEDBURY sailed at 1800 for Rosyth to boiler clean.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla’s force returned to Rosyth after escorting the Norwegian vessels that were intercepted. Some losses by bombing however took place.

 

 

Saturday, 4th April 1942

 

MARTIN sailed from the Tyne for Methil at 1015, carrying out a full power acceptance trial en route.

 

OFFA and LAMERTON arrived Iceland at 0100, for former in considerably damaged state due to weather encountered while escorting PQ and QP convoys.

 

WILTON sailed to Hvalfiord to act as escort to Force Q during the passage of the next PQ and QP convoys.

 

An American Squadron arrived in Scapa Flow at 0800 today consisting of WASHINGTON, TUSCALOOSA, WICHITA, WASP, who anchored in the Fleet Anchorage, and WAINWRIGHT, STERETT, WILSON, LANG, PLUNKETT, and MADISON who secured to buoys in Gutter Sound. They were escorted into harbour by EDINBURGH.

 

 

Sunday, 5th April 1942

 

KING GEORGE V and NIGERIA, escorted by Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR, ICARUS, and ESCAPADE left Rosyth for Scapa at 1900B arriving at 0900. The flag of the Commander in Chief was transferred to KING GEORGE V on arrival.

 

SPEEDY arrived at Seidisfiord prior to acting as escort to PQ 14.

 

MARTIN arrived Scapa at 1600 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

 

Monday, 6th April 1942

 

FORESIGHT and FORESTER sailed fro Seidisfiord at 2000 and EDINBURGH sailed independently at 2300.

 

WILTON arrived at Seidisfiord at 1500 to relieve LAMERTON in Force Q.

 

LADY OF MANN sailed from the Clyde at 1630 carrying out a trooping trip to the Faroes and Shetlands, returning to Invergordon. Her escort, LANCASTER and ST MARYS sailed from Scapa at 0200 on the following day meeting her off Cape Wrath.

 

BRITOMART who sailed from Hvalfiord in company with SHARPSHOOTER on 2nd April, arrived at 2100, having lost touch with SHARPSHOOTER at 2300 on that day off Iceland during a gale.

 

BRITOMART subsequently sailed at 1800 on the following day for Leith to refit.

 

 

Tuesday, 7th April 1942

 

On completion of working up, TETCOTT sailed for Rosyth to boiler clean where she arrived at 1300/8.

 

 

Wednesday, 8th April 1942

 

VICTORIOUS screened by ESKIMO and ECHO sailed from Rosyth at 2045 arriving at Scapa at 0900.

 

SHARPSHOOTER arrived in Scapa at 0900 having been delayed on her passage from Hvalfiord by gales. She continued her passed to Leith at 1500 arriving at that port at 1100 on the following day to carry out repairs and refit.

 

Rear Admiral (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE arrived at Scapa at 1400 escorted by CHARLESTOWN and sailed the next day for Port ZA.

 

 

Thursday, 9th April 1942

 

At 0800 USS WASP, escorted by LANG, MADISON, and ECHO sailed for the Clyde arriving at 0700/10.

 

PQ 14 sailed from Hvalfiord escorted by HEBE, SPEEDY, NORTHERN WAVE, LORD AUSTIN, LORD MIDDLETON, DUNCTON, and CHILTERN.

 

 

Friday, 10th April 1942

 

WHEATLAND and MIDDLETON returned to Scapa at 0800 on completion of their duty under the orders of Commander in Chief, Plymouth.

 

ECHO returned to Scapa at 2130 having escorted USS WASP to the Clyde.

 

LEDBURY left Rosyth at 1700 after boiler cleaning and a short refit, arrived Scapa at 0500 the following day.

 

QP 10 sailed from the Kola Inlet, escorted by ORIBI, PUNJABI, FURY, ECLIPSE, MARNE, SPEEDWELL, and BLACKFLY. HARRIER, HUSSAR, and GOSSAMER with two Russian destroyers provided local escort. LIVERPOOL also sailed as an extra covering force.

 

At 1700 NORFOLK was sailed to reinforce the covering force for PQ 14, but was later redirected to cover QP 10 with LIVERPOOL.

 

 

Saturday, 11th April 1942

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI with BEDOUIN, ESKIMO, and MATCHLESS sailed for Skaalefiord to fuel.

 

At 2000 SEAGULL completed refitting and sailed for Rosyth for S. A. ranging.

 

ICARUS completed temporary repairs at Scapa sailing for Rosyth at 2100 to refit.

 

PQ 14 was delayed by thick drifting ice, and is now about 36 hours astern of station. HEBE and WILTON are both damaged, the latter considerably and is returned to Seidisfiord. SPEEDY and NORTHERN WAVE have their asdic out of action due to floating ice. Another escorting force, however, consisting of BEAGLE, AMAZON, BEVERLEY, FORESIGHT, FORESTER, SNOWFLAKE, and OXLIP are due to join up a. m. 12th April. CS 18 in EDINBURGH act as covering force for this convoy.

 

 

Sunday, 12th April 1942

 

The Fleet, consisting of Command in Chief, Home Fleet, in KING GEORGE V, with DUKE OF YORK, NIGERIA, KENT, VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR ONSLOW, OFFA, MIDDLETON, WHEATLAND, LEDBURY, and BELVOIR sailed to cover the passed of the PQ and QP convoys. The first four destroyers mentioned were detached on relief by Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla’s force and proceeded to Skaalefiord to fuel. On their return, the four Hunts will return to Scapa except for WHEATLAND who will proceed to join ALDERSDALE who is returning independently to Seidisfiord.

 

 

Monday, 13th April 1942

 

Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla in BRAMBLE and SEAGULL arrived independently during the afternoon from refitting.

 

 

Tuesday, 14th April 1942

 

MIDDLETON, BELVOIR, and LEDBURY arrived at Scapa at 1050 having been detached from the Fleet. WHEATLAND joined RFA ALDERSDALE in Seidisfiord, but the latter is damaged due to ice and if Force Q is required will be relieved by RFA OLIGARCH. SPEEDY also left PQ 14 having been damaged by ice. Considerable quantities of ice are now working down from the North with the advent of spring.

 

Reports show that PQ 14 had been divided, the more northern section is being shadowed by aircraft.

 

 

Wednesday, 15th April 1942

 

BLACKMORE sailed from Greenock for Scapa at 1300 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

SPEEDY arrived at Seidisfiord at 1900 having parted company with Convoy PQ 14.

 

USS WILSON reported the presence of a possible U-boat in the practice area west of the Orkneys at 1400. She was joined by USS WAINWRIGHT. Later a torpedo track was sighted in the vicinity and LAMERTON and HURSLEY were sailed from Scapa at 1900 together with M.L.’s to assist in the search.

 

 

Thursday, 16th April 1942

 

PATHFINDER sailed from Rosyth at 0700 for Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1715.

 

BLACKMORE arrived Scapa from Greenock at 0945.

 

WILTON sailed from Scapa at 2130 for London to carry out repairs to damage caused by ice and weather. She formed additional escort to Convoy FS 79 from May Island to the southward.

 

SPEEDY sailed from Iceland during the afternoon for Scapa to make good defects caused by ice and weather.

 

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY sailed from Scapa at 2000 for Skaalefiord to augment the Fleet screen as required by the Commander in Chief. They arrived at 0800 on the following day.

 

The force searching for a U-boat west of the Orkneys was ordered at 1400 to proceed and search for a U-boat report in the North Minch by a Walrus aircraft. During the night LAMERTON and HURSLEY were ordered to part company with this force and proceed to Skaalefiord to join MIDDLETON and LEDBURY. The remainder of the force abandoned the search and arrived at Scapa at 0700 on the following day.

 

 

Friday, 17th April 1942

 

LAMERTON and HURSLEY arrived Skaalefiord at 1300.

 

FAULKNOR, SOMALI, BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS arrived Seidisfiord at 0900 having been detached from the Home Fleet to fuel. They later sailed to rejoin the Fleet.

 

LEDA sailed from Methil at 2200 for Scapa having been delayed owing to grounding in the First of Forth. She arrived Scapa at 1245.

 

 

Saturday, 18th April 1942

 

LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and HURSLEY sailed from Skaalefiord and joined the Fleet in position 62-50N, 06-15W at 0830. The Fleet, screened by the following destroyers arrived Scapa at 2300. FAULKNOR, ONSLOW, BEDOUIN, MATCHLESS, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, LEDBURY, and HURSLEY.

 

ECLIPSE who had parted company with Convoy QP 10 arrived Seidisfiord at 0600 and after fuelling proceeded to Scapa to effect repairs to damage sustained in her action with enemy forces during her passage with Convoy PQ 13.

 

PENN sailed from the Tyne at 2145 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa to continue her working up practices. She arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

 

Sunday, 19th April 1942

 

ESKIMO, MARNE, and OFFA arrived Scapa at 0330. These destroyers had been detached from the Fleet screen to fuel.

 

WILTON arrived Sheerness at 1415. She proceeded up river on the following day and arrived at the Port of London at 1500.

 

SPEEDY arrived Scapa at 0830 from Iceland having sustained considerable weather damage.

 

BEDOUIN sailed from Scapa at 1300 for Hull to refit. She was delayed on passage due to fog.

 

ECLIPSE arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord at 1645.

 

 

Monday, 20th April 1942

 

Convoy PQ 14 arrived at the Kola Inlet during the day.

 

BEDOUIN arrived at Hull at 1630 to commence her refit.

 

ECLIPSE sailed from Scapa at 1800 and proceeded to Devonport to effect repairs.

 

MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and HURSLEY sailed from Scapa at 1900 for Rosyth to provide screen for NELSON.

 

SPEEDWELL sailed from Iceland for Scapa at 1900. She reported that while with convoy QP 10 on 13th April, an encounter occurred with and enemy U-boat who was delivering an attack on MARNE. Both ships carried out attacks and it was considered that the U-boat was at least severely damaged.

 

 

Tuesday, 21st April 1942

 

Eleven ships of QP 10 and 6 ships of PQ 14 escorted by ORIBI, MARNE, PUNJABI, and FURY arrived at Hvalfiord at 1245.

 

NELSON, escorted by MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and HURSLEY sailed from Rosyth at 0630 and arrived at Scapa at 1915.

 

HEBE who had received weather damage, arrived Reykjavik at 1530 escorting three ships ex PQ 14.

 

SPEEDY sailed from Scapa at 2130 for the Humber to effect repairs. She arrived at 0800 on 23 April.

 

Force W, consisting of US WASP escorted by INGLEFIELD, ECHO, and US LANG and US MADISON proceeded on their homeward passage passing through position 35-58N, 7-50W at 1100.

 

 

Wednesday, 22nd April 1942

 

PUNJABI, ORIBI, MARNE, and FURY sailed from Hvalfiord at 1800 escorting a Troop Convoy to the Minches.

 

DUKE OF YORK screened by Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ESKIMO and ESCAPADE sailed from Scapa at 1930 for Hvalfiord.

 

 

Thursday, 23rd April 1942

 

Senior Officer, 1st Minesweeping Flotilla in BRAMBLE with LEDA and SEAGULL sailed Scapa 1300 for Hvalfiord subsequently to proceed to Murmansk with convoy PQ 15.

 

US Destroyers WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT sailed from Scapa at 1200 for Moville.

 

 

Friday, 24th April 1942

 

DUKE OF YORK screened by FAULKNOR, ESKIMO and ESCAPADE arrived Hvalfiord at 1200.

 

US WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT arrived Moville at 0800 and after fuelling proceeded at 1930 to join US WASP at 1600 on the following day in position 54-44N 11-24W.

 

SPEEDWELL sailed Scapa at 2100 and proceeded to Humber to effect repairs. She arrived at 0730 on 26th April.

 

LEDBURY escorting RFA GRAY RANGER sailed from Scapa at 2200 for Seidisfiord.

 

ORIBI, MARNE, and FURY arrived Scapa at 2100 having parted company with their convoy in the Minches. PUNJABI continued with the convoy to Greenock.

 

 

Saturday, 25th April 1942

 

Senior Officer, 1st Minesweeping Flotilla in BRAMBLE with LEDA and SEAGULL arrived Hvalfiord at 1930.

 

PUNJABI escorting the troop convoy arrived at Greenock at 1430 and later sailed for Scapa where she arrived at 1745 on the following day.

 

Operation BASH 2 was to have been carried out during the night by Bomber Command and BELVOIR, PENN, and HURSLEY were detailed as rescue ships. The operation was later postponed. BELVOIR was ordered to proceed to Sullom Voe where she arrived at 2130. PENN was recalled to Scapa where she arrived at 2100 and HURSLEY had not sailed.

 

HEBE sailed from Hvalfiord for Scapa at 2130.

 

US WILSON sailed from Scapa at 2330 to the assistance of three airmen reported adrift in a dinghy 120 miles to the eastward of the Orkneys. Nothing was sighted and the ship returned to Scapa during the following forenoon.

 

 

Sunday, 26th April 1942

 

LEDBURY, escorting RFA GRAY RANGER arrived Seidisfiord at 0900. This force, designated Force Q, was for the purpose of refueling destroyers during the passed of convoys PQ 15 and QP 11.

 

Convoy PQ 15 sailed from Hvalfiord during the day escorted by the local escort.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW sailed from Scapa at 1900 for Rosyth to boiler clean and carry out minor repairs. She arrived at 0700 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI with MATCHLESS sailed from Scapa at 1000 for Seidisfiord. This force was to form part of the escort for convoy PQ 15.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in INGLEFIELD with ECHO arrived Scapa at 1200, on return from escort duty with US WASP who took reinforcements of fighter aircraft to Malta.

 

 

Monday, 27th April 1942

 

BELVOIR sailed from Sullom Voe and PENN and HURSLEY from Scapa at 1800, 1900, and 1400 respectively to proceed to patrol positions in the North Sea to act as rescue ships during Bomber Command operation during the night against the Trondheim area. The force returned to Scapa on the following forenoon, no rescues having been effected.

 

SOMALI and MATCHLESS arrived at Seidisfiord at 1640.

 

BLANKNEY sailed from Plymouth at 1330 as part escort for convoy PW 147 as far as Milford Haven, thence escort for ANDALUSIA STAR from Bristol Channel to Oversay. BLANKNEY failed to meet ANDALUSIA STAR and proceeded independently to Scapa.

 

 

Tuesday, 28th April 1942

 

The Commander in Chief in KING GEORGE V with VICTORIOUS, KENYA, and the US WASHINGTON, WICHITA, and TUSCALOOSA screened by the following destroyers sailed from Scapa at 2200 to act as a covering force for Convoys QP 11 and PQ 15 – Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in INGLEFIELD with MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, BELVOIR, US WAINWRIGHT, MADISON, WILSON, and PLUNKETT.

 

Convoy QP 11 sailed from Kola Inlet at 1500 with an ocean escort consisting of BULLDOG, BEAGLE, BEVERLEY, AMAZON, FORESIGHT, FORESTER, CAMPANULA, OXLIP, SAXIFRAGE, SNOWFLAKE, LORD MIDDLETON, NORTHERN WAVE, and covered by EDINBURGH.

 

HEBE arrived Scapa at 0745 and later sailed at 2100 for the Humber to carry out repairs.

 

MARTIN, MARNE, ORIBI, and PUNJABI sailed from Scapa for Seidisfiord at 1200.

 

QUENTIN arrived Scapa from Greenock at 0630 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

DERWENT sailed from Greenock at 1500 for Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

PENN, OFFA, and BLACKMORE sailed from Scapa during the day to act as rescue ships during the Bomber Command operations in the Trondheim area. No rescues were effected and the ships returned to Scapa on the following forenoon.

 

 

Wednesday, 29th April 1942

 

US WASP escorted by BLACKMORE and US LANG and STERETT sailed from Scapa for the Clyde at 0900.

 

ST MARYS,WELLS, and CASTLETON arrived Scapa at 1000, 1200, and 1400, respectively, from Port ZA to take over duties of air sea rescue ships from the Home Fleet destroyers.

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Greenock on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived Scapa at 1000 the following day.

 

ESKIMO sailed from Hvalfiord during the day and proceeded to Seidisfiord before joining the Fleet screen.

 

MARTIN, MARNE, ORIBI, and PUNJABI arrived at Seidisfiord at 1830 to fuel prior to joining the Fleet screen on the following morning.

 

 

Thursday, 30th April 1942

 

WHEATLAND arrived Scapa at 1000 from Greenock on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

BLANKNEY arrived Scapa at 1600 from Plymouth to join the Home Fleet Command under the administration of Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla.

 

HEBE arrived Grimsby at 0900 from Scapa to effect repairs to weather damage.

 

ESKIMO was detached from the Force un the Command of Vice Admiral, Second in Command Home Fleet and sailed for Seidisfiord where she arrived at 0330 and after fuelling sailed to join the Fleet screen.

 

MARTIN, MARNE, ORIBI, and PUNJABI sailed from Seidisfio4rd to join the Fleet screen and relieve LAMERTON, HURSLEY, MIDDLETON, and BELVOIR who returned to Scapa.

 

WELLS, CASTLETON, and ST MARYS sailed from Scapa t 1345, 1400, and 2215, respectively for Port ZA. Their services had not been required as the Bomber Command operation had been cancelled.

 

OFFA sailed from Scapa at 1900 for Grimsby to refit. She arrived at 1900 on the following day.

 

EDINBURGH who was covering convoy QP 11 was torpedoed at 1620 by a U-boat in position 73-09N, 35-43E. Her stern was blown off. FORESIGHT and FORESTER who were escorting the convoy went to her assistance.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

MAY 1942

 

Friday, 1st May 1942

 

PUNJABI was sunk in collision with KING GEORGE V at 1545 in approximate position 66-50N, 08-48W in fog. The Captain, 4 officers, and 201 ratings were saved. KING GEORGE V was damaged by the explosion of PUNJABI’s depth charges and the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet ordered Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK with FAULKNOR and ESCAPADE to sail from Hvalfiord and rendezvous with him in position 67-32N, 10-25N at 2359 on the following day.

 

INTREPID arrived Scapa at 1720 on completion of her refit. Later at 2330 in company with ECHO she sailed for the Clyde, and arrived at 1530 on the following day.

 

BLACKMORE arrived at Scapa at 1200 from Greenock on completion of escort duty with USS WASP.

 

LAMERTON, HURSLEY, and MIDDLETON arrived Scapa at 2230 and BELVOIR at 0030 on the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 2nd May 1942

 

BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and WHEATLAND sailed from Scapa at 0500 for Seidisfiord to provide a screen for KING GEORGE V during her passage from that port to Scapa.

 

HURSLEY sailed from Scapa at 0500 and BELVOIR at 0750 both for Greenock. Both ships had completed their working up practices and were to boiler clean before joining their new commands. They arrived at 0200 on the following day.

 

Captain (D), Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW sailed from Rosyth at 2200 in company with two destroyers from the Rosyth Escort Force to escort ANSON from the Tyne to Rosyth. On completion of this duty ONSLOW proceeded to Scapa.

 

The Commander in Chief in KING GEORG V parted company with the covering force and screened by MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI proceeded to Seidisfiord. The destroyer after fuelling were ordered to rendezvous with Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet in position 68-58N, 05-14W.

 

ICARUS sailed from Rosyth at 1100 on completion of her repairs and arrived at Scapa at 2130.

 

An action between 3 German destroyers and EDINBURGH, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER commenced at 0630. EDINBURGH was again hit by a torpedo and later had to be sunk by FORESIGHT. Both FORESIGHT and FORESTER received damage and casualties, the Commander Officer of the latter ship being killed. One enemy destroyer is believed to have been sunk and another damaged. FORESIGHT and FORESTER proceeded to Murmansk for repairs and conveyed the survivors from EDINBURGH to that port.

 

 

Sunday, 3rd May 1942

 

USS WASP escorted by INTREPID, ECHO, and two US destroyers sailed from the Clyde at 0300 for Operation BOWERY.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla arrived Scapa at 2100 on completion of escort duty with ANSON from the Tyne to May Island.

 

 

Monday, 4th May 1942

 

The Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in KING GEORGE V arrived Scapa at 2100 screened by BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and WHEATLAND.

 

The RODNEY escorted by BLEASDALE and NEWMARKET sailed from Liverpool at 1700 for Scapa.

 

 

Tuesday, 5th May 1942

 

Vice Admiral, Second in Command Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK with VICTORIOUS and KENYA screened by Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in INGLEFIELD with ESKIMO, FAULKNOR, ESCAPADE, MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI arrived Scapa at 2100.

 

RODNEY escorted by BLEASDALE arrived Scapa at 2130. The latter ship was to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

 

Wednesday, 6th May 1942

 

Convoy PQ 15 arrived in Kola Inlet. Three ships in the convoy had been sunk by torpedo aircraft.

 

HAZARD sailed from Aberdeen at 1000 on completion of her refit. She arrived Scapa at 2030.

 

Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR sailed from Scapa at 2000 and proceeded to Rosyth to boiler clean. She arrived at that port at 0645 the following day.

 

KENT and LIVERPOOL with Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW and ICARUS sailed from Scapa at 1530 for Seidisfiord. On completion of refueling this force was to proceed to augment the escort of TRINIDAD during her passed from Murmansk in a damaged condition. The force arrived Seidisfiord at 2100 and sailed at 2300.

 

ESKIMO sailed from Scapa at 1800 for Plymouth to de ammunition prior to proceeded to Falmouth to refit. She arrived at 0900 on 8 May 1942.

 

 

Thursday, 7th May 1942

 

Convoy QP 11 arrived at Hvalfiord during the day. No submarine attacks were made on the convoy, but one ship was sunk by torpedo during an attack by three enemy destroyers. Air attacks by torpedo aircraft were also made but these inflicted no damage.

 

LEDBURY escorting oiler GRAY RANGER on passage from Seidisfiord to Scapa was diverted to Lerwick where the ships arrived at 0300 on the following day.

 

 

Friday, 8th May 1942

 

KING GEORGE V sailed from Scapa at 1230 for Birkenhead to refit and carry out repairs. She was escorted by BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON.

 

The sailing of TRINIDAD from Murmansk was postponed and the force consisting of KENTY, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW, and ICARUS were ordered to return to Seidisfiord where they arrived at 0500 on the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 9th May 1942

 

LEDBURY escorting GRAY RANGER sailed from Lerwick at 0900 and arrived Scapa at 1845.

 

ASHANTI sailed from the Humber at 1400 for Scapa on completion of her refit. She arrived at 0900 on the following day.

 

 

Sunday, 10th May 1942

 

ORP SLAZAK arrived Scapa at 1800 from the Tyne to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON arrived Scapa at 1245 on return from escorting KING GEORGE V to Birkenhead.

 

 

Monday, 11th May 1942

 

ECLIPSE sailed from Plymouth at 1730 for Scapa on completion of her repairs.

 

FORESTER and FORESIGHT who had been damaged in action with enemy destroyers completed temporary repairs at Murmansk.

 

 

Tuesday, 12th May 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR arrived from Rosyth at 1300 on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived Scapa at 0030 on the following day.

 

Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron in NIGERIA with KENT, LIVERPOOL, INGLEFIELD, ONSLOW, ICARUS, and ESCAPADE sailed from Seidisfiord at 2300 to provide cover for TRINIDAD during her passed from Murmansk to Iceland. The Commander in Chief, Home Fleet with units of the Home Fleet were to have sailed to afford additional cover but the movement was subsequently cancelled.

 

 

Wednesday, 13th May 1942

 

ECLIPSE arrived Scapa from Plymouth at 1200.

 

HAZARD sailed from Scapa at 0800 for Hvalfiord prior to sailing with convoy PQ 16.

 

Vice Admiral Commanding, 18th Cruiser Squadron in TRINIDAD escorted by Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI with MATCHLESS, FORESTER, and FORESIGHT sailed from Murmansk at 2300.

 

USS WAINWRIGHT sailed from Hvalfiord at 1800 for Scapa.

 

 

Thursday, 14th May 1942

 

BLACKMOOR sailed from Scapa at 1300 for the Clyde on completion of working up practices.

 

TRINIDAD was attacked by dive bombers and torpedo bombers at 2300 in position 73-37N, 23-27E. Fire broke out which rapidly became out of control and the ship was sunk by our own forces after all survivors had been taken off by the destroyers.

 

 

Friday, 15th May1942

 

The Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in DUKE OF YORK with VICTORIOUS and LONDON and screened by FAULKNOR, FURY, MARNE, ECLIPSE, ORIBI, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and WHEATLAND sailed Scapa at 0400 and proceeded to the northward to join the US Ships WASHINGTON and TUSCALOOSA screened by three destroyers from Hvalfiord and provide cover for the force providing protection for TRINIDAD.

 

RENOWN, INTREPID, and ECHO, and US ships WASP, LANG, and STERETT arrived Scapa at 0730 on return from Operation BOWERY which had consisted of the conveying of fighter aircraft to Malta.

 

HAZARD arrived at Hvalfiord at 1400.

 

ASHANTI and MARNE sailed from Scapa at 1700 for Hvalfiord to attend the convoy conference of convoy PQ 16 before proceeding with that convoy.

 

 

Saturday, 16th May 1942

 

BLACK RANGER escorted by LEDBURY sailed from Scapa at 1015 for Seidisfiord. This force as to form Force Q for the purpose of fuelling the escorts of convoys PQ 16 and QP 12.

 

Captain (D) III in INGLEFIELD with ESCAPADE arrived Murmansk at 1130 to form additional escorts for convoy QP 12.

 

 

Sunday, 17th May 1942

 

Captain (D) VI in SOMALI with MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER having been detached from CS 10’s force arrived Seidisfiord. Later at 0800 FORESTER sailed for Scapa to land seriously wounded cases and at 0915 the remaining three destroyers sailed for Greenock.

 

The Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK with VICTORIOUS, LONDON, US WASHINGTON and TUSCALOOSA screened by FAULKNOR, FURY, MARNE, ECLIPSE, ORIBI, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and three US destroyers arrived Hvalfiord at 1530.

 

CS 10 in NIGERIA with KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW, and ICARUS arrived Hvalfiord at 1600.

 

US WASP screened by WAINWRIGHT, STERETT, and LANG sailed from Scapa to 1145 for Greenock.

 

ASHANTI and MARTIN arrived Hvalfiord to attend the convoy conference of convoy PQ 16.

 

 

Monday, 18th May 1942

 

INTREPID sailed from Scapa at 1215 for Hvalfiord to join the Commander in Chief.

 

FORESTER arrived Scapa at 0800 and after disembarking wounded and taking in stores and fuel sailed for the Tyne at 2100 to carry out repairs. She arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

US WASP escorted by three US destroyers arrived Greenock at 1115. She sailed from the U. S. A. later in the day escorted by STERETT, LANG, and TRIPPE. WAINWRIGHT sailed independently for Hvalfiord.

 

 

Tuesday, 19th May 1942

 

Captain (D) VI in SOMALI with MATCHLESS and FORESIGHT arrived Greenock at 0800 to disembark survivors and wounded. Later at 1615 FORESIGHT sailed to Scapa where she arrived at 1200 on the following day.

 

INTREPID arrived Hvalfiord at 2200 to operate under the orders of the Commander in Chief.

 

 

Wednesday, 20th May 1942

 

PATHFINDER, PENN, QUENTIN, and BLEASDALE carried out a search for a U-boat reported to the westward of the Orkneys. Ships left harbour at 2230 and aftersearching throughout the night without success were ordered to return to harbour at 0900 on the following morning.

 

 

Thursday, 21st May 1942

 

Convoy PQ 16 consisting of 35 ships sailed from Hvalfiord at 0100. The following ships provided the ocean escort: ASHANTI, MARTIN, GARLAND, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, HONEYSUCKLE, STARWORT, ROSELYS, HYDERABAD, ALYNBANK, EMPIRE LAWRENCE, HAZARD.

 

Convoy QP 12 consisting of 18 ships sailed from the Kola Inlet at 1930 escorted by the following ships:INGLEFIELD, ESCAPADE, BOADICEA, VENOMOUS, ST ALBANS, BADSWOTH, ULSTER QUEEN, HARRIER, NORTHERN WAVE, NORTHERN PRIDE, VIZALMA, CAPE PALLISTER.

 

CS 10 in NIGERIA with ONSLOW, ORIBI, and MARNE and some of the ocean escorts of PQ 16 arrived Seidisfiord at 1630 from Hvalfiord.

 

DERWENT sailed from Scapa at 2015 on completion of her working up practices and proceeded to Greenock for boiler cleaning before joining her future command.

 

Captain (D) VI in SOMALI sailed from Greenock at 1830 for Scapa.

 

 

Friday, 22nd May 1942

 

Captain (D) VI in SOMALI arrived Scapa at 1200 from Greenock.

 

WILTON sailed from Sheerness at 1200 on completion of repairs and proceed to Scapa.

 

MATCHLESS and OAKLEY sailed from Greenock at 1200 for Scapa, the latter for working up practices on newly commissioning. The former arrived at 0400 on the following day and the latter at 0900.

 

HALCYON sailed from Aberdeen at 2200 on completion of her refit and arrived at Scapa at 0930 on the following day.

 

The US Destroyers WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, ROWAN, and RHIND sailed from Hvalfiord at 1430 for Seidisfiord to fuel prior to joined the Fleet at 0600 on May 24th.

 

 

Saturday, 23rd May 1942

 

WILTON, having been delayed by fog, arrived Scapa at 1600.

 

SPEEDY sailed from the Humber at 1015 on completion of refit and repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1245 on the following day.

 

RENOWN, screened by Captain (D) VI in SOMALI with MATCHLESS and ECHO sailed from Scapa at 1730 for Hvalfiord. CUMBERLAND sailed at 2200 to overtake this force which arrived at 1030 on May 25th 1942.

 

Commander in Chief in DUKE OF WORK with VICTORIOUS, LONDON, US WASHINGTON and WICHITA, FAULKNOR, INTEREPID, ICARUS, ECLIPSE, FURY, BLANKEY, LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, and WHEATLAND sailed from Hvalfiord to cover the passage of convoys PQ 16 and QP 12.

 

The US destroyers WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, ROWAN, and RHIND arrived Seidisfiord at 1800.

 

 

Sunday, 24th May 1942

 

The four US Destroyers mentioned above joined the Commander in Chief at 0600 in position 65-50N, 13-01W.

 

After the remainder of the Fleet Destroyers had fuelled at Seidisfiord, the four Hunt Class Destroyers parted company with the Fleet and proceeded to Seidisfiord.

 

 

Monday, 25th May 1942

 

No movements or events of importance occurred during the day.

 

 

Tuesday, 25th May 1942

(n. b. this should be 26th May)

 

SALAMANDER sailed from Rosyth at 2330 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2030 on the following day.

 

 

Wednesday, 26th May 1942

 (n. b. this should be 27th May

 

NELSON, screened by PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN sailed from Scapa at 0830 for the Clyde, all ships on completion of working up. The force arrived at 1630 on the following day and QUENTIN then proceed to Liverpool where she arrived at 1700.

 

Force Q, consisting of LEDBURY and BLACK RANGER were ordered to leave their patrol position and return to Scapa.

 

SPEEDWELL and HEBE sailed from the Humber at 2030 on completion of their refit and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 0945 on May 29th.

 

 

Thursday, 28th May 1942

 

Convoy QP 12 arrived at Hvalfiord. Although this convoy had been shadowed by aircraft and U-boats, no attacks materialized and all ships arrived safely.

 

 

Friday, 29th May 1942

 

The Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK with USS WASHINGTON, WICHITA, WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, ROWAN, and RHIND and LONDON, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and WHEATLAND arrived Scapa at 1730.

 

CS 10 in NIGERIA with NORFOLK, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW, ORIBI, and MARNE arrived Scapa at 1300.

 

VICTORIOUS with Captain (D) VIII in FAULKNOR, FURY, and ECLIPSE arrived Hvalfiord at 1045.

 

ICARUS and INTREPID arrived Skaalefiord at 0440 to fuel having been detached from the Home Fleet screen for that purpose. On completion they sailed fro Scapa where they arrived at 1700.

 

OAKLEY sailed from Scapa at 0830 and proceeded to Scrabster with Chief Staff Officer to Rear Admiral (D) afterwards returning to Scapa.

 

NEPAL sailed from Plymouth at 2145 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1030 on May 31st.

 

 

Saturday, 30th May 1942

 

Convoy PQ 16 arrived in the Kola Inlet at 1900 with the exception of six ships who proceeded to Archangel. This convoy had been strongly attacked by aircraft and U-boats and seven ships in all were sunk. GARLAND was damaged and suffered considerable casualties. The ships of the convoy and the escorts were congratulation by the First Lord of the Admiral on the winning through of the convoy against such heavy attacks by the enemy.

 

D. S. TJERK HIDDES sailed from the Clyde at 1430 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1300 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) VI in SOMALI sailed from Hvalfiord at 1800 for Scapa.

 

WILTON sailed from Scapa and joined the minelaying force for Operation SN 72 under the command of R. A. M. in position north of Cape Wrath at 0530.

 

INTREPID sailed from Scapa at 2030 for Hvalfiord to operate under the command of RENOWN. She arrived at 0900 on June 1st.

 

LEDBURY escorting RFA BLACK RANGER arrived Sullom Voe at 0030.

 

 

Sunday, 31st May 1942

 

Captain (D) III in INGLEFIELD with ESCAPADE arrived at Scapa at 0400 on return from escort duty with convoy QP 12.

 

BEDOUING sailed from the Humber at 1930 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

LEDBURY escorting the RFA BLACK RANGER arrived Scapa at 0530.

 

SPEEDY and HEBE sailed from Scapa at 0001 for Greenock before proceeding to Gibraltar. They arrived at 0600 on the following day.

 

LAMERTON sailed from Scapa at 1400 for Immingham to refit. She arrived at 1630 on the following day.

 

MATCHLESS sailed from Hvalfiord to Scapa at 1600. She arrived at 0300 on June 2nd.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

JUNE 1942

 

Monday, 1st June 1942

 

At 0900 the following reorganization of the Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas took place. The existing ships of the Third Flotilla joined the Eighth Flotilla, the Hunt class destroyers of the Eighth Flotilla joined the Sixth Flotilla and the Third Flotilla ceased to exist. A list of ships in Flotillas after this reorganization is given in the Summary.

 

(n. b. from Summary)

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

SOMALI (Captain D)

FAULKNOR (Captain D)

ONSLOW (Captain D)

TARTAR WHEATLAND FORESTER ECHO OFFA
ASHANTI WILTON FORESIGHT ESCAPADE ORIBI
BEDOUIN LAMERTON FURY INTREPID MARNE
ESKIMO LEDBURY INGLEFIELD ICARUS MARTIN
MIDDLETON BLANKNEY ECLIPSE IMPULSIVE MATCHLESS

 

                                                  

INGLEFIELD sailed from Scapa at 1000 and proceeded to Rosyth to clean boilers. She arrived at 1800.

 

ORIBI sailed from Scapa at 0845 and proceeded to Immingham to refit. She arrived at 1230 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI arrived Scapa at 1030 from Hvalfiord.

 

 

Tuesday, 2nd June 1942

 

CASTLETON sailed from Port ZA at 0615 to proceed to Scapa where she arrived at 1400. This destroyer was temporarily transferred from the command of Rear Admiral, Minelayers during the absence of other Home Fleet destroyer from Scapa.

 

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa at 0300 from Hvalfiord.

 

 

Wednesday, 3rd June 1942

 

LIVERPOOL, KENYA, ONSLOW, ICARUS, MARNE, MATCHLESS, and BEDOUIN sailed from Scapa at 0645 for (n. b. WD says from) Greenock.

 

RODNEY, escorted by BLANKNEY, ESCAPADE, and MIDDLETON sailed from Scapa at 0700 for Greenock.

 

BLEASDALE sailed from Scapa at 1200 on completion of her working up practices and proceeded to Portsmouth to join that command. She arrived at 1100 on June 5th.

 

SALAMANDER sailed from Scapa at 1700 and proceeded to Rosyth to carry out further repairs to her main engines. She arrived at 1500 the following day.

 

HEBE and SPEEDY sailed from Greenock for Gibraltar at 2359.

 

 

Thursday, 4th June 1942

 

RODNEY, escorted by BLANKNEY, ESCAPADE, and MIDDLETON arrived at Greenock at 0700.

 

The force under the command of LIVERPOOL arrived Greenock at 0500.

 

Later Convoy WS 19 Z sailed from the Clyde at 2200 escorted by the following ships from the Home Fleet: LIVERPOOL, KENYA, ONSLOW, BEDOUIN, ICARUS, ESCAPADE, MARNE, MATCHLESS, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON.

 

Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla in HARRIER sailed from Scapa at 2000 and proceeded to Hull to refit, arrived at 0800 on 6th June.

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Scapa at 1600 to assist in the search for a U-boat reported north of Strathie Point by BOOTEE. WILTON returning from operation SN 72 was ordered to assist. CHIDDINGFOLD and Motor Launches were also sailed from Scapa. At 2359 WHEATLAND was ordered to proceed to Hvalfiord and the remainder of the ships including WILTON were ordered to return to Scapa.

 

INTREPID sailed from Hvalfiord at 1815 for Scapa where she arrived at 1300 on 6th June.

 

 

Friday, 5th June 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Saturday, 6th June 1942

 

His Majesty the King arrived at Scapa to visit the Fleet and the Orkney Command. Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla conveyed his Majesty from Scrabster to Scapa and escort was provided by OAKLEY and CHIDDINGFOLD. Thick fog prevailed during the morning and SOMALI did not enter Scapa until 1215. On arrival, His Majesty proceeded on boar DUKE OF YORK to stay with the Commander in Chief.

 

WHEATLAND arrived Hvalfiord at 1500.

 

OAKLEY sailed from Scapa at 1900 and proceeded to the Clyde to carry out repairs. She arrived at 1600 on the following day.

 

ASHANTI and MARTIN sailed from Murmansk at 0200 and proceeded for Scapa.

 

CASTLETON sailed from Scapa at 1000 and proceeded to Port ZA where she arrived at 1830.

 

 

Sunday, 7th June 1942

 

INGLEFIELD sailed from Rosyth at 0600 on completion of boiler cleaning and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1600.

 

 

Monday, 8th June 1942

 

His Majesty the King visited Destroyer Command during the forenoon. He boarded TYNE at 1130 and inspected representatives from destroyers and from the Depot Ship. He landed at 1230 to visit the Orkney Command. His Majesty proceeded from Scapa to Scrabster in M. V. MORIALTA at 1800 escorted by WAINWRIGHT, LEDBURY, and WILTON.

 

 

Tuesday, 9th May 1942

 

ASHANTI and MARTIN arrived Scapa at 0830 from Murmansk. Later at 2100 MARTIN sailed to Rosyth to boiler clean. She arrived at 0830 on the following day.

 

The US RHIND sailed from Scapa at 1500 and proceeded to Greenock where she arrived at 1300 on the following day.

 

 

Wednesday, 10th June 1942

 

INTREPID and INGLEFIELD sailed from Scapa at 1200 and proceeded for Murmansk carrying extra supplies of ammunition and stores.

 

 

Thursday, 11th June 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Friday, 12th June 1942

 

US RHIND arrived Scapa at 0600 from Greenock. Later at 1800, the US WASHINGTON, WICHITA, WAINWRIGHT, RHIND, ROWAN, and MAYRANT sailed from Scapa and proceeded to Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1230 on June 14th.

 

GLAISDALE sailed from Liverpool at 2000 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 2100 on the following day.

 

SLAZAK sailed from Scapa at 2100 on completion of working up practices and proceeded to Plymouth where she arrived at 1200 on June 14.

 

The Force for Operation HARPOON sailed from Gibraltar at 0400. The chronological sequence of events during this operation is given in the Summary at the conclusion of Diary No. LVI.

 

 

(n. b. from Summary:

 

OPERATION HARPOON

 

This consisted of convoying of supplies from Gibraltar to Malta.

 

The following destroyers took part:

 

From Home Fleet: ONSLOW, BEDOUIN, MARNE, MATCHLESS, ICARUS, ESCAPADE, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON

 

From other Commands: BADSWORTH, KUJAWIAK, ITHURIEL, PARTRIDGE, WISHART, VIDETTE, WRESTLER, WESTCOTT, and ANTELOPE.

 

12th June 1942

 

At 0400 EAGLE, ARGUS, MALAYA, CAIRO, LIVERPOOL, all destroyers and the convoy of 5 ships sailed from Gibraltar

 

13th June 1942

 

The destroyers refuelled from cruisers and RFA BROWN RANGER.

 

14th June 1942

 

Throughout the day the force was attacked by aircraft several of whom were destroyed. LIVERPOOL received damaged which necessitated her returning to Gibraltar escorted by ANTELOPE and WESTCOTT.

 

At 2030, Force W, consisting of MALAYA, EAGLE, ARGUS, ICARUS, ESCAPADE, VIDETTE, ONSLOW, and WRESTLER were detached to returned to Gibraltar arriving on 16th June. CAIRO and remaining destroyers proceeded with the convoy.

 

15th June 1942

 

At 0620 action with joined with two Italian cruisers and four destroyers. The Fleet destroyers attacked and drove the enemy off while CAIRO and the Hunt class destroyers screen the convoy with smoke. During the action BEDOUIN was hit and stopped. PARTRIDGE was hit and slightly damaged as also was CAIRO.

 

Air attacks commenced, in the course of which one ship in the convoy was sunk and another damaged.

 

PARTRIDGE who by then had BEDOUIN in tow was forced to slip her during these attacks and later at 1430 BEDOUIN was sunk by an air torpedo while lying stopped. It is believed that the survivors were later picked up by two Italian destroyers. During further air attacks during the afternoon, two further ships in the convoy were disabled and were later abandoned in a sinking condition. At 1700 PARTRIDGE was detached to Gibraltar and at approximately the same time WELSHMAN joined.

 

Intermittent air attacks occurred during the evening.

 

16th June 1942

 

At 0040 while in the approach channel to Malta, BADSWORTH and KUJAWIAK were mined. The former was able to proceed, but the latter sank.

 

At 0210 a merchant ship in the convoy was mined, followed at 0225 by MATCHLESS. Both ships were able to enter harbour.

 

At 1900 the force, less MATCHLESS and BADSWORTH, sailed for Gibraltar.

 

17th and 18th June 1942

 

During the passage numerous air attacks were endured, but no damage was sustained by our ships.

 

The force arrived at Gibraltar on 18th June. (n. b. end of sequence of events from Summary)

 

 

___________

 

 

Saturday, 13th June 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Sunday, 14th June 1942

 

INGLEFIELD and INTREPID arrived Murmansk at 0830 after an uneventful passage from Scapa.

 

OFFA sailed from the Humber on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2000 on the following day.

 

RENOWN and VICTORIOUS, screened by Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with FURY, ECHO, ECLIPSE, and WHEATLAND sailed from Hvalfiord at 2350 and proceeded to Scapa where the force arrived at 1900 on the 16th June.

 

ASHANTI, WILTON, and NEPAL sailed from Scapa at 1400 to carry out an A/S patrol in the vicinity of position 60 degrees 40 minutes North, 5 degrees 00 West to intercept possible U-boats proceeding to the westwards.

 

 

Monday, 15th June 1942

 

CATTERICK sailed from Greenock at 1115 to proceed to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 0800 on the following day.

 

SALAMANDER sailed from Methil at 0030 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1600.

 

ASHANTI, NEPAL, and WILTON arrived Scapa at 1900 on return from A/S patrol.

 

MARTIN sailed from Rosyth at 2300 on completion of her boiler cleaning and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 0845 on the following day.

 

 

Tuesday, 16th June 1942

 

CATTERICK arrived Scapa at 0800 from Greenock to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

MARTIN arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

RENOWN, VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR, FURY,ECHO, ECLIPSE, and WHEATLAND arrived Scapa at 1900 from Hvalfiord.

 

 

Wednesday, 17 June 1942

 

ECHO sailed from Scapa at 1030 and proceeded to the Humber to refit. She arrived at 0900 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) in SOMALI with ASHANTI and OFFA proceeded with MANCHESTER from Scapa at 1100 to Rosyth to provide escort for ANSON during her passage to Scapa.

 

 

Thursday, 18th June 1942

 

BRITOMART sailed from Rosyth at 2230 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1330 on the following day.

 

ARGUS escorted by Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with ICARUS, ESCAPADE, and PARTRIDGE sailed from Gibraltar at 2230 for Greenock on completion of escort duty with convoy WS 19 Z.

 

ANSON sailed from the Firth of Forth with her escort at 2200 and proceeded to Scapa carrying out trials on passage. She arrived at 1800 on the following day.

 

 

Friday, 19th June 1942

 

KENYA with BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and MARNE sailed from Gibraltar at 2200 on completion of escort duty with convoy WS 19 Z and proceeded to Greenock.

 

A force under the command of Rear Admiral Minelayers escorted by BRIGHTON, ST MARYS, and CASTLETON arrived at Scapa at 1015 from Port ZA.

 

 

Saturday, 20th June 1942

 

INTREPID and GARLAND sailed from the Kola Inlet at 0500 and proceeded to Archangel.

 

 

Sunday, 21st June 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Monday, 22nd June 1942

 

ONSLAUGHT sailed from Greenock during the forenoon and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 0600 on the following day.

 

OAKLEY sailed from Greenock at 1800 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1400 on the following day.

 

 

Tuesday, 23rd June 1942

 

MARTIN sailed from Scapa at 1600 and proceeded to Hvalfiord to form one of the escort force for US WASHINGTON during her passage from that port to Scapa. She arrived at 0500 on June 25th.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON arrived in the Clyde during the forenoon. The latter two ships were to boiler clean.

 

SPEEDWELL sailed from Scapa at 1500 and proceeded to Rosyth to effect repairs. She arrived at 0700 on the following day.

 

CASTLETON sailed from Scapa for Port ZA at 1100.

 

HALCYON, BRITOMART, and SALAMANDER sailed from Scapa at 1800 and proceeded to Hvalfiord prior to proceeding as escorts for convoy PQ 17. They escorted RFA GRAY RANGER.

 

PETARD sailed from Greenock at 1800 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at noon on the following day.

 

 

Wednesday, 24th June 1942

 

KENYA and MARNE arrived Scapa at 0630 on return from their operations in the Mediterranean.

 

GOSSAMER was sunk by enemy bombing attack in the Kola Inlet. Three officers and twenty ratings were missing.

 

ICARUS and ESCAPADE arrived Scapa at 0430 on return from their operations in the Mediterranean.

 

RENOWN, escorted by Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI with LEDBURY and WILTON sailed from Scapa at 2200 and proceeded to Hvalfiord where the force arrived at 1500 on 26th June.

 

 

Thursday, 25th June 1942

 

TARTAR recommissioned for service on completion of large repairs on the Humber.

 

US WASHINGTON escorted by US MAYRANT and RHIND and by MARTIN sailed from Hvalfiord for Scapa at 1900.

 

The Archangel section of convoy QP 13 sailed from that port at 2100. INTREPID formed part of the escort.

 

 

Friday, 26th June 1942

 

FURY and OFFA sailed from Scapa at 1030 for Seidisfiord prior to forming part of the escort for convoy PQ 17.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW sailed from Greenock at 1130 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1300 on the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 27th June 1942

 

Convoy PQ 17 sailed from Hvalfiord at 2350 and convoy QP 13 from the Kola Inlet at 2000. The ocean escorts for the former consisted of KEPPEL, LEAMINGTON, FURY, OFFA, LEDBURY, WILTON, POPPY, LOTUS, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, HALCYON, BRITOMART and SALAMANDER, the escort for the latter being formed by INGLEFIELD, INTREPID, GARLAND, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, NIGER, HUSSAR, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, LADY MADELINE, ST ELSTAN, STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, and ALYNBANK.

 

WASHINGTON escorted by MAYRANT, RHIND, and MARTIN arrived Scapa at 0900.

 

Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in LONDON with KEPPEL, LEDBURY, and WILTON sailed from Hvalfiord at 1600 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 0035 on 29th June.

 

Vice Admiral Commanding Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron in MANCHESTER with ECLIPSE sailed from Scapa at 0930 for Seidisfiord prior to carrying out operation GEARBOX.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Rosyth at 1130 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 0400 on the following day.

 

 

Sunday, 28th June 1942

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with ASHANTI, MAYRANT, and RHIND sailed from Scapa at 1930 and proceeded to Seidisfiord where they arrived at 0230 on 30th June.

 

MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY sailed from Greenock at 1600 on completion of boiler cleaning and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 1600 on the following day.

 

HHMS PINDOS sailed from Methil to Scapa at 0600 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

 

Monday, 29th June 1942

 

TARTAR sailed from the Humber at 1400 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 0830 on the following day.

 

The Force under command of Rear Admiral, Minelayers sailed from Scapa at 0400 to carry out Operation E S. This consisted of running a dummy convoy towards the Norwegian coast in an attempt to draw enemy forces southwards from the vicinity of the PQ and QP convoys. The following destroyers took part: NEPAL, TJERK HIDDES, OAKLEY, and CATTERICK in addition to the destroyers from Rear Admiral, Minelayer’s command.

 

The Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK with WASHINGTON, VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, CUMBERLAND, FAULKNOR, ONSLAUGHT, ESCAPADE, MIDDLETON, BLANKNEY, WHEATLAND, MARTIN, and MARNE sailed from Scapa at 1700 to cover the passage of the PQ and QP convoys.

 

WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, WAINWRIGHT, ROWAN, and SOMALI sailed from Hvalfiord at 0715 and proceeded to Seidisfiord. This force together with LONDON and NORFOLK were to comprise the Cruiser Covering Force during the passage of the convoy.

 

 

Tuesday, 30th June 1942

 

MANCHESTER and ECLIPSE sailed from Seidisfiord at 0200 to carry out Operation GEARBOX.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Scapa to Rosyth at 2100 to carry out further repairs. She arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

Operation E S was not repeated at 2200 as it appeared that the convoy was not sighted at the first attempt.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

JULY 1942

 

Wednesday, 1st July 1942

 

CS 1 in LONDON with NORFOLK, TUSCALOOSA, WICHITA, SOMALI, WAINWRIGHT, and ROWAN sailed from Seidisfiord at 0300 to provide close cover for Convoy PQ 17.

 

Captain D 17 in ONSLOW with ASHANTI, RHIND, and MAYRANT sailed from Seidisfiord at 0001 to join the Commander in Chief.

 

ICARUS sailed from Scapa on completion of repairs at 0300 and proceeded to Seidisfiord where she arrived at 0300 on July 3rd.

 

Destroyers fro the Fleet Screen proceeded to Seidisfiord as requisite during the day to fuel.

 

 

Thursday, 2nd July 1942

 

Operation E S was completed during the day, OAKLEY and CATTERICK returned to Scapa, NEPAL and TJERK HIDDES proceeded to Southampton and Liverpool, respectively, both ships having completed their working up practices and R. A. M. ’s force returned to Port ZA.

 

INGLEFIELD and INTREPID left convoy QP 13 and proceeded to Seidisfiord to await orders from Commander in Chief.

 

 

Friday, 3rd July 1942

 

FORESIGHT sailed from the Humber at 1600 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1400 on the following day.

 

OAKLEY sailed from Scapa at 0730 and met PRETORIA CASTLE at 1100 off Cape Wrath. She provided escort to Duncansby Head thence returning to Scapa where she arrived at 1800.

 

 

Saturday, 4th July 1942

 

FORESIGHT sailed from Scapa at 1900 and proceeded to Seidisfiord to await further orders. She arrived at 2330 on July 6th and after refueling proceeded to join the Fleet.

 

Air reconnaissance disclosed that enemy ships TIRPITZ and HIPPER and a number of destroyers had left Trondheim and proceeded to the northwards. It is appreciated that an attack was likely to be made on convoy PQ 17 and at 2130 the convoy was ordered to scatter. Prior to this two air attacks had been made on this convoy and although several aircraft were shot down it was reported that three ships in the convoy were sunk.

 

 

Sunday, 5th July 1942

 

At 2030 TIRPITZ, HIPPER, and six destroyers were sighted to the northward of the North Cape steering in a direction of 060 degrees towards the direction of convoy PQ 17. A report was later received from the USSR S/M k 21 claiming two torpedo hits on TIRPITZ although this was later found to be somewhat open to doubt. In any case the enemy force were believed to have turned back and returned to Altafiord.

 

At approximately 2100 QP 13 while north of Iceland ran into a minefield and NIGER and five ships of the convoy were sunk.

 

 

Monday, 6th July 1942

 

During the day, the Fleet who had been operation in an area approximately between Bear Island and Jan Mayan Island commenced the return passage to Scapa and the destroyers were reorganized to as necessary to fuel. MARTIN, MARNE, and ESCAPADE proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel prior to proceeding to Liverpool to provide escort for K. G. V.

 

FAULKNOR, FURY, OFFA, KEPPEL, LEDBURY, and WILTON remained with the Fleet. WASHINGTON with two US destroyers and SOMALI and ASHANTI proceeded to Hvalfiord.

 

FORESIGHT arrived Seidisfiord at 2330 and later proceeded with MARTIN and INGLEFIELD to join the Commander in Chief on the following day.

 

 

Tuesday, 7th July 1942

 

The remaining ships of convoy QP 13 arrived Hvalfiord at 0500.

 

MARTIN. MARNE, and ESCAPADE sailed from Seidisfjord at 1940 after fuelling and proceeded to Liverpool where they arrived at 0700 on July 9th.

 

ECLIPSE with two US destroyers sailed from Seidisfiord sailed from Seidisfiord at 2300 and proceeded to Hvalfiord where they arrived at 2000 on the following day.

 

 

Wednesday, 8th July 1942

 

ASHANTI and SOMALI arrived Hvalfiord at 0415 and 0945 respectively.

 

Captain D 8 in FAULKNOR arrived Scapa at 1600.

 

At 1730 the Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK with the following ships arrived Scapa: VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, CUMBERLAND, FURY, OFFA, LEDBURY, WILTON, FORESIGHT, ICARUS, BLANKNEY, WHEATLAND, MIDDLETON, INGLEFIELD, AND INTREPID.

 

Captain (D) 17 in ONSLOW with ONSLAUGHT arrived later in the evening.

 

HUSSAR sailed from Hvalfiord at 1830 for Scapa on completion of escort duty with convoy QP 13.

 

 

Thursday, 9th July 1942

 

Captain D. 17 in ONSLOW sailed from Scapa at 1500 and proceeded to the Humber to refit. She arrived at 1900 on the following day.

 

FURY escorting S. S. CRAIL sailed from Scapa at 1830 and proceeded to Rosyth to carry out repairs.

 

 

Friday, 10th July 1942

 

ICARUS and FORESIGHT sailed from Scapa at 0200 and proceeded to Rosyth to provide escort for FURIOUS from that port to Greenock. The force sailed from Rosyth at 2230.

 

VICTORIOUS escorted by KEPPEL and DOUGLAS sailed from Scapa for Liverpool at 1515.

 

 

Saturday, 11th July 1943

 

HUSSAR arrived Scapa at 0900 from Hvalfiord.

 

KING GEORGE V escorted by MARTIN, MARNE, and ESCAPADE arrived Scapa from Liverpool at 1600.

 

 

Sunday, 12th July 1942

 

Captain (D) 8 in FAULKNOR sailed from Scapa at 1400 and proceeded to the Humber to refit, arrived at 0630 on the following day.

 

Search by all available local forces still continues to locate any ships or survivors from the scattered convoy PQ 17. It is estimated that approximately 18 ships of this convoy have been either definitely or probably sunk.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Rosyth at 2200 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

 

Monday, 13th July 1942

 

HUSSAR sailed from Scapa at 0800 and proceeded to Milford Haven to refit. She arrived at 0500 on July 15th.

 

ESKIMO sailed from Plymouth at 1630 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 0700 on July 15th.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Scapa at 2230 for Hvalfiord where she arrived at 0800 on July 16th.

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Scapa at 1400 and proceeded to Lerwick to act as A/A guardship for submarines using that port. She arrived at 1945.

 

 

Tuesday, 14th July 1942

 

INGLEFIELD and INTREPID sailed from Scapa at 2200 and proceeded to Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1000 on July 16th.

 

 

Wednesday, 15th July 1942

 

The US destroyers HAMBLEDON, RODMAN, EMMONS, and MACOMB arrived Scapa from Greenock at 0930. ESCAPADE had sailed from Scapa at 0720 to meet this force off Dunnet Head and escort them into Gutter Sound.

 

ESCAPADE sailed from Scapa at 1230 and proceeded to Belfast to refit. She arrived at 0900 on July 16th.

 

GLAISDALE sailed from Scapa at 1400 on completion of working up practices and proceeded to Portsmouth where she arrived at 1000 on July 17th.

 

At 0230, C S 1 in LONDON with KENYA, MARTIN, ICARUS, FORESIGHT, and OFFA sailed from Scapa and proceeded to Hvalfiord.

 

 

Thursday, 16th July 1942

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI sailed from Hvalfiord at 1545 and proceeded to Scapa where he arrived at 0200 on 18th July.

 

BLANKNEY escorting the RFA BLACK RANGER sailed from Scapa at 1830. This force was later recalled and arrived Scapa at 0300 on 18th July.

 

 

Friday, 17th July 1942

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Lerwick at 1400 and returned to Scapa where she arrived at 1930.

 

The sailing of the convoy PQ 18 was postponed for approximately one month.

 

CATTERICK sailed from Scapa at 1800 on completion of working up practices and proceeded to Greenock for boiler cleaning.

 

 

Saturday, 18th July 1942

 

ASHANTI, ECLIPSE, ICARUS and FORESIGHT sailed from Hvalfiord at 0900. The former two ships proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 1900 on the following day, and the latter two proceeded to Londonderry where they arrived at 2030 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI arrived at Scapa at 0100 from Hvalfiord.

 

BLANKNEY escorted RFA BLACK RANGER arrived Scapa at 0200 having been recalled as a result of the cancellation of convoy PQ 18. Later, at 1845, this tanker, escorted by WILTON sailed from Scapa at 1845 to proceed to position 71-50N, 03-05W to act as a fuelling force for destroyers proceeding to North Russia.

 

LAMERTON arrived Scapa at 1800 on completion of her refit at Hull.

 

 

Sunday, 19th July 1942

 

MARNE, MIDDLETON, and BLANKNEY sailed from Scapa at 0700 and proceeded to Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1600 on the following day.

 

MARTIN sailed from Hvalfiord at 1300 for Seidisfiord and arrived at 1000 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI sailed from Scapa at 1700 and proceeded to Londonderry where she arrived at 1000 on the following day.

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Scapa at 1200 and proceeded to the Humber to refit. She arrived at 0800 on the following day.

 

PETARD sailed from Scapa at 1200 on completion of her working up period and proceeded to Greenock where she arrived at 0600 on the following morning.

 

LEDBURY sailed from Scapa at 1500 and proceeded to Rosyth to boiler clean. She arrived at 0400 on the following day.

 

 

Monday, 20th July 1942

 

MARTIN, MARNE, MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY sailed from Seidisfiord at 2000 and proceeded to Murmansk carrying passengers, ammunition, and stores.

 

Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in SOMALI with FORESIGHT and ICARUS sailed from Londonderry at 2000 and proceeded to a position in the Atlantic to meet NELSON and RODNEY and escort these ships to Scapa.

 

 

Tuesday, 21st July 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Wednesday, 22nd July 1942

 

IMPULSIVE sailed from Plymouth on completion of her large repairs and proceeded to Scapa.

 

USS HAMBLEDON and EMMONS sailed from Scapa at 2145 and escorted USS WICHITA and TUSCALOOSA to Rosyth. On reaching May Island, they parted company and returned to Scapa where they arrived at 1745 on the following day.

 

 

Thursday, 23rd July 1942

 

FURY sailed from Rosyth at 1030 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2000.

 

QUIBERON sailed from Plymouth at 0830 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

 

Friday, 24th July 1942

 

MARTIN, MARNE, MIDDLETON, and BLANKNEY arrived Murmansk at 1000 carrying passengers, stores, and ammunition.

 

QUIBERON and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa at 1700, the former to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning, the latter on completion of a long refit.

 

 

Saturday, 25th July 1942

 

HARRIER sailed from the Humber at 0845 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1000 on the 26th July.

 

RENOWN escorted by INGLEFIELD, INTREPID, and OFFA sailed from Hvalfiord at 1200 and proceeded to Scapa where the force arrived at 0500 on 27th July 1942.

 

WILTON escorting the RFA BLACK RANGER arrived Scapa at noon.

 

LEDBURY sailed from Rosyth at 0900 on completion of boiler cleaning and proceeded to Scapa.

 

 

Sunday, 26th July 1942

 

ORIBI sailed from the Humber at 1500 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 0900 on the following day.

 

DUKE OF YORK screened by USS HAMBLEDON, EMMONS, RODMAN, and MACOMB sailed from Scapa at 1730 and proceeded to Hvalfiord.

 

NELSON and RODNEY screened by SOMALI, ICARUS, FORESIGHT, PENN, and QUENTIN arrived Scapa at 2230.

 

 

Monday, 27th July 1942

 

LAMERTON, LEDBURY, and WILTON sailed from Scapa at 0830 for the Clyde where they arrived at 0600 on the following day. Later on the following day, they sailed as part of the escort for convoy WS 21 with orders to part company at their prudent limit of endurance and proceed to Gibraltar.

 

MARTIN and MARNE sailed from Kola Inlet to Archangel at 2315.

 

 

Tuesday, 28th July 1942

 

No further movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Wednesday, 29th July 1942

 

OFFA sailed from Scapa at 1800 and proceeded to Hvalfiord and USS RODMAN and EMMONS sailed from Hvalfiord at 1245 and proceeded to Scapa. On the following day at 0600 these ships were ordered to search for a U-boat sighted and attacked by aircraft in the Iceland-Faroes passage.

 

 

Thursday, 30th July 1942

 

AVON VALE sailed from Plymouth at 1600 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out a short period of working up practices.

 

 

Friday, 31st July 1942

 

At 0600 the Destroyers hunting for the U-boat in the Iceland-Faroes passage were ordered to proceed to their respective destinations. RODMAN and EMMONS arrived at Scapa at 2330 and OFFA arrived at Hvalfiord at 0100 on the following day.

 

Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carrier in VICTORIOUS with SIRIUS, and screened by INTREPID, ICARUS, FURY, and FORESIGHT sailed from Scapa at 1330 and proceeded to the rendezvous for Operation PEDESTAL.

 

BLANKNEY received damage while anchored at Archangel from a Russian merchant ship. Repairs were effected at that port.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 AUGUST 1942

 

 

Saturday, 1st August 1942

 

AVON VALE arrived Scapa at 0600 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning after large repairs.

 

INGLEFIELD sailed from Scapa at 0100 and proceeded to the Firth of Forth were at 1145, she met the USS TUSCALOOSA. The force then proceeded to Scapa arriving at 2230.

 

LAMERTON received damage by collision while escorting convoy WS 21. After initially proceeding to Londonderry, she sailed to Liverpool to effect repairs.

 

PINDOS sailed from Scapa at 0800 for Liverpool on completion of her working up period. She arrived at 1100 on the following day.

 

MONTROSE, WORCESTER, WINDSOR, and WALPOLE sailed from the Nore at 1000 and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 1330 on the following day. These ships joined the Home Fleet during the absence of other destroyers during Operation PEDESTAL.

 

 

Sunday, 2nd August 1942

 

At 1545 NELSON, RODNEY, ASHANTI, SOMALI, ESKIMO, TARTAR, PATHFINDER, and QUENTIN sailed from Scapa for Operation PEDESTAL. PENN, who was delayed by a defect sailed at 0430 and after fuelling at Moville proceeded to overtake this force.

 

 

Monday, 3rd August 1942

 

ESKDALE arrived Scapa at 0730 to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning.

 

 

Tuesday, 4th August 1942

 

PANTHER sailed from Greenock at 2100 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1800 on the following day to carry out working up practices on completion of repairs.

 

BLANKNEY sailed from Archangel at 1700 and proceeded to the Kola Inlet where she arrived at 1220 on the following day.

 

 

Wednesday, 5th August 1942

 

There were no events of importance or movements during the day.

 

 

Thursday, 6th August 1942

 

HHMS ADRIAS sailed from Methil at 0600 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning for service. She arrived at 1630.

 

 

Friday, 7th August 1942

 

No movements or events of importance took place during the day.

 

 

Saturday, 8th August 1942

 

ORIBI sailed from Scapa at 2300 and proceeded to Greenock to carry out repairs. She arrived at 1800 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) III in MILNE sailed from Greenock at 2030 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning for service. She arrived at 1715 on the following day.

 

 

Sunday, 9th August 1942

 

MARTIN and MARNE sailed from Archangel at 2230 to act as a covering force for local operations.

 

 

Monday, 10th August 1942

 

USS TUSCALOOSA escorted by RODMAN and EMMONS sailed from Scapa at 1030 and proceeded to Greenock to embark stores. The force arrived at 0930 on the following day.

 

ECLIPSE and WALPOLE sailed from Scapa at 2100 and proceeded to rendezvous with LIVERPOOL in the Minches at 0300 on the following day.

 

 

Tuesday, 11th August 1942

 

INGLEFIELD sailed from Scapa at 0400 and proceeded to the Firth of Forth. At 1330 she met the US WICHITA off May Island and provided escort to Scapa. WICHITA arrived Scapa at 2030, but INGLEFIELD who had become separated in fog proceeded to anchor in Thurso Bay for the night. She arrived at Scapa at 0900 on the following day.

 

HHMS KANARIS sailed from Methil at 0700 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1745.

 

IMPULSIVE and AVON VALE were sailed from Scapa at 1400 to take the placed of ECLIPSE and WALPOLE as escort for LIVERPOOL until the latter destroyers, who had missed LIVERPOOL in fog, had arrived. They returned to Scapa at 2000.

 

 

Wednesday, 12th August 1942

 

ECLIPSE and WALPOLE who had parted company with LIVERPOOL off May Island arrived Scapa at 1300.

 

 

Thursday, 13th August 1942

 

ONSLAUGHT sailed from Scapa at 1900 and proceeded to Seidisfiord where she arrived at 0630 on 15th August. ONSLAUGHT, who was carrying ammunition and stores for North Russia, was to join USS TUSCALOOSA, RODMAN and EMMONS at Seidisfiord.

 

MONTROSE sailed from Scapa at 0600 and proceeded to Scrabster where she embarked His Excellency the Turkish Ambassador and conveyed him to Scapa where she arrived at 1030.

 

AVON VALE and PANTHER sailed from Scapa at 1500 on completion of a period of working up practices and proceeded to Greenock where they arrived at 0900 on the following day.

 

OFFA sailed from Hvalfiord during the afternoon and proceeded to Seidisfiord with mails for the force proceeding to North Russia. She arrived at noon on the following day.

 

TUSCALOOSA with RODMAN and EMMONS sailed from Greenock at 1000 and proceeded to Seidisfiord to join ONSLAUGHT and fuel proceeding to Murmansk.

 

 

Friday, 14th August 1942

 

US WICHITA escorted by IMPULSIVE sailed from Scapa at 1830 and proceeded to Hvalfiord. At 2200 MONTROSE and WALPOLE sailed for (n. b. should be from) Scapa and overtook this force which arrived at 1000 on 16th August.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Greenock at 1530 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2100 on the following day.

 

OPPORTUNE sailed from Plymouth at 1845 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 0630 on 16th August.

 

Owing to sickness on board USS TUSCALOOSA that ship with RODMAN and EMMONS returned to Scapa and arrived at 1300 on the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 15th August 1942

 

METEOR sailed from Greenock at 0745 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 0600 on the following day.

 

PUCKERIDGE sailed from Plymouth at 1400 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out practices on completion of large repairs. She arrived at 1900 on 17th August.

 

OFFA sailed from Seidisfiord at 1545 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2030 on the following day.

 

WILTON and BADSWORTH escorting two merchant ships sailed from Gibraltar on completion of Operation PEDESTAL and proceeded for the United Kingdom

 

 

Sunday, 16th August 1942

 

FARNDALE sailed from the Nore at 1100 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out a period of working up practices on completion of large repairs. She arrived at 1800 on the following day.

 

US WICHITA, HAMBLEDON, and MACOMB left the Home Fleet Command and proceeded to the U. S. A.

 

VICTORIOUS, RODNEY, ASHANTI, INTREPID, ICARUS, and MATCHLESS sailed from Gibraltar at 0200 on completion of Operation PEDESTAL and proceeded to the United Kingdom. (note:- a chronological account for this operation will be found in the summary for this period) (n. b. Summary for this period missing)

 

 

Monday, 17th August 1942

 

USS TUSCALOOSA with RODMAN and EMMONS sailed from Scapa at 2100 and proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel before proceeding to Murmansk with ONSLAUGHT.

 

QUIBERON, escorting AVENGER, sailed from Scapa at 1815 and proceeded for Rosyth. On reaching the entrance to the Firth of Forth, she parted company and returned to Scapa arriving on the following day.

 

As from today, the “M” class destroyers formed the Third Destroyer Flotilla with MILNE as Flotilla Leader. This Flotilla is to operate with the Home Fleet.

 

 

Tuesday, 18th August 1942

 

Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla in HARRIER with GLEANER and SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Scapa at 0800 and proceeded to Loch Cairnbawn to carry out minesweeping operations.

 

Rear Admiral (M) with the Minelaying Squadron sailed from Port ZA during the eveningto carry out Operation SN 73. MONTROSE and IMPULSIVE from Hvalfiord later joined this force to provide additional A/S protection, parting company to return to Hvalfiord on 23rd August.

 

 

Wednesday, 19th August 1942

 

US Ships TUSCALOOSA, RODMAN, and EMMONS arrived at Seidisfiord during the forenoon and after fuelling sailed at 1930 with ONSLAUGHT for the Kola Inlet. The force arrived at 1900 on 23 August.

 

INGLEFIELD, ECLIPSE, WORCESTER, and WINDSOR sailed from Scapa at 1500 and proceeded to rendezvous with VICTORIOUS and RODNEY to the northward of Ireland and relieve the existing escort. Of the latter, ASHANTI and MATCHLESS proceeded to Scapa and INTREPID and ICARUS proceeded to Greenock.

 

 

Thursday, 20th August 1942

 

PARTRIDGE sailed from the Tyne at 0900 on completion of repairs and proceeded to Scapa for a short period of exercises. She arrived at 2100.

 

MARTIN and MARNE sailed from Archangel at 0830 to rendezvous with the force under the Command of TUSCALOOSA and provide additional escort to the Kola Inlet.

 

 

Friday, 21st August 1942

 

QUIBERON sailed from Scapa at 0600 on completion of her working up practices and proceeded to Greenock where she arrived at 1930.

 

VICTORIOUS with ASHANTI and WORCESTER arrived Scapa at 2000. RODNEY with INGLEFIELD, ECLIPSE, and WINDSOR proceeded to Rosyth. On arrival at 1030 on the following day, INGLEFIELD and ECLIPSE returned to Scapa where they arrived at 1650. WINDSOR, who had a defect remained at Rosyth.

 

WILTON escorting two merchant ships arrived Greenock at 1500. She had suffered damage to her hull and remained for this to be examined.

 

INTREPID and ICARUS arrived Greenock at noon on return from Operation PEDESTAL.

 

 

Saturday, 22nd August 1942

 

WHEATLAND sailed from the Humber at 1500 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1145 on the following day.

 

MATCHLESS arrived at Scapa at 0400.

 

At 1730 VICTORIOUS with MATCHLESS, OFFA, and PARTRIDGE sailed from Scapa for Rosyth. On arrival off May Island, MATCHLESS was detached and proceeded to the Tyne for repairs. She arrived at 1130 on the following day. OFFA and PARTRIDGE returned to Scapa where they arrive at 1330 on the following day.

 

HARRIER, GLEANER, and SHARPSHOOTER arrived at Aberdeen, all to boiler clean.

 

 

Sunday, 23rd August 1942

 

WINDSOR sailed from Rosyth at 0700 and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1815.

 

 

Monday, 24th August 1942

 

INDOMITABLE with LEDBURY and three destroyers of other commands sailed from Gibraltar at 0300 on completion of Operation PEDESTAL and proceeded to the United Kingdom.

 

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON sailed from the Kola Inlet at 1300 and proceeded to Archangel.

 

TUSCALOOSA with RODMAN, EMMONS, ONSLAUGHT, MARTIN, and MARNE sailed from Kola Inlet at 1030 and commence the homeward passed.

 

 

Tuesday, 25th August 1942

 

NELSON, FURIOUS, ARGUS, ESKIMO, SOMALI, TARTAR, and FURY arrived Greenock at noon. Later at 1800 TARTAR and FURY sailed for Scapa where they arrived at 1600 on the following day having been delayed by fog. SOMALI remained at Greenock to boiler clean.

 

INGLEFIELD, OFFA, and ECLIPSE with JAMAICA sailed from Scapa at 2000 and proceeded to Rosyth to escort HOWE to Scapa. Rendezvous was effected in the Firth of Forth at 0815 on the following day. Fog was encountered on the passage to Scapa and the force was delayed and did not arrive until 1430 on the 24th August. (n. b. as recorded). OFFA then proceeded to Hvalfiord where she arrived at 0001 on 29th August.

 

BLEAN sailed from the Tyne at 2030 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on newly commissioning. She arrived at 1730 on the following day having been delayed by fog.

 

Captain (D), Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with METEOR sailed from Scapa at 1500 conveying His Majesty The King of the Hellenes to Scrabster.

 

ONSLAUGHT, MARTIN, and MARNE, who had been temporarily detached from TUSCALOOSA and the US destroyer, engaged the German ULM at 2230 and sank her. MARNE sustained some damage and casualties. The action took place some 120 miles to the Eastward of Bear Island.

 

 

Wednesday, 26th August 1942

 

RENOWN with PARTRIDGE, FARNDALE, and PUCKERIDGE sailed from Scapa at 0545 and proceeded to Greenock where the force arrived at 0942 on the following day.

 

WHEATLAND sailed from Scapa at 0800 and proceeded to meet AVENGER in the Firth of Forth at 2200. The meeting was not effected owing to fog and the ships returned to Scapa independently. WHEATLAND arrived Scapa at 23030 on the following day.

 

ADRIAS sailed from Scapa at 0900 to proceed to the Tyne for repairs to her main machinery. At 1045 in thick fog, she grounded on the southern extremity of Swona in the Pentland Firth. Tugs which were sent to her assistance refloated her at 2130 and towed her to Scapa. She was considerably damaged and was docked on the following day.

 

ARGUS escorted by INTREPID and ICARUS sailed from the Clyde at 1500 and proceeded to the Tyne. On arrival off that port, the destroyers were detached and returned to Scapa where they arrived at 1930 on 28th August.

 

ESKDALE with KENYA sailed from Scapa at 2200 to escort her to the Tyne. On arrival off that port, ESKDALE was detached to return to Scapa where she arrived at 1830 on the following day.

 

Captain (D) Seventeen Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW sailed from the Humber at 0600 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where he arrived at 0600 on the following day.

 

 

Thursday, 27th August 1942

 

NELSON escorted by ESKIMO, FARNDALE, and PUCKERIDGE sailed from Greenock at 1200 and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 1330 on the following day.

 

WORCESTER sailed from Scapa at 0800 and proceeded to Hvalfiord where she arrived at 2000 on the following day.

 

 

Friday, 28th August 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR sailed from the Humber at 0200 on completion of refit and proceeded to Scapa arriving at 0600 on the following day.

 

TUSCALOOSA, RODMAN, EMMONS, ONSLAUGHT, MARTIN, and MARNE arrived Seidisfiord at 1130. Later in the afternoon, the US ships sailed for Greenock and ONSLAUGHT, MARTIN, and MARNE sailed for Scapa. The former arrived at 1230 on 30th August and the latter at 0645 on the same day.

 

 

Saturday, 29th August 1942

 

VIVACIOUS, VESPER, CAMPBELL, and MACKAY sailed from the Nore at 0700 for Loch Ewe prior to carrying out operation E V. Later VIVACIOUS and VESPER were in a collision and proceeded to the Tyne for repairs.

 

FAULKNOR who had arrived at Scapa with defects sailed at 1300 for the Humber for repairs. She arrived at 0830 on the following day.

 

OFFA, who had sailed from Scapa at 2000 on 27 August arrived Hvalfiord at 0800.

 

INGLEFIELD sailed from Scapa at 0800 and proceeded to the Humber for refit. She arrived at 1715 on the following day.

 

HARRIER, GLEANER, and SHARPSHOOTER arrived Scapa from Aberdeen at 2030 on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

 

Sunday, 30th August 1942

 

ONSLAUGHT, MARTIN, and MARNE arrive Scapa at 0830 on return from operations in Northern waters. Prisoners from the German ship ULM and passengers from North Russia were landed.

 

TUSCALOOSA, RODMAN, and EMMONS arrived at the Clyde at 1000 on return from the above operation.

 

 

Monday, 31st August 1942

 

ECHO sailed from the Humber at 0600 on completion of her refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 2100.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

SEPTEMBER 1942

 

 

Tuesday, 1st September 1942

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral (Destroyers) was transferred from TYNE to SCYLLA at 0800.

 

SCYLLA escorted by HMNS ESKDALE and FARNDALE sailed from Scapa at 0915 and proceeded to Loch Ewe to attend the conference prior to the sailing of convoy PQ 18. The force arrived at 1700.

 

SHARPSHOOTER sailed from Scapa at 0600 and proceeded to Loch Ewe.

 

SOMALI and WILTON sailed from Greenock at 1200 and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived at 0700 on the following day.

 

MS 6 in HARRIER with GLEANER sailed from Scapa at 1400 and proceeded to Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1000 on September 4th.

 

ADRIAS in tow of tug FREEBOOTER and escorted by KANARIS sailed from Scapa at 2000 and proceeded to the Tyne for repairs during the grounding. The ship arrived at 0600 on September 3rd. KANARIS then returned to Scapa where she arrived at 1900 on the 3rd.

 

PORCUPINE sailed from Methil at 0700 and proceeded to Scapa to carry out working up practices on first commissioning. She arrived at 1700.

 

 

Wednesday, 2nd September 1942

 

The first day of Operation EV which has as its object the passage and safe arrival of convoy PQ 16 to North Russia and QP 14 from Russia to Iceland.

 

Vice Admiral, 2nd in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON escorted by Captain (D) VI in ASHANTI and destroyers SOMALI, ESKIMO, TARTAR, ONSLOW, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, and ECHO sailed from Scapa at 1700 for Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1300 on September 4th.

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA with MALCOLM in company sailed from Loch Ewe at 1800 for Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1100 on September 4th.

 

SHARPSHOOTER escorting HM Submarine P 615 sailed from Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord where they arrived during the afternoon of 5th September.

 

Convoy PQ 18 sailed from Loch Ewe P. M. with local escort consisting of FARNDALE (S. O.), N. S. ESKDALE, CAMPBELL, MACKAY, and six Western Approaches trawlers.

 

 

Thursday, 3rd September 1942

 

Captain (D) VIII in FAULKNOR arrived at Scapa at 0850 from the Humber.

 

ICARUS left Scapa at 0600 proceeding to Hull for refit where she arrived at 0700 on 4th September.

 

Carrier Force of Operation EV consisting of AVENGER escorted by WILTON and WHEATLANDS sailed from Scapa at 1500 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at noon on the 5th September.

 

 

Friday, 4th September 1942

 

Captain (D) III in MILNE with Captain (D) VIII in FAULKNOR and the destroyers MARNE, METEOR, MARTIN, FURY, and INTREPID sailed from Scapa at 0800 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 2110 on the 5th September and were joined by IMPULSIVE who arrived from Hvalfiord on the same day.

 

 

Saturday, 5th September 1942

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA with IMPULSIVE in company left Hvalfiord at 0900 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 0745 the following day.

 

Force “A” consisting of destroyers ONSLOW, OFFA, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, SOMALI, ESKIMO, ASHANTI, and TARTAR left Hvalfiord at 0800 for Akureyri where they arrived the following morning.

 

PENYLAN arrived at Scapa at 1800 for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

ECLIPSE left Scapa at 1330 for Scrabster where the Archbishop of Canterbury embarked. ECLIPSE then returned to Scapa and the Archbishop was transferred to KING GEORGE V at 1830.

 

 

Sunday, 6th September 1942

 

Cruisers CUMBERLAND and SHEFFIELD with destroyer ECLIPSE in company left Scapa at 0900 for Greenock where they arrived next morning.

 

MONTROSE, WALPOLE, and ECHO sailed from Hvalfiord at 0700 to reinforce the escort of PQ 18.

 

OBDURATE sailed from Greenock at 1300 for Scapa where she arrived at 0900 the following day for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

Captain (D) XI in ROTHERHAM sailed from Greenock at 2000 and arrived at Scapa at 1600 the following day for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

Monday, 7th September 1942

 

Iceland portion of convoy PQ 18 sailed from Reykjavik at 0200 on the 7th escorted by MALCOLM (S.O.), AMAZON, ACHATES, the minesweepers HARRIER and GLEANER, four corvettes, and two A/A ships. They were joined later in the day and N. S. ESKDALE and FARNDALE then left the escort and proceeded to Hvalfiord for fuel before returning to Scapa.

 

PORCUPINE left Scapa with the Archbishop of Canterbury on board at 0950 and proceeded to Scrabster. The Archbishop disembarked and PORCUPINE returned to Scapa where she arrived at noon.

 

 

Tuesday, 8th September 1942

 

SHARPSHOOTER escorting H. M. Submarine P 614 and P 165 left Seidisfiord at 0600 to rendezvous with convoy PQ 18 in Longitude 18W.

 

Cruisers CUMBERLAND and SHEFFIELD with destroyer ECLIPSE sailed from Greenock at 1000 for Hvalfiord where they arrived at 1645 on 10th September.

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA and Force “B” consisting of MILNE, METEOR, MARNE, MARTIN, FAULKNOR, FURY, INTREPID, and IMPULSIVE also the Carrier Force AVENGER. WILTON and WHEATLAND left Seidisfiord at 2100 to rendezvous with PQ 18.

 

QUALITY arrived at Scapa at 1800 for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

FARNDALE and N. S. ESKDALE left Hvalfiord at 1630 for Scapa where they arrived at 1100 on the 10th September.

 

PUCKERIDGE, BLEAN, and G. S. KANARIS left Scapa at 1730 to provide escort for the FURIOUS from Clyde to Scapa.

 

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON left the Kola Inlet for Archangel for escorting duties with Convoy QP 14.

 

Force “A” consisting of ONSLOW, OFFA, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, SOMALI, ESKIMO, ASHANTI, and TARTAR left Akureyri at 2100 for Lowe Sound to fuel from Force “P” – they arrived there on the 11th September.

 

 

Wednesday, 9th September 1942

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA and destroyers joined convoy at 2155. ECHO left convoy PQ 18 at 2230 in position 69-14N, 15-40W and returned to Hvalfiord where she arrived the following day.

 

TANATSIDE arrived at Scapa from Greenock at 1500 for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

Thursday, 10th September 1942

 

PUCKERIDGE, BLEAN, and G. S. KANARIS arrived Scapa at 1400 escorting FURIOUS.

 

 

Friday, 11th September 1942

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA and Force “B’ less FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, and FURY left the convoy at 1145 and proceeded to Lowe Sound to fuel, they arrived the following evening and having fuelled left Lowe Sound on the morning of the 13th September and rejoined the convoy at 1440 on 13th September.

 

Force “A” having oiled from Force “P” in Lowe Sound rejoined Convoy PQ 18.

 

FARNDALE sailed from Scapa at 1700 for Hull for repairs to her fresh water system, defects having developed whilst escorting Convoy PQ 18 from Loch Ewe to Iceland.

 

QUALITY docked in the floating dock Scapa for examination of hull and underwater fittings in consequence of water noise affecting Asdic efficiency. Fitting of fairing rings to S. A. diaphragms is under consideration.

 

 

Saturday, 12th September 1942

 

QUALITY undocked at 1630.

 

 

Sunday, 13th September 1942

 

Convoy Q P 14 sailed from Archangel at 1300 with ocean escort consisting of M. S. 1 in BRAMBLE (S.O.), LEDA, and SEAGULL, the destroyers BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON and also local escort of minesweepers HAZARD, HALCYON, BRITOMART, and SALAMANDER and other units.

 

N. S. ESKDALE having completing working up was sailed from Scapa at 1600 to join the First Destroyer Flotilla.

 

 

Monday, 14th September 1942

 

Cruiser force of CS 18 in NORFOLK with LONDON, CUMBERLAND, SHEFFIELD, SUFFOLK, and destroyer ECLIPSE, ECHO, BULLDOG, and AMAZON left Hvalfiord at 1300 for position 76-00N, 8-00E to cover the passage of QP 14 and to undertake Operation Gearbox Two.

 

PUCKERIDGE completed working up practice at Scapa and left at 1500 to replace BRIGHTON on the A/S screen of R. A. M. ’s operation SN 65A. On completion of this operation, she was ordered to proceed to Liverpool for Boiler cleaning preparatory to other operations.

 

 

Tuesday, 15th September 1942

 

No events or movements of importance during this day.

 

 

Wednesday, 16th September 1942

 

G. S. KANARIS completed working up practices and left Scapa at 1300 for Liverpool for boiler cleaning preparatory to other operations.

 

In Operation EV, Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA and Home Fleet destroyers, AVENGER, and submarines P 614 and P 615 left convoy PQ 18 at times during the afternoon and evening and joined convoy QP early next morning.

 

 

Thursday, 17th September 1942

 

No events for movements of importance during the day.

 

 

Friday, 18th September 1942

 

PENYLAN, acting as target ship, sustained damage to her starboard propeller due to a hit by a dummy torpedo dropped from an aircraft. She was docked in the floating dock the following day, new propeller fitted and undocked at 1300 on Sunday 20th.

 

 

Saturday, 19th September 1942

 

HOLCOMBE left Greenock at noon for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning. She arrived the following day at noon.

 

 

Sunday, 20th September 1942

 

LEDA, escorting convoy QP 14, was torpedoed by a submarine at 0530, she finally sank at 0700.

 

At 1850 SOMALI was torpedoed in the engine room and was taken in tow by ASHANTI, subsequently proceeding at 5 ½ knots screened by OPPORTUNE, ESKIMO, and INTREPID. Unfortunately, SOMALI broke in half without warning when a gale sprang up at 0230 on Thursday 24th and the two halves sank almost immediately.

 

In order to save SCYLLA and AVENGER from heavy U-boat menace, Rear Admiral (D) transferred to MILNE at 1800 and detached SCYLLA and AVENGER screened by three destroyers to Seidisfiord and Scapa.

 

WHADDON and BLEAN sailed from Scapa at 0400 to reinforce the screen escorting NELSON and FORMIDABLE to Rosyth. On arrival, they escorted VICTORIOUS and RODNEY back to Scapa were they arrived at 0400 on Monday 31st (n. b. should be 21st).

 

 

Monday, 21st September 1942

 

No movements or events of importance during the day.

 

 

Tuesday, 22nd September 1942

 

TANATSIDE, PENYLAN, and BLEAN screening RODNEY sailed from Scapa at 0600. They arrived at Loch Ewe at noon.

 

Rear Admiral (D) in MILNE left convoy QP 14 at 0600 and arrived at Seidisfiord at 2000 and transferred to SCYLLA.

 

Cruiser Force with destroyers ECLIPSE and ECHO arrived back at Hvalfiord at 1800 having successfully completed operation GEARBOX TWO and as covering force to convoy QP 14.

 

 

Wednesday, 23rd September 1942

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA, AVENGER, destroyers MILNE, FURY, WHEATLAND, and WILTON left Seidisfiord at 0740 for Scapa.

 

TANATSIDE and PENYLAN were sent from Loch Ewe to search for a reported submarine contact in position 58-13N, 5-43W. Contact was obtained by TANATSIDE close to this position shortly after 0700. Other units including BLEAN joined later in the day and TANATSIDE, PENYLAN, and BLEAN expended their full outfit of depth charges on the contact which was reported as being a submarine possibly on the bottom. PENYLAN and BLEAN returned to Scapa at 2200.

 

TANATSIDE was ordered by the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet to turn the contact over to LLANDUDNO at 0700 on the 24th and return to Scapa. Whilst on passage she was detached to search for survivors from two WALRUS aircraft reported as having crashed 30 miles west of the Orkneys, search was fruitless and she arrived at Scapa at 1430.

 

ROTHERHAM, PORCUPINE, and OBDURATE sailed from Scapa at 0945 to escort the FURIOUS to Greenock, where they arrived the following day. They then escorted RENOWN to Scapa arriving at 0900 of Friday 25th.

 

 

Thursday, 24th September 1942

 

SHEFFIELD and ECLIPSE left Hvalfiord at 0900 for Scapa where they arrived at 0600 on Saturday 26th.

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SCYLLA arrived at Scapa at 930. MILNE arrived at Scapa at 2100. AVENGER escorted by FURY, WHEATLAND, and WILTON arrived at Scapa at 2300.

 

ORIBI left Scapa at 0800 for Hvalfiord where she arrived on the 25th.

 

 

Friday, 25th September 1942

 

MILNE sailed from Scapa at 0945 to Rosyth to boiler clean.

 

FURY sailed from Scapa at 1115 to Hull for refit.

 

QUALITY sailed from Scapa at 2030 for the Tyne.

 

ASHANTI, ONSLAUGHT, INTREPID, and OPPORTUNE arrived Scapa at 2115 from Operation E V.

 

ISAAC SWEERS sailed from the Needles at 2120 for Scapa for short working up practices where she arrived at 1600 on the 27th.

 

 

Saturday, 26th September 1942

 

IMPULSIVE arrived at Scapa at 0400. ESKIMO arrived Scapa 0700. CAMPBELL, MONTROSE, MACKAY, and BROKE arrived at 1100.

 

FAULKNOR, ONSLOW, OFFA, WORCESTER, TARTAR, MARNE, and METEOR arrived at Scapa at 1330.

 

FARNDALE and QUALITY escorting ARGUS left Tyne at 0710 for the Clyde where they arrived at 0700 on the 27th.

 

TANATSIDE left Scapa at 1630 for Scrabster to fetch F. O. (S). At about 1650 she was involved in the a collision with HMS BRAMBLE off Grimms Ness. BRAMBLE sustained severe damage on the port side above the waterline and TANATSIDE sustained very severe damage forward, some being below the waterline. Two tugs were sent to her assistance.

 

BRAMBLE and SEAGULL arrived at Scapa at 1830.

 

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON arrived Scapa at 1900.

 

TANATSIDE arrived at 1930 and was docked in the floating dock Scapa at 2015.

 

PENYLAND left at 1745, in place of TANATSIDE, for Scrabster and arrived back in the Flow at 2000.

 

METEOR sailed from Scapa at 1845 to Greenock for boiler cleaning where she arrived at noon on the 27th.

 

ECLIPSE left Scapa at noon for Hull to refit.

 

 

Sunday, 27th September 1942

 

MACKAY and WORCESTER left Scapa at 1130 for Harwich to return to the Nore Command after Operation E V.

 

BROKE left Scapa at noon for Liverpool to return to the Western Approaches Command on completion of Operation E V.

 

BLANKNEY left Scapa at 1600 for Grimsby to refit where she arrived the following day.

 

MARTIN arrived Scapa at 1930 on completion of escort of a straggler from convoy QP 14 to Loch Ewe.

 

 

Monday, 28th September 1942

 

No events or movements of importance today.

 

 

Tuesday, 29th September 1942

 

ESCAPADE arrived from Belfast at noon after refit.

 

MUSKETEER arrived at Scapa at 1300 from the Clyde for working up exercises on first commissioning.

 

MONTROSE, HOLCOMBE, and IMPULSIVE left at 1230 to rendezvous with RODNEY at Loch Cairnbawn and escort her to Scapa where they arrived at midnight.

 

 

Wednesday, 30th September 1942

 

OFFA sailed at 0930 with Commander in Chief Home Fleet on board to Scrabster. OFFA subsequently returned to Scapa.

 

MIDDLETON sailed at 0600 to Rosyth for boiler cleaning. There she arrived during the afternoon.

 

SEAGULL left Scapa at 0615 for Grimsby to refit.

 

FARNDALE and QUALITY escorting BITER left the Clyde at noon for Scapa where they arrived at 1630 next day.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 OCTOBER 1942

 

 

Thursday, 1st October 1942

 

TANATSIDE undocked, temporary repairs to her stern having been effected, she left Scapa at 1300 escorted by WHEATLAND for Newcastle for repairs. They arrived the following day.

 

LAMERTON left Liverpool at noon for Scapa to rejoin the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla on completion of repairs; she arrived at 1400 next day.

 

MARNE docked at 1600 in the floating dock at Scapa for hull examination and repairs to asdic dome seating stops.

 

 

Friday, 2nd October 1942

 

MILNE arrived at 0630 on completion of boiler cleaning at Rosyth.

 

OFFA sailed at 0630 for Rosyth for boiler cleaning; she arrived at 1615.

 

 

Saturday, 3rd October 1942

 

INTREPID left Scapa at 0930 and proceeded to Rosyth for boiler cleaning; she arrived at 1615.

 

ONSLOW sailed at 1130 to Greenock where she arrived at 0700 next day.

 

BRAMBLE left Scapa at noon to Hull for refit.

 

FAULKNOR left Scapa at 2100 for the Tyne.

 

 

Sunday, 4th October 1942

 

WHEATLAND left the Tyne at 1000 for Scapa where she arrived at 2330.

 

MONTROSE and CAMPBELL left Scapa at 1130 for Harwich and Sheerness to rejoin the Nore Command.

 

METEOR sailed from Greenock at 1130 for Scapa, calling at Belfast; she arrived at Scapa at 1330 on Monday 5th October.

 

ESKIMO embarked Vice Admiral Commanding 18th Cruiser Squadron at 1600 and left for Scrabster. Commander in Chief Home Fleet returned to Scapa in ESKIMO at 1830.

 

 

Monday, 5th October 1942

 

ONSLAUGHT arrived from Greenock at 0130.

 

ONSLAUGHT and IMPULSIVE left Scapa at 1300 for Hvalfiord to join Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON.

 

ASHANTI left Rosyth at 1800 for Scapa where she arrived at 0630 next day.

 

FORESTER sailed from the Tyne at 1900 for Scapa where she arrived at 1000 next day. She is to carry out working up practices before rejoining 8th Destroyer Flotilla.

 

BLEAN left Scapa on completion of working up practices for Poplar, London for repairs to oil fuel tank preparatory to joining the Portsmouth Command.

 

 

Tuesday, 6th October 1942

 

TARTAR left Scapa at 0600 for Rosyth to boiler clean where she arrived at 1500.

 

ORIBI left Hvalfiord at 1700 with Vice Admiral Second in Command Home Fleet on board, for Scapa where she arrived at 1630 on the 8th October.

 

 

Wednesday, 7th October 1942

 

MIDDLETON left Rosyth at 0630 for Scapa and arrived at 1830.

 

ROTHERHAM sailed to Scrabster at 1315 to embark the King of Jugo-Slavia, returning to Scapa where he boarded KING GEORGE V.

 

ONSLOW left Greenock at 1815 for Scapa where she arrived at 1600 next day.

 

FAULKNOR left the Tyne at 1900 and arrived at Scapa at 1000 next day.

 

 

Thursday, 8th October 1942

 

OFFA left Rosyth at 0800 after boiler cleaning and arrived at Scapa at 1630. She entered the floating dock at 1715 for hull repairs.

 

OPPORTUNE left Greenock at 2100 after boiler cleaning and making good defects. She arrived at Scapa at 1830 next day.

 

The King of Jugo-Slavia came onboard TYNE at 1430 and inspected the ship. After walking around the ship he spent some time watching officers and ratings under instruction on the A/S, Gunnery, and Torpedo teachers.

 

 

Friday, 9th October 1942

 

INTREPID left Rosyth at 0800 on completion of boiler cleaning for Scapa where she arrived at 1715.

 

FAULKNOR left Scapa with the King of Jugo-Slavia onboard and arrived at Scrabster just before 1000, where he disembarked.

 

The Prime Minister embarked in FAULKNOR and proceeded to Scapa where he embarked in the KING GEORGE V about noon.

 

 

 

Saturday, 10th October 1942

 

QUICKMATCH left Greenock at 1300 for Scapa for working up practices on commissioning; she arrived at 1600 next day.

 

The Prime Minister visited TYNE at 1530. Commander Officers of the Destroyers in port were introduced to the Prime Minister and he subsequently made a short speech to the officers and ratings present, which was relayed over the S. R. E. throughout TYNE and the Destroyers alongside.

 

MARTIN and WILTON left Scapa at 1730 for Greenock to boiler clean where they arrived next day.

 

 

Sunday, 11th October 1942

 

MELBREAK left Methil at 0700 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 1800.

 

OPPORTUNE left Scapa at 0900 for the Humber for first class of minelaying trials; she arrived at 0700 next day.

 

REDOUBT left Greenock at 1100 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 0830 next day.

 

MILNE embarked the Prime Minister about 1600 and proceeded to Scrabster where he disembarked. MILNE then returned to Scapa.

 

LEDBURY left Grimsby at 1400 on completion of refit and large repairs, and arrived at Scapa at 1100 on 12th October, rejoining the 6th Home Fleet Destroyer Flotilla.

 

 

Monday, 12th October 1942

 

TARTAR left Rosyth at 0800 on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived at Scapa at 1700.

 

QUALITY having completed working up practices at Scapa, left at 1700 for Greenock for boiler cleaning and docking for fitting diaphragms for S. A. gear.

 

 

Tuesday, 13th October 1942

 

ROTHERHAM having completed working up practices at Scapa left for Greenock for boiler cleaning and for small internal structural alterations, preparatory to joining her operational station.

 

 

Wednesday, 14th October 1942

 

OBDURATE and INTREPID sailed at 0100 to rendezvous with ARGONAUT for Operation E Z.

 

FARNDALE docked in the floating dock at Scapa at 0930 for repairs of damage sustained during heavy weather.

 

 

Thursday, 15th October 1942

 

WELSHMAN arrived at Scapa at noon from Rosyth for a short working up period.

 

Captain (D) 8th Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ESCAPADE, MARNE, and MIDDLETON sailed from Scapa at 2215 for Rosyth to escort fleet units to Scapa.

 

 

Friday, 16th October 1942

 

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE, engaged in Operation E Z, left Seidisfiord at 0830.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, FORESTER, and LEDBURY, escorting the Aircraft carriers VICTORIOUS, BITER, and AVENGER, left Scapa at noon for the Clyde where they arrived at 1700 the next day.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE then proceeded to Fairlie for investigation into poor Asdic results obtained by MILNE.

 

METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, FORESTER, and LEDBURY returned to Scapa.

 

LAMERTON and WHEATLAND left Scapa at 1800 for Greenock for boiler cleaning where they arrived at 1600 next day.

 

OPPORTUNE left the Humber at 1600 on completion of her special minelaying trials and arrived at Scapa at noon on the 17th October.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ESCAPADE, PANTHER, MARNE, and MIDDLETON escorting NELSON and FORMIDABLE arrived at Scapa at 2200.

 

 

Saturday, 17th October 1942

 

ORWELL left Needles at 0900 on passage to Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning, where she arrived at 1730 on Monday 19th October.

 

FARNDALE left Scapa at 1100 for Greenock on completion of working up practices.

 

MARTIN left Greenock at 1700 on completion of boiler cleaning for Scapa where she arrived at 1300 next day.

 

FAULKNOR and MIDDLETON left Scapa at 1800 for Hvalfiord to relieve ECHO and IMPULSIVE in ANSON’s screen. They arrived at 0800 on the 19th October.

 

 

Sunday, 18th October 1942

 

METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, and FORESTER arrived at Scapa at 0830 from the Clyde. LEDBURY was detached from the force to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelayers) off Butt of Lewis at 1000 for Operation SN 3 E.

 

MILNE left the Clyde at 1600 for Scapa where she arrived at noon next day.

 

PORCUPINE left Scapa at 1500 on completion of working up practices; she proceeded to Greenock for boiler cleaning.

 

PENYLAN proceeded to Scrabster at 1700 where arrived at 1800. Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron embarked later in the evening and PENYLAN returned to Scapa where she arrived at 0100 on Monday 19th October.

 

ESKIMO left Scapa at 0630 for Rosyth for fitting Type 86 where she arrived at 1400.

 

LOOKOUT and PENN escorting ACTIVITY left Rosyth at 1900 for the Clyde.

 

ECHO and IMPULSIVE left Hvalfiord at 2130 for Scapa where they arrived at 1300 on 20th October.

 

 

Monday, 19th October 1942

 

LEDBURY arrived at Scapa at 0800 on completion of operation SN 3 A.

 

PENYLAN sailed from Scapa at 0415 for London on completion of working up practices.

 

ASHANTI and MARNE sailed at 0730 to relieve LOOKOUT and PENN on the screen of ACTIVITY; they rendezvoused in Pentland First. LOOKOUT and PENN arrived at Scapa at 0900 for a short period of working up practices.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with TARTAR and FORESTER left Scapa at 0730 for the Firth of Forth to escort RODNEY to Scapa. They sailed from the Firth of Forth at 1700 and arrived Scapa at 0730 next day.

 

HOLCOMBE left Scapa at 1600 for Greenock on completion of working up practices.

 

ICARUS left the Humber at 1800 for Scapa on completion of refit. She arrived at 0800 on the 20th October.

 

ISAAC SWEERS and ESCAPADE left Scapa at 2200 for Londonderry where with MARNE they are to form a special screen for FURIOUS. They arrived at 1300 next day.

 

 

Tuesday, 20th October 1942

 

ACTIVITY escorted by ASHANTI and MARNE arrived at the Clyde at 0900. ASHANTI returned to Scapa where she arrived at 1400 next day. MARNE proceeded to Londonderry where she arrived at 1130.

 

ECHO and IMPULSIVE left Scapa at 1830 for Rosyth for boiler cleaning; they arrived at 0700 next day.

 

 

Wednesday, 21st October 1942

 

HUSSAR and SPEEDWELL were temporarily detached from the Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla and joined the Twelfth Minesweeping Flotilla.

 

 

Thursday, 22nd October 1942

 

ESKIMO left Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning at 1700 and arrived at Scapa at 0630 next day.

 

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE arrived at Kola at 1630 and, having discharged stores and embarked personnel for passage to the United Kingdom, left at 0200 the following day.

 

 

Friday, 23rd October 1942

 

RODNEY, escorted by LOOKOUT, PANTHER, and PENN left Scapa at 1700 for Gibraltar.

 

 

Saturday, 24th October 1942

 

FAULKNOR, ONSLAUGHT, and MIDDLETON left Hvalfiord at 1300 escorting ANSON to Scapa where they arrived at 1100 on the 26th October.

 

MUSKETEER sailed from Scapa at 1800 for Hvalfiord having completing work up practices; she arrived at 1000 on the 26th October.

 

HAYDON sailed from the Tyne at 1800 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 0730 next day.

 

FORMIDABLE escorted by ICARUS and FORESTER left Scapa at 1300 for the Clyde where they arrived the following day. ICARUS and FORESTER then returned to Scapa, arriving at 0300 on the 26th.

 

 

Sunday, 25th October 1942

 

LIMBOURNE left Greenock at 0600 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 0700 next day.

 

VESPER left the Nore Command at 0700 and sailed for Scapa for a short period of working up practices; she arrived at 0700 on the 27th.

 

FURIOUS escorted by ISAAC SWEERS, MARNE, and ESCAPADE arrived at Gibraltar at noon.

 

QUILLIAM left Rosyth at 1530 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 1130 next day.

 

 

Monday, 26th October 1942

 

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE arrived Seidisfiord at 1030 and sailed for Scapa at 1700.

 

QUIBERON arrived at 1130 from the Clyde.

 

 

Tuesday, 27th October 1942

 

LEDBURY left Scapa at 0600 to rendezvous with the DUKE OF YORK off Rosyth. At 1800 DUKE OF YORK escorted by ECHO, IMPULSIVE, and LEDBURY left Rosyth; they arrived at Scapa at 0730 on 28th October.

 

WELSHMAN sailed from Scapa at 1730, arrived Port ZA at 0800 next day, and at Plymouth at daylight on the 30th.

 

ARGONAUT arrived at Scapa at 1900.

 

OPPORTUNE left Scapa at 1900 for Plymouth where she arrived at 1130 on the 29th.

 

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI left Scapa at 1900 for Londonderry where they arrived at 0830 on the 28th.

 

 

Wednesday, 28th October 1942

 

INTREPID and OBDURATE arrived at 0200 on completion of Operation E Z.

 

MELBREAK left Scapa at 0630 for Cromarty to escort the LADY OF MANN to Scapa where they arrived the same night.

 

LEDBURY and MIDDLETON escorting WAR SUDRA left Scapa at 1430 for Sullom Voe where they arrived at 1430 next day. They are detached, together with CHIDDINGFOLD, on Operation S E under the Orders of the Commander in Chief, Rosyth.

 

TANATSIDE left the Tyne at 1800 for Scapa having completed repairs sustained in collision with BRAMBLE on September 26th.

 

 

Thursday, 29th October 1942

 

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI sailed from Londonderry at 0600 taking part in operations with Force H.

 

 

Friday, 30th October 1942

 

OBDURATE left Scapa at 0630 for Scrabster to embark special stores and return to Scapa at 1030.

 

Force H, DUKE OF YORK, RENOWN, NELSON, and ARGONAUT, escorted by MILNE, MARTIN, METEOR, ESKIMO, TARTAR, ASHANTI, and QUIBERON let Scapa at 1630.

 

OBEDIENT left Greenock at 1930 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 1430 next day.

 

 

Saturday, 31st October 1942

 

RACEHORSE sailed from Greenock at 0930 for Tobermory where she arrived at 1730 for seven days A/S working up prior to working up at Scapa on first commissioning.

 

ECHO docked in the floating dock at Scapa during the forenoon to change defective asdic dome. She undocked the same afternoon.

 

FAULKNOR left Scapa at 1315 and proceeded to Scrabster where Rear Admiral (D) embarked. FAULKNOR returned to Scapa arriving at 1600.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

 NOVEMBER 1942

 

 

Sunday, 1st November 1942

 

MELBREAK docked in the floating dock at Scapa in order to clear a wire from her port propeller shaft.

 

 

Monday, 2nd November 1942

 

MELBREAK undocked at noon.

 

FORESTER sailed at 19454 from Scapa to Hvalfiord where she arrived at 1300 on the 4th November.

 

 

Tuesday, 3rd November 1942

 

No events or movements of importance this day.

 

 

Wednesday, 4th November 1942

 

MUSKETEER sailed from Hvalfiord at 1900 for Scapa where she arrived at 1300 on the 6th November.

 

WENSLEYDALE left Greenock at 2330 for Tobermory where she arrived at 1000 the following day for A/S working up practices prior to working up at Scapa on first commissioning.

 

 

Thursday, 5th November 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ECHO and IMPULSIVE sailed at 800 for Seidisfiord taking part in Operation FLATOW.

 

ONSLAUGHT docked in the floating dock at Scapa for hull repairs.

 

ROCKWOOD left Greenock at 1800 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning; she arrived at 1500 next day.

 

 

Friday, 6th November 1942

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

Saturday, 7th November 1942

 

ONSLAUGHT undocked at Scapa.

 

RACEHORSE sailed from Tobermory at 1800 and arrived at Scapa at 0900 next day.

 

 

Sunday, 8th November 1942

 

VESPER left Scapa at 2300 for Sheerness to rejoin the Nore Command having completed a short period of practices at Scapa.

 

 

Monday, 9th November 1942

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

Tuesday, 10th November 1942

 

INTREPID was docked in the floating dock at Scapa to fit new Asdic dome; she undocked at 1600 the same day.

 

INGLEFIELD left the Humber at noon on completion of refit and proceeded to Scapa where she arrived at 1600 the next day.

 

LOYAL sailed from Greenock at 1630 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning. She arrived at 1300 the following day.

 

INTREPID and ICARUS sailed from Scapa at 2130 for Seidisfiord to Join Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR.

 

A signal was received by Senior Officer, Force “H” stating that MARTIN was blown up and sunk at 0258Z in position 37-53N 3-57E assumed to be by torpedo from submarine, but no contact reported or H. E. heard. Survivors were being pick up by QUENTIN.

 

 

Wednesday, 11th November 1942

 

Operation S E which had as its purpose the destruction of U-boats on passage by Northern routes, was abandoned and LEDBURY and MIDDLETON sailed from Sullom Voe at 1800 for Scapa where they arrived at 1030 next day.

 

 

Thursday, 12th November 1942

 

GOATHLAND sailed from the Clyde p. m. for Tobermory for A/S working up practices; she arrived the following day.

 

MATCHLESS sailed at 1800 from the Tyne on completion of large repairs and refit. She arrived at Scapa at 1100 the following day.

 

 

Friday, 13th November 1942

 

LIMBOURNE, HAYDON, and MELBREAK sailed at 0530 to rendezvous with HOWE at Port H. H. Z. and escort her to Scapa they arrived at 2000.

 

REDOUBT left Scapa at 1500, having completed her period of working up practices; she arrived at Greenock at 0800 the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 14th November 1942

 

QUICKMATCH left Scapa at 1430 for Greenock for boiler cleaning having completed her period of working up practices.

 

ONSLAUGHT and OBDURATE left Scapa at 2100 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1100 on Tuesday 17th November.

 

 

Sunday, 15th November 1942

 

WENSLEYDALE sailed from Tobermory at 1800 for Scapa where she arrived at 1130 next day.

 

 

Monday, 16th November 1942

 

SUFFOLK and FORESTER sailed from Hvalfiord at 1400 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1100 next day.

 

FURY sailed from the Humber at 1800 on completion of refit for Scapa where she arrived at 1230 the next day.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with IMPULSIVE, ECHO, ICARUS, and INTREPID arrived at Kola Inlet at 0630.

 

WENSLEYDALE arrived from Tobermory at 1130.

 

 

Tuesday, 17th November 1942

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in SLOW with OFFA and ORIBI in company, returned from escorting convoy WS 24, arrived at Greenock at 0800. ONSLOW and OFFA left for Scapa at 1630 where they arrived at 1230 the following day. ORIBI remained at Greenock for boiler cleaning.

 

Convoy QP 15 of 30 ships sailed from Dvina Bay at noon route to Reykjavik escorted by ocean and a local escort. The ocean escort included the fleet minesweepers HALCYON (Senior Officer), HAZARD, BRITOMART, SHARPSHOOTER, and SALAMANDER.

 

MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON left Scapa at 1730 for Seidisfiord where they arrived on the 19th, subsequently leaving to join convoy QP 15.

 

MELBREAK left Scapa at 2100 for Plymouth on completion of working up practices.

 

 

Wednesday, 18th November 1942

 

LIGHTNING left the Nore at 0945 for a short period of working up practices; she arrived at 1400 next day.

 

 

Thursday, 19th November 1942

 

LONDON and SUFFOLK escorted by ONSLAUGHT, OBDURATE, and FORESTER sailed from Seidisfiord at 1000 to cover the passage of QP 15.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with IMPULSIVE, ECHO, ICARUS, and INTREPID sailed from Kola Inlet at 1400 to rendezvous with convoy QP 15 in position 75-00N, 40-00E.

 

RAIDER sailed from Greenock at 1000 for Tobermory to carry out A/S working up practices prior to proceeding to Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

BLANKNEY left the Humber at 1400 on completion of refit and arrived at Scapa at 1400 the next day.

 

 

Friday, 20th November 1942

 

TANATSIDE left Scapa at 0630 for an aircraft crew reported in the sea in approximate position 90 miles 090 degrees from Wick. The search was unsuccessful and she returned to Scapa, arriving at 0300 the following day.

 

ECLIPSE left the Humber at 1500 on completion of refit and arrived at Scapa at 1300 the following day.

 

LIMBOURNE and MATCHLESS left Scapa at 1700 in order to rendezvous with VICTORIOUS, DUKE OF YORK, and OPPORTUNE in approximate position 52N, 17W at 0400 on 22nd November in order to escort the two Fleet units to the Clyde.

 

GOATHLAND left Tobermory at 1800 and arrived Scapa at 0900 the following day.

 

 

Saturday, 21st November 1942

 

Captain (D) Nineteenth Destroyer Flotilla in LAFOREY sailed from the Needles at 1700 for Scapa to carry out a short period of working up practices. LAFOREY arrived at 1600 on 23rd November.

 

An aircraft from VICTORIOUS depth charged a U-boat in position 46-10N, 17-08W at 1100. The U-boat was severely damaged and forced to the surface where she scuttled. OPPORTUNE picked up 5 officers and 46 rating survivors who were landed at Greenock.

 

 

Sunday, 22nd November 1942

 

No events or movements of importance.

 

 

Monday, 23rd November 1942

 

BLANKNEY docked in the floating dock at Scapa at 0900 and undocked at 1600.

 

VICTORIOUS and DUKE OF YORK escorted by LIMBOURNE, OPPORTUNE, and MATCHLESS arrived at Greenock at 1100.

 

ESCAPADE left Greenock at noon for Sheerness where she arrived on Wednesday 15th. ESCAPADE has now been transferred from the Home Fleet to the Western Approaches Command. Polish ship PIORUN is to join the Home Fleet in her place on completion of refit.

 

ORIBI left Greenock at 1630 on completion of boiler cleaning and arrived Scapa at noon the next day.

 

 

Tuesday, 24th November 1942

 

TANATSIDE left Scapa at 1600 for Plymouth having completed her period of working up practices.

 

HAYDON docked in the floating dock at Scapa for hull repairs.

 

 

Wednesday, 25th November 1942

 

DUKE OF YORK, escorted by OPPORTUNE, LIMBOURNE, and MATCHLESS sailed from Greenock at 1030 for Scapa where they arrived at 0930 next day.

 

OBDURATE, ICARUS, and FORESTER, part of escorting destroyer force for QP 15 arrived Seidisfiord at 1300.

 

 

Thursday, 26th November 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ECHO and SHARPSHOOTER in company arrived Seidisfiord at 0900.

 

IMPULSIVE arrived Seidisfiord at 0800.

 

INGLEFIELD, FURY, and BLANKNEY escorting ANSON left Scapa at 0300 for Rosyth where they arrived at noon. The destroyer escort returned to Scapa where they arrived at 2200.

 

SALAMANDER developed condenser defects at 1100 in position 68-05N 11-40W which reduced her speed to 4 knots. IMPULSIVE and FORESTER left Seidisfiord to go to her assistance. At 1500 she reported that temporary repairs had been effected and she was steaming at 8 knots.

 

HALCYON arrived Seidisfiord at 2300.

 

 

Friday, 27th November 1942

 

QUADRANT sailed from Rosyth at 0830 for Scapa for working up practices on first commissioning where she arrived at 1730.

 

ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa at 1430 on completion of the cruiser covering operations for Convoy QP 15.

 

FURY sailed from Scapa to Hvalfiord at 1600 where she arrived on the forenoon of the 29th.

 

RAIDER sailed from Tobermory at 1800 and arrived at Scapa at 0900 the following day for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

About 12 ships of convoy QP 15 passed Seidisfiord at about 0100 proceeded to Loch Ewe escorted by INTREPID, ICARUS, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON, also two corvettes.

 

SHARPSHOOTER was in a collision with merchant ship EMPIRE SNOW in Seidisfiord at about 0100 and suffered extensive damaged above the waterline on the starboard quarter. SHARPSHOOTER proceeded to Hvalfiord to effect repairs where she arrived at 1600 the next day.

 

 

Saturday, 28th November 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR left Seidisfiord at 1000 and proceeded to Scapa, arriving at 1400 the next day.

 

 

Sunday, 29th November 1942

 

Ships of convoy QP 15 which had arrived at Akureyri were sailed for Loch Ewe at 1100 escorted by MUSKETEER, ECHO, FORESTER, ORWELL, and OAKLEY. They were met off Seidisfiord the next day by IMPULSIVE, BRITOMART, and HAZARD. ORWELL and OAKLEY were then detached and proceeded to Scapa where they arrived on Tuesday, 1st December.

 

OBDURATE arrived at Hvalfiord at 1300.

 

Greek ship ADRIAS sailed from the Tyne at 1700 on completion of repairs sustained as a result of stranding in the Pentland Firth on 26th August. She arrived at Scapa at 1800 the following day to continue working up practices.

 

 

Monday, 30th November 1942

 

INTREPID, ICARUS, and MIDDLETON having escorted part of Convoy QP 15 to Loch Ewe returned to Scapa where they arrived at 1500.

 

LEDBURY was detached to the Clyde to boiler clean where she arrived at 2100.

 

ONSLAUGHT left Scapa at 2200 for Leith to refit. She arrived Rosyth to de ammunition at 0900 the following day.

 

SEAGULL left Grimsby during the morning on completion of refit, for Scapa where she arrived at 1430 the following day.

 

HAYDON undocked at Scapa at noon.

 

 


 

 

HOME FLEET DESTROYER COMMAND WAR DIARY

 

 

DECEMBER 1942

 

 

Tuesday, 1st December 1942

 

ONSLOW left Scapa at 0600 for Rosyth to boiler clean where she arrived at 1400 the same day.

 

MIDDLETON left Scapa at 1100 for Hull to refit; she arrived at 0830 the same day.

 

HALCYON and SALAMANDER arrived Scapa at 1230.

 

RELENTLESS left Greenock at 1500 for Tobermory, where she arrived at 2200 the same night, to carry out seven days A/S practices prior to proceeded to Scapa for working up on first commissioning.

 

 

Wednesday, 2nd December 1942

 

INTREPID left Scapa at 1400 for Immingham to refit. She arrived at 1000 the next day.

 

ECHO was detached from QP 15 convoy escort duty on arrival off Loch Ewe at 1600 and sailed to the Clyde for boiler cleaning where she arrived at 1000 next day.

 

MUSKETEER, FORESTER, and IMPULSIVE together with the Fleet minesweepers BRITOMART and HAZARD were detached from QP 15 Convoy escort off Cape Wrath and at about 2100 and sailed to Scapa. The destroyers arrived at 0300 next day and the minesweepers at 0800.

 

 

Thursday, 3rd December 1942

 

HAYDON left Scapa at 1000 for Liverpool, having completed working up practices; she arrived at 1000 next day.

 

 

Friday, 4th December 1942

 

BRITOMART and HAZARD left Scapa at 1300 for the Humber to refit, where they arrived at 1600 the following day.

 

HALCYON left Scapa at 1300 for Milford Haven to refit, where she arrived at 1300 on Sunday, 6th December.

 

LIGHTNING docked in the floating dock at Scapa for repairs to her Asdic directing gear.

 

QUILLIAM left Scapa at 1400 on completion of working up practices, for the Clyde, where she arrived at 1100 the following in day.

 

 

Saturday, 5th December 1942

 

OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, and OBEDIENT left Scapa at 0400 for Rosyth to rendezvous with ANSON off Eyebroughy Buoy at 1445 and escort to Scapa, where they arrived at 0100 next day.

 

ROCKWOOD left Scapa at 1100 on completion of working up practices and proceeded to the Clyde where she arrived at 1000 the following day.

 

SALAMANDER left Scapa at 2230 for Aberdeen to refit, where she arrived at 0900 the next day.

 

 

Sunday, 6th December 1942

 

BRAMBLE left the Humber on completion of refit and arrived at Scapa the following day at 1100.

 

 

Monday, 7th December 1942

 

Captain (D) Nineteenth Destroyer Flotilla in LAFOREY with LIGHTNING in company left Scapa at Noon, having completed a short period of working up practices for Greenock where they arrived at 1100 the next day.

 

LEDBURY left Greenock at 1430 on completion of boiler cleaning for Scapa where she arrived at 1600 the following day.

 

IMPULSIVE left Scapa at 1500 for Hvalfiord where she arrived on the morning of the 9th.

 

 

Tuesday, 8th December 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with FORESTER and ECLIPSE left Scapa at 0120 escorting the DUKE OF YORK to Rosyth, where they arrived at noon. ECLIPSE was then detached and returned to Scapa where she arrived at 2100 the same day. FORESTER was taken in hand for boiler cleaning at Rosyth.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW left Rosyth at 0830 for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, and arrived at 1800 the same day.

 

RACEHORSE left Scapa at 1400 on completion of working up practices and arrived at the Clyde at 1000 the next day.

 

FURY left Hvalfiord at 1700 for Scapa and arrived at 1700 on the 10th December.

 

 

Wednesday, 9th December 1942

 

LIMBOURNE sailed from Scapa at 1400 on completion of working up practices; she arrived at Plymouth at 0900 on the 11th.

 

RELENTLESS sailed from Tobermory at 1830 for Scapa and arrived at 0900 the next day.

 

 

Thursday, 10th December 1942

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR sailed from Rosyth at noon for Scapa. At 1500, FAULKNOR was diverted to air sea rescue work in order to rescue an air crew reported in the sea in position 082 degrees Peterhead 110 miles. The position was reached at about 2000 and a search was carried out with negative results. The search was abandoned by order of Commander in Chief, Rosyth, due to heavy sea, shortly after midnight, and FAULKNOR arrived at Scapa at 1000 on Friday 11th December.

 

QUEENBOROUGH left Rosyth at 1900 for Scapa where she arrived at 1000 the following day for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

Friday, 11th December 1942

 

IROQUOIS sailed from Rosyth at 0600 for Scapa where she arrived at 1600 for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

Saturday, 12th December 1942

 

OPPORTUNE left Scapa at 0430 to proceed to the rescue of six men in a boat with rubber dinghy attached reported to be in position 62-50N, 00-49E. Search was unsuccessful and at 1930 on the 13th, she was ordered to return to Scapa where she arrived on the 14th.

 

ICARUS sailed from Scapa at 1500 for Hvalfiord where she arrived at 1300 on the 14th.

 

OBEDIENT left Scapa at 1700 for Scrabster where she embarked Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet and officers for the return trip to Scapa where she arrived at 2100.

 

OBDURATE left Hvalfiord at 2200 for Scapa where she arrived at 1830 on the 14th.

 

 

Sunday, 13th December 1942

 

LEDBURY left Scapa at 0830 for Scrabster where Russian Commodore Egipko embarked for the return passage to Scapa.

 

ORIBI undocked from the floating dock at Scapa at 1700 in order to allow MUSKETEER to dock the following day.

 

SEAGULL left Scapa at 1800 for Loch Ewe where she arrived the following morning.

 

Rear Admiral (D) transferred his flag from TYNE to SHEFFIELD at sunset.  

 

 

Monday, 14th December 1942

 

Rear Admiral (D) in SHEFFIELD with Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with BLANKNEY, CHIDDINGFOLD, and LEDBURY in company, left Scapa at 0600 for Loch Ewe where they arrived the same day, in order that Rear Admiral (D) should attend the JW 51 A convoy conference on the morning of the 15th.

 

GOATHLAND and WENSLEYDALE left Scapa at 0400 to rendezvous with MALAYA off Rosyth at 1630.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW left Scapa at 0800 to overtake and join them.

 

MALAYA and escorting destroyers arrived at Scapa at noon the following day.

 

MUSKETEER docked in the floating dock at Scapa at 0930 in order to clear a wire which was foul of her port propeller shaft; this was completed and she undocked during the afternoon.

 

Vice Admiral Second in Command Home Fleet in ANSON with ORWELL, RAIDER, and QUADRANT left Scapa at 1600 for Hvalfiord.

 

ECHO left the Clyde, on completion of repairs and boiler cleaning, for Loch Ewe where she arrived the following day.

 

OBDURATE left Scapa at 2100 for Rosyth to boiler clean and arrived the following morning.

 

 

Tuesday, 15th December 1942

 

INGLEFIELD, FURY, and ECLIPSE left Scapa at 0400 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1400 on the following day.

 

FORESTER left Rosyth at 0900 on completion of boiler cleaning for Scapa and arrived at 1900.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with ECHO in company left Loch Ewe at 1400 for Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1500 next day.

 

LOYAL left Scapa at 1500 having completing working up practices for the Clyde and arrived there next day.

 

Convoy JW 51 A left Loch Ewe escorted by BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, CHIDDINGFOLD, the Fleet Minesweeper SEAGULL, two corvettes, and two trawlers.

 

 

Wednesday, 16th December 1942

 

ICARUS and IMPULSIVE let Hvalfiord at 0430 in order to rendezvous with Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, in ANSON at 0700 off Reykjanes Point. When met, RAIDER and QUADRANT were detached to return to Scapa, where they arrived on December 15th.

 

ANSON, escorted by ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, and ORWELL arrived at Hvalfiord at 1300.

 

JAMAICA with OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS in company left Scapa at 1230 and rendezvoused off Cape Wrath at 1700 with Rear Admiral (D) in SHEFFIELD who had left Loch Ewe at 1400; thence they proceeded to Seidisfiord. The object of this force is to cover the passage of convoy JW 51 A against surface attack between the longitude of 15E and Kola Inlet. The force is known as Force “R” and Rear Admiral (D) as Senior Officer Force “R”

 

 

Thursday, 17th December 1942

 

ORIBI docked in the floating dock at Scapa at 1100 to continue hull repairs. Docking had not been possible during the previous 48 hours owing to the prevailing gale conditions.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR and ocean destroyer escort met convoy JW 51 A at 1039 and BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD were detached and returned to the United Kingdom.

 

EASTON sailed from Plymouth at 1400 for Tobermory for A/S working up practices prior to proceeding to Scapa for working practices on first commissioning.

 

OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS of Force “R” arrived at Seidisfiord at 1630 to refuel.

 

 

Saturday, 19th December 1942

 

Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in KING GEORGE V with BERWICK and destroyers MUSKETEER, RAIDER, and QUADRANT left Scapa at 1000 on covering operations for Convoy JW 51 A.

 

WENSLEYDALE left Scapa at 1500 on completion of working up practices, bound for Liverpool.

 

BLANKNEY and LEDBURY arrived at Scapa at 1600.

 

CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Loch Ewe at 1730.

 

 

Sunday, 20th December 1942

 

OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS of Force “R” sailed from Seidisfiord at 0500.

 

FORESTER sailed from Scapa at 0800 for Hvalfiord where she arrived at 1800 on the 21st December.

 

SHARPSHOOTER arrived at Scapa at 0900 from Hvalfiord.

 

ORP PIORUN arrived at Scapa at 1000 for a period of working up and to join the Home Fleet Destroyer Command from the Western Approaches Command. The PIORUN had completed a refit and sailed from Dundee at 1600 the previous day.

 

EASTON arrived at Tobermory at 1530.

 

BRAMBLE sailed from Scapa at 1800 for Loch Ewe where she arrived the following day.

 

 

Monday, 21st December 1942

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with BLANKNEY and LEDBURY in company left Scapa at 0900 for Loch Ewe where they arrived the same day. Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla attended the JW 51 B convoy conference.

 

SHARPSHOOTER left Scapa at 0900 for Hull to refit, where she arrived at noon the following day.

 

Captain (D) Sixteenth Destroyer Flotilla in MACKAY with WORCESTER, MONTROSE, and WALPOLE in company left Harwich at 0900 for Scapa to provide a screening force for Fleet units in the absence of Home Fleet Destroyers on operations. They arrived at 1100 the following day.

 

VIVACIOUS left the Tyne at 1600 for Scapa where she arrived at 1100 the following day to carry out a short period of working up practices on completion of refit and prior to rejoining the Twenty First Destroyer Flotilla.

 

ORIBI undocked at 1400 from the floating dock at Scapa on completion of hull repairs.

 

OBDURATE left Rosyth at 1600 for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning.

 

 

Tuesday, 22nd December 1942

 

ORIBI and OBEDIENT left Scapa at 0500 and were joined by OBDURATE off Dunnet Head. They proceeded to Seidisfiord where they arrived at 1900 the following day.

 

ORWELL left Hvalfiord at 0005 for Seidisfiord where she arrived at 1700 the next day.

 

GOATHLAND left Scapa at 1900 for Plymouth, having completed working up practices.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord where he arrived at 2000 next day.

 

Convoy JW 51 B left Loch Ewe escorted by BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, CHIDDINGFOLD, two corvettes, and two trawlers.

 

 

Wednesday, 23rd December 1942

 

Vice Admiral, Second in Command Home Fleet in ANSON with CUMBERLAND, FORESTER, ICARUS, IMPULSIVE left Hvalfiord at 1230 for Akureyri where they arrived the following day.

 

ORP ORKAN left Greenock at 1300 for Scapa where she arrived at 0900 next day for working up practices on first commissioning.

 

 

Thursday, 24th December 1942

 

WINDSOR left Harwich at 1300 for Scapa where she arrived at 1400 next day to relieve MACKAY of the Fleet unit screening force.

 

Senior Officer Force “R” in SHEFFIELD with JAMAICA in company arrived at Kola Inlet at 1400, followed by OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS who arrived at 1930.

 

Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW with ORIBI, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, OBDURATE, and ACHATES left Seidisfiord at 2300 to rendezvous with and provide onward escort of convoy JW 51 B in approximate position 67N, 10W.

 

Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in KING GEORGE V with cruiser BERWICK, and destroyers MUSKETEER, QUADRANT, and RAIDER arrived at Scapa at 2345 from patrol operations covering the passage of convoy JW 51 A.

 

 

Friday, 25th December 1942

 

IROQUOIS docked in the floating dock to change a damaged propeller.

 

Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with FURY, ECLIPSE, INGLEFIELD, ECHO, remainder of the escort and Convoy JW 51 A arrived at Kola Inlet at 0600.

 

 

Saturday, 26th December 1942

 

BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD arrived at Seidisfiord at 0345, having been detached from escorting ConvoyJW 51 B some time after Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW and the remainder of the destroyer escort had joined up.

 

Captain (D) Sixteenth Destroyer Flotilla in MACKAY left Scapa at 1000 for Harwich where he arrived the next day.

 

Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON with cruiser CUMBERLAND and destroyers FORESTER, IMPULSIVE, and ICARUS in company left Akureyri at 1300 for patrol to cover the passage of Convoy JW 51B.

 

 

Sunday, 27th December 1942

 

Senior Officer “R” in SHEFFIELD with JAMAICA and destroyers OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS in company left the Kola Inlet at 1430 to cover the passage of convoys JW 51B and RA 51 in the Barents Sea.

 

 

Monday, 28th December 1942

 

IROQUOIS undocked from the floating dock at 1300.

 

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE with METEOR in company were ordered by the Commander in Chief, Western Approaches to reinforce the escort of convoy ONS 154 which was being heavily attacked in approximate position 44-30N, 2700W. At 0800 MILNE and METEOR were in position 41-33N, 17-47W and anticipated joining the convoy on the following day.

 

 

Tuesday, 29th December 1942

 

No movements or events of importance.

 

 

Wednesday, 30th December 1942

 

BRECON sailed from Greenock at 1100 for Scapa where she arrived at 1130 next day to carry out working up practices on first commissioning.

 

EASTON left Tobermory at 1230 for Scapa where she arrived at 1230 next day.

 

Convoy RA 51 sailed from Kola Inlet at 1130 with Home Fleet destroyer escort of Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla in FAULKNOR with FURY, INGLEFIELD, ECLIPSE, and ECHO and corvettes and trawlers.

 

 

Thursday, 31st December 1942

 

BATTLE OF BARENTS SEA

 


Click to enlarge

 

BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD rendezvoused off Llanganes Light at 0230 with Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet in ANSON, whence they proceeded to Seidisfiord arriving at 1330.

 

FORESTER, IMPULSIVE, and ICARUS, having been hove in bad weather, arrived independently, ICARUS at 2200 followed by FORESTER and IMPULSIVE.

 

MILNE and METEOR parted company from convoy ONS 154 and returned to Ponta Delgada to fuel.

 

At 0940, Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla in ONSLOW, escorting convoy JW 51 B in position 73-18N 30-06E reported sighting three unknown enemy vessels bearing 325 degrees, 8 miles. At 0950, ONSLOW reported engaging one enemy cruiser bearing 358 degrees, 6 miles and at 1024 ONSLOW reported she was hit forward and six minutes later a hit in her engine room and she was retiring on the convoy.

 

Senior Officer Force “R” in SHEFFIELD with JAMAICA in company in position 73-18N 30-29E who was covering the passage of Convoy JW 51 B reported sighting one large enemy vessel bearing 220 degrees at 1135 and at 1157 that he had engaged the enemy, believed to be ADMIRAL HIPPER. In the subsequent engagement, Force “R” obtained hits on the enemy cruiser with about five salvoes, causing the enemy to retire under smoke and an enemy destroyer of the MAAS class was engaged and left sinking. Contact with the first cruiser was lost, but firing was later opened on a second cruiser, believed to be the NURNBERG. The enemy continued to retire at high speed to the south west and Force “R” having established their withdrawal, returned to the protection of the convoy from possible other enemy menace. SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA suffered superficial splinter damage, but no casualties.

 

At 1228, Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla, who had been seriously wounded in the face, reported ONSLOW was out of action and that OBEDIENT had taken over Senior Officer of escort to JW 51 B. ONSLOW proceeded independently to Kola Inlet where she arrived at 0915 next day. ONSLOW suffered extensive damage above the water line and thirty nine casualties including seventeen ratings killed.

 

ACHATES was damaged during the action and later sank, but eighty survivors were rescued.

 

BRAMBLE was not in company with the convoy since 29th when she was reported escorting two stragglers.

 

(last page of December 1942 missing. Information taken from Home Fleet WD, q. v. )

 

ORIBI lost touch before the action and proceeded direct to Kola Inlet.

 
 

on to Home Fleet Destroyers, January-June 1943
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revised 14/7/11