INTRODUCTION by DON KINDELL

A brief note of explanation to the format of Home Fleet War Diary, which went through several changes in 1942:

The first of which is the Diary is presented in periods: 1st-15th and 16th to end of month in all of 1942. This changes in 1943 to the whole month.

 

 In April 1942 through July 1942, Part I is entirely narrative, with Part II being a narrative summary at the end of each period.

 

In August through November, Part I is still completely narrative, but the Summary has a day by day listing for each ship, as seen from 1943. However, only battleships, battle cruisers, aircraft carriers, and cruisers are covered. Destroyer Flotillas are listed only with events of note. Also, in Part II the narrative descriptions of the P Q and Q P convoys goes from paragraph narrative to a day by day chronology.

 

In December 1942, the format which is used throughout the rest of the war begins.

 

 

APRIL 1942

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st – 15th April 1942, inclusive

 

Wednesday 1st April

 

Captain A.S. Russell, Royal Navy, assumed command of KENYA vice Captain M.M. Denny, CB, Royal Navy

CONQUEROR left Scapa for Lerwick en route to the Faroes

11 ships of P Q 13 arrived Murmansk

LAMERTON and ALDERSDALE arrived Hvalfiord from Seidisfiord from P Q 13

PORT QUEBEC and ST MARYS left Scapa for Port Z A

TETCOTT, MATCHLESS, and WILTON left Scapa to act as aircraft rescue ships in positions A, B, and C

EDINBURGH (Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron), GAMBIA, and FROBISHER left Scapa to rendezvous with Task Force 39 and escort it to Scapa

SHEFFIELD (damaged) escorted by MARNE left Scapa for the Tyne for repairs

INGLEFIELD (D 3), FORESTER, and LEDBURY returned to Scapa after an unsuccessful search for a U boat sighted by MIDDLETON off Pentland Firth on 31st March.

FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, WALLACE, VANITY, and VALOROUS left Rosyth for position 56-00N, 03-00E to cover ships in Operation PERFORMANCE

OFFA and LAMERTON (ex Q P 9) left Hvalfiord for Scapa

Out of the 10 Norwegian ships which left Gothenburg on 31st March (Operation PERFORMANCE), two arrived in the United Kingdom, two returned to Swedish waters, two returned to Gothenburg, and four were lost by enemy action

 

Thursday 2nd April

 

HURSLEY left Tyne for Methil arriving a.m. en route for Scapa to work up

CONQUEROR arrived Lerwick from Scapa, en route to the Faroes.

MIDDLETON and WHEATLAND arrived Falmouth from Scapa

SHARPSHOOTER and BRITOMART left Hvalfiord for Scapa

FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, WALLACE, VANITY, and VALOROUS ordered to return to Rosyth after covering Operation PERFORMANCE

PORT QUEBEC and ST MARYS arrived Port Z A from Scapa

BLEASDALE commissioned for service in the Tyne

SPEEDY left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 14 to Murmansk

SHEFFIELD with MARNE in company arrived Tyne from Scapa for repairs

MARNE left Tyne for Scapa

SEAWOLF left Lerwick for patrol off the Norwegian coast

WELSHMAN left Tyne for Scapa to work up on completion of refit.

 

Friday 3rd April

 

HURSLEY left Methil for Scapa arriving p.m.

Q P 9 (and R U 17) -24 ships- escorted by BULLDOG, BLYSKAWICA, AMBUSCADE, and 4 A/S trawlers left

for Reykjavik for Loch Ewe

MARNE arrived Scapa after escorting SHEFFIELD to the Tyne

TETCOTT, MATCHLESS, and WILTON returned to Scapa after acting as aircraft rescue ships in Positions A, B, and C

EDINBURGH (C S 18), GAMBIA, and FROBISHER from Scapa met Task Force 39 and proceeded with it to Scapa

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from LIVERPOOL to KING GEORGE V

Murmansk raided twice by German aircraft; shore establishments and two merchant ships damaged.

TRINIDAD docked for repairs at Murmansk, estimated date of completion 6th May

WELSHMAN arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up on completion of refit

LANCASTER, CHARLESTOWN, and ST MARYS left Port Z A for Scapa, arriving p.m. to act as aircraft rescue ships

TUNA arrived Lerwick from patrol off the Norwegian coast

L 23 left Dundee for Scapa to act as A/S training submarine

LIVERPOOL, PUNJABI, and MARNE left Scapa for Murmansk for escort of Q P 10

FROBISHER and GAMBIA left escort of Task Force 39 for the Clyde, arriving there p.m. for convoy W S 18

LEDBURY left Scapa for Rosyth to boiler clean.

 

Saturday 4th April

 

LEDBURY arrived Rosyth from Scapa for boiler cleaning

One A/S trawler from escort of Q P 9 (and R U 17) returned to Reykjavik

OFFA and LAMERTON arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord.

EDINBURGH (C S 18) with Task Force 39 composed of U.S. Battleship WASHINGTON, cruisers WICHITA (Commander Task Force 39), TUSCALOOSA, aircraft carrier WASP, and destroyers WAINWRIGHT (Senior Officer), LANG, STERETT, MADISON, WILSON, and PLUNKETT from U.S.A. arrived Scapa. Task Force 39 to join the Home Fleet

L 23 arrived Scapa from Dundee for A/S training duties

FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, VALOROUS, WALLACE arrived Rosyth after covering ships in Operation PERFORMANCE. VANITY having joined convoy F S 68.

MARTIN left Tyne for Methil, arriving p.m., en route to Scapa to work up and join the 17th Destroyer Flotilla

WILTON left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of Force Q with P Q 14

 

Sunday 5th April

 

MARTIN left Methil for Scapa, arriving p.m. to work up and join Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

ESKIMO docked at Rosyth for repairs to fresh water tanks

OFFA docked at Scapa for repairs to bottom

Captain H.B. Jacomb, Royal Navy, assumed command of NELSON vice Commander D.C. Hill, Royal Navy.

Flag of Commander, Task Force 39, transferred from WICHITA to WASHINGTON

O 14 left patrol off the Norwegian coast for Lerwick

P 511 left Scapa for Tobermory

KING GEORGE V, with NIGERIA, screened by FAULKNOR (D 8), ICARUS, and ESCAPADE left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of repairs

BERWICK left Hvalfiord to relieve LONDON on Patrol WHITE

 

Monday 6th April

 

KING GEORGE V with NIGERIA, screened by FAULKNOR (D 8), ICARUS, and ESCAPADE arrived Scapa from Rosyth

SPEEDY arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 14

WILTON arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for Force Q with P Q 14.

P 511 arrived Tobermory from Scapa

Repairs to ECLIPSE (action damage) completed at Murmansk

TRIDENT left Clyde for Lerwick

FORESIGHT and FORESTER left Scapa for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

BRITOMART arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

EDINBURGH (C S 18) left Scapa for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

BEAGLE and AMAZON left Clyde for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

BEVERLEY, OXLIP, and SNOWFLAKE left Londonderry for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

CAMPANULA left Liverpool and SAXIFRAGE left Greenock for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

 

Tuesday 7th April

 

LANCASTER and ST MARYS left Scapa for escort of troopship for the Faroes (from Greenock), arriving Faroes p.m.

ESKIMO completed repairs at Rosyth

LONDON arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

OFFA completed repairs to bottom at Scapa

WHEATLAND and MIDDLETON left Falmouth for Scapa

TETCOTT left Scapa for the Clyde to boiler clean before joining escort of W S 18

BRITOMART left Scapa for Leith to refit

LIVERPOOL, PUNJABI, and MARNE arrived Murmansk from Scapa for escort of Q P 10

VICTORIOUS, ESKIMO, and ECHO left Rosyth for Scapa

BULLDOG left escort of Q P 9 for Seidisfiord for P Q 14

NEWMARKET left escort of U R 18 for Seidisfiord for P Q 14

 

Wednesday 8th April

 

CHARLESTOWN left Scapa to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE and escort to Scapa

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE left Port Z A for Scapa

BRITOMART arrived Leith from Scapa to refit

VICTORIOUS, ESKIMO, and ECHO arrived Scapa from Rosyth

TETCOTT arrived Clyde from Scapa to boiler clean before joining escort of W S 18

SHARPSHOOTER arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord, leaving p.m. for Leith for repairs

BEDOUIN was taken in hand for minor repairs at Scapa

P Q 14 with Force Q left Reykjavik for North Russia escorted by HEBE (Senior Officer, SPEEDY, and four A/S trawlers

RUBIS left Dundee for minelaying operation off the Norwegian coast

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE escorted by CHARLESTOWN arrived Scapa from Port Z A

LANCASTER and ST MARYS escorting troopship SUMMER MAID left Faroes for Invergordon

BULLDOG from escort of Q P 9 and NEWMARKET from escort of U R 18 arrived Seidisfiord for P Q 14

CAMPANULA from Liverpool and SAXIFRAGE from Greenock arrived Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

 

Thursday 9th April

 

EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESTER, and FORESIGHT arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 14

AMAZON, BEVERLEY, BEAGLE, OXLIP, and SNOWFLAKE arrived Seidisfiord from Western Approaches Command (Clyde and Londonderry) for addition escort of P Q 14

TRIDENT arrived Lerwick from the Clyde

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with CHARLESTOWN left Scapa for Port Z A arriving p.m.

USS WASP, LANG, and MADISON with ECHO left Scapa for the Clyde for Force W

O 14 arrived Lerwick from patrol off the Norwegian coast, leaving p.m. for Scapa

SHARPSHOOTER arrived Leith from Scapa for repairs

LANCASTER and ST MARYS with troopship SUMMER MAID arrived Invergordon from the Faroes

WELSHMAN left Scapa for Port Z A arriving p.m.

 

Friday 10th April

 

USS WASP, LANG, and MADISON with ECHO arrived Clyde from Scapa for Force W

ECHO left Clyde to return to Scapa, arriving p.m.

WHEATLAND and LAMERTON arrived Scapa from Falmouth

LAMERTON taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning

TARTAR reduced to care and maintenance at Hull.

BEDOUIN completed minor repairs at Scapa

NORFOLK left Scapa to patrol in vicinity 73-22N, 12-10E and support P Q 14 and Q P 10

P Q 15 left Oban for Reykjavik

LEDBURY left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

Q P 10 (16 ships) with ORIBI, PUNJABI, FURY, ECLIPSE, MARNE, SPEEDWELL, two A/S trawlers, two Russian destroyers as far as 30 degrees east, and local escort of HARRIER (M S 6), GOSSAMER, and HUSSAR left Murmansk for Reykjavik

O 14 arrived Scapa from Lerwick sailing p.m. for Dundee

Soviet Submarine K 421 mined and sunk off North Cape

WELSHMAN left Port Z A for Milford Haven

EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESIGHT, FORESTER, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, AMAZON, BEVERLEY, and four corvettes left Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 14

 

Saturday 11th April

 

LEDBURY arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning

SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, ESKIMO, and MATCHLESS left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet, arriving p.m.

One merchant ship of Q P 10 returned to Kola Inlet

ACHATES commissioned for service in the Tyne on completion of repairs

WELSHMAN arrived Milford Haven from Port Z A

SPEEDY, WILTON, and HEBE, and one A/S trawler, of escort for P Q 14 damaged by ice – asdic gear out of action.

Q P 10 bombed by a large number of J U 88s in 71-01N, 36-00E, one ship damaged later sunk

LIVERPOOL left Murmansk to overtake and escort of Q P 10 joined the convoy p.m.

LONDON left Hvalfiord to relieve BERWICK on Patrol WHITE

O 14 arrived Dundee from Scapa

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, transferred from NIGERIA to DUNLUCE CASTLE

SEAGULL left Humber for Rosyth on completion of refit

ICARUS left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs to A bracket.

 

Sunday 12th April

 

EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESIGHT, FORESTER, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, AMAZON, BEVERLEY, and four corvettes from Seidisfiord joined P Q 14

ICARUS arrived Rosyth from Scapa for repairs to A bracket

KING GEORGE V (Commander in Chief), DUKE OF YORK (Vice Admiral, Second in Command), VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, KENT, FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), OFFA, ESCAPADE, MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, WHEATLAND, and BELVOIR left Scapa to cover convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10

RENOWN, CHARYBDIS, INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ECHO left Scapa for the Clyde for Force W

WILTON and one A/S trawler – damaged by ice - left P Q 14 for Seidisfiord

Oiler ALDERSDALE detached from P Q 14 for Seidisfiord

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow

SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, ESKIMO, and MATCHLESS left Skaalefiord for the Battlefleet, joining p.m.

FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), OFFA, and ESCAPADE left the Battlefleet p.m. to fuel at Skaalefiord, arriving later same day.

SEAGULL arrived Rosyth from the Humber on completion of refit

BERWICK arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

BRAMBLE (M S 1) left Tyne for Scapa on completion of refit

Broad Pendant of Captain C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, Royal Navy, as Commodore Commanding, Force W, hoisted in RENOWN

NEWMARKET left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord for repairs

 

Monday 13th April

 

FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), ESCAPADE, and OFFA sailed from Skaalefiord for the Battlefleet, rejoining a.m.

Aircraft heard homing U boats on to Q P 10

WHEATLAND detached from the Battlefleet to escort ALDERSDALE from Seidisfiord (if required for oiling at sea), arriving Seidisfiord p.m.

MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and BELVOIR detached from the Battlefleet to Scapa

WILTON and 1 A/S trawler (both damaged by ice) arrived Seidisfiord from escort of P Q 14

Q P 10 attacked by two U boats in 73-22N, 28-49E, three ships sunk

Q P 10 shadowed by four aircraft and one U boat

RENOWN, CHARYBDIS, INGLEFIELD (D 3), and ECHO arrived Clyde from Scapa for Force W

WILTON left Seidisfiord for Scapa

SEAGULL left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m. on completion of refit in Humber

BRAMBLE (M S 1) arrived Scapa from the Tyne on completion of refit

SPEEDY (damaged by ice) left escort of P Q 14 for Reykjavik

HEBE (damaged by ice) left escort of P Q 14 for Akureyri (covering ALDERSDALE)

CHARYBDIS left Clyde with CAIRO from Milford Haven and proceed to Gibraltar

ECLIPSE (with Q P 10) attacked U boat in position 73-27N, 26-40E.

 

Tuesday 14th April

 

WHEATLAND arrived Seidisfiord from the Battlefleet for escort of ALDERSDALE (if required)

ANSON commissioned in the Tyne under command of Captain H.R.G. Kinahan, Royal Navy

ARETHUSA left Chatham on completion of refit for Scapa to work up, prior to joining the Mediterranean Fleet

MINERVE left Dundee for Lerwick

ALDERSDALE arrived Seidisfiord from escort of P Q 14

WELSHMAN left Milford Haven for Plymouth

LAMERTON completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

CAIRO left Milford Haven, joining CHARYBDIS from the Clyde p.m. and proceeding to Gibraltar

Force W (RENOWN (Senior Officer), USS WASP, INGLEFIELD (D 3), ECHO, PARTRIDGE, ITHURIEL, USS MADISON and LANG) left Clyde for Gibraltar

MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and BELVOIR arrived Scapa from the Battlefleet.

SHARPSHOOTER and BRITOMART taken in hand at Leith for refit

Wednesday 15th April

 

WELSHMAN arrived Plymouth from Milford Haven

RUBIS, having completed minelaying operation off the Norwegian coast, arrived Lerwick

P Q 14 reported by enemy aircraft

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow.

FURIOUS arrived Clyde from the U.S.A.

BLACKMORE left Clyde for Scapa to work up

ARETHUSA arrived Scapa from Chatham on completion of refit, to work up prior to joining the Mediterranean Fleet

SPEEDY, 2 A/S trawlers, and nine ships of P Q 14 returned to Reykjavik

MINERVE arrived Lerwick from Dundee   

HEBE arrived Akureyri from escort of P Q 14

WILTON arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

Enemy aircraft carried out two raids on Murmansk, one merchant ship sunk, one badly damaged.

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st – 15th April 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

The Flag of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was transferred KING GEORGE V from the LIVERPOOL on 3rd April. ON 5th April, the KING GEORGE V completed the fitting of pom pom equipments to B and Y turrets and left Rosyth, with the NIGERIA in company, screened by FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla), ICARUS, and ESCAPADE. The arrived at Scapa the following day where the staff of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was re embarked from the DUKE OF YORK.

 

On 12th April, she left Scapa with the DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, and KENT in company screened by eight destroyers to cover the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 (see paragraphs 35 and 36). The remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period returning to Scapa on completion on 18th April

 

2. The DUKE OF YORK (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), remained at Scapa until 12th April. During that time the staff of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was transferred to the KING GEORGE V and the staff of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the RENOWN to the DUKE OF YORK.

 

On 12th April, the DUKE OF YORK left Scapa in company with the Fleet Flagship to cover the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10. She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period (see paragraphs 35 and 36), returning to Scapa on completion on 18th April.

 

3. The NELSON remained at Rosyth repairing torpedo damage. On 5th April, Captain H.B. Jacomb, Royal Navy, assumed command vice Commander D.C. Hill, Royal Navy

 

4. The RODNEY remained at Liverpool refitting

 

 

U.S. Battleship

 

5. The USS WASHINGTON arrived Scapa with Task Force 39 on 3rd April. On 5th April, the Flag of Commander Task Force 39 was transferred from the WICHITA to the WASHINGTON. The WASHINGTON remained at Scapa for the rest of the period exercising the methods of the Home Fleet (see paragraph 33)

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. The RENOWN remained at Scapa until 12th April when she sailed with the CHARYBDIS in company, and screened by the INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ECHO for the Clyde. Arriving in the Clyde the following day, she remained there prior to sailing with Force W for the Mediterranean (see paragraph 34). The Broad Pendant of Captain C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, Royal Navy was hoisted in the RENOWN on 12th April and on 14th April, she left the Clyde with USS WASP, MADISON, and LANG and INGLEFIELD (D 3), ECHO, PARTRIDGE, and ITHURIEL for Gibraltar.

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. The VICTORIOUS completed repairs to weather damage at Rosyth on 7th April and sailed the same day for Scapa, escorted by ESKIMO and ECHO. She arrived Scapa a.m. the following day and remained there until 12th April when she sailed, in company with the Fleet Flagship, to cover the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 (see paragraphs 35 and 36). She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period, returning to Scapa on completion on 18th April.

 

8. The FURIOUS left the U.S.A. on 5th April, escorted by two U.S. destroyers on completion of her refit. She arrived in the Clyde on 15th April prior to proceeding to Rosyth for a further refit and to give leave

 

9. The USS WASP arrived Scapa on 3rd April with Task Force 39. She remained at Scapa accustoming herself to the methods of the Home Fleet until 8th April when she disembarked all except 20 of her aircraft to R.N. Air Station, Hatston, and sailed for the Clyde the following day escorted by USS LANG and MADISON and ECHO. She arrived in the Clyde on 10th April and commenced embarking Spitfires for Malta prior to sailing with Force W for the Mediterranean (see paragraph 34). She remained in the Clyde until 14th April when, having embarked 47 Spitfires, she sailed with Force W for Gibraltar

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

10. The LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) on patrol WHITE was relived by the BERWICK on 6th April and arrived Hvalfiord the following day. On 11th April, she again left Hvalfiord to relieve BERWICK on the same patrol, remaining on patrol for the rest of the period.

 

11. The NORFOLK remained at Scapa until 10th April when she left to patrol in the vicinity of 73-22N, 12-10E and to support the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 (see paragraphs 35 and 36). She remained on this patrol until 17th April when she proceeded to Hvalfiord, arriving there the following day to relieve LONDON (C S 1)

 

12. The SUFFOLK remained in the Tyne refitting throughout the period.

 

13. The BERWICK left Hvalfiord on 5th April to relived the LONDON (C S 1) on Patrol WHITE. On 11th April, she as relieved by the LONDON and returned to Hvalfiord, arriving on 12th April and remaining there for the rest of the period

 

14. The CUMBERLAND remained at Chatham refitting throughout the period

 

15. The KENT remained at Scapa until 12th April when she sailed in company with the Fleet Flagship to cover the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 (see paragraphs 35 and 36). She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period, being detached from the Battlefleet on 16th April to reinforce the escort of Q P 10 which she joined early the following day. She left Q P 10 in 67-43N, 12-56W on 18th April and arrived at Scapa on 20th April.

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

16. The NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) completed the exchange of one of her propellers and minor repairs at Rosyth on 5th April and sailed p.m. the same day in company with the Fleet Flagship for Scapa. Arriving at Scapa the following day, she remained there until 12th April when she sailed in company with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 (see paragraphs 35 and 36). She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period, returning to Scapa on completion on 18th April. The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron was transferred from the NIGERIA to the DUNLUCE CASTLE on 11th April.

 

17. The KENYA remained at Scapa throughout the period. On 1st April, Captain A.S. Russell, Royal Navy, assumed command vice Captain M.M. Denny, CB, Royal Navy

 

18. The TRINIDAD, damaged in action during P Q 13, remained at Murmansk throughout the period. On 3rd April she was docked for repairs at Murmansk. Estimate date of completion – 6th May

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

19. The EDINBURGH (Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron) with the GAMBIA and FROBISHER in company left Scapa on 1st April to rendezvous with Task Force 39 and escort it to Scapa. The rendezvous was made a.m. 3rd April and the FROBISHER and GAMBIA left the force p.m. that day for the Clyde for convoy W S 18. The EDINBURGH with Task Force 39 in company arrived Scapa on 4th April (see paragraph 33) and she remained there until p.m. 6th April when she sailed with the FORESTER and FORESIGHT for Seidisfiord, arriving there early on 9th April to fuel before joining P Q 14 for escort to Murmansk.

 

The EDINBURGH, with six destroyers and four corvettes in company, left Seidisfiord on 10th April and joined P Q 14 early on 12th April, remaining with it as ocean escort (see paragraph 35) throughout the period, arriving Murmansk with part of the convoy and escort on 19th April.

 

20. The SHEFFIELD (damaged), escorted by the MARNE left Scapa on 1st April for the Tyne where she arrived the following day and remained there for the rest of the period repairing mine damage.

 

21. The LIVERPOOL with the PUNJABI and MARNE left Scapa for Murmansk on 3rd April. She arrived there on 7th April and fuelled before acting as Ocean Escort for Q P 10. She left Murmansk early on 11th April and overtook the convoy (which had been bombed the previous day) p.m. During 11th April, Q P 10 was bombed by a large number of J U 88s which damaged one ship and on 13th April three ships were sunk by U boat (see paragraph 35). The LIVERPOOL left Q P 10 in 67-43N 12-56W on 18th April and after fuelling at Seidisfiord on 19th April arrived Scapa two days later.

 

22. The MANCHESTER remained at Portsmouth throughout the period repairing and giving leave.

 

23. The CHARYBDIS remained at Scapa until 12th April when she sailed with the RENOWN, INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ECHO for the Clyde, arriving there the following day, before sailing for the Mediterranean for Force W (see paragraph 34). She left the Clyde on 13th and joined CAIRO from Milford Haven the following day, proceeding with her to Gibraltar

 

 

Attached Cruisers

 

24. On completion of their working up period at Scapa, the GAMBIA and FROBISHER sailed in 1st April with EDINBURGH (C S 18) to rendezvous with Task Force 39 (see paragraph 33). The rendezvous was made a.m. on 3rd April and the GAMBIA and FROBISHER were detached p.m. to the Clyde. They arrived Clyde later the same day to continue working up and then to join the escort of W S 18, en route to the Eastern Fleet.

 

 

U.S. Cruisers

 

25. The U.S. Cruisers WICHITA (Flag of Commander Task Force 39) and TUSCALOOSA arrived Scapa with Task Force 39 on 3rd April. On 5th April, the flag of Commander, Task Force 39, was transferred from the WICHITA to the USS WASHINGTON. The WICHITA and TUSCALOOSA remained at Scapa for the rest of the period, accustoming themselves to the methods of the Home Fleet (see paragraph 33)

 

 

Destroyers

 

26.       

Third Destroyer Flotilla

The ICARUS left Scapa for Rosyth on 11th April, arriving the following day for repairs to A bracket

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

TARTAR was reduced to Care and Maintenance at Hull on 10th April

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

The MARTIN arrived Scapa 5th April to work up and join the Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

U.S. Destroyers

U.S. destroyers WAINWRIGHT (Senior Officer), STERRET, WILSON, MADISON, LANG, and PLUNKETT arrived Scapa with Task Force 39 on 3rd April. On 9th April the LANG and MADISON left Scapa with USS WASP for the Clyde and thence for the Mediterranean with Force W (temporarily) . The remaining four destroyers were at Scapa throughout the period, accustoming themselves to the methods of the Home Fleet (see paragraph 33).

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

27.The following ships have been attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	GAMBIA, FROBISHER
Minelayer	WELSHMAN
HUNT class destroyers	TETCOTT, BELVOIR, HURSLEY

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

28. The following minesweepers and destroyers were attached to the Home Fleet during the period for Special duties and operations during the period:

(a). For duty with P Q and Q P convoys and in North Russia
H.M. minesweepers	BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla), SALAMANDER, BRITOMART, HEBE, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, HARRIER (Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla), SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, GOSSAMER, HUSSAR, LEDA, SEAGULL, SPEEDY, and NIGER
(b). For duty as aircraft rescue ships
Town Class destroyers	LANCASTER, CHARLESTOWN, and ST MARYS

 

Changes of Flag

 

29. 

The Flag of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was transferred to the KING GEORGE V on 3rd April.

 

The Flag of Commander, Task Force 39, was transferred from the USS WICHITA to the USS WASHINGTON on 5th April.

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from NIGERIA to DUNLUCE CASTLE on 11th April.

 

The Broad Pendant of Captain C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, Royal Navy, was Commodore Commanding Force W was hoisted in the RENOWN on 12th April.

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

30. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 7th April

BERWICK left Hvalfiord 5th April, arrived Hvalfiord 12th April.

LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) left Hvalfiord 11th April, on patrol

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

31. There were no ships, other than those on passage, on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes during the period

 

 

Operation PERFORMANCE

 

32. This operation consisted of a break out of ten British chartered Norwegian ships from Gothenburg. The ships sailed from Gothenburg on 31st March, but unfortunately weather conditions did not come up to expectations and they were found by German aircraft on the following day. Air protection was sent as far East as 57-30N, 7-00E and surface escort was provided from position 56-40N, 000 degrees by the FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, VALOROUS, VANITY, and WALLACE from Rosyth

 

Of the ten ships which left Gothenburg, two arrived in the United Kingdom, two returned to Swedish territorial waters, and two returned to Gothenburg. One tanker was torpedoed and sunk by aircraft 180 miles east of Aberdeen, one was torpedoed and abandoned soon after sailing, one scuttled herself to avoid capture, and the last ran aground near Hallo. The destroyers remained at sea until 4th April when they returned to Rosyth.

 

 

33. Task Force 39

 

Task Force 39 consisting of the U.S. battleship WASHINGTON (Rear Admiral J.W. Wilcox, Jnr.), aircraft carrier WASP, cruisers WICHITA (Senior Officer) and TUSCALOOSA and destroyers WAINWRIGHT (Senior Officer), MADISON, PLUNKETT, LANG, STERETT, and WILSON left Casco Bay on 26th March for Scapa to join the Home Fleet

 

The EDINBURGH (C S 18) with the FROBISHER and GAMBIA in company left on 1st April to rendezvous with the force and escort it to Scapa. Task Force 39 was met a.m. 3rd April and soon afterwards, the GAMBIA and FROBISHER were detached by Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, to the Clyde where they arrived p.m. to continue working up before joining the escort of W S 18

 

The EDINBURGH with Task Force 39 in company arrived Scapa a.m. 4th April; liaison officers joined their respective ships and the remainder of the period was spent by the forces adapting itself to the Home Fleet methods and North Sea conditions. The USS WASP with the destroyers MADISON and LANG was detached on 9th April for the Clyde for Force W (see paragraph 34).

 

During the passage from the U.S.A. to Scapa, Rear Admiral J.W. Wilcox was lost overboard and the command of the force was taken over by Rear Admiral J.C. Giffen in the USS WICHITA. The Flag of Commander, Task Force 39, was transferred from the WICHITA to the WASHINGTON at Scapa on 5th April.

 

 

34. Force W

 

In order to reinforce Malta with fighter aircraft, it was decided that the USS WASP should embark as many Spitfires as possible and transport them to within about 550 miles of Malta, from which the fighter aircraft could fly off to the Island.

 

Accordingly, the USS WASP disembarked all but 20 of her aircraft to Hatston and sailed screened by the USS LANG and MADISON and ECHO for the Clyde on 9th April. She arrived Clyde the following day and commenced to embark Spitfires, the ECHO returned to Scapa arriving p.m.

 

On 12th April, Captain C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, Royal Navy, hoisted his Broad Pendant, as Commodore Commanding Force W in the RENOWN., and left Scapa the same day with RENOWN, CHARYBDIS, INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ECHO, for the Clyde arriving a.m. 13th April.

 

A.M. 13th April, the CHARYBDIS left the Clyde to rendezvous with the CAIRO from Milford Haven and proceed independently to Gibraltar. The CAIRO left Milford Haven the following day and joined the CHARYBDIS at noon that day.

 

After 47 Spitfires had been embarked in the USS WASP, Force W, composed of the RENOWN (Senior Officer), USS WASP, PARTRIDGE, INGLEFIELD (D 3), ITHURIEL, ECHO, and U.S. Destroyers MADISON and LANG, left the Clyde for Gibraltar a.m. 14th April, USS WASP passing through the Straits on the night of 18th/19th April.

 

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

35. Q P 10 (for operations by covering forces see paragraph 36).

 

Q P 10 (16 ships) escorted by the ORIBI, PUNJABI, FURY, ECLIPSE, MARNE, SPEEDWELL, and 2 A/S trawlers with a local escort of the HARRIER (MS 6), GOSSAMER, and HUSSAR, and two Russian destroyers was far as 30 degrees East, left Murmansk on 10th April for Iceland. The LIVERPOOL left Murmansk the following day to overtake and escort the convoy, joining it early the following day.

 

One merchant ship in the convoy returned to Kola Inlet on 11th April and p.m. that day the convoy was bombed by large numbers of Junkers 88 bombers in position 71-01N, 36-00E. One merchant ship was damaged in this attack and she eventually sank. The convoy proceeded without further incident until early on 13th April when aircraft were heard homing U boats onto the convoy, which was soon afterwards attack in position 73-20N, 28-48E. Three merchant ships were torpedoed and sunk. A.M. on 13th April, the convoy was shadowed by four aircraft and a U boat until at noon, the ECLIPSE attacked the U boat in 73-27N, 26-40E. Three attacks resulted in dark patches in the water. On 16th April, the convoy was again shadowed by enemy aircraft, and the KENT was detached from the Battlefleet to reinforce the escort of Q P 10 which she joined later that same day. Six stragglers from P Q 14 joined the convoy and the ECLIPSE with damage to her hull dropped astern to escort another straggler from P Q 14. Early on 17th April, ECLIPSE proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel. Two A/S trawlers from Q P 10 left the convoy for Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving there on 18th April; p.m. the same day, the ECLIPSE sailed for Scapa where she arrived on 20th April.

 

The LIVERPOOL and KENT left the convoy on 18th April in 67-43N, 12-56W. The KENT proceeded direct to Scapa, arriving on 20th April, and the LIVERPOOL proceeded first to Seidisfiord to fuel on 19th April, and then to Scapa where she arrived on 21st April.

 

The SPEEDWELL left the convoy on 17th April for Seidisfiord, arriving there the following day to fuel and escort the two A/S trawlers to Stornoway.

 

Q P 10 (11 ships) with six stragglers from P Q 14, escorted by ORIBI, MARNE, PUNJABI, and FURY arrived Reykjavik on 21st April, four ships having been sunk by enemy action and one returned to Murmansk.

 

 

36. P Q 14 (for operations by covering forces see paragraph 36.)

 

P Q 14 (23 ships) assembled at Reykjavik, together with port of the ocean escort comprising the HEBE, SPEEDY, and four A/S trawlers. The remainder of the ocean escort assembled at Seidisfiord. The EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESIGHT and FORESTER left Scapa on 6th April and arrived early on 9th, the BULLDOG left the escort of Q P 9 and the NEWMARKET left the escort of U R 18, both on 7th April, arriving Seidisfiord the following day. The BEAGLE and AMAZON from the Clyde, BEVERLEY, OXLIP, and SNOWFLAKE from Londonderry, CAMPANULA from Liverpool, and SAXIFRAGE from Greenock all arrived Seidisfiord early on 9th April.

 

The WILTON left Scapa on 4th April, arriving Hvalfiord two days later to escort Force Q (oiler ALDERSDALE) with P Q 14

 

The convoy left Reykjavik on 8th April with Force Q (WILTON and ALDERSDALE) in company escorted by HEBE, SPEEDY, and four A/S trawlers.

 

The remainder of the ocean escort from Seidisfiord (EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESIGHT, FORESTER, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, BEVERLEY, AMAZON, and four corvettes) left on 11th April, joining the convoy early on 12th April. The NEWMARKET did not join the convoy owing to defects, but sailed from Seidisfiord on 11th April for Hvalfiord for repairs. The same day, she was diverted by Eyjafiord to escort two merchant ships ex P Q 14 to Reykjavik, arriving with them and three others from Akureyri (also ex P Q 14) on 16th April.

 

On 11th and 12th, the convoy ran into thick drift ice. The SPEEDY, WILTON, HEBE, and 2 A/S trawlers sustained ice damage and the A/S gear of the majority of the escort was put out of action. On 12th April, the WILTON with one A/S trawler left the convoy for Seidisfjord arriving on 13th April. The same day, the WILTON left Seidisfiord for Scapa en route to London for repairs. The oiler ALDERSDALE with ice damaged was detached from P Q 14 on 12th April for Seidisfiord; the HEBE, damaged, was detached the following day to escort her. ALDERSDALE arrived Seidisfiord the following day and the HEBE arrived Akureyri with stragglers from P Q 14 on 15th April. The WHEATLAND was detached from the Battlefleet a.m. 13th April to Seidisfiord to replace WILTON for escort for ALDERSDALE (should she be required for oiling at sea); WHEATLAND arrived Seidisfiord p.m. the same day.

 

The SPEEDY, damaged by ice, left P Q 14 for Reykjavik on 13th April. On her return passage she collected several stragglers from the convoy and two damaged A/S trawlers arriving at Reykjavik with them on 15th April. The following day, she left Reykjavik for Scapa, arriving there on 19th April, en route to repairs to ice damage in the Humber.

 

When the convoy had cleared the ice on 14th April, it had been reduced to nine ships; six stragglers which were unaccounted for eventually joined Q P 10 and returned to Iceland with convoy.

 

On 15th April, convoy was sighted by enemy aircraft and from then onwards was shadowed intermittently by enemy aircraft who were heard homing U boats on to the convoy. On 16th April, the convoy was attacked by a U boat and the Commodore’s ship was sunk in position 73-48N, 21-32E.

 

Two Russian destroyers from Murmansk joined the convoy on 17th April and P Q 14 (7 ships) arrived Murmansk without further incident on 21st April, escorted by EDINBURGH (C S 18), FORESIGHT, FORESTER, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, AMAZON, BEVERLEY, 4 corvettes, 2 A/S trawlers and two Russian destroyers.

 

 

Covering force for Convoy Q P 10 and P Q 14

 

37. On 10th April, the NORFOLK left Scapa to patrol in vicinity of 73-22N, 12-10E during the passage of the two convoys. She left this patrol on 17th April and arrived Hvalfiord, to relieve the LONDON, on the following day.

 

On 11th April, the SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, ESKIMO, and MATCHLESS left Scapa to fuel (before joining the Battlefleet) at Skaalefiord, where they arrived p.m. the same day.

 

On 12th April, the Battlefleet comprising the KING GEORGE V (Commander in Chief), DUKE OF YORK (V A 2), VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, KENT, FAULKNOR (D 6), ONSLOW (D 17), OFFA, ESCAPADE, MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, WHEATLAND, and BELVOIR left Scapa to cover the North Russian convoys. The SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, ESKIMO, and MATCHLESS joined the Battlefleet from Skaalefiord p.m. the same day, after which the FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), OFFA, and ESCAPADE were detached to the same place to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

FAULKNOR (D 8) and the three destroyers left Skaalefiord early on 13th April and rejoined the Battlefleet a.m. after which the MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and BELVOIR were detached to Scapa where they arrived the following day, and the WHEATLAND was detached to Seidisfiord also arriving 14th April to relieve the WILTON (damaged by ice) as escort for the oiler ALDERSDALE (ex Force Q with P Q 14), should she be required for oiling operations at sea.

 

No German units left Trondheim during the passage of these convoys and the covering forces operated without incident. On 16th April, course was set for Scapa, but on receipt of a report from the LIVERPOOL (with Q P 10) that the convoy was being shadowed by four aircraft and one U boat, and that heavy air attack was expected, the Battlefleet remained at sea, to give additional support to the convoy, the KENT being detached on 16th April to reinforce the close escort of Q P 10 which she joined early the following day. The FAULKNOR (D 8), SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS were detached from the Battlefleet’s screen the same day to refuel at Seidisfiord where they arrived a.m. on 17th April, sailing p.m. that day and rejoining the Battlefleet.

 

The MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, LAMERTON, and HURSLEY left Scapa on 16th April, arriving Skaalefiord to fuel a.m. the following day. On completion they sailed p.m. and joined the Battlefleet (which had then set course for Scapa) in 62-50N 6-15W. After these four destroyers had joined, the ESKIMO, OFFA, and ESCAPADE were detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m. later that day they sailed independently for Scapa where they arrived on 19th April.

 

The KENT after leaving the escort of Q P 10 on 18th April arrived Scapa 20th April. The Battlefleet (KING GEORGE V, DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, escorted by the SOMALI (D 6), FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS arrived at Scapa on 18th April.

 

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th to 30th April 1942, inclusive

 

Thursday 16th April

 

MAURITIUS left Plymouth for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

BLACKMORE arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

P Q 14 reported by U boat, homed on to the convoy by Focke Wulf aircraft

Q P 10 shadowed by enemy aircraft

BLEASDALE left Tyne for Rosyth, arriving p.m. en route to Scapa to work up

One merchant ship of P Q 14 torpedoed and sunk in 73-48N, 21-32E.

NEWMARKET from Seidisfiord arrived Reykjavik for repairs with five merchant ships ex P Q 14 from Akureyri and Eyjafiord.

RUBIS and P 37 left Lerwick for Dundee

KENT left the Battlefleet to reinforce the escort of Q P 10

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet

WILTON left Scapa for Rosyth en route for repairs to ice damage at London

Two Russian destroyers left Murmansk to join escort of P Q 14

SPEEDY (damaged) left Reykjavik for Scapa

FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla), SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla), BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS left the Battlefleet for Seidisfiord to fuel

LAMERTON and HURSLEY left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel before joining Battlefleet

 

Friday 17th April

 

ECLIPSE left Q P 10 for Seidisfiord to fuel

NORFOLK left patrol in 73-22N, 12-10E for Hvalfiord

Two Russian destroyers from Murmansk joined P Q 14

LAMERTON and HURSLEY arrived Skaalefiord from Scapa

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY arrived Skaalefiord from Scapa

FAULKNOR (D 8), SOMALI (D 6), BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS arrived Seidisfiord, from the Battlefleet to fuel, sailing p.m. and rejoining the Battlefleet later the same day.

KENYA left Scapa to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and First Minelaying Squadron to cover Operation S N 88, joining p.m.

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with PORT QUEBEC, AGAMEMNON, MENESTHEUS, CHARLESTOWN, WELLS, SARDONYX, and SALADIN left Port Z A for Operation S N 88

WILTON arrived Rosyth from Scapa, sailing p.m. for Sheerness with convoy F S 79

BERWICK left Hvalfiord to relieve LONDON on Patrol WHITE

RUBIS and P 37 arrived Dundee from Lerwick

LAMERTON, HURSLEY, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY left Skaalefiord to join the Battlefleet

MAURITIUS arrived Scapa from Plymouth to work up on completion of refit.

HEBE and 3 merchant vessels ex P Q 14 left Akureyri for Reykjavik

 

Saturday 18th April

 

ECLIPSE arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to Scapa

LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, HURSLEY, and LEDBURY from Skaalefiord joined the Battlefleet in 62-50N, 6-15W.

ESKIMO, OFFA, and ESCAPADE left the Battlefleet to fuel at Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. and sailing later that day  for Scapa

One A/S trawler (damaged by ice) arrived Reykjavik from P Q 14

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow

Position of the Battlefleet reported by enemy aircraft

LONDON arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

NORFOLK arrived Hvalfiord from patrol in the vicinity of 73-22N, 12-10E.

One merchant ship from P Q 14 arrived at Akureyri

Operation S N 88 completed, R.A. (M) and First Minelaying Squadron proceeded to Port ZA, KENYA to Scapa

STURGEON and P 43 left the Clyde for Lerwick

PENN left the Tyne for Scapa on completion of collision repairs

KING GEORGE V, DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, NIGERIA, SOMALI (D 6), FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLOW (D 17), MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, BEDOUIN, and MATCHLESS arrived Scapa after covering convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10

LIVERPOOL and KENT left Q P 10 in 67-43N, 12-56W. KENT for Scapa, LIVERPOOL to Seidisfiord to fuel.

WASP on Operation CALENDAR passed through the Straits of Gibraltar

 

Sunday 19th April

 

ESKIMO, OFFA, and ESCAPADE arrived Scapa from Skaalefiord.

HEBE and 3 merchant vessels returned to Akureyri, sailing again p.m. for Reykjavik

LIVERPOOL arrived Seidisfiord from Q P 10 to fuel, sailing p.m. for Scapa

USS PHILADELPHIA and two U.S. destroyers left Hvalfiord for the U.S.A.

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to NIGERIA

SPEEDY (damaged) arrived Scapa from Reykjavik

UREDD left Dundee for Scapa

USS WASP flew off 47 Spitfires to Malta

PENN arrived Scapa from the Tyne on completion of collision repairs

BEDOUIN left Scapa for the Humber to refit

WILTON arrived Sheerness from Rosyth with convoy F S 79, sailing p.m. for London to refit

LONDON left Hvalfiord for Scapa

Commodore M.M. Denny, CB, relieved Rear Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, as Chief of Staff to Commander in Chief,  Home Fleet

SPEEDWELL and two A/S trawlers arrived Seidisfiord from Q P 10

ECLIPSE arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

EDINBURGH (Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron), FORESIGHT, FORESTER, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, AMAZON, BEVERLEY, four corvettes, 2 A/S trawlers, two Russian destroyers and seven merchant vessels of P Q 14 arrived Murmansk

 

Monday 20th April

 

KENYA arrived Scapa from Operation S N 88

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with PORT QUEBEC, AGAMEMNON, CHARLESTOWN, and WELLS arrived Port Z A from S N 88

UREDD arrived Scapa from Dundee

KENT arrived Scapa from escort of Q P 10

BEDOUIN arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

MENETHEUS arrived Port Z A from Operation S N 88

ECLIPSE left Scapa for Devonport for repairs

WHEATLAND and ALDERSDALE left Seidisfiord for the Clyde

MATCHLESS taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

LUDLOW arrived Scapa from Rosyth with defects

Tug FREEBOOTER arrived Scapa from Stornoway

WILTON arrived London from Sheerness to refit

MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and HURSLEY left Scapa for Rosyth for escort of NELSON to Scapa

CHARLESTOWN and WELLS left Port Z A for Clyde for escort of FURIOUS to Rosyth

P 43 and STURGEON arrived Lerwick from the Clyde

TRIDENT sank a 6000 ton merchant ship in 64-37N, 10-46E.

 

Tuesday 21st April

 

SPEEDWELL and 2 A/S trawlers left Seidisfiord, SPEEDWELL for Scapa, trawlers for Stornoway

NELSON left Rosyth after rendezvous with LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, and HURSLEY, for Scapa to work up on completion of repairs to torpedo damage, arrived Scapa p.m.

LIVERPOOL arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord from escort of Q P 10

CAIRO, INGLEFIELD (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla), ECHO, LANG, and MADISON arrived Gibraltar from escort of WASP (Force W), sailing again a.m. to rejoin WASP for return passage to Scapa

LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

FURIOUS, escorted by WELLS and CHARLETOWN, left Clyde for Rosyth for refit

KENT left Scapa for Greenock to give leave and make good minor defects

Q P 10 (11 ships) with six ships of P Q 14 escorted by ORIBI, MARNE, PUNJABI, and FURY arrived Reykjavik  from Akureyri

HEBE and 3 merchant ships from P Q 14 arrived Reykjavik from Akureyri.

BEDOUIN taken in hand for refit in the Humber – due to complete 26th May

SPEEDY left Scapa for the Humber for repairs to ice damage

 

Wednesday 22nd April

 

KENT arrived Clyde from Scapa for minor repairs and to give leave

ECLIPSE arrived Devonport from Scapa for repairs

MIDDLETON taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

WILTON taken in hand at London for ice damage repairs – due to complete 22nd May

Three U.S. troopships, escorted by PUNJABI, ORIBI, FURY, and MARNE left Hvalfiord for the Clyde

FURIOUS escorted by WELLS and CHARLESTOWN arrived Rosyth from Clyde for refit

DUKE OF YORK escorted by FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, and ESCAPADE left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

Thursday 23rd April

 

SPEEDY arrived Humber from Scapa for repairs

WELLS left Rosyth for Reykjavik with two Soviet officers

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow

Two A/S trawlers from Seidisfiord arrived Stornoway

BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla), LEDA, and SEAGULL left Scapa for Hvalfiord for P Q 15

WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT left Scapa for Moville to escort of WASP to Scapa

SPEEDWELL arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 15.

FURIOUS taken in hand at Rosyth for refit – due to complete 1st June

P 551 left Scapa for Lerwick

Murmansk raided three times. Floating crane and tug sunk, one berth damaged, many warehouses demolished, no ships hit

 

Friday 24th April

 

WHEATLAND and ALDERSDALE arrived Clyde from Seidisfiord

STURGEON left Lerwick for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT from Scapa arrived Moville for escort of WASP to Scapa

UREDD left Scapa for Lerwick, arriving p.m.

WHEATLAND taken in hand for boiler cleaning in the Clyde

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord to relieve BERWICK on Patrol WHITE

P 551 arrived Lerwick from Scapa

WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT left Moville to rendezvous with WASP

ORIBI, FURY, and MARNE arrived Scapa from escort of U.S. Troop convoy from Hvalfiord; PUNJABI remained with convoy to the Clyde

LEDBURY and GRAY RANGER left Scapa for Seidisfiord for Force Q with P Q 15

SPEEDWELL left Scapa for Humber for refit

DUKE OF YORK escorted by FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, and ESCAPADE arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

ST ALBANS left Liverpool for Seidisfiord for P Q 15

 

Saturday 25th April

 

BOADICEA left Greenock for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

ULSTER QUEEN left Belfast for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

BADSWORTH left Londonderry for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

BELVOIR left Scapa for Sullom Voe to act as aircraft rescue ship in Position A, arriving p.m.

MATCHLESS completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

LUDLOW left Scapa for Rosyth on completion of defects

PUNJABI and 3 U.S. troop transports arrived Clyde from Reykjavik

WAINWRIGHT and PLUNKETT from Moville joined WASP in 54-44N, 11-24W for escort to Scapa

NIGERIA (C S 10) arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 15

WELLS arrived Reykjavik from Rosyth with two Soviet officers

BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, and SEAGULL arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 15

HEBE left Hvalfiord for Scapa after temporary repairs to ice damage

PUNJABI left Greenock for Scapa

 

Sunday 26th April

 

SPEEDWELL arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

ORION arrived Clyde from U.S.A. on completion of refit

Designation of Task Force 39 altered to Task Force 99

BERWICK arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

LUDLOW arrived Rosyth from Scapa

VENOMOUS left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

NIGERIA (C S 10) left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

SOMALI (D 6) and MATCHLESS left Scapa for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

P Q 15 (26 ships) with BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, four A/S trawlers, and M/S CHILTERN left Reykjavik for Murmansk

WELLS left Reykjavik for Port Z A arriving p.m.

PUNJABI arrived Scapa from Greenock

WASP escorted by WAINWRIGHT, INGLEFIELD (D 3), ECHO, MADISON, and LANG arrived Scapa from Operation CALENDAR

ONSLOW (D 17) left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

Monday 27th April

 

ONSLOW (D 17) arrived Rosyth from Scapa for boiler cleaning

ULSTER QUEEN from Belfast, ST ALBANS from Liverpool, BOADICEA from the Clyde, and BADSWORTH from Londonderry arrived Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

FURY taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

MARNE docked at Scapa for repairs to forepeak

STURGEON arrived Seidisfiord from Lerwick for escort of P Q 15

VENOMOUS arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 15

LEDBURY and GRAY RANGER arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for Force Q with P Q 15

HURSLEY left Scapa to act as aircraft rescue ship in Position B

PATHFINDER taken in hand at Scapa for repairs to hull.

PENN left Scapa to act as aircraft rescue ship in Position C

MIDDLETON completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

NIGERIA (C S 10) arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 15

SOMALI (D 6) and MATCHLESS arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 15

BELVOIR left Sullom Voe to act as aircraft rescue ship in Position A

SPEEDWELL taken in hand for refit in the Humber – due to complete 25th May.

 

Tuesday 28th April

 

WELLS arrived Port Z A from Reykjavik

HEBE arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord on completion of temporary repairs

QUENTIN arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up

PENN arrived Scapa after acting as aircraft rescue ship in Position C, leaving p.m. to act as aircraft rescue ship in Position A

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, transferred from LONDON to DUNLUCE CASTLE

MARNE undocked at Scapa on completion of repairs

ULSTER QUEEN, LEDBURY, STURGEON, and GRAY RANGER left Seidisfiord for P Q 15

HURSLEY arrived Scapa after acting as aircraft rescue ship in Position B

P Q 15 reported by enemy aircraft

MARTIN, PUNJABI, ORIBI, and MARNE left Scapa for Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet

NIGERIA (C S 10), SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, BADSWORTH, BOADICEA, ST ALBANS, and VENOMOUS left Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 15

BELVOIR arrived Scapa after acting as aircraft rescue ship in Position A

HEBE left Scapa for Humber for repairs to ice damage

Q P 11 (13 ships), escorted by BULLDOG, BEVERLEY, BEAGLE, AMAZON, FORESIGHT, FORESTER, four corvettes, one A/S trawler, two Russian destroyers to 30 degrees East and local escort of HARRIER (M S 6), NIGER, GOSSAMER, and HUSSAR left Murmansk for Iceland

LONDON left Scapa to rendezvous with NIGERIA and reinforce the escort of P Q 15

OFFA and BLACKMORE left Scapa to act as aircraft rescue ships in Positions B and C

DERWENT left Greenock for Scapa

KING GEORGE V (Command in Chief), WASHINGTON (Commander Task Force 99), VICTORIOUS, WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, and KENYA, screened by INGLEFIELD (D 3), MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, BELVOIR, WAINWRIGHT, MADISON, WILSON, and PLUNKETT left Scapa to cover convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11

 

Wednesday 29th April

 

CASTLETON, WELLS, and ST MARYS left Port Z A for Scapa, arriving p.m. to act as aircraft rescue ships

WHEATLAND left Greenock for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

Enemy aircraft sighted the Battlefleet

PENN, OFFA, and BLACKMORE arrived Scapa after acting as aircraft rescue ships in Positions A, B, and C, respectively

DERWENT arrived Scapa from Greenock to work up

Enemy aircraft reported the position of the Battlefleet

ESKIMO left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet.

NIGERIA (C S 10), SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, BADSWORTH, BOADICEA, ST ALBANS, and VENOMOUS from Seidisfiord joined the escort of P Q 15

USS WASP, STERETT, LANG with BLACKMORE left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation BOWERY

EDINBURGH (C S 18) left Murmansk to join Q P 11 as ocean escort

MARTIN, PUNJABI, ORIBI, and MARNE arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa to fuel before joining the Battlefleet

HEBE arrived Humber from Scapa for repairs to ice damage

ULSTER QUEEN, LEDBURY, GRAY RANGER, and STURGEON from Seidisfiord joined P Q 15

Thursday 30th April

 

LONDON from Scapa joined escort of P Q 15

MARTIN, PUNJABI, ORIBI, and MARNE left Seidisfiord, joining the Battlefleet a.m.

ESKIMO arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for the Battlefleet

WHEATLAND arrived Scapa from Greenock on completion of boiler cleaning

INTREPID left the Humber for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

BERWICK left Hvalfiord to relieve NORFOLK on Patrol WHITE

EDINBURGH joined the escort of Q P 11 a.m. but was soon afterwards struck by two torpedoes after in 73-08N, 33-00E. Steering gear completely disabled, proceeded to Murmansk at 8 knots

HARRIER (M S 6), GOSSAMER, and HUSSAR left Murmansk to escort EDINBURGH

Two Russian destroyers from Q P 11 joined EDINBURGH

HUSSAR and one tug left Murmansk to join EDINBURGH.

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th – 30th April 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. The Fleet Flagship, KING GEORGE V arrived at Scapa with the Battlefleet on 18th April after covering the passage of convoys P Q 14 and QP 10. She remained at Scapa until 28th April when she again left with VICTORIOUS, WASHINGTON, TUSCALOOSA, KENYA and screened by nine destroyers to cover the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11. She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

2. The DUKE OF YORK (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), escorted by FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla) arrived Scapa with the Battlefleet on 18th April after covering the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10. She remained at Scapa until 22nd April when she sailed escorted by FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, and ESCAPADE, for Hvalfiord arriving there on 24th April and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

3. The NELSON completed repairs to torpedo damage and left Rosyth on 21st April, escorted by the LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, and HURSLEY, arriving Scapa p.m. the same day and remaining there for the rest of the period working up

 

4. RODNEY remained at Liverpool refitting throughout the period

 

 

Attached Battleship – Task Force 99

 

5. The USS WASHINGTON (Commander Task Force 99) remained at Scapa exercising until 28th April when she sailed in company with the Fleet Flagship to cover the passage of convoys P Q 16 and Q P 11. She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. The RENOWN (Senior Officer, Force W) who was detached on 14th April with Force W arrived at Gibraltar on 19th April

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. The VICTORIOUS arrived at Scapa with the Battlefleet on 18th April after covering the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10. She remained at Scapa until 28th April, when she sailed with the Fleet Flagship to cover the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11. She remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

8. The FURIOUS escorted by the WELLS and CHARLESTOWN left the Clyde on 21st April for Rosyth. She arrived Rosyth p.m. the following day and was taken in hand there for a refit on 23rd April.

9. The USS WASP detached with Force W on 14th April, passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the night of 18/19th April and on the 19th flew off 47 Spitfires to Malta. She immediately turned back and proceeded to Scapa, arriving there on 26th April. She remained at Scapa for the rest of the period.

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

10. The LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) on relief by the NORFOLK at Hvalfiord, sailed on 19th April for Scapa, arriving there 21st April. The remained there until 28th April when the flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron was transferred to the DUNLUCE CASTLE and the LONDON sailed p.m. to reinforce the ocean escort of P Q 15 which she joined on 30th April.

 

11. The NORFOLK, on patrol in the vicinity of 73-20N, 12-10E to cover the passage of P Q 14 and Q P 10, left patrol on 17th April and proceeded to Hvalfiord, arriving there the following day to relieve the LONDON (C S 1). She remained at Hvalfiord until 24th April when she sailed to relived the BERWICK on Patrol WHITE. She was relieved on patrol by the BERWICK on 30th April and proceeded to Hvalfiord.

 

12. The SUFFOLK remained in the Tyne refitting throughout the period.

 

13. The BERWICK left Hvalfiord 17th April and relieved the LONDON (C S 1) on Patrol WHITE. She was relieved in turn by the NORFOLK on 24th April and arrived Hvalfiord on 26th April. She sailed again to relieve NORFOLK on the same patrol

 

14. The CUMBERLAND remained at Chatham refitting throughout the period.

 

15. The KENT, at sea with the Battlefleet, covering the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10 was detached on 16th April to reinforce the ocean escort of Q P 10 which she joined early the following day. She left Q P 120 in 67-43N, 12-56W on the 18th April and arrived at Scapa on 20th April. On 21st April, the KENT left Scapa for Greenock, arriving there early the following day to make good minor defects and give leave. She was taken in hand on 23rd April and remained in the Clyde for the rest of the period.

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

16. The NIGERIA, at sea with the Battlefleet covering the passage of convoys P Q 14 and Q P 10, returned to Scapa on completion of the operation on 18th April. The flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron from transferred from the DUNLUCE CASTLE to the NIGERIA on 19th April and on 23rd April, she left Scapa for Hvalfiord for the ocean escort of P Q 15. She arrived at Hvalfiord on 25th April and after the convoy conference had been held, sailed the following day for Seidisfiord, arriving 27th April. On 28th April, she left Seidisfiord with SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, BOADICEA, ST ALBANS, and VENOMOUS joining P Q 15 the following day and remaining with the convoy for the rest of the period (see paragraph 33)

 

17. The KENYA left Scapa on 17th April to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and the First Minelaying Squadron for escort during Operation S N 88. She joined the Squadron p.m. that day and on , on completion of the operation, returned to Scapa, arriving early on 20th April. On 28th April, she sailed in company with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11, remaining on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

18. The TRINIDAD, damaged in action while escorting P Q 13, remained at Murmansk in dock throughout the period

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

19. The EDINBURGH (Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron) at sea with convoy P Q 14, arrived Murmansk with 7 ships of the convoy, six destroyers, four corvettes, and 2 A/S trawlers on 19th April. She remained at Murmansk until 29th April when she left to overtake and join the escort of Q P 11, which had sailed the previous day. She joined the convoy early on 30th April, but very soon afterwards was struck by two torpedoes from a U boat in 73-08N, 33-00E and had her steering gear disabled and most of her stern blown off. She proceeded to Murmansk at 8 knots, escorted by FORESTER and FORESIGHT, but this was soon reduced to three knots and she was forced to tow one destroyer in order to steer (see paragraph 33).

 

20. The SHEFFIELD remained in the Tyne, throughout the period, repairing mine damage

 

21. The LIVERPOOL at sea with Q P 10, left the convoy in position 67-43N, 12-56W on 18th April. She fuelled at Seidisfiord the following day and arrived Scapa on 21st April, remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

22. The MANCHESTER remained at Portsmouth throughout the period, refitting and giving leave.

 

23. The CHARYBDIS, having sailed from the Clyde on 13th April, arrived Gibraltar on 18th April. While at Gibraltar she was re allocated to the Eastern Fleet

 

 

U.S. Cruisers Task Force 99

 

24. The U.S. cruisers WICHITA and TUSCALOOSA remained at Scapa until 28th April when they sailed in company with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11. They remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

 

Attached cruisers

 

25. On completion of her refit at Chatham, the ARETHUSA arrived at Scapa on 15th April to work up prior to joining the Mediterranean Fleet. She remained at Scapa working up throughout the period.

 

26. On the completion of her refit at Plymouth, the MAURITIUS arrived at Scapa on 17th April to work up prior to joining the Eastern Fleet. She remained at Scapa throughout the period.

 

 

Destroyers

 

27.       

Third Destroyer Flotilla

The INGLEFIELD (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla detached to Gibraltar with Force W returned to Scapa 26th April.

ECLIPSE, damaged during passage of P Q 13, arrived Devonport 22nd April and was taken in hand for repairs

The ECHO, detached to Gibraltar with Force W returned to the Home Fleet arriving Scapa 26th April.

The INTREPID left the Humber on 30th April on completion of her refit, arriving Scapa early the following day to work up

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

The BEDOUIN arrived Humber 20th April and was taken in hand for refit – due to complete 26th May

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

The WILTON (damaged by ice during passage of P Q 14) arrived London 20th April and was taken in hand for repairs – due to complete 22nd May.

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

28.        The following ships have been attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	ARETHUSA, MAURITIUS
Fleet Destroyers	PENN, PATHFINDER, QUENTIN
HUNT class destroyers	BELVOIR, HURSLEY, BLACKMORE, DERWENT

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

29. The following minesweepers and destroyers were attached to the Home Fleet during the period for Special Operations and Duties, as shown below, during the period:

(a). For duty with P Q and Q P convoys and in North Russia
H.M. minesweepers	BRAMBLE (M S 1), SALAMANDER, BRITOMART, HEBE, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, HARRIER (M S 6), SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, GOSSAMER, HUSSAR, LEDA, SEAGULL, SPEEDY, and NIGER
(b). For duty as aircraft rescue ships:
TOWN class destroyers	CASTLETON, ST MARYS, WELLS

 

Changes of Flag

 

30.       

The flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from the DUNLUCE CASTLE to the NIGERIA on 19th April

 

The flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from the LONDON to the DUNLUCE CASTLE

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

31. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

LONDON on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 18th April

BERWICK left Hvalfiord 17th April, arrived Hvalfiord 26th April

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord 24th April, arrived Hvalfiord 1st May

BERWICK left Hvalfiord 30th April, on patrol

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

30. There were no ships (other than those on passage) between Iceland the Faroes during the period

 

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

33. Q P 11. Q P 11 (13 ships) escorted by the BULLDOG (Senior Officer), BEVERLEY, BEAGLE, AMAZON, FORESIGHT, FORESTER, four corvettes, on A/S trawler with 3 Russian destroyers, as far as 30 degrees east and a local escort of the HARRIER (M S 6), NIGER, GOSSAMER, and HUSSAR left Murmansk for Iceland on 28th April. The EDINBURGH (C S 18) left Murmansk the following day to join the ocean escort of the convoy which she overtook early on 30th April. The convoy was first sighted by a U boat p.m. 29th April and was then shadowed and reported during the night.

 

The following afternoon the EDINBURGH was struck by two torpedoes from a U boat in position 773-08N, 33-00E. Her steering gear was disabled and part of her stern was blown off but she managed to make good 8 knots in the direction of Murmansk. The local escort of HARRIER, GOSSAMER, and NIGER which had returned to Murmansk were sailed to escort the EDINBURGH; also the HUSSAR with a tug and the two Russian destroyers detailed for Q P 11. The FORESIGHT and FORESTER remained in company with EDINBURGH until the minesweepers arrived and the EDINBURGH was taken in tow by a tug, at the same time towing the FORESTER in order to steer. Her speed of advance dropped to three knots and during the 1st May she was continually reported by U boats. The EDINBURGH was attacked by three enemy destroyers at 0609 on 2nd May in position 71-51N, 35-10E. The enemy was engaged by the EDINBURGH, FORESIGHT, FORESTER, HARRIER, and HUSSAR; one enemy destroyer blew up and sank and one was badly damaged. The EDINBURGH was hit by one of four torpedoes fired at 0657, abandoned at 0749, and was finally sunk by torpedo from the FORESIGHT. The casualties in the EDINBURGH amounted to 2 officers and 56 ratings killed. FORESIGHT suffered some damage and her speed was reduced to 15 knots, she arrived at Murmansk with FORESTER, HUSSAR, HARRIER, GOSSAMER, and NIGER, carrying survivors from the EDINBURGH on 3rd May.

 

Meanwhile Q P 11 had been continually shadowed and reported by U boats and p.m. 1st May was attacked five times by the same three destroyers which attacked the EDINBURGH the following day. In this engagement which took place in 73-30N, 25-06E, one merchant ship of Q P 11 was torpedoed and the AMAZON was damaged, but the three German destroyers were driven off and the convoy continued, although its position was still being reported by U boats. No further attack developed however and the convoy escort less the EDINBURGH, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER arrived Reykjavik on 7th May. Western Approaches ships of the escort returned to the Western Approaches the following day.

 

 

P Q 15

 

P Q 15 (26 ships) left Reykjavik escorted by BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, 4 A/S trawlers, and one minesweeper (CHILTERN) on 26th April for Murmansk. The remainder of the ocean escort, comprising the NIGERIA (C S 10), SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, VENOMOUS, ST ALBANS, BOADICEA, BADSWORTH, ULSTER QUEEN, and the submarine STURGEON together with Force Q (LEDBURY and GRAY RANGER) left Seidisfiord early on 28th April, joining the convoy p.m. that day. This was the first P Q convoy to include a C A M ship – EMPIRE MORN, but little experience was gained as the aircraft was not flown off.

 

The LONDON left Scapa on 28th April to reinforce the close escort of P Q 15. She joined the convoy on 30th April and left it early on 1st May to patrol in position 73-34N, 8-20E.

 

On 28th April the convoy was sighted by enemy aircraft and on 30th April the convoy’s position was reported on several occasions by U boats. On 1st May, the convoy was again sighted by aircraft and later that day was attack by six J U 88s – one was shot down and no damage was done.

 

On 2nd May, P Q 15 was reported by aircraft, but no further attack developed when the NIGERIA (C S 10) left the convoy to rendezvous with the LONDON in 72-16N, 6-01E the following day. After meeting the LONDON on 3rd May, the NIGERIA returned with her to Scapa, arriving there on 5th May. P Q 15 continued to be reported throughout the rest of its passage by U boats and aircraft.

 

Late on 2nd May, three ships of the convoy were lost as the result of torpedo attack by six aircraft; there were 136 survivors, including the Commodore of the convoy. On 3rd May the convoy was bombed in 73-00N, 31-51E which resulted only in minor damage to one A/S trawler; one J U 88 was shot down.

 

On 2nd May, the Polish submarine P 551 which was a very long way out of its patrol area was attacked by the SEAGULL and ST ALBANS, forced to the surface and so badly damaged before she could be identified that she was abandoned and sunk by gunfire. The STURGEON left the convoy on 1st May and took up patrol with the other British submarines on patrol (see paragraph 35).

 

The convoy of 23 ships arrived Kola Inlet on 6th May with the local escort, and ocean escorts, less the NIGERIA (C S 10), LONDON, and STURGEON

 

 

Covering Force for P Q 15/Q P 11

 

34. The Battlefleet composed of the KING GEORGE V (Commander in Chief), WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), VICTORIOUS, WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, and KENYA screened by INGLEFIELD (D 3), MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, BELVOIR, WAINWRIGHT, MADISON, WILSON, and PLUNKETT left Scapa on 28th April to cover the passage of the convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11. The MARTIN, PUNJABI, ORIBI, and MARNE left Scapa earlier in the day to fuel at Seidisfiord before joining the Battlefleet. When these four destroyers had fuelled and joined the Battlefleet on 30th April, the MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, HURSLEY, and BELVOIR were detached to Scapa where they arrived on 1st May. The ESKIMO arrived at Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord on 30th April to fuel before joining the Battlefleet.

 

After the HUNT class destroyers had been detached, the Battlefleet cruised to southward of the convoys. On 1st May in very low visibility, the PUNJABI, screening the Battlefleet on the starboard side crossed the bows of the KING GEORGE V from starboard to port and was cut in half. Depth charges from the stern half exploded underneath it and it sank rapidly. The foremost half stayed afloat for forty minutes and 5 officers and 201 ratings from it were taken off by the MARTIN and MARNE who went alongside.

 

The explosion of PUNJABI’s depth charges caused damaged to the KING GEORGE V below the waterline and two compartments were flooded. The collision caused extensive damage to the plating forward. Later that day the DUKE OF YORK left Hvalfiord, screened by FAULKNOR (D 8) and ESCAPADE to join the Battlefleet which she met late the following day in 67-32N, 10-25W.

 

The KING GEORGE V, escorted by the MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI left the Battlefleet on arrival of the DUKE OF YORK, and reach Seidisfiord a.m. the following day, where the destroyers were fuelled and the survivors of the PUNJABI were transferred from the MARNE and MARTIN to the KING GEORGE V. The MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY arrived a.m. at Seidisfiord from Scapa and sailed p.m. with the KING GEORGE V for Scapa. MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI also left Seidisfiord p.m. and rejoined the Battlefleet the following day.

 

The KING GEORGE V arrived at Scapa on 4th May escorted by the MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, BLANKNEY, and WHEATLAND, and on completion of covering the passage of the two convoys, the Battlefleet returned, the DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, KENYA, FAULKNOR (D 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, INGLEFIELD (D 3), MARTIN, ORIBI, and MARNE to Scapa, arriving on 5th May and the WASHINGTON, WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, WAINWRIGHT, WILSON, MADISON and PLUNKETT to Hvalfiord arriving on 6th May.

 

 

Submarines during the passage of P Q 15/ Q P 11

 

35. The submarine STURGEON provided close submarine escort for P Q 15 (see paragraph 33) from the vicinity of Seidisfiord on 28th April until noon on 1st May when she left the convoy to join the other submarines on patrol to the southward of the convoy routes. The P 43, P 551, UREDD, and MINERVE from Lerwick arrived in zones K 26, K 24, K 22, and K 20 respectively on 28th April to cover the passage of the convoys. On 1st May the zones were shifted to K 30, K 28, K 26, and K 24, again the following day to K 43, K 32, K 30, and K 28, respectively. The STURGEON from P Q 15 took up patrol in zone K 26 on 2nd May. The same day, the P 551, a long way from her patrol zone was attacked by sunk by the escort of P Q 15 (see paragraph 33).

 

On 3rd May, P 43, UREDD, MINERVE, and STURGEON shifted back to zones K 28, K 24, K 22, and K 20 and on 4th May when the convoys were clear of the area they left patrol for Lerwick. The STURGEON arrived Lerwick on 6th May and the remainder early the following day.

 

 

      

---

 

 

MAY 1942

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st – 15th May 1942, inclusive

 

Friday 1st May

 

LONDON left the escort of P Q 15 to patrol in 73-34N, 8-20E to support the escorts of both P Q 15 and Q P 11.

Submarines P 43, P 551, UREDD, and MINERVE arrived in Zones K 30, K 28, K 26, K 24 respectively for passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11

CARADOC left Plymouth for the Clyde on completion of refit

EDINBURGH (damaged), towing one destroyer to steer and reduced to three knots, joined by HARRIER (Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla), GOSSAMER, NIGER, HUSSAR, one tug, and two Russian destroyers from Murmansk.

INTREPID arrived Scapa from the Humber to work up on completion of refit

STURGEON left P Q 15 to patrol in zone K 26.

P Q 11 attacked by three enemy destroyers. One merchant ship sunk, AMAZON damaged, but able to steam. Enemy destroyers driven off by the escort after five attacks.

PUNJABI (battlefleet’s screen) cut in half in collision with KING GEORGE V. Stern sank immediately, forepart 40 minutes later. KING GEORGE V damaged by the explosion of PUNJABI’s depth charges. Five officers and two hundred and one ratings picked up by MARNE and MARTIN

OFFA left Scapa for the Humber to refit.

Q P 11 reported by U boat

Q P 11 attacked by enemy aircraft

DUKE OF YORK, escorted by FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla) and ESCAPADE, left Hvalfiord to rendezvous with the Battlefleet in 67-32N, 10-25W.

P Q 15 reported by enemy aircraft. Q P 11 reported by U boat

P Q 15 attacked by six J U 88s. No damage to the convoy or escort - one J U 88 shot down

Saturday 2nd May

 

INTREPID and ECHO left Scapa for the Clyde arriving p.m. for escort of USS WASP on OPERATION BOWERY.

MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY left Scapa for Seidisfiord

EDINBURGH attacked by three enemy destroyers in 71-51N, 35-10E; at 0657 struck by torpedo; at 0749 abandoned and finally sunk by torpedo from FORESIGHT. One enemy destroyer sunk and one badly damaged. FORESIGHT slightly damaged.

TRINIDAD undocked at Murmansk on completion of temporary repairs

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Hvalfiord

NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron left P Q 15 in 73-48N, 13-40E to rendezvous with LONDON in 72-16N, 6-01E

CARADOC arrived Clyde from Plymouth on completion of refit

P 43, P 551, UREDD, and MINERVE shifted patrols to K 34, K 32, K 30, and K 28, respectively.

Q P 11 reported by enemy aircraft

P Q 15 reported by enemy aircraft

KING GEORGE V left the Battlefleet for Seidisfiord with MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI to embark survivors of the PUNJABI and fuel destroyers.

P Q 15 reported by U boat

NORFOLK arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

P 551, outside her patrol area, sunk in error by SEAGULL and ST ALBANS escorting P Q 15

OFFA arrived Humber from Scapa and taken inhand for refit

ICARUS arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of repairs

MANCHESTER left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

DUKE OF YORK (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), FAULKNOR (D 8), and ESCAPADE joined the Battlefleet in 67-32N, 10-25E.

P Q 15 attacked by enemy torpedo bomber aircraft, three merchant ships sunk.

 

Sunday 3rd May

 

NIGERIA (C S 10) joined LONDON in 72-16N, 6-01E and proceeded in company to Scapa

ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla) left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

FORESIGHT and FORESTER arrived Kola Inlet from escort of EDINBURGH

MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

KING GEORGE V, MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI arrived Seidisfiord to fuel and transfer PUNJABI’s survivors to KING GEORGE V

P Q 15 reported by enemy aircraft

ANSON, escorted by WALLACE, WESTMINSTER, and WOLSEY left the Tyne for Rosyth, arriving p.m.

MARTIN, ORIBI, and MARNE left Seidisfiord after fuelling to rejoin the Battlefleet

Submarines P 43, UREDD, MINERVE, and STURGEON left Zones K 30, K 26, K 24, K 22, respectively for K 28, K 24, K 22, and K 20

MANCHESTER arrived Scapa from Portsmouth to work up on completion of refit

CUMBERLAND left Chatham for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

KING GEORGE V, escorted by MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY left Seidisfiord for Scapa

HARRIER (M S 6), GOSSAMER, NIGER, HUSSAR, one tug, and two Russian destroyers arrived Murmansk with survivors from the EDINBURGH

KENT left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of repairs and giving leave

Minor damage caused in RODNEY at Liverpool by fire in L.P. room

P Q 15 bombed in 73N, 31-51E – no serious damaged to convoy or escort.

O 14 left Dundee for Scapa

USS WASP escorted by INTREPID, ECHO, STERETT, and LANG left the Clyde for Gibraltar for Operation BOWERY

 

Monday 4th May

 

MARTIN, ORIBI, and MARNE from Seidisfiord rejoined the Battlefleet

KENT arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of minor repairs and leave

STURGEON, MINERVE, UREDD, and P 43 left patrol for Lerwick

ARETHUSA left Scapa for the Clyde and the Mediterranean Fleet

O 14 arrived Scapa from Dundee

FORESIGHT and FORESTER taken in hand at Murmansk for minor action repairs

CUMBERLAND arrived Scapa from Chatham to work up on completion of refit

RODNEY, escorted by NEWMARKET and BLEASDALE left Liverpool for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

KING GEORGE V (damaged in collision) escorted by MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

 

Tuesday 5th May

 

ARETHUSA arrived Greenock from Scapa

NIGERIA (C S 10) and LONDON arrived Scapa from escort of P Q 15

RODNEY, escorted by NEWMARKET and BLEASDALE, arrived Scapa from Liverpool, NEWMARKET returned to Liverpool

HAZARD left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion of refit

DUKE OF YORK (V A 2), VICTORIOUS, KENYA, FAULKNOR (d 8), ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, INGLEFIELD (D 3), MARTIN, ORIBI, and MARNE arrived Scapa after covering the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11 with the Battlefleet.

 

Wednesday 6th May

 

WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, WAINWRIGHT, WILSON, MADISON, PLUNKETT arrived Hvalfiord after covering the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11 with the Battlefleet.

P Q 15 (less 3 ships) and escort (less NIGERIA and LONDON) arrived Murmansk

AMAZON (ex escort of Q P 11) left Hvalfiord for the Clyde

ESCAPADE taken in hand for boiler cleaning at Scapa

KENYA left Scapa for the Clyde to take minor repairs in hand and to give leave

KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW (D 17) and ICARUS left Scapa for Seidisfiord to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from DUKE OF YORK to NELSON

HAZARD arrived Scapa from Aberdeen on completion of refit

FAULKNOR (D 8) left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

ESKIMO left Scapa for Falmouth for refit

STURGEON arrived Lerwick from patrol and escort of P Q 15

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord to relieve BERWICK on Patrol WHITE.

 

Thursday 7th May

 

KENYA arrived Clyde from Scapa for minor repairs and to give leave

BEAGLE (ex Q P 11) left Hvalfiord for the Clyde

CAMPANULA and SNOWFLAKE (ex Q P 11) left Hvalfiord for Liverpool and Moville

Captain P.J. Mack, DSO, Royal Navy, assumed command of KING GEORGE V vice Captain W.R. Patterson, CB, DSO, Royal Navy

FAULKNOR (D 8) arrived Rosyth from Scapa for boiler cleaning and minor repairs

MINERVE and UREDD arrived Lerwick from patrol.

NORFOLK relieved BERWICK on patrol WHITE, BERWICK proceeded to Hvalfiord, arriving p.m.

Q P 11 (12 ships) and escort arrived Reykjavik from Murmansk.

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE, ADVENTURE, PORT QUEBEC, AGAMEMNON, MENESTHEUS, BRIGHTON, CASTLETON, CHARLESTOWN, WELLS left Port Z A for S N 3 A

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow

P 43 arrived Lerwick from patrol

KENT and LIVERPOOL with ONSLOW (D 17) and ICARUS arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

USS WASP, INTREPID, ECHO, STERETT, and LANG, on Operation BOWERY passed through the Straits of Gibraltar

 

Friday 8th May

 

LEDBURY and GRAY RANGER arrived Lerwick from P Q 15.

UREDD left Lerwick for Dundee

ESKIMO arrived Falmouth from Scapa for refit

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from KING GEORGE V to DUKE OF YORK

KING GEORGE V, escorted by MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY left Scapa for Liverpool for refit

Oiler WAR SUDRA escorted by CHIDDINGFOLD left Scapa for the Faroes

BERWICK left Hvalfiord for Scapa

STURGEON and P 43 left Lerwick for Holy Loch

BEAGLE (ex Q P 11) arrived Clyde from Hvalfiord

AMAZON (damaged ex Q P 11) arrived Clyde from Hvalfiord

BULLDOG and BEVERLEY (ex Q P 11) left Hvalfiord for the Clyde and Londonderry, respectively

KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW (D 17), and ICARUS arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa, sailing p.m. to cover the passage of TRINIDAD

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with ADVENTURE, PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUR, CASTLETON, CHARLESTOWN, and WELLS arrived Port ZA from Operation S N 3 A

AGAMEMNON and BRIGHTON arrived Scapa from Operation S N 3 A

Force W (RENOWN (Senior Officer, CHARYBDIS, and EAGLE with screening destroyers) left Gibraltar and joined USS WASP and her screen on Operation BOWERY

 

Saturday 9th May

 

MAURITIUS left Scapa for the Clyde for escort of W S 19, arriving p.m

AGAMEMNON and BRIGHTON left Scapa for Port Z A, arriving p.m.

Oiler WAR SUDRA escorted by CHIDDINGFOL arrived Skaalefiord from Scapa

STURGEON and P 43 arrived Holy Loch from Lerwick

UREDD arrived Dundee from Lerwick

LEDBURY and GRAY RANGER (ex P Q 15) left Lerwick for Scapa, arriving p.m.

SNOWFLAKE (ex Q P 11) arrived Moville from Hvalfiord

Temporary repairs to FORESIGHT and FORESTER completed at Murmansk

ASHANTI left the Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

KING GEORGE V with MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY arrived Liverpool from Scapa for refit.

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON left Liverpool for Scapa

ESCAPADE completed boiler cleaning at Scapa

BERWICK arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

Oiler SAN ZOTICO and CHIDDINGFOLD left Skaalefiord for Scapa

 

Sunday 10th May

 

CAMPANULA (ex Q P 11) arrived Liverpool from Hvalfiord

P.S. SLAZAK left Methil for Scapa, arriving p.m.

ASHANTI arrived Scapa from the Humber on completion of refit

BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON arrived Scapa from Liverpool

CARADOC left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

WICHITA left Hvalfiord to relieve NORFOLK on Patrol WHITE

SAN ZOTICO and CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Scapa from Skaalefiord

BERWICK left Scapa for Plymouth to refit

 

Monday 11th May

 

BEVERLEY (ex Q P 11) arrived Londonderry from Hvalfiord

NIGERIA (C S 10) left Scapa for Seidisfiord to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk

INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ESCAPADE left Scapa for Seidisfiord to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk and for Q P 12

CARADOC arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up on completion of refit

BULLDOG (ex Q P 11) arrived in the Clyde from Hvalfiord

ECLIPSE left Plymouth for Scapa on completion of action damage repairs

NORFOLK arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol White

 

Tuesday 12 May

 

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord to join Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, for covering force for passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk

PLUNKETT, MADISON, and WILSON of Task Force 99 relieved by MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN at Hvalfiord

NIGERIA (C S 10), INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ESCAPADE arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa to cover the passage of TRINIDAD; sailing p.m. with KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW (D 17) and ICARUS

FAULKNOR left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

BERWICK arrived Plymouth from Scapa for refit

WASHINGTON, WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN left Hvalfiord to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk

 

Wednesday 13th May

 

WASHINGTON, WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN returned to Hvalfiord

HAZARD left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 16

SEAWOLF and TRIDENT left the Clyde for Lerwick for escort of P Q 16

ECLIPSE arrived Scapa from Plymouth on completion of action repairs

SCOTT left Hvalfiord for survey off south east coast of Iceland

NORFOLK from Hvalfiord joined force covering passage of TRINIDAD

P 46, P 614, O 1- left the Clyde for Lerwick for patrol during passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12

WAINWRIGHT left Hvalfiord for Scapa

TRINIDAD (C S 18), SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER left Murmansk for Hvalfiord.

 

Thursday 14th May

 

BLACKMORE left Scapa for the Clyde to boiler clean and for escort of W S 19 P

Covering force for passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk reported by enemy aircraft

TRINIDAD reported by enemy aircraft

TRINIDAD hit by bombs from attack by dive bombers and torpedo bombers. Ship set badly on fire and stopped in position 73-37N, 23-27E

Broad Pendant of Commodore C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, as Senior Officer, Force W, struck in RENOWN

Friday 15th May

 

Fire in TRINIDAD out of control, ship abandoned, and sunk by torpedoes from SOMALI. Survivors taken off in SOMALI, MATCHLESS, FORESTER, and FORESIGHT

Operation S N 16 D completed by ADVENTURE

WASHINGTON, TUSCALOOSA, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN left Hvalfiord to rendezvous with the Battlefleet and cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

DUKE OF YORK (Commander in Chief), VICTORIOUS, LONDON, FAULKNOR, FURY, MARNE, ECLIPSE, ORIBI, WHEATLAND, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and LAMERTON left Scapa to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk

RENOWN (S.O. Force W), WASP, LANG, STERETT, INTREPID, and ECHO arrived Scapa from Operation BOWERY

BLACKMORE arrived Clyde from Scapa for escort of W S 19 P

TRIDENT and SEAWOLF arrived Lerwick from Clyde for escort of P Q 16

Cruiser covering force for TRINIDAD shadowed by enemy aircraft

WAINWRIGHT arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord for escort of USS WASP to U.S.A.

TRIDENT and SEAWOLF left Lerwick for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 16

HAZARD arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 16

ASHANTI and MARTIN left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 16

Cruiser covering force for TRINIDAD attacked by 25 J U 88s continuously for an hour, many near missed but no damage.

Flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from TRINIDAD to ONSLOW.

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st – 15th May 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

 1.The Fleet Flagship, KING GEORGE V, had been at sea since 28th April with the Battlefleet, covering the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11. On 1st May in low visibility, the was in collision with the PUNJABI (see paragraph 32) which resulted in the loss of the PUNJABI and underwater damaged to the KING GEORGE V in addition to damaged caused to the bow on collision. The KING GEORGE V remained with the Battlefleet until p.m. 2 May when, shortly before the arrival of the DUKE OF YORK at Hvalfiord, she left the Battlefleet with MARTIN, MARNE, and ORIBI, and proceeded to Seidisfiord, arriving there the following day. At Seidisfiord, the survivors from PUNJABI were transferred from the MARTIN and MARNE to the KING GEORGE V, who sailed p.m. for Scapa, escorted by MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY.

 

The KING GEORGE V arrived Scapa on 4th May. On 8th May the Flag and Staff of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was transferred to the DUKE OF YORK; the KING GEORGE V then sailed, escorted by the MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY for Liverpool where she arrived on 9 May and was taken in hand for a refit and repairs by Messrs Cammell Lairds at Birkenhead.

 

2. The DUKE OF YORK (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, escorted by FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla) and ESCAPADE left Hvalfiord p.m. on 1st May to join the Battlefleet and relieve the KING GEORGE V, damaged in collision with the PUNJABI. She joined the Battlefleet p.m. on the following day, returning to Scapa with the British ships on 5th May on completion of the operation.

 

On 6th May, the Flag of the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), was transferred to the NELSON and on 8th May the Flag and Staff of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet were transferred to the DUKE OF YORK from the KING GEORGE V. On 15th May, the DUKE OF YORK left Scapa with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

 

3. The NELSON remained at Scapa throughout the period. On 6th May the Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet was transferred to the NELSON from the DUKE OF YORK

 

4. On completion of her refit the RODNEY left Liverpool on 4th May, escorted by the NEWMARKET and BLEASDALE, for Scapa where she arrived the following day and remained for rest of the period.

 

 

Attached Battleship

 

5. The USS WASHINGTON, at sea with the Battlefleet covering the passage of convoys P Q 16 and Q P 11, returned with the American ships to Hvalfiord on completion of the operation, arriving there on 6th May. She remained there until 15th May when she sailed with the American ships of the Battlefleet to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk (see paragraph 34)

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. The RENOWN, detached from the Home Fleet temporarily, under the command of Senior Officer, Force W, remained at Gibraltar until 8th May when she sailed to join the USS WASP, on Operation BOWERY (see paragraph 33), as she passed through the Straits of Gibraltar. On completion of the operation, the RENOWN returned with the USS WASP and escorting destroyers to Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet. The Broad Pendant of Commodore C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO as Senior Officer, Force W, was struck in the RENOWN on 14th May and she arrived at Scapa the following day.

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. The VICTORIOUS, at sea with the Battlefleet, covering the passage of convoys P Q 15 and Q P 11, returned to Scapa with the British ships on completion of the Operation, on 5th May. She remained at Scapa until 15th May when she sailed the Battlefleet to cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk. While she was at Scapa deck landing trials of Barracuda and Seafire aircraft were carried out by the Admiralty.

 

8. The FURIOUS remained at Rosyth refitting throughout the period.

 

 

Attached U.S. Aircraft Carrier

 

9. The USS WASP at Scapa after completion of Operation CALENDAR, sailed for the Clyde, escorted by the STERETT, LANG, and BLACKMORE, on 29th April, arriving there early the following day for Operation BOWERY. (See paragraph 33). After embarking Spitfires, she sailed for Gibraltar on 3rd May and passed through the Straits on the night of 7/8th May. On completion of the Operation, she returned to Scapa in company with Force W, arriving there on 15th May

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

10. The LONDON which had, on 30th April, reinforced the escort of P Q 15, left the convoy on 1st May and took up patrol in the vicinity of 73-34N, 8-20E. On 3rd May, she was joined by the NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, from P Q 15, in position 72-16N, 6-01E, and the two ships proceeded in company to Scapa where they arrived on 5th May. The LONDON sailed in company with the Battlefleet, on 15 May to cover the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

 

11. The NORFOLK, on Patrol WHITE, was relieved by the BERWICK on 1st May and arrived back at Hvalfiord the following day. She remained at Hvalfiord until 6th May when she sailed to relieve BERWICK on the same patrol. On 11th May, she was relieved by the USS WICHITA and arrived back at Hvalfiord the same day. After fuelling, she sailed a.m. on 12th May and proceeded northabout to join the force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, which was covering the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk (see paragraph 34). She joined the force on 13th and remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

12. The SUFFOLK remained in the Tyne refitting throughout the period.

 

13. The BERWICK which had left Hvalfiord on 30th April, relieved the NORFOLK on Patrol WHITE on 1st May. She remained on patrol until relieved by the NORFOLK again on 7th May, and the BERWICK arrived back at Hvalfiord p.m. the same day. On the 8th May, she left for Scapa arriving there on 9th May and sailing p.m. the following day for Plymouth. She arrived Plymouth on 12th May and was taken in hand for a refit

 

14. The CUMBERLAND completed her refit at Chatham and sailed on 3rd May for Scapa where she arrived the following day. She remained at Scapa working up for the rest of the period.

 

15. On completion of minor repairs and leave, the KENT left the Clyde on 3rd May and arrived at Scapa for following day. She remained at Scapa until 7th May when she sailed with the LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW (D 17), and ICARUS for Seidisfiord to act as covering force for the TRINIDAD during her passage from Murmansk. Having arrived at Seidisfiord on 8th May, the KENT sailed with the force later the same day, but returned to Seidisfiord early the next morning. On 12th May she sailed again with the covering force and remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the period (see paragraph 34).

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

16. The NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) at sea with the escort of P Q 15 remained with the convoy until 2nd May, when she left to rendezvous with the LONDON in position 72-16N, 6-01E which she met a.m. on 3rd May. The two ships proceeded in company to Scapa where they arrived on 5th May. The NIGERIA then remained at Scapa until 11th May when she sailed with the INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ESCAPADE for Seidisfiord to reinforce the covering force for the passage of TRINIDAD from Murmansk. The NIGERIA arrived Seidisfiord on 12th May and sailed p.m. that day with the remainder of the force. She was at sea on this operation for the rest of the period. (see paragraph 34)

 

17. The KENYA at sea with the Battlefleet covering the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11 arrived back at Scapa with the British ships on 5th May on completion of the operation. The following day, she sailed fro the Clyde where she arrived on 7th May and remained for rest of the period completing minor repairs and giving leave.

 

18. The TRINIDAD undocked at Murmansk on 2nd May on completion of temporary repairs to torpedo damage sustained during the passage of P Q 13. The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, was hoisted in the TRINIDAD on 5th May and on 13th May, she sailed from Murmansk escorted by the SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER, for Hvalfiord, before proceeding to the U.S.A. for repairs. The following day, she was reported by enemy aircraft and later attacked by torpedo and dive bombers. One bomb fell between B turret and the bridge setting the ship badly on fire. By 0100 on 15th May, the fire was out of control and the ship was abandoned and later sunk by torpedoes from the SOMALI (D 6) (see paragraph 34)

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

19. The EDINBURGH (Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron) which had been torpedoed on 30th April by a U boat and had her stern blown off proceeded to Murmansk escorted by the FORESIGHT and FORESTER, making good about 8 knots at first, but dropping down to three the following day. On 1st May, the escort was increased by the arrival of HARRIER (M S 6), GOSSAMER, NIGER, HUSSAR, a tug, and two Russian destroyers. Early on 2nd May, the EDINBURGH was again attacked, this time by three enemy destroyers who scored a further torpedo hit and the EDINBURGH was abandoned and sunk by torpedo from FORESIGHT soon afterwards. A detailed account of the Action was included in the War Diary for 16th -30th April.

 

20. The SHEFFIELD remained in the Tyne, throughout the period, repairing mine damage

 

21. The LIVERPOOL remained at Scapa until 7th May when she sailed in company with the KENT and two destroyers, for Seidisfiord, to act as covering force for the TRINIDAD during her passage from Murmansk. Having arrived at Seidisfiord early on 8th, the LIVERPOOL sailed p.m. that day with rest of the force, but returned to Seidisfiord the following morning. After the force had been increased by the arrival of the NIGERIA (C S 10) and two more destroyers, the LIVERPOOL again sailed with it on 12th May to cover TRINIDAD’s passage, remaining at sea on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

22. The MANCHESTER left Portsmouth on 2nd May on completion of her refit there. She arrived Scapa on 3rd May and remained there working up for the rest of the period.

 

 

Attached U.S. Cruisers

 

23. The WICHITA, at sea with the Battlefleet, covering the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11 returned to Hvalfiord with the American ships on 6th May on the completion of the operation. She remained at Hvalfiord until 10th May when she sailed to relieve NORFOLK on Patrol WHITE, remaining on patrol for rest of the period.

 

24. The TUSCALOOSA , at sea with the Battlefleet, covering the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11 returned to Hvalfiord with the American ships on 6th May on the completion of the operation. She remained at Hvalfiord until 15th when she sailed in company with Commander, Task Force 99, in the WASHINGTON to rendezvous with the Battlefleet and cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk (see paragraph 34)

 

 

Destroyers

 

25.       

Third Destroyer Flotilla

The ECLIPSE completed repairs at Devonport and sailed on 11th May arriving Scapa 13th May

The INTREPID completed her refit in the Humber and sailed for Scapa arriving 1st May

The ICARUS complete repairs at Rosyth and sailed on 2nd May, arriving Scapa p.m., the same day.

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

The PUNJABI was sunk in collision with the KING GEORGE V on 1st May (see paragraph 32)

The ESKIMO left Scapa for Falmouth on 6th May where she arrived two days later and was taken in hand for a refit.

The ASHANTI completed her refit in the Humber and sailed on 9th May, arriving Scapa the following day

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

The OFFA left Scapa for the Humber on 1st May where she arrived the following day and was taken in hand for a refit

 

Attached U.S. Destroyers

USS MADISON, WILSON, and PLUNKETT of Task Force 99 were relieved on 12th May at Hvalfiord by the USS MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

26. The following ships have been attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	ARETHUSA, MAURITIUS, CARADOC
Fleet Destroyers	PENN, PATHFINDER, QUENTIN
HUNT class destroyers	BELVOIR, HURSLEY, BLACKMORE, DERWENT, BLEASDALE, P.S. SLAZAK

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

 27. The following minesweepers and warships were attached to the Home Fleet during the period for Special Duties:

(a). For duty with P Q and Q P convoys and in North Russia
H.M. minesweepers	BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, SPEEDY, BRITOMART, HEBE, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, HARRIER (M S 6), SPEEDWELL, NIGER, HALCYON, SALAMANDER, GOSSAMER, HUSSAR
(b). U.S. Ships operating with the Home Fleet
Battleship	WASHINGTON
Cruisers	WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA
Aircraft Carrier	WASP
Destroyers	WAINWRIGHT, STERETT, PLUNKETT, WILSON, MADISON, LANG, ROWAN, RHIND, MAYRANT

 

Changes of Flag

 

28.

The Flag of the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the DUKE OF YORK to the NELSON on 6th May.

 

The Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was transferred from KING GEORGE V to the DUKE OF YORK on 8th May.

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, was hoisted in TRINIDAD on 5th May.

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from the TRINIDAD to the ONSLOW on 15th May.

 

The Broad Pendant of Commodore C.S. Daniel, CBE, DSO, as Senior Officer, Force W, was struck in RENOWN on 14th.

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

29. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

NORFOLK on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 2nd May

BERWICK left Hvalfiord 30th April, arrived Hvalfiord 7th May

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord 6th May, arrived Hvalfiord 11th May

WICHITA left Hvalfiord 10th May, on patrol

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

30. There were no ships on Patrol BLACK during the period

 

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

31. A full account of the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11, which were the only convoys running during the period, was given in War Diary for the Period 16th -30th April.       

 

 

Sinking of the PUNJABI

 

32. On 1st May, the PUNJABI was screening the Battlefleet during the passage of P Q 15 and Q P 11. Visibility was very low and the PUNJABI, on the starboard side of the screen, had closed dangerously close to the Battlefleet. While in this position, a mine was sighted fine on the PUNJABI’s starboard bow and to avoid it, she altered course to port thereby crossing the bows of the Fleet Flagship. The bows of HMS KING GEORGE V struck the PUNJABI amidships and cut her in two. Depth charges from the after part of the PUNJABI, which passed down the starboard side of the KING GEORGE V, rolled overboard and exploded sinking the after the part and causing underwater damage to the KING GEORGE V. The forepart of the PUNJABI which remained afloat for about forty minutes passed down the port side of the KING GEORGE V causing considerable damage to the plating forward, in addition to the bow damage caused by the collision. The MARNE and MARTIN picked up survivors, taking the majority of them from the forepart of the ship which was still afloat. 5 officers and 201 ratings survived. They were taken to Seidisfiord in the destroyers and there transferred to the KING GEORGE V for onward passage to Scapa. Damage sustained by the KING GEORGE V in collision extended from the stem to 16 station below the main deck – both sides of the ship were open to the sea. The starboard outer wing compartments 119 to 140 were flooded as a result of the depth charge explosions. The KING GEORGE V left the Battlefleet on 2nd May and proceeded via Seidisfiord to Scapa to transfer the Flag of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, before being taken in hand for repairs.

 

 

Operation BOWERY

 

33. Soon after the return of the USS WASP from Operation CALENDAR in which she flew 47 Spitfires to Malta, it was decided that she should carry out a repetition of this operation. According, the WASP sailed for the Clyde on 29th April, screened by the STERETT, LANG, and BLACKMORE, arriving there early the next day. The ECHO and INTREPID left Scapa fro the Clyde on 2nd May, arriving p.m. Spitfires wee embarked in the WASP while in the Clyde and she sailed for Gibraltar on 3rd May, escorted by INTREPID, ECHO, STERETT, and LANG.

 

The WASP passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the night of 7th/8th May and was joined at dawn by Force W (RENOWN, EAGLE, CHARYBDIS), proceeding in company to 37-30N, 3-20E, where all the aircraft for Malta were flown off. On completion, the RENOWN, WASP, LANG, STERETT, ECHO, and INTREPID proceeded through the Straits of Gibraltar for Scapa, the remainder of Force W returning to Gibraltar. Additional escort was provided by ITHURIEL until p.m. on 11th May when she was detached to rendezvous with the MALAYA.

 

The RENOWN, WASP, INTREPID, ECHO, LANG, and STERETT arrived at Scapa on 15th May; the Broad Pendant of Commodore C.S. Daniel, DBC(?), DSO, as Senior Officer, Force W was struck in the RENOWN on 14th May.

 

 

Sinking of the HMS TRINIDAD

 

34. On completion of temporary repairs to torpedo damage received during the passage of P Q 13, the TRINIDAD was undocked at Murmansk on 2nd May. It was intended that she should sail for the U.S.A. via Iceland to be taken in hand for repairs at Philadelphia. To cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk a force of cruisers was disposed west of Bear Island, with the Battlefleet to southwestwards in case German main units should sail to attack the TRINIDAD.

 

According, the KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW, and ICARUS arrived at Seidisfiord on 7th May and were joined by the NIGERIA (C S 10), INGLEFIELD, and ESCAPADE on 12th May; p.m. the same day, these ships left Seidisfiord to take up their covering position and were joined early on 13th May by the NORFOLK from Hvalfiord.

 

The TRINIDAD (C S 18) escorted by the SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER left Murmansk p.m. on 13th May. She was first reported by enemy aircraft at 1400 the following day and a few hours later was attacked by torpedo and dive bombers. No torpedoes hit the ship, but one bomb fell between B turret and the bridge, setting the ship badly on fire forward and causing her to stop in position 73-37N, 23-27E. By 0100 on 15th May, the fire was out of control and the ship abandoned and later sunk by torpedoes from the SOMALI. Casualties were approximately one officer and 60 ratings, all survivors were taken off in the four destroyers which proceeded westwards to join the Cruiser Force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron.

 

The Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK with the VICTORIOUS, LONDON, FAULKNOR (D 8), FURY, MARNE, ECLIPSE, ORIBI, WHEATLAND, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and LAMERTON left Scapa early on 15th May and the USS WASHINGTON, TUSCALOOSA, MAYRANT, RHIND, and the ROWAN left Hvalfiord at the same time to rendezvous with the Battlefleet. The two forces met the following day and returned to Hvalfiord, arriving at noon on 17th May.

 

The SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER joined the cruiser force on 16th May and were later detached to fuel at Seidisfiord, whence they proceeded to the Clyde with survivors from the TRINIDAD. The FORESTER, with critical surgical cases on board, was later diverted to Scapa.

 

The NIGERIA (C S 10), NORFOLK, KENT, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW (D 17) and ICARUS arrived at Hvalfiord on 17th May, the INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ESCAPADE having been detached to Murmansk for the escort of Q P 12.

 

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-31st May 1942, inclusive

 

Saturday 16 May

 

P 46 left Lerwick for patrol in Zone 33

LLANSTEPHAN CASTLE escorted by VOLUNTEER and GARLAND left Clyde for Seidisfiord

P 614, O 10, JAN VAN GELDER arrived Lerwick from the Clyde

Cruiser Force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Ten Cruiser Squadron, reported by enemy aircraft

ROSELYS left Clyde for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 16

Force Q (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY) left Scapa for Seidisfiord for P Q 16

American force from Hvalfiord joined the Battlefleet from Scapa

SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla), MATCHLESS, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER with survivors from the TRINIDAD detached by Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron for Seidisfiord to fuel and then the Clyde

P 37 left Lerwick for patrol in zone 31.

Battlefleet reported by enemy aircraft.

STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, and HYDERABAD left Londonderry for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 16

INGLEFIELD (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla) land ESCAPADE arrived Kola Inlet from Seidisfiord for escort of Q P 12.

MINERVE left Lerwick for patrol in zone 29.

 

Sunday 17th May

 

ASHANTI and MARTIN arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 16

MATCHLESS, SOMALI, FORESIGHT, and FORESTER arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing a.m. for the Clyde. FORESTER with critical surgical cases from the TRINIDAD was later diverted to Scapa

NIGERIA (C S 10), LIVERPOOL, KENT, and NORFOLK with ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla) and ICARUS arrived Hvalfiord after covering the passage of TRINIDAD

DUKE OF YORK (Commander in Chief), WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), VICTORIOUS, LONDON, TUSCALOOSA, FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla), FURY, MARNE, ECLIPSE, ORIBI, WHEATLAND, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN arrived Hvalfiord after covering the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk.

WASP, WAINWRIGHT, LANG, and STERETT left Scapa for the Clyde before sailing to the U.S.A.

MINERVE arrived Lerwick from patrol with defects

INTREPID left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

Monday 18th May

 

TRIDENT arrived Seidisfiord from Lerwick for escort of P Q 16

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Jan Mayen Island

WASP, WAINWRIGHT, STERETT, and LANG arrived Clyde from Scapa

FORESTER with critical surgical cases from the TRINIDAD arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

Flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from ONSLOW to MANCHESTER

KENYA left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of minor repairs and giving leave

WAINWRIGHT left the Clyde for Hvalfiord

Murmansk raided by enemy aircraft; British Naval Headquarters and one merchant ship damaged

P 614 left Lerwick for patrol in Zone 27

TUSCALOOSA left Hvalfiord to relieve WICHITA on Patrol WHITE

FORESTER left Scapa for the Tyne for repairs

O 10 left Lerwick for patrol in Zone 25.

 

Tuesday 19th May

 

SOMALI, MATCHLESS, and FORESIGHT arrived Clyde from Seidisfiord with survivors from the TRINIDAD

LLANSTEPHAN CASTLE escorted by GARLAND and VOLUNTEER diverted to Reykjavik

KENYA arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of minor repairs and giving leave.

WICHITA arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

ALYNBANK from Belfast, ROSELYS from the Clyde, HONEYSUCKLE, STARWORT, and HYDERABAD from Londonderry arrived Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 16

FORESIGHT left the Clyde for the Humber for repairs

Jan Mayen Island attacked by enemy aircraft

UREDD left Dundee for Lerwick

INTREPID arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

 

Wednesday 20th May

 

WILTON left London for Sheerness on completion of repairs, arriving p.m.

FORESTER arrived Tyne from Scapa for repairs

SEAWOLF arrived Seidisfiord from Lerwick for escort of P Q 16

FORESIGHT arrived Scapa en route for Humber for refit, sailing pm.

Force Q (LEDBURY and BLACK RANGER) arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for P Q 16

LLANSTEPHAN CASTLE, escorted by GARLAND and VOLUNTEER, arrived Reykjavik from the Clyde

WAINWRIGHT arrived Hvalfiord from the Clyde

NIGERIA (C S 10), ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, MARNE, ASHANTI, MARTIN, ACHATES, GARLAND, and VOLUNTEER left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord

UREDD arrived Lerwick from Dundee

 

Thursday 21st May

 

UREDD left Lerwick for patrol in zone K 29

P Q 16 (35 ships) escorted by HAZARD (Senior Officer) and four A/S trawlers left Reykjavik for North Russia

ADVENTURE completed Operation S N 16 E and returned to Port Z A

MINERVE left Lerwick for Dundee for repairs

Enemy aircraft attacked Jan Mayen Island

JAMAICA commissioned under the command of Captain J.L. Storey, Royal Navy

NIGERIA (C S 10), ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, MARNE, ASHANTI, MARTIN, ACHATES, GARLAND, and VOLUNTEER arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 16

FORESIGHT arrived in the Humber from Scapa for repairs

WILTON left Sheerness for Scapa

SOMALI (D 6) left the Clyde for Scapa

SPEEDY left the Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

Q P 12 (15 ships), escorted by INGLEFIELD (D 3), ESCAPADE, BOADICEA, VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, ST ALBANS, ULSTER QUEEN, HARRIER (M S 6), and four A/S trawlers with two Russian destroyers as far as 30 degrees East and local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER left Murmansk for Iceland

 

Friday 22nd May

 

MINERVE arrived Dundee from Lerwick for repairs

OAKLEY left Greenock for Scapa for Scapa to work up

MATCHLESS left the Clyde for Scapa

SOMALI (D 6) arrived Scapa from the Clyde

NORFOLK, LIVERPOOL, and KENT left Hvalfiord to rendezvous with Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in NIGERIA in position 66-01N 12-59E and form a cruiser covering force for P Q 16 and Q P 12

WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet.

Force Q (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY), ALYNBANK, HONEYSUCKLE, ROSELYS, STARWORT, HYDERABAD, SEAWOLF, and TRIDENT left Seidisfiord for join the escort of P Q 16

SPEEDY arrived Scapa from the Humber on completion of refit

HALCYON left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion of refit

 

Saturday 23rd May

 

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa from the Clyde

OAKLEY arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

HALCYON arrived Scapa from Aberdeen on completion of refit

DUKE OF YORK (Commander in Chief), WASHINGTON (COMTASK 99), VICTORIOUS, WICHITA, LONDON, FAULKNOR (D 8), INTREPID, ICARUS, ECLIPSE, FURY, BLANKNEY, LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, and WHEATLAND left Hvalfiord to cover convoys P Q 16 and Q P 12

NIGERIA (C S 10), ONSLOW, ORIBI, ASHANTI, ACHATES, MARTIN, MARNE, VOLUNTEER, and GARLAND left Seidisfiord and joined the escort of P Q 16 p.m.

LIVERPOOL, NORFOLK, and KENT from Hvalfiord joined NIGERIA and her eight destroyers from Seidisfiord at 66-01N, 12-59W, joining the escort of P Q 16 p.m.

Force Q (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY), ALYNBANK, HONEYSUCKLE, ROSELYS, STARWORT, HYDERABAD, SEAWOLF, and TRIDENT joined the escort of P Q 16 from Seidisfiord

WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN arrived Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the Battlefleet, sailing p.m.

RENOWN, CUMBERLAND, SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, and ECHO left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

Sunday 24th May

 

WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN from Seidisfiord joined the Battlefleet in 65-50N, 13-01W

FAULKNOR (D 8), INTREPID, FURY, ICARUS, and ECLIPSE detached from the Battlefleet to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving a.m. and rejoining the Battlefleet p.m.

WILTON arrived Scapa from Sheerness on completion of refit

One merchant ship of Q P 12 returned to Murmansk with defects

KENYA left Scapa for Patrol BLACK

MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY detached from the Battlefleet to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

Monday 25th May

 

P Q 16 sighted and reported by U boats

Q P 12 reported by U boat

O 10, P 614, UREDD, P 37, and P 46 shifted patrol to K 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34, respectively from K 25, 27, 29, 31, 33

RENOWN, CUMBERLAND, SOMALI (D 6), MATCHLESS, and ECHO arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

P Q 16 reported enemy aircraft who proceeded to home U boats on to the convoy

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord to relieve TUSCALOOSA on Patrol WHITE

Q P 12 reported by enemy aircraft

P Q 16 attacked by torpedo and dive bombers, many near misses, one merchant ship fractured a steam pipe and returned to Seidisfiord in tow of an A/S trawler. One enemy aircraft destroyed, four probables.

 

Tuesday 26th May

 

Enemy aircraft homing U boats on to P Q 16

O 10, P 614, UREDD, P 37, P 46 arrived in patrol K 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34.

TUSCALOOSA arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

P Q 16 shadowed and reported by U boats

 

Wednesday 27th May

 

VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, ULSTER QUEEN with three merchant ships of Q P 12 left the convoy to proceed on to the Clyde

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet was transferred from the NELSON to the RODNEY

NELSON, PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN left Scapa for the Clyde

HAWKINS left Plymouth for Scapa to work up

Three Soviet destroyers and local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER left Murmansk to join P Q 16

P Q 16 heavily and continuously bombed for 24 hours, three ships sunk by bombs, one by U boats. GARLAND damaged and detached to Murmansk.

Merchant ship S.S. CARLTON returning to Seidisfiord, in tow, from P Q 16 attacked by enemy aircraft - no damage caused

Russian aircraft attacked Banak, Kirkenes, and Petsamo aerodromes

CARADOC left Scapa for the Clyde

Force Q Ex P Q 16 and Q P 12 (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY) detached to Scapa

P Q 16 again heavily bombed; two further merchant ships sunk, several damaged

BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, WHEATLAND, and LAMERTON left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with the Battlefleet in position 66-50N, 11-25W.

 

Thursday 28th May

 

O 10, P 614, UREDD, P 37, and P 46 left patrol zones for Lerwick

VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR (D 8), FURY, and ECLIPSE detached from the Battlefleet to Hvalfiord

Three Soviet destroyers and local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, GOSSAMER, and SEAGULL from Murmansk joined P Q 16

BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, and WHEATLAND from Seidisfiord joined the Battlefleet in position 66-50N, 11-25W.

KENT detached from the Cruiser Force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, to Hvalfiord

One further damaged merchant ship in P Q 16 abandoned and sunk.

CARADOC arrived Clyde from Scapa

SCYLLA commissioned in the Clyde

NELSON, PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN arrived Clyde from Scapa

One A/S trawler ex P Q 16 (unable to keep up) returned to Reykjavik        

 

Friday 29th May

 

Q P 12 and escort (less VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, ULSTER QUEEN, and three merchant ships) arrived Reykjavik from Murmansk

GARLAND (damaged) arrived Murmansk from escort of P Q 16

HAWKINS arrived Scapa from Plymouth to work up

INTREPID and ICARUS left the Battlefleet for Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving a.m. and sailing independently for Scapa, arriving there p.m.

VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR (D 8), FURY, and ECLIPSE arrived Hvalfiord after covering P Q 16 and Q P 12.

SIRIUS left Portsmouth for the Clyde

Force Q (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY) diverted to Sullom Voe

NIGERIA (C.S. 10), LIVERPOOL, NORFOLK, ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, and MARNE arrived Scapa after covering P Q 16 and Q P 12.

Six ships of P Q 16 detached to Archangel, escorted by ALYNBANK

DUKE OF YORK (Commander in Chief), WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), WICHITA, LONDON, BLANKNEY, LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, WHEATLAND, WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN arrived Scapa after covering P Q 16 and Q P 12

MANCHESTER and WILTON left Scapa to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and provide cover for Operation S N 72

One A/S trawler and merchant ship from P Q 16 arrived Reykjavik

INGLEFIELD and ESCAPADE left Hvalfiord for Scapa

KENT arrived Hvalfiord from cruiser covering force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron.

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE, AGAMEMNON, ADVENTURE, PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, ST MARYS, NEWARK, and SALADIN left Port Z A for Operation S N 72

P Q 16 again shadowed and reported by enemy aircraft.

 

Saturday 30th May

 

VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, and three merchant vessels from Q P 12 arrived Clyde

ST ALBANS and BOADICEA left Hvalfiord for Liverpool and Greenock, respectively.

Force Q (LEDBURY and BLACK RANGER) arrived Lerwick, sailing p.m. for Scapa

SIRIUS arrived Clyde from Portsmouth

SOMALI left Hvalfiord for Scapa

P Q 16 (Murmansk section - 22 ships) with ASHANTI, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, HONEYSUCKLE, STARWORT, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, TRIDENT, SEAWOLF, HAZARD, two A/S trawlers, 3 Russian destroyers arrived Murmansk from Iceland

KENYA left Patrol BLACK for Scapa

INTREPID left Scapa for Hvalfiord to relieve SOMALI

ULSTER QUEEN arrived Belfast from Iceland

 

Sunday 31st May

 

INGLEFIELD and ESCAPADE (ex Q P 12) arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

Dutch destroyer TJERK HIDDES arrived Scapa to work up

HEBE and SPEEDY left Scapa for the Clyde for Gibraltar

Force Q (BLACK RANGER and LEDBURY) ex P Q 16 and Q P 12 arrived Scapa from Lerwick

NEPAL arrived Scapa to work up

BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER (local escort for P Q 16) and MARTIN arrived Murmansk from P Q 16

P 45 left Clyde for Lerwick

LAMERTON left Scapa for the Humber for refit

KENYA arrived Scapa from Patrol BLACK

O 10, P 614 arrived Lerwick from patrol during passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12, sailing p.m. for Holy Loch

BEDOUIN left Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

MATCHLESS left Hvalfiord for Scapa

HARRIER and 2 U.S. transports left Hvalfiord for Scapa

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-31 May 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. The Fleet Flagship, HMS DUKE OF YORK, left Scapa on 15th May with the VICTORIOUS, LONDON, and nine destroyers to rendezvous with the WASHINGTON, TUSCALOOSA, and three destroyers from Hvalfiord and provide additional cover for the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk to Iceland. The rendezvous was made the following day and the DUKE OF YORK returned to Hvalfiord with both the British and American ships, arriving there 17th May

 

On 23rd May, she left Hvalfiord with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 16 and Q P 12 (see paragraph 29). The Operation was uneventful and on completion, the DUKE OF YORK returned to Scapa, arriving there on 29th May and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

2. The KING GEORGE V remained at Liverpool refitting throughout the period

 

3. The NELSON (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet) remained at Scapa until 27th May when she transferred the Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, to the RODNEY and sailed, escorted by the PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN for the Clyde, arriving there p.m. the following day. She remained in the Clyde for the rest of the period before sailing to join the Eastern Fleet on 1st June.

 

4. The RODNEY remained at Scapa throughout the period. The Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet was transferred to the RODNEY from the NELSON on 27th May

 

 

Attached Battleship

 

5. The USS WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99) left Hvalfiord on 15 May and joined the Battlefleet the following day to cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk. She returned with the Battlefleet to Hvalfiord on 17th May. On 23rd May, she sailed again with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12 (see paragraph 29) returning to Scapa on completion of the operation on 29th May and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

6. The RENOWN arrived back at Scapa from Operation BOWERY on 15th May. On 23rd May, she sailed with the CUMBERLAND and three destroyers fro Hvalfiord, arriving there on 25th May and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

7. The VICTORIOUS left Scapa on 15th May with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of the TRINIDAD returning to Hvalfiord two days later. She sailed again with the Battlefleet on 23rd May to cover the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12. On 28th May when the operation was completed she was detached with the FAULKNOR (D 8), FURY, and ECLIPSE to Hvalfiord where she arrived on 29th May and remained for the rest of the period.

 

8. The FURIOUS was refitting at Rosyth

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

9. The LONDON remained in company with the Battlefleet throughout the period. She sailed from Hvalfiord on 15th May and returned there on 17th May. On 23rd May, she left Hvalfiord during the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12 returning to Scapa on completion on 29th May

 

10. The NORFOLK and the KENT, at sea with the Cruiser Force under Rear Admiral, Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, covering the TRINIDAD’s passage returned to Hvalfiord with this force on 17th May. On 22nd May they left Hvalfiord with the LIVERPOOL to rendezvous with Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in NIGERIA in position 66-01N, 12-59W and form a cruiser covering force during the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12. On completion of this operation, the NORFOLK and KENT returned to Scapa and Hvalfiord, respectively, arriving on 29th May

 

11. The SUFFOLK and BERWICK were refitting in the Tyne and Plymouth respectively

 

12. The CUMBERLAND remained at Scapa until 23rd May when she sailed in company with the RENOWN and 3 destroyers for Hvalfiord arriving there on 25th May. Later the same day, she sailed to relieve the TUSCALOOSA on Patrol WHITE, remaining on patrol for the rest of the period.

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

13. The NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) at sea with the NORFOLK, KENT, and LIVERPOOL, covering the passage of TRINIDAD, returned to Hvalfiord on 17th May. On 20th May, she sailed with eight destroyers for Seidisfiord arriving there the following day. ON 23rd May she sailed a.m. with the same eight destroyers from Seidisfiord, joined the LIVERPOOL, NORFOLK, and KENT from Hvalfiord in position 66-01N, 12-59W. and later the same day joined P Q 16. After covering the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12, the NIGERIA returned to Scapa with the LIVERPOOL, NORFOLK, ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, and MARNE, arriving there 29th May

 

14. The KENYA left the Clyde on 18th May after giving leave and making good defects, she arrived at Scapa on the following day. On 24th May, she left Scapa for Patrol BLACK remaining on patrol for the rest of the period and returning to Scapa on 31st May

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

15. The SHEFFIELD remained in the Tyne, repairing mine damage

 

16. The LIVERPOOL, at sea with the cruiser force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, covering the passage of the TRINIDAD, returned to Hvalfiord with this force on 17th May. On 22 May, she left Hvalfiord with the NORFOLK and KENT to rendezvous with Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, in NIGERIA in position 66-01N, 12-59W and form a cruiser covering force for P Q 16 and Q P 12. On completion of this operation, the LIVERPOOL returned to Scapa, arriving there on 29th May.

 

17. The MANCHESTER remained at Scapa, working up until 29th May when she sailed with the WILTON to rendezvous with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and the First Minelaying Squadron to provide cover for Operation S N 72 and then carry out Patrol BLACK. The MANCHESTER joined R.A. (M) on 30th May and remained on this operation for the rest of the period

 

 

Attached Cruisers

 

18. The WICHITA on Patrol WHITE, returned to Hvalfiord on 19th May on relief by the TUSCALOOSA. On 23rd May, she sailed with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12 (see paragraph 29) returning to Scapa on completion on 29th May

 

19. The TUSCALOOSA at sea with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk, returned to Hvalfiord on 17th May. On the following day, she sailed to relieve the WICHITA on Patrol WHITE returning to Hvalfiord on 26th May on relief by the CUMBERLAND, and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

20. The HAWKINS arrive Scapa from Plymouth on 29th May to work up before sailing to join the Eastern Fleet

 

 

Destroyers

 

21.       

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

The BEDOUIN completed her refit in the Humber and sailed for Scapa on 31st May arriving the following day

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

The FORESIGHT arrived in the Humber on 21st May and was taken in hand for repairs to damage sustained in action during the passage of P Q 13 and for refit.

The FORESTER arrived in the Tyne on 20th May and was taken in hand for repairs to action damaged (sustained during the passage of P Q 13) and for refit

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

The ORIBI left Scapa for the Humber on 1st June, arriving the following day for refit

HUNTS

The WILTON completed her refit at London and sailed fro Scapa arriving 24th May

The LAMERTON left Scapa for the Humber on 31st May, arriving the following day for refit.

 

On relief of Captain P. Todd, DSO, Royal Navy, as Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla, on 31st May, the following alterations took place in the organisation of the Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas

(a). Ships of the Third Destroyer Flotilla joined the Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

 

(b). Hunt Class destroyers were attached to the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

Ships attached for working up

 

22. The following ships were attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	HAWKINS
Fleet Destroyers	PENN, PATHFINDER, QUENTIN, NEPAL, D.S. TJERK HIDDES
HUNT class destroyers	DERWENT, BLEASDALE, P.S. SLAZAK

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

 23. The following minesweepers were attached to the Home Fleet for duty with P Q and Q P convoys during the period:

BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla), SALAMANDER, BRITOMART, HEBE, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, HARRIER (Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla), SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, GOSSAMER, HUSSAR, LEDA, SEAGULL, SPEEDY, and NIGER

 

Changes of Flag

 

24.       

The Flag of the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the NELSON to the RODNEY on 27th May.

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from the ONSLOW to the MANCHESTER on 18th May.

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

25. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

WICHITA on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 19th May

TUSCALOOSA left Hvalfiord 18th May, arrived Hvalfiord 26th May

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord 25th May, on patrol

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

26. The following Home Fleet ship, other than those on passage, was on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes during the period:

KENYA left Scapa 24th May, arrived Scapa 31st May

MANCHESTER left Scapa 29th May, on patrol (and escort to R.A.M.)

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

27. Q P 12 - The INGLEFIELD and ESCAPADE, detached from Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron’s force, covering the passage of the TRINIDAD from Murmansk, arrived at Kola Inlet on 16th May to reinforce the escort of Q P 12. The convoy (15 ships) sailed on 21st May escorted by INGLEFIELD (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla), ESCAPADE, BOADICEA, VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, ST ALBANS, ULSTER QUEEN, HARRIER (M S 6) four A/S trawlers with a local escort of the BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER and two Russian destroyers as far as 30 degrees east. On 24th May, one merchant ship returned to Murmansk with defects.

 

The convoy was reported by enemy aircraft and submarines on 25th May, but no attack developed. On the 27th May, the VENOMOUS, BADSWORTH, and ULSTER QUEEN with three merchant ships of the convoy were detached and proceeded direct to the Clyde where they arrived on 30th May, the ULSTER QUEEN continuing on to Belfast the same day. The remainder of the convoy and ocean escort arrived in Iceland intact on 29th May. The INGLEFIELD (D 3) and ESCAPADE left Hvalfiord the same day and arrived at Scapa on 31st May. The ST ALBANS and BOADICEA left Seidisfiord and returned to Liverpool and Greenock , respectively on 30th May, arriving two days later. Cruiser escort for this convoy was provided by the Force Under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron from 26th to 28th May.

 

28. P Q 16 - P Q 16 (35 ships) escorted by the HAZARD and four A/S trawlers left Reykjavik for North Russia on 21st May. The ocean convoy which assembled at Seidisfiord was composed of ASHANTI (Senior Officer) and MARTIN from the Home Fleet, GARLAND, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, HONEYSUCKLE, ROSELYS, STARWORT, and HYDERABAD from the Western Approaches Command, and the submarines TRIDENT and SEAWOLF. A cruiser covering force under Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron (NIGERIA, KENT, LIVERPOOL, and NORFOLK) escorted by ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI and MARNE was also provided to cover both convoys but was not to proceed east of 12 degrees east unless it could ensure contact with heavy enemy forces. Force Q (LEDBURY and oiler BLACK RANGER) was also provided for duty with both convoys.

 

The ALYNBANK, HONEYSUCKLE, ROSELYS, STARWORT, and HONEYSUCKLE, SEAWOLF, and TRIDENT, and Force Q, all from Seidisfiord, joined the convoy early on 23rd May; later the same day NIGERIA (C S 10), ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, ASHANTI, ACHATES, MARTIN, MARNE, VOLUNTEER, and GARLAND, also from Seidisfiord and the LIVERPOOL, KENT and NORFOLK from Hvalfiord joined the escort

 

On 25th May, the convoy was probably reported by a U boat and definitely by enemy aircraft who were afterwards heard homing U boats on to the convoy. Later on 25th May, the convoy was attacked for well over three hours by torpedo and dive bombers, numbering about 32. One enemy aircraft was destroyed and there four probables. The convoy was not hit although there were many near misses and one merchant ship, the S.S. CARLTON, fractured a steam pipe and was forced to return to Seidisfiord in tow of an A/S trawler. She reached the damaged and reached Reykjavik under her own steam on 29th May. One A/S trawler returned to Iceland as it was unable to keep up with the convoy.

 

From 25th May onwards, P Q 16 was continuously reported by enemy aircraft shadowing the convoy who homed U boats on to it. The aircraft of the C.A.M. ship was flown off and after shooting down one of the shadowers crashed landed in the sea. The NIGERIA (C S 10), LIVERPOOL, KENT, and NORFOLK with the ONSLOW (D 17), ORIBI, and MARNE left the convoy early on 26th May and the ASHANTI assumed command of the ocean escort. Throughout 27th May the convoy was heavily and continuously bombed; three merchant ships were sunk by bombs and one by U boats. The destroyer GARLAND was also damaged and suffered several casualties, but was detached to Murmansk ahead of the convoy as she could steam at 24 knots. In a further heavy air attack late on 27th May, two more merchant ships were sunk by bombs.

 

Three Soviet destroyers and the local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER left Murmansk on 27th May and joined the convoy the following day. There was a lull in the air attacks on 28th of May, but the convoy continued to be shadowed and on 29th and 30th the short range dive bombers came into action, fortunately without success. One further merchant vessel of the convoy which had earlier been badly damaged was abandoned and sunk.

 

The GARLAND arrived at Murmansk on 29th May and six merchant ships were detached from the convoy, escorted by the ALYNBANK for Archangel.

 

The convoy (22 ships) escorted by the ASHANTI (Senior Officer), ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, HONEYSUCKLE, STARWORT, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, TRIDENT, SEAWOLF, HAZARD, 2 A/S trawlers and 3 Russian destroyers arrived Murmansk on 30th May. The local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and GOSSAMER, together with the MARTIN, arrived the following day and the ALYNBANK and six merchant ships arrived at Archangel on 1st June. On 1st June one further merchant ship of the convoy was sunk during an raid by 87 enemy aircraft on Murmansk.

 

 

Covering Forces for the passage of Convoys P Q 16 and Q P 12

 

29. The Battlefleet (DUKE OF YORK (Commander in Chief), WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), VICTORIOUS, WICHITA, LONDON, FAULKNOR (D 8), INTREPID, ICARUS, ECLIPSE, FURY, BLANKNEY, LAMERTON, MIDDLETON, and WHEATLAND) left Hvalfiord early on 23rd May to cover the passage of the North Russia convoys. The WAINWRIGHT, MAYRANT, RHIND, and ROWAN had already arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel and when they joined the Battlefleet, the FAULKNOR, INTREPID, FURY, ICARUS, and ECLIPSE were detached to Seidisfiord to top up, on 24th May. They rejoined the Battlefleet p.m. the same day and then in turn the MIDDLETON, LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and BLANKNEY left the screen for Seidisfiord.

 

The Battlefleet cruised to the southward of the convoys until early on 28th May when they were out of danger of attack from heavy units based on Trondheim. The VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR, FURY, and ECLIPSE were detached to Hvalfiord where they arrived on 29th May and the remainder of the Battlefleet returned to Scapa also arriving on 29th May after the INTREPID and ICARUS had been detached to Skaalefiord to fuel.

 

The cruiser covering force (NIGERIA (C S 10), LIVERPOOL, NORFOLK, KENT, ONSLOW (D 17), ICARUS, and MARNE) which remained with P Q 16 until 26th May, then covered Q P 12 until 28th May when the KENT proceeded to Hvalfiord and the remaining ships to Scapa, all arriving on 29th May.

 

Force Q (LEDBURY and BLACK RANGER) successfully oiled the destroyer escorts of P Q 16 and then transferred with the cruiser force to Q P 12. After oiling Q P 12’s destroyer escorts, Force Q was detached on 27th May to Scapa, but later diverted to Sullom Voe where it arrived on 30th May, proceeding to Scapa the following day.

 

Five submarines were on patrol to southward of the convoy in addition to the two which sailed with Q P 16.

 

 

---

 

 

JUNE 1942

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st-15th June 1942, inclusive

 

Monday 1st June

 

UREDD, P 37, and P 46 arrived Lerwick from patrol during passage of P Q 16 and Q P 12

SPEEDY and HEBE arrived Clyde from Scapa for Gibraltar

ORIBI left Scapa for Humber for refit

INTREPID arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

BOADICEA (ex Q P 12) arrived Clyde from Hvalfiord

ST ALBANS (ex Q P 12) arrived Liverpool from Hvalfiord

Captain P. Todd, DSO, Royal Navy, assumed command of HMS TYNE, vice Captain C. Caslon, CBE, Royal Navy.

SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla) arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

LAMERTON arrived Humber from Scapa for repairs

TUSCALOOSA left Hvalfiord to relieve CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE

HOWE commissioned in the Clyde

BEDOUIN arrived Scapa from Humber on completion of refit

Murmansk attacked by 87 enemy aircraft. One merchant ship sunk, eight enemy aircraft shot down.

INGLEFIELD arrived Rosyth from Scapa to boiler clean

P Q 16 (Archangel section – 6 ships) arrived Archangel from Iceland       

 

Tuesday 2nd June

 

CASTLETON left Port Z A for Scapa arriving p.m.

P 45 arrived Scapa from the Clyde, arriving Lerwick p.m.

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

ORIBI arrived in the Humber from Scapa to refit

 

Wednesday 3rd June

 

O 10 and P 614 arrived Holy Loch from Lerwick

LIVERPOOL, KENYA, ONSLOW, ICARUS, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and BEDOUIN left Scapa for the Clyde for escort of W S 19 Z

RODNEY escorted by ESCAPADE, MIDDLETON, and BLANKNEY left Scapa for the Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet.

CUMBERLAND arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

BLEASDALE left Scapa, on completion of working up, for Portsmouth to join the Portsmouth Command

SALAMANDER left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs

HARRIER (Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla) and two U.S. transports arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord.

HEBE and SPEEDY left the Clyde for Gibraltar

 

Thursday 4th June

 

KENT left Hvalfiord for Patrol BLACK

RODNEY, ESCAPADE, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON arrived Clyde from Scapa

LIVERPOOL, KENYA, ONSLOW (D 17), MARNE, MATCHLESS, BEDOUIN, and ICARUS arrived Clyde from Scapa

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from the RODNEY to the KENYA (and as Senior Officer Force T)

PETARD commissioned for trials and service in the Tyne

WAINWRIGHT left Scapa for Invergordon, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. with Admiral Stark, U.S.N. for Scapa, arriving p.m.

SALAMANDER arrived Rosyth from Scapa for repairs

WHEATLAND left Scapa for Hvalfiord

MANCHESTER and WILTON arrived Scapa after escorting Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and First Minelaying Squadron on Operation S N 72.

INTREPID left Hvalfiord for Scapa

HARRIER (M S 6) left Scapa for the Humber for refit

R.A.M. in SOUTHERN PRINCE with PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, AGAMEMNON, ADVENTURE, NEWARK, and ST MARYS arrived Port Z A from S N 72

Convoy W S 19 Z with LIVERPOOL, KENYA (Senior Officer, Force T), BEDOUIN, ICARUS, ESCAPADE, ONSLOW (D 17), MARNE, MATCHLESS, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, KUJAWIAK, and BADSWORTH left Clyde for Malta

 

Friday 5th June

 

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to LONDON.

BLEASDALE arrived Portsmouth from Scapa to join Portsmouth Command

BANDIT left Rosyth for Scapa

RODNEY, PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN left Clyde for Ponta Delgada and for Eastern Fleet.

 

Saturday 6th June

 

INTREPID arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

HARRIER (M S 6) arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

MARTIN and ASHANTI left Murmansk for Scapa

CASTLETON left Scapa for Port Z A , arriving p.m.

SOMALI, OAKLEY, and CHIDDINGFOLD sailed for Scrabster, arriving a.m. and embarking His Majesty The King, returning to Scapa and arriving a.m.

His Majesty The King arrived onboard the Fleet Flagship

SIRIUS left the Clyde for Scapa

BANDIT arrived Scapa from Rosyth

WHEATLAND arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

OAKLEY left Scapa for the Clyde

HARRIER taken in hand for refit in the Humber – due to complete 18th July

 

Sunday 7th June

 

SIRIUS arrived Scapa from the Clyde

DELHI left Plymouth for Londonderry

PHOEBE left Plymouth for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

INGLEFIELD left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

OAKLEY arrived in the Clyde from Scapa

 

Monday 8th June

 

DELHI arrived Londonderry from Plymouth

MAYRANT with Admiral Stark, U.S.N. on board left Scapa for Wick, returning to Scapa p.m.

His Majesty The King left Scapa in the S.S. MORIALTA on conclusion of his visit to the Home Fleet, for Scrabster, escorted by WAINWRIGHT, LEDBURY, and WILTON, arriving p.m.

WAINWRIGHT, LEDBURY, and WILTON returned from Scrabster to Scapa

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord to relieve TUSCALOOSA on Patrol WHITE

PHOEBE arrived Scapa from Plymouth to work up on completion of refit

 

Tuesday 9th June

 

MARTIN and ASHANTI arrived Scapa from Murmansk.

RHIND left Scapa for Greenock

ASHANTI taken in hand at Scapa for minor repairs

MARTIN left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

Wednesday 10th June

 

MARTIN arrived Rosyth from Scapa for boiler cleaning

TUSCALOOSA arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

P 615 left the Clyde for Loch Ewe, Reykjavik, and P Q 17

INGLEFIELD and INTREPID left Scapa for Murmansk with stocks of ammunitions and for escort of Q P 13

RHIND arrived Clyde from Scapa

 

Thursday 11th June

 

P 615 arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde (and for P Q 17)

RHIND left Clyde for Scapa

LONDON left Scapa for Greenock for minor repairs and to give leave

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with PORT QUEBEC, ADVENTURE, AGAMEMNON, MENESTHEUS, BRIGHTON, CASTLETON, NEWARK, WELLS left Port Z A for S N 3 B

Operation S N 3 B completed

CONQUEROR left the Faroes with one merchant vessel for Kirkwall

 

Friday 12th June

 

RHIND arrived Scapa from the Clyde

LONDON arrived Greenock from Scapa for minor repairs and to give leave

KENT left Patrol BLACK for Scapa

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE, ADVENTURE, AGAMEMNON, MENESTHEUS, and BRIGHTON arrived Port Z A from S N 3 B

TRIDENT left Kola Inlet for patrol off North Norway

ASHANTI completed minor repairs at Scapa

GLAISDALE left Liverpool for Scapa

SLAZAK left Scapa for Plymouth to join the Plymouth Command

PORT QUEBEC and CASTLETON arrived Port Z A from S N 3 B

WASHINGTON (Commander, Task Force 99), WICHITA, WAINWRIGHT, RHIND, ROWAN, and MAYRANT left Scapa for Hvalfiord

Saturday 13th June

 

CONQUEROR arrived Scapa from the Faroes

KENT arrived Scapa from Patrol BLACK

SEAWOLF left Kola Inlet for patrol off North Norway

GLAISDALE arrived Scapa from Liverpool to workup

NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) left Scapa for Patrol BLACK

 

Sunday 14th June

 

WASHINGTON (C T F 99), WICHITA, WAINWRIGHT, RHIND, ROWAN, and MAYRANT arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa.

CHIDDINGFOLD left Scapa for Aberdeen, arriving p.m.

INGLEFIELD and INTREPID arrived Murmansk from Scapa for escort of Q P 13

SLAZAK arrived Plymouth from Scapa to join the Plymouth Command

SALAMANDER left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of refit.

OFFA left Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

RENOWN, VICTORIOUS, FAULKNOR, FURY, ECLIPSE, ECHO, and WHEATLAND left Hvalfiord to Scapa

ASHANTI, NEPAL, and WILTON left Scapa for A/S patrol in the vicinity of 60-40N, 5-00W.

LIVERPOOL (with W S 19 ZZ) torpedoed northeast of Philippeville. Holed in after engine room (starboard side) proceeded at slow speed to Gibraltar

 

Monday 15th June

 

CURACOA left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m. to work up on completion of refit

PETARD left Tyne for Methil arriving p.m. en route for Scapa to work up

WICHITA left Hvalfiord to relieve CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE

FORESTER reduced to care and maintenance in the Tyne

CATTERICK left Clyde for Scapa to work up

SALAMANDER arrived Scapa from Rosyth

ASHANTI, NEPAL, and WILTON returned to Scapa on completion of A/S hunt

OFFA arrived Scapa from the Humber of completion of refit

MARTIN left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

W S 19 Z attacked by enemy cruiser force south of Pantelleria; BEDOUIN and PARTRIDGE hit and damaged.

BEDOUIN (in tow of PARTRIDGE) torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft.

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st-15th June 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. The Fleet Flagship, HMS DUKE OF YORK, remained at Scapa throughout the period. During this period His Majesty The King visited the Home Fleet (see paragraph 29) staying onboard the DUKE OF YORK from 6th to 8th June

 

2. The KING GEORGE V remained at Liverpool refitting throughout the period

 

3. The RODNEY escorted by three destroyers left Scapa on 3rd June for the Clyde arriving there the following day. On 5th June, the RODNEY sailed with the PATHFINDER, PENN, and QUENTIN for Ponta Delgada to join the Eastern Fleet

 

 

Attached Battleship

 

4. The USS WASHINGTON (Commander Task Force 99) remained at Scapa until 12th June when she sailed with Task Force 99 (less the TUSCALOOSA) in company for Hvalfiord, arriving there 14th June

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

5. The RENOWN remained at Hvalfiord until 14th June. On that date, she sailed with the VICTORIOUS and five destroyers for Scapa, arriving there two days later.

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

6. The VICTORIOUS also remained at Hvalfiord until 14th June when she sailed in company with RENOWN for Scapa arriving there 16th June.

 

7. The FURIOUS remained at Rosyth refitting throughout the period

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

8. The LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron) left Scapa for Greenock on 11th June where she arrived the following day to give leave and carry out minor repairs. She remained at Greenock for the rest of the period.

 

9. The NORFOLK remained at Scapa

 

10. The SUFFOLK and BERWICK were refitting in the Tyne and Plymouth respectively

 

11. The CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE returned to Hvalfiord on 3rd June on relief by TUSCALOOSA. On 8th June she again sailed for Patrol WHITE to relieve TUSCALOOSA, returning to Hvalfiord on 16th on relief by the WICHITA

 

12. The KENT at Hvalfiord, left on 4th June for patrol BLACK, returning to Scapa on completion on relief by NIGERIA. She arrived Scapa on 13th June

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

13. The NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) left Scapa to relieve the KENT on Patrol BLACK on 13th June remaining on patrol for the rest of the period.

 

14. The KENYA with the LIVERPOOL and five destroyers left Scapa for the Clyde on 3rd June, arriving there a.m. the following day. The Flag of Senior Officer, Force T was transferred to the KENYA from the RODNEY that same day and she sailed p.m. with convoy W S 19 Z for Malta (see paragraph 30). She remained detached on this operation for the rest of the period.

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

15. The MANCHESTER (Vice Admiral Commanding 18th Cruiser Squadron) at sea with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and the First Minelaying Squadron on Operation S N 72 returned to Scapa on completion on 4th June remaining at Scapa for the rest of the period.

 

16. The SHEFFIELD remained in the Tyne, repairing mine damage

 

17. The LIVERPOOL with KENYA and five destroyers left Scapa for the Clyde on 3rd June, arriving a.m. the following day. Later that same day, she sailed with convoy W S 19 Z for Malta (see paragraph 30). On 14th June she was damaged by one torpedo in a T/B attack on the convoy off Philippeville, and steamed at slow speed back to Gibraltar, arriving there on 17th June

 

 

Attached Cruisers

 

18. The WICHITA left Scapa in company with the WASHINGTON on 12th June for Hvalfiord, arriving there 14th June. The following day she sailed to relieve the CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE

 

19. The TUSCALOOSA left Hvalfiord on 1st June to relieve the CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE. On relief by the CUMBERLAND on 9th June, she returned to Hvalfiord, arriving there the following day and remaining there for the rest of the period.

 

20. The HAWKINS arrive Scapa on 29th May, the SIRIUS on 7th June, the PHOEBE on 8th June, and the CURACOA on 15th June; all these ships remained at Scapa working up throughout the period.

 

 

Destroyers

 

21.       

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

The BEDOUIN arrived Scapa from the Humber on 1st June on completion of her refit. On 3rd June, she was detached to escort W S 19 Z to Malta. On 15th June she was sunk by enemy torpedo bombers when south of Pantellaria after being damaged in an engagement with enemy cruisers.

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

The ESCAPADE and ICARUS detached during the period to escort of W S 19 Z to Malta

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

The OFFA arrived Scapa 15th June on completion of her refit in the Humber

The ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla), MARNE, and MATCHLESS were detached during the period to escort W S 19 Z to Malta

The MATCHLESS was damaged by a mine when the convoy was entering Malta on 15th June, but reached harbour safely

 

HUNTS

The MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY were detached during the period to W S 19 Z to Malta.

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

22. The following ships were attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	HAWKINS, SIRIUS, PHOEBE, CURACOA
Fleet Destroyers	TJERK HIDDES, NEPAL
HUNT class destroyers	BLEASDALE, P.S. SLAZAK, OAKLEY, GLAISDALE, CATTERICK

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

 23. The following minesweepers were attached to the Home Fleet for duty with P Q and Q P convoys during the period:        

BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla), SALAMANDER, BRITOMART, HEBE, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, HARRIER (Senior Officer, Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla), SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, GOSSAMER, HUSSAR, LEDA, SEAGULL, SPEEDY, and NIGER

 

Changes of Flag

 

24.       

The Flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron was transferred from the DUNLUCE CASTLE to the LONDON on 5th June.

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral Sir A.T.B. Curteis, KCB (as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet) in the RODNEY was transferred to the KENYA (as Senior Officer, Force T)

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

25. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

CUMBERLAND on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 3rd June

TUSCALOOSA left Hvalfiord 1st June, arrived Hvalfiord 10th June

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord 8th June, arrived Hvalfiord 16th June

WICHITA left Hvalfiord 15th June, on patrol

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

26. The following Home Fleet ship, other than those on passage, was on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes during the period:

KENT left Hvalfiord 4th June, arrived Scapa 13th June

NIGERIA (C S 10) left Scapa 13th June, on patrol

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

27. There were no P Q or Q P convoys

 

 

Visit of Admiral Stark, U.S.N.

 

28. Admiral Stark, Commanding the United States Naval Forces in Europe, visited the Home Fleet from 4th to 8th June. He arrived at Scapa onboard the USS WAINWRIGHT from Invergordon on 4th June, staying onboard the USS WASHINGTON during this visit. He remained at Scapa during the King’s inspection of the American ships, returning to Wick in the MAYRANT on 8th June.

 

 

Visit of His Majesty The King to the Home Fleet

 

29. During the period, His Majesty The King visited the Home Fleet and the Base at Scapa. His Majesty arrived at Scrabster a.m. on 6th June and embarked in the SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla) which proceeded to Scapa, escorted by the CHIDDINGFOLD and OAKLEY. On arrival at Scapa, His Majesty transferred to the Fleet Flagship, HMS DUKE OF YORK. P.M. on 6th June, His Majesty visited the LONDON, NORFOLK, MANCHESTER, and NIGERIA, returning onboard the DUKE OF YORK that evening.

 

On 7th June, His Majesty inspected the DUKE OF YORK and attended Divine Service on board. During the day, His Majesty visited the USS WASHINGTON and WICHITA.

 

On 8th June, His Majesty, accompanied by the Commander in Chief, visited the Naval Base at Scapa and the Destroyer Command

 

His Majesty left Scapa p.m. on 8th June in the S.S. MORIALTA, escorted by the WAINWRIGHT, LEDBURY, and WILTON, arriving Scrabster the same evening

 

 

Convoy W S 19 Z (Operation HARPOON)

 

30. During June it was decided to run two convoys to Malta, one from the East from Egypt and one from the west from Gibraltar. Part of the escort for the Western Convoy (W S 19 Z) was to be provided by the Home Fleet, and this operation was to be under the Command of Vice Admiral Sir A.T.B. Curteis, KCB (Senior Officer Force T)

 

Accordingly, on 3rd June, the LIVERPOOL, KENYA, ONSLOW (D 17), ICARUS, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and BEDOUIN were detached from the Home Fleet and sailed for the Clyde, arriving there the following day. They were followed by the ESCAPADE, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON who arrived in the Clyde from Scapa the same day, escorting the RODNEY. The Flag of the Senior Officer, Force T, was transferred to the KENYA from the RODNEY on arrival in the Clyde and the convoy (5 ships) sailed p.m. for Gibraltar escorted by the KENYA, LIVERPOOL, ONSLOW, ICARUS, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and BEDOUIN. The BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, and KUJAWIAK who had left the Clyde after the convoy conference to fuel at Londonderry joined Force T together with the BADSWORTH early on 5th June.

 

During the subsequent operations in the Mediterranean, the LIVERPOOL was struck by an aircraft torpedo, but succeeded in returning to Gibraltar; the BEDOUIN was sunk and the MATCHLESS damaged by a mine. The remaining Home Fleet ships, after completing the operation, arrived at Gibraltar on 17th and 18th June.

 

The ARGUS escorted by the ONSLOW (D 17), ICARUS, ESCAPADE, and PANTHER, left Gibraltar p.m. 18th June for United Kingdom and the KENYA with MIDDLETON, BLANKNEY, MARNE, and PARTRIDGE sailed twenty four hours later. The ONSLOW, ICARUS, and ESCAPADE arrived Greenock with the BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON on 23rd June. ICARUS and ESCAPADE proceeding directly to Scapa, ONSLOW remaining at Greenock to give night leave and the BLANKNEY and MIDDLETON remaining at Greenock to boiler clean. The KENYA and MARNE arrived Scapa on 24th June on which day the title of Senior Officer, Force T lapsed and the flag of Vice Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, KCB, as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the KENYA to the ANSON.

 

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-30th June 1942, inclusive

 

Tuesday 16th June

 

MATCHLESS mined while entering Malta with W S 19 Z. Reached harbour.

HEBE mined off Malta while picking up survivors during WS 19 Z’s arrival there. Reached harbour safely.

CATTERICK arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning

MARTIN arrived Scapa from Rosyth from completion of boiler cleaning

CUMBERLAND arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE sailing p.m. for Scapa

LONDON left the Clyde for Scapa after giving leave and completing minor repairs.

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

 

Wednesday 17th June

 

ICARUS and ESCAPADE arrived Gibraltar from convoy W S 19 Z.

ECHO left Scapa for the Humber to refit

LONDON arrived Scapa from the Clyde

NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) left Patrol BLACK for Scapa

LIVERPOOL (torpedoed south of Pantellaria during passage of W S 19 Z) arrived Gibraltar, escorted by five destroyers.

WHEATLAND taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs.

MATCHLESS and HEBE taken in hand at Malta for repairs to mine damage.

 

Thursday 18th June

 

NIGERIA (C S 10) arrived Scapa from Patrol BLACK

ECHO arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

CUMBERLAND arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

MANCHESTER, SOMALI, ASHANTI, and OFFA left Scapa to rendezvous with ANSON from Rosyth and escort her to Scapa

ANSON left Rosyth for Scapa with VERDUN and VANITY; after meeting MANCHESTER and three destroyers from Scapa, VERDUN and VANITY returned to Rosyth.

SCYLLA left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

ADVENTURE left Port Z A for Scapa

Flag of the Vice Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, transferred from MANCHESTER to HAWKINS.

NIGERIA (C S 10) left Scapa for the Clyde for minor repairs and to give leave

KENYA, WELSHMAN, CHARYBDIS arrived Gibraltar from escort of W S 19 Z to Malta

DELHI left the Clyde for Rosyth for A/A trials

CAIRO, MARNE, INTREPID, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON arrived Gibraltar from escort of W S 19 Z to Malta.

BRITOMART left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of refit

ARGUS with ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla), ICARUS, ESCAPADE, and PANTHER left Gibraltar for the Clyde.

 

Friday 19th June

 

ANSON with MANCHESTER, SOMALI, OFFA, and ASHANTI arrived Scapa from Rosyth to work up

NORFOLK left Scapa for Rosyth to exchange left gun of B turret, arriving p.m.

ADVENTURE arrived Scapa from Port Z A for Operation E S

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from HAWKINS to MANCHESTER

SCYLLA arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

BRITOMART arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of refit

NIGERIA (C S 10) arrived Clyde from Scapa to give leave and complete minor repairs.

Heavy air raid on Murmansk laid one third of town to ruins.

TRIDENT arrived Murmansk from patrol off North Norway

KENYA (Senior Officer, Force T), BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, MARNE, and PARTRIDGE left Gibraltar for the United Kingdom.

 

Saturday 20th June

 

GARLAND and INTREPID left Murmansk for Archangel for escort of Q P 13

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE and BRIGHTON left Port Z A for Operation S N 27 B, proceeding on completion to Scapa for Operation E S, and arriving p.m.

MENESTHEUS, AGAMEMNON, ST MARYS and CASTLETON left Port Z A for Scapa for Operation E S, arriving p.m.

BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla), LEDA, SEAGULL, and HAZARD with two merchant vessels left Murmansk for Archangel.

SEAWOLF arrived Murmansk from patrol off North Norway.

DELHI arrived Rosyth from Clyde for A/A trials

 

Sunday 21st June

 

GARLAND and INTREPID arrived Archangel from Murmansk

STARWORT and HONEYSUCKLE left Murmansk for Archangel.

BRAMBLE (M S 1), LEDA, SEAGULL, and HAZARD with two merchant ships arrived Archangel from Murmansk for escort of Q P 13

 

Monday 22nd June

 

PHOEBE left Scapa for Stranraer for escort of His Majesty the King to Northern Ireland.

URSULA and P 614 left the Clyde for Lerwick

MANCHESTER (C S 18) left Scapa for the Clyde for minor repairs and to give leave

One merchant ship at Murmansk sunk by unexplained explosion

OAKLEY left the Clyde for Scapa to continue working up

ONSLAUGHT left the Clyde for Scapa to work up and join the Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

WHEATLAND completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

STURGEON and P 54 left the Clyde for Lerwick

 

Tuesday 23rd June

 

ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa from Greenock to work up and join the Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

HONEYSUCKLE and STARWORT arrived Archangel from Murmansk for Q P 13

MANCHESTER (C S 18) arrived in the Clyde from Scapa for minor repairs and to give leave

PALOMARES and POZARICA left Belfast for Londonderry, arriving p.m.

PHOEBE arrived Stranraer from Scapa for escort of His Majesty the King to Northern Ireland

NORFOLK left Rosyth for Scapa (after exchanging left gun of B turret), arriving p.m.

ONSLOW (D 17), ICARUS, ESCAPADE, BLANKNEY, and MIDDLETON arrived Clyde from escort of W S 19 Z to Malta

SPEEDWELL left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs

MARTIN left Scapa for Hvalfiord for escort of WASHINGTON to Scapa

Captain R. Shelley, CBE, Royal Navy, assumed command of SUFFOLK vice Captain R.M. Ellis, DSO, Royal Navy

OAKLEY arrived Scapa from Greenock to continue working up

KENT and LONDON left Scapa for Hvalfiord

HALCYON, BRITOMART, and SALAMANDER, escorting R F A GRAY RANGER left Scapa for Hvalfiord to P Q 17.

PETARD left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

ICARUS and ESCAPADE left the Clyde for Scapa

TRIBUNE and MINERVE left Dundee for Lerwick

NIGERIA (C S 10) left the Clyde for Scapa

ST MARYS left Scapa for Port Z A for escort of PORT QUEBEC to Scapa

 

Wednesday 24th June

 

KENYA and MARNE arrived Scapa from Gibraltar from escort of W S 19 Z

SPEEDWELL arrived Rosyth from Scapa for repairs

GOSSAMER sunk in Kola Inlet by bomb during an air attack

P 45 left Scapa for Lerwick, arriving p.m.

ICARUS and ESCAPADE arrived Scapa from the Clyde

PETARD arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

ST MARYS arrived Port Z A for escort of PORT QUEBEC to Scapa

PHOEBE with BICESTER and BRAMHAM left Stranraer with His Majesty The King for Belfast, arriving a.m.

NIGERIA (C S 10) arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of minor repairs and giving leave.

URSULA and P 614 arrived Lerwick from the Clyde

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet transferred from KENYA to ANSON

ESCAPADE taken in hand at Scapa for minor repairs

POZARICA, PALOMARES, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, POPPY, and LOTUS left Londonderry for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 17

Rescue ships RATHLIN and ZAMLEK left Greenock for Seidisfiord for P Q 17

DOUGLAS left Londonderry for Hvalfiord for Force Q with P Q 17

P 212 left the Clyde for Lerwick

WICHITA left Patrol WHITE for Hvalfiord without relief

P 614 left Lerwick for Seidisfiord for P Q 17

URSULA left Lerwick for patrol in Zone K 52

RENOWN, SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla), WILTON, and LEDBURY left Scapa for Hvalfiord.

STURGEON and P 54 arrived Lerwick from the Clyde

 

Thursday 25th June

 

TRIBUNE and MINERVE arrived Lerwick from Dundee

MARTIN arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for escort of WASHINGTON to Scapa

TRIBUNE left Lerwick for Patrol in Zone K 53

P 54 left Lerwick for patrol in Zone K 60

P 45 left Lerwick for Patrol in Zone K 59

LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) and KENT arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

MINERVE left Lerwick for patrol in Zone K 58

STURGEON left Lerwick for patrol in Zone K 57

KEPPEL and LEAMINGTON left Londonderry for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 17

WICHITA arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE

TARTAR recommissioned in the Humber

WASHINGTON (Commander Task Force 99) escorted by MARTIN, MAYRANT, and RHIND left Hvalfiord to Scapa

MANCHESTER (C S 18) left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of minor repairs and giving leave.

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa Flow

PORT QUEBEC and ST MARYS left Port Z A for Scapa for Operation E S

 

Friday 26th June

 

P 212 arrived Lerwick from the Clyde sailing p.m. for patrol in Zone K 56

HALCYON, BRITOMART, and SALAMANDER arrived Hvalfiord with R F A GRAY RANGER for P Q 17

FURY and OFFA left Scapa for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 17

SEAWOLF left Kola Inlet for patrol in Zone K 54

PORT QUEBEC and ST MARYS arrived Scapa from Port Z A for Operation E S

ONSLOW (D 17) left the Clyde for Scapa

MANCHESTER (C S 18) arrived Scapa from Greenock on completion of minor repairs and giving leave.

RENOWN, SOMALI (D 6), WILTON, and LEDBURY arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

ORION left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

PHOEBE with His Majesty The King on board left Larne escorted by BICESTER and BRAMHAM for Stranraer, arriving p.m.

P 614 arrived Seidisfiord from Lerwick for P Q 17

PHOEBE left Stranraer for Scapa

Q P 13 (Archangel section – 12 ships) left Archangel for Iceland, escorted by INTREPID, GARLAND, STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, ALYNBANK, and local escort of BRAMBLE (MS 1), SEAGULL, LEDA, and HAZARD.

 

Saturday 27th June

 

P 614 arrived Seidisfiord from Lerwick for escort of P Q 17

KEPPEL (diverted to Hvalfiord) arrived from Londonderry for escort of P Q 17.

ONSLOW (D 17) arrived Scapa from the Clyde

WASHINGTON, MARTIN, MAYRANT, and RHIND arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

LEAMINGTON arrived Seidisfiord from Londonderry for escort of P Q 17

POZARICA, PALOMARES, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, POPPY, and LOTUS arrived Seidisfiord from Londonderry for P Q 17

Rescue ships RATHLIN and ZAMLEK arrived Seidisfiord from Greenock for P Q 17

MANCHESTER and ECLIPSE left Scapa for Seidisfiord for Operation GEARBOX

ORION arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

LONDON, KEPPEL, LEDBURY, and WILTON left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 17

Captain S.H. Paton, Royal Navy assumed command of NIGERIA vice Captain J.G.L. Dundee, CBE, Royal Navy

DOUGLAS arrived Hvalfiord from Londonderry for Force Q with P Q 17

FURY and OFFA arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for escort of P Q 17

PHOEBE arrived Scapa from Stranraer

ONSLAUGHT left Scapa for Scrabster, arriving p.m. and embarking Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, returning to Scapa later that same day.

Q P 13 (Murmansk section – 23 ships), left Murmansk for Iceland escorted by INGLEFIELD, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, NIGER, HUSSAR, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, 2 A/S trawlers, and TRIDENT and 3 Russian destroyers as far as 30 degrees East.

P Q 17 (35 ships) left Reykjavik for North Russia escorted by HALCYON, BRITOMART, SALAMANDER, 4 A/S trawlers, P 615, and rescue ship ZAAFARAN

Force Q (DOUGLAS and R F A ALDERSDALE) left Reykjavik with P Q 17

SHARPSHOOTER left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of refit

 

Sunday 28th June

 

G.S. PINDOS left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, hoisted in KENYA

LONDON (C S 1) (proceeding from Hvalfiord to Seidisfiord) reported by enemy aircraft

MANCHESTER and ECLIPSE arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for Operation GEARBOX

HAWKINS left Scapa for the Clyde for escort of W S 21 P and to join the Eastern Fleet

LONDON, KEPPEL, LEDBURY, and WILTON arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for escort of P Q 17

MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

Q P 13 reported by enemy aircraft

ONSLOW (D 17), ASHANTI, MAYRANT, and RHIND left Scapa to fuel before joining the Battlefleet

Flag of Vice Admiral Sir A.T.B. Curteis, KCB, as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet was struck in ANSON

SHARPSHOOTER arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of refit

 

Monday 29th June

 

Force X (Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with AGAMEMNON, PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, and 4 merchant ships escorted by BRIGHTON, ST MARYS, NEPAL, TJERK HIDDES, OAKLEY, CATTERICK, and 4 A/S trawlers) left Scapa for Operation E S

Flag of the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from KENYA to ANSON

ADVENTURE, SIRIUS, and CURACOA left Scapa for escort of Force X on Operation E S

DIANELLA and P 614 left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with P Q 17

WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, ROWAN, and SOMALI (D 6) left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord

NORFOLK left Scapa for Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force for P Q 17 and Q P 13

HAWKINS arrived Clyde from Scapa for W S 21 P and for the Eastern Fleet.

MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of boiler cleaning

TARTAR left the Humber for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from ANSON to VICTORIOUS

PALOMARES, POZARICA, KEPPEL, LEAMINGTON, WILTON, LEDBURY, OFFA, FURY, LOTUS, POPPY, LA MALOUINE, and rescue ships RATHLIN and ZAMLEK left Seidisfiord for escort of P Q 17

ESCAPADE completed minor repairs at Scapa

One merchant ship and R F A GRAY RANGER in P Q 17 struck submerged ice off north west Iceland and merchant ship was forced to return to Reykjavik.

Heavy air raid on Murmansk gutted further parts of the town.

Commander in Chief in DUKE OF YORK, with WASHINGTON (CTF 99), VICTORIOUS (V A 2), NIGERIA (C S 10), CUMBERLAND, FAULKNOR (D 8), ONSLAUGHT, MIDDLETON, ESCAPADE, BLANKNEY, MARTIN, MARNE, and WHEATLAND left Scapa to cover the passage of P Q 17 and Q P 13.

ONSLOW (D 17), ASHANTI, MAYRANT, and RHIND arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa to fuel before joining the Battlefleet.

 

Tuesday 30th June

 

MANCHESTER and ECLIPSE left Seidisfiord for Operation GEARBOX

TARTAR arrived Scapa from the Humber to work up on completion of refit

NORFOLK arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

JAMAICA left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA, ROWAN, and SOMALI (D 6) arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for cruiser covering force with P Q 17 and Q P 13

Senior Officer, Force X, reported operation abandoned at 001 degree east. Force not sighted by the enemy, returning to Scapa

Q P 13 reported by enemy aircraft

ONSLOW (D 17), ASHANTI, MAYRANT, and RHIND left Seidisfiord on completion of fuelling to join the Battlefleet

SHARPSHOOTER left Scapa for Rosyth

Force W turned east again to return as far as 0001 degree East

PALOMARES, POZARICA, KEPPEL, LEAMINGTON, WILTON, LEDBURY, FURY, OFFA, LOTUS, POPPY, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, P 614, and rescue ships RATHLIN and ZAMLEK all from Seidisfiord joined P Q 17.

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-30th June 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron

 

1. The Fleet Flagship, HMS DUKE OF YORK, remained at Scapa until 29th June when she sailed with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13.

 

2. The KING GEORGE V remained at Liverpool refitting

 

3. The ANSON left Rosyth escorted by the VERDUN and VANITY on 18th June for Scapa. Later the same day, the MANCHESTER, SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla, ASHANTI, and OFFA relieved the VERDUN and VANITY and with this escort the ANSON arrived at Scapa the following day. She remained at Scapa for the rest of the period carrying out trials and working up. The Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the KENYA to the ANSON on 24th June and from the ANSON to the VICTORIOUS on 29th June.

 

 

Attached Battleship

 

4. The USS WASHINGTON (Commander Task Force 99) remained at Hvalfiord until 25th June when she sailed for Scapa escorted by the MARTIN and the USS MAYRANT and RHIND, arriving there two days later. On 29th June, she sailed from Scapa with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13

 

 

Battlecruiser

 

5. The RENOWN, at sea on passage to Scapa from Hvalfiord arrived on 16th June, remaining at Scapa until 24th June when she sailed again for Hvalfiord escorted by the SOMALI (D 6), WILTON, and LEDBURY. She arrived at Hvalfiord on 26th June and remained there for rest of the period.

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

6. The VICTORIOUS at sea in company with the RENOWN on passage from Hvalfiord arrived Scapa on 16th June. She remained at Scapa until 29th June, sailing with the Battlefleet on that day to cover the passage of convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13. No. 885 Squadron (5 Sea Hurricanes) was embarked in the VICTORIOUS on 29th June. The flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the ANSON to the VICTORIOUS on 29th June

 

7. The FURIOUS remained at Rosyth refitting

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

8. The LONDON (Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron) left the Clyde on 16th June after completing minor repairs and giving leave. She arrived at Scapa the following day. On 23rd June she left Scapa with the KENT for Hvalfiord, arriving there two days later to attend the convoy conference for P Q 17. After the conference, she left Hvalfiord on 27th June with KEPPEL, LEDBURY, and WILTON for Seidisfiord, arriving there on 28th June.

 

9. The NORFOLK left Scapa on 19th June for Rosyth, arriving there p.m. the same day to exchange the left gun of B turret. On completion of this work, she sailed again for Scapa on 23rd June, arriving there later the same day. On 29th June she left Scapa for Seidisfiord, arriving there the next day to join the cruiser covering force for convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13

 

10. The SUFFOLK and BERWICK were refitting in the Tyne and Plymouth respectively

 

11. The CUMBERLAND arrived Hvalfiord on 16th June after being relieved on Patrol WHITE by the USS WICHITA. She sailed p.m. the same day for Scapa, arriving there on 18th June. The CUMBERLAND then remained at Scapa until 29th June when the sailed with the Battlefleet to cover the passage of convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13

 

12. The KENT remained at Scapa until 23rd June when she sailed with the LONDON (C S 1) for Hvalfiord, arriving there on 25th June. She remained at Hvalfiord for the rest of the period.

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

13. The NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) on patrol BLACK left patrol on 17th June without relief and returned to Scapa, arriving the following day. She sailed p.m. 18th June for the Clyde arriving there on 19th to give leave and make good minor defects. On 23rd June she left the Clyde returning to Scapa the next day. The NIGERIA sailed with the Battlefleet on 29th June to cover the passage of convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13

 

14. The KENYA (Flag of Senior Officer, Force T) returned to Gibraltar from Operation HARPOON (convoy of supplies to Malta) on 18th June. On 19th June, she sailed from Gibraltar with the BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON, MARNE, and PARTRIDGE for the United Kingdom. The KENYA with the MARNE in company arrived back at Scapa on 24th June and remained there for the rest of the period. The Title of Senior Officer, Force T, lapsed on 24th June and the Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the KENYA to the ANSON the same day. On 28th June, the Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, was hoisted in KENYA and transferred to the ANSON the following day.

 

 

Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron

 

15. The MANCHESTER (Vice Admiral Commanding 18th Cruiser Squadron) left Scapa on 18th June with the SOMALI, ASHANTI, and OFFA to rendezvous with the ANSON from Rosyth and escort her back to Scapa. The ANSON was met p.m. 18th and the MANCHESTER arrived back at Scapa with her early the following day. On 22nd June, the MANCHESTER left Scapa for the Clyde, arriving there the following day to give leave and make good minor defects. She sailed again on 25th June and returned to Scapa the following day. On 27th June, she sailed from Scapa with the ECLIPSE for Seidisfiord arriving the following day for Operation GEARBOX. The MANCHESTER and ECLIPSE left Seidisfiord for Operation GEARBOX on 30th June.

 

16. The SHEFFIELD remained in the Tyne throughout the period, repairing mine damage

 

17. The LIVERPOOL (torpedoed on 14th June in the Western Mediterranean) arrived back at Gibraltar escorted by five destroyers on 17th June. She remained at Gibraltar for the rest of the period for temporary repairs before proceeding to the United Kingdom for permanent repairs.

 

 

Attached Cruisers

 

18. The WICHITA left Hvalfiord on 15th June, relieving the CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE the following day. On 24th June she left Patrol WHITE without relief and returned to Hvalfiord the following day. On 29th June she left Hvalfiord with the TUSCALOOSA and two destroyers for Seidisfiord where she arrived the following day to join the Cruiser Covering Force for convoys P Q 17 and Q P 13.

 

19. The TUSCALOOSA remained at Hvalfiord until 29th June when she sailed with the WICHITA and two destroyers for Seidisfiord, arriving there the following day to join the Cruiser Covering Force for P Q 17 and Q P 13.

 

20. The HAWKINS remained at Scapa working up until 28th June when she sailed for the Clyde, arriving there the following day to escort convoy W S 21 P and then to join the Eastern Fleet.

 

23. The PHOEBE, working up at Scapa, left on 22nd June for Stranraer where she arrived the following day. On 24th June, His Majesty The King embarked in the PHOEBE who proceeded to Belfast escorted by the BICESTER and the BRAMHAM, arriving there a.m. On 26th June, His Majesty the King again embarked in the PHOEBE at Larne and she returned to Stranraer with the same escort, arriving p.m. on 26th. Later the same day, the PHOEBE sailed from Stranraer for Scapa arriving the following day to continue working up.

 

22. The SIRIUS and CURACOA remained at Scapa working up until 29th June when they sailed with Rear Admiral (Minelaying) and the First Minelaying Squadron and Force X on Operation E S. They remained at sea on this operation for the rest of the month.

 

23. The SCYLLA left the Clyde on 18th June for Scapa where she arrived the following day and remained for the rest of the period working up.

 

 

Destroyers

 

24.       

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

The TARTAR arrived Scapa on 30th June on completion of her refit in the Humber.

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

The ESCAPADE and ICARUS detached from the Home Fleet for the escort of W S 19 Z to Malta returned to Scapa on 24th June.

The ECHO arrived Humber from Scapa on 18th June and was taken in hand for refit.

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

The ONSLOW (D 17) and MARNE, detached from the Home Fleet for the escort of W S 19 Z to Malta returned to Scapa on 27th and 24th June respectively

The MATCHLESS, mined off Malta on 16th June was taken in hand for repairs there the following day.

The ONSLAUGHT from Greenock joined the Flotilla at Scapa on 23rd June

 

HUNTS (attached to Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

The MIDDLETON and BLANKNEY, detached from the Home Fleet for escort of W S 19 Z to Malta, returned to Scapa on 29th June.

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

25. The following ships were attached to the Home Fleet for working up during the period:

Cruisers	HAWKINS, SIRIUS, PHOEBE, CURACOA, SCYLLA
Fleet Destroyers	D.S. TJERK HIDDES, NEPAL, PETARD
HUNT class destroyers	N.S. GLAISDALE, CATTERICK, OAKLEY

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

26. The following ships have been temporarily attached to the Home Fleet for escort duties with the P Q and Q P convoys

A.A. ships	ALYNBANK, PALOMARES, POZARICA
Destroyers	GARLAND, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, KEPPEL, LEAMINGTON
Submarines	TRIDENT, SEAWOLF, P 614, P 615
Corvettes	STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, POPPY, LOTUS
Rescue ship	ZAMLEK, ZAAFARAN, RATHLIN

 

Changes of Flag

 

27.       

The flag of the Vice Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from the MANCESTER to the HAWKINS on 18th June and back to the MANCHESTER on 19th June.

The title of Senior Officer, Force T lapsed on 24th June

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the KENYA to the ANSON on 24th June

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral Bruce Fraser, KBE, CB, was hoisted in KENYA on 28th June, transferred to the ANSON as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet on 29th June and from the ANSON to VICTORIOUS p.m. the same day.

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral Sir A.T.B. Curteis, KCB, as Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet was struck in the ANSON on 28th June.

 

 

Denmark Straits Patrol (Patrol WHITE)

 

28. The following Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, were on patrol in the Denmark Straits during the period:

CUMBERLAND on patrol, arrived Hvalfiord 16th June

WICHITA left Hvalfiord 15th June, arrived Hvalfiord 25th June

 

Faroes Iceland Patrol (Patrol BLACK)

 

29. The following Home Fleet ship, other than those on passage, was on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes during the period:

NIGERIA (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) on patrol, arrived Scapa 18th June

 

P Q and Q P convoys

 

Q P 13

 

30. The Archangel section (12 ships) left on 26th June for Iceland escorted by the INTREPID, GARLAND, STARWORT, HONEYSUCKLE, ALYNBANK and a local escort of BRAMBLE (M S 1), SEAGULL, LEDA, and HAZARD. The Murmansk section (23 ships) sailed 24 hours later escorted by the INGLEFIELD, ACHATES, VOLUNTEER, NIGER, HUSSAR, HYDERABAD, ROSELYS, two A/S trawlers, and TRIDENT, with three Russian destroyers who were proceeding with the convoy as far as 30 degrees east. Details of the passage of Q P 13 will be given in the War Diary for 1st-15th July

 

 

P Q 17

 

P Q 17 (35 ships) left Reykjavik for North Russia on 27th June, escorted by the HALCYON, BRITOMART, SALAMANDER, 4 A/S trawlers, the submarine P 615, and one rescue ship. Force Q (DOUGLAS and ALDERSDALE) were also in company. On 30th June the escort was increased by the addition of the PALOMARES, POZARICA, KEPPEL, LEAMINGTON, WILTON, LEDBURY, FURY, OFFA, LOTUS, POPPY, LA MALOUINE, DIANELLA, submarine P 614, , and two rescue ships from Seidisfiord. Details of the passage of P Q 17 13 will be given in the War Diary for 1st-15th July

 

 

Operations E S and GEARBOX

 

31. A summary of these operations will be given in the War Diary for 1st-15th July