| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Areas of
Operations (click to enlarge).
Only some locations in text are shown |
|
Click for
Convoy Route Codes,
Operation Code Names and
Home Fleet Minelaying
WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF,
HOME FLEET
JANUARY 1944
(n.b.
Summary of Operations at end of month)
|
1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home
Fleet.
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and repairs
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
25th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command,
Home Fleet)
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Rosyth
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. HMS KING GEORGE V
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa for Gibraltar for Operation SEXTANT
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Gibraltar
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Gibraltar for Plymouth
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Plymouth for Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. HMS HOWE
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Plymouth, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. HMS NELSON
|
|
|
1st-11th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde to reduce to 3/5th complement
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
12th-31st
|
Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. HMS RODNEY
|
|
|
1st-16th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth to reduce to 3/5th complement
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Rosyth
|
|
|
17th-31st
|
Rosyth
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. FS RICHELIEU
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. HMS RAMILLIES
|
|
|
27th
|
Arrived Clyde from Eastern Fleet to join the Home Fleet
temporarily
|
|
|
27th-31st
|
Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aircraft Carriers
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. HMS FURIOUS
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Cruiser Squadron
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First
Cruiser Squadron)
|
|
|
1st-11th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56A convoy conferences,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for Akureyri with
Force 1
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
23rd
|
Left Akureyri to cover JW 56A
|
|
|
28th
|
Returned to Akureyri
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
Akureyri
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. HMS LONDON
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Rosyth for refit
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. HMS NORFOLK
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for the Tyne for refit and repairs
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
|
|
|
6th-31st
|
Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. HMS BERWICK
|
|
|
1st-18th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa with Force 1 for Akureyri
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
23rd
|
Left Akureyri with Force 1 to
cover JW 56 A, returning p.m. to Akureyri with
defects
|
|
|
23rd-31st
|
Akureyri
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. HMS CUMBERLAND
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. HMS DEVONSHIRE
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth
Cruiser Squadron)
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave and repairs
|
|
|
7th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
25th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. HMS SHEFFIELD
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1
|
|
|
12th
|
Taken in hand at Scapa for repairs to shafts and to give
leave
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Liverpool for repairs to shafts
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand
|
|
|
23rd-31st
|
Liverpool for repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. HMS GLASGOW
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay
Area
|
|
|
|
|
|
19. HMS BERMUDA
|
|
|
1st-18th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa with Force 1 for Akureyri
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
23rd
|
Left Akureyri with Force 1 to
cover JW 56A
|
|
|
28th
|
Returned to Akureyri
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Akureyri
|
|
|
|
|
|
20. HMS NIGERIA
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Sheerness, refitting
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Sheerness with CALEDON for Scapa
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Scapa to work up
|
|
|
6th-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
21. HMS JAMAICA
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and repairs
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
25th-31st
|
Rosyth for docking and leave
|
|
|
|
|
|
22. HMNZS GAMBIA
|
|
|
1st-30th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay
area
|
|
|
30th
|
Left Plymouth for Gibraltar and for the Eastern Fleet
|
|
|
31st
|
On passage to Gibraltar
|
|
|
|
|
|
23. HMS SCYLLA
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Chatham, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. ORP DRAGON
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Clyde, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cruisers attached for temporary duty in the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
25. HMS BELLONA
|
|
|
1st-18th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion to join the Plymouth
Command
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
|
|
|
26. HMS BLACK PRINCE
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa for Lamlash to
complete working up
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Lamlash
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Lamlash to join Plymouth
Command
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
|
|
|
27. HMS AJAX
|
|
|
1st
|
18th Scapa, working up
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth for Plymouth for repairs and for
the Mediterranean Fleet
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Plymouth, taken in hand
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Plymouth on completion for Gibraltar
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
On passage to Gibraltar
|
|
|
|
|
|
28. HMS DIADEM
|
|
|
1st-11th
|
Rosyth for trials.
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde for jump trials
|
|
|
30th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
31st
|
Clyde to continue working up and for trials
|
|
|
|
|
|
29. HMS CALEDON
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Sheerness, refitting
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Sheerness with NIGERIA for Scapa
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Scapa to work up
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion and for the
Mediterranean Fleet.
|
|
|
26th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
Plymouth for minor repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
30. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa with screen of DUKE OF YORK and for boiler
cleaning
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56B convoy conferences
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined JW
56 B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
31. HMS MARNE
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
32. HMS METEOR
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa with screen of DUKE OF YORK for Rosyth
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Rosyth with DUKE OF YORK, returning p.m. to Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation
SEXTANT
|
|
|
14th
|
Detached to Horta to fuel,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Horta and rejoined KING
GEORGE V from Gibraltar
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Plymouth with KING GEORGE V for Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord and
to relieve MATCHLESS on screen of JW 56B, arriving p.m. to fuel
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Skaalefiord to join JW 56B
|
|
|
28th
|
Joined JW 56B
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56B
|
|
|
|
|
|
33. HMS MATCHLESS
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 4
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord with defects
to steering gear
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Seidisfiord, escorted by
WRESTLER for Scapa
|
|
|
30th
|
Arrived Scapa for repairs
|
|
|
31st
|
Scapa for repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
34. HMS MUSKETEER
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 4
|
|
|
7th
|
Left Scapa for Humber for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Humber, taken in hand
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Humber on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined JW
56B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56B
|
|
|
|
|
|
35. HMS MAHRATTA
|
|
|
1st-15th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Humber on completion for Rosyth, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing
p.m. to make contact with JW 56B
|
|
|
25th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined JW
56B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56B
|
|
|
|
|
|
36. HMCS IROQUOIS
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RA 55B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa with HAIDA for Plymouth to join Plymouth Command
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
12th-31st
|
Plymouth Command for operation in the Bay area
|
|
|
|
|
|
37. HMCS ATHABASKAN
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation
SEXTANT
|
|
|
14th
|
Detached to Horta to fuel,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Horta and rejoined screen
of KING GEORGE V from Gibraltar
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V and for duty in the
Plymouth Command
|
|
|
17th-31st
|
Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
|
|
|
38. HMCS HURON
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
At sea with RA 55B
|
|
|
6th
|
Detached from convoy to fuel at Skaalefiord,
sailing p.m. and rejoining convoy
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined JW
56 B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56B
|
|
|
|
|
|
39. HMCS HAIDA
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa with IROQUOIS for Plymouth to join the Plymouth
Command
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
12th-31st
|
Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
|
|
|
40. ORP PIORUN
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Clyde, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
41. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer
Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Scapa for Tyne for refit
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Tyne
|
|
|
15th-31st
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
42. HMS OFFA
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with ANSON from Rosyth
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th
|
Joined JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
43. HMS ORIBI
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Falmouth for refit and collision damage repair
|
|
|
|
|
|
44. HMS ONSLAUGHT
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa for Invergordon for
exercises with Force S
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Invergordon
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Invergordon for Scapa on
completion, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa with screen of RODNEY for Rosyth
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Rosyth with RODNEY, returning p.m. to Scapa
|
|
|
17th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
45. HMS OPPORTUNE
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
46. HMS OBDURATE
|
|
|
1st-12th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord after
failing to contact JW 56 A en route
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to join
escort of JW 56 A
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy and with minor action
damage
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Kola Inlet for repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
47. HMS ORWELL
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Scapa for Invergordon for
exercises with Force S
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Invergordon
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Invergordon on completion
for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa with RODNEY for Rosyth
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Rosyth with RODNEY, returning p.m. to Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for screen of DUKE OF YORK
|
|
|
25th
|
Joined DUKE OF YORK off Rosyth and arrived Scapa with her
a.m.
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Scapa for the Humber for refit
|
|
|
30th
|
Arrived Humber, taken in hand
|
|
|
31st
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
48. HMS OBEDIENT
|
|
|
1st-20th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for screen of DUKE OF YORK
|
|
|
25th
|
Joined DUKE OF YORK off Rosyth and arriving Scapa with her
a.m.
|
|
|
25th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
49. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer
Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
Kola Inlet for repairs
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Kola Inlet for Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
|
|
|
11th-31st
|
Tyne for action damage repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
50. HMS SCORPION
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Humber for refit
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Humber, taken in hand
|
|
|
11th-31st
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
51. HMS SAVAGE
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to make contact
with JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord without
making contact, sailing again a.m. to join the convoy
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
52. HMS SCOURGE
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Kola Inlet for Scapa with SAUMAREZ
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing
p.m. to make contact with JW 56 B
|
|
|
25th
|
Returned Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and joined
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
53. HNorMS STORD
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to make contact
with JW 56 A
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
54. HMS SWIFT
|
|
|
1st-26th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Scapa for Invergordon for
exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
29th
|
Returned to Scapa on completion of exercises, arriving
p.m.
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
55. HMS SERAPIS
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
56. HMS HARDY (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer
Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Stornoway,
arriving p.m. for exercises
|
|
|
7th
|
Left Stornoway on completion for
Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56 A convoy conference,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord.
|
|
|
13th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th
|
Joined JW 56 B
|
|
|
30th
|
Torpedoed and sunk by U-boat
|
|
|
|
|
|
57. HMS VENUS
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. to join INDEFATIGABLE from the Clyde
for escort to Rosyth
|
|
|
2nd
|
Joined INDEFATIGABLE
|
|
|
3rd
|
Arrived Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE, sailing p.m. for Scapa
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Stornoway,
arriving p.m. for exercises
|
|
|
7th
|
Left Stornoway on completion to
Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JS 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th
|
Joined JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
58. HMS VIGILANT
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. to join INDEFATIGABLE from the Clyde
for escort to Rosyth
|
|
|
2nd
|
Joined INDEFATIGABLE
|
|
|
3rd
|
Arrived Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE, sailing p.m. for Scapa
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord after
failing to make contact with JW 56 A en route
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JS 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th
|
Joined JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
59. HMS VIRAGO
|
|
|
1st
|
Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Seidisfiord to join escort
of JW 56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join
escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th
|
Joined JW 56 B
|
|
|
29th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
60. HMS VERULAM
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Stornoway,
arriving p.m. for exercises
|
|
|
7th
|
Left Stornoway on completion for
Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
8th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other destroyers attached to the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
61. HMS ESKIMO
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
62. HMS ASHANTI
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth to join Plymouth Command
temporarily
|
|
|
9th
|
Diverted to join the screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation
SEXTANT after fuelling at Moville
|
|
|
14th
|
Detached to Horta to fuel,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Horta and rejoined screen
of KING GEORGE V from Gibraltar
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V and for duty in the
Plymouth Command
|
|
|
17th-31st
|
Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay Area
|
|
|
|
|
|
63. HMS TARTAR
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Devonport, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
64. HMS IMPULSIVE
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
At sea with RN 55 B
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
7th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
65. ORP BLYSKAWICA
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
66. HMS WHITEHALL
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the
Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
25th
|
Detached from the convoy to Seidisfiord
to fuel, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and rejoined
the convoy
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
67. HMS WRESTLER
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for temporary duty with
the Home Fleet And as local escort for JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
27th
|
Detached to Seidisfiord for
escort of MATCHLESS to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Seidisfiord with MATCHLESS
for Scapa
|
|
|
30th
|
Arrived Scapa, detached to Clyde
|
|
|
31st
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
68. HMS WESTCOTT
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A; detached from the convoy p.m. to the
Clyde
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the
Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Seidisfiord and rejoined
the convoy
|
|
|
26th-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
69. HMS BEAGLE
|
|
|
1st
|
Left Skaalefiord for Clyde
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
70. HMS INCONSTANT
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for through escort of JW
56 A
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with escort of JW 56 A
|
|
|
16th
|
Detached from convoy and hove to in a gale in 64-02N,
14-25W
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel,
sailing p.m. to rejoin JW 56 A
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri with the convoy
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JS 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers temporarily attached to the Home Fleet for
working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
71. HMS ULYSSES
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Liverpool for minor repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
72. HMS UNDINE
|
|
|
7th
|
Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Plymouth
|
|
|
|
|
|
73. HMS URANIA
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up
|
|
|
22nd
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
22nd-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
74. HMS TERPSICHORE
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up
|
|
|
25th-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
75. HMCS CHAUDIERE
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corvettes temporarily attached for duty with the Home
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
76. HMS RHODODENDRON
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the
Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
26th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord with defects
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Seidisfiord for the Clyde
|
|
|
31st
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
77. HMS POPPY
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A,; detached from the convoy p.m. to the
Clyde
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Londonderry for through escort of JW
56 A and for further duty with the Home Fleet, sailing p.m. to overtake the
convoy
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
78. HMS DIANELLA
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A; detached from the convoy p.m. to the
Clyde
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the
Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 A, sailing p.m. to overtake the
convoy
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 56 A
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
79. HMS ACANTHUS
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A; detached from
the convoy p.m. to Liverpool
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Liverpool on completion of
temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
80. HMS OXLIP
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of
temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for
further duty with the Home Fleet and for through escort for JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
81. HMS HONEYSUCKLE
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
At sea with RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of
temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for
further duty with the Home Fleet and for local escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
26th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Clyde on completion of
temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
82. HMS WALLFLOWER
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Skaalefiord
with local escort and joined RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe with RA 55 B
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW
56 A
|
|
|
17th
|
Hove to in a gale off Iceland with
part of JW 56 A in company
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
with the convoy
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Akureyri
with damaged merchant ship for Loch Ewe
|
|
|
27th
|
Detached to Londonderry
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
83. HMS BORAGE
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Skaalefiord
with local escort and joined RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe with RA 55 B
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW
56 A
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
with the convoy
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Akureyri
for Londonderry
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
Sloop temporarily attached for Duty
with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
84. HMS CYGNET
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for
through escort of JW 56 A
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with escort of JW 56 A
|
|
|
15th
|
Suffered damage to propeller in heavy
weather and proceeded to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Skaalefiord
for Scapa for repairs
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
19th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe and for through
escort of JW 56 B, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
22nd-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Minesweeping Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
85. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer,
First Minesweeping Flotilla
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
86. HMS SEAGULL
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A, detached from
the convoy and arrived Scapa p.m.
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe and for
through escort of JW 56 B, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56B
|
|
|
22nd-31st
|
At sea with JW 56 B
|
|
|
|
|
|
87. HMS BRITOMART
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Devonport, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
88. HMS HUSSAR
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
89. HMS SPEEDWELL
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
90. HMS GLEANER
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
91. HMS HALCYON
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
92. HMS SALAMANDER
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
93. HMS JASON
|
|
|
1st-31st
|
Portsmouth, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
94. HMS READY (Senior Officer,
Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Scapa
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Skaalefiord
with local escort and joined RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe with the convoy
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW
56 A
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
with the convoy
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri
with JW 56 A
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
24th-31st
|
Skaalefiord
|
|
|
|
|
|
95. HMS HOUND
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
9th
|
Left Skaalefiord
for Leith to refit
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Leith, taken in hand
|
|
|
11th-31st
|
Leith, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
96. HMS HYDRA
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with RA 55 A
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Skaalefiord
for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 56 B
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
25th
|
Detached from convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
27th
|
Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. to Aberdeen
for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
|
|
|
28th-29th
|
Aberdeen for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
|
|
|
97. HMS LOYALTY
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord
for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
22nd
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
22nd-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
98. HMS ONYX
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord for Operation SF
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Skaalefiord
for Loch Ewe for local escort of JS 56 B
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B
|
|
|
27th
|
Detached from the convoy to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m. and sailing for Akureyri
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
28th-31st
|
Akureyri
|
|
|
|
|
|
99. HMS ORESTES
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Scapa
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Skaalefiord
with local escort and joined RA 55 B
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe with the convoy
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW
56 A
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Akureyri
with the convoy
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Akureyri
with JW 56 A
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
24th-31st
|
Skaalefiord
|
|
|
|
|
|
100. HMS RATTLESNAKE
|
|
|
1st-22nd
|
Clyde for repairs
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Clyde on completion to Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
24th-31st
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
101. HMS COCKATRICE
|
|
|
1st
|
Skaalefiord,
sailing p.m. for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
3rd
|
Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
16th-31st
|
Scapa
|
102. Ships detached to other Commands.
The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command for
Operations during the month:
|
Cruisers: |
|
|
GLASGOW |
1st-31st |
|
GAMBIA |
1st-30th |
|
|
|
|
Destroyers: |
|
|
HAIDA |
12th-31st |
|
IROQUOIS |
12th-31st |
|
ATHABASKAN |
17th-31st |
|
ASHANTI |
17th-31st |
103. Patrols Black and White
There were no Home Fleet ships on patrols BLACK (between
Iceland and the Faroes) or WHITE (in the Denmark
Straits) throughout January.
104. Changes of Flag
There were no changes of Flag in the Home Fleet during
January
105. Operation
S.F.
(Anti-U-boat patrols between Iceland and the Faroes)
There were no patrols in Operation S F during January and
the number of minesweepers of the Eighteenth Flotilla based on Skaalefiord for this operation was small (varying from two
to four) owing to the requirements of the North Russian convoys.
106. Operation
SEXTANT
(i) KING GEORGE V, screened by
ATHABASKAN and METEOR left Scapa on 8th for Gibraltar to bring the Prime
Minister, his family and staff back to the United Kingdom after his
convalescence in Morocco. ASHANTI from Moville joined the screen soon after
noon the following day and these destroyers remained with KING GEORGE V until
13th when they were relieved by ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, and BRILLIANT from
Gibraltar. The Home Fleet destroyers then proceeded to Horta
to fuel, arriving there the following day. KING GEORGE V and the second screen
arrived at Gibraltar p.m. 14th
(ii) The Prime Minister, his family and staff, joined the
ship at once and she left Gibraltar escorted by MAURITIUS and the second screen
at 0300 on 15th. The first screen (Home Fleet destroyers) left
Horta p.m. the same day and relieved ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, and
BRILLIANT (who returned to Gibraltar) a.m. 16th. Later on 16th GLASGOW from
Plymouth relieved MAURITIUS who also returned to Gibraltar. KING GEORGE V with
GLASGOW and the first screen arrived Plymouth late on 17th without incident and
the Prime Minister and his party was disembarked at once.
(iii) KING GEORGE V escorted by METEOR left Plymouth on 18th
and arrived Scapa two days later.
107. Operation F V
The final part of Operation FV (North Russian convoys for
December) took placed during the first in January when RA 55 A and RA 55 B
arrived in the United Kingdom without loss. Full details of these convoys were
included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for December 1943,
and the movements of individual Home Fleet ships are contained in the foregoing
paragraphs
108. Operation
F W
The first part of this operation, the passage of the two
outward bound convoys to North Russia (J W 56 A and J W 56 B) took placed during
January. Delays due to weather and determined U-boat attacks, which fully
occupied all escorts in North Russian waters during the passage of J W 56 B,
prevented either of the homeward bound convoys leaving North Russia before the
end of the month.
The weather and time of year were not so favourable as they
had been during previous months and some casualties were sustained. J W 56 A was
badly scattered on the third day out from Loch Ewe by a gale and had to put in
to Akureyri to reform. This resulted in four ships
returning to Loch Ewe with weather damage and a fifth dropping out at Akureyri also owing to weather damage. Later, in the better
light, U-boats picked up and shadowed the convoy in the Barents Sea, torpedoing
3 ships and damaging OBDURATE before the J W 56 A finally reached Kola Inlet.
J W 56 B was more fortunate; with it escort strengthened by
the Fleet destroyers from J W 56 A (less OBDURATE) from Bear Island onwards, the
convoy arrived in Kola Inlet intact; of the escorts HARDY was torpedoed and
sunk soon after joining the convoy.
Each convoy had the usual through escort of Home Fleet
destroyers and Western Approaches escort escorts. A Fleet minesweeper sailed
with J W 56 B. A cruiser force operating from Akureyri
covered both convoys but no Battle Squadron took part in the operation as the
danger of surface attack was confined to attack by destroyers since the sinking
of the SCHARNHORST
Detailed movements of the convoys and the forces taking part
were as follows:
(i)
J W 56 A, local and through escorts
|
12th
|
The convoy (20 ships) escorted by
INCONSTANT and CYGNET, (Western Approaches) and local escort of
|
|
|
WALLFLOWER and BORAGE (Western
Approaches), READY and ORESTES left Loch Ewe for North Russia
|
|
|
POPPY and DIANELLA left Loch Ewe and
joined the convoy.
|
|
|
HARDY left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
SAVAGE, STORD, VENUS, VIGILANT,
VIRAGO, OFFA, and OBDURATE left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
14th
|
HARDY arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
|
SAVAGE, STORD, VENUS, VIRAGO, and
OFFA arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
15th
|
CYGNET detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord with defective propeller
|
|
|
Convoy badly scattered in heavy gale
|
|
|
OBDURATE and VIGILANT arrived Seidisfiord having failed to contact the convoy
|
|
16th
|
CYGNET arrived Skaalefiord
with defects
|
|
|
SAVAGE and STORD left Seidisfiord to contact the convoy, making contact a.m.
|
|
|
Four merchant ships of the convoy
turned back to Loch Ewe.
|
|
|
HARDY, VENUS, OFFA, VIGILANT, VIRAGO,
and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord to join the convoy
|
|
17th
|
CYGNET left Skaalefiord
for Scapa
|
|
|
SAVAGE returned to Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing to join the convoy a.m.
|
|
|
One merchant ship arrived back at
Loch Ewe with weather damage
|
|
|
INCONSTANT arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to rejoin the convoy
|
|
|
All merchant ships and escorts
ordered to proceed to Akureyri
|
|
|
HARDY, VENUS, OFFA, SAVAGE, OBDURATE,
VIGILANT, and VIRAGO returned to Seidisfiord to
fuel
|
|
|
POPPY and DIANELLA arrived Seidisfiord to fuel
|
|
18th
|
HARDY, VENUS, SAVAGE, VIGILANT,
VIRAGO, OFFA, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord for Akureyri, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
SAVAGE, STORD, and INCONSTANT arrived
Akureyri
|
|
|
CYGNET arrived Scapa for repairs (and
for escort of JW 56 B)
|
|
|
16 merchant ships, READY, ORESTES,
BORAGE, and WALLFLOWER arrived Akureyri
|
|
|
POPPY and DIANELLA left Seidisfiord for Akureyri, arriving
p.m.
|
|
20th
|
Second merchant ship returned to Loch
Ewe with weather damage
|
|
21st
|
Convoy (15 ships) escorted by HARDY,
VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, SAVAGE, STORD, ORFA, OBDURATE,
|
|
|
INCONSTANT, POPPY, DIANELLA with
local escort of READY and ORESTES left Akureyri
|
|
|
One merchant ship with weather damage
remained at Akureyri with WALLFLOWER and BORAGE
|
|
22nd
|
Third merchant ship returned to Loch
Ewe with weather damage
|
|
|
BORAGE left Akureyri
for Londonderry.
|
|
|
READY and ORESTES detached from
convoy to Skaalefiord
|
|
23rd
|
Fourth merchant ship returned to Loch
Ewe with weather damage
|
|
24th
|
READY and ORESTES arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
Merchant ship with weather damage
left Akureyri, escorted by WALLFLOWER for Loch Ewe
|
|
25th
|
Convoy shadowed by U-boats
|
|
|
BORAGE arrived Londonderry
|
|
26th
|
Three merchant ships torpedoed and
sunk. OBDURATE damaged by gnat torpedo exploding close to the ship. Able to
keep up with the convoy
|
|
|
Local escort of Russian destroyers
and minesweepers sailed to join the convoy
|
|
27th
|
Local escort joined the convoy and
took over the White Sea section (9 ships)
|
|
|
Murmansk section (3 ships) with
through escort and Fleet destroyers arrived Kola Inlet (OBDURATE with action
damage)
|
|
|
One merchant ship from Akureyri arrived Loch Ewe, WALLFLOWER detached to
Londonderry.
|
|
29th
|
White Sea section and local escort
arrived Archangel
|
|
|
WALLFLOWER arrived Londonderry
|
(ii). J W 56 B local
and through escorts
|
22nd
|
The convoy (17 ships) escorted by
WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, CYGNET, RHODODENDRON, OXLIP (Western
|
|
|
Approaches) and SEAGULL with local
escort of WRESTLER and HONEYSUCKLE (Western Approaches), ONYX and HYDRA left
Loch Ewe for North Russia.
|
|
|
One merchant ship returned to Loch
Ewe for North Russia
|
|
|
MILNE left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
|
|
|
MUSKETEER, MAHRATTA, MATCHLESS,
OPPORTUNE, HURON, and SCOURGE left Scapa for Seidisfiord
|
|
24th
|
MILNE arrived Seidisfiord
from Loch Ewe
|
|
|
MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, MAHRATTA,
OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, and HURON arrived Seidisfiord
from Scapa,
|
|
|
MATCHLESS with defects to steering
gear, prevented her proceeding any further.
|
|
|
MAHRATTA and SCOURGE left Seidisfiord to contact the convoy
|
|
25th
|
WESTCOTT and WHITEHALL arrived Seidisfiord to fuel.
|
|
|
SCOURGE and MAHRATTA returned to Seidisfiord
|
|
26th
|
RHODODENDRON arrived Seidisfiord from the convoy for duty in the Western
Approaches Command
|
|
|
WESTCOTT and WHITEHALL left Seidisfiord and rejoined the convoy
|
|
|
METEOR left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
MILNE, MUSKETEER, MAHRATTA,
OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, and HURSON left Seidisfiord and
joined the convoy
|
|
|
WRESTLER and ONYX detached from
convoy to Seidisfiord.
|
|
|
HONEYSUCKLE detached from convoy to
the Clyde
|
|
|
HYDRA detached from convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
Convoy reported by enemy aircraft
|
|
27th
|
METEOR left Skaalefiord
to join the convoy
|
|
|
WRESTLER and ONYX arrived Seidisfiord
|
|
28th
|
RHODODENDRON left Seidisfiord
for the Clyde
|
|
|
MATCHLESS escorted by WRESTLER left Seidisfiord for Scapa
|
|
|
METEOR from Skaalefiord
joined the convoy
|
|
|
HARDY, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO,
SAVAGE, STORD, and OFFA left Kola Inlet to join JW 56 B
|
|
|
HYDRA arrived Scapa
|
|
29th
|
HONEYSUCKLE arrived Clyde
|
|
|
7 destroyers from Kola Inlet joined
JW 56 B
|
|
|
Convoy shadowed by U-boats and
aircraft
|
|
30th
|
MATCHLESS arrived Scapa, WRESTLER
detached to the Clyde
|
|
|
HARDY torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat
|
|
|
One U-boat probably sunk by OFFA and
INCONSTANT
|
|
31st
|
RHODODENDRON arrived Clyde
|
|
|
WRESTLER arrived Clyde
|
|
1st Feb
|
Convoy split. White Sea section (6
ships) proceeded with local escort from Kola Inlet
|
|
|
Murmansk section (10 ships) with
through escort and MILNE, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA,
|
|
|
OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, HURON, VENUS,
VIGILANT, VIRAGO, OFFA, SAVAGE, and STORD arrived Kola Inlet
|
|
2nd
|
Feb White Sea section (six ships) and
local escort arrived Archangel.
|
Force 1
|
11th
|
KENT left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW
56 A convoy conference, arriving p.m.
|
|
13th
|
KENT left Loch Ewe on completion and
returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
18th
|
KENT left Scapa for Akureyri
|
|
|
BERWICK and BERMUDA left Scapa for Akureyri
|
|
19th
|
KENT arrived Akureyri
|
|
20th
|
BERWICK and BERMUDA arrived Akureyri
|
|
23rd
|
Force 1 (KENT, BERWICK, and BERMUDA)
left Akureyri to cover JW 56 A and JW 56 B
|
|
|
BERWICK returned to Akureyri p.m. with defective dynamos
|
|
28th
|
Force 1 (KENT and BERMUDA returned to
Akureyri.
|
WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET
FEBRUARY 1944
(n.b. Summary of Operations at end
of month)
|
1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of
Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral,
Second in Command, Home Fleet)
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
12th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. HMS HOWE
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Devonport, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. HMS KING GEORGE V
|
|
|
1st-9th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Left Liverpool for refit
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand
|
|
|
10th-29th
|
Liverpool, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. HMS NELSON
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Clyde with reduced complement
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. HMS RODNEY
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Rosyth with reduced complement
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. HMS RAMILLIES
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Clyde for leave and minor repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. FS RICHELIEU
|
|
|
1st-13th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
25th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aircraft Carriers
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. HMS FURIOUS
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
12th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. HMS CHASER
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Clyde for exercises and for
Scapa for escort of JW 57
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Scapa for Operation FX with
BLACK PRINCE and two destroyers to join JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Cruiser Squadron
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Akureyri
for Operation F W
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Akureyri
with Force 1 for cover RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth to give leave
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Rosyth
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. HMS LONDON
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
Rosyth, refitting
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
to work up, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa on completion for the
Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for
Gibraltar
|
|
|
22nd
|
Arrived Gibraltar
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. HMS NORFOLK
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Tyne for refit and action damage
repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. HMS BERWICK
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Akureyri
for Operation F W
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left with Force 1 to cover RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa for Force 1 for cover JW
57
|
|
|
29th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. HMS CUMBERLAND
|
|
|
1st-17th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa on completion for Clyde
and for the Eastern Fleet
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for
Gibraltar.
|
|
|
22nd
|
Arrived Gibraltar
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. HMS DEVONSHIRE
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral
Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
12th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. HMS SHEFFIELD
|
|
|
1st-9th
|
Liverpool for repairs
|
|
|
9th
|
Left Liverpool on completion for
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
19. HMS GLASGOW
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for
Operations in the Bay Area
|
|
|
|
|
|
20. HMS BERMUDA
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Akureyri
for Operation F W
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Akureyri
with Force 1 to cover RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
9th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
21. HMS NIGERIA
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Clyde and for the Eastern
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
22. HMS JAMAICA
|
|
|
1st-12th
|
Rosyth for docking and leave
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Invergordon for exercises with Force S
|
|
|
13th
|
Arrived Invergordon
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Invergordon
for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Erriboll for special trials, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
19th
|
Left Loch Erriboll
on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW
57
|
|
|
29th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
23. HMS SCYLLA
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Chatham, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. ORP DRAGON
|
|
|
1st-7th
|
Clyde for bombardment training
|
|
|
7th
|
Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
8th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW
57
|
|
|
26th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
26th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cruisers attached for temporary duty
in the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
25. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear
Admiral, Escort Carriers)
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Clyde for Scapa
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
19th-29th
|
Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
26. HMS BLACK PRINCE
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Plymouth for Scapa and for
escort of JW 57
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
19th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 57
convoy conference, arriving, p.m.
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving
p.m.
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Scapa with CHASER and two
destroyers to join JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
27. HMS DIADEM
|
|
|
1st-20th
|
Clyde for jump trials
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Clyde for Scapa to continue
working up
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
21st-29th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minelayer attached for working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
28. HMS APOLLO
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Tyne for Scapa to work up
|
|
|
13th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
13th-29th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
29. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third
Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 57
convoy conference
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
30. HMS MARNE
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Scapa to work up
|
|
|
11th-29th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
31. HMS METEOR
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Scapa to join search for
Submarine STUBBORN, damaged off the Norwegian coast
|
|
|
19th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
32. HMS MATCHLESS
|
|
|
1st-13th
|
Scapa for repairs to steering gear
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU
for Rosyth
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Rosyth returning p.m. to
Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
33. HMS MUSKETEER
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56 B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Scapa to join search for
Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Lerwick
with STUBBORN
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Lerwick
for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
24th
|
Damaged in collision with BLYSKAWICA
|
|
|
25th
|
Left Scapa for Humber for refit and
repairs
|
|
|
26th
|
Arrived Humber, taken in hand
|
|
|
26th-29th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
34. HMS MAHRATTA
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet
a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
25th
|
Torpedoed and sunk by U-boat in
71-17N, 13-30E – 16 survivors picked up
|
|
|
|
|
|
35. HMCS IROQUOIS
|
|
|
1st-4th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for
operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
4th
|
Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
5th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth for
operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Plymouth for Halifax (Canada)
for refit
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Halifax, taken in hand
|
|
|
23rd-29th
|
Halifax, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
36. HMCS ATHABASKAN
|
|
|
1st-4th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for
Operations in the Bay Area
|
|
|
4th
|
Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
5th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth for
operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
15th-29th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command
|
|
|
|
|
|
37. HMCS HURON
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth for
operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
28th-29th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command
|
|
|
|
|
|
38. HMCS HAIDA
|
|
|
1st-4th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for
Operations in the Bay Area
|
|
|
4th
|
Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the
Home Fleet
|
|
|
5th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa for Plymouth for
Operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Plymouth
|
|
|
15th-29th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command
|
|
|
|
|
|
39. ORP PIORUN
|
|
|
1st-9th
|
Clyde, refitting
|
|
|
9th
|
Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa to work up
|
|
|
10th-29th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
40. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D)
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st-26th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
26th
|
Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
27th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
27th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
41. HMS OFFA
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
42. HMS ORIBI
|
|
|
1st-2nd
|
Falmouth, refitting
|
|
|
2nd
|
Left Falmouth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
4th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
43. HMS ONSLAUGHT
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
44. HMS OPPORTUNE
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for the
Clyde for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
19th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
45. HMS OBDURATE
|
|
|
1st-11th
|
Kola Inlet with action damage repairs
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Kola Inlet with VIRAGO for Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Tyne for refit
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
|
|
|
21st-29th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
46. HMS ORWELL
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
47. HMS OBEDIENT
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Skaalefiord
to join the convoy
|
|
|
6th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
48. HMS SAUMAREZ
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Tyne for action damage repairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
49. HMS SCORPION
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
50. HMS SAVAGE
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for
Humber for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Humber, taken in hand
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Humber on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
51. HMS SCOURGE
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU
for Rosyth
|
|
|
14th
|
Arrived Rosyth with RICHELIEU,
returning p.m. to Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Scapa to join search for
Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast
|
|
|
20th
|
Arrived Lerwick
with STUBBORN
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Lerwick
for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
21st-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
52. HNorMS
STORD
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
10th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53. HMS SWIFT
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Skaalefiord
to join the convoy
|
|
|
6th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Scapa to join search for
Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast
|
|
|
19th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
54. HMS SERAPIS (Captain (D) Twenty
Third Destroyer Flotilla, temporarily)
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
for Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and joined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
55. HMS VENUS
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for
Rosyth for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Invergordon
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Invergordon
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Invergordon
for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
19th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
56. HMS VIGILANT (Captain (D) Twenty
sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JS 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
7th
|
Detached from convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
9th
|
Arriving Scapa, sailing p.m. for
Clyde for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Scapa with CHASER and BLACK
PRINCE to join JW 57 and for Operation FX
|
|
|
22nd
|
Joined JW 57, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
23rd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and rejoined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
57. HMS VIRAGO
|
|
|
1st-11th
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola
Inlet a.m. with the convoy
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Kola Inlet with OBDURATE for
Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler
cleaning
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
24th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
escorting RICHELIEU
|
|
|
25th
|
Arrived Scapa with RICHELIEU
|
|
|
25th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
58. HMS VERULAM
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Skaalefiord
to join the convoy
|
|
|
6th
|
Joined escort of RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Scapa with BLACK PRINCE and
CHASER to join JW 57 and for Operation FX
|
|
|
22nd
|
Joined JW 57, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
23rd
|
Left Skaalefiord
and rejoined JF 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other destroyers attached to the Home
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
59. HMS ESKIMO
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
60. HMS ASHANTI
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Detached to Plymouth Command for
Operations in the Bay area
|
|
|
|
|
|
61. HMS TARTAR
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Devonport, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
62. HMS IMPULSIVE
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN
|
|
|
12th
|
Returned to Scapa
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for
Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord and joined JW
57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
63. ORP BLYSKAWICA
|
|
|
1st-6th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
6th
|
Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Diverted to join UR 108
|
|
|
9th
|
Returned to Scapa with defects
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
|
|
|
13th
|
Arrived Hvalfiord
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Hvalfiord for Belfast with
U.S. Troopship
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Belfast
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
24th
|
Damaged in collision with MUSKETEER
|
|
|
24th-29th
|
Scapa, damaged
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
64. HMS WHITEHALL
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the
convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
65. HMS WESTCOTT
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the
convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
66. HMS INCONSTANT
|
|
|
1st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
11th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
67. HMS WRESTLER
|
|
|
4th
|
Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for
local escort of RA 56
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
68. HMS KEPPEL
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of
JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
69. HMS BEAGLE
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of
JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord for fuel,
sailing p.m. to rejoin the convoy
|
|
|
22nd
|
Rejoined JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
70. HMS BOADICEA
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of
JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
71. HMS WALKER
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of
JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
72. HMS WANDERER
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for
Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord to support
escort of JW 57
|
|
|
26th
|
Detached from convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
73. HMS WATCHMAN
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for
Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord to support
escort of JW 57
|
|
|
26th
|
Detached from convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
74. HMS TERPSICHORE
|
|
|
1st-16th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa for the Clyde and for the escort of KMF 29
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Clyde with KMF 29
|
|
|
|
|
|
75. HMS ULYSSES
|
|
|
1st-14th
|
Liverpool for minor repairs
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
16th-29th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
|
|
|
76. HMS URANIA
|
|
|
1st-16th
|
Scapa, working up
|
|
|
16th
|
Left Scapa for Clyde and for escort of KMF 29
|
|
|
17th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Clyde with KMF 29
|
|
|
|
|
|
77. HMCS CHAUDIERE
|
|
|
1st
|
Scapa, sailing p.m. on completion of working up, to
Londonderry
|
|
|
2nd
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frigates temporarily attached for Duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
78. HMS STRULE (Senior Officer, Escort Group B 1)
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for
Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord to support
convoy JW 57
|
|
|
26th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
79. HMS BYRON
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for
Operation FX
|
|
|
21st
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Left Skaalefiord to support
convoy JW 57
|
|
|
26th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corvettes temporarily attached for duty with the Home
Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
80. HMS POPPY
|
|
|
1st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
81. HMS DIANELLA
|
|
|
1st
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
18th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
24th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
82. HMS OXLIP
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving a.m. at Kola Inlet with the
convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
83. HMS WALLFLOWER
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Londonderry for Skaalefiord
and for local escort of RA 56
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
84. HMS BORAGE
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Londonderry for Skaalefiord
and for local escort of RA 56
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
|
|
|
85. HMS HONEYSUCKLE
|
|
|
4th
|
Left Clyde for Skaalefiord and
for local escort of RA 56
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Clyde
|
|
|
12th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
86. HMS BLUEBELL
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
87. HMS CAMELLIA
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
88. HMS RHODODENDRON
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
89. HMS LOTUS
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with JW 57
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57
|
|
|
29th
|
Kola Inlet
|
|
|
|
|
|
90. HMS BURDOCK
|
|
|
18th
|
Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Loch Ewe
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sloop temporarily attached for Duty with the Home Fleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
91. HMS CYGNET
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the
convoy
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
10th
|
Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Clyde
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Minesweeping Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
92. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping
Flotilla
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Humber, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
93. HMS SEAGULL
|
|
|
1st
|
At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the
convoy
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
93. HMS BRITOMART
|
|
|
1st
|
29th Devonport, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
95. HMS HUSSAR
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
North Russia
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
96. HMS SPEEDWELL
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
North Russia
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
97. HMS GLEANER
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
North Russia
|
|
|
|
|
|
98. HMS HALCYON
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
North Russia
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Kola Inlet with RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
15th
|
Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
28th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
99. HMS SALAMANDER
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Tyne, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
100. HMS JASON
|
|
|
1st-15th
|
Portsmouth, refitting
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Portsmouth on completion for Invergordon
for exercises with Force S
|
|
|
19th
|
Arrived Invergordon
|
|
|
28th
|
Left Invergordon for Scapa,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
101. HMS SPEEDY
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Sheerness, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
|
|
|
|
|
|
102. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping
Flotilla
|
|
|
1st-8th
|
Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord with local
escort to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
13th
|
Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
14th
|
Left Scapa for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
25th
|
Left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
25th-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
103. HMS HOUND
|
|
|
1st-29th
|
Leith, refitting
|
|
|
|
|
|
104. HMS HYDRA
|
|
|
1st-10th
|
Aberdeen for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m. for local escort of
JW 57
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat
patrol
|
|
|
|
|
|
105. HMS LOYALTY
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord with local
escort and joined RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrol under Commander in
Chief, Western Approaches
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Loch Ewe
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
21st
|
Detached to Scapa with defects, arriving a.m.
|
|
|
21st-29th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
106. HMS ONYX
|
|
|
1st-3rd
|
Akureyri
|
|
|
3rd
|
Left Akureyri for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
10th
|
Left Skaalefiord for Aberdeen
for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
11th
|
Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
|
|
|
27th
|
Left Aberdeen on completion for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
29th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing
p.m. for anti-U-boat patrol
|
|
|
|
|
|
107. HMS ORESTES
|
|
|
1st-2nd
|
Skaalefiord
|
|
|
2nd
|
Left Skaalefiord for Aberdeen
for boiler cleaning
|
|
|
3rd
|
Arrived Aberdeen on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
15th
|
Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa
|
|
|
16th
|
Arrived Scapa
|
|
|
17th
|
Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat
patrol
|
|
|
|
|
|
108. HMS RATTLESNAKE
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord with local
escort to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrol under Commander in
Chief, Western Approaches
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Loch Ewe
|
|
|
20th
|
Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57
|
|
|
22nd
|
Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord
|
|
|
23rd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Skaalefiord to Scapa
|
|
|
|
|
|
109. HMS COCKATRICE
|
|
|
1st-5th
|
Scapa
|
|
|
5th
|
Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
6th
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
8th
|
Left Skaalefiord with local
escort to join RA 56
|
|
|
9th
|
Joined RA 56
|
|
|
11th
|
Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
12th
|
Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrols under Commander in
Chief, Western Approaches
|
|
|
17th
|
Returned to Loch Ewe
|
|
|
21st
|
Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
22nd
|
Arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
29th
|
Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat
patrol
|
110. Ships detached to other Commands.
The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command during
February for Operations in the Bay of Biscay area.
|
Cruisers:
|
|
|
GLASGOW
|
1st-29th
|
|
|
|
|
Destroyers:
|
|
|
TARTAR
|
1st-29th, refitting
|
|
HURON
|
18th-29th
|
|
HAIDA
|
1st-4th and 15th-29th
|
|
ASHANTI
|
1st-29th
|
|
IROQUOIS
|
1st-4th and 15th-29th
|
|
ATHABASKAN
|
1st-4th and 15th-29th
|
111. Patrols Black and White
There were no Home Fleet ships on patrols BLACK (between
Iceland and the Faroes) or WHITE (in the Denmark
Straits) during February
112. Changes of Flag
|
19th
|
Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers) transferred from TYNE to
BLACK PRINCE |
|
19th
|
Broad Pendant of Commodore R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, hoisted in
TYNE as Commodore (D), Home Fleet Destroyers |
|
23rd
|
Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
transferred from KENT to BERMUDA |
|
29th
|
Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
transferred tom BERMUDA to KENT |
113. Operation
S.F.
(Anti-U-boat patrols between Iceland and the Faroes)
Owing to the requirements for minesweepers for local escorts
to North Russian convoys and of special operations exercises there were no minesweepers
available to carry out Operation SF from Skaalefiord
until the last day of the month when HYDRA, ORESTES, ONYX, and COCKATRICE
sailed from there for a short patrol before being required for the local escort
of RA 57.
The operation was conducted by the Commander in Chief,
Rosyth and air cooperation provided by 18 Group.
Earlier in the month, LOYALTY, RATTLESNAKE, and COCKATRICE
carried out a short anti-U-boat patrol of days in the Western Approaches under
the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches. They were at the time
based on Loch Ewe waiting to act as local escort of J W 57. No attacks were
reported.
114. Operation
POSTHORN
Operation POSTHORN, the object of which was to attack
shipping on the Norwegian coast between Stadlandet
and Yteroerne with carrier borne aircraft, was
carried out by a battle squadron consisting of ANSON (Vice Admiral, Second in
Command), FS RICHELIEU, FURIOUS, BELFAST, and NIGERIA, screened by IROQUOIS,
SERAPIS, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, HAIDA, and ATHABASKAN.
The Force left Scapa a.m. on the 10th and proceeded to the
North East, arriving in the flying off position at 0900A the following day.
Extra fighter and A/S air escort for the force was provided by 18 Group.
10 Barracudas, escorted by 12 Seafires
were flown off from FURIOUS. The weather was suitable to flying but cloud
conditions were poor for dive bombing. No shipping targets were found under way
and attacks were therefore directed at a ship found beached in two halves in Ervik Bay. This ship, probably the ENSLAND of 5200 had been
prepared for towing and at least 4 bomb hits on each part of the vessel were
confirmed.
Fighter opposition of at least two FW 190s and 3 ME 109s
were airborne before the arrival of the striking group. They were engaged by Seafires who claim 1 shot down, 1 probably and 2 damaged;
we lost one Seafire. Only light flak was experienced
and the remainder of the striking force returned safely. The Squadron was
reported by enemy aircraft, but was not shadowed for any length of time. It
arrived back at Scapa a.m. on 12th.
115. Operation
BAYLEAF
This operation was planned as a repetition of operation
POSTHORN to attack shipping in the Norwegian Leads between Lepso
Island, 62-40N and Edo Island 63-15N by carrier borne aircraft, with a Squadron
consisting of FURIOUS, SHEFFIELD and BERMUDA, screened by MUSKETEER, OPPORTUNE,
VENUS, SCOURGE, STORD, and BLYSKAWICA.
The force sailed on 24th to carry out the operation as
planned, but owing to a collision between MUSKETEER and BLYSKAWICA while
leaving Scapa, it returned to harbour a.m. the same day until more destroyers
could be made available.
Thereafter the weather forecasts were consistently bad and
on 28th the operation finally had to be finally cancelled owing to other
commitments of the force concerned.
116. Towing of the Submarine STUBBORN
After a most successful patrol off the Norwegian coast
during which she attacked two convoys, claiming 4 hits on three targets in the
first and three hits on two targets in the second, strong counter attacks were
made on the STUBBORN and after over 70 depth charges had been dropped, she was
badly damaged and unable to steer or dive in position 64-12N 05-34E p.m. on
14th
MUSKETEER and SCOURGE left Scapa early on 15th to locate
STUBBORN and escort her, and the Norwegian minesweeper NARVIK left Lerwick at the same time to take the submarine in tow.
METEOR and SWIFT followed soon afterwards from Scapa. Catalinas
and Beaufighters from 18 Group established a
continuous daylight patrol in the area. P.m. on the 15th STUBBORN reported her
position at 64-20N, 5-50E drifting on a course of 20 degrees at ¾ knot.
The submarine was finally located and taken in tow by
MUSKETEER, with SCOURGE in company on the 17th. The tow parted frequently and STUBBORN's course was dictated by the weather. METEOR and
SWIFT joined her p.m. and NARVIK, early the next day.
METEOR and SWIFT were detached p.m. 18th to Scapa, and
NARVIK to Lerwick where they all arrived the
following day. MUSKETEER had STUBBORN in tow throughout the 19th though the tow
parted frequently and later STUBBORN proceeded under her own power; she arrived
at Lerwick, escorted by MUSKETEER and SCOURGE early
on the 20th
117. Operation
FW
The second part of Operation FW – the passage of RA 56
to the United Kingdom took place at the beginning of February and was completed
with loss to the convoy or escort. The first pat of the operation (the passage
of the two outward bound convoy) was included in the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet's War Diary for January 1944.
Two convoy of 39 ships left Kola Inlet on the 3rd, at 9
½ knots, arrived in United Kingdom ports on 11th. Two ships were unable
to maintain the speed of the convoy and returned to Kola Inlet with the local
escort.
The convoy was strongly escorted by all the Fleet destroyer
and Western Approaches escorts of JW 56A and JW 56B together with three Fleet
minesweepers, returning from North Russia. This escort was further reinforced
by three Fleet destroyers from Scapa in the Bear Island area.
A cruiser force, operated from Akureyri,
covered the convoy between 28 and 5 degrees east keeping to the westward of
15E. No battle Squadron took part as the surface threat was confined to
destroyers.
Detailed movements of the convoy and Force 1 were as
follows.
RA 56 local and through escorts
|
2nd
|
VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
|
|
3rd
|
The convoy (39 ships) escorted by INCONSTANT, CYGNET,
POPPY, DIANELLA, WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, RHODODENDRON, and OXLIP (Western
Approaches), SAVAGE, STORD, MILNE, VENUS, VIGILANT, OFFA, MUSKETEER, METEOR,
MAHRATTA, OPPORTUNE, HURON, SCOURGE, SPEEDWELL, HUSSAR, and HALCYON and local
escort of SEAGULL and GLEANER left Kola Inlet for United Kingdom.
|
|
|
VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT left Skaalefiord
to rendezvous with RA 56 in the Bear Island area.
|
|
4th
|
HONEYSUCKLE left Clyde for Skaalefiord.
|
|
|
WALLFLOWER and BORAGE left Londonderry for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
WRESTLER left Clyde for Skaalefiord
|
|
5th
|
Two merchant ships of the convoy, unable to maintain 9
½ knots, returned to Kola Inlet with the Local escort
|
|
6th
|
WALLFLOWER and BORAGE arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
WRESTLER and HONEYSUCKLE arrived Skaalefiord
|
|
|
VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT joined the convoy
|
|
7th
|
OPPORTUNE, OFFA, VENUS, VIGILANT, and SAVAGE detached from
the convoy to Scapa
|
|
8th
|
Convoy reported and shadowed by enemy aircraft
|
|
|
Local escort (READY, RATTLESNAKE, WALLFLOWER, BORAGE,
WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE, COCKATRICE, and LOYALTY) left Skaalefiord
to join the convoy
|
|
9th
|
Local escort joined the convoy
|
|
|
MILNE, STORD, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA, HURON, SCOURGE,
VERULAM, OBEDIENT, SWIFT, and INCONSTANT detached to Scapa
|
|
|
OPPORTUNE, OFFA, VENUS, VIGILANT, and SAVAGE arrived Scapa
|
|
10th
|
Convoy arrived off Cape Wrath and proceeded direct to
ports of destination.
|
|
|
MILNE, STORD, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA, HURON, SCOURGE,
OBEDIENT, SWIFT, VERULAM, and INCONSTANT arrived Scapa
|
|
|
SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, and HUSSAR detached from convoy to
Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
11th
|
Convoy arrived at United Kingdom ports.
|
|
|
RATTLESNAKE, COCKATRICE, LOYALTY, and READY arrived Loch
Ewe
|
|
|
WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE, CYGNET, WHITEHALL, WESTCOTT,
RHODENDRON, and OXLIP detached from the convoy to the Clyde, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
BORAGE, WALLFLOWER, POPPY, and DIANELLA detached from the
convoy to Londonderry, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
INCONSTANT left Scapa for the Clyde
|
|
12th
|
INCONSTANT arrived Clyde
|
Force One
|
3rd
|
Force 1 (KENT, BERWICK, and BERMUDA) left Akureyri to cover the convoy between meridians 28E and 5
E keeping to west of 15E.
|
|
5th
|
Arrived in covering area
|
|
7th
|
Left covering area for Scapa
|
|
9th
|
Force 1 returned to Scapa
|
127. Operation
F X
The first part of this operation, the passage of the outward
bound convoy to North Russia (JW 57) took place towards the end of February.
Weather on the whole favoured the convoy although it hampered flying operations
of the escort carrier which accompanied it.
The convoy of 43 ships and 6 Russian light craft left Loch
Ewe on the 20th. The Murmansk section (33 ships and 6 Russian light craft)
arrived at Kola Inlet on 28th and the White Sea section (10 ships) anchored off
the mouth of the Dvina 24 hours later. The convoy suffered no loss or damage.
Of the escorting forces the only casualty was MAHRATTA who was torpedoed and
sunk by a U-boat.
The convoy was strongly escorted by 14 Fleet Destroyers and
the usual Western Approaches escorts. In addition a 5.25in cruiser (BLACK PRINCE
flying the Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) was included in the screen, an
escort carrier (CHASER) accompanied the convoy and a Western Approaches Support
Group (B 1) remained with the convoy as far as the Bear Island area. A cruiser
force operated from Scapa, but no Battle Squadron took part as the surface
threat was confined to enemy destroyers. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol
off the North Coast of Norway
The detailed movements of the convoy and Force 1 were as
follows:
JW 57 local and through escorts
|
20th
|
The convoy (43 ships and 6 Russian light craft) escorted
by KEPPEL, BOADICEA, BEAGLE, WALKER, BLUEBELL, CAMELLIA, LOTUS, and
RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) with local escort of BURDOCK and DIANELLA
(Western Approaches, RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, LOYALTY, and HYDRA left Loch Ewe
for North Russia.
|
|
|
COCKATRICE unable to sail with local escort owing to
defects
|
|
|
BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) left Loch Ewe for
Scapa, arriving p.m.
|
|
|
MILNE left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord
|
|
|
SERAPIS, MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT,
METEOR, MAHRATTA, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, and SAVAGE left Scapa for Skaalefiord
|
|
21st
|
SERAPIS and ten destroyers from Scapa arriving Skaalefiord.
|
|
|
MILNE arrived Skaalefiord.
|
|
|
BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)), CHASER, VERULAM,
and VIGILANT left Scapa to join the convoy
|
|
|
LOYALTY detached from local escort to Scapa, with defects,
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
Support Group B 1 (STRULE (Senior Officer)), BYRON,
WATCHMAN, and WANDERER) left Scapa for Skaalefiord
arriving p.m.
|
|
|
BEAGLE detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord
to fuel, sailing again p.m. and rejoining the convoy
|
|
22nd
|
BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) and CHASER joined
the convoy. VERULAM and VIGILANT detached to Skaalefiord,
arriving p.m. and sailing again later to rejoin the convoy
|
|
|
MILNE, SERAPIS, MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA,
SWIFT, METEOR, MAHRATTA, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, and SAVAGE together with Support
Group B 1 left Skaalefiord a.m. and joined JW 57.
|
|
|
RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and HYDRA detached from the convoy
to Skaalefiord.
|
|
|
BURDOCK detached from the convoy to the Clyde
|
|
|
DIANELLA detached from the convoy to Londonderry
|
|
23rd
|
VERULAM and VIGILANT rejoined the convoy
|
|
|
RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and HYDRA rejoined the convoy
|
|
|
Enemy aircraft sighted and reported the convoy
|
|
24th
|
DIANELLA arrived Londonderry
|
|
|
BURDOCK arrived Clyde
|
|
25th
|
Convoy shadowed by enemy aircraft
|
|
|
U-boat sunk by A/S air escort Catalina
|
|
|
MAHRATTA torpedoed and sunk in 71-17N, 13-30E, only 16
survivors picked up
|
|
26th
|
Support Group B 1 detached to Skaalefiord
|
|
28th
|
Convoy split into two sections – White Sea section
(10 ships) proceeded with local escort (2 Russian destroyers and 4 Russian
minesweepers). Murmansk section (33 ships and 6 Soviet Light Craft) arrived
Kola Inlet with all through escort (less MAHRATTA)
|
|
29th
|
White Sea section (10 ships) arrived off the Dvina with
the local escort
|
|
1st March
|
Support Group B 1 arrived Skaalefiord,
STRULE, WATCHMAN, and BYRON with weather damage
|
Force One
|
24th
|
Force One (BERWICK, JAMAICA, and DRAGON) left Scapa to
cover the convoy between the meridians of 15E and 3 ½ E keeping to
westward of 15E
|
|
25th
|
DRAGON detached to Scapa
|
|
26th
|
DRAGON arrived Scapa
|
|
|
Remainder of Force One arrived in covering area
|
|
27th
|
Force One left covering area for Scapa
|
|
29th
|
Force One arrived Scapa
|
|
