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

 

Home Fleet Operations September 1939 to April 1942

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

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

MARCH 1944

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

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-13th	Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Clyde
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	16th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 1 for cover JW 58
	31st	At sea covering JW 58
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZH, arriving p.m.
	8th	Left Port ZH for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 1 for cover convoy JW 58
	31st	At sea covering JW 58
3. HMS KING GEORGE V
	1st-31st	Liverpool, refitting
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-31st	Devonport, refitting
5. HMS NELSON
	1st-30th	Clyde for training duties
	30th	Left Clyde for Rosyth to exchange guns
	31st	On passage to Rosyth
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st-29th	Rosyth
	29th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	30th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Scapa
7. HMS WARSPITE
	16th	Arrived Rosyth for docking and to join the Home Fleet, taken in hand
	16th-31st	Rosyth for docking and repairs
8. HMS RAMILLIES
	1st-4th	Clyde
	4th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking
	13th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	13th-31st	Rosyth for docking and repairs.
9. FS RICHELIEU
	1st-14th	Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet, sailing p.m.
Aircraft Carriers attached to Second Battle Squadron
10. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-30th	Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea on operation TUNGSTEN
11. HMS VICTORIOUS
	1st-7th	Liverpool for repairs
	7th	Left Liverpool on completion for Clyde to work up, arriving p.m.
	24th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	At sea with Force 1
12. HMS INDEFATIGABLE
	14th	Left Rosyth on completion for the Clyde to work up
	15th	Arrived Clyde
	15th-31st	Clyde, working up under Flag Officer Carrier Training
Escort Carriers (Under Rear Admiral Escort Carriers)
13. HMS PURSUER
	1st-17th	Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
14. HMS EMPEROR
	1st-17th	Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
15. HMS SEARCHER
	1st-17th	Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
16. HMS FENCER
	1st-17th	Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
17. HMS CHASER
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with escorts of RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa in tow for Rosyth for weather damage repairs
	18th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	18th-31st	Rosyth for repairs
18. HMS HUNTER
	1st	Arrived Scapa for Clyde
	21st	Left Scapa for Belfast
	22nd	Arrived Belfast
	22nd-31st	Belfast
19. HMS TRACKER
	25th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe and duty with JW 58
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa to join escort of JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
20. HMS ACTIVITY
	25th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe and duty with JW 58
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa to join escort of JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
First Cruiser Squadron
21. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-31st	Scapa
22. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-31st	Tyne, refitting
23. HMS BERWICK
	1st-27th	Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	31st	Scapa
24. HMS DEVONSHIRE
	1st-29th	Tyne, refitting
	29th	Left Tyne for Rosyth for tilt test, arriving p.m.
	31st	Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
25. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
	1st	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	2nd	Arrived Clyde
	5th	Left Scapa for Scapa
	6th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	At sea with Force 1
26. HMS SHEFFIELD
	1st-4th	Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	5th	Arrived Clyde
	11th	Left Clyde for Scapa on completion
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
27. HMS GLASGOW
	1st-14th	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area
	14th	Left Plymouth for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	15th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth for Operations in the Bay area
	26th	Arrived Plymouth
	26th-31st	Plymouth
28. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for exercises and Loch Ewe
	9th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	12th	Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Tyne for refit
	28th	Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
	28th-31st	Tyne, refitting
29. HMS JAMAICA
	1st	Left Scapa for Port ZH, arriving p.m.
	11th	Left Port ZH for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	13th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave, arriving p.m.
	17th	Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
30. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-31st	Chatham, refitting
31. ORP DRAGON
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for bombardment exercises
	8th	Arrived Portsmouth
	17th	Left Portsmouth on completion for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Portland for exercises with Force 6
	31st	Arrived Portland
32. HMS BLACK PRINCE
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	7th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment trials
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth
	25th	Arrived Plymouth for operations in the Bay area
	25th-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command
33. HMS BELLONA
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area.
	31st	Left Plymouth for Clyde for bombardment exercises
34. HMS DIADEM
	1st-4th	Scapa, working up
	4th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	5th	Arrived Clyde
	10th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 58 Convoy Conference, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
Cruiser Administered by Rear Admiral Escort Carriers
35. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers)
	1st-17th	Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
Cruiser temporarily attached.
36. USS MILWAUKEE
	26th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58 for North Russia and transfer to the Soviet Navy
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
Fast Minelayer attached to the Home Fleet for working up
37. HMS APOLLO
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
	15th	Left Scapa on completion for Port ZA for practice lay
	16th	Arrived Port ZA
	19th	Left Port ZA for practice lay and for Plymouth
	24th	Arrived Plymouth to join Plymouth Command
	24th-31st	Plymouth Command
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
38. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
39. HMS MARNE
	1st-14th	Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU to the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde with RICHELIEU, sailing p.m. with screen of RICHELIEU for Gibraltar
	18th	Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE to the Clyde
	22nd	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
40. HMS METEOR
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	7th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	11th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	18th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	29th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord.
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
41. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa with DUKE OF YORK for the Clyde
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	16th	Left Clyde with DUKE OF YORK for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	22nd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	28th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	29th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord.
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
42. HMS MUSKETEER
	1st-31st	Humber, refitting
43. ORP PIORUN
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	5th	Arrived Plymouth
	13th	Left Plymouth on completion for the Clyde
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	15th	Left Clyde with screen of RICHELIEU for Gibraltar
	18th	Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE for the Clyde
	22nd	Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
Tenth Destroyer Flotilla
44. HMS TARTAR (Captain (D) Tenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay area
45. HMS ASHANTI
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay are
46. HMS ESKIMO
	1st-31st	Humber, refitting
47. HMCS IROQUOIS
	1st-31st	Halifax, refitting
48. HMCS ATHABASKAN
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area
49. HMCS HURON
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area
50. HMCS HAIDA
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
51. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	5th	Arrived Plymouth
	13th	Left Plymouth on completion for Moville
	14th	Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to join screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth
	16th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
52. HMS OFFA
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy with CHASER to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	17th	Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. to join escort of ROYALIST and Escort Carrier Squadron from Clyde to Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa with Escort Carrier Squadron
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
53. HMS ORIBI
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa with RAMILLIES for Rosyth
	13th	Arrived Rosyth with RAMILLIES.
	14th	Left Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE for the Clyde
	15th	Detached to Scapa, arriving a.m.
	21st	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	23rd	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
54. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy with CHASER for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa with RICHELIEU for the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde, sailing with screen of RICHELIEU to Gibraltar
	18th	Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE for the Clyde
	21st	Arrived Clyde and for boiler cleaning, taken in hand
	28th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	29th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 for cover JW 58
	31st	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
55. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	5th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	6th	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command
	8th	Arrived Plymouth
	14th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JS 58
56. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-31st	Tyne, refitting
57. HMS ORWELL
	1st-17th	Humber, refitting
	17th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
58. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy with CHASER to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	17th	Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. to join escort of ROYALIST and Escort Carrier Squadron from Clyde to Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa with Escort Carrier Squadron
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
59. HMS SERAPIS (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	18th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	24th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa and join escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe arriving Scapa p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa with two cruiser and two escort carriers to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
60. HMS SAUMAREZ
	1st-18th	Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
	18th	Left Tyne for Rosyth, arriving p.m. on completion of repairs
	20th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	21st	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 58 Convoy Conference, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with convoy JW 58
61. HMS SCORPION
	1st-4th	Humber, refitting
	4th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command
	8th	Arrived Plymouth
	18th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	25th	Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving Scapa p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving a.m., sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
62. HMS SAVAGE
	1st	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	14th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	16th	Left Scapa and joined screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and sailing for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa with escort carrier Squadron
	21st	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	22nd	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	22nd-31st	Humber, refitting
63. HMS SCOURGE
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	8th	Left Invergordon on completion for Dundee for exercises with Ninth Submarine Flotilla
	9th	Arrived Dundee
	13th	Left Dundee for Humber to refit
	14th	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	14th-31st	Humber, refitting
64. HMS SWIFT
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	7th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning
	11th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	19th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	25th	Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
65. HNorMS STORD
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	5th	Arrived Plymouth
	13th	Left Plymouth for Moville
	14th	Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to join screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth
	16th	Arrived Rosyth with WARSPITE, sailing p.m. to Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with HUNTER for the Clyde
	22nd	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
66. HNorMS SVENNER
	1st-21st	Clyde, completing
	21st	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to work up
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
	22nd-31st	Scapa, working up
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
67. HMS HMS VIGILANT (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	8th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	14th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	20th	Left Scapa for Dundee for exercises with Ninth Submarine Flotilla, arriving p.m.
	22nd	Left Dundee on completion for Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
68. HMS VENUS
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	5th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	6th	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command
	8th	Arrived Plymouth
	14th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving Scapa p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
69. HMS VIRAGO
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	5th	Arrived Plymouth
	12th	Left Plymouth on completion for Portsmouth for alterations, arriving p.m. and taken in hand
	27th	Left Portsmouth on completion for Scapa
	29th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
70. HMS VERULAM
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	7th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning
	11th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	19th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
71. HMCS ALGONQUIN
	5th	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	6th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
72. HMCS SIOUX
	6th	Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
Other Destroyers attached for duty with the Home Fleet
73. HMS IMPULSIVE
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	7th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	11th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	18th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	23rd	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
74. ORP BLYSKAWICA
	1st-2nd	Scapa, damaged
	2nd	Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs
	3rd	Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
	3rd-31st	Tyne for repairs
Destroyers temporarily attached for North Russia Convoy duties
75. HMS KEPPEL
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to the Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	27th	Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
76. HMS BOADICEA
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to the Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	27th	Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
77. HMS WALKER
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to the Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	27th	Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
78. HMS BEAGLE
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to Scapa to fuel, arriving and sailing p.m. for the Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	27th	Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group for JW 58
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	29th	Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
79. HMS WATCHMAN
	1st	At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage
	4th	Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
80. HMS WANDERER
	1st	At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage
	2nd	Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry
	3rd	Arrived Londonderry
81. HMS WESTCOTT
	26th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
82. HMS INCONSTANT
	26th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
83. HMS WHITEHALL
	26th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
84. HMS WRESTLER
	26th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
Destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up
85. HMS ULYSSES
	1st-12th	Scapa, working up
	12th	Left Scapa for Liverpool for repairs
	13th	Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand
	23rd	Left Liverpool on completion for Moville for H/F D/F calibration
	24th	Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa with BERWICK for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	31st	Scapa
86. HMS URSA
	6th	Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
87. HMS UNDAUNTED
	4th	Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	30th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58
	31st	Joined screen of Force 1
88. HMS JAVELIN
	6th	Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58
	31st	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
89. HMS WAKEFUL
	4th	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S
	28th	Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	31st	At sea with Force 2
90. HHMS SALAMIS
	29th	Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up
	30th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Scapa, working up
Sloops and Frigates temporarily attached for North Russian Convoys duties
91. HMS STRULE (Senior Officer, Escort Group B 1)
	1st	At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage
	4th	Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
92. HMS BYRON
	1st	At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
	2nd	Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry
	3rd	Arrived Londonderry
93. HMS STARLING
	24th	Arrived Scapa for Support Group with JW 58
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
94. HMS WILD GOOSE
	24th	Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
95. HMS WREN
	24th	Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
96. HMS MAGPIE
	24th	Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
97. HMS WHIMBREL
	24th	Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58
	28th	Left Scapa to join JW 58
	29th	Joined JW 58
	29th-31st	At sea with JW 58
Corvettes temporary duty with North Russian convoys duties
98. HMS BLUEBELL
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58
	26th	Left Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
99. HMS CAMELLIA
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to Milford Haven
	10th	Arrived Milford Haven
100. HMS RHODODENDRON
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
101. HMS LOTUS
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from convoy to Londonderry
	10th	Arrived Londonderry
	25th	Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
102. HMS HONEYSUCKLE
	25th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	27th-31st	At sea with JW 58
103. HMS STARWORT
	26th	Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with JW 58
	29th	Detached from convoy to Londonderry
	30th	Arrived Londonderry
First Minesweeping Flotilla
104. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-7th	Humber, refitting
	7th	Left Humber on completion for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
105. HMS SEAGULL
	1st-2nd	North Russia
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	9th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	11th	Left Scapa for Leith for boiler cleaning
	12th	Arrived Leith, taken in hand
	22nd	Left Leith on completion for Inverness
	23rd	Arrived Inverness
	24th-31st	Inverness
106. HMS BRITOMART
	1st-3rd	Devonport, refitting
	3rd	Left Devonport on completion for Scapa
	6th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
107. HMS HUSSAR
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness
	23rd	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
108. HMS SPEEDWELL
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
109. HMS GLEANER
	1st-2nd	Kola Inlet
	2nd	Left Kola Inlet with RA 57
	10th	Arrived Loch Ewe with survivors from S.S. EMPIRE TOURIST, sailing a.m. for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	11th	Left Scapa for Leith for boiler cleaning
	12th	Arrived Leith, taken in hand
	22nd	Left Leith for Inverness on completion
	23rd	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	23rd-31st	Inverness
110. HMS HALCYON
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
111. HMS SALAMANDER
	1st-10th	Tyne, refitting
	10th	Left Tyne on completion for Port ZA
	12th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
112. HMS JASON
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Port ZA
	8th	Arrived Port ZA for exercises
	23rd	Left Port ZA for Inverness
	24th	Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S
	24th-31st	Inverness
113. HMS SPEEDY
	1st-31st	Sheerness, refitting
Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
114. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-5th	Scapa
	5th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	6th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	8th	Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57
	10th	Detached from convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Portsmouth
	30th	Arrived Portsmouth
	31st	Portsmouth
115. HMS HOUND
	1st-16th	Leith, refitting
	16th	Left Leith on completion for Loch Ewe for exercises
	17th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe for Portsmouth
	30th	Arrived Portsmouth
	31st	Portsmouth
116. HMS HYDRA
	1st	At sea on anti-U-boat patrol
	3rd	Returned to Skaalefiord
	8th	Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57
	10th	Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.
	20th	Left Loch Ewe for Dundee for boiler cleaning
	22nd	Arrived Dundee, taken in hand
	22nd-31st	Dundee for boiler cleaning
117. HMS LOYALTY
	1st-5th	Scapa
	5th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	6th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	8th	Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57
	10th	Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.
	14th	Left Loch Ewe for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning
	15th	Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
	28th	Left Aberdeen for Milford Haven on completion
	30th	Arrived Milford Haven, sailing p.m. for Portsmouth
	31st	Arrived Portsmouth
118. HMS ONYX
	1st	At sea on anti-U-boat patrol
	3rd	Returned to Skaalefiord
	8th	Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57
	10th	Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.
	17th	Left Loch Ewe and joined escort of D.F. 20 for Skaalefiord
	18th	Arrived Skaalefiord with D.F. 20, sailing p.m. with F.D. 20 for the Clyde
	19th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	26th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58
	29th	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth
	31st	On passage to Portsmouth
119. HMS ORESTES
	1st	At sea on anti-U-boat patrol
	3rd	Returned to Skaalefiord
	8th	Left Skaalefiord for Scapa for repairs to generators
	9th	Arrived Scapa, taken in hand
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for exercises
	15th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	17th	Left Loch Ewe and joined escort of D. F. 20 for Skaalefiord
	18th	Arrived Skaalefiord with D. F. 20, sailing p.m. with F. D. 20 for the Clyde
	19th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	26th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58
	29th	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.
	30th	Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth
	31st	On passage to Portsmouth
120. HMS RATTLESNAKE
	1st	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to Aberdeen for boiler cleaning and repairs
	2nd	Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
	25th	Left Aberdeen on completion for Loch Ewe for exercises
	26th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	27th	Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58
	29th	Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth
	31st	On passage to Portsmouth
121. HMS COCKATRICE
	1st	At sea on anti-U-boat patrol
	3rd	Returned to Skaalefiord
	7th	Left Skaalefiord for Loch Ewe
	8th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	9th	Left Loch Ewe for Aberdeen to refit
	10th	Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand
	10th-31st	Aberdeen, refitting

 

 

122. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command during March for Operations in the Bay of Biscay area.

Cruisers:
GLASGOW	1st-14th and 26th-31st
BELLONA	1st-31st
BLACK PRINCE	25th-31st
Destroyers:
TARTAR	1st-31st
HURON	1st-31st
HAIDA	1st-31st
ASHANTI	1st-31st
IROQUOIS	1st-31st,  refitting in Halifax
ATHABASKAN	1st-31st

 

123. 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 March.

 

 

124. Changes of Flag

3rd	Flag of Rear Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB hoisted in SHEFFIELD
3rd	Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Robert L. Burnett, KBE, CB, DSO, as Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, struck in BELFAST
4th	Flag of Rear Admiral F.H.B. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, transferred from SHEFFIELD to BELFAST as Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron
9th	Broad Pendant of Commodore R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, was Commodore (D), Home Fleet struck in TYNE
9th	Flag of Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet transferred from BLACK PRINCE to TYNE
17th	Flag of Vice Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, as Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron struck in KENT
26th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELFAST to DIDO
27th	Flag of Rear Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, as Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron hoisted in KENT

  

125. 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 combined operations exercises only one short patrol of 4 days (29th February – 3rd March by COCKATRICE, HYDRA, ONYX, and ORESTES) was carried out during March.

 

2. The operation was conducted as usual by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth and air cooperation provided by 18 Group. No other forces than the minesweepers based on Skaalefiord were available for this operation during March.

 

126. Operation FX

 

The second part of Operation FX (the passage of RA 57 to the United Kingdom from North Russia) took place at the beginning of March and was completed with the loss of one merchant ship sunk and three U-boats destroyed. The first part of the operation (the passage of the outward bound convoy) was included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for February 1944.

 

The convoy of 32 ships left Kola Inlet on 2nd March and arrived in the United Kingdom ports on 10th less two ships, one of which returned to Kola Inlet, unable to keep the speed of the convoy, the other was torpedoed by a U-boat and sunk.

 

The convoy was strongly escorted by the escorts of JW 57 (BLACK PRINCE (flying the flag of Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet), CHASER, 13 Fleet destroyers, and the usual Western Approaches escorts) and two Fleet minesweepers from North Russia.

 

No Battle Squadron or Cruiser Force took part as the surface threat was confined to enemy destroyers. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol off the North Coast of Norway.

 

The three U-boats destroyed during the passage of the convoy were all sunk by the rocket attacks of CHASER's Swordfish

 

The detailed movements of this convoy and its escorts were as follows:

2nd	The convoy (32 ships) escorted by BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet, CHASER, MILNE, SERAPIS, MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT, METEOR, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, SAVAGE, VERULAM, VIGILANT, GLEANER, and SEAGULL (Home Fleet) and KEPPEL, BOADICEA, BEAGLE, WALKER, BLUEBELL, CAMELLIA, LOTUS, and RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) left Kola Inlet for the United Kingdom
	EMPIRE BARD fell out unable to maintain speed of the convoy.
3rd	Convoy shadowed by aircraft, homing U-boats on to it.
4th	EMPIRE TOURIST torpedoed and sunk – No casualties.
	U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER and gunfire from ONSLAUGHT. 25 survivors picked up.
5th	EMPIRE BARD arrived Iokanka with defects
	U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER. No survivors picked up.
6th	U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER. Three survivors picked up.
7th	BLACK PRINCE, VERULAM, METEOR, SWIFT, IMPULSIVE detached from the convoy to Scapa
8th	Local escort (READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla), ORESTES, ONYX, LOYALTY, and HYDRA left Skaalefiord and joined the convoy.
	CHASER, ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, OBEDIENT detached from the convoy to Scapa
	BLACK PRINCE, VERULAM, METEOR, SWIFT, and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa
	MILNE, SERAPIS, SAVAGE, MATCHLESS, ORIBI, and VIGILANT detached from the convoy to Scapa
9th	CHASER, ONSLAUGHT, OBEDIENT, OFFA, MILNE, SERAPIS, SAVAGE, MATCHLESS, ORIBI, and VIGILANT arrived Clyde
	BEAGLE detached from the convoy to Clyde
	SEAGULL detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
10th	KEPPEL, WALKER, BOADICEA, RHODODENDRON, and BLUEBELL detached from the convoy to the Clyde, arriving p.m.
	BEAGLE arrived Clyde
	LOTUS detached from the convoy to Londonderry, arriving p.m.
	CAMELLIA detached from the convoy to Milford Haven.
	Convoy split to respective West Coast ports, arriving p.m.
	Local escort proceeded to Loch Ewe, arriving a.m.
	GLEANER detached to Loch Ewe, arriving a.m. landing survivors of EMPIRE TOURIST and sunken U-boats and sailing p.m. to Scapa, arriving p.m.
11th	CAMELLIA arrived Milford Haven

 

127. Operation F Y

 

The first part of Operation F Y – the passage of JW 58 to North Russia – took placed at the end of march and both convoy and escorts arrived in North Russia without loss. During the passage 3 Uboats were sunk by STARLING, KEPPEL, and Carrier borne aircraft, respectively, and six shadowing aircraft were shot down. Three of our Carrier borne aircraft were lost

 

The convoy of 47 ships left Loch Ewe on 27th March (joined on 29th by 2 ships from Iceland), escorted by DIADEM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), escort carriers ACTIVITY and TRACKER, 12 Fleet destroyers, 4 Western Approaches destroyers, 4 Western Approaches corvettes, a Western Approaches support group of 4 destroyers and 5 sloops and a local escort of one corvette and 3 minesweepers. The U.S. Cruiser MILWAUKEE was also included in the convoy – proceeding to North Russia to be handed over the Soviet Navy. The Murmansk section (39 ships) and all escorts arrived Kola Inlet on 4th April and the White Sea Section (10 ships) at Archangel on 6th April.

 

The operation was covered by a Battle Squadron, part of which was detached on 2nd April to join the Force carrying out Operation TUNGSTEN (see paragraph 128). There was no cruiser covering force. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol off the North coast of Norway.

 

The detailed movements of the convoy and its escorts were as follows:

27th	The convoy (47 ships) escorted by WESTCOTT, INCONSTANT, WHITEHALL, WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE, BLUEBELL, LOTUS, RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) and a local escort of STARWORT (Western Approaches). RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and ONYX left Loch Ewe for North Russia.
	ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, OFFA, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, and IMPULSIVE left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	SAUMAREZ left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord.
	DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	Iceland section (3 ships) escorted by 1 minesweeper and 2 trawlers left Reykjavik to join convoy.
28th	ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, OFFA, OBEDIENT, and IMPULSIVE arrived Skaalefiord
	SAUMAREZ arrived Skaalefiord
	DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER, USS MILWAUKEE, VENUS, SERAPIS, STORD, and SCORPION left Scapa to join the convoy
	STARLING, WHIMBREL, WREN, MAGPIE, WILD GOOSE left Scapa to join the convoy
	KEPPEL, BOADICEA, WALKER, and INCONSTANT left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
29th	SAUMAREZ, IMPULSIVE, ONSLOW, ORIGI, OFFA, ORWELL, OBEDIENT, OPPORTUNE, KEPPEL, BOADICEA, WALKER, and INCONSTANT left Skaalefiord and joined the convoy.
	U-boat sunk by STARLING
	STARLING, WHIMBREL, WILD GOOSE, WREN, and MAGPIE joined JW 58
	DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER, USS MILWAUKEE joined the convoy.
	VENUS, SERAPIS, STORD, and SCORPION detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving a.m., sailing p.m. and rejoining the convoy
	STARWORT detached to Londonderry
	RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and ONYX detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.
	Two ships of the Iceland section joined the convoy. Third ship with trawler escort returned to Seidisfiord with ice damage.
30th	STARWORT arrived Londonderry
	One ship of Iceland section arrived Seidisfiord with ice damage.
	1 JU 88 and 3 FW 200 shadowers were shot down by carrier borne aircraft. 2 of our fighters were lost.
2nd	1 U-boat sunk by KEPPEL
	1 BV 138 shot down by carrier borne aircraft
	1 JU 88 shot down by carrier borne aircraft.
3rd	1 U-boat sunk by Swordfish R.P. attack
4th	Local escort for White Sea section left Kola Inlet and joined the convoy which split p.m.
	Murmansk section (39 ships) and all escorts arrived Kola Inlet
6th	White Sea section (10 ships) and local Russian local escorts arrived Archangel

 

128. Operation TUNGSTEN

 

The preliminary movements for Operation TUNGSTEN (Fleet Air Arm attack on TIRPITZ) took place a the end of March; a full account of this operation will be included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for April 1944.

 

 

---

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

APRIL 1944

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

 

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-5th	At sea with Force 1 covering JW 58
	5th	Returned to Scapa
	5th-30th	Scapa
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-2nd	At sea with Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	11th	Left Scapa for Clyde to give leave.
	12th	Arrived Clyde
	16th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
3. HMS KING GEORGE V
	1st-30th	Liverpool, refitting
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-30th	Devonport, refitting
5. HMS NELSON
	1st	Arrived Rosyth from Clyde for exchange of main armament
	1st-30th	Rosyth
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st	Arrived Scapa from Rosyth to work up
	22nd	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd-30th	Clyde
7. HMS RAMILLIES
	1st-2nd	Rosyth for docking and repairs
	2nd	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	3rd	Arrived Scapa to work up
	22nd	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd-30th	Clyde
8. HMS WARSPITE
	1st-30th	Rosyth for docking and repairs
Monitors attached to Second Battle Squadron
9. HMS EREBUS
	1st-30th	Clyde giving leave and for bombardment exercises
10. HMS ROBERTS
	1st-3rd	At sea on passage to United Kingdom
	3rd	Arrived Clyde to give leave
	3rd-30th	Clyde
Aircraft Carriers attached to Second Battle Squadron
11. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for docking
	7th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	18th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
12. HMS VICTORIOUS
	1st-2nd	At sea with Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	10th	Left Scapa for Belfast
	11th	Arrived Belfast
	15th	Left Belfast for Clyde, arriving p.m.
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operations PLANET and VERITAS
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-31st	Scapa
13. HMS INDEFATIGABLE
	1st-30th	Clyde, working up (Under Flag Officer Carrier Training and Administration)
Escort Carriers (Under Rear Admiral Escort Carriers)
14. HMS SEARCHER
	1st-7th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	7th	Returned to Scapa on completion with defects, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for repairs.
	8th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	15th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
15. HMS PURSUER
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion.
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	30th	Left Scapa for Liverpool for repairs.
16. HMS FENCER
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for North Russia with escorts for RA 59
	23rd	Arrived Kola
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
17. HMS EMPEROR
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
18. HMS ACTIVITY
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for North Russia with escorts for RA 59
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
19. HMS TRACKER
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	13th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	14th	Arrived Clyde for repairs
	14th-30th	Clyde for repairs
20. HMS STRIKER
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa to join Escort Carrier Squadron temporarily
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)
21. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron )
	1st-21st	Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
22. HMS BERWICK
	1st-13th	Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	15th-30th	Scapa
23. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-30th	Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
24. HMS DEVONSHIRE
	1st-30th	Scapa, working up
25. HMS ARETHUSA
	1st-21st	Chatham, refitting
	21st	Left Chatham on completion for Scapa to work up
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
	22nd-30th	Scapa, working up
26. HMS FROBISHER
	1st-6th	At sea on passage to United Kingdom
	6th	Arrived Clyde to give leave
	29th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	30th	Arrived Scapa
27. HMS MAURITIUS
	7th	Arrived Chatham from the Mediterranean for repairs, leave and to Join 1st Cruiser Squadron
	7th-30th	Chatham for repairs
28. HMS ORION
	25th	Left Gibraltar for Rosyth to join 1st Cruiser Squadron
	28th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand for alterations
	28th-30th	Rosyth
29. HMS HAWKINS
	1st-23rd	Clyde giving leave
	23rd	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth for exercises
	24th	Arrived Plymouth
	28th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa, returned p.m. to Plymouth with engine defects
	28th-30th	Plymouth for repairs
30. HMS DANAE
	21st	Left Gibraltar for Scapa to join 1st Cruiser Squadron
	26th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning and leave
	27th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	27th-30th	Rosyth
31. HMS ENTERPRISE
	1st	Arrived Clyde from Plymouth for bombardment exercises
	8th	Left Clyde for Cowes for exercises in the Channel
	9th	Arrived Cowes
	27th	Left Cowes on completion for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	28th	Arrived Clyde
	28th-30th	Clyde
32. FS MONTCALM
	18th	Arrived Clyde from Gibraltar to join 1st Cruiser Squadron
	19th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	20th-30th	Scapa
33. FS GEORGES LEYGUES
	19th	Arrived Tyne for Gibraltar for repairs and to join 1st Cruiser Squadron
	27th	Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	28th-30th	Scapa
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
34. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-2nd	At sea with Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	15th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	16th	Arrived Clyde
	22nd	Left Clyde on completion for Rosyth for docking
	23rd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	23rd-30th	Rosyth
35. HMS GLASGOW
	1st-14th	Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area
	14th	Left Plymouth for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	15th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth
	26th	Arrived Plymouth for exercises
	26th-30th	Plymouth
36. HMS SHEFFIELD
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Clyde for alterations
	18th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	18th-30th	Clyde for alterations and repairs
37. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-30th	Tyne, refitting
38. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-7th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation PLANET
	7th	Returned to Scapa on completion with CHASER
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
39. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-8th	Chatham, refitting
	8th	Left Chatham on completion for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	25th	Left Scapa on completion for Portsmouth
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth to join Naval Commander Expeditionary Task Force and for docking
	27th-30th	Portsmouth
40. HMS BLACK PRINCE
	1st-30th	Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area
41. HMS DIADEM
	1st-4th	At sea with escort of JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
42. HMS BELLONA
	1st	Arrived Clyde from Plymouth for bombardment exercises
	8th	Left Clyde on completion for Cowes for exercises in the Channel
	9th	Arrived Cowes
	16th	Left Cowes on completion for Plymouth for repairs
	17th	Arrived Plymouth
	17th-30th	Plymouth
43. ORP DRAGON
	1st-6th	Portland for exercises with Force G
	6th	Left Portland on completion for Chatham for changing guns
	7th	Arrived Chatham, taken in hand
	7th-30th	Chatham for repairs
44. HMS ARGONAUT
	1st-7th	Tyne, refitting
	7th	Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	29th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment practices
	30th	Arrived Clyde
Cruiser Administered by Rear Admiral Escort Carriers)
45. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers
	1st-6th	At sea with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	9th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	10th	Arrived Rosyth, sailing p.m. for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	30th	Left Scapa for Clyde
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
46. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-2nd	At sea with Screen of Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
47. HMS MARNE
	1st-5th	At sea with screen of Force 1 covering JW 58
	5th	Returned to Scapa with Force 1
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
48. HMS METEOR
	1st-2nd	At sea with screen of Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts or RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
49. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-5th	At sea with screen of Force 1, covering JW 58
	5th	Returned to Scapa with Force 1
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
50. HMS MUSKETEER
	1st-6th	Humber, refitting
	6th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
51. ORP PIORUN
	1st	Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN.
	2nd	Detached with screen of oiling force
	7th	Returned to Scapa with oiling force
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Arrived Scapa on completion.
	28th-30th	Scapa
52. HMS WAKEFUL
	1st-6th	At sea with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion, sailing p.m. with FURIOUS for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	7th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	14th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
53. HMS WHELP
	26th	Left Tyne for Scapa to work up
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	27th-30th	Scapa, working up
54. HMS WIZARD
	2nd	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	3rd	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
55. HMS WAGER
	19th	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up.
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	20th-30th	Scapa, working up
56. HMS URSA
	1st-2nd	At sea with screen of Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	11th	Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning
	12th	Arrived Clyde with screen of ANSON, taken in hand
	18th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
57. HMS UNDAUNTED
	1st-2nd	At sea with screen of Force 1 covering JW 58
	2nd	Detached to join Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
58. HMS ULYSSES
	1st-4th	Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa and joined Force 7 for escort to Scapa
	7th	Returned to Scapa with Force 7
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
Tenth Destroyer Flotilla
59. HMS TARTAR (Captain (D) Tenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-30th	Detached to Plymouth Command
60. HMS ASHANTI
	1st-30th	Detached to Plymouth Command
61. HMS ESKIMO
	1st-16th	Humber, refitting
	16th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa to work up
	17th	Arrived Humber
	17th-30th	Scapa, working up
62. HMCS IROQUOIS
	1st-30th	Halifax, refitting
63. HMCS ATHABASKAN
	1st-29th	Detached to Plymouth Command
	29th	Blew up and sank during engagement with enemy destroyers in the Bay of Biscay
64. HMCS HAIDA
	1st-30th	Detached to Plymouth Command
65. HMCS HURON
	1st-30th	Detached to Plymouth Command
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
66. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Russia
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa with NEA HELLAS for the Clyde and onward passage to Plymouth for exercises
	22nd	Arrived Plymouth
	22nd-30th	Plymouth for exercises
67. HMS OFFA
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Rosyth on completion for Plymouth for exercises
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	23rd-30th	Plymouth
68. HMS ORIBI
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with convoy
	14th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	28th	Left Plymouth on completion of escort duty and for Scapa
	30th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
69. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st	Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joined screen of Force for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	23rd-30th	Plymouth for exercises
70. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from convoy for Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for the Humber for boiler cleaning
	15th	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	22nd	Left Humber on completion for Plymouth for exercises
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	28th	Left Plymouth on completion for escort duty and for Portsmouth, arriving p.m.
	28th-30th	Portsmouth
71. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-30th	Tyne, refitting
72. HMS ORWELL
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises
	25th	Arrived Plymouth
	25th-30th	Plymouth for exercises
73. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	16th	Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning
	17th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	24th	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth for exercises
	25th	Arrived Plymouth
	25th-30th	Plymouth for exercises
74. ORP BLYSKAWICA
	1st-21st	Scapa for collision damage repairs
	21st	Left Tyne on completion for Scapa
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
75. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth on exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
76. HMS SERAPIS
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
77. HMS SCORPION
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
78. HMS SAVAGE
	1st-23rd	Humber, refitting
	23rd	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	24th	Arrived Scapa
	24th-30th	Scapa
79. HMS SCOURGE
	1st-27th	Humber, refitting
	27th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
80. HMS SWIFT
	1st-6th	At sea with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	7th	Left Scapa with SEARCHER for Rosyth
	8th	Arrived Rosyth with SEARCHER, returning p.m. to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
81. HNorMS STORD
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	21st	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	27th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
82. HNorMS SVENNER
	1st-2nd	Scapa, working up
	2nd	Left Scapa for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and sailing as screen for RAMILLIES
	3rd	Arrived Scapa with RAMILLIES
	18th	Left Scapa for Rosyth to join screen of FURIOUS, arriving p.m.
	19th	Arrived Scapa with FURIOUS
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
83. HMS JAVELIN
	1st	Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	2nd	Detached to join oiling forces
	7th	Returned to Scapa with oiling forces
	11th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning with screen of ANSON
	12th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	18th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 8 for Operation PLANET
	24th	Detached to Faroes to fuel
	25th	Arrived Faroes
	26th	Left Skaalefiord to join screen of Force 8
	27th	Joined Force 8
	28th	Returned to Scapa with Force 8
	28th-30th	Scapa
84. HMS KELVIN
	3rd	Arrived Scapa from Chatham to work up
	19th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	24th	Detached to Faroes to fuel
	25th	Arrived Faroes
	26th	Left Skaalefiord to join screen of Force 8
	27th	Joined Force 8
	28th	Returned to Scapa with Force 8
	28th-30th	Scapa
Other Destroyers Attached to the Home Fleet
85. HMS IMPULSIVE
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving, p.m.
	24th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	27th	Left Skaalefiord to join screen of force carrying out Operation VERITAS
	28th	Returned to Scapa without making contact
	29th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for exercises
	30th	At sea on passage to Portsmouth
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
86. HMS KEMPENFELT (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-12th	On passage from United Kingdom from Taranto
	12th	Arrived Scapa to join Twenty Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	18th	Left Scapa and joined screen of VICTORIOUS from the Clyde a.m. Arriving Scapa p.m. with VICTORIOUS
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
87. HMS VIGILANT
	1st-6th	At sea with screen of Force 2 for operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	7th	Left Scapa for Humber for boiler cleaning
	8th	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	14th	Left Humber on completion for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa (escorting SEARCHER from Rosyth)
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion.
	28th-30th	Scapa
88. HMS VENUS
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from convoy to Faroes to land medical case, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
89. HMS VIRAGO
	1st-7th	At sea with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	7th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia.
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
90. HMS VERULAM
	1st-7th	At sea with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	7th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	10th	Left Scapa with screen of VICTORIOUS, returning p.m. to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
91. HMCS ALGONQUIN
	1st	Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	6th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	17th	Left Scapa and joined escort of ANSON from Cape Wrath to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
92. HMCS SIOUX
	1st	Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN
	2nd	Detached to join oiling force
	7th	Returned to Scapa with oiling force
	13th	Left Scapa for Operation PITCHBOWL
	15th	Returned to Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7 for Operation PLANET
	28th	Returned on completion
	28th-30th	Scapa
Destroyers temporarily attached for North Russia Convoy duties
93. HMS WESTCOTT
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
94. HMS WHITEHALL
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
95. HMS INCONSTANT
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
96. HMS WRESTLER
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
97. HMS KEPPEL
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
98. HMS BOADICEA
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. to fuel
	20th	Left Skaalefiord and joined escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
99. HMS BEAGLE
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. to fuel
	20th	Left Skaalefiord and joined escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
100. HMS WALKER
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	12th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59.
Destroyer Attached for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
101. HMS HOTSPUR
	23rd	Left Liverpool for Skaalefiord for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
	24th	Arrived Skaalefiord
	27th	Left Skaalefiord to join screen of Forces carrying out Operation VERITAS
	29th	Returned to Liverpool after failing to make contact
Destroyers temporarily attached for working up
102. HMS JERVIS
	24th	Arrived Scapa from Falmouth to work up
	24th-30th	Scapa, working up
103. HHMS SALAMIS
	1st-22nd	Scapa, working up
	22nd	Left Scapa with screen of RODNEY and RAMILLIES to the Clyde
	23rd	Suffered weather damage off Cape Wrath and returned to Scapa, arriving a.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Humber for repairs
	28th	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	28th-30th	Humber
Corvettes temporary duty with North Russian convoys duties
104. HMS BLUEBELL
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
105. HMS LOTUS
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
106. HMS RHODODENDRON
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
107. HMS HONEYSUCKLE
	1st-4th	At sea with JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
Sloops temporarily attached for North Russian Convoys duties
108. HMS STARLING
	1st-4th	At sea with support group for JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
109. HMS WILD GOOSE
	1st-4th	At sea with support group for JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to Clyde
	15th	Arrived
110. HMS MAGPIE
	1st-4th	At sea with support group for JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
111. HMS WREN
	1st-4th	At sea with support group for JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
112. HMS WHIMBREL
	1st-4th	At sea with support group for JW 58
	4th	Arrived Kola Inlet with convoy
	7th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 58
	14th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	15th	Arrived Clyde
113. HMCS GROU
	17th	Left Londonderry for Scapa for duty with RA 59
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
114. HMCS OUTREMONT
	17th	Left Londonderry for Scapa for duty with RA 59
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
115. HMCS CAPE BRETON
	17th	Left Londonderry for Scapa for duty with RA 59
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
116. HMCS WASKESIU
	17th	Left Londonderry for Scapa for duty with RA 59
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with escorts of RA 59 for North Russia
	23rd	Arrived Kola Inlet
	28th	Left Kola Inlet with RA 59
	28th-30th	At sea with RA 59
First Minesweeping Flotilla
117. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Leith for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Leith, taken in hand
	3rd-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
118. HMS SEAGULL
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Dundee for exercises, arriving p.m.
	2nd-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
119. HMS BRITOMART
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Leith for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Leith, taken in hand
	3rd-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
120. HMS HUSSAR
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	12th	Left Rosyth on completion for Tyne
	13th	Arrived Tyne
	13th-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
121. HMS SPEEDWELL
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Leith for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Leith, taken in hand
	12th	Left Leith on completion for Tyne
	13th	Arrived Tyne
	13th-30th	Detached to duty with Force S
122. HMS GLEANER
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Dundee for exercises, arriving p.m.
	2nd-30th	Detached for duty with Force S.
123. HMS HALCYON
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	12th	Left Rosyth on completion for Tyne
	13th	Arrived Tyne.
	13th-30th	Detached for duty with Force S.
124. HMS SALAMANDER
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth , taken in hand
	12th	Left Rosyth on completion for Tyne
	13th	Arrived Tyne
	13th-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
125. HMS JASON
	1st-2nd	Inverness for exercises
	2nd	Left Inverness for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	12th	Left Rosyth on completion for Tyne
	13th	Arrived Tyne
	13th-30th	Detached for duty with Force S
126. HMS SPEEDY
	1st-10th	Sheerness, refitting
	10th	Detached on completion for duty with Force S
	10th-30th	Attached to Force S
Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
127. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-30th	Portsmouth for duty with Force G
128. HMS HOUND
	1-30th	Portsmouth for duty with Force G
129. HMS HYDRA
	1st-15th	Dundee for repairs and boiler cleaning
	15th	Detached on completion for duty with Force G
	15-30th	Attached to Force G
130. HMS LOYALTY
	1st-30th	Portsmouth for duty with Force G
131. HMS ONYX
	1st-3rd	On passage to Portsmouth for exercises with Force G
	3rd	Arrived Portsmouth
	3rd-30th	Detached for duty with Force G
132. HMS ORESTES
	1st-3rd	On passage to Portsmouth for exercises with Force G
	3rd	Arrived Portsmouth
	3rd-30th	Detached for duty with Force G
133. HMS RATTLESNAKE
	1st-3rd	On passage to Portsmouth for exercises with Force G
	3rd	Arrived Portsmouth
	3rd-30th	Detached for duty with Force G
134. HMS COCKATRICE
	1st-15th	Aberdeen, refitting
	15th	Detached on completion for duty with Force G
	15th-30th	Attached to Force G

 

 

128. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command during April for Operations in the Bay of Biscay area.

Cruisers:
GLASGOW	1st-14th and 26th-30th
BELLONA	9th-30th
BLACK PRINCE	1st-30th
ENTERPRISE	8th-27th
Destroyers:
TARTAR	1st-30th
HURON	1st-30th
HAIDA	1st-30th
ASHANTI	1st-30th
IROQUOIS	1st-30th, refitting in Halifax
ATHABASKAN	1st-29th, sunk in Bay of Biscay

 

136. 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 April.

 

 

137. Changes of Flag

14th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM to BELFAST
19th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT to BELLONA

 

138. Operation FY

 

The second part of Operation FY – the passage of RA 58 to the United Kingdom from North Russia – took place at the beginning of April, the convoy being escorted by the escorts of JS 58 (less LOTUS who remained in North Russia with defects. ) The operation was completed without loss to the convoy or the escorts. The first part of this operation (the passage of the outward bound convoy) was included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for March 1944.

 

The convoy of 38 ships left Kola Inlet on 7th April arrived intact in the United Kingdom ports on the 14th and 15th. The passage was uneventful and the U-boats failed to make any determined attacks against the strong escort of a Cruiser, Two Escort Carriers, 12 Fleet Destroyers, 11 Western Approaches escorts and the Western Approaches Support Group B 2.

 

No Battle Squadron or Cruiser force covered the convoy as the enemy surface threat was confined to destroyers (Operation TUNGSTEN – see next paragraph – took place on 3rd April.

 

The detailed movements of this convoy and its escorts were as follows:

7th	The convoy (38 ships) escorted by DIADEM (Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), ACTIVITY, TRACKER, SAUMAREZ, ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, OFFA, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, IMPULSIVE, VENUS, SERAPIS, STORD, SCORPION, KEPPEL BOADICEA, WALKER, INCONSTANT, WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, WRESTLER, BEAGLE, HONEYSUCKLE, BLUEBELL, RHODODENDRON, STARLING, WHIMBREL, MAGPIE, WREN, and WILD GOOSE
12th	VENUS was detached to Skaalefiord to land medical case, arriving and sailing a.m. for Scapa, arriving Scapa p.m.
	KEPPEL, BEAGLE, BOADICEA detached from convoy to Scapa. ACTIVITY, WESTCOTT, WRESTLER, WHITEHALL, and INCONSTANT detached to Scapa
13th	ACTIVITY, WESTCOTT, WRESTLER, WHITEHALL, INCONSTANT, KEPPEL, BEAGLE, WALKER, and BOADICEA arrived Scapa
	DIADEM, SAUMAREZ, SERAPIS, STORD, and ORWELL detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	ONSLOW, ORWELL, and OPPORTUNE detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
14th	Convoy split into East and West Coast ports
	OBEDIENT, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, and SCORPION detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	TRACKER, HONEYSUCKLE, RHODODENDRON, and BLUEBELL detached from convoy to the Clyde
	STARLING, WILD GOOSE, WHIMBREL, WREN, and MAGPIE detached from convoy to Liverpool
15th	TRACKER, HONEYSUCKLE, RHODENDRON, and BLUEBELL arrived Clyde
	Convoy arrived East and West coast ports
	STARLING, WILD GOOSE, WHIMBREL, WREN, and MAGPIE arrived Liverpool.

 

139. Operation TUNGSTEN

This operation, carried out on 3rd April by Fleet Air Arm aircraft from several Fleet and Escort carriers, resulted in severe damage to the German Battleship TIRPITZ from a large number of bomb hits.

 

(ii) The following is a brief summary only of the operation, the complete report of which was forwarded under cover of Home Fleet No. 598/H.F. 01325/178 of 14th April 1944

 

(iii) Considerable training was required for this operation, for which a full scale bombing and air firing range was constructed at Loch Eriboll to represent the TIRPITZ in Kaafiord. All the squadrons achieved a most creditable state of efficiency during this working up period particularly in the case of VICTORIOUS, most of whose squadrons had only recently been formed. A dress rehearsal of the operation was carried out on 28th March off Scapa using Loch Eriboll as the target

 

(iv) In order that enemy submarines and reconnaissance aircraft would be drawn away to the eastward, the operation was synchronized with an outward bound Russian convoy. The effectiveness of this was proved in that the force arrived at the flying off position apparently unobserved.

 

(v) The ships taking part left Scapa in two forces Force 1 (including those ships covering JW 58) – DUKE OF YORK, ANSON, VICTORIOUS, BELFAST, and 5 destroyers left Scapa a.m. on 30 March and proceeded direct (after exercises) to the convoy covering position southwest of Bear Island, changing screens in the Skaalefiord area. Force 2 – ROYALIST (Read Admiral Escort Carriers), SEARCHER, EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENCER, FURIOUS, SHEFFIELD, JAMAICA, 2 oilers, and 5 destroyers left Scapa p.m. on 30th March and proceeded west of the Orkneys. Force 1's first screen from Skaalefiord joined Force 2 the following day and on 1st April the two oilers with two destroyers were detached to the oiling position.

 

(vi) On 1st April the date for the operation, which had been 4th April was advanced 24 hours to take advantage of favourable weather and lack of air reconnaissance of Force 1.

 

(vii) On 2nd April, the TUNGSTEN ships of Force 1 (ANSON, VICTORIOUS, BELFAST, and 4 destroyers) were detached and joined Force 2 while DUKE OF YORK and 2 destroyers proceeded to Skaalefiord but altered course to Scapa after TUNGSTEN had been successfully completed. The TUNGSTEN force then steered for the flying off position.

 

(viii) On 3 April flying conditions were perfect and the force had not, apparently, been sighted. The flying off position was reached at 0400 and the aircraft were flown off according to plan except for the loss of one Barracuda which ditched. 40 Barracudas and 81 fighters took part in the two strikes and a further 25 fighters and 9 Swordfish were kept for the defence of the Fleet.

 

(ix) Both strikes, favoured by good weather, were able to obtain their desired heights and to take the best route over the mountains. No enemy aircraft were seen by the strike or the Fleet and the flak around the TIRPITZ was much less than anticipated. The attack was brilliantly carried out by both fighters and bombers; fighters strafing the defences from a low height and bombers pressing well home an accurate attack. It is not yet possible fully to assess the damage to the TIRPITZ but the numbers of hits was considerably greater than had been expected and has been assessed as 16 plus 8 probables.

 

(x) The losses during the attack were remarkably small. One Barracuda was shot down over the target and another by shore batteries, both after dropping their bombs. A third Barracuda was lost taking off VICTORIOUS and a Hellcat ditched when unable to land on EMPEROR. Both strikes returned and landed on safely with the exception of the one Hellcat. Two destroyers were sent inshore for air/sea rescue and to act as signposts to the returning aircraft by pointing their guns. The question of repeating the attack the next day was considered but owing to fatigue of the air crews and serious damage reported to TIRPITZ this was abandoned and the force withdrew to the westward.

 

(xi) SEARCHER developed defects p.m. 3rd April and dropped astern, screened by JAMAICA and 2 destroyers, the remained of the force proceeded to Scapa, arriving on 6th. SEARCHER, JAMAICA, and 2 destroyers and the oiling force returned to Scapa the following day.

 

140. Operation PITCHBOWL

In this operation Naval fighters from Home Fleet escort carriers were required to give fighter protection to R.A.F. Beaufighters operating in two strikes against shipping in the Norwegian Leads. The operation had, unfortunately, to be abandoned owing to weather

 

(ii) ROYALIST (Rear Admiral Escort Carriers), EMPEROR, PURSUER, FENCER, BERWICK, and SHEFFIELD screened by 7 destroyers left Scapa on 13th April for the flying off position (62-00N, 2-30E) Visibility was poor throughout the day and no flying took place. On the following day, the first R.A.F. strike was postponed owing to weather and the force reversed its course.

 

(iii) P.M. /14th showed no improvement in the weather and the first R.A.F. strike was cancelled. The following day was the same and the operation was abandoned. The force returned to Scapa arriving p.m. on 15th.

 

141. Operation F Z

 

Operation FZ (the passage of RA 59 from North Russia to the United Kingdom) took place at the end of April. As there was no corresponding outward bound convoy the escorts sailed direct from Scapa to Kola Inlet and returned with the convoy after a five day turn around. LOTUS (left in North Russia with defects after RA 58) also sailed in this convoy. The operation was completed with the loss of one merchant ship. Many attacks were made on U-boats by the escorts and by aircraft from the two escort carriers. Two U-boats may have been sunk, several more were probably damaged.

 

The convoy of 45 ships (9 ½ knots) left Kola Inlet on 28th April escorted by DIADEM (Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron), two escort carriers, eight Fleet destroyers, and 9 Western Approaches escorts and a Western Approaches support group of 4 R.C.N. frigates. 44 ships arrived in United Kingdom ports on the 6th and 7th May.

 

No battle squadron or cruiser force covered the convoy as the surface threat was confined to destroyers.

 

346 officers and men of the USS MILWAUKEE (turned over to the Russians) and 4 Senior Russian Officers were embarked in the escorts of the convoy for the passage and 2348 Soviet officers and men (for British warships to be turned over in England) were embarked in the merchant ships as the transport NEA HELLAS which should have proceeded to Kola Inlet with the escorts to accommodate the Russians broke down and returned to Scapa.

 

The detailed movements of the convoy and its escorts were as follows:

19th	BOADICEA and BEAGLE left Scapa a.m. arriving Skaalefiord p.m. to fuel, sailing p.m. to join the force under Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
	DIADEM (Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron), ACTIVITY, FENCER, transport NEA HELLAS, MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, METEOR, ULYSSES, VERULAM, VIRAGO, INCONSTANT, WHITEHALL, WALKER, KEPPEL, WRESTLER, WESTCOTT, GROU, OUTREMONT, WASKESIU, and CAPE BRETON left Scapa for Kola Inlet
20th	BEAGLE and BOADICEA from Skaalefiord joined the force.
	NEA HELLAS returned to Scapa with defects
23rd	All escorts arrived Kola Inlet apparently unsighted.
28th	Convoy (45 ships) with escorts as detailed above and LOTUS left Kola Inlet for the United Kingdom, speed 9 ½ knots
30th	Convoy attacked by several U-boats, one merchant ship sunk. No further attacks but at least 6 U-boats remained in contact
1st May	1 BV 138 shot down by fighters from ACTIVITY
	Many attacks on U-boats made by destroyers and fighters from the escort carriers. Some U-boats damaged – no sinking confirmed
3rd	FENCER, WALKER, WHITEHALL, and BOADICEA detached to the Clyde with U.S. and Russian Naval personnel
	DIADEM, VERULAM, ULYSSES, and VIRAGO with U.S. Naval personnel detached to Scapa
4th	ACTIVITY, MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and METEOR with U.S. Naval personnel detached to Scapa
	DIADEM, VERULAM, VIRAGO, and ULYSSES arrived Scapa
5th	ACTIVITY, MILNE, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and METEOR arrived Scapa
	FENCER, WALKER, WHITEHALL, and BOADICEA arrived Clyde.
6th	BEAGLE, KEPPEL, WRESTLER, WESTCOTT, and INCONSTANT detached to the Clyde arriving p.m.
	GROU, OUTREMONT, WASKESIU, CAPE BRETON, and LOTUS detached to Londonderry
7th	GROU, OUTREMONT, WASKESIU, CAPE BRETON, and LOTUS arrived Londonderry
	Convoy arrived United Kingdom ports

 

142. Operations PLANET, RIDGE, and VERITAS

These three operations were all carried out by the same two forces (Force 7 - ANSON (Vice Admiral Second in Command, Home Fleet), VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, KENT, and 7 destroyers and Force 8 – ROYALIST (Rear Admiral Escort Carriers), SEARCHER, EMPEROR, PURSUER, STRIKER, JAMAICA, and 7 destroyers) both of which sailed in company from Scapa on 21st April and proceeded towards the Altenfiord area to carry out the first Operation (PLANET)

 

(ii) Attempt made to fuel the destroyers KELVIN and JAVELIN from the escort carriers as their endurance is limited but with a north-westerly gale blowing, these attempts were unsuccessful and it was later necessary to detach these destroyers on 23rd April to the Faroes to fuel and await orders, leaving six destroyers in each force

 

Operation PLANET

 

(iii) This was a repetition of Operation TUNGSTEN (Fleet Air Arm attack on the TIRPITZ) by both forces. The target date was 24th April but when the forces arrived in the area on the 23rd the weather forecasts were unsuitable and they reversed course for 48 hours. Weather on the following day was equally bad. Both forces proceeded to the flying off position but there was no improvement and the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, abandoned the operation and proceeded to carry out Operation RIDGE ABLE

 

Operation RIDGE ABLE

 

(iv) Operation RIDGE was originally intended to be carried out in two parts – RIDGE ABLE (Attack by Force 7 on the shipping in the Bodo area) and RIDGE BAKER attack by Force 8 on shipping in the Rorvik area). In the event it was decided that both forces should carry out RIDGE ABLE with two strikes, one attacking Bodo harbour and the other sweeping the leads to the southward.

 

(v) The two forces arrived at the flying off position at dawn on 26th April.

 

(vi) Weather conditions were not ideal and were worse inshore and in the end both strikes attacked the same target – an escorted convoy of 4 or 5 merchant ships in approximately 67-06N, 13-57E at about 0600. The convoy was southbound, presumably having left Bodo about an hour previously. Four merchant ships and one escort vessel were claimed to have been hit with bombs. The largest merchant ship was reported beached and burning and two others on fire.

 

(vii) Two Barracudas and several fighters succeeded in penetrating Bodo Harbour in spite of the weather and one hit was obtained on a large merchant ship.

 

(viii) Two other Barracuda bombed a derelict merchant ship ashore and obtained at least one hit.

 

(ix) No German air force was seen; light but accurate flak was encountered, particularly at Bodo

 

(x) One Barracuda, 2 Corsairs, 1 Hellcat, and 1 Wildcat were lost. Another Hellcat crashed when landing on EMPEROR.

 

(xi) At 0730, VICTORIOUS, KENT, and two destroyers were detached to carry out Operation VERITAS and the remainder of Force 7 and 8 returned to Scapa, arriving a.m. on 28th April, KELVIN and JAVELIN from Skaalefiord joining Force 8 on 27th

 

Operation VERITAS

 

(xii) On leaving Force 7, VICTORIOUS's force proceeded to the flying off position (69-31N, 12-50E) for this operation which was to carry out the reconnaissance necessary for an amphibious assault on Narvik. This was reached at 1620 on 26th April and 6 Corsairs with long range tankers were flown off to carry out this operation.

 

(xiii) The reconnaissance force made their landfall at Andenes, operated over the routes selected and returned to VICTORIOUS on which they all landed safely on a pitching desk, just under two hours later. The weather for the Corsairs was most unsuitable throughout and on return they were faced with difficult landing on conditions. In spite of this and operation was carried out in a most determined manner and was probably successful.

 

(xiv) While returning to VICTORIOUS a tanker of about 5000 tons was shot up in Vaagsfiord by one Corsair and left with a small fire amidships.