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ADMIRALTY WAR DIARIES of WORLD WAR 2

 

HOME FLEET - September to October 1944

 

Transcribed by Don Kindell

HMS Nabob, escort carrier (Photo Ships, click to enlarge)

on to Home Fleet, November-December 1944
or back to Admiralty War Diaries

 
 

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

 

Home Fleet Operations September 1939 to April 1942

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

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

 

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

 


 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

SEPTEMBER 1944

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

 

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet)

 

1st-3rd

At sea on Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

3rd-17th

Scapa

 

17th

Staff and Officer of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred to FURIOUS

 

18th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred to FURIOUS

 

 

Left Scapa for Liverpool for refit

 

19th

Arrived Liverpool

 

19th-30th

Liverpool

 

 

 

2 HMS. RODNEY

 

1st-12th

Plymouth

 

12th

Left Plymouth for Scapa to come under the orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from CAMPANIA

 

28th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to CAMPANIA

 

 

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V

 

1st-30th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

4. HMS ANSON

 

1st-30th

Plymouth, refitting

 

 

 

Fleet Carriers – temporarily attached to Second Battle Squadron

 

 

 

5. HMS FURIOUS (Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet)

 

1st-11th

Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Disembarked Squadrons and ceased to be operational

 

17th

Staff and Office of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from DUKE OF YORK

 

18th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from DUKE OF YORK

 

13th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

6. HMS FORMIDABLE

 

1st-2nd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

2nd

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth

 

15th

Left Rosyth for Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa for fuel.

 

17th

Left Scapa for Mediterranean

 

 

 

7. HMS INDEFATIGABLE

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to DEVONSHIRE

 

11th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from DEVONSHIRE

 

13th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to KENT

 

18th

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from JAMAICA

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

24th

Returned to Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to KENT

 

25th

Left Scapa

 

26th

Arrived Clyde for docking

 

26th-30th

Clyde

 

 

 

Fleet Carrier Working up

 

 

 

8. HMS IMPLACABLE

 

1st-6th

Clyde

 

6th

Left Clyde for Scapa

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa

 

11th

Arrived Clyde

 

22nd

Came under orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

11th-30th

Clyde

 

 

 

Escort Carriers Administered by Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron or Temporarily Attached

 

 

 

9. HMS CAMPANIA

 

1st-13th

Western Approaches

 

13th

Left Belfast to rendezvous with STRIKER in Mull of Kintyre

 

14th

Arrived Scapa to come under orders of Command in Chief, Home Fleet

 

16th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT. Left Scapa on Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to RODNEY

 

28th

Left Kola. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from RODNEY

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

10. HMS FENCER

 

1st-22nd

Western Approaches

 

22nd

Allocated temporarily to Home Fleet

 

25th

Left Belfast

 

26th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

11. HMS NABOB

 

1st-8th

Scapa, damaged

 

8th

Left Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Rosyth

 

9th-30th

Rosyth. Reduced to care and maintenance

 

13th

Administration transferred to Commander in Chief, Rosyth

 

 

 

12. HMS STRIKER

 

1st-5th

At sea with Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa for Clyde

 

7th

Arrived Clyde

 

13th

Left Clyde to rendezvous with CAMPANIA in Mull of Kintyre

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

13. HMS TRUMPETER

 

1st-11th

Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA. Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

14. HMS VINDEX

 

1st-5th

At sea

 

5th

Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to JAMAICA

 

6th

Left Scapa for Clyde

 

7th

Arrived Clyde

 

7th-30th

Clyde

 

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

 

15. HMS KENT

 

1st-3rd

Scapa

 

4th

Left Scapa for Clyde

 

5th

Arrived Clyde. Left Clyde for Azores, covering R.M.S. QUEEN MARY on passage to Halifax with the Prime Minister

 

9th

Arrived and left Azores

 

13th

Arrived Scapa. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from INDEFATIGABLE.

 

14th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM

 

15th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM

 

16th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to CAMPANIA

 

24th

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from INDEFATIGABLE.

 

13th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

16. HMS BERWICK

 

1st

Scapa

 

2nd

Left Scapa for Halifax covering R.M.S. QUEEN MARY on passage to Halifax with the Prime Minister

 

4th

Arrived Halifax

 

23rd

Left Halifax

 

26th

Arrived Clyde

 

27th

Left Clyde

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

17. HMS DEVONSHIRE

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Scapa. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from INDEFATIGABLE.

 

11th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to INDEFATIGABLE.

 

 

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

14th

Arrived Clyde

 

19th

Left Clyde for Milford Haven

 

20th

Arrived Milford Haven to stand by during return passage of R.M.S. QUEEN MARY from Halifax with Prime Minister

 

27th

Arrived Scapa

 

27th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

18. HMS NORFOLK

 

1st-30th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

19. HMS EMERALD, HMS ENTERPRISE, HMS FROBISHER

 

1st-30th

Rosyth

 

15th

Administration transferred to Commander in Chief, Rosyth

 

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

20. HMS JAMAICA (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from VINDEX

 

6th

Left Scapa for Rosyth

 

7th

Arrived Rosyth

 

14th

Left Rosyth

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to INDEFATIGABLE

 

27th

Left Scapa. Arrived Clyde to load stores for Spitzbergen

 

30th

Left Clyde for Operation ABIGAIL.

 

 

 

21. HMS BELLONA

 

1st-17th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

18th

Arrived Clyde to refit

 

18th-30th

Clyde

 

 

 

22. HMS BELFAST

 

1st-30th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

23. HMS BERMUDA

 

1st-30th

Clyde, refitting

 

 

 

24. HMS DIADEM

 

1st-6th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

6th

Left Plymouth for Newcastle-on-Tyne

 

8th

Arrived Newcastle-on-Tyne for repairs to asdic dome

 

11th

Left Newcastle-on-Tyne

 

12th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT

 

14th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Left Loch Ewe. Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to KENT

 

16th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30

At sea 

 

 

 

25. HMS DIDO

 

1st-6th

Mediterranean Fleet

 

6th

Left Mediterranean

 

9th

Arrived Clyde to refit and then come under orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

9th-30th

Clyde

 

 

 

26. HMS EURYALUS

 

1st-9th

Scapa, working up

 

9th

Left Scapa for Tyne

 

10th

Arrived Tyne for docking

 

20th

Left Tyne. Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

27. HMS SWIFTSURE

 

1st-16th

Mediterranean for radar trials

 

16th

Arrived Plymouth from Mediterranean

 

17th

Left for Scapa

 

18th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

24th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa for Plymouth for docking

 

26th

Arrived Plymouth

 

26th-30

Plymouth

 

 

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

 

 

28. HMS GREENWICH (Commodore (D), Home Fleet

 

1st-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

29. HMS TYNE

 

1st-30th

Clyde, refitting

 

 

 

Destroyers

 

 

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

30. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

16th

Arrived and left Faroes for fuel

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

31. HMS MARNE

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

16th

Arrived and left Faroes for fuel

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

32. HMS METEOR

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa for Tyne to boiler clean

 

7th

Arrived Tyne

 

14th

Left Tyne. Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

16th

Arrived and left Faroes for fuel.

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

33. HMS MATCHLESS

 

1st-30th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

34. HMS MUSKETEER

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

16th

Arrived and left Faroes for fuel

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

35. Tenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

1st-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

 

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

36. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-12th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

12th

Left Portsmouth

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived Faroes. Left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

24th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

37. HMS OBDURATE

 

1st-30th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

38. HMS OBEDIENT

 

1st-11th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

11th

Left Sheerness

 

12th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa to rendezvous with CAMPANIA and STRIKER and escort them to Scapa

 

14th

Returned to Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

23rd

Arrived and left Faroes

 

24th

Arrived Scapa

 

25th

Left Scapa to rendezvous with FENCER and escort her to Scapa

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

30th

Left Scapa for Operation ABIGAIL

 

 

 

39. HMS OFFA

 

1st-14th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

14th

Left London

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

24th

Returned to Scapa

 

25th

Left Scapa to escort FENCER from Belfast to Scapa

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

26th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

40. HMS ONSLAUGHT

 

1st-30th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

 

 

41. HMS OPPORTUNE

 

1st-14th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

14th

Left London

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived and left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

23rd

Arrived and left Faroes

 

24th

Arrived Scapa

 

25th

Left Scapa escorting INDEFATIGABLE to Minches

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

26th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

42. HMS ORIBI

 

1st-13th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

13th

Left Cardiff

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

24th

Returned to Scapa

 

25th

Left Scapa escorting INDEFATIGABLE to Minches

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

26th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

43. HMS ORWELL

 

1st-14th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

14th

Left London

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

19th

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left Faroes to join Vice Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

24th

Returned to Scapa

 

30th

Left Scapa for Operation ABIGAIL.

 

 

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

44. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-8th

Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force

 

8th

Left

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Left Loch Ewe for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

45. HMS SAVAGE

 

1st-10th

Detached

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA and DIADEM to join JW 60.

 

 

Returned to Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa escorting DUKE OF YORK to Minches

 

19th

Returned to Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa. Arrived Dundee for submarine exercises

 

24th

Left Dundee

 

25th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

46. HMS SCORPION

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

2nd

Left Scapa for Rosyth to boiler clean

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth

 

9th

Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to Clyde

 

11th

Returned to Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

16th

Left Loch Ewe for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

47. HMS SCOURGE

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Left Scapa for Clyde to boiler clean

 

14th

Left Clyde

 

14th-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

 

 

48. HMS SERAPIS

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

4th

Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Clyde

 

5th-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

 

 

49. HNoMS STORD

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa escorting DUKE OF YORK to Minches

 

19th

Returned to Scapa

 

19th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

50. HMS IMPULSIVE

 

1st-24th

Humber, refitting

 

24th

Left Humber

 

25th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Left Scapa for Milford Haven

 

30th

Arrived Milford Haven. Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

 

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

     

51. HMS MYNGS 

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Returned to Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA and DIADEM to join JW 60

 

17th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

52. HMS VENUS

 

1st

Arrived and left Faroes

 

2nd

Arrived Scapa

 

4th

Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Clyde

 

5th-8th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

8th

Left Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Left Loch Ewe for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

53. HMS VERULAM

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

54. HMS VIGILANT

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

8th

Left Scapa

 

9th

Arrived and left Firth of Forth escorting NABOB

 

 

Returned to Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

Left Scapa for Grimsby

 

14th

Arrived Grimsby for refit

 

14th-30th

Grimsby

 

 

 

55. HMS VIRAGO

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa escorting VINDEX and STRIKER to Clyde

 

 

Returned escorting IMPLACABLE to Scapa

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa escorting USSR. LINCOLN. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Left Loch Ewe for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At Sea

 

 

 

56. HMS VOLAGE

 

1st-2nd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

2nd

Arrived Scapa

 

3rd

Left Scapa for Clyde to boiler clean

 

4th

Arrived Clyde

 

11th

Left Clyde

 

12th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Left Loch Ewe for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

57. HMCS ALGONQUIN

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

2nd

Left Scapa for Rosyth to boiler clean

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth. Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Operation BEGONIA

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At Sea

 

 

 

58. HMCS SIOUX

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation GOODWOOD

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa escorting VINDEX and STRIKER to Clyde

 

 

Returned escorting IMPLACABLE from Clyde

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

14th

Left Scapa

 

15th

Arrived Loch Ewe and left for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

28th

Left Kola

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

Twenty-seventh Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

59. HMS KEMPENFELT (Captain (D) Twenty-seventh Destroyer Flotilla

 

1st-7th

Cardiff, docking

 

7th

Left Cardiff

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to Clyde

 

11th

Returned To Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa to rendezvous with CAMPANIA and STRIKER and escort them to Scapa

 

14th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa. Arrived Dundee for submarine exercises

 

16th

Left Dundee. Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa escorting FORMIDABLE to Mediterranean

 

 

 

60. HMS WRANGLER, HMS WHIRLWIND

 

1st

Arrived Scapa for Operation GOODWOOD

 

 

Left Scapa to boiler clean

 

2nd

Arrived Clyde

 

14th

Left Clyde

 

15th

Arrived off May Island to escort FORMIDABLE to Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa escorting FORMIDABLE to Mediterranean

 

 

 

Destroyers temporarily attached or working up

 

 

 

61. HMS NUBIAN

 

1st-7th

Scapa

 

7th

Left Scapa for Clyde

 

8th

Arrived Clyde

 

8th-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

 

 

62. HMS CAMBRIAN

 

1st

Returned to Scapa from Operation GOODWOOD

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa to rendezvous with MALAYA to escort her to Duncansby Head

 

25th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

63. HMS CAPRICE

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation VICTUAL

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Humber for boiler clean

 

7th

Arrived Humber

 

13th

Left Humber

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

64. HMS CASSANDRA

 

1st-19th

Scapa, working up

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa to rendezvous with MALAYA to escort her to Duncansby Head

 

25th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

65. HMS ZAMBESI

 

1st

Arrived and left Faroes

 

2nd

Arrived Scapa

 

4th

Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Clyde

 

5th-15th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa, escorting CAMPANIA and DIADEM to join JW 60

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for Operation TENABLE

 

28th-30th

At sea

 

 

 

66. HMS ZEPHYR

 

1st-8th

Tyne

 

8th

Left Tyne for Scapa to work up

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th

Left Scapa for Operation DIVAN

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th-30th

Scapa

 

 

 

67. HMS ZEST

 

1st

Arrived and left Faroes

 

2nd

Arrived Scapa

 

4th

Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Clyde

 

5th-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

 

 

USSR Destroyers Temporarily Attached

 

 

 

68. USSR LINCOLN

 

14th

Left Scapa, escorted by VIRAGO. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

15th

Arrived Loch Ewe to join JW 60

 

23rd

Arrived Kola

 

 

Operations

 

69. Operation GOODWOOD

 

Attack on TIRPITZ. See War Diary for August 1944

 

 

70. Operation VICTUAL

 

Safe passage of JW 59 and JW 59A. See War Diary for August 1944

 

 

71. Operation BEGONIA ( 11th-13th Sept)

Object: Lay mines in Aaramsund

 

Forces taking part: FURIOUS, DEVONSHIRE, MYNGS (Captain (D) Twentysixth Destroyer Flotilla), MARNE, VIGILANT, ALGONQUIN, MUSKETEER

 

Remarks: Mines laid. Shipping shot up. This was FURIOUS' last operation

 

72. Operation RIGMAROLE (16th September to 4th October)

Object: The safe passage of convoys JW 60 and RA 60 between the United Kingdom and North Russia

 

Forces taking part:

Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in CAMPANIA, RODNEY, DIADEM, STRIKER

Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, MARNE, METEOR, MUSKETEER

Captain (D) Twentythird Destroyer Flotilla in SAUMAREZ, SCORPION, SIOUX, ALGONQUIN, VIRAGO, VOLAGE, VENUS, VERULAM

Seventh Escort Group CYGNET, KEPPEL, BULLDOG, WHITEHALL, BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, ALLINGTON CASTLE

 

Remarks: JW 60 arrived without loss. RA 60 Two ships torpedoed and sunk. One U-boat damaged

 

73. Operation DIVAN (19th-29thSeptember)

Object

(i) To create a diversion during the passage of JW 60 through the Bear Island Channel

(ii) Mining the Leads at Finnenarennen and Gibostad

(iii) Harassing German and destruction of military installations in Tromso Area.

 

Forces taking part: Vice Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron in INDEFATIGABLE, SWIFTSURE, CASANDRA, CAPRICE, CAMBRIAN, ZEPHYR, ORIRI, OFFA, ORWELL, ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT

 

Remarks: Forces reached the operational area, but the operation was abandoned owing to weather.

 

74. Operation ABIGAIL (27th September – 7th October)

Object: To carry relief stores and personnel to the Norwegian garrison at Spitzbergen

 

Forces taking part: JAMAICA, OBEDIENT, ORWELL

 

Remarks: Operation successful

 

75. Operation TENABLE (28th September -2nd October)

Object: For disorganizing enemy coastal shipping by laying mines in Ramisoysund, Lepsoyrev, and Harhamsfjord

 

Forces taking part: EURYALUS, FENCER, TRUMPETER, CASSANDRA, CAPRICE, MYNGS, CAMBRIAN, ZAMBESI, SAVAGE

 

Remarks: Force reached operational area, but operation abandoned owing to weather

 

Changes of Flag

 

Commander in Chief, Home Fleet - Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was transferred on 18th from DUKE OF YORK to FURIOUS when the former went to refit.

 

Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in INDEFATIGABLE for Operation GOODWOOD, and was transferred to DEVONSHIRE on 3rd. It was transferred from DEVONSHIRE to INDEFATIGABLE on 11th and to KENT on 13th. On 14th it was transferred to DIADEM and on the 16th to CAMPANIA for Operation RIGMAROLE, and to RODNEY in Kola from 23rd to 28th when it was transferred back to CAMPANIA for the return passage to the United Kingdom

 

Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron was flying in VINDEX during Operation VICTUAL and was transferred to JAMAICA on the 5th. On the 18th it was transferred to INDEFATIGABLE for Operation DIVAN and on 24th to KENT

 

 

 


 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

OCTOBER 1944

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

 

 

1. HMS FURIOUS (Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet)

 

1st-12th

Scapa

 

11th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred to RODNEY

 

12th

Left Scapa

 

13th

Arrived Clyde

 

14th

Transferred to Reserve Fleet.

 

 

 

2 HMS. RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet transferred from FURIOUS

 

13th

Left Scapa

 

14th

Arrived Rosyth for docking

 

17th

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

 

27th

Left Rosyth, arrived Scapa

 

30th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from IMPLACABLE.

 

 

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V

 

1st-5th

Scapa, working up

 

5th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for trials, then docking

 

7th

Arrived Plymouth

 

16th

Left Plymouth

 

17th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from RODNEY

 

18th

Arrived Scapa. Commander in Chief and Operational Staff embarked

 

24th

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred to IMPLACABLE

 

28th

Left Scapa. Arrived Clyde to embark mails and passengers

 

30th

Left Clyde for Gibraltar and the Far East

 

 

 

4. HMS DUKE OF YORK

 

1st-31st

Liverpool, refitting

 

 

 

Fleet Carriers – temporarily attached to Second Battle Squadron

 

 

 

5. HMS INDEFATIGABLE

 

1st-31st

Clyde, docking

 

 

 

6 HMS IMPLACABLE

 

1st-6th

Clyde, working up

 

7th

Left Clyde

 

8th

Arrived Scapa to continue working up

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

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

 

 

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet transferred to RODNEY


 

 

 

Escort Carriers Temporarily Attached

 

 

 

7. HMS CAMPANIA

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron

 

4th

Arrived Scapa. Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to KENT

 

5th

Left Scapa

 

6th

Arrived Clyde

 

20th

Left Clyde

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

8. HMS FENCER

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

18th

Arrived Clyde

 

31st

Left Clyde for Mediterranean

 

 

 

9. HMS NAIRANA

 

1st-14th

Western Approaches

 

14th

Left Clyde

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

10. HMS PURSUER

 

1st-27th

Western Approaches

 

27th

Left Clyde

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

11. HMS STRIKER

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa

 

6th

Arrived Clyde

 

31st

Left Clyde for Mediterranean

 

 

 

12. HMS TRACKER

 

1st-14th

Western Approaches

 

14th

Left Clyde

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

13. HMS TRUMPETER

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

29th

Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning.

 

29th-31st

Clyde

 

 

 

14. HMS VINDEX

 

1st-14th

Western Approaches

 

14th

Left Clyde

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM

 

 

Left Scapa for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

 

15. HMS KENT

 

1st-31st

Scapa

 

4th

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM

 

4th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron transferred from CAMPANIA

 

 

 

16. HMS BERWICK

 

1st-25th

Scapa

 

25th

Left Scapa. Arrived off Dunrobin for gunnery trials

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th

Left Scapa

 

28th

Arrived at Rosyth to embark Norwegian military forces

 

30th

Left Rosyth

 

31st

Arrived Scapa

 

 

 

17. HMS DEVONSHIRE

 

1st-2nd

Scapa

 

2nd

Left Scapa

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth for docking and leave

 

18th

Left Rosyth

 

19th

Arrived Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

18. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

1st-3rd

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

3rd

Arrived Scapa

 

4th

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron transferred from HMS KENT

 

18th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe. Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron transferred to HMS VINDEX

 

 

Left Scapa

 

22nd

Arrived Rosyth for leave and docking

 

22nd-31st

Rosyth

 

 

 

19. HMS BELLONA

 

1st-14th

Clyde and refitting

 

14th

Left Clyde. Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

20. HMS DIDO

 

1st-5th

Clyde

 

5th

Left Clyde

 

6th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

21. HMS EURYALUS

 

1st-2nd

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

2nd

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

17th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

22. HMS JAMAICA

 

1st

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left for Operation ABIGAIL

 

4th

Arrived and left Spitzbergen

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

9th

Left Scapa

 

11th

Arrived Portsmouth for refit.

 

11th-31st

Portsmouth

 

 

 

23. HMS MAURITIUS

 

1st-16th

Commander in Chief, Plymouth

 

16th

Left Plymouth

 

17th

Arrived Scapa to come under the orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

Fast minelayer temporarily attached to 10th Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

24. HMS APOLLO

 

1st-3rd

Tyne

 

3rd

Left Tyne

 

4th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

14th

Left Scapa

 

15th

Arrived Tyne for docking

 

18th

Left Tyne

 

20th

Arrived Milford Haven to come under the orders of C. in C. Western Approaches

 

 

 

Destroyer Depot Ships

 

 

 

25. HMS GREENWICH

 

1st-31st

Scapa

 

11th

Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) transferred to HMS TYNE

 

23rd

Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) transferred from HMS TYNE

 

 

 

26. HMS TYNE

 

1st-9th

Clyde, refitting

 

9th

Left Clyde

 

11th

Arrived Scapa

 

23rd

Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) transferred to HMS GREENWICH

 

 

Left Scapa

 

25th

Arrived Clyde, en route to Far East

 

 

 

27. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)

 

18th

Left Mediterranean

 

23rd

Arrived Chatham to recommission before proceeding to Scapa

 

23rd-31st

Chatham

 

 

 

Destroyers

 

 

 

Second Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

28. HMS ZAMBESI

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

12th

Left Scapa escorting HMS FURIOUS to Minches

 

13th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

30th

Left Scapa. Arrived Dundee for submarine exercises

 

31st

Dundee

 

 

 

29. HMS ZEALOUS

 

1st-12th

Liverpool, building

 

12th

Left Liverpool

 

13th

Arrived Scapa to work up.

 

17th

Left Scapa escorting FENCER

 

18th

Arrived Clyde

 

19th-20th

Left Clyde, escorting CAMPANIA

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

21st-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

30. HMS ZEBRA

 

1st-19th

Clyde, building

 

19th

Left Clyde

 

20th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

20th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

31. HMS ZEPHYR

 

1st-17th

Scapa, working up

 

17th

Left Scapa, escorting FENCER

 

18th

Arrived Clyde

 

20th

Left Clyde, escorting CAMPANIA

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for air sea rescue duties with 18 Group, Operation OBVIATE

 

29th

Returned to Scapa

 

29th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

32. HMS ZEST

 

1st-30th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches. Refitting

 

 

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

33. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

1st-4th

At sea for operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa

 

17th

Arrived Hull for refit

 

17th-31st

Hull

 

 

 

34. HMS MARNE

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Portsmouth for boiler clean

 

31st

Left Plymouth for Gibraltar to join Mediterranean Fleet.

 

 

 

35. HMS METEOR

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Plymouth for boiler clean

 

29th

Left Plymouth

 

30th

Arrived Milford Haven for fuel and left to r/v with HMS KING GEORGE V and escort her to Gibraltar and to join Mediterranean Fleet.

 

 

 

36. HMS MATCHLESS

 

1st-31st

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

37. HMS MUSKETEER

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa

 

6th-7th

Arrived Chatham for boiler clean

 

31st

Left Plymouth to join Mediterranean Fleet

 

 

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

38. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-7th

Clyde, building

 

7th

Left Clyde

 

8th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

12th

Left Scapa escorting FURIOUS to Minches

 

13th

Arrived Liverpool to embark Captain (D) 6th Destroyer Flotilla

 

14th

Left Liverpool

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

15th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

39. HMS CAMBRIAN

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa escorting TRUMPETER to Minches and returned escorting PURSUER.

 

 

 

40. HMS CAPRICE

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa escorting RODNEY to Rosyth

 

14th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

41. HMS CASSANDRA

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

42. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-2nd

Scapa

 

2nd

Left Scapa to escort MALAYA through Pentland Firth

 

3rd

Returned to Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe

 

21st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

43. HMS OBDURATE

 

1st-31st

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

44. HMS OBEDIENT

 

1st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left with JAMAICA for Operation ABIGAIL.

 

4th

Arrived and left Spitzbergen

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Faroes to fuel.

 

21st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL.

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

45. HMS OFFA

 

1st-19th

Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Faroes

 

21st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL.

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

46. HMS ONSLAUGHT

 

1st-31st

Hull, refitting.

 

 

 

47. HMS OPPORTUNE

 

1st-2nd

Scapa

 

2nd

Left Scapa to escort MALAYA through Pentland Firth

 

3rd

Returned to Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa escorting HMS KING GEORGE V through Minches

 

6th

Arrived Greenock

 

7th

Left Greenock escorting IMPLACABLE to Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Faroes.

 

21st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

48. HMS ORIBI

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa escorting KING GEORGE V through Minches

 

6th

Arrived Greenock

 

7th

Left Greenock escorting IMPLACABLE to Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Faroes

 

21st

Arrived Faroes to fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL.

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

49. HMS ORWELL

 

1st

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left with JAMAICA for Operation ABIGAIL

 

4th

Arrived and left Spitzbergen

 

7th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Faroes

 

21st

Arrived Faroes for fuel. Left for Operation TRIAL

 

28th

Arrived Kola

 

28th-31st

Kola

 

 

 

Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

50. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean

 

21st

Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

51. HMS SAVAGE

 

1st-5th

At sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa for air sea rescue duties with 18 Group. Operation OBVIATE

 

29th

Returned to Scapa

 

29th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

52. HMS SCORPION

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

29th

Left Scapa for air sea rescue duties with 18 Group. Operation OBVIATE

 

 

Arrived Lerwick

 

30th

Left Lerwick. Arrived Scapa

 

 

 

53. HMS SCOURGE

 

1st-9th

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

9th

Left Clyde, escorting TYNE

 

11th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa

 

25th

Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning

 

31st

Left Clyde for Scapa

 

 

 

54. HMS SERAPIS

 

1st

Detached to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

9th

Left Clyde escorting TYNE

 

11th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

23rd

Left Scapa for Operation HARDY

 

27th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

55. HNoMS STORD

 

1st

Left Scapa for Dundee for S/M exercises. Arrived Dundee

 

4th

Left Dundee. Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa

 

7th

Arrived Cowes to refit

 

7th-12th

Cowes

 

 

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

56. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-5th

At Sea for Operation TENABLE

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

31st

Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning

 

 

 

57. HMS VENUS

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa

 

5th

Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean

 

12th

Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa escorting RODNEY to Rosyth

 

14th

Returned to Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

58. HMS VERULAM

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa

 

6th

Arrived Tyne for boiler clean

 

13th

Left Tyne. Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa to locate TIRPITZ

 

20th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

59. HMS VIGILANT

 

1st-31st

Grimsby, refitting

 

 

 

60. HMS VIRAGO

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa escorting STRIKER and CAMPANIA

 

6th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

7th

Arrived Leith for refit

 

7th-31st

Leith

 

 

 

61. HMS VOLAGE

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa

 

31st

Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning.

 

 

 

62. HMCS ALGONQUIN

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

63. HMCS SIOUX

 

1st-4th

At sea for Operation RIGMAROLE

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa escorting STRIKER and CAMPANIA

 

6th

Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Operation LYCIDAS

 

17th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Operation ATHLETIC

 

30th

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

31st

Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning.

 

 

 

Destroyers Attached Temporarily for Operations

 

 

 

64. HMS FAULKNOR

 

1st-16th

Western Approaches Command

 

16th

Left Lough Foyle

 

17th

Arrived Scapa to come temporarily under orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

22nd

Left Scapa

 

24th

Arrived Milford Haven. Detached to Western Approaches Command

 

 

 

65. HMS IMPULSIVE

 

1st-16th

Western Approaches Command

 

16th

Left Lough Foyle

 

17th

Arrived Scapa to come temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

22nd

Left Scapa

 

24th

Arrived Milford Haven. Detached to Western Approaches Command

 

 

 

66. HMS IROQUOIS

 

1st-16th

Plymouth Command

 

16th

Left Plymouth

 

18th

Arrived Scapa to come under the Orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

23rd

Left Scapa, escorting TYNE

 

25th

Arrived Clyde. Left Clyde

 

27th

Arrived off May Island to rendezvous with RODNEY and escort her to Scapa

 

 

Arrived Scapa

 

27th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

67. HMS KEMPENFELT

 

1st-24th

Plymouth Command

 

24th

Left Plymouth

 

26th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa escorting KING GEORGE V to Clyde to embark mails and passengers

 

30th

Left Clyde for Gibraltar

 

 

 

68. HMS NUBIAN

 

1st-16th

Plymouth

 

16th

Left Plymouth escorting KING GEORGE V

 

18th

Arrived Scapa to come temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet

 

21st

Left Scapa escorting Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron in VINDEX

 

23rd

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa escorting TYNE

 

25th

Arrived Clyde. Left Clyde

 

26th

Arrived Scapa

 

27th

Left Scapa escorting TRUMPETER to Minches and returned escorting PURSUER

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

28th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

69. HMS URSA

 

19th

Left Portsmouth

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

28th

Left Scapa escorting KING GEORGE V to Clyde to embark mails and passengers

 

30th

Left Clyde for Gibraltar

 

 

 

70. HMS UNDAUNTED

 

1st-16th

Plymouth Command

 

16th

Left Plymouth escorting KING GEORGE V

 

18th

Arrived Scapa to come temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, home Fleet.

 

21st

Left Scapa escorting Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron in VINDEX

 

23rd

Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa

 

24th

Arrived Clyde with defects.

 

 

 

Destroyers attached for working up

 

 

 

71. HMS COWDRAY

 

12th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

12th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

72. HMS MENDIP

 

31st

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

 

Operations

 

RIGMAROLE (16th September – 4th October)

See War Diary for September 1944

 

 

ABIGAIL (27th September – 7th October)

See War Diary for September 1944

 

 

TENABLE (28th September – 2nd October)

See War Diary for September 1944

 

 

Operation LYCIDAS (13th -17th October)

Object: Mining in Lepsoyrev, Ramsoyund, and Harhamsfiord

 

Forces taking part: EURYALUS, FENCER, TRUMPETER, CASSANDRA, CAPRICE, MYNGS, CAMBRIAN, ZAMBESI, SAVAGE

 

Remarks: The force reached the operational area, but operation had to be abandoned owing to weather.

 

Operation ATHLETIC (24th-30th October)

Object: An air strike against shipping between Narvik and Trondheim

 

Forces taking part: IMPLACABLE (Commander in Chief, Home Fleet), MAURITIUS, MYNGS (Captain (D) 26th Destroyer Flotilla), VERULAM, VENUS, VOLAGE, ALGONQUIN, SIOUX

 

Remarks: Shipping damaged and sunk. Shore installations attacked. A U-boat driven ashore (which was later put out of action by R.A.F.)

 

Operation TRIAL (20th October-9th November)

Object: The safe passage of Convoys JW 61 and RA 61 to and from North Russia

 

Forces taking part:

VINDEX (Rear Admiral Commanding 10th Cruiser Squadron), DIDO, NAIRANA, TRACKER, ONSLOW (Captain (D)

17th Destroyer Flotilla), ORWELL, ORIBI, OPPORTUNE, OFFA, OBEDIENT

15th Escort Group LOUIS, INGLIS, LORING, LAWSON, MOUNSEY, NARBOROUGH

8th Escort Group=LARK, WALKER, LAPWING, CAMELLIA, OXLIP, RHODODENDRON

21st Escort Group CONN, BYRON, FITZROY, DEANE, RUPERT, REDMILL

 

Remarks: Both convoys arrived safely. MOUNSEY was torpedoed, but returned to harbour.

 

Operation ---------- (16th-20th October)

Object: To locate the TIRPITZ after she had moved.

 

Forces taking part: IMPLACABLE, BELLONA, VENUS, VERULAM, CASSANDRA, CAMBRIAN, CAPRICE, SAVAGE, SCOURGE, ZAMBESI

 

Remarks: TIRPITZ was located at Tromso

 

Operation HARDY (23rd-27th October)

Object:

(i) To lay mines in Lepsoyrev and Harhamsfiord.

(ii) To strike enemy shipping between 62N-64N

 

Forces taking part: DEVONSHIRE, TRUMPETER, CAMPANIA, SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) 23rd Destroyer Flotilla), SAVAGE, SCORPION, SERAPIS, ZAMBESI

 

Remarks:

(i) Mines successfully laid and shore installations shot up

(ii) Abandoned owing to weather

 

Changes of Flag

 

Commander in Chief, Home Fleet - The flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was transferred from FURIOUS to RODNEY on 11th and from RODNEY to KING GEORGE V on 17th, while the former was in dock. On 24th it was transferred to IMPLACABLE for Operation ATHLETIC and on the 30th it was transferred to RODNEY again.

 

Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron was being flown in CAMPANIA for Operation RIGMAROLE and was transferred to KENT on 4th.

 

Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron was being flown in KENT until DIADEM returned on 4th from Operation RIGMAROLE. On 21st it was transferred to VINDEX for Operation TRIAL.

 

Commodore (D), Home Fleet - The Broad Pendant of Commodore (D), Home Fleet was transferred from GREENWICH to TYNE on the 11th and back to GREENWICH on 23rd.

 

on to Home Fleet, November-December 1944
or
back to Admiralty War Diaries

revised 25/7/11