(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

 

NOVEMBER 1944

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

 

 

1. HMS. RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st to 30th	Scapa
	22nd	Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet transferred to IMPLACABLE for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet transferred from IMPLACABLE.
2. HMS INDEFATIGABLE
	1st-8th	Clyde, Docking
	8th	Proceeded to Tail o' Bank.
	15th	Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Aircraft Carriers, British Home Fleet hoisted.
3. HMS IMPLACABLE
	1st-22nd	Scapa
	22nd	Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet transferred from RODNEY
		Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa. Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred to RODNEY
	29th-30th	Scapa
Escort Carriers, Administered by Rear Admiral Command, First Cruiser Squadron
4. HMS CAMPANIA
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	16th	Arrived Belfast
	25th	Left Belfast. Arrived Clyde
	26th	Left Clyde
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT. Left Scapa on Operation ACUMEN.
5. HMS NAIRANA
	1st-2nd	At Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	10th	Arrived Clyde for repairs and leave
	24th	Left Clyde
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
6. HMS PREMIER
	1st-9th	Clyde
	9th	Left Clyde
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
7. HMS PURSUER
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK. Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
	16th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa
	29th	Arrived Clyde to give leave before proceeding to U.S.A. to fit catapult
	29th-30th	Clyde
8. HMS TRACKER
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa.
	10th	Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning and leave
	10th-30th	Clyde
9. HMS TRUMPETER
	1st-24th	Clyde, boiler cleaning
	24th	Left Clyde
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
10. HMS VINDEX
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL). Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM.
		Left Scapa
	10th	Arrived Clyde for repairs and leave
	10th-30th	Clyde
First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)
11. HMS KENT
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe
	29th	Left Loch Ewe. Arrived Scapa
	30th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to CAMPANIA
12. HMS BERWICK
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola.
	15th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa (n.b. shows BERWICK departed Kola and arriving Scapa both on 10th. Correction date taken from Summary, q.v.)
	16th	Arrived Rosyth to give leave
	16th-30th	Rosyth
13. HMS DEVONSHIRE
	1st	Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
14. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-4th	Tyne, refitting
	4th	Left Tyne. Arrived Rosyth
	8th	Left Rosyth
	9th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	9th-30th	Scapa
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
12. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	1st-8th	Rosyth, docking
	8th	Left Rosyth
	9th	Arrived Scapa
		Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from VINDEX.
	18th	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to BELLONA
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELLONA
	20th-30th	Scapa
16. HMS BELLONA
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Returned to Scapa
	18th	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM
	20th	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN.
17. HMS DIDO
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
18. HMS EURYALUS
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK. Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
	16th	Arrived Scapa to give leave
	16th-30th	Rosyth
19. HMS MAURITIUS
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa
	10th	Arrived Clyde for bombardment training
	19th	Left Clyde
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Arrived Rosyth to give leave
	23rd-30th	Rosyth
Cruisers temporarily attached for working up
20 HMNZS UGANDA
	4th	Arrived Scapa from Canada
	5th	Left Scapa
	6th	Arrived Tyne, fitting out after U.S.A. refit
	6th-30th	Tyne
21. HMS NEWFOUNDLAND
	27th	Arrived Scapa from Clyde to work up
	27th-30th	Scapa
Destroyer Depot Ships
22. HMS GREENWICH
	1st-30th	Scapa
	7th	Broad Pendant of Commodore (D), Home Fleet, transferred to VINDICTIVE
23. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)
	1st-5th	Chatham, recommissioning
	5th	Left Chatham
	7th	Arrived Scapa. Broad Pendant of Commodore (D) Home Fleet, transferred from GREENWICH
	7th-30th	Scapa
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
24. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-30th	Humber, refitting
25. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-30th	Humber, refitting
Second Destroyer Flotilla
23. HMS ZAMBESI
	1st-2nd	Dundee for submarine exercises
	2nd	Left Dundee. Arrived Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Returned to Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa
	16th	Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning
	24th	Left Clyde escorting NAIRANA and TRUMPETER
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
27. HMS ZEALOUS
	1st-4th	Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa for air sear rescue duties with Bomber Command attack on TIRPITZ (Operation CATECHISM)
		Returned to Scapa (operation postponed.)
	7th	Left Scapa. Arrived Dundee for submarine exercises
	10th	Left Dundee. Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation CATECHISM
	12th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Arrived Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
28. HMS ZEBRA
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa to rendezvous with PREMIER and escort her to Scapa
	10th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa
	23rd	Arrived Clyde for boiler repairs
	23rd-30th	Clyde
29. HMS ZEPHYR
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK. Returned to Scapa on account of weather.
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK.
	16th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
30. HMS ZEST
	1st-30th	Liverpool, refitting
31. HMS ZODIAC
	1st-8th	Clyde, building
	8th	Left Clyde
	9th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	28th	Left Scapa, escorting PURSUER to Mull of Kintyre
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
32. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK. Returned to Scapa on account of weather.
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
	16th	Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
33. HMS CAMBRIAN
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	16th	Arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning
	24th	Left Clyde, escorting NAIRANA and TRUMPETER
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
33a. HMS CAPRICE
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMENT
33b. HMS CARRON
	1st-15th	Clyde, building
	15th	Left Clyde
	16th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	28th	Left Scapa , escorting PURSUER to Mull of Kintyre
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
33c. HMS CASSANDRA
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Kola
	30th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
33d. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa. Arrived Loch Ewe
	29th	Left Loch Ewe for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel.
33e. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-30th	Tyne, refitting
33f. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	10th	Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	27th	Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel
34. HMS OFFA
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa
		Left Scapa escorting VINDEX, NAIRANA, and TRACKER to Mull of Kintyre
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel
35. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st-9th	Hull, refitting
	9th	Left Hull
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for air sea rescue duties with Bomber Command attack on TIRPITZ (Operation CATECHISM)
	12th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel.
36. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa
	11th	Arrived Grimsby to refit
	11th-30th	Grimsby
37. HMS ORIBI
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel
38. HMS ORWELL
	1st-2nd	Kola (Operation TRIAL)
	2nd	Left Kola
	9th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	10th	Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	25th	Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Operation ACUMEN
	30th	Arrived and left Faroes to fuel.
Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla
39. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Captain (D), Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla and staff transferred to MYNGS which became Flotilla Leader of the Twenty-third Flotilla. Captain (D), Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla and staff transferred from MYNGS. SAUMAREZ became Flotilla Leader of Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
	30th	Arrived Tyne for refit.
40. HMS SAVAGE
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation FREEMAN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	16th	Arrived Rosyth for boiler clean
	16th-30th	Rosyth
41. HMS SCORPION
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation FREEMAN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
42. HMS SCOURGE
	1st	Arrived Scapa from Clyde
		Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Operation HANDFAST
	20th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
43. HMS SERAPIS
	1st	Left Scapa for Operation GOLDEN
	6th	Arrived Kola
	10th	Left Kola
	15th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa
	16th	Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	16th-30th	Rosyth
44. H.No.M.S. STORD
	1st-24th	Cowes, refitting
	24th	Left Cowes
	26th	Arrived Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
45. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-7th	Clyde
	7th	Left Clyde
	8th	Arrived Scapa. Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Returned to Scapa
	17th	Captain (D), Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla and staff transferred to SAUMAREZ which became Flotilla Leader of the Twenty-sixth Flotilla. Captain (D), Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla and staff transferred from SAUMAREZ. MYNGS became Flotilla Leader of Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Rosyth to fit Director Control Tower
46. HMS VENUS
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
		Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
	16th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
	30th	Arrived Rosyth to refit
47. HMS VERULAM
	1st-4th	Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa for air/sea rescue duties with Bomber Command attack on TIRPITZ (Operation CATECHISM)
		Proceed to Lerwick (Operation postponed)
	5th	Left Lerwick for Scapa. Arrived Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Returned to Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa
	15th	Arrived Humber for refit
	15th-30th	Humber
48. HMS VIGILANT
	1st-12th	Grimsby, refitting
	12th	Left Grimsby
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
49. HMS VIRAGO
	1st-30th	Leith, refitting
50. HMS VOLAGE
	1st- 15th	Rosyth
	15th	Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	26th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
	30th	Arrived Rosyth to refit
51. HMCS ALGONQUIN
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	9th	Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	11th	Left Scapa for Operation COUNTERBLAST
	13th	Returned to Scapa
	17th	Transferred to 23rd Destroyer Flotilla
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
52. HMCS SIOUX
	1st-15th	Rosyth
	15th	Left Rosyth. Arrived Scapa
	17th	Transferred to 23rd Destroyer Flotilla
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation PROVIDENT
	29th	Returned to Scapa
	29th-30th	Scapa
Destroyers Temporarily Attached
53. HMS IROQUOIS
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa
	7th	Arrived Clyde to come under the Orders of Commander in Chief, Plymouth
54. HMS NUBIAN
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
		Returned to Scapa on account of weather
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation STEAK
	16th	Returned to Scapa. Left Scapa
	18th	Arrived Milford Haven to come under the orders of Commander in Chief, Plymouth
Destroyers attached for working up
55. HMS COWDRAY
	1st-4th	Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa
	5th	Arrived Sheerness for Nore Command
56. HMS MENDIP
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa to rendezvous with PREMIER and escort her to Scapa
	10th	Returned to Scapa
	24th	Left Scapa
	26th	Arrived Sheerness for Nore Command
57. HMS BLENCATHRA
	18th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	18th-30th	Scapa
58. HMS ULSTER
	14th	Left Cardiff
	16th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	16th-30th	Scapa

 

 

Operations

 

Operation TRIAL (26th October – 9 November)

See War Diary for October 1944

 

 

Operation GOLDEN (31st October-15 November)

Object: The safe conduct of convoys JW 61A and RA 61A to and from North Russia with Russian prisoners of war and the Norwegian contingent and stores for liberated Northern Norway.

 

Forces taking part were: BERWICK, CAMPANIA, SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twentythird Destroyer Flotilla), SCOURGE, SERAPIS, CAPRICE, CAMBRIAN, CASSANDRA

 

Remarks: Operation successful

 

Operation FREEMAN (3rd to 15th November 1944)

Object: To take Norwegians and stores to Kola, returning with RA 61A

 

Forces taking part were: SCORPION, SAVAGE

 

Remarks: Operation successful

 

Operation COUNTERBLAST (11th-13th November 1944)

Object: The destruction of shipping off the south west coast of Norway.

 

Forces taking part were: KENT (Rear Admiral Commanding, 1st Cruiser Squadron), BELLONA, MYNGS (Captain (D) 26th Destroyer Flotilla), ZAMBESI, VERULAM, ALGONQUIN

 

Remarks: Convoy off 11 ships destroyed, with possibly one exception. Fighter cover was provided by Operation STEAK.

 

Operation STEAK (12th-16th November 1944)

Object:

(i) To give fighter cover for operation COUNTERBLAST.

(ii) To carry out an attack by fighter aircraft on shipping in the Vingvaagen anchorage or sweep off the Leads to westward.

 

Forces taking part: EURYALUS, PURSUER, CAESAR (Captain (D) 6th Destroyer Flotilla), NUBIAN, VENUS, ZEPHYR

 

Remarks: One trawler sunk, one set on fire. Radar Station bombed

 

Operation HANDFAST (19th-20th November 1944

Object: To lay mines in Salhusstrommen.

 

Forces taking part: DIADEM, PREMIER, PURSUER, ZEALOUS, ONSLAUGHT, SCORPION, SCOURGE

 

Remarks: Mines laid and several targets strafed.

 

Operation PROVIDENT (22nd -29th November 1944)

Object: Any of the following:

(i) Bombing attack on U-boat depot ships

(ii) Mining of Stoff, Meloysund, of Ramsoyund

(iii) Fighter attack on Bardenfoss airfield

(iv) Bombing of ferry service between Banaasjoen and Rorvik

(v) Attack of shipping between Lodingen and Rorvik.

 

Forces Taking Part:

Force 7: IMPLACABLE (Commander in Chief, Home Fleet), DIDO, MYNGS (Captain (D) 23rd Destroyer Flotilla) SCORPION, SCOURGE, SIOUX, ZEPHYR, ALGONQUIN

Force 8: DEVONSHIRE, PREMIER, PURSUER, SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) 26th Destroyer Flotilla), VOLAGE, ZEALOUS, VENUS, VIGILANT

 

Remarks: Shipping attacked successfully, including two troopships sunk

  

Operation ACUMEN (30th November -18th December 1944

See War Diary for December 1944

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

Commander in Chief - The Flag of commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was transferred from RODNEY to IMPLACABLE from 22nd to 29th November for Operation PROVIDENT

 

Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, was transferred from KENT to CAMPANIA on 30 November for Operation ACUMEN

 

Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, which was being flown in VINDEX for Operation GREYSTOKE, was transferred to DIADEM on 9th November and from DIADEM to BELLONA from 19th to 20th November during Operation HANDFAST

 

 

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

DECEMBER 1944

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

 

 

1. HMS RODNEY (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet)
	1st to 31st	Scapa
2. HMS IMPLACABLE
	1st to 6th	Scapa
	6th	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM for Operation URBANE.
		Left Scapa
	9th	Returned Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to DIADEM
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	11th-31st	Rosyth
Escort Carriers, Administered by Rear Admiral Command, First Cruiser Squadron
3. HMS CAMPANIA
	1st	At sea with JW 62 (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron.
	18th	Arrived Scapa
		Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron to KENT
	19th	Left Scapa with NAIRANA for Greenock.
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	20th-31st	Clyde
4. HMS NAIRANA
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with CAMPANA for Greenock
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	28th	Left Clyde
	29th	Arrived Scapa
	29th-31st	Scapa
5. HMS PREMIER
	1st-6th	Scapa, repairing weather damage
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Greenock
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd-31st	Clyde
6. HMS VINDEX
	1st-26th	Clyde
	26th	Left Clyde
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM. Left Scapa to escort JW 63 to North Russia
7. HMS TRUMPETER
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	23rd-31st	Scapa
First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)
8. HMS KENT
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Clyde to carry out bombardment practices
	8th	Arrived Clyde
	16th	Left Lamlash for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	18th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from CAMPANIA.
	19th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to NORFOLK
	20th	Left Scapa for Gareloch to be reduced to reserve category B.
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	30th	Administration transferred to Flag Officer in Charge, Greenock
9. HMS NORFOLK
	1st	Scapa
	19th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT
	21st	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to DEVONSHIRE
		Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	24th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from DEVONSHIRE at 1000
	23rd-31st	Scapa
10 HMS BERWICK
	1st	Rosyth, docking and leave
	2nd	Unbasined and left Scapa
	3rd	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Plymouth
	12th	Arrived Plymouth
		Sailed Plymouth for Bizerta
	19th	Left Malta
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	25th-31st	Scapa
11. HMS DEVONSHIRE
	1st	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from NORFOLK.
	24th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to NORFOLK
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
12. HMS DIADEM (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to IMPLACABLE
		Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa. Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from IMPLACABLE
	20th	Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in DIADEM left Scapa for Operation ÒFRETSAWÓ
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for Aultbea for convoy conferences
		Arrived Aultbea
	30th	Left Aultbea
		Arrived Scapa
	31st	Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Ten Cruiser Squadron transferred to VINDEX. Left Scapa for JW 63.
13. HMS BELLONA
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	18th-31st	Scapa
14, HMS MAURITIUS
	1st-10th	Rosyth, docking and leave
	10th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 3)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	23rd-31st	Scapa
15 HMS DIDO
	1st-9th	Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa to Rosyth for leave
	10th	Arrived Rosyth
	27th	Left Rosyth
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	28th-31st	Scapa
Cruisers temporarily attached for working up
16. HMS EURYALUS
	1st	Rosyth, docking and leave
	13th	Left Rosyth for Liverpool
	15th	Arrived Liverpool
		Left Liverpool for Far East
17. HMS NEWFOUNDLAND
	1st-19th	Scapa, working up
	19th	Left Scapa for Greenock, thence Gibraltar
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	20th	Sailed Clyde for Gibraltar
	23rd	Arrived Gibraltar to continue working up in Mediterranean
18 HMNZS UGANDA
	1st	Tyne fitting out after refit in U.S.A.
	12th	Left Tyne for Scapa via Rosyth
	14th	Left Rosyth
	14th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	31st	Left Scapa for Greenock.
19. HMS APOLLO
	1st-28th	Milford Haven
	28th	Left Milford Haven for Scapa
	29th	Arrived Scapa
	29th-31st	Scapa
Destroyer Depot Ships
20. HMS VINDICTIVE (Commodore (D) Home Fleet)
	1st-31st	Scapa
21. HMS GREENWICH
	1st-31st	Scapa
Destroyers
Second Destroyer Flotilla
22. HMS ZEPHYR (Captain (D) Second Destroyer Flotilla
	1st	Scapa, docking
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler clean and leave
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do anti-U-boat sweep to east of Orkney
	31st	Mined in 58-57N, 04-00W
		Arrived Scapa
23. HMS ZAMBESI
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa, with STORD, to escort SPEAKER to Belfast. On completion proceeded to Clyde to operate under the Orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	16th	Arrived Clyde
	23rd	Arrived Milford Haven
	26th	Left Milford Haven escorting tanker
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63
24 HMS ZEALOUS
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do Anti-U-boat hunt to east of Orkney
	31st	Returned to Scapa
23 HMS ZEBRA
	1st	Glasgow, refitting
	18th	Left Greenock for Stranraer, thence Scapa
	18th	Left Stranraer
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63.
26. HMS ZEST
	1st	Liverpool, refitting
	14th	Left Liverpool for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	15th-31st	Scapa
27. HMS ZODIAC
	1st	Left Scapa for Rosyth
		Arrived Rosyth
	7th	Left Rosyth
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to May Island with VIGILANT, then to Dundee
	11th	Arrived Dundee
	14th	Left Dundee for Scapa escorting SPEAKER to Duncansby Head.
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa to escort PREMIER until relieved by Western Approaches escorts in North Minches; thence Scapa.
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
	22nd-31st	Scapa
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
28. HMS CAESAR (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa escorting CAMPANIA and NAIRANA, thence to Liverpool for boiler clean and leave.
		When ready for service temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.
	20th	Arrived Liverpool
	20th-31st	Detached.
29. HMS CAMBRIAN
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa escorting NAIRANA and CAMPANIA, returning to Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa to escort PREMIER until relieved by Western Approaches escorts in North Minches; thence to Scapa
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do anti-U-boat hunt to east of Orkney
	31st	Arrived Scapa
30. HMS CAPRICE
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa escorting NAIRANA and CAMPANIA, then Greenock for boiler clean and leave. When ready for service temporarily under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	20th-31st	Detached
31. HMS CARRON
	1st-6th	Scapa, working up
	6th	Left Scapa with 25th Escort Group for Anti-U-boat hunt off Cape Wrath under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	7th	Returned to Scapa
		Left Scapa to escort KENT to Minches
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	8th-31st	Scapa
32. HMS CASSANDRA
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	11th	Torpedoed 71-37N, 32-04E proceeding to Kola
	14th	Arrived Kola Inlet
	14th-31st	Repairs at Kola
33. HMS CAVENDISH
	1st-16th	Clyde
	16th	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	17th-31st	Scapa, working up.
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
34. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler clean and leave
	21st	Arrived Rosyth
	21st-31st	Rosyth
35. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-31st	Tyne, refitting
36. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Rosyth to escort COLOSSUS to Minches, then to return with VINDEX to Scapa
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa to rendezvous with NAIRANA and escort her to Scapa.
		Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do anti-U-boat sweep to east of Orkney.
	31st	Returned to Scapa
37. HMS OFFA
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	17th	To be detached to arrive Liverpool 19th for Operations under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	19th	Arrived Liverpool
	28th	Detached by Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	29th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa for Grimsby for refit.
38. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do Anti-U-boat sweep to east of Orkney
	31st	Returned to Scapa
39. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-31st	Grimsby, refitting
40. HMS ORIBI
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	17th	To be detached to arrive Liverpool 19th for Operations under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	19th	Arrived Liverpool
	30th	Arrived Greenock
41. HMS ORWELL
	1st	At sea with JW 62
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Rosyth to escort COLOSSUS to Minches, then to return with VINDEX to Scapa
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa to rendezvous with NAIRANA and escort her to Scapa
		Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa to do anti-U-boat sweep east of Orkney
	31st	Returned to Scapa
Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla
42. HMS MYNGS (Captain (D) Twenty-third Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	Arrived Rosyth to refit
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 3)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
		Arrived Aultbea
	30th	Left Aultbea for JW 63
	31st	At sea
43. HMCS ALGONQUIN
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa to Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	16th-30th	Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63
44. HMCS SIOUX
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for operation URBANE
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 3)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63
45. HMS SAVAGE
	1st	Left Rosyth for Scapa
		Arrived Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 3)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
		Arrived Aultbea
	30th	Left Aultbea to escort JW 63
	31st	At sea
46. HMS SCORPION
	1st	Arrived Rosyth to boiler clean
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63
47. HMS SCOURGE
	1st	Scapa
	2nd	Left Scapa for Rosyth to boiler clean
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation FRETAW (Force 3)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa to escort JW 63
48. HMS SERAPIS
	1st	Left Rosyth for Scapa
		Arrived Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation LACERATE
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Operation FRETSAW (Force 4)
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
		Arrived Aultbea
	30th	Left Aultbea to escort JW 63
	31st	At sea
49. HNoMS STORD
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa with ZAMBESI to escort SPEARKER to Belfast. On completion Proceeding to Clyde to operation under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.
	16th	Arrived Clyde
	23rd	Arrived Milford Haven
	26th	Left Milford Haven escorting tanker
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa
		Arrived Aultbea
	30th	Left Aultbea for JW 63
	31st	At sea
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
50. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-31st	Tyne, refitting
51. HMS VENUS
	1st-31st	Rosyth, refitting
52. HMS VERULAM
	1st-31st	Humber, refitting
53. HMS VIGILANT
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Operation URBANE
	9th	Returned Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa escorting IMPLACABLE to May Island with ZODIAC, then proceeding to Chatham for boiler clean.
	12th	Arrived Sheerness
	12th-31st	Sheerness
54. HMS VIRAGO
	1st-29th	Leith, refitting
	29th	Left Leith for Methil
		Arrived Methil and left Methil for Scapa
	30th	Arrived Scapa
55. HMS VOLAGE
	1st-31st	Rosyth, refitting
Destroyers Temporarily Attached for Working up, etc
56. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-22nd	Humber, refitting
	22nd	Left Humber
	23rd	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa
	29th	Arrived Clyde
		Left Clyde for Gibraltar to join Mediterranean Fleet
57. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-8th	Humber, refitting
	8th	Left Humber for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa
	29th	Arrived Clyde
		Left Clyde for Gibraltar to join Mediterranean Fleet
58. HNoMS ARENDAL
	1st	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	2nd	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Harwich
	22nd	Arrived Harwich
59. HMS BLENCATHRA
	1st-3rd	Scapa, working up
	3rd	Left Scapa for Sheerness
60. HMS ULSTER
	1st-6th	Scapa, working up
	6th	Left Scapa with 25th Escort Group for Anti-U-boat hunt off Cape Wrath under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches
	7th	Returned to Scapa
		Left Scapa to escort KENT to Minches
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Liverpool
	13th	Arrived Liverpool.
61. HMS URCHIN
	7th	Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Liverpool to be taken in hand for repairs.
	13th	Arrived Liverpool.

 

 

Changes of Flag

 

62. Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron - The flag of Vice-Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred his flag from DIADEM to IMPLACABLE from 6th to 9th for Operation URBANE and to VINDEX on 31st for Operation GREYSTOKE.

 

63. Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron - Rear Admiral Commander, First Cruiser Squadron transferred his flag from CAMPANIA to KENT on 18th on completion of Operation ACUMEN, on 19th from KENT to NORFOLK, on 21st from NORFOLK and DEVONSHIRE, while NORFOLK took part in Operation FRETSAW. It was transferred back to NORFOLK on 24th.

 

 

Operations

 

64. Operation ACUMEN (29th November to 18th December 1944)

Object: The safe conduct of convoys JW 62 and RA 62 between Loch Ewe and the Kola Inlet. Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, flying his flag in CAMPANIA, was in charge of the convoy which was conducted almost without incident, only one shadower being shot down and one U-boat possibly sunk.

 

Forces taking part were: CAMPANIA, BELLONA, NAIRANA, ONSLOW, OFFA, ORIBI, ORWELL, ONSLAUGHT, OBEDIENT, CAESAR, CAPRICE, CAMBRIAN, CASSANDRA, CYGNET, KEPPEL, LAPWING, WESTCOTT, LARK, BULLDOG, ALLINGTON CASTLE, BEAGLE, BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, ST JOHN, STARWORT, NENE, MONNOW, PORT COLBOURNE, TAVY, BAHAMAS, TORTOLA, SOMALILAND.

 

65. Operation URBANE (6th to 9th December 1944

Object: Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in IMPLACABLE carried out an anti shipping strike between Bergen and Stavanger and mines were laid in Salhusstrommen. Two 800 ton merchant ships and two self propelled barges were set on fire in the strike

 

Forces taking part were: IMPLACABLE, TRUMPETER, PREMIER, DIADEM, ZEALOUS, ZAMBESI, ALGONQUIN, VIGILANT, SIOUX, STORD, SAVAGE, SERAPIS

 

66. Operation LACERATE (12th to 16th December 1944)

Object of this operation which was conducted by DEVONSHIRE, was to lay mines in either

(a) Ramsoyund, or

(b) Aaramsund, or

(c) Skatestrommen

They were laid in Ramsoyund and a number of targets were strafed. 3 night attacks were made on the force by JU 82 torpedo bombers, one of which was shot down.

 

Forces taking part were: DEVONSHIRE, PREMIER, TRUMPETER, ZEALOUS, SIOUX, ALGONQUIN, ZEPHYR

 

67. Operation FRETSAW (20th to 23rd December 1944)

Object of this operation which was conducted by Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, was to destroy enemy shipping around Stadlandet. No shipping was encountered and a demonstration was made of force in that area to create alarm and to dislocate enemy convoy arrangements.

 

Forces taking part were: DIADEM, MAURITIUS, MYNGS, SAVAGE, SIOUX, NORFOLK, TRUMPETER, ZEALOUS, OBEDIENT, SERAPIS, SCORPION, ORWELL

 

68. Operation GREYSTOKE (31st December to 21st January 1945)

 

The safe conduct of convoys JW 63 and RA 63 with Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in charge, flying his flag in VINDEX. (See War Diary for January 1945).