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SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2

by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2004

 

HMAS HOBART  -  Leander/Perth-class Light Cruiser
including Convoy Escort Movement

HMAS Hobart (Navy Photos/Mark Teadham, click to enlarge)

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Modified LEANDER-Class cruiser ordered from HM Dockyard Devonport on 1st March 1933 and laid down on 15 August that year for the Royal Navy. The ship was launched on 9th  October 1934 as HMS APOLLO and build was completed on 13th January 1936. Following a commission under RN command she was refitted and her single 4in secondary armament was replaced by twin mountings. During this period arrangements were made for transfer to the Royal Australian Navy and she commissioned as HM Australian Cruiser HOBART on 28th September 1938. She was deployed with the RAN until the outbreak of war in 1939. No details of her Heraldic data or motto are available in Admiralty records as these are property of the RAN.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

 

MEDITERRANEAN 1941 - CORAL SEA 1942 - GUADALCANAL 1942-43 - PACIFIC 1945 - VIETNAM 1967-70*

(* Awarded to next HMAS Hobart)

 

 

D e t a i l s    o f    W a r    S e r v i c e

 

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

 

 

1 9 3 9

 

September

 

Deployed on shipping defence patrol in Australian waters.

 

October

 

Transferred to 4th Cruiser Squadron on Far East Station at Singapore.

 

November

 

Convoy escort and patrol duty in Indian Ocean between Colombo and Aden.

 

6th - Deployed in search for German commerce raiders in south of Arabian Sea after sinking of mercantiles by German pocket battleship ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE.

 

December

 

Deployed on patrol off Ceylon.

 

 

1 9 4 0

 

January

 

Escorted French military convoy in Indian Ocean.

 

13th - Joined HM Aircraft Carrier EAGLE, HM Cruisers CORNWALL and DORSETSHIRE in Hunting Force I based at Colombo for interception duty in Indian Ocean.

 

30th - Relieved HM Cruiser KENT and French cruiser SUFFREN as escort for Convoy US1 with EAGLE during passage in Indian Ocean to Aden.

 

February

 

On release from US1 took passage to Colombo.

 

25th - Routine docking at Colombo.

 

March

 

Escorted HM River Gunboats LADYBIRD and APHIS from Colombo to Aden during passage to join Mediterranean Fleet.

 

April

 

Joined Red Sea Escort Force with LIVERPOOL for support of military operations in Somaliland.

 

12th - Intercepted Danish merchant ship AFRIKA and sent her with armed guard to Colombo.

 

18th - Visited Red Sea ports for diplomatic purposes.

 

May

 

Deployed on patrol in Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

 

12th - Joined escort of Convoy US2 and then covered landings of Kings African Rifles at Berbera.

 

June

 

Supported British military operations in Somaliland.

 

11th - Under air attack by Italian aircraft in Red Sea.

 

13th - Assisted in AA defence with CARLISLE during Italian air raid at Aden.

 

19th - Bombarded Centre Peak W/T Station at Massawa.

 

 30th - Embarked troops at Aden for landings at Berbera on 1 July.

 

July

 

Escorted troop convoys to Berbera and supported military operations ashore.

 

August

 

3rd - Carried out reconnaissance patrol off Cape Guardafui, Italian Somaliland.

 

8th - Aircraft launched to make attacks at Zeila, British Somaliland after Italian occupation. Under air attack at Berbera on return.

 

9th - Assisted defence of Tug Argan, British Somaliland with landing party.

 

15th - Co-ordinated evacuation of allied troops from Berbera by HM Cruisers CERES , CALEDON, CARLISLE, HM Destroyers KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY, HM Sloops SHOREHAM, AUCKLAND, HM Australian Sloop PARRAMATTA and auxiliaries. Sustained slight damage during air attacks.

 

19th - Assisted in demolition work. Some of landing party taken prisoner. (Note: Released later when territory re-occupied).

 

21st - Returned to Aden.

 

September

 

Convoy escort between Port Sudan and Aden and subjected to air attacks.

 

12th - Escorted military convoy WS2A from Aden for Red Sea passage with HM Cruiser COVENTRY, HM Destroyers KANDAHAR and KINGSTON. Fast Section troopships ANDES, EMPRESS OF BRITAIN and EMPRESS OF CANADA.

 

14th - Detached when mercantiles dispersed when clear of Italian air threat.

 

October

 

19th - Taken in hand for refit at Colombo.

 

November

 

Post refit trials.

 

16th - Passage to Aden to resume to Red Sea duties as relief for HM Cruiser LEANDER.

 

December

 

12th - Passage to Australia to rejoin RAN.

 

 

1 9 4 1

 

January

 

Deployed on patrol and convoy defence in Australian waters.

 

4th - Escorted convoy US9 from Sydney to Fremantle

 

February

 

6th - Detached from US9 and returned to Sydney.

 

March

 

Convoy defence in continuation.

 

April

 

Escorted troops ships with AUSTRALIA and ACHILLES from Wellington, NZ to Sydney.

 

May

 

Convoy defence in continuation.

 

June

 

Under refit at Sydney prior to detached service.

 

20th - Transferred to Mediterranean and took passage to Suez.

 

July

 

12th - Assisted in re-floating and salvage of troopship GLENEARN at Port Tewfik.

 

August

 

Joined 7th Cruiser Squadron in Mediterranean Fleet.

 

12th - Embarked troops for passage to Tobruk0 to relieve some of garrison, with HM Cruiser minelayers ABDIEL, LATONA, HM Australian Destroyers NAPIER and NIZAM.

 

20th - Took part in transfer of Army and RAF personnel to Cyprus and Haifa from Egypt with HM Cruisers LEANDER, NEPTUNE, Destroyers of 11th flotilla, HM Sloops FLAMINGO and PARAMATTA (RAN) (Operation GUILLOTINE).

 

September

 

Deployed with Squadron for Fleet duties.

 

October

 

Deployed on support of military garrison at Tobruk with HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NIZAM and Mediterranean Fleet ships.

 

21st - Bombarded Bardia-Tobruk road.

 

November

 

Squadron duties in continuation.

 

December

 

7th - Escorted Supply Ship HMS BRECONSHIRE from Malta to Alexandria.

 

9th - Under air attack at Tobruk with HM Sloops FLAMINGO and YARRA (RAN).

 

10th - Recalled to rejoin RAN after Japan entered war and took passage to Colombo.

 

18th - Diverted to carry out patrol in Maldives area following reports of unrest.

 

24th - Joined escort for military convoy BM9A with HM Cruisers DURBAN and DRAGON for passage to Singapore from Bombay.

 

 

1 9 4 2

 

January

 

Transferred to ABDA Command for convoy defence.

 

3rd - Arrived at Singapore with convoy BM9A. (See WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO)).

 

7th - Sailed from Singapore and diverted to join HM Destroyers TENEDOS and STRONGHOLD as as escort for military convoy MS1 on passage from Australia.

 

25th - Joined Malaya section of reinforcement military convoy MS1 for escort to Singapore.

 

29th - Nominally transferred to ANZAC Force with HM Australian Cruisers AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA ADELAIDE and PERTH.

 

30th - Under unsuccessful air attacks in Banka Strait.

 

February

 

2nd - Passage to join Western Striking Force based at Tanjong Priok. Rescued survivors from ms NORAH MULLER.

 

5th - Patrolled Banka Strait with HM Cruiser EXETER, HM Destroyers JUPITER and ENCOUNTER to cover passage of Dutch cruiser JAVA escorting two troopships to Palembang.

 

7th - Relieved HM Cruiser DANAE and HM Sloop SUTLEJ (RIN) with HM Destroyer ENCOUNTER for patrol. Joined Evacuation Convoy EMU on passage to Bombay.

 

10th - Relieved HM Cruiser CORNWALL as escort for Military Convoy JS1 taking Australian troops from Middle East to Java.

 

11th - Detached to search for Japanese invasion craft reported on passage to Sumatra.

 

14th - Sailed with Dutch cruisers DE RUYTER, JAVA, TROMP and HM Cruiser EXETER with destroyer screen to intercept Japanese invasion convoy in Banka Strait. Under heavy air attacks.

 

17th - Deployed with EXETER for escort of JS and SJ Australian military convoys as far as Sunda Strait.

 

25th - Deployed with HM Cruisers DANAE, DRAGON, HM Destroyers SCOUT and TENEDOS in Western Striking Force when HM Cruisers EXETER and PERTH (RAN) transferred to Soerabaya. Remained with HM Cruisers DANAE, DRAGON, HM Destroyers SCOUT and TENEDOS in the Western Striking Force when HM Australian Cruisers EXETER and PERTH transferred to Soerabaya. (Note: Ship did not sail with Western Striking Force because delay in refuelling from RFA WAR SIRDAR.)

 

26th - Carried cut unsuccessful search with HM Cruisers DANAE and DRAGON for Japanese fleet reported in South China Sea heading for western Sumatra.

 

27th - Carried out offensive sweep through Sunda Strait with HMS DANAE, DRAGON and destroyers.

 

28th - As no enemy force was sighted took passage to Trincomalee since no fuel was available and air support was unavailable. Destroyers diverted to Padang to embarked refugees from Singapore for passage to Ceylon. (For details see WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).

 

March

 

Passage to Australia from Ceylon.

 

April

 

6th - Under refit at Sydney.

 

15th - Nominated for service with ANZAC Force ships as part of US Navy Task Force 44 in SW Pacific.

 

Passage to join TF44.

 

May

 

Deployed in sea area north of Australia on anti-invasion patrol.

 

4th - Joined combined Task Forces 11 in south of Coral Sea with HMAS AUSTRALIA, US Navy Cruiser USS CHICAGO and two US Navy destroyers. (See WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).)

 

5th - Joined US TF17 in Hervey Bay with TF11 ships. Nominated for service as a Support Group for combined Forces as Task Group 17.3 in view of impending action with Japanese invasion ships

 

7th - In action in defence of Tulagi with US TG17-3 and under heavy air attacks. (Battle of Coral Sea - See above reference for details).

 

8th - Detached to refuel in Brisbane.

 

June

 

Deployed on convoy escort between Australia and SW Pacific islands.

 

14th - Sailed from Brisbane with HMAS AUSTRALIA and HMAS CANBERRA in US TF44 for amphibious operations.

 

July

 

19th - Met US Amphibious Force off Wellington, NZ.

 

22nd - Part of Task Group 62.2 for escort of military convoy to Fiji area.

 

28th - Preparation for assault landings on Guadalcanal with Task Force 62 (South Pacific Amphibious Force) as Task Group 62.2.

 

31st - Joined US 4th Fleet Task Force TF44 on formation with HMAS AUSTRALIA, US cruise USS PHOENIX and five USA Navy destroyers. (Operation WATCHTOWER - See WAR WITH JAPAN.)

 

August

 

7th - Took part in covering eastern approaches during approach of US assault ships on Tulagi with USS SAN JUAN.

 

8th - Provided naval gunfire support during landings. Under air attacks. Deployed for patrol to cover anchorages with US cruiser SAN JUAN screened by two US Navy destroyers.

 

9th - Not present at Battle of Savo Island when Japanese warships attacked ships of TG62 in anchorage. (Note: HMAS CANBERRA was sunk in this engagement. See above reference and THE SHAME OF SAVO.)

 

19th - Passage from Noumea with HMAS AUSTRALIA and three destroyers (Task Force 44) to join US Task Force 61 off Guadalcanal.

 

21st - Deployed with TF61 and patrolled SE of Solomon Islands with same ships.

 

24th - Deployed with HMAS AUSTRALIA, US Navy cruisers USS MINNEAPOLIS and USS NEW ORLEANS as screen for US Navy aircraft carrier SARATOGA during air attacks on Japanese Diversion Force. Later came under heavy and sustained air attacks. (See WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).)

 

31st - Joined reformed TF44 with HMAS AUSTRALIA, US Navy cruiser USS PHOENIX and three US Navy destroyers for passage to Brisbane.

 

September

 

Passage to Brisbane on release from WATCHTOWER to refuel.

 

4th - Under minor repair at Brisbane.

 

7th - Sailed from Brisbane with HMAS HOBART, US Navy cruiser PHOENIX and five US Navy Destroyers to join for support of operations by TF44 against Japanese invasion in New Guinea.

 

11th - Rejoined Task Force 44 at Milne Bay for patrol duty off New Guinea ships to intercept destroyers evacuating Trobriand Islands. (Note: The interception was not successful)

 

October

 

Under refit at Sydney.

 

November

 

Deployed on support of US operations in SW Pacific.

 

December

 

Deployed on patrol in Coral Sea as part of Task Force 44.

 

 

1 9 4 3

 

January to February

 

Task Force 44 deployment in continuation.

 

 

March

 

Nominated for service with TF74. (Ships of TF44 had been transferred to US 7th Fleet.)

 

15th - Joined TF74 with HMAS AUSTRALIA, US Navy cruiser PHOENIX, HM Australian Destroyers ARUNTA, WARRAMUNGA and seven US Navy destroyers of DESDRON 4 for duty with US 7th Fleet in support of amphibious operations in SW Pacific. Released from detached service for refit.

 

25th - Taken in hard for refit at Sydney. Aircraft facilities removed and 20mm Oerlikon weapons fitted to improve close range defence against air attack.

 

April

 

14th - Refit completion.

 

On completion of post refit trials deployed for convoy escort and patrol based at Brisbane.

 

May

 

Deployment in Australian waters continued.

 

June

 

Nominated for detached service with US Navy.

 

10th - Joined Task Force 44 as part of reorganisation on US Pacific Fleet (Note: Other ships in TF44 included USS CHICAGO and nine US Navy destroyers designed as DESDRON 4.)

 

24th - Deployed in Task Force 44 with HMAS AUSTRALIA, HMAS CANBERRA, HMAS ARUNTA, HMAS WARRAMUNGA and US Destroyer LAMSON to cover US landings on New Georgia. (Operation CARTWHEEL).

 

July

 

4th - Detached with Task Force 74 to refuel in Flinders Group.

 

16th - Deployed with Task Force 74 to reinforce naval support off New Guinea after recent losses. (See WAR AGAINST JAPAN (HMSO).)

 

20th - Hit on port side aft by torpedoed from Japanese submarine Ro-106 (111) during assault landings in Solomons. Power and steering failed with structural damage. Took on list and escorted to Espiritu Santo by HMAS WARRAMUNGA and HMAS ARUNTA.

 

21st - Under temporary repair at Espiritu Santu.

 

August

 

Temporary repair in continuation.

 

21st - Took passage to Sydney and Paid off.

 

September

 

1st - Taken in hand for repair at Sydney.

 

40mm Bofors mountings with Fire-control radar fitted in place of 20mm Oerlikons. 4in mountings repositoned. Tripod masts fitted. Twin Hazemere radar controlled mountings fitted for pom-pom weapons.

 

October to December

 

Under repair.

 

 

1 9 4 4

 

January to November

 

Under repair.

 

 

December

 

7th - Re-commissioned. Post Refit trials.

 

 

1 9 4 5

 

January

 

Worked-up for operational service at Melbourne.

 

February

 

On completion of work-up and storing prepared to resume operational duties.

 

6th - Passage to Manus.

 

16th - Sailed to rejoin Task Force 74 with HMAS WARRAMUNGA as TASK Group 74.3 for support of Luzon landings (Operation VICTOR I).

 

Provided naval gunfire support.

 

26th - Bombarded Japanese positions before landings in Cebu area (Operation VICTOR II).

 

March

 

Support deployment in continuation.

 

April

 

Transferred for support Borneo landings with US 7th Fleet ships and took passage via Mondoro Strait, Sulu Sea and Sibutu Passage.

 

26th - Intercepted rafts taking Japanese to Borneo.

 

28th - Bombarded Japanese positions south of Tarakan with USS PHOENIX, USS BOISE, HMAS WARRAMUNGA and five US destroyers of DESDRON 21 (Operation OBOE I) deployed as Task Group 74.3.

 

30th - Released from OBOE I.

 

May

 

4th - Sailed to join HM Cruiser NEWFOUNDLAND, HM Australian Destroyer ARUNTA and HM Australian Destroyer WARRAMUNGA to support military operations in New Guinea.

 

10th - Bombarded Cape Hoem with HMAS ARUNTA.

 

11th - Bombarded Dove Bay before landings (Operation DELUGE).

 

12th - Provided naval gunfire support at Wewak with HMS NEWFOUNDLAND during landings by 6th Australian Division.

 

June

 

5th - Sailed from Morotai to join invasion force off Brunei.

 

8th - Bombarded targets at Brunei.

 

9th - Released from Naval Gunfire Support duty in Solomons.

 

10th - Covered minesweeping operations and provided naval gunfire support prior to landings at Brunei with Task Group 74.3 (Operation OBOE VI).

 

17th - Joined HM Cruiser SHROPSHIRE (RAN) at Tawi Tawi, Borneo and formed Task Group 74.2.

 

27th - Commenced bombardment of enemy shore batteries at Balikpapan with HMAS SHROPSHIRE and ships of Task Group 74.1 before landings of 7th Australian Infantry Division.

 

July

 

1st - Took part in pre-assault bombardment after escorting assault ships for landings at Balikpapan.

 

Provided further naval gunfire support during landings with HMAS SHROPSHIRE and HMAS ARUNTA (Operation OBOE VII).

 

9th - Withdrew from assault area and went to Subic Bay for R&R period.

 

August

 

Deployment with US Task Force in continuation.

 

17th - Passage to Japan via Manila and Okinawa.

 

31st - Joined Commonwealth warships with HMAS SHROPSHIRE, HM Destroyer BATAAN (RAN), HMAS WARRAMUNGA and RAN minesweepers for formal Japanese surrender ceremony.

 

September

 

2nd - Present at surrender ceremony. Passage to Sydney to refit.

 

 

P o s t   W a r   N o t e s

 

HMAS HOBART remained in RAN service until placed on the Disposal List. The ship was sold in February 1962 for breaking-up in Japan and sailed from Sydney under tow on 3 March that year for demolition.

 

 


 

Addendum

 

CONVOY ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMAS HOBART

by Don Kindell

 

These convoy lists have not been cross-checked with the text above

 

 

 

 

 

Date convoy sailed

Joined convoy as escort

Convoy No.

Left convoy

Date convoy arrived

 

 

 

 

 

10/12/39

10/12/39

K 6

15/12/39

26/12/39

01/09/40

03/09/40

BS 003A

06/09/40

06/09/40

30/08/40

12/09/40

WS 002A

14/09/40

14/09/40

12/09/40

14/09/40

BS 004B

16/09/40

16/09/40

22/08/40

20/09/40

AP 001/1

23/09/40

23/09/40

24/09/40

27/09/40

SW 001

28/09/40

08/10/40

23/09/40

01/10/40

BN 006

04/10/40

11/10/40

08/10/40

10/10/40

SW 002

13/10/40

22/10/40

05/10/40

13/10/40

BS 006

13/10/40

13/10/40

19/11/40

26/11/40

BS 009

26/11/40

26/11/40

27/11/40

01/12/40

BN 010

07/12/40

10/12/40

04/12/40

07/12/40

BS 010

11/12/40

11/12/40

08/03/41

unknown

CF 001A

15/03/41

15/03/41

21/12/41

25/12/41

BM 009A

03/01/42

03/01/42

22/12/41

unknown

BM 009B

unknown

06/01/42

10/01/42

26/01/42

MS 001

31/01/42

31/01/42

03/02/42

10/02/42

JS 001

13/02/42

14/02/42

21/02/42

21/02/42

SJ 006

23/02/42

23/02/42

06/03/42

06/03/42

SU 002

20/03/42

20/03/42

 

 

 

 

 

(Note on Convoys)

 

 

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revised 12/6/11
further editing is required