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SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2
by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2005

HMS NARCISSUS (K 74) - Flower-class Corvette
including Convoy Escort Movements

Edited by Gordon Smith, Naval-History.Net

HMS Alisma, sister-ship (Navy Photos, click to enlarge)

return to Contents List 

 

FLOWER-Class Corvette ordered on 31st August 1939 in the 1939 Build Programme from Lewis SB of Aberdeen and laid down as Job  Number 1064 (Yard Number 154) on 9th September 1940. The ship was launched on 29th March 1941 and was the 8th RN warship to carry the name, introduced in 1781 for a 6th Rate. It had previously been borne by a Sloop built in 1915 and sold in 1922. Build was completed on 17th July 1941. Following a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in March 1942 had been adopted by the civil community of Denton, Lancashire now in the Tameside Metropolitan Borough of Greater Manchester, in March 1942.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

 

ATLANTIC  1941-45 - NORMANDY   1944

 

H e r a l d i c   D a t a

The Admiralty Heraldic Crest Record does not include any details for this ship.

This is not unusual for a smaller war time build. As there had been previous RN

warships carrying this name it is likely she did have a Ships' Badge.,

 

 

S u m m a r y   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 4 1

 

July               Contractors sea trials and commissioned for service.

                           (Note: Allocated for convoy defence in Western Approaches Command.

          17th          Build completion date ands commenced Acceptance Trials

                           On completion of trials and string took passage to Tobermory.

 

August              Working-up at Tobermory.

          21st          Took passage to Join 4th Escort Group on completion of work-up.

                           Joined HM Destroyers BOADICEA, BEAGLE, SALISBURY and WINCHELSEA and HM

                           Corvette HEATHER at Greenock for escort duty with Group.

         22nd          Deployed with Group for escort of Convoy ON9.

         25th           Detached and Joined inward Convoy KX145 for passage to Clyde area.

                           (Note: HMS SALISBURY lost a man overboard during this passage.)

 

September

           7th          Deployed with Group for escort of Convoy ON14.

         16th          Detached from ON14 and joined Convoy SC42 as escort for return passage.

                          (Note: SC42 had already lost 17 ships during a series of attacks during which the RON escort sank

                                       U501 on 10th September. See U-BOATS DESTROYED by P Kemp and HITLER’S

                                       U-BOAT WAR by C Blair.)

         27th          At Greenock after arrival of SC42.

                          (Note: One ship of SC32 was sunk before arrival of RN ships.)

                                       For details of dates of all convoys see ALLIED CONVOY SYSTEM IN WW2 by

                                       A Hague.)

October             Escorted Convoy outward Convoy ONS19 and return inward Convoy HX151 with Group.

         15th          Provided escort for Convoy ONS26 after carrying out exercises with Group.

.                         (Note: Air cover was provided during the transit of the convoy in NW Approaches.

          23rd         After hand-over of ONS26 to US Navy escort joined inward Convoy SC49 as escort k during

                          passage to Clyde.

 

November

            4th        Deployed as part of escort for outward Convoy ONS33 with ships of Group.

          11th        Transferred ONS33 to RCN Escort and joined inward Convoy HX158 as escort for passage to UK.

                         (Note: ONS33 had been escorted to Meeting Point by US Navy warships.

          24th        During escort of outward Convoy ON40 experienced heavy weather.

                         Remained with ON40 during search for U-Boat by HM Destroyer BEAGLE and Free French

                         Corvette COMMANDANT DETROYAT.

                         (Note: This search was unsuccessful.)

 

December           On release from ON49 took passage to Iceland to await transfer of inward convoy.

           4th           Took passage from Island to join Convoy SC56 with ships of Group.

           5th           Deployed to round-up ships of Convoy SC56 some mercantiles which had dispersed due to

                           to extreme weather condition during passage from Canada.

                            (Note  16 mercantiles of the convoy made an independent passage and one was sunk.)

                           Returned to UK with remaining 29 ships of SC56,

                            Joined outward Convoy ONS47 with HM Corvettes HEATHER, LOBELIA and

                            COMMANDANT DETROYAT

         24th            Transferred escort of ONS47 to US Navy ships and joined inward Convoy HX165  as escort

                            during passage to UK

                            (Note: HM Destroyer BOADICEA joined escort during passage to Clyde

                                       HMS BOADICEA had been under repair.)

         25th            Detached from HX165 to stand-by ss SHANTUNG which had caught fire and had been

                            abandoned by crew.

                            Mercantile not found after search with tug TENACITY.

                            (Note: ss SHANTUNG crew were rescued by a passing neutral ship and hulk was later bombed

                                         and sunk by Coastal Command aircraft

.                           Returned to Clyde independently.

 

1 9 4 2

 

January

           7th            Sailed with Group as escort for outward Convey ON54 and met heavy weather conditions.

                            Detached on passage to escort Rescue Ship DEWSBURY which had insufficient coal

                            to remain with convoy.

         15th            After rejoining Group ON54 transferred to RCN ships took independent passage to Clyde.

                            (Note: Inward Convoy SC63 to be escorted to UK had been ordered to disperse due to the

                                        weather conditions.

         27th            Escorted outward Convoy ONS60 with Group for passage to Ocean Meeting Point in extreme

                            weather conditions.

 

February

           1st             Escort of ONS60 turned over to RCN Group,

           3rd             Joined inward Convoy SC66 for escort to Clyde.

                             On arrival immediately deployed to meet inward Convoy SC68 and took passage.

          16th            Escorted SC68 with Group for return passage to Clyde.

          24th            Transferred to newly formed British 3rd Escort Group (B3).

                             (Note: Entry of USA into WW2 allowed change of Admiralty policy for the escort of Atlantic

                                          convoys.

                                          New B3 Escort Group consisted of Polish destroyer ORP PIORUN (Ex HM Destroyer

                                          NERISSA transferred in October 1940), HM Corvettes NARCISSUS, LOBELIA and

                                          HEATHER.)

          26th            Escorted ships of Convoy ON70 with Group for full passage to Newfoundland.

                             (Note: The Mid-Ocean Meeting Point was not used.).

 

March

          10th            Detached from convoy and took passage to St Johns, Newfoundland.

          21st             Joined inward Convoy SC75 off Newfoundland for escort to Clyde with Group.

 

April

           1st              Detached from SC75 with ships destined for Loch Ewe.

                              Returned to Clyde from Loch Ewe to rejoin Group for escort of outward Convoy ONS84.

                              (Note: HM Destroyer HARVESTER commanded by Commander AA Tait RN joined Group

                                          Commander. Tait became a distinguished figure in Western Approaches as a successful

                                          U-Boat hunter. Sadly he lost his life when this ship was sunk in defence of Convoy

                                          HX228 - See below).

           23rd         On arrival with ON84 off Newfoundland detached and went to new US Base at Argentia.

 

May

            5th         Took passage from Argentia, led by HMS HARVESTER and with the Polish destroyer ORP

                           GARLAND (Ex HMS GARLAND) with Group for first tine.

                           Joined inward Convoy HX188.

                           (Note: Air cover was provided till 7th.)

           11th         Air cover resumed and convoy diverted to avoid interception by U-Boats.

           14th         On arrival in NW Approaches detached from HX188 and took passage to Clyde for refit.

           17th         Taken in hand for refit at commercial shipyard in Govan.

                           (Note: Anti- submarine Mortar (HEDGEHOG) fitted.

                                       For details of development of this weapon see SEEK AND STRIKE by W. Hackmann.)

 

June                    Carried out post refit harbour and sea trials.

                           On completion deployed temporarily with 43rd Escort Group for escort of outward Convoy

                           0S35 during Atlantic passage to Freetown.

 

July

                           Detached from escort to return to Clyde due to lack of fuel

                          (Note: Groups on this route comprised Sloops and destroyers converted for use on long

                                        passage.)

 

August             Took passage to rejoin B3 Group which was escorting outward Convoy ON121.

                          Joined escort of ON121 in 25 Degrees W.

                          Returned to Clyde with Group as part of escort for inward Convoy HX202

                          (Note: No ships in HX202 were lost.)

 

September

             1st         Deployed with Group as escort for outward Convoy ONS126 for passage to Newfoundland.

             6th         Evaded interception by U-Boat Group.

            12th        At Argentia after detaching from ONS126.

            16th        Joined inward Convoy HX207 with Group as escort for return passage to UK.

 

October              Detached on arrival in NW Approaches.

                           Deployed with group as Local Escort of outward Convoy ON136 which had an

                           uneventful passage to Newfoundland.

            23rd        Joined Inward Convoy SC106 as escort for eastward passage.

            26th        Convoy SC106 transit delayed by hurricane strength winds.

 

November          Deployed with Group for escort of SC106

              2nd       Convoy diverted to avoid U-Boat attack in NW Approaches.

                           Detached from convoy after air cover became available.

            16th        Carried out anti-submarine exercises in NW Approaches with Group.

                            (Note: HM Destroyer HARVESTER, ORP GARLAND, HM Corvettes ORCHIS, LOBELIA,

                                        Free French Corvettes ROSELYS and ACONIT of Group

                                        took part with British submarine as target.)

            18th         Escorted outward Convoy ONS146 for westward passage with ships of Group.

                            During passage off Newfoundland, following interception of radio signals carried out

                            search for U-Boat which was unsuccessful although sighted briefly.

                            After detached from CNS1M6 escort took passage to St Johns for routine docking.

 

December

                            Rejoined Group at St John's after docking.

            10th         Deployed as escort for inward Convoy HX218 with Group.

            13th         ORP GARLAND rescued survivor from Landing Craft which had floated off sinking

                             mercantile ss BARBARY on which it had been upper deck cargo.

                             BARBARY had been sunk 17 days earlier 600 miles south of Greenland !

                             Convoy had been re-routed on passage to avoid attacks  from U-Boat Group

.                            Leave period at Greenock during Boiler clean.

 

1 9 4 3

 

January                Deployed with Group as escort for outward Convoy ON157-

                            (Note: m Frigate SWALE was attached to replace HM Destroyer VIMY).

                            Detached on arrival off Newfoundland.

 

            18th         Sailed with Group to join inward Convoy SC117.

                            Encountered heavy weather with icing on upper deck structures.

                            (Note: Convoy was scattered and weather made any attempt to assemble an  impracticable

                                         requirement.

                                         HM Destroyer WITCH and HM Corvette LOBELIA both had to return to

                                         Newfoundland because of storm damage and icing.)

            27th         Ships of convoy had been re-assembled.

 

February             Arrived in Clyde.

                            (Note: Two ships of this convoy were lost during passage, presumably due to the atrocious

                                         weather conditions.).

            14th         Deployed for escort of outward Convoy ONS167 with HM Destroyers HARVESTER,

                            ESCAPADE, Polish destroyers ORP BURZA and ORP GARLAND.

            21st         Under U-Boat attack during which two mercantiles were sunk.

                            Rescued seven US Navy gunners, who were survivors from Panamanian mercantile

                            H H ROGERS.

                            (Note: Rescue Ship RATHLIN rescued 96 other survivors from this snip.)

            22nd        Two U-Boats driven off by ORP BURZA.

            24th         Detached from ONS167 to escort mercantile ss SUERTE to St John.

                            (Note: Numbering System for North Atlantic convoys changed.

                                        Fast and Slow convoys given separate identities instead of using same

                                        number for two separate groups of mercantiles.)

 

March

              6th        ,Joined outward Convoy HX228 as escort with same destroyers of Group.

                            (Note: Escort Aircraft Carrier USS BOGUE with screen of two US Navy destroyers

                                       were also deployed to provide air cover during passage.

                                       For details of the improvements in convoy defence made possible by presence

                                       of this type of warship see BUSINESS IN GREAT WATERS by J Terraine,

                                       THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC by D Macintyre,

                                       SEEK AND STRIKE by W Hackman , U-BOAT WAR IN THE ATLANTIC

                                       (HMSO) and HITLER’S U –BOAT WAR by Blairr.)

             9th          Convoy course changed by Admiralty after decryption of ENIGMA traffic.

                            (Note: This instruction was decoded by the German decoding service, B-DIENST and U-Boat

                                        Group NEULAND was instructed to carry out attacks on HX228.

           10th          Under sustained U-Boat attacks after nightfall by NEULAND Group.

                            Six ships of the 60 mercantiles in this convoy were torpedoed.

           11th          During defence of the convoy HMS HARVESTER rammed U444 and sustained serious damage

                            to one of her two propeller shafts.

                            U444 was forced to surface and sunk by the Free French corvette ACONIT.

                            Disabled HARVESTER was then sunk by U432 whilst returning to HX228.

                            U432 was then located by ACQUIT, forced to the surface by depth charge attacks and sunk

                            by surface gunfire

.                           (Note: Rescued 34 survivors from HMS HARVESTER.

                                        One of the many who lost their lives was Commander AA Tait, Royal Navy,

                                         Senior Officer of B3 Escort Group whose contribution to defence of Atlantic convoys

                                         cannot be measured.

                                         USS BOGUE appears to have done little to assist the defence of convoy and had only

                                         recently commenced operational service.

                                        Some sources record her departure on 10th March and others March 14th.

                                        This aircraft carrier was stationed at a position within the convoy which may have

                                         prevented use of aircraft due to inability to manoeuvre.

                                         For full details of the tragic events see above references and Special Note below.)

            15th         Detached from HX228 after arrival in NW Approaches.

                            (Note: The defence of HX228 took place when the Battle of the Atlantic was at a most critical

                                        stage. See above references.)

            28th         Part of escort for outward Convoy ON174 with HM Destroyer KEPPEL, which replaced HMS

                            HARVESTER as Senior Officer's ship, HMS ESCAPADE and HM Corvette AZALEA.

 

April                    After safe transit despite foul weather including blizzards and fog during the second week when

                             approaching Newfoundland.

                             (Note: Presence of icebergs made passage a hazardous undertaking.

              6th          During passage to join inward Convoy HX232 sustained damage to underwater ASDIC

                             Dome and returned to St Johns

              9th          Passage to rejoin HX232.

            11th          Under attack by LERCHE Group of U-Boats during which three snips of the 48 ships in convoy

                             were sunk.

                             (Note: Amongst the 158 survivors rescued by HMS AZALEA were eight women, which made

                                         the already cramped conditions in s ship with a complement of about 90, somewhat of a

                                         problem. HMS AZALEA was detached to make independent passage to UK

            12th          Further attacks on convoy were prevented by air cover from Northern Ireland.

            20th          Detached from Group and took passage to Loch Eil for refit

.           23rd          Under refit at Corpach near Fort William.

                             (Note: Two repair facilities were established for refit and repair of escorts, both in isolated

                                         areas on the west coast of Scotland.).

 

May                      Under refit at Corpach in Floating Dock.

 

June

              5th          On completion took passage to Greenock and embarked Admiral HR Stark, Commander. US

                             Naval Forces, Europe for passage to Londonderry to visit RN Base.

              6th          Rejoined B3 Escort Group at Londonderry.

                             (Note: Group has been reinforced by HM Escort Carrier BATTLER, escorted by HM Destroyers

                                         TUMULT and TYRIAN to provide air cover in future convoy operations.)

                             Group transferred for escort of outward OS series convoys to West Africa and inward SL

                             series.).

              9th          Deployed with HMS KEPPEL, ORP BURZA and five other corvettes as escort for outward

                             Convoy OS49 Convoy during passage to Freetown

.                            (Note: Cruiser cover was provided by HMS GAMBIA during passage in Bay of Biscay where a

                                         known threat of attack by German destroyers was possible.

                                         This convoy was combined with Convoy KMS16 destined for Gibraltar which detached

                                         during passage.)

            19th          Destroyers detached from OS49 to refuel in Dakar and rejoined later.

            22nd         Carried out convoy defence exercises with Motor Launches from Freetown

.           23rd          Escorted Freetown section of convoy after Takoradi section detached.

            28th          Deployed as part of escort for inward Convoy SL132 from Freetown with same ships.

                             U-Boat detected during departure from Freetown and attacked by HMS KEPPEL and French

                             corvette ACONIT

 

July

             1st           Mercantiles from Dakar joined SL132.

             6th           Remained with SL132 when HMS KEPPEL detached to search for U-Boat reported by

                             aircraft ahead of convoy.

            11th          Convoy MKS16 from Gibraltar merged with SL132.

                             Defence supplemented by B1 Escort Group, Including HM Destroyer HURRICANE.

                              (Note: HM Canadian Destroyer IROQUOIS also joined convoy later for the passage

                                          in Bay of Biscay.)

            15th           Additional escorts detached.

            19th           Detached from convoy on arrival In Clyde.

 

August                  B3 Group returned to North Atlantic convoy defence duties.

                               Part of escort for outward Convoy ONS15 with Group.

                               (Note: During passage exercised transfer of depth charges to replenish stock carried.

                                           The practice of carrying replenishment in mercantiles was a new procedure

                                           recently introduced because of the extensive use of these weapons during attacks

                                           on submarines. See above references.)

            18th            Arrived at Argentia with ONS15.

            24th            Passage from Argentia to St Johns with ships of Group to join inward Convoy HS253 as

                               escort for return passage to Liverpool.

 

September

              1st             Detached with HM Corvette ORCHIS to join escort for another convoy in the NW

                                Approaches.

                                Nominated for escort of outward Convoy ONS18 after return.

                                Joined ONS18 with HM Destroyers KEPPEL and ESCAPADE, Frigate TOWY and

                                four other corvettes.

                                (Note: The withdrawal of U-Boats from the North Atlantic in May 1943 had been made

                                            necessary because of the increasing effectiveness of escorts. The development of

                                            new weapons encouraged the U-Boat Command to begin a new offensive against

                                            other Atlantic convoys. The introduction of a torpedo designed to detect the noise

                                            made by rotation of ship's propellers was believed to be of major importance

                                            (T5 ZAUNKONIG Acoustic Torpedo. See above references.)

           19th              Following an Admiralty assessment of threat by LEUTHEN Group of U-Bcats ONS18

                                was ordered to alter course to NW.

                                Additional escort was also to join convoy.

                                 (Note: LEUTHEN Group U-Boats had however made contact and escort had been

                                               deployed to make attacks on submarines detected.)

                                 During these operation HMS ESCAPADE was badly damaged by explosion of

                                 HEDGEHOG mortar  missiles.

            20th              Convoy ONS18 and ON202 merged on orders from Admiralty.

                                 Detached to investigate U-Boat whose presence had been detected by transmission of

                                 of radio signals

.                                After unsuccessful search ordered to return to convoy

            21st               Detected U-Boat during passage to rejoin convoy but depth charge attack failed, as did

                                  a counter attack by torpedo from the submarine (U260).

                                  Deployed for rescue of survivors from HM Canadian Destroyer ST CROIX and HM

                                  Corvette POLYANTHUS which had been sunk by U-Boats of LEUTHEN Group.

            22nd              During continuation of sustained attacks on joint convoy HM Frigate ITCHEN hit

                                  by T5 torpedo and sunk.

            23rd               LEUTHEN Group attacks ceased.

                                   (Note: During defence operations three attacks were made by ship.

                                               In all six ships in convoy were sunk and three escorts for the loss of three

                                               U-Boats.

                                               For further details see above references and Special Note.)

            30th                At St. Johns after arrival of joint convoy.

                                   (Note: Boards of Inquiry into the losses of the three warships were held in this

                                               stop-over period.)

 

October

              4th               Sailed from St Johns with ships of Group to join inward Convoy HX259 east of

                                  Newfoundland.

                                  Returned to Clyde with convoy after an uninterrupted passage

                                  (Note: Before deployment for another North Atlantic convoy fitted with FOXER

                                              equipment which had been developed to provide defence against T5 weapon.

                                              This decay was towed astern of escorts and consisted on metal tubes to produce low

                                             frequency noise to divert attacks by T5 weapon. See above references.)

            25th               Joined outward Convoy ON208 as escort for Atlantic passage with HM Frigate TOWY and

                                  five corvettes of B3 Group.

                                  (Note: HM Sloops KITE and WHIMBREL also joined and support was provided by ships of

                                              7th Escort Group.

                                              7th Support Group included HM Escort Aircraft Carrier BITER, HM Sloops

                                              PHEASANT, CRANE and CHANTICLEER.)

 

November                 Detached from ON208 on arrival and returned ships of Group as escort for inward Convoy

                                  SC146  with support from 7th Escort Group.

                                  On return to Clyde Group nominated for service in support of Gibraltar convoys.

 

December

              2nd              Deployed with HMS TOWY, Polish destroyer ORP BURZA and four other corvettes of B3

                                  Group as escort for outward joint convoy OS61/KMS35 to Gibraltar

.                                 (Note: HM Canadian Anti-aircraft Ship PRINCE ROBERT was deployed to provide

                                              additional  defence against air attacks.

            12th               HM Escort Carrier FENCER Joined convoy for air support.

            17th               HMS FENCER detached after Bay of Biscay crossing.

            21st               Detached from convoy on arrival at Gibraltar.

            24th               Sailed with Group from Gibraltar as escort for inward Convoy MKS34/

            26th               Merged with Convoy SL143 from Freetown for passage to Liverpool.

            29th               HM Escort Carrier STRIKER, HM Frigate TWEED and HM Destroyer WATCHMAN joined

                                  to  supplement defence during Biscay crossing.

            30th               6th Canadian Escort Group Joined for support after threat from BORKUM U-Boat Grou had

                                  been assessed by Admiralty.

 

1 9 4 4

 

January

              3rd               6th Escort Group detached.

              6th                Detached on arrival of convoy in UK.

             14th               Deployed with ships of Group for escort of Joint Convoy 0S65/KMS39 for Atlantic passage.

                                   to Gibraltar.

             26th               Detached with ships of  KMS39 as escort for passage to Gibraltar.

 

February

               1st               Sailed from Gibraltar with HMS TOWY and HM Corvette ORCHIS as escort for inward

                                   Convoy  MKS38.

               2nd              Inward Convoy SL1478 from Freetown merged with MKS38.

                                   (Note: 2nd Escort Group which was deployed in area provided support for Biscay crossing.)

               8th               Ships of 2nd Escort Group sank U762.

               9th               Ships of 2nd Escort Group sank U238.

                                    (Note: For details see HITLER’S U-BOAT WAR, U-BOAT WAR IN THE ATLANTIC,

                                               RELENTLESS PURSUIT and U-BOAT WAR IN THE ATLANTIC,)

              11th               Detached from Joint convoy as escort of Loch Ewe Section.

                                    (Note: These snips were to take passage to London via Pentland Firth.)

.             23rd              Deployed with ships of Group as escort for Joint Convoy OS69/KMS43 during passage to

                                    Gibraltar.

                                    (Note: HM Escort Carriers NAIRANA and ACTIVITY provided air defence during the

                                                Biscay crossing.)

 

March

                5th               Detached from OS69 with ships of KMS43 as escort during passage to Gibraltar.

                6th               KMS 43 arrived at Gibraltar

                                    (Note: Heavy weather during passage made air operations especially hazardous and cost five

                                                 aircraft during landings.

               15th              Deployed with Group as escort for inward Convoy MKS42 and merged with Convoy SL151

                                    from Freetown.

               24th              Joint Convoy arrived at Liverpool.

                                    (Note: 7th Support Group provided additional defence during Biscay crossing.

                                                 Sea Inspection was carried out during passage

 

April

                 3rd              Deployed with Group as escort for Joint outward Convoy OS73/KMS47 to Gibraltar

                16th              Detached with KMS47 as escort for passage to Gibraltar.

                17th              Arrived at Gibraltar with KMS47.

                                     (Note: This convoy of 32 ships arrived without incident.).

                22nd             Returned as escort for inward Convoy MKS46 during passage to Liverpool

                                     (Note: This convoy included Landing Craft being redeployed in Home Waters from

                                                 the Mediterranean for Normandy landings.)

                23rd              Convoy SL155 from Freetown merged with KMS46 for passage to Liverpool

                29th               Detached with HM Frigate ANGUILLA and HM Corvette ANCHUSA as escort for

                                       Landing Craft and mercantiles to Bristol Channel.

                                      (Note: B3 Escort Group which had included ships manned by both Polish and Free French

                                                   naval personnel was disbanded after this escort duty.)

                                      Nominated for refit and took passage to Troon.

 

May                              Taken in hand for refit by commercial shipyard at Troon, Ayrshire.

                                      Nominated for convoy escort in support of allied Landings in Normandy.

                                      (Operation NEPTUNE)

                                      Allocated for service with Support Force L based in Thames Estuary

.                                     On completion of refit took passage via Pentland Firth to Sheerness with call at Methil on

                                      Firth of Forth.

                                      Joined HM Destroyer COTSWOLD and HM Corvette ORCHIS in Force L1 and designated

                                      Escort Group 134.

 

June                               Deployed at Sheerness

                                       (For details of naval activities before and after D Day see OPERATION NEPTUNE by

                                       K Edwards, LANDINGS IN NORMANDY June1944 (HMSO) and for information about all

                                       mercantiles and warships involved D-DAY SHIPS by J de Winser)

                  4th.               Operation postponed for 24 hours.

                  5th                Sailed from Sheerness as escort for Convoy L1 with EG134.

                                        (Note: L1 Convoy comprised:

                                                    11 Landing Ships (Tank) and seven Landing Craft Infantry (Large).

                                        During passage to Solent under fire from German coastal battery which fired one round and

                                        missed.

                                        On arrival in Solent joined by a Landing Ship (Dock), 12 Coastal Cargo ships, two

                                        Landing Ships (Tank) and two Landing Ships Infantry (Large)

                                        (Note: Landing Ship (Dock) had Army Staff Officers embarked.)

                                                    HM Trawler DAMSAY and HM Destroyer AVON VALE joined L1 as additional

                                                     escort.

                  6th              Took passage from Solent with Convoy L1 and above escorts.

                                     After passage through swept channel assault craft look-up assigned station off JUNO Beach

                                     Head.

                                     Deployed with HMS ORCHIS as escort for Convoy FLT1 for passage to Sheerness.

                  7th              Commenced escort of Build-up Phase convoys to Beachhead.

                                     (Note: This duty was continued until end of Build-Up Phase on 24th June.)

 

July                               Retained in Nore Command for escort of military convoys in support of military operations

to                                   in France.

August

 

September                    Transferred to Plymouth for convoy defence in SW Approaches.

                                      Deployed for escort of Inward convoys in Channel from west of Lands End and in St  Georges

                                      Channel for outward convoys from west coast ports.

 

October                        Coastal convoy escort in continuation based at Plymouth including Convoy ON268

to                                   in November.

December

 

1 9 4 5

 

January                        Deployment in SW Approaches In continuation for coastal escort to and from Western

to                                  Approaches.

April

 

May                               After VE Day retained at Plymouth for local duties.

                                       Nominated for reduction to Reserve status.

                 21st               Escorted 6 surrendered German minesweepers during passage from Plymouth to Brest.

                 26th              On completion of de-ammunitioning at Milford Haven took passage to Preston.

                                       (Note: During this visit members of ship's company want to Denton in order to express

                                                    their thanks to the civil community for the many gifts received since the adoption

                                                    and for their interest in the ship during its service.)

 

June                              Paid off and reduced to Reserve status.

 

P o s t   W a r   N o t e

 

HMS NARCISSUS laid-up in Reserve until 1946 when placed on the Disposal List. The ship was sold on 5th April that year for use as a mercantile and renamed ESIE. During 1960 whilst still being used for Trade the ship was again renamed and became ss PLANETA. On 27th June 1969 she was wrecked near Bahla at Ilheus in Brazil.

 

S p e c i a l  N o t e

 

Further details of the war service of this ship are recorded in THE ECHO OF A FIGHTING FLOWER by Peter Coy who served on board as an RNVR officer from 1942 till 1944. It is an excellent record of the ship's service and contains graphic accounts of operations during WW2 by the ship. 

 


 

Addenda

 

CONVOY ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMS NARCISSUS

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

 

 

 

 

 

20/08/41

20/08/41

ON 009

25/08/41

25/08/41

16/08/41

26/08/41

HX 145

30/08/41

31/08/41

07/09/41

08/09/41

ON 014

14/09/41

14/09/41

30/08/41

16/09/41

SC 042

20/09/41

20/09/41

21/09/41

22/09/41

ON 019

27/09/41

07/10/41

22/09/41

01/10/41

HX 151

05/10/41

07/10/41

14/10/41

14/10/41

ON 026

20/10/41

29/10/41

11/10/41

22/10/41

SC 049

27/10/41

27/10/41

03/11/41

04/11/41

ON 033

11/11/41

23/11/41

03/11/41

13/11/41

HX 158

17/11/41

18/11/41

25/11/41

26/11/41

ON 040

30/11/41

04/12/41

22/11/41

06/12/41

SC 056

09/12/41

10/12/41

15/12/41

16/12/41

ON 047

23/12/41

23/12/41

15/12/41

24/12/41

HX 165

27/12/41

30/12/41

06/01/42

07/01/42

ON 054

11/01/42

17/01/42

26/01/42

27/01/42

ON 060

02/02/42

15/02/42

23/01/42

04/02/42

SC 066

08/02/42

09/02/42

04/02/42

16/02/42

SC 068

20/02/42

20/02/42

25/02/42

26/02/42

ON 070

11/03/42

15/03/42

18/03/42

24/03/42

SC 075

03/04/42

03/04/42

08/04/42

09/04/42

ON 084

22/04/42

25/04/42

03/05/42

06/05/42

HX 188

14/05/42

16/05/42

12/08/42

13/08/42

ON 121

17/08/42

27/08/42

09/08/42

17/08/42

HX 202

21/08/42

21/08/42

29/08/42

30/08/42

ON 126

13/09/42

18/09/42

13/09/42

16/09/42

HX 207

24/09/42

25/09/42

03/10/42

04/10/42

ON 136

19/10/42

26/10/42

16/10/42

23/10/42

SC 106

05/11/42

05/11/42

15/11/42

16/11/42

ON 146

29/11/42

08/12/42

05/12/42

11/12/42

HX 218

19/12/42

21/12/42

27/12/42

28/12/42

ON 157

08/01/43

15/01/43

12/01/43

20/01/43

SC 117

03/02/43

03/02/43

14/02/43

14/02/43

ON 167

28/02/43

08/03/43

28/02/43

06/03/43

HX 228

14/03/43

15/03/43

20/03/43

22/03/43

ON 174

02/04/43

08/04/43

01/04/43

08/04/43

HX 232

16/04/43

16/04/43

04/06/43

05/06/43

OS 049KM

13/06/43

13/06/43

13/06/43

13/06/43

OS 049

23/06/43

23/06/43

28/06/43

28/06/43

SL 132

10/07/43

10/07/43

10/07/43

10/07/43

SL 132MK

17/07/43

17/07/43

17/07/43

17/07/43

SL 132S

22/07/43

22/07/43

06/08/43

07/08/43

ONS 015

17/08/43

21/08/43

20/08/43

25/08/43

HX 253

03/09/43

04/09/43

12/09/43

14/09/43

ONS 018

25/09/43

29/09/43

15/09/43

20/09/43

ON 202

25/09/43

01/10/43

28/09/43

04/10/43

HX 259

12/10/43

13/10/43

24/10/43

25/10/43

ON 208

02/11/43

07/11/43

06/11/43

09/11/43

SC 146

22/11/43

22/11/43

08/12/43

08/12/43

OS 061KM

19/12/43

19/12/43

20/12/43

20/12/43

KMS 035G

21/12/43

21/12/43

24/12/43

24/12/43

MKS 034G

25/12/43

25/12/43

25/12/43

25/12/43

SL 143MK

06/01/44

06/01/44

08/01/44

08/01/44

KMS 037G

09/01/44

09/01/44

14/01/44

14/01/44

OS 065KM

26/01/44

26/01/44

27/01/44

27/01/44

KMS 039G

28/01/44

28/01/44

01/02/44

01/02/44

MKS 038G

02/02/44

02/02/44

02/02/44

02/02/44

SL 147MK

11/02/44

13/02/44

23/02/44

24/02/44

OS 069KM

05/03/44

05/03/44

05/03/44

05/03/44

KMS 043G

06/03/44

06/03/44

13/03/44

13/03/44

MKS 042G

14/03/44

14/03/44

14/03/41

14/03/44

SL 151MK

24/03/44

24/03/44

03/04/44

04/04/44

OS 073KM

16/04/44

16/04/44

16/04/44

16/04/44

KMS 047G

17/04/44

17/04/44

22/04/44

22/04/44

MKS 046G

23/04/44

23/04/44

23/04/44

23/04/44

SL 155MK

29/04/44

03/05/44

10/06/44

10/06/44

ETM 005

11/06/44

11/06/44

16/06/44

16/06/44

FTC 009

17/06/44

17/06/44

19/06/44

19/06/44

ETM 014

20/06/44

20/06/44

21/06/44

21/06/44

FTM 014

22/06/44

22/06/44

20/06/44

22/06/44

ETC 015

22/06/44

22/06/44

27/06/44

27/06/44

ETM 019

28/06/44

28/06/44

29/06/44

29/06/44

FTM 022

30/06/44

30/06/44

02/07/44

02/07/44

ETM 024

03/07/44

03/07/44

04/07/44

04/07/44

FTM 027

05/07/44

05/07/44

08/07/44

08/07/44

ETC 031

09/07/44

09/07/44

10/07/44

10/07/44

FTC 032

11/07/44

11/07/44

13/07/44

13/07/44

ETC 036

14/07/44

14/07/44

15/07/44

15/07/44

FTC 037

16/07/44

16/07/44

28/07/44

28/07/44

ETC 051

29/07/44

29/07/44

30/07/44

30/07/44

FTC 052

31/07/44

31/07/44

15/10/44

15/10/44

ON 260

18/10/44

30/10/44

05/10/44

19/10/44

HX 312

21/10/44

21/10/44

19/10/44

27/10/44

SL 173MK

28/10/44

28/10/44

29/10/44

29/10/44

ON 263

01/11/44

15/11/44

20/10/44

02/11/44

HX 315

04/11/44

03/11/44

08/11/44

08/11/44

ON 265

11/11/44

23/11/44

30/10/44

11/11/44

HX 317

13/11/44

13/11/44

23/11/44

23/11/44

ON 268

27/11/44

10/12/44

14/11/44

28/11/44

HX 320

30/11/44

30/11/44

11/12/44

17/12/44

MKS 070G

19/12/44

19/12/44

23/12/44

23/12/44

ON 274

26/12/44

08/01/45

14/12/44

26/12/44

HX 326

29/12/44

27/12/44

31/12/44

07/01/45

MKS 074G

10/01/45

10/01/45

05/01/45

11/01/45

MKS 075G

13/01/45

14/01/45

10/01/45

13/01/45

MKS 076G

20/01/45

21/01/45

15/01/45

21/01/45

MKS 077G

23/01/45

23/01/45

26/01/45

26/01/45

ON 281

29/01/45

12/02/45

18/01/45

29/01/45

HX 333

03/03/45

01/02/45

21/02/45

21/02/45

OS 112KM

24/02/45

24/02/45

19/02/45

24/02/45

MKS 084G

27/02/45

27/02/45

03/03/45

04/03/45

OS 114KM

06/03/45

07/03/45

01/03/45

06/03/45

MKS 086G

09/03/45

09/03/45

17/03/45

17/03/45

OS 117KM

21/03/45

26/03/45

09/03/45

22/03/45

HX 343

unknown

24/03/45

27/03/45

27/03/45

ON 293

30/03/45

15/04/45

27/03/45

28/03/45

OS 119KM

31/03/45

04/04/45

26/03/45

31/03/45

MKS 091G

03/04/45

03/04/45

01/04/45

02/04/45

ON 294

04/04/45

20/04/45

17/04/45

17/04/45

ON 297

20/04/45

02/05/45

08/04/45

22/04/45

HX 349

unknown

23/04/45

27/04/45

28/04/45

OS 125KM

30/04/45

01/05/45

25/04/45

30/04/45

MKS 097G

03/05/45

03/05/45

 

 

 

 

 

(Note on Convoys) 

 

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