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ADMIRALTY WAR DIARIES of WORLD WAR 2

 

HOME FLEET - January to February 1944

 

Transcribed by Don Kindell

HMS Duke of York, battleship (Navy Photos, click to enlarge)

on to Home Fleet, March-April 1944
or back to Admiralty War Diaries

 
 

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

 

Home Fleet Operations September 1939 to April 1942

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

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

 

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

 


 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

JANUARY 1944

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

 

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

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet

 

5th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and repairs

 

6th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

24th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

25th

Arrived Scapa

 

25th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Rosyth

 

1st-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V

 

1st-8th

Scapa

 

8th

Left Scapa for Gibraltar for Operation SEXTANT

 

14th

Arrived Gibraltar

 

15th

Left Gibraltar for Plymouth

 

17th

Arrived Plymouth

 

18th

Left Plymouth for Scapa

 

20th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

4. HMS HOWE

 

1st-31st

Plymouth, refitting

 

 

 

5. HMS NELSON

 

1st-11th

Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for the Clyde to reduce to 3/5th complement

 

12th

Arrived Clyde

 

12th-31st

Clyde

 

 

 

6. HMS RODNEY

 

1st-16th

Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Rosyth to reduce to 3/5th complement

 

17th

Arrived Rosyth

 

17th-31st

Rosyth

 

 

 

7. FS RICHELIEU

 

1st-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

8. HMS RAMILLIES

 

27th

Arrived Clyde from Eastern Fleet to join the Home Fleet temporarily

 

27th-31st

Clyde

 

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

 

 

9. HMS FURIOUS

 

1st-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

10. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

 

1st-11th

Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56A convoy conferences, arriving p.m.

 

13th

Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

18th

Left Scapa for Akureyri with Force 1

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

23rd

Left Akureyri to cover JW 56A

 

28th

Returned to Akureyri

 

29th-31st

Akureyri

 

 

 

11. HMS LONDON

 

1st-31st

Rosyth for refit

 

 

 

12. HMS NORFOLK

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1

 

5th

Left Scapa for the Tyne for refit and repairs

 

6th

Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

 

6th-31st

Tyne for refit and action damage repairs

 

 

 

13. HMS BERWICK

 

1st-18th

Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa with Force 1 for Akureyri

 

20th

Arrived Akureyri

 

23rd

Left Akureyri with Force 1 to cover JW 56 A, returning p.m. to Akureyri with defects

 

23rd-31st

Akureyri

 

 

 

14. HMS CUMBERLAND

 

1st-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

15. HMS DEVONSHIRE

 

1st-31st

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

16. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1

 

6th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave and repairs

 

7th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

24th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

25th

Arrived Scapa

 

25th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

17. HMS SHEFFIELD

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 1

 

12th

Taken in hand at Scapa for repairs to shafts and to give leave

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Liverpool for repairs to shafts

 

23rd

Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand

 

23rd-31st

Liverpool for repairs

 

 

 

18. HMS GLASGOW

 

1st-31st

Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

 

 

19. HMS BERMUDA

 

1st-18th

Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa with Force 1 for Akureyri

 

20th

Arrived Akureyri

 

23rd

Left Akureyri with Force 1 to cover JW 56A

 

28th

Returned to Akureyri

 

28th-31st

Akureyri

 

 

 

20. HMS NIGERIA

 

1st-5th

Sheerness, refitting

 

5th

Left Sheerness with CALEDON for Scapa

 

6th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

6th-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

21. HMS JAMAICA

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

24th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and repairs

 

25th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

25th-31st

Rosyth for docking and leave

 

 

 

22. HMNZS GAMBIA

 

1st-30th

Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area

 

30th

Left Plymouth for Gibraltar and for the Eastern Fleet

 

31st

On passage to Gibraltar

 

 

 

23. HMS SCYLLA

 

1st-31st

Chatham, refitting

 

 

 

24. ORP DRAGON

 

1st-31st

Clyde, working up

 

 

 

Cruisers attached for temporary duty in the Home Fleet

 

 

 

25. HMS BELLONA

 

1st-18th

Scapa, working up

 

18th

Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion to join the Plymouth Command

 

20th

Arrived Plymouth

 

 

 

26. HMS BLACK PRINCE

 

1st-8th

Scapa, working up

 

8th

Left Scapa for Lamlash to complete working up

 

9th

Arrived Lamlash

 

20th

Left Lamlash to join Plymouth Command

 

21st

Arrived Plymouth

 

 

 

27. HMS AJAX

 

1st

18th Scapa, working up

 

18th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for Plymouth for repairs and for the Mediterranean Fleet

 

20th

Arrived Plymouth, taken in hand

 

28th

Left Plymouth on completion for Gibraltar

 

28th-31st

On passage to Gibraltar

 

 

 

28. HMS DIADEM

 

1st-11th

Rosyth for trials.

 

11th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up

 

12th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Left Scapa for the Clyde for jump trials

 

30th

Arrived Clyde

 

31st

Clyde to continue working up and for trials

 

 

 

29. HMS CALEDON

 

1st-5th

Sheerness, refitting

 

5th

Left Sheerness with NIGERIA for Scapa

 

6th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

24th

Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion and for the Mediterranean Fleet.

 

26th

Arrived Plymouth

 

26th-31st

Plymouth for minor repairs

 

 

 

Destroyers

 

 

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

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

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa with screen of DUKE OF YORK and for boiler cleaning

 

6th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

13th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56B convoy conferences

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined JW 56 B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

31. HMS MARNE

 

1st-31st

Tyne for refit and action damage repairs

 

 

 

32. HMS METEOR

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa with screen of DUKE OF YORK for Rosyth

 

6th

Arrived Rosyth with DUKE OF YORK, returning p.m. to Scapa

 

8th

Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation SEXTANT

 

14th

Detached to Horta to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

15th

Left Horta and rejoined KING GEORGE V from Gibraltar

 

17th

Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V

 

18th

Left Plymouth with KING GEORGE V for Scapa

 

20th

Arrived Scapa

 

26th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord and to relieve MATCHLESS on screen of JW 56B, arriving p.m. to fuel

 

27th

Left Skaalefiord to join JW 56B

 

28th

Joined JW 56B

 

28th-31st

At sea with JW 56B

 

 

 

33. HMS MATCHLESS

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 4

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord with defects to steering gear

 

28th

Left Seidisfiord, escorted by WRESTLER for Scapa

 

30th

Arrived Scapa for repairs

 

31st

Scapa for repairs

 

 

 

34. HMS MUSKETEER

 

1st

Arrived Scapa from Kola Inlet with Force 4

 

7th

Left Scapa for Humber for boiler cleaning

 

8th

Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

14th

Left Humber on completion for Scapa

 

15th

Arrived Scapa

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined JW 56B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56B

 

 

 

35. HMS MAHRATTA

 

1st-15th

Humber, refitting

 

15th

Left Humber on completion for Rosyth, arriving p.m.

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. to make contact with JW 56B

 

25th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined JW 56B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56B

 

 

 

36. HMCS IROQUOIS

 

1st-7th

At sea with RA 55B

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

11th

Left Scapa with HAIDA for Plymouth to join Plymouth Command

 

12th

Arrived Plymouth

 

12th-31st

Plymouth Command for operation in the Bay area

 

 

 

37. HMCS ATHABASKAN

 

1st-8th

Scapa

 

8th

Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation SEXTANT

 

14th

Detached to Horta to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

15th

Left Horta and rejoined screen of KING GEORGE V from Gibraltar

 

17th

Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V and for duty in the Plymouth Command

 

17th-31st

Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area

 

 

 

38. HMCS HURON

 

1st-6th

At sea with RA 55B

 

6th

Detached from convoy to fuel at Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and rejoining convoy

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined JW 56 B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56B

 

 

 

39. HMCS HAIDA

 

1st-7th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

11th

Left Scapa with IROQUOIS for Plymouth to join the Plymouth Command

 

12th

Arrived Plymouth

 

12th-31st

Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area

 

 

 

40. ORP PIORUN

 

1st-31st

Clyde, refitting

 

 

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

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

 

1st-7th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

14th

Left Scapa for Tyne for refit

 

15th

Arrived Tyne

 

15th-31st

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

42. HMS OFFA

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with ANSON from Rosyth

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

14th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th

Joined JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

43. HMS ORIBI

 

1st-31st

Falmouth for refit and collision damage repair

 

 

 

44. HMS ONSLAUGHT

 

1st-7th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

8th

Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S

 

9th

Arrived Invergordon

 

11th

Left Invergordon for Scapa on completion, arriving p.m.

 

16th

Left Scapa with screen of RODNEY for Rosyth

 

17th

Arrived Rosyth with RODNEY, returning p.m. to Scapa

 

17th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

45. HMS OPPORTUNE

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined escort of JW 56 B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

46. HMS OBDURATE

 

1st-12th

Scapa

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

15th

Arrived Seidisfiord after failing to contact JW 56 A en route

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy and with minor action damage

 

28th-31st

Kola Inlet for repairs

 

 

 

47. HMS ORWELL

 

1st-7th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

8th

Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S

 

9th

Arrived Invergordon

 

11th

Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

16th

Left Scapa with RODNEY for Rosyth

 

17th

Arrived Rosyth with RODNEY, returning p.m. to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for screen of DUKE OF YORK

 

25th

Joined DUKE OF YORK off Rosyth and arrived Scapa with her a.m.

 

28th

Left Scapa for the Humber for refit

 

30th

Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

31st

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

48. HMS OBEDIENT

 

1st-20th

Tyne, refitting

 

20th

Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for screen of DUKE OF YORK

 

25th

Joined DUKE OF YORK off Rosyth and arriving Scapa with her a.m.

 

25th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

49. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-6th

Kola Inlet for repairs

 

6th

Left Kola Inlet for Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs

 

11th

Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

 

11th-31st

Tyne for action damage repairs

 

 

 

50. HMS SCORPION

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

10th

Left Scapa for Humber for refit

 

11th

Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

11th-31st

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

51. HMS SAVAGE

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

14th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to make contact with JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord without making contact, sailing again a.m. to join the convoy

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

52. HMS SCOURGE

 

1st-6th

Kola Inlet

 

6th

Left Kola Inlet for Scapa with SAUMAREZ

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

22nd

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

24th

Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. to make contact with JW 56 B

 

25th

Returned Seidisfiord to fuel

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and joined escort of JW 56 B

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

53. HNorMS STORD

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

3rd

Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

4th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

11th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

12th

Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Seidisfiord

 

14th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to make contact with JW 56 A

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

54. HMS SWIFT

 

1st-26th

Scapa, working up

 

26th

Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

 

29th

Returned to Scapa on completion of exercises, arriving p.m.

 

29th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

55. HMS SERAPIS

 

1st-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

56. HMS HARDY (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa for Stornoway, arriving p.m. for exercises

 

7th

Left Stornoway on completion for Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

11th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56 A convoy conference, arriving p.m.

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord.

 

13th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th

Joined JW 56 B

 

30th

Torpedoed and sunk by U-boat

 

 

 

57. HMS VENUS

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. to join INDEFATIGABLE from the Clyde for escort to Rosyth

 

2nd

Joined INDEFATIGABLE

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE, sailing p.m. for Scapa

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa for Stornoway, arriving p.m. for exercises

 

7th

Left Stornoway on completion to Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

14th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JS 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th

Joined JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

58. HMS VIGILANT

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. to join INDEFATIGABLE from the Clyde for escort to Rosyth

 

2nd

Joined INDEFATIGABLE

 

3rd

Arrived Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE, sailing p.m. for Scapa

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

15th

Arrived Seidisfiord after failing to make contact with JW 56 A en route

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JS 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th

Joined JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

59. HMS VIRAGO

 

1st

Arrived Scapa with Force 4 from Kola Inlet

 

12th

Left Scapa for Seidisfiord

 

14th

Arrived Seidisfiord

 

16th

Left Seidisfiord to join escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy, sailing p.m. to join escort of JW 56 B

 

29th

Joined JW 56 B

 

29th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

60. HMS VERULAM

 

1st-5th

Scapa, working up

 

5th

Left Scapa for Stornoway, arriving p.m. for exercises

 

7th

Left Stornoway on completion for Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

8th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

Other destroyers attached to the Home Fleet

 

 

 

61. HMS ESKIMO

 

1st-31st

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

62. HMS ASHANTI

 

1st-6th

Scapa

 

6th

Left Scapa for Plymouth to join Plymouth Command temporarily

 

9th

Diverted to join the screen of KING GEORGE V for Operation SEXTANT after fuelling at Moville

 

14th

Detached to Horta to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

15th

Left Horta and rejoined screen of KING GEORGE V from Gibraltar

 

17th

Arrived Plymouth with KING GEORGE V and for duty in the Plymouth Command

 

17th-31st

Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay Area

 

 

 

63. HMS TARTAR

 

1st-31st

Devonport, refitting

 

 

 

64. HMS IMPULSIVE

 

1st-7th

At sea with RN 55 B

 

7th

Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

7th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

65. ORP BLYSKAWICA

 

1st-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

66. HMS WHITEHALL

 

1st-8th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

8th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

25th

Detached from the convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and rejoined the convoy

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

67. HMS WRESTLER

 

1st-8th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

8th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for temporary duty with the Home Fleet And as local escort for JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

27th

Detached to Seidisfiord for escort of MATCHLESS to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

28th

Left Seidisfiord with MATCHLESS for Scapa

 

30th

Arrived Scapa, detached to Clyde

 

31st

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

68. HMS WESTCOTT

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A; detached from the convoy p.m. to the Clyde

 

2nd

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

25th

Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

 

26th

Left Seidisfiord and rejoined the convoy

 

26th-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

69. HMS BEAGLE

 

1st

Left Skaalefiord for Clyde

 

2nd

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

70. HMS INCONSTANT

 

11th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for through escort of JW 56 A

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with escort of JW 56 A

 

16th

Detached from convoy and hove to in a gale in 64-02N, 14-25W

 

17th

Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to rejoin JW 56 A

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri with the convoy

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JS 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 56 A

 

28th-31st

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

Destroyers temporarily attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

 

 

71. HMS ULYSSES

 

1st-31st

Liverpool for minor repairs

 

 

 

72. HMS UNDINE

 

7th

Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

 

26th

Left Scapa for Plymouth on completion

 

28th

Arrived Plymouth

 

28th-31st

Plymouth

 

 

 

73. HMS URANIA

 

21st

Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

 

22nd

Arrived Scapa

 

22nd-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

74. HMS TERPSICHORE

 

25th

Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

 

25th-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

75. HMCS CHAUDIERE

 

1st-31st

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Corvettes temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

76. HMS RHODODENDRON

 

1st-8th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

8th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

26th

Arrived Seidisfiord with defects

 

28th

Left Seidisfiord for the Clyde

 

31st

Arrived Clyde on completion of duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

77. HMS POPPY

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A,; detached from the convoy p.m. to the Clyde

 

2nd

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

12th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Londonderry for through escort of JW 56 A and for further duty with the Home Fleet, sailing p.m. to overtake the convoy

 

17th

Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy

 

28th-31st

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

78. HMS DIANELLA

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A; detached from the convoy p.m. to the Clyde

 

2nd

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

12th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and as through escort for JW 56 A, sailing p.m. to overtake the convoy

 

17th

Arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

 

18th

Left Seidisfiord for Akureyri

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 56 A

 

28th-31st

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

79. HMS ACANTHUS

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A; detached from the convoy p.m. to Liverpool

 

2nd

Arrived Liverpool on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

80. HMS OXLIP

 

1st-8th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

8th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and for through escort for JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

22nd-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

81. HMS HONEYSUCKLE

 

1st-8th

At sea with RA 55 B

 

8th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

9th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for further duty with the Home Fleet and for local escort of JW 56 B

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

26th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

29th

Arrived Clyde on completion of temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

82. HMS WALLFLOWER

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

6th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 55 B

 

8th

Arrived Loch Ewe with RA 55 B

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 56 A

 

17th

Hove to in a gale off Iceland with part of JW 56 A in company

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri with the convoy

 

24th

Left Akureyri with damaged merchant ship for Loch Ewe

 

27th

Detached to Londonderry

 

29th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

83. HMS BORAGE

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

6th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 55 B

 

8th

Arrived Loch Ewe with RA 55 B

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 56 A

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri with the convoy

 

22nd

Left Akureyri for Londonderry

 

25th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

Sloop temporarily attached for Duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

84. HMS CYGNET

 

11th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 56 A

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with escort of JW 56 A

 

15th

Suffered damage to propeller in heavy weather and proceeded to Skaalefiord

 

16th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

17th

Left Skaalefiord for Scapa for repairs

 

18th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe and for through escort of JW 56 B, arriving p.m.

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

22nd-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

 

 

85. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

1st-31st

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

86. HMS SEAGULL

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A, detached from the convoy and arrived Scapa p.m.

 

18th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe and for through escort of JW 56 B, arriving p.m.

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56B

 

22nd-31st

At sea with JW 56 B

 

 

 

87. HMS BRITOMART

 

1st-31st

Devonport, refitting

 

 

 

88. HMS HUSSAR

 

1st-31st

North Russia

 

 

 

89. HMS SPEEDWELL

 

1st-31st

North Russia

 

 

 

90. HMS GLEANER

 

1st-31st

North Russia

 

 

 

91. HMS HALCYON

 

1st-31st

North Russia

 

 

 

92. HMS SALAMANDER

 

1st-31st

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

93. HMS JASON

 

1st-31st

Portsmouth, refitting

 

 

 

Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

 

 

94. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla)

 

1st-3rd

Scapa

 

3rd

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

 

4th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

6th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 55 B

 

8th

Arrived Loch Ewe with the convoy

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 56 A

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri with the convoy

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

22nd

Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord

 

24th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

24th-31st

Skaalefiord

 

 

 

95. HMS HOUND

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

9th

Left Skaalefiord for Leith to refit

 

11th

Arrived Leith, taken in hand

 

11th-31st

Leith, refitting

 

 

 

96. HMS HYDRA

 

1st

At sea with RA 55 A

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

17th

Left Skaalefiord for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 56 B

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

25th

Detached from convoy to Scapa

 

27th

Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. to Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

28th

Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

 

28th-29th

Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

 

 

97. HMS LOYALTY

 

1st-8th

Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

11th

Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

 

21st

Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

 

22nd

Arrived Scapa

 

22nd-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

98. HMS ONYX

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord for Operation SF

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

17th

Left Skaalefiord for Loch Ewe for local escort of JS 56 B

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

22nd

Left Loch Ewe with JW 56 B

 

27th

Detached from the convoy to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m. and sailing for Akureyri

 

28th

Arrived Akureyri

 

28th-31st

Akureyri

 

 

 

99. HMS ORESTES

 

1st-3rd

Scapa

 

3rd

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

 

4th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

6th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 55 B

 

8th

Arrived Loch Ewe with the convoy

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 56 A

 

19th

Arrived Akureyri with the convoy

 

21st

Left Akureyri with JW 56 A

 

22nd

Detached to Skaalefiord

 

24th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

24th-31st

Skaalefiord

 

 

 

100. HMS RATTLESNAKE

 

1st-22nd

Clyde for repairs

 

22nd

Left Clyde on completion to Scapa

 

24th

Arrived Scapa

 

24th-31st

Scapa

 

 

 

101. HMS COCKATRICE

 

1st

Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

3rd

Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

 

15th

Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th-31st

Scapa

 

 

102. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command for Operations during the month:

Cruisers:

 

GLASGOW

1st-31st

GAMBIA

1st-30th

 

 

Destroyers:

 

HAIDA

12th-31st

IROQUOIS

12th-31st

ATHABASKAN

17th-31st

ASHANTI

17th-31st

 

103. Patrols Black and White

 

There were no Home Fleet ships on patrols BLACK (between Iceland and the Faroes) or WHITE (in the Denmark Straits) throughout January.

 

 

104. Changes of Flag

 

There were no changes of Flag in the Home Fleet during January

 

 

105. Operation S.F. (Anti-U-boat patrols between Iceland and the Faroes)

 

There were no patrols in Operation S F during January and the number of minesweepers of the Eighteenth Flotilla based on Skaalefiord for this operation was small (varying from two to four) owing to the requirements of the North Russian convoys.

 

 

106. Operation SEXTANT 

(i) KING GEORGE V, screened by ATHABASKAN and METEOR left Scapa on 8th for Gibraltar to bring the Prime Minister, his family and staff back to the United Kingdom after his convalescence in Morocco. ASHANTI from Moville joined the screen soon after noon the following day and these destroyers remained with KING GEORGE V until 13th when they were relieved by ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, and BRILLIANT from Gibraltar. The Home Fleet destroyers then proceeded to Horta to fuel, arriving there the following day. KING GEORGE V and the second screen arrived at Gibraltar p.m. 14th

 

(ii) The Prime Minister, his family and staff, joined the ship at once and she left Gibraltar escorted by MAURITIUS and the second screen at 0300 on 15th. The first screen (Home Fleet destroyers) left Horta p.m. the same day and relieved ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, and BRILLIANT (who returned to Gibraltar) a.m. 16th. Later on 16th GLASGOW from Plymouth relieved MAURITIUS who also returned to Gibraltar. KING GEORGE V with GLASGOW and the first screen arrived Plymouth late on 17th without incident and the Prime Minister and his party was disembarked at once.

 

(iii) KING GEORGE V escorted by METEOR left Plymouth on 18th and arrived Scapa two days later.

 

107. Operation F V

 

The final part of Operation FV (North Russian convoys for December) took placed during the first in January when RA 55 A and RA 55 B arrived in the United Kingdom without loss. Full details of these convoys were included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for December 1943, and the movements of individual Home Fleet ships are contained in the foregoing paragraphs

 

 

108. Operation F W

 

The first part of this operation, the passage of the two outward bound convoys to North Russia (J W 56 A and J W 56 B) took placed during January. Delays due to weather and determined U-boat attacks, which fully occupied all escorts in North Russian waters during the passage of J W 56 B, prevented either of the homeward bound convoys leaving North Russia before the end of the month.

 

The weather and time of year were not so favourable as they had been during previous months and some casualties were sustained. J W 56 A was badly scattered on the third day out from Loch Ewe by a gale and had to put in to Akureyri to reform. This resulted in four ships returning to Loch Ewe with weather damage and a fifth dropping out at Akureyri also owing to weather damage. Later, in the better light, U-boats picked up and shadowed the convoy in the Barents Sea, torpedoing 3 ships and damaging OBDURATE before the J W 56 A finally reached Kola Inlet.

 

J W 56 B was more fortunate; with it escort strengthened by the Fleet destroyers from J W 56 A (less OBDURATE) from Bear Island onwards, the convoy arrived in Kola Inlet intact; of the escorts HARDY was torpedoed and sunk soon after joining the convoy.

 

Each convoy had the usual through escort of Home Fleet destroyers and Western Approaches escort escorts. A Fleet minesweeper sailed with J W 56 B. A cruiser force operating from Akureyri covered both convoys but no Battle Squadron took part in the operation as the danger of surface attack was confined to attack by destroyers since the sinking of the SCHARNHORST

 

Detailed movements of the convoys and the forces taking part were as follows:

 

(i) J W 56 A, local and through escorts

 

12th

The convoy (20 ships) escorted by INCONSTANT and CYGNET, (Western Approaches) and local escort of

 

WALLFLOWER and BORAGE (Western Approaches), READY and ORESTES left Loch Ewe for North Russia

 

POPPY and DIANELLA left Loch Ewe and joined the convoy.

 

HARDY left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

 

SAVAGE, STORD, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, OFFA, and OBDURATE left Scapa for Seidisfiord

14th

HARDY arrived Seidisfiord

 

SAVAGE, STORD, VENUS, VIRAGO, and OFFA arrived Seidisfiord

15th

CYGNET detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord with defective propeller

 

Convoy badly scattered in heavy gale

 

OBDURATE and VIGILANT arrived Seidisfiord having failed to contact the convoy

16th

CYGNET arrived Skaalefiord with defects

 

SAVAGE and STORD left Seidisfiord to contact the convoy, making contact a.m.

 

Four merchant ships of the convoy turned back to Loch Ewe.

 

HARDY, VENUS, OFFA, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord to join the convoy

17th

CYGNET left Skaalefiord for Scapa

 

SAVAGE returned to Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing to join the convoy a.m.

 

One merchant ship arrived back at Loch Ewe with weather damage

 

INCONSTANT arrived Seidisfiord to fuel, sailing p.m. to rejoin the convoy

 

All merchant ships and escorts ordered to proceed to Akureyri

 

HARDY, VENUS, OFFA, SAVAGE, OBDURATE, VIGILANT, and VIRAGO returned to Seidisfiord to fuel

 

POPPY and DIANELLA arrived Seidisfiord to fuel

18th

HARDY, VENUS, SAVAGE, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, OFFA, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord for Akureyri, arriving p.m.

 

SAVAGE, STORD, and INCONSTANT arrived Akureyri

 

CYGNET arrived Scapa for repairs (and for escort of JW 56 B)

 

16 merchant ships, READY, ORESTES, BORAGE, and WALLFLOWER arrived Akureyri

 

POPPY and DIANELLA left Seidisfiord for Akureyri, arriving p.m.

20th

Second merchant ship returned to Loch Ewe with weather damage

21st

Convoy (15 ships) escorted by HARDY, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, SAVAGE, STORD, ORFA, OBDURATE,

 

INCONSTANT, POPPY, DIANELLA with local escort of READY and ORESTES left Akureyri

 

One merchant ship with weather damage remained at Akureyri with WALLFLOWER and BORAGE

22nd

Third merchant ship returned to Loch Ewe with weather damage

 

BORAGE left Akureyri for Londonderry.

 

READY and ORESTES detached from convoy to Skaalefiord

23rd

Fourth merchant ship returned to Loch Ewe with weather damage

24th

READY and ORESTES arrived Skaalefiord

 

Merchant ship with weather damage left Akureyri, escorted by WALLFLOWER for Loch Ewe

25th

Convoy shadowed by U-boats

 

BORAGE arrived Londonderry

26th

Three merchant ships torpedoed and sunk. OBDURATE damaged by gnat torpedo exploding close to the ship. Able to keep up with the convoy

 

Local escort of Russian destroyers and minesweepers sailed to join the convoy

27th

Local escort joined the convoy and took over the White Sea section (9 ships)

 

Murmansk section (3 ships) with through escort and Fleet destroyers arrived Kola Inlet (OBDURATE with action damage)

 

One merchant ship from Akureyri arrived Loch Ewe, WALLFLOWER detached to Londonderry.

29th

White Sea section and local escort arrived Archangel

 

WALLFLOWER arrived Londonderry

 

(ii). J W 56 B local and through escorts

 

22nd

The convoy (17 ships) escorted by WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, CYGNET, RHODODENDRON, OXLIP (Western

 

Approaches) and SEAGULL with local escort of WRESTLER and HONEYSUCKLE (Western Approaches), ONYX and HYDRA left Loch Ewe for North Russia.

 

One merchant ship returned to Loch Ewe for North Russia

 

MILNE left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord

 

MUSKETEER, MAHRATTA, MATCHLESS, OPPORTUNE, HURON, and SCOURGE left Scapa for Seidisfiord

24th

MILNE arrived Seidisfiord from Loch Ewe

 

MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, MAHRATTA, OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, and HURON arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa,

 

MATCHLESS with defects to steering gear, prevented her proceeding any further.

 

MAHRATTA and SCOURGE left Seidisfiord to contact the convoy

25th

WESTCOTT and WHITEHALL arrived Seidisfiord to fuel.

 

SCOURGE and MAHRATTA returned to Seidisfiord

26th

RHODODENDRON arrived Seidisfiord from the convoy for duty in the Western Approaches Command

 

WESTCOTT and WHITEHALL left Seidisfiord and rejoined the convoy

 

METEOR left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

MILNE, MUSKETEER, MAHRATTA, OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, and HURSON left Seidisfiord and joined the convoy

 

WRESTLER and ONYX detached from convoy to Seidisfiord.

 

HONEYSUCKLE detached from convoy to the Clyde

 

HYDRA detached from convoy to Scapa

 

Convoy reported by enemy aircraft

27th

METEOR left Skaalefiord to join the convoy

 

WRESTLER and ONYX arrived Seidisfiord

28th

RHODODENDRON left Seidisfiord for the Clyde

 

MATCHLESS escorted by WRESTLER left Seidisfiord for Scapa

 

METEOR from Skaalefiord joined the convoy

 

HARDY, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, SAVAGE, STORD, and OFFA left Kola Inlet to join JW 56 B

 

HYDRA arrived Scapa

29th

HONEYSUCKLE arrived Clyde

 

7 destroyers from Kola Inlet joined JW 56 B

 

Convoy shadowed by U-boats and aircraft

30th

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa, WRESTLER detached to the Clyde

 

HARDY torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat

 

One U-boat probably sunk by OFFA and INCONSTANT

31st

RHODODENDRON arrived Clyde

 

WRESTLER arrived Clyde

1st Feb

Convoy split. White Sea section (6 ships) proceeded with local escort from Kola Inlet

 

Murmansk section (10 ships) with through escort and MILNE, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA,

 

OPPORTUNE, SCOURGE, HURON, VENUS, VIGILANT, VIRAGO, OFFA, SAVAGE, and STORD arrived Kola Inlet

2nd

Feb White Sea section (six ships) and local escort arrived Archangel.

 

Force 1

 

11th

KENT left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 56 A convoy conference, arriving p.m.

13th

KENT left Loch Ewe on completion and returned to Scapa, arriving p.m.

18th

KENT left Scapa for Akureyri

 

BERWICK and BERMUDA left Scapa for Akureyri

19th

KENT arrived Akureyri

20th

BERWICK and BERMUDA arrived Akureyri

23rd

Force 1 (KENT, BERWICK, and BERMUDA) left Akureyri to cover JW 56 A and JW 56 B

 

BERWICK returned to Akureyri p.m. with defective dynamos

28th

Force 1 (KENT and BERMUDA returned to Akureyri.

 

 

 


 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

FEBRUARY 1944

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

 

 

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

 

1st-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

 

1st-10th

Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

12th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

3. HMS HOWE

 

1st-29th

Devonport, refitting

 

 

 

4. HMS KING GEORGE V

 

1st-9th

Scapa

 

9th

Left Liverpool for refit

 

10th

Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand

 

10th-29th

Liverpool, refitting

 

 

 

5. HMS NELSON

 

1st-29th

Clyde with reduced complement

 

 

 

6. HMS RODNEY

 

1st-29th

Rosyth with reduced complement

 

 

 

7. HMS RAMILLIES

 

1st-29th

Clyde for leave and minor repairs

 

 

 

8. FS RICHELIEU

 

1st-13th

Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for repairs

 

14th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

24th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

25th

Arrived Scapa

 

25th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

Aircraft Carriers

 

 

 

9. HMS FURIOUS

 

1st-10th

Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

12th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

10. HMS CHASER

 

5th

Left Clyde for exercises and for Scapa for escort of JW 57

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa for Operation FX with BLACK PRINCE and two destroyers to join JW 57

 

22nd

Joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

11. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

 

1st-3rd

Akureyri for Operation F W

 

3rd

Left Akureyri with Force 1 for cover RA 56

 

9th

Returned to Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Rosyth to give leave

 

11th

Arrived Rosyth

 

27th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Scapa

 

 

 

12. HMS LONDON

 

1st-6th

Rosyth, refitting

 

6th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

 

17th

Left Scapa on completion for the Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for Gibraltar

 

22nd

Arrived Gibraltar

 

 

 

13. HMS NORFOLK

 

1st-29th

Tyne for refit and action damage repairs

 

 

 

14. HMS BERWICK

 

1st-3rd

Akureyri for Operation F W

 

3rd

Left with Force 1 to cover RA 56

 

9th

Returned to Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa for Force 1 for cover JW 57

 

29th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

15. HMS CUMBERLAND

 

1st-17th

Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa on completion for Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet

 

18th

Arrived Clyde, sailing p.m. for Gibraltar.

 

22nd

Arrived Gibraltar

 

 

 

16. HMS DEVONSHIRE

 

1st-29th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

 

 

17. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

 

1st-10th

Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

12th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

18. HMS SHEFFIELD

 

1st-9th

Liverpool for repairs

 

9th

Left Liverpool on completion for Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

19. HMS GLASGOW

 

1st-29th

Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

 

 

20. HMS BERMUDA

 

1st-3rd

Akureyri for Operation F W

 

3rd

Left Akureyri with Force 1 to cover RA 56

 

9th

Returned to Scapa

 

9th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

21. HMS NIGERIA

 

1st-10th

Scapa, working up

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

27th

Left Scapa for the Clyde

 

28th

Arrived Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet

 

 

 

22. HMS JAMAICA

 

1st-12th

Rosyth for docking and leave

 

12th

Left Rosyth on completion for Invergordon for exercises with Force S

 

13th

Arrived Invergordon

 

15th

Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

16th

Left Scapa for Loch Erriboll for special trials, arriving p.m.

 

19th

Left Loch Erriboll on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

24th

Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 57

 

29th

Returned to Scapa

 

 

 

23. HMS SCYLLA

 

1st-29th

Chatham, refitting

 

 

 

24. ORP DRAGON

 

1st-7th

Clyde for bombardment training

 

7th

Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

 

8th

Arrived Scapa

 

24th

Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 57

 

26th

Returned to Scapa

 

26th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

Cruisers attached for temporary duty in the Home Fleet

 

 

 

25. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers)

 

13th

Left Clyde for Scapa

 

14th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for the Clyde

 

19th

Arrived Clyde

 

19th-29th

Clyde

 

 

 

26. HMS BLACK PRINCE

 

8th

Left Plymouth for Scapa and for escort of JW 57

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 57 convoy conference, arriving, p.m.

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

21st

Left Scapa with CHASER and two destroyers to join JW 57

 

22nd

Joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

27. HMS DIADEM

 

1st-20th

Clyde for jump trials

 

20th

Left Clyde for Scapa to continue working up

 

21st

Arrived Scapa

 

21st-29th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Minelayer attached for working up

 

 

 

28. HMS APOLLO

 

12th

Left Tyne for Scapa to work up

 

13th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th-29th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Destroyers

 

 

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

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

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

18th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 57 convoy conference

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

30. HMS MARNE

 

1st-10th

Tyne, refitting

 

10th

Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

 

11th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

11th-29th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

31. HMS METEOR

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa to join search for Submarine STUBBORN, damaged off the Norwegian coast

 

19th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

32. HMS MATCHLESS

 

1st-13th

Scapa for repairs to steering gear

 

13th

Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU for Rosyth

 

14th

Arrived Rosyth returning p.m. to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

33. HMS MUSKETEER

 

1st

At sea with JW 56 B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa to join search for Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast

 

20th

Arrived Lerwick with STUBBORN

 

21st

Left Lerwick for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

24th

Damaged in collision with BLYSKAWICA

 

25th

Left Scapa for Humber for refit and repairs

 

26th

Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

26th-29th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

34. HMS MAHRATTA

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

25th

Torpedoed and sunk by U-boat in 71-17N, 13-30E – 16 survivors picked up

 

 

 

35. HMCS IROQUOIS

 

1st-4th

Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area

 

4th

Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for operations in the Bay area

 

15th

Arrived Plymouth

 

18th

Left Plymouth for Halifax (Canada) for refit

 

23rd

Arrived Halifax, taken in hand

 

23rd-29th

Halifax, refitting

 

 

 

36. HMCS ATHABASKAN

 

1st-4th

Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

4th

Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for operations in the Bay area

 

15th

Arrived Plymouth

 

15th-29th

Detached to Plymouth Command

 

 

 

37. HMCS HURON

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for operations in the Bay area

 

18th

Arrived Plymouth

 

28th-29th

Detached to Plymouth Command

 

 

 

38. HMCS HAIDA

 

1st-4th

Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

4th

Left Plymouth for Scapa to rejoin the Home Fleet

 

5th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operations in the Bay area

 

15th

Arrived Plymouth

 

15th-29th

Detached to Plymouth Command

 

 

 

39. ORP PIORUN

 

1st-9th

Clyde, refitting

 

9th

Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa to work up

 

10th-29th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

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

 

1st-26th

Tyne, refitting

 

26th

Left Tyne on completion for Scapa

 

27th

Arrived Scapa

 

27th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

41. HMS OFFA

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

42. HMS ORIBI

 

1st-2nd

Falmouth, refitting

 

2nd

Left Falmouth on completion for Scapa

 

4th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

43. HMS ONSLAUGHT

 

1st-10th

Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

44. HMS OPPORTUNE

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for the Clyde for boiler cleaning

 

10th

Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

 

18th

Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

 

19th

Arrived Scapa

 

19th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

45. HMS OBDURATE

 

1st-11th

Kola Inlet with action damage repairs

 

11th

Left Kola Inlet with VIRAGO for Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Tyne for refit

 

21st

Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

 

21st-29th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

46. HMS ORWELL

 

1st-29th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

47. HMS OBEDIENT

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

3rd

Left Skaalefiord to join the convoy

 

6th

Joined RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

48. HMS SAUMAREZ

 

1st-29th

Tyne for action damage repairs

 

 

 

49. HMS SCORPION

 

1st-29th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

50. HMS SAVAGE

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

7th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Humber for boiler cleaning

 

10th

Arrived Humber, taken in hand

 

17th

Left Humber on completion for Scapa

 

18th

Arrived Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with the convoy

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

51. HMS SCOURGE

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

13th

Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU for Rosyth

 

14th

Arrived Rosyth with RICHELIEU, returning p.m. to Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa to join search for Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast

 

20th

Arrived Lerwick with STUBBORN

 

21st

Left Lerwick for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

21st-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

52. HNorMS STORD

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

10th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

 

 

 

53. HMS SWIFT

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

3rd

Left Skaalefiord to join the convoy

 

6th

Joined RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

15th

Left Scapa to join search for Submarine STUBBORN damaged off the Norwegian coast

 

19th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

54. HMS SERAPIS (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla, temporarily)

 

1st-10th

Scapa, working up

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 

 

55. HMS VENUS

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

7th

Detached from convoy to Scapa

 

9th

Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

10th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

17th

Left Rosyth on completion for Invergordon

 

18th

Arrived Invergordon

 

29th

Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

19th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

56. HMS VIGILANT (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

 

1st

At sea with JS 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

7th

Detached from convoy to Scapa

 

9th

Arriving Scapa, sailing p.m. for Clyde for boiler cleaning

 

10th

Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

 

17th

Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

 

18th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa with CHASER and BLACK PRINCE to join JW 57 and for Operation FX

 

22nd

Joined JW 57, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

23rd

Left Skaalefiord and rejoined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

57. HMS VIRAGO

 

1st-11th

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

11th

Left Kola Inlet with OBDURATE for Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

18th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

24th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa escorting RICHELIEU

 

25th

Arrived Scapa with RICHELIEU

 

25th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

58. HMS VERULAM

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord to fuel and for escort of RA 56

 

2nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

3rd

Left Skaalefiord to join the convoy

 

6th

Joined escort of RA 56

 

9th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa

 

10th

Arrived Scapa

 

21st

Left Scapa with BLACK PRINCE and CHASER to join JW 57 and for Operation FX

 

22nd

Joined JW 57, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving p.m.

 

23rd

Left Skaalefiord and rejoined JF 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

Other destroyers attached to the Home Fleet

 

 

 

59. HMS ESKIMO

 

1st-29th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

60. HMS ASHANTI

 

1st-29th

Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay area

 

 

 

61. HMS TARTAR

 

1st-29th

Devonport, refitting

 

 

 

62. HMS IMPULSIVE

 

1st-10th

Scapa

 

10th

Left Scapa for Operation POSTHORN

 

12th

Returned to Scapa

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

63. ORP BLYSKAWICA

 

1st-6th

Scapa, working up

 

6th

Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

8th

Diverted to join UR 108

 

9th

Returned to Scapa with defects

 

11th

Left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

13th

Arrived Hvalfiord

 

15th

Left Hvalfiord for Belfast with U.S. Troopship

 

17th

Arrived Belfast

 

19th

Arrived Scapa

 

24th

Damaged in collision with MUSKETEER

 

24th-29th

Scapa, damaged

 

 

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

64. HMS WHITEHALL

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

11th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

65. HMS WESTCOTT

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

11th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

66. HMS INCONSTANT

 

1st

Kola Inlet

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

9th

Detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

11th

Left Scapa for the Clyde

 

12th

Arrived Clyde

 

67. HMS WRESTLER

 

4th

Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for local escort of RA 56

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

12th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

68. HMS KEPPEL

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

69. HMS BEAGLE

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord for fuel, sailing p.m. to rejoin the convoy

 

22nd

Rejoined JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

70. HMS BOADICEA

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

71. HMS WALKER

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from the Clyde for the through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

72. HMS WANDERER

 

15th

Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord to support escort of JW 57

 

26th

Detached from convoy to Londonderry

 

29th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

73. HMS WATCHMAN

 

15th

Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord to support escort of JW 57

 

26th

Detached from convoy to Londonderry

 

29th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

Destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

 

 

74. HMS TERPSICHORE

 

1st-16th

Scapa, working up

 

16th

Left Scapa for the Clyde and for the escort of KMF 29

 

17th

Arrived Clyde

 

18th

Left Clyde with KMF 29

 

 

 

75. HMS ULYSSES

 

1st-14th

Liverpool for minor repairs

 

14th

Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

16th-29th

Scapa, working up

 

 

 

76. HMS URANIA

 

1st-16th

Scapa, working up

 

16th

Left Scapa for Clyde and for escort of KMF 29

 

17th

Arrived Clyde

 

18th

Left Clyde with KMF 29

 

 

 

77. HMCS CHAUDIERE

 

1st

Scapa, sailing p.m. on completion of working up, to Londonderry

 

2nd

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

Frigates temporarily attached for Duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

78. HMS STRULE (Senior Officer, Escort Group B 1)

 

15th

Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord to support convoy JW 57

 

26th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

29th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

79. HMS BYRON

 

15th

Arrived Scapa for temporary duty with the Home Fleet

 

20th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord for Operation FX

 

21st

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Left Skaalefiord to support convoy JW 57

 

26th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

29th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

Corvettes temporarily attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

80. HMS POPPY

 

1st

Kola Inlet

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

11th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

81. HMS DIANELLA

 

1st

Kola Inlet

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

11th

Arrived Londonderry

 

17th

Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57

 

18th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

22nd

Detached from convoy to Londonderry

 

24th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

82. HMS OXLIP

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving a.m. at Kola Inlet with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

11th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

83. HMS WALLFLOWER

 

5th

Left Londonderry for Skaalefiord and for local escort of RA 56

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

11th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

84. HMS BORAGE

 

5th

Left Londonderry for Skaalefiord and for local escort of RA 56

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to Londonderry

 

11th

Arrived Londonderry

 

 

 

85. HMS HONEYSUCKLE

 

4th

Left Clyde for Skaalefiord and for local escort of RA 56

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Clyde

 

12th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

86. HMS BLUEBELL

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

87. HMS CAMELLIA

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

88. HMS RHODODENDRON

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

89. HMS LOTUS

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe from Clyde for through escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with JW 57

 

28th

Arrived Kola Inlet with JW 57

 

29th

Kola Inlet

 

 

 

90. HMS BURDOCK

 

18th

Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57

 

19th

Arrived Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57

 

22nd

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

23rd

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

Sloop temporarily attached for Duty with the Home Fleet

 

 

 

91. HMS CYGNET

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

10th

Detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

11th

Arrived Clyde

 

 

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

 

 

92. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

1st-29th

Humber, refitting

 

 

 

93. HMS SEAGULL

 

1st

At sea with JW 56B, arriving Kola Inlet a.m. with the convoy

 

1st-29th

North Russia

 

 

 

93. HMS BRITOMART

 

1st

29th Devonport, refitting

 

 

 

95. HMS HUSSAR

 

1st-3rd

North Russia

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.

 

14th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

15th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

27th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Scapa

 

 

 

96. HMS SPEEDWELL

 

1st-3rd

North Russia

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.

 

14th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

15th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

27th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Scapa

 

 

 

97. HMS GLEANER

 

1st-29th

North Russia

 

 

 

98. HMS HALCYON

 

1st-3rd

North Russia

 

3rd

Left Kola Inlet with RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving a.m.

 

14th

Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

 

15th

Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

 

27th

Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

 

28th

Arrived Scapa

 

29th

Scapa

 

 

 

99. HMS SALAMANDER

 

1st-29th

Tyne, refitting

 

 

 

100. HMS JASON

 

1st-15th

Portsmouth, refitting

 

15th

Left Portsmouth on completion for Invergordon for exercises with Force S

 

19th

Arrived Invergordon

 

28th

Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

29th

Scapa

 

 

 

101. HMS SPEEDY

 

1st-29th

Sheerness, refitting

 

 

 

Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

 

 

102. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

1st-8th

Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

 

13th

Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

14th

Left Scapa for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

 

25th

Left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion, arriving p.m.

 

25th-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

103. HMS HOUND

 

1st-29th

Leith, refitting

 

 

 

104. HMS HYDRA

 

1st-10th

Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

10th

Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

 

11th

Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m. for local escort of JW 57

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57

 

22nd

Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord

 

23rd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

29th

Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat patrol

 

 

 

105. HMS LOYALTY

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrol under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

17th

Returned to Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57

 

21st

Detached to Scapa with defects, arriving a.m.

 

21st-29th

Scapa

 

 

 

106. HMS ONYX

 

1st-3rd

Akureyri

 

3rd

Left Akureyri for Skaalefiord

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

10th

Left Skaalefiord for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

11th

Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

 

27th

Left Aberdeen on completion for Skaalefiord

 

29th

Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. for anti-U-boat patrol

 

 

 

107. HMS ORESTES

 

1st-2nd

Skaalefiord

 

2nd

Left Skaalefiord for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

 

3rd

Arrived Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

 

15th

Left Aberdeen on completion for Scapa

 

16th

Arrived Scapa

 

17th

Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 57, arriving p.m.

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57

 

22nd

Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord

 

23rd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

29th

Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat patrol

 

 

 

108. HMS RATTLESNAKE

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrol under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

17th

Returned to Loch Ewe

 

20th

Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 57

 

22nd

Detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord

 

23rd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

29th

Left Skaalefiord to Scapa

 

 

 

109. HMS COCKATRICE

 

1st-5th

Scapa

 

5th

Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

 

6th

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

8th

Left Skaalefiord with local escort to join RA 56

 

9th

Joined RA 56

 

11th

Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

 

12th

Left Loch Ewe for anti-U-boat patrols under Commander in Chief, Western Approaches

 

17th

Returned to Loch Ewe

 

21st

Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord

 

22nd

Arrived Skaalefiord

 

29th

Left Skaalefiord for anti-U-boat patrol

 

 

110. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

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

Cruisers:

 

GLASGOW

1st-29th

 

 

Destroyers:

 

TARTAR

1st-29th,  refitting

HURON

18th-29th

HAIDA

1st-4th and 15th-29th

ASHANTI

1st-29th

IROQUOIS

1st-4th and 15th-29th

ATHABASKAN

1st-4th and 15th-29th

 

111. Patrols Black and White

 

There were no Home Fleet ships on patrols BLACK (between Iceland and the Faroes) or WHITE (in the Denmark Straits) during February

 

 

112. Changes of Flag

19th

Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers) transferred from TYNE to BLACK PRINCE

19th

Broad Pendant of Commodore R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, hoisted in TYNE as Commodore (D), Home Fleet Destroyers

23rd

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT to BERMUDA

29th

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred tom BERMUDA to KENT

 

113. Operation S.F. (Anti-U-boat patrols between Iceland and the Faroes)

 

Owing to the requirements for minesweepers for local escorts to North Russian convoys and of special operations exercises there were no minesweepers available to carry out Operation SF from Skaalefiord until the last day of the month when HYDRA, ORESTES, ONYX, and COCKATRICE sailed from there for a short patrol before being required for the local escort of RA 57.

 

The operation was conducted by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth and air cooperation provided by 18 Group.

 

Earlier in the month, LOYALTY, RATTLESNAKE, and COCKATRICE carried out a short anti-U-boat patrol of days in the Western Approaches under the orders of Commander in Chief, Western Approaches. They were at the time based on Loch Ewe waiting to act as local escort of J W 57. No attacks were reported.

 

 

114. Operation POSTHORN

 

Operation POSTHORN, the object of which was to attack shipping on the Norwegian coast between Stadlandet and Yteroerne with carrier borne aircraft, was carried out by a battle squadron consisting of ANSON (Vice Admiral, Second in Command), FS RICHELIEU, FURIOUS, BELFAST, and NIGERIA, screened by IROQUOIS, SERAPIS, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, IMPULSIVE, HAIDA, and ATHABASKAN.

 

The Force left Scapa a.m. on the 10th and proceeded to the North East, arriving in the flying off position at 0900A the following day. Extra fighter and A/S air escort for the force was provided by 18 Group.

 

10 Barracudas, escorted by 12 Seafires were flown off from FURIOUS. The weather was suitable to flying but cloud conditions were poor for dive bombing. No shipping targets were found under way and attacks were therefore directed at a ship found beached in two halves in Ervik Bay. This ship, probably the ENSLAND of 5200 had been prepared for towing and at least 4 bomb hits on each part of the vessel were confirmed.

 

Fighter opposition of at least two FW 190s and 3 ME 109s were airborne before the arrival of the striking group. They were engaged by Seafires who claim 1 shot down, 1 probably and 2 damaged; we lost one Seafire. Only light flak was experienced and the remainder of the striking force returned safely. The Squadron was reported by enemy aircraft, but was not shadowed for any length of time. It arrived back at Scapa a.m. on 12th.

 

 

115. Operation BAYLEAF

 

This operation was planned as a repetition of operation POSTHORN to attack shipping in the Norwegian Leads between Lepso Island, 62-40N and Edo Island 63-15N by carrier borne aircraft, with a Squadron consisting of FURIOUS, SHEFFIELD and BERMUDA, screened by MUSKETEER, OPPORTUNE, VENUS, SCOURGE, STORD, and BLYSKAWICA.

 

The force sailed on 24th to carry out the operation as planned, but owing to a collision between MUSKETEER and BLYSKAWICA while leaving Scapa, it returned to harbour a.m. the same day until more destroyers could be made available.

 

Thereafter the weather forecasts were consistently bad and on 28th the operation finally had to be finally cancelled owing to other commitments of the force concerned.

 

 

116. Towing of the Submarine STUBBORN

 

After a most successful patrol off the Norwegian coast during which she attacked two convoys, claiming 4 hits on three targets in the first and three hits on two targets in the second, strong counter attacks were made on the STUBBORN and after over 70 depth charges had been dropped, she was badly damaged and unable to steer or dive in position 64-12N 05-34E p.m. on 14th

 

MUSKETEER and SCOURGE left Scapa early on 15th to locate STUBBORN and escort her, and the Norwegian minesweeper NARVIK left Lerwick at the same time to take the submarine in tow. METEOR and SWIFT followed soon afterwards from Scapa. Catalinas and Beaufighters from 18 Group established a continuous daylight patrol in the area. P.m. on the 15th STUBBORN reported her position at 64-20N, 5-50E drifting on a course of 20 degrees at ¾ knot.

 

The submarine was finally located and taken in tow by MUSKETEER, with SCOURGE in company on the 17th. The tow parted frequently and STUBBORN's course was dictated by the weather. METEOR and SWIFT joined her p.m. and NARVIK, early the next day.

 

METEOR and SWIFT were detached p.m. 18th to Scapa, and NARVIK to Lerwick where they all arrived the following day. MUSKETEER had STUBBORN in tow throughout the 19th though the tow parted frequently and later STUBBORN proceeded under her own power; she arrived at Lerwick, escorted by MUSKETEER and SCOURGE early on the 20th

 

 

117. Operation FW

 

The second part of Operation FW – the passage of RA 56 to the United Kingdom took place at the beginning of February and was completed with loss to the convoy or escort. The first pat of the operation (the passage of the two outward bound convoy) was included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary for January 1944.

 

Two convoy of 39 ships left Kola Inlet on the 3rd, at 9 ½ knots, arrived in United Kingdom ports on 11th. Two ships were unable to maintain the speed of the convoy and returned to Kola Inlet with the local escort.

 

The convoy was strongly escorted by all the Fleet destroyer and Western Approaches escorts of JW 56A and JW 56B together with three Fleet minesweepers, returning from North Russia. This escort was further reinforced by three Fleet destroyers from Scapa in the Bear Island area.

 

A cruiser force, operated from Akureyri, covered the convoy between 28 and 5 degrees east keeping to the westward of 15E. No battle Squadron took part as the surface threat was confined to destroyers.

 

Detailed movements of the convoy and Force 1 were as follows.

 

RA 56 local and through escorts

 

2nd

VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

3rd

The convoy (39 ships) escorted by INCONSTANT, CYGNET, POPPY, DIANELLA, WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL, RHODODENDRON, and OXLIP (Western Approaches), SAVAGE, STORD, MILNE, VENUS, VIGILANT, OFFA, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA, OPPORTUNE, HURON, SCOURGE, SPEEDWELL, HUSSAR, and HALCYON and local escort of SEAGULL and GLEANER left Kola Inlet for United Kingdom.

 

VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT left Skaalefiord to rendezvous with RA 56 in the Bear Island area.

4th

HONEYSUCKLE left Clyde for Skaalefiord.

 

WALLFLOWER and BORAGE left Londonderry for Skaalefiord

 

WRESTLER left Clyde for Skaalefiord

5th

Two merchant ships of the convoy, unable to maintain 9 ½ knots, returned to Kola Inlet with the Local escort

6th

WALLFLOWER and BORAGE arrived Skaalefiord

 

WRESTLER and HONEYSUCKLE arrived Skaalefiord

 

VERULAM, OBEDIENT, and SWIFT joined the convoy

7th

OPPORTUNE, OFFA, VENUS, VIGILANT, and SAVAGE detached from the convoy to Scapa

8th

Convoy reported and shadowed by enemy aircraft

 

Local escort (READY, RATTLESNAKE, WALLFLOWER, BORAGE, WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE, COCKATRICE, and LOYALTY) left Skaalefiord to join the convoy

9th

Local escort joined the convoy

 

MILNE, STORD, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA, HURON, SCOURGE, VERULAM, OBEDIENT, SWIFT, and INCONSTANT detached to Scapa

 

OPPORTUNE, OFFA, VENUS, VIGILANT, and SAVAGE arrived Scapa

10th

Convoy arrived off Cape Wrath and proceeded direct to ports of destination.

 

MILNE, STORD, MUSKETEER, METEOR, MAHRATTA, HURON, SCOURGE, OBEDIENT, SWIFT, VERULAM, and INCONSTANT arrived Scapa

 

SPEEDWELL, HALCYON, and HUSSAR detached from convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

11th

Convoy arrived at United Kingdom ports.

 

RATTLESNAKE, COCKATRICE, LOYALTY, and READY arrived Loch Ewe

 

WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE, CYGNET, WHITEHALL, WESTCOTT, RHODENDRON, and OXLIP detached from the convoy to the Clyde, arriving p.m.

 

BORAGE, WALLFLOWER, POPPY, and DIANELLA detached from the convoy to Londonderry, arriving p.m.

 

INCONSTANT left Scapa for the Clyde

12th

INCONSTANT arrived Clyde

 

Force One

 

3rd

Force 1 (KENT, BERWICK, and BERMUDA) left Akureyri to cover the convoy between meridians 28E and 5 E keeping to west of 15E.

5th

Arrived in covering area

7th

Left covering area for Scapa

9th

Force 1 returned to Scapa

 

 

127. Operation F X

 

The first part of this operation, the passage of the outward bound convoy to North Russia (JW 57) took place towards the end of February. Weather on the whole favoured the convoy although it hampered flying operations of the escort carrier which accompanied it.

 

The convoy of 43 ships and 6 Russian light craft left Loch Ewe on the 20th. The Murmansk section (33 ships and 6 Russian light craft) arrived at Kola Inlet on 28th and the White Sea section (10 ships) anchored off the mouth of the Dvina 24 hours later. The convoy suffered no loss or damage. Of the escorting forces the only casualty was MAHRATTA who was torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat.

 

The convoy was strongly escorted by 14 Fleet Destroyers and the usual Western Approaches escorts. In addition a 5.25in cruiser (BLACK PRINCE flying the Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) was included in the screen, an escort carrier (CHASER) accompanied the convoy and a Western Approaches Support Group (B 1) remained with the convoy as far as the Bear Island area. A cruiser force operated from Scapa, but no Battle Squadron took part as the surface threat was confined to enemy destroyers. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol off the North Coast of Norway

 

The detailed movements of the convoy and Force 1 were as follows:

 

JW 57 local and through escorts

 

20th

The convoy (43 ships and 6 Russian light craft) escorted by KEPPEL, BOADICEA, BEAGLE, WALKER, BLUEBELL, CAMELLIA, LOTUS, and RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) with local escort of BURDOCK and DIANELLA (Western Approaches, RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, LOYALTY, and HYDRA left Loch Ewe for North Russia.

 

COCKATRICE unable to sail with local escort owing to defects

 

BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

 

MILNE left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord

 

SERAPIS, MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT, METEOR, MAHRATTA, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, and SAVAGE left Scapa for Skaalefiord

21st

SERAPIS and ten destroyers from Scapa arriving Skaalefiord.

 

MILNE arrived Skaalefiord.

 

BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)), CHASER, VERULAM, and VIGILANT left Scapa to join the convoy

 

LOYALTY detached from local escort to Scapa, with defects, arriving p.m.

 

Support Group B 1 (STRULE (Senior Officer)), BYRON, WATCHMAN, and WANDERER) left Scapa for Skaalefiord arriving p.m.

 

BEAGLE detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord to fuel, sailing again p.m. and rejoining the convoy

22nd

BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (Destroyers)) and CHASER joined the convoy. VERULAM and VIGILANT detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. and sailing again later to rejoin the convoy

 

MILNE, SERAPIS, MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT, METEOR, MAHRATTA, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, and SAVAGE together with Support Group B 1 left Skaalefiord a.m. and joined JW 57.

 

RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and HYDRA detached from the convoy to Skaalefiord.

 

BURDOCK detached from the convoy to the Clyde

 

DIANELLA detached from the convoy to Londonderry

23rd

VERULAM and VIGILANT rejoined the convoy

 

RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and HYDRA rejoined the convoy

 

Enemy aircraft sighted and reported the convoy

24th

DIANELLA arrived Londonderry

 

BURDOCK arrived Clyde

25th

Convoy shadowed by enemy aircraft

 

U-boat sunk by A/S air escort Catalina

 

MAHRATTA torpedoed and sunk in 71-17N, 13-30E, only 16 survivors picked up

26th

Support Group B 1 detached to Skaalefiord

28th

Convoy split into two sections – White Sea section (10 ships) proceeded with local escort (2 Russian destroyers and 4 Russian minesweepers). Murmansk section (33 ships and 6 Soviet Light Craft) arrived Kola Inlet with all through escort (less MAHRATTA)

29th

White Sea section (10 ships) arrived off the Dvina with the local escort

1st March

Support Group B 1 arrived Skaalefiord, STRULE, WATCHMAN, and BYRON with weather damage

 

Force One

 

24th

Force One (BERWICK, JAMAICA, and DRAGON) left Scapa to cover the convoy between the meridians of 15E and 3 ½ E keeping to westward of 15E

25th

DRAGON detached to Scapa

26th

DRAGON arrived Scapa

 

Remainder of Force One arrived in covering area

27th

Force One left covering area for Scapa

29th

Force One arrived Scapa

 

 

on to Home Fleet, March-April 1944
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revised 26/7/11