Cruiser
Squadron One’s War Diary commenced on
1 March 1940. Before this time, their activities were
carried by the Rosyth War Diary which only began on 5 November 1939 (ADM
199/362) and more broadly in the Daily Operations Report for First Lord (ADM
199/1939 et al).
WAR DIARY OF THE
VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING, FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st March –15th
March 1940
Friday, 1st
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron on duty at
Admiralty
State of
First Cruiser Squadron
|
DEVONSHIRE
(Flag) |
At Rosyth.
Giving ten days leave to Ship's Company.
Ship berth in No. 2 Dock at 36 hours notice for sea. Opportunity was
taken to effect minor
repairs in DEVONSHIRE and to blank off main deck scuttles.
|
|
BERWICK |
DENMARK STRAIT Patrol
(N.P. No. 42) |
|
YORK |
Left Scapa at 1015 for South Iceland
Patrol (N.P. No. 53) |
|
SUFFOLK |
At
Govan.
Refit and repairs by Messrs Fairfields after
collision damage –estimated date of completion 10th April
1940 |
|
NORFOLK |
Greenock |
|
SUSSEX |
On passage to England from East Indies
to Join First Cruiser Squadron |
|
DORSETSHIRE |
South Atlantic – to join First
Cruiser Squadron in due course. |
Saturday 2nd
March 1940
A.M. Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron, who had been at the Admiralty on duty in connection with STRATFORD
plan, returned to DEVONSHIRE at Rosyth.
1330 BERWICK intercepted German merchant ship
WOLFSBURG, disguised as German AUST in position 067-38 degrees North, 022-47
degrees West on the edge of an ice pack. The ship was in flames and half full
of water and the crew had taken to the boats. Ship was finished off by gunfire.
26 Officers and 43 men were rescued.
Sunday 3rd
March 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth
A.M. Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron proceeded to
Greenock by car
to interview the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet in RODNEY. Visited NORFOLK and
returned to Rosyth p.m.
1206 YORK
intercepted German ship ARUCAS. Weather was too bad to board. The ship was
abandoned by two boatloads of the crew, one of which capsized. Ship was finally
abandoned at 1930 and settling rapidly. Ship was sunk by gunfire in position
063 degrees North, 013-55 degrees West. 42 men were
rescued of whom three died.
Monday 4th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
A.M. Conference on embarkation arrangements for
STRATFORD Plan held. Attended by Major Rycroft, liaison
Officer from the War Office, and by representatives of the Captain of the
Dockyard, Rosyth. Final details of arrangements settled.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, orders BERWICK and YORK on completion of Patrol and NORFOLK on 7th
March, to proceed to Scapa for gunnery exercises. First Cruiser Squadron not to
be employed on Northern Patrol for the present.
Tuesday 5th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
BERWICK
and YORK ordered to land prisoners at Kirkwall.
Wednesday 6th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
1630 After locating her by her own Walrus
aircraft the previous evening, BERWICK intercepted the German ship URUGUAY in
position 067-21 degrees North, 016-12 degrees West. Boarding
party found the ship flooded and on fire. Rescued 14 Officers
and 40 men. Ship was sunk by gunfire.
P.M. DEVONSHIRE Ship’s company returned from
leave.
Thursday 7th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
NORFOLK sailed
from
Greenock for Scapa
Flow.
Friday 8th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
Torpedo
tubes for
NORFOLK, to
replace those damaged in bad weather, arrived at Fairfields of Govan.
Saturday 9th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE to
South Arm, Rosyth Dockyard. Ship to 4 hours
notice.
Sunday 10th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
YORK arrived
Scapa
SUSSEX arrived
Malta en
route for England
2130 Report of war vessels sighted by WOLF in Denmark
Strait –
DEVONSHIRE to 2
hours notice.
Monday 11th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE
reverted to 4 hours notice.
BERWICK (with despatches), with
NORFOLK and
YORK, ordered to leave Scapa for Rosyth after exercises on 12th
March.
Ordered First Cruiser Squadron to embark Walrus aircraft
from Hatston, including one in
NORFOLK for
DEVONSHIRE.
Tuesday 12th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
BERWICK,
NORFOLK, and YORK sailed
from Scapa for Rosyth. Admiralty orders BERWICK, NORFOLK, and YORK to
arrive Rosyth by 1600 on 13th March.
Wednesday 13th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
“D 1”
received for Operation R 3 as Wednesday 13th March. (Note: This
should entail sailing for STRATFORD (“S.S.”
and “S.B.”) on Tuesday, 19th March)). Ordnance
Train to arrive on Sunday 17th March and Troops on Monday, 18th
March.
A.M. Telephone message from Major Rycroft to the
effect that the Ordnance Train for “S.S.” and “S.B.” would arrive on Thursday,
14th March and should not be unloaded until his arrival.
A.M. BERWICK, NORFOLK, and YORK arrived
at Rosyth. BERWICK and NORFOLK berthed
alongside,
YORK in the
stream.
Night
leave was given to the First Cruiser Squadron present at Rosyth.
Thursday 14th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at Rosyth.
0930 Three Ordnance Trains for “S.S.” and “S.B.”
arrived in the Dockyard.
1000 Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron telephoned Captain Jeffries (Plans) from the Officer of the Commander
in Chief, Rosyth and received intimation that trains should not be unloaded at
present.
1130 Major Rycroft arrived and confirmed this
and, in addition, stated that 24 hours notice as from 1430 each day could be
expected before the executive to carry out STRATFORD Plan.
1900 Received Admiralty’s instructions to “mark
time” on Plan R 3.
Friday 15th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
0315 Received instructions to cancel Plan R 3.
0445 Received instructions from the Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet for the First Cruiser Squadron to resume Northern Patrol
duties; two ships to proceed on patrol as early as practicable – the remainder
to proceed to Scapa as convenient.
1200 NORFOLK
sailed for South Iceland Patrol via Scapa Flow (to
land Walrus).
1345 DEVONSHIRE sailed
for
Denmark Strait.
Both
ships to calibrate on the D.G. range at Rosyth before proceeding.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
Vice Admiral Commanding
WAR DIARY OF VICE
ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th March – 31st
March 1940
Saturday 16th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE
proceeding to N.P. 41 from Rosyth.
Air raid on Scapa at 2000. NORFOLK hit by
one 500 lb pound bomb and two near misses. Bomb entered the Quarter Deck Port side
abaft “Y” Turret, passed through Main and
Lower Decks and exploded near “Y” Shell Room blowing a hole in the starboard
side below the waterline. “X” and “Y” Magazines and Shell Rooms Flooded.
Killed: 2 Midshipmen, 1 Paymaster
Midshipman, 1 Warrant Engineer
Wounded: 1 Midshipman, 2 Gunners, 1 Warrant
Electrician, 1 Yeoman of Signals 2 Maltese Stewards
(n.b. Midshipmen
J. W. Busk and R.C. Evans-Lombe, Paymaster Midshipman D.B.P. Pick, and Warrant
Engineer J.F. Baxter, RNR, were killed. Midshipman R.H. Cooper, Gunners H.R.
Richards and D.A. Holdsworth, Acting Warrant Electrician M.A. Smith, Yeoman of
Signals Richard Hill ( William Lewis?), Steward Alfred Mallia, and Petty
Officer Steward Emmanuele Zammit were wounded.
Sunday 17th
March 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE
proceeding to N.P. 41
Monday 18th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONPORT
on N.P. 41.
The
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet ordered YORK and BERWICK to remain at Rosyth
until required for N.P.
Tuesday 19th March
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
Battle
Fleet to sea to support Operation D.O.
NORFOLK
escorted by four destroyers sailed for Clyde at 10
knots.
First
Cruiser Squadron ordered to continue working from Clyde
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1301/19)
Wednesday 20th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
Rear
Admiral A.T.B. Curteis appointed 2nd in Command, First Cruiser
Squadron to date 30th
May 1940.
Thursday 21st
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
Position
of Battle Fleet at 1800 was 063 degrees 50 minutes North, 006 degrees, 00
minutes East proceeding to 062 degrees North 002 degrees East by 0730 22nd
March.
NORFOLK reports
date of complete end of June to mid July. Ship’s company
proceed on 14 days leave.
Friday 22nd
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
Pocket
Battleship or 10,000 ton cruiser, with tender of ALTMARK type reported “out”
first week of March.
Saturday 23rd
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
BERWICK
left Rosyth 1900 for N.P. 41.
Sunday 24th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
Battle
Fleet in support of Northern Patrol on a line Kelso – Langanaes.
Lowest
temperature recorded 14 degrees Centigrade.
Monday 25th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41.
YORK left
Rosyth 1900 for N.P. 33 via Scapa, and tested D.G. on the Inchkieth Range.
Tuesday 26th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE on N.P.
41 relived by BERWICK at 1200.
YORK
arrived Scapa, landed aircraft, and sailed for N.P. 33.
Wednesday 27th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE
returning to Clyde.
SUFFOLK
undocked at Govan (Fairfields)
Thursday 28th
March 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE arrived
Greenock at 1000
from Northern Patrol. This patrol produced a very large incidence of illnesses
amongst Officers and Men, German Measles, Influenza,
and severe common colds
Friday 29th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Saturday 30th
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Sunday 31st
March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Plan R 4 to be put into operation (Admiralty Message
0125/31) – also
STRATFORD probably 3rd April.
DEVONSHIRE,
BERWICK, and YORK to arrive Rosyth by 3rd April.
YORK left
N.P. 33 for Rosyth via Fair Island Channel.
BERWICK
left N.P. 41 for Rosyth via the Pentland Firth.
GLASGOW
detailed to join the Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron at Rosyth.
Aircraft
for
DEVONSHIRE and YORK ordered
to be ferried from Hatston to Rosyth.
SUFFOLK
reported ready to sail 14th April.
WAR DIARY OF VICE
ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st April –15th
April 1940
Monday 1st
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
A.M.
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited NORFOLK and SUFFOLK at Govan
and inspected damage to NORFOLK.
Northern
Patrol Cruisers withdrawn indefinitely.
H.M.S.
GLASGOW placed under Vice Admiral Command First Cruiser Squadron’s orders and
instructed to proceed to Rosyth.
Asked Lee on
Solent to send Walrus for
NORFOLK to Hatston.
Tuesday 2nd
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
DEVONSHIRE sailed
at 0300 for Rosyth via Minches passing Pentland Firth 2300
and thence inside Mine Barrier.
GLASGOW arrived
Rosyth 1415.
Aircraft
for
DEVONSHIRE and YORK ordered
from Hatston to Donibristle.
BERWICK,
passing through
Pentland Firth at 2100
during an air raid on Scapa, engaged an enemy aircraft with short range weapons
without success.
YORK arrived
Rosyth
Wednesday 3rd
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, on
passage to Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE and
BERWICK arrived Rosyth 1030.
DEVONSHIRE
alongside.
WARSPITE
sailed Scapa for Mediterranean 1930.
AFRIDI, GURKHA, SIKH, ZULU, COSSACK,
KASHMIR, and KELVIN
to join Force “S” under Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron for Plan
R 4. MOHAWK to join later.
NORFOLK to pay off on 25th April, retaining 14 officers
and 176 ratings to be borne on books of SPARTIATE.
(Canceled by Admiralty Message 1943/12th
April 1940 – to remain in
commission.
Stores
for
STRATFORD have
arrived Rosyth.
G.S.O.
(M) Scottish Command interview the Vice Admiral
Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron.
Thursday 4th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
Flag of
Admiral Sir E. Evans hoisted in AURORA at Greenock.
Night
leave to 50% of destroyers of Force “S”
Friday 5th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth Dockyard.
(1021 to
Admiralty) – Requested lower deck scuttles of SUSSEX be
blanked off.
Operation
WILFRED will take place on Monday, 8th April.
Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron in RENOWN to
support Force W.V. (Commander in Chief’s 1229 5th April).
Leave to
50% of destroyers and cruisers of Force “S”
Cruisers
and destroyers berthed alongside dockyard.
Saturday 6th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
0810,
Orders for
STRATFORD (Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s and Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s) issued to Force “S”.
Ordered all leave and communication with shore to cease.
Commenced
loading stores 1100, completed p.m.
1700. Meeting
of all Commanding Officers of Force “S”, plan of action gone through.
Sunday 7th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
“Instructions
to Force Commanders” received from Admiralty and distributed to all Commanding
Officers of Force “S”.
Troops
arrived, but about 1 ½ hours late on schedule owing to railway breakdown. Embarkation
completed by 1830; in good time according to plan.
Personal
gear of troops greatly exceeded weights catered for and surplus, bicycles, band
instruments, office furniture, etc. was landed in Dockyard.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, in RODNEY, REPULSE, VALIANT, SHEFFIELD, PENELOPE, and
EMILE BERTIN sailed 2030 to reach position 61 degrees North, 001 degrees East
at 0700 on 8th April.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1607.
Vice Admiral Commanding Second Cruiser Squadron, to pass
May
Island at 2359 7th April with Force “R” and SOMALI,
MATABELE, MASHONA, and TARTAR.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1946 to the Vice Admiral
Commanding Second Cruiser Squadron, weep to northwards
reaching J.S.T.S. 3050.
1700. Meeting
of Commanding Officers of Force “S”. Brigadier Morgan attended.
Admiralty’s
1259 received about 1800. Hitler reported to have ordered occupation of Narvik
and
Jutland – date of arrived
at Narvik 8th April – Report Doubtful.
Enemy
forces – 1 SCHARNHORST, 1 Pocket Battleship, 3 LEIPZIG
cruisers reported at sea.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited Donibristle (2400) to get
latest information of enemy situation.
Monday 8th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
Operation
WILFRED reported completed at 0529.
A.M.
1100 received 1115. It seems possible that the report the Admiralty Message
1259, 7th April, that German forces may be
on their way to Narvik is true.
Enemy
reports continued to be received during the forenoon and it was evident that
they were at sea in considerable strength. Warned cruisers of
Force “S” to be prepared to disembark troops.
Verbal
orders from Commander in Chief, Rosyth, (later confirmed by Admiralty message 1216/8th
April) to disembark troops were received about 1130. The disembarkation of the
troops and stores was completed and the Squadron sailed at 1415 to company. In
accordance with Admiral message 1230, 8th April, rendezvous with
EMIL BERTIN and six French destroyers was arranged for 2100 in Latitude 57-52
degrees North, Longitude 01-57 degrees West. French Squadron, consisting of
EMILE BERTIN and two destroyers only,
joined at this time and in compliance with Admiral message 1842, 8th
April, to sweep to the Northward keeping west of a line 001-50 degrees East,
First Cruiser Squadron and GLASGOW were spread five miles apart in the order,
from East to West, of DEVONSHIRE, GLASGOW, BERWICK, and YORK on a course 020
degrees altering to 360 degrees at 24 knots. (n.b. hand corrected 0500). The French Squadron kept in close company
to
DEVONSHIRE owing to the
difficulty of communicating with them arising from the non supply to DEVONSHIRE of the
Inter Allied Tactical Signalling Instructions.
FURIOUS
ordered to embark aircraft and proceed northwards towards Shetlands.
Position of Vice Admiral Commanding Second Cruiser Squadron
and Vice Admiral Commanding Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, received about 1800.
Admiralty
message 1842, 8th April, received at 2012 giving objectives of
Fleet.
Admiralty
Message 2018, 8th April instructs Vice Admiral Commanding Eighteenth
Cruiser Squadron to patrol 062-10 degrees North between 001-50 degrees East and
002-35 degrees East.
Admiralty Message 1850. Vice
Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron to concentrate on preventing any
German Forces reaching Narvik.
Northern Patrol withdrawn.
WARSPITE
recalled to rejoin Home Fleet.
Tuesday 9th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0045,
9th April, deciphered version of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
2252, 8th April ordering the First Cruiser Squadron, Second Cruiser
Squadron, and the French Squadron to sweep in pairs to the Northward from
certain positions, was received. It so happened that the pairing of ships and
the positions assigned to them would have necessitated every ship crossing one
or more of her consorts while proceeding to her new position and in the
prevailing visibility I considered it necessary to concentrate the squadron before
re spreading.
Before
this had been effected Admiralty message 0210, 9th April, was
receiving, ordering a concentration on GLASGOW at
0500. As by now time did not permit of GLASGOW
reaching the concentration point at the time ordered I steered with my force
for
GLASGOW’s 0700
position and joined the Vice Admiral Commanding Second Cruiser Squadron at that
time. The whole force then proceeded to the Northward under the orders of the
Vice Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, meeting the Commander in
Chief shortly, after 0930, 9th April, having been under the
observation of enemy shadowing aircraft since about 0900.
The Vice
Admiral Commanding Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, with a force of destroyers, was
detached at 1130 to patrol off Bergen. The
First Cruiser Squadron stationed on A.K. line, 8 miles astern of Battle Fleet,
5 miles apart in the order from east to west, of DEVONSHIRE, BERWICK, and YORK.
FURIOUS
sailed
Clyde for northward,
0100.
Report
of invasion of Norway and Denmark
received.
0300 RENOWN in action with a SCHARNHORST and HIPPER in
position D.R.R.R. 2234.
Air attack on Fleet. First Cruiser
Squadron attack continued intermittently from 1400 to 1800.
About 17
bombs were aimed at
DEVONSHIRE from
varying heights estimated as between 2000 and 12,000 feet and some 20 at
BERWICK from similar distances. YORK was not
bombed.
Several
near misses were experienced by both ships but little damage was done apart
from some minor leaks sustained in certain after compartments in BERWICK.
The high
level bombing on
DEVONSHIRE was
particularly accurate.
One
bomber, hit by anti aircraft fire, was seen by YORK to
crash between
DEVONSHIRE and
BERWICK.
One
reconnaissance plane was observed periodically at about 20,000 - 30,000 feet
until about 1930.
GURKHA
hit and sunk about 1855.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1901. At
2000, Battle Fleet will steer 270 degrees from B.Q.W.Y. 4027 – 16 knots speed
of advance. Alter course at 0500 to 115 degrees, First Cruiser Squadron will
spread 7 miles, 180 degrees.
Admiralty Message 1138, 9th April. Enemy
force arrived Narvik.
Admiralty Message 0820. Commander
in Chief to propose plan to attack German warships in
Bergen, Trondjheim, and Narvik.
Wednesday 10th
April 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron at sea in DEVONSHIRE in company with
the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
FURIOUS,
WARSPITE, and several destroyers joined the Commander in Chief about 0700, 10th
April, and the Fleet stood to the northward from 61 degrees 13 degrees North,
1-08 degrees West, with the First Cruiser Squadron stationed on A.K. line, 8
miles ahead, in the sequence from East to West of BERWICK, DEVONSHIRE, and
YORK, ships 5 miles apart.
(n.b. entry
scratched out
“0300 RENOWN in
action with a SCHARNHORST and HIPPER in position D.R.R.R. 2243”).
Skuas of
the Fleet Air Arm from Hatston attacked Bergen.
Dawn attack on Narvik by the 2nd Destroyer
Flotilla. HUNTER sunk, HARDY aground. Captain of 2nd
Destroyer Flotilla killed. HOTSPUR damaged.
Projected
attack on cruisers at Trondjheim by FURIOUS, and later, on Narvik.
Thursday 11th
April 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in DEVONSHIRE, at sea in company
with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
SUSSEX ready to sail from
Clyde.
Admiralty
message 1607, 11th April. Possible enemy rendezvous 067 degrees
North between 004-34 degrees East and 006 degrees about 2000 11/12th
April.
Battle
Cruisers ordered to carry out patrol in this area.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0546, 11th
April. Vice Admiral Commanding, 18th Cruiser Squadron,
to sweep North from Aalesund, destroyers working
Indrelea, Cruisers providing cover from seaward.
Air attack on Trondjheim, First Cruiser Squadron being
detached to cover FURIOUS from the Northward and Battle Fleet from Southward
while flying off and on.
Orders to sink all German merchant ships in Norwegian
waters.
PENELOPE
aground off Fleidvaer, refloated and towed to
Vestfjord by ESKIMO.
At 0900,
FURIOUS having recovered her aircraft, the Fleet stood to the Northward with the
First Cruiser Squadron on A.K. line 8 miles to the North in sequence from East
to West of YORK, DEVONSHIRE, BERWICK, course being altered to south at 1045 and
to north again at 1136 at which time a very heavy underwater explosion,
apparently to the North Westward, was felt by DEVONSHIRE and BERWICK and
slightly by YORK.
DEVONSHIRE’s
position at this time was 64-19 degrees North, 7-50 degrees East in a chartered
depth of about 150 fathoms.
Battle fleet attacked by bombers 1540 to 1700. Position
64-48 degrees North, 7-32 degrees East. ECLIPSE hit.
Taken in tow by
YORK later.
1500. Parted
company in position 64-34 degrees North, 7-31 degrees East in accordance with
the instructions contained in Commander in Chief’ 1458, 11th April.
BERWICK in company, INGLEFIELD, IMOGEN, ISIS, and ILEX being placed
under my orders.
YORK being kept in company with the Commander in Chief.
ISIS and
ILEX, then detached, were ordered by W/T to search Nansen Fjiord, paying
particular attention to Namsos and to rejoin me at 064-38 degrees North, 010-10
degrees East at 2100. They reported Nansen Fjiord and Namsos clear of shipping.
INGLEFIELD
and IMOGEN were ordered by V/S to search as much of Indreleia to
Southward as possible before dark, entering and leaving at
Bhulmraasa, Lat. 64-26 degrees N, Long. 10-36 degrees East
rejoining me at 2100 at the same rendezvous as other destroyers. They searched
as far South as 64 degrees N, and saw nothing in the Inner Lead, nor Sves
Skjervoer, Branda, Brands, Berfjorm, and Skjora Fjords.
Friday 12th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, at
sea.
Stood to
the North westward until 0100, 12th April, and then closed the land
and at 0505 ISIS (Senior Officer) and IMOGEN were detached off Kya Light, 64-28
degrees N. 10-13 degrees East with orders to endeavour to get pilots at Rovik,
64-52 degrees North, 11-15 degrees East and to examine Indrelea as far as
Aasver Fjord, 66-27 degrees North, 12-18 degrees East where they were to regain
open waters. Meanwhile, with the Cruisers and remaining destroyers, I worked to
Northward and at 1500 reached the Meridian 11-30 degrees East, on which I had
ordered ISIS to rejoin me between 1500 and 1700, between Latitude 66-20 degrees
North and 66-40 degrees North.
On
rejoining at about 1530,
ISIS
reported no German ships nor troops between Nansen
Fjord and Aasvaer Fjord, that the Harbour Master at Dronno reported Vefsen and
Leirfjord clear of Germans and that Norwegian troops were in Masjoen. The ships
were cheered on passing by Norwegians ashore and afloat.
The
Norwegian Gun Boat NORDCAP was sighted and spoken by ISIS in
Aluangen, 66-03 degrees North, 12-35 degrees East, and
informed her that Norwegians had sunk a German tanker, name unknown.
I then
proceeded with my force towards the reported enemy rendezvous, reported in
Admiralty message 1607, 11th April, and at 2030 sighted a
brilliantly lighted vessel which, on closing, proved to be the Italian VOLTA. On
being boarded by BERWICK she stated that she was bound from the Faroes to
Narvik with dried fish, such a strange cargo that I ordered her detention and
sent her into
Kirkwall as she
had insufficient coal to reach the Clyde. It
subsequently transpired that she had ample coal and the ship was accordingly
taken to
Greenock.
SUSSEX embarks
250 Marines for Faroes.
Admiralty
message 1211. Indications that Mediterranean situation viz a viz Italy is
deteriorating.
Anti
aircraft cruiser joins YORK –
towing ECLIPSE.
Armed Merchant Cruisers again sailing for patrol. Northern
Patrol re-established.
Flag of
Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cork hoisted in AURORA. Sailed Rosyth.
General
Mackesey sailed in
SOUTHAMPTON for
Narvik.
PENELOPE
anchored in Vestfjord (Skjel Fjord).
Force
“B” (Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron, in WARSPITE), destroyers,
FURIOUS, and PENELOPE carried out Operation D.W. 12th April. Object
– destruction of enemy warships in the Narvik area (Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1918 of 12th April.
BERWICK
speed reduced to 26 knots owing to excessive vibration in Port Inner H.P.
Turbine.
HEARTY
arrived Thorshaven
SUFFOLK sailed
for Faroes
GUARDIAN to Faroes.
SUFFOLK to proceed to Vestfjord to relieve Vice Admiral Commanding
First Cruiser Squadron on completion of Faroes operation.
Saturday 13th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, at sea, in
DEVONSHIRE.
Rejoined the Commander in Chief at 0930, 13th
April. Shortly afterwards, in accordance with the Commander in
Chief’s instructions, destroyers were detached to Skjelfjord to oil from
BRITISH LADY. Remained in company with the Commander in Chief
until detached to investigate the situation at Tromso (Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1717, 13th April).
Sunday 14th
April 1940
Captain
D 3 in INGLEFIELD with ISIS, ILEX, and IMOGEN joined me in 69-30 degrees North,
16-05 degrees East at 0700 and I detached BERWICK with INGLEFIELD and IMOGEN to
investigate Andfjord Vassaforden and adjacent inlets, particularly Grantanbotn,
and proceeded with ISIS and ILEX (who were later sent on ahead of me to examine
Ringvassoy and Kvaloy Fjords where D/F bearings have placed what might have
been an enemy merchant ships but proved to be a Norwegian seaplane) to Tromso,
arriving at 1500. (n.b.
pen and ink addition, “Established S/M patrol by
ISIS and ILEX in the North and south entrance
to Tromso Fjord.)
The
British Vice Consul, Lieutenant Commander Cummings, DSC, RN (ret), the Senior
Naval Officer, Kapitan Bredsdorff, the Senior Naval Air Officer, the Harbour
Master, and the Chief Operator of Tromso W/T, who had been summoned though the
agency of the above mentioned seaplane, called on me and informed me of the
local situation. I ascertained there was a considerable quantity of oil fuel in
the district, an oil barge, and that vessels of the British Tanker Company had
been able to discharge alongside the jetty at the tank farm., that the wireless
station at Tromso had already been bombed and was without defence as was the
tank farm, further that some 200 Naval mines were stowed in close proximity to
the oil tanks. In response to my enquiry I was informed that the local
authorities were quite confident of being able to beat off any attack which may
be made on
Tromso Island by
small parties of German troops operating from captured fishing boats. On return
to Tromso on 15th April I landed two machine guns manned by Marines
as a temporary protection for the oil farm. I arranged that the Norwegian
Coastal wireless station should broadcast enemy reports in plain language,
using the call sign of any British warship (G.B.X.Z.) on 366 Kc/s wave.
General
Fleischer, the Norwegian G.O.C. of the district arrived shortly afterwards by
seaplane from Salangen. The General gave me a brief resume of the Military
situation as a result of which I asked him to send his Chief of Staff the next
day, by plane, to, interview the Flag Officer AURORA. This visit unfortunately
proved abortive owing to the absence of the Flag Officer, Narvik,
From Sjeld Fjord.
I raised
the question of the transport of three battalions from Kirkenes and the General
informed me that he wished two only to be transferred to the Tromso area, but
was unwilling to have Kirkenes area completely undefended. He seemed doubtful
of Russian intentions.
As far
at the Naval situation was concerned the Senior Naval Officer informed me that
only one Norwegian warship, the FRIDHOFF NANSEN, was in this area, but with the
exception of some captured Norwegian fishing boats armed with a machine gun and
manned by Germans, reported in some cases to be in Norwegian uniform, the situation
was quiet. I informed the Senior Naval Officer that FURIOUS would arrive the
next day. The Senior Naval Officer was confident that the munition ship
reported at Kirkenes was Finnish, that her cargo
belong to the Finnish Government and that she had already gone to Petsamo.
I sailed
from Tromso,
ISIS and ILEX in
company, at 2100 for Kirkenes to complete with the Commander in Chief’s 1716,
14th April. Ordered BERWICK to join me 10 miles
North of Nordkap at 0700 on 15th April.
Monday 15th April
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, at
sea.
0100. Detached
ISIS and ILEX off Aroy (70-15 degrees N,
20-28 degrees E) to rendezvous with FURIOUS.
0700. BERWICK
and INGLEFIELD joined
DEVONSHIRE in
position 10 miles North of Norkap.
On
arrival at Kirkenes at 1600, 15th April, each Cruiser was ready to
embark one battalion but on being boarded by the Major in charge of troops and
the Harbour Master, I learned the former had orders to send only one battalion
and that this was already embarked and ready to sail in DRONNING MAUD and KONG
HAAKON while its mechanical transport had already sailed in a 9 knot steamer
escorted by an armed trawler which were passed in the entrance wo the Fjiord on
the way in.
Shortly
after my arrival, Kapitan Rynning of the Royal Norwegian Navy arrived by
seaplane and placed himself at my disposal as Liaison Officer and an excellent
one he proved. He brought with him an almost complete set of Norwegian charts
of the district for which I had asked.
At about
1800 a signal was received from Kirkenes Coastal Wireless Station reporting
presence of two warships off Petsamo (this was in plane language in accordance
with the arrangements come to at Tromso on the 14th April). I sent
INGLEFIELD to sea immediately and at 2056 received the report that he was in
touch with two destroyers, which proved to the Russian Ships of the SHTROM
class. In following up these ships INGLEFIELD came under ineffective fire from
Russian Batteries.
The
transports sailed at about 1800 and BERWICK and INGLEFIELD were detailed to
cover KONG HAAKON and the M.T. Ship. The DRONNING MAUD was due to call at Varda
to embark details and I therefore sailed at 2000 with a view to covering
DRONNING MAUD to Tromso.
INGLEFIELD
when rejoining BERWICK encountered a Russian submarine of the SH – CH class of
Varda. She was on the surface and flying her colours.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
16/4
WAR DIARY OF VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th April
- 30th April 1940
Tuesday 16th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE, at
sea.
After
DRONNING MAUD entered the inner lead I proceeded in DEVONSHIRE to
Tromso, arriving at 1645, where I found FURIOUS, who had established an Anti
Submarine Destroyer Patrol in the Northern and Southern Approaches to the
anchorage.
The
Norwegian transports arrived during the night and BERWICK and INGLEFIELD at
0730, 17th April.
In
accordance with instructions I had left before sailing, FURIOUS was embarking
oil fuel from what was reputed to be an 800 tons lighter; the rate of
embarkation was under 7 tons an hour. Endeavours were
made to increase this rate and eventually it was found necessary to purchase
locally an addition pump by which it was hoped that the rate of discharge would
be materially increased. FURIOUS embarked approximately 700 tons of oil fuel,
being her up to 40% of her total capacity by 2200. On that day, the destroyers
also completed with oil fuel from the tank installation. Fuelling rate was slow
(about 50 tons per hour) owing to the small diameter of the pipe which it was
possible to fit by means of an improvised adaptor, which was manufactured in DEVONSHIRE, but
nevertheless, all destroyers were completed to full stowage by a.m. 18th
April.
Wednesday 17th
April 1940
Learning
from Norwegian authorities that the 2nd Battalion from Kirkenes
would be ready to sail p.m. on 18th April, I despatched IMOGEN at
2200 on 17th April to act as escort to Tromso. The convoy arrived at
Tromso at 2130 on 19th April.
Operation
“DUCK”, bombardment of Stavanger Aerodrome carried out by SUFFOLK, a.m.
SUFFOLK
attacked by aircraft. 33 attacks, 82 bombs, one hit in the after engine room.
(Approximately 1050).
Killed One Sub
Lieutenant (E), RNVR, 29 ratings and
other ranks
Injured One
Lieutenant , R.M., One Warrant Engineer, One Paymaster Cadet, 38
ratings and other ranks
(n.b. LT
J.K. Gardiner, RM, Acting Warrant Engineer A.L.C. Walters, Paymaster Cadet M.
Hay, Boy Bugler R.L. Anchor, Marine J.M. Archibald, Corporal F.C. Bevan, Cook
Richard Crayton, Stoker Alexander Cunningham, Stoker James Dobie, Marine G.E.
Dormer, Boy 1c Raymond Farnish, Ordinary Seaman Gordon Forbes, Able Seaman J.G.
Funnel, Boy 1c Frederick Gaynor, Marine N. Goldsmith, Engine Room Artificer
Maurice Grant, Stoker Petty Officer Samuel Hazley, Sergeant J.C.F. Higgs,
Marine L.G. Hood, Musician H.C. Kemp, Stoker 1c David Milledge, Boy
Telegraphist Joseph Morgan, Acting Steward F.A.L. Parlett, Stoker 2c Joseph
Pickering, Boy 1c Charles Playford, Leading Stoker A.C. Poulter, Ordinary
Telegraphist Sidney Pryke, Marine R.J. Skeggs, Chief Stoker Walter Spreadbury,
Boy 1c L.F. Stedman, Marine H. Stirk, Corporal H.W. Tindell, Marine G. Tolley,
Able Seaman R.J. Tucker, Stoker A.J.C. Walker, Marine H.J. Wells, were listed
as wounded in the Casualty Pack).(War Cabinet Weekly Resume No. 34 stated 32
wounded)
SUFFOLK
escorted by RENOWN and REPULSE for Scapa.
Thursday 18th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, at
Tromso.
On 18th
April, FURIOUS proceed at 1200 escorted by two destroyers to fly off aircraft
for reconnaissance purposes in the Narvik area and at 1530 while operating in
the Grotsundet Fiord, she was subject to a high bombing attack by a German
Heinkel Aircraft and as a result of a near miss her Port Inner H.P. Turbing
developed a defect the result of which was to reduce her maximum speed to 26
knots. This was reported in my 2347, 18th April. This was reported
in my 2347, 18th April. Various reports of aircraft were received
during the day and at about 1900 a Fokker Wulf (Condor) aircraft was sighted
from the anchorage. She was engaged at long range by DEVONSHIRE and
BERWICK without success. It subsequently machine gunned the wireless station
and bombed the power station at Kvalsundet, 69-50 degrees North, 19 degrees
East. At about 1900 a requisitioned Norwegian fishing vessel came alongside and
reported that a British aircraft had crashed through flying into the cable
crossing the Kualsundet near the power station. I send a part in the Norwegian
vessel to assist and also directed INGLEFIELD who was the North Anti Submarine
Patrol Vessel to investigate. The crashed machine proved to be Swordfish No. U
4 K from FURIOUS and it was found that the pilot had been killed, and the observed
badly injured. While the injured man was being got on board INGLEFIELD, the
German attack on the power station, mentioned above, was observed,
approximately five bombs were dropped and apparently a fire started. The
injured man was brought back to Tromso by INGLEFIELD and sent to hospital.
At 2400
the British Consul came on board accompanied by the harbour Master to represent
the view of the Norwegian Authorities that some protection should be provided
for the power station, which was one of the two upon which Tromso, including
the wireless station, depended on for their light and power. He pointed out
that the one at (n.b. deleted in Diary)
had been provided with a machine gun manned by Norwegian Army personnel, but
this other one was quite unprotected. As the destruction of this power station
would entail the stoppage of all ship repair work at Tromso, as well as putting
the wireless station out of action and the town in darkness, I promised that
one of the two machine guns, which I had already sent to protect the oil fuel
tanks, would be sent to the power station, as since seeing the position of the
oil fuel tanks myself I considered that they would extremely difficult to
attack from the air and that one double Lewis Gun would be as great a deterrent
as two.
On the
afternoon of the 18th April I called on the Governor (Flykesmann) of
Tromso. He explained to me at length that he intended to accept all
responsibility except Military, on behalf of the Government for the Provinces
of Finmark, Tromso, and Nordland. The Governor of Finmark had already agreed to
this and he hoped the Governor of Nordland would also come into line. This
would give him control from the Finnish border to South of Bodo. He asked that
all matters of policy in this area be referred to him. Supplies of food, he
stated, were short in all provinces and he would be grateful if we did not
purchase or call on local supplies. Supplies of petrol, paraffin, and coal were
at present adequate for local requirements.
At about
2200 the Oiler WAR PINDARI, escorted by FORTUNE arrived and immediately went
alongside BERWICK, who in view of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1732, 18th,
directing me to return to Scapa, I had instructed to embark only 400 tons of
oil fuel.
Friday 19th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, at
Tromso.
At about
0130 the Oiler proceeded to FURIOUS who reported that she hoped to embark fuel
at the rate of 290 tons an hour and to be completed by 0830 the next morning.
I had
previously arranged with the Liaison Officer for the re embarkation of
DEVONSHIRE’s and BERWICK’s Marine detachments from the oil fuel tanks farm and
for their replacement by a detachment from FURIOUS, but on receipt of Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0050 at about 0300 it was found impossible to get them
off in time and I therefore decided to leave them behind and to wait only until
I could re embark DEVONSHIRE’s Walrus aircraft which had been landed at the
Norwegian Seaplane Station for fitting of BERWICK’s spare main planes in
replacement of those damaged by bomb splinters and black during the air attack
on 9th April.
The
aircraft and spare gear were re embarked and I sailed with BERWICK and
INGLEFIELD at 0800 and proceeded at 26 knots, which was BERWICK’s maximum
speed, heavy snow storms and poor visibility being encountered during the
passage down the Fjord. As enemy aircraft had been reported in the vicinity and
I anticipated the possibility of heavy attack as a result of the reconnaissance
made by the Fokker Wulf the night before. I directed FURIOUS to continue oiling
while the visibility remained bad but in any case to case in time to enable her
to proceed to sea by 1030. At 0800 FURIOUS was 67% complete with oil and it was
anticipated that she would be between 80 and 85% complete by the time she
sailed. I instructed the Commanding Officer FORTUNE to direct WAR PINDARI to
proceed alongside the pier at the oil fuel tanks and to embark 4000 tons of
fuel and then proceed to Skjelfjord by the inner lead, as directed by the Flag
Officer, Narvik. In detailing that she should embark 4000 tons from Tromso
installation rather than the quantity required to bring her cargo up to 4000
tons as I had originally intended I was influenced by the fact that WARSPITE
had been ordered to return to the Narvik Area and was, I was aware, short of
fuel, I considered that the delay in getting WAR PINDARI away from Tromso was
more than outweighed by the desirability of making available as much oil as
possible in the Vestfjord area. I was unaware of the time it would take WAR
PINDARI to embark this 4000 tons of fuel, but I considered it possible that as
she was equipped with the normal commercial appliances she should be able to do
it at the rate of 250 tons per hour by use of her pumps and therefore that she
would be able to sail at early daylight the next morning, and I arranged local
pilots to be available for her.
Saturday 20th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
On
receipt of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1728/19th April, speed
of advance was reduced to 20 knots and at 0511 WARSPITE, escorted by four
destroyers, was passed in Latitude 66-28 degrees N, 6-37 degrees E steering
Northeastwards. At noon convoy N.M.S. 1, escorted by two destroyers and several
trawlers, was passed in Latitude 64-44 degrees North, Longitude 2-54 degrees
East, steering northeastward.
Sunday 21st
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE, at
Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE,
BERWICK, and INGLEFIELD arrived Scapa at 1000.
Flag of
Rear Admiral Clarke hoisted in SHEFFIELD
Represented to Admiralty the advisability of continuing
broadcasting of meteorological data from Tromso (0942/21).
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet 1100.
(Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2344/20th April, received 21st
April). Ships of First and Eighteenth Cruiser Squadrons are to take the first
opportunity to embark their full complement of aircraft – I pointed out to the
Commander in Chief, during my visit, the effect of having to fire in Anti
Aircraft Defence which almost invariably rendered the aircraft unfit for
service.
Monday 22nd
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0045/22nd April, 1940 YORK to proceed to
Rosyth to embark anti aircraft battery for Namsos covering RUTLAND on the way.
(Commander
in Chief’s 1032/22nd April) YORK now
required for other duty – to embark troops for Romsdals Fjord to arrive Rosyth,
22nd April (Admiralty Message 2043/22nd April).
To embark 620 men and 60 tons of stores. YORK sailed
p.m..
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 0920 to Admiralty – Request
priority may be given to blanking scuttles in SUSSEX.
(Commander in Chief’s 2226). BERWICK is to sail
with the Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers in ARK ROYAL for Operation D/X – air
protection of MAURICE and SICKLE forces by carrier borne aircraft – sailed
1200.
Visited
SUFFOLK to inspect damage. SUFFOLK beached
at Longhope. Damage very similar to that experienced in
NORFOLK as result of bomb.
Admiralty message 1627/22nd April.
Only urgent defects to be taken in hand, no Alterations and
additions, maximum number of ships to be available this summer.
Tuesday 23rd
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Wednesday 24th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Thursday 25th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
From
Flag Officer, Glasgow: “In view of Admiralty message 1622/22nd
April, amended date of completion of NORFOLK” – 14th
June.
YORK sailed
from Rosyth for Aandalsnes
Friday 26th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, to First Cruiser Squadron:
“Item
blanking off scuttles is to be classified A.A.”
Admiralty
message 1742/25th April:
“Small ship’s cypher, naval cypher, and
Administrative code may be comprised. Restrict use.”
Saturday 27th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
0500. YORK arrived
from Aandalsnes with prisoners and casualties.
Sunday 28th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Admiralty
message 0339 of 21st April. Evacuation of Namsos
and Aandalsnes areas.
0950. Interview
with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, and Contre Amiral Derrien. Ordered to
carry out Namsos operation, 1st and 2nd May. Forces
available:
DEVONSHIRE
YORK
MONTCALM (n.b. Contre Amiral
Derrien)
CARLISLE (Vice
Admiral Commanding, 20th Cruiser Squadron)
Three French transports, EL
D’JEZAIR, EL KANTARA, and EL MANSOUR
Eight destroyers, including Captain
(D) Fourth and Fifth Destroyer Flotillas.
Exchanged
visits with Contre Amiral Cadart.
Monday 29th
April 1940
P.M. Meeting of all available Commanding Officers of my
forces. Issued Operation Order 1st
C.S. 003.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1817/29th April. Operation
ZEAL. VALIANT to bombard forts as a diversion to
assist evacuation.
Ordered
YORK,
DEVONSHIRE, and AFRIDI to destroy all record of
STRATFORD.
Rear
Admiral Lyster appointed Rear Admiral Narvik/
2000. Sailed
my force for Operation KLAXON I and II
Admiralty message 2213/29th April.
Tromso W/T to broadcast intelligence reports and meteorological
information daily.
Tuesday 30th
April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE and
force for Operation KLAXON I and II at sea, proceeding towards Namsos.
1950 in
latitude 63-09 degrees N, longitude 00-48 degrees E sighed and spoke ARK ROYAL
(Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers), VALIANT, and BERWICK , in company.
NOTE
Full
report of Operation KLAXON I and II is contained in 1st C.S.
89/W.9/1 of 10th May, and only matters outside this operation will
be included in my diary 1st to 4th May. (n.b. not in file)
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
17/5
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st May - 15th May 1940
Wednesday 1st
May 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at sea
with force for Operation KLAXON I and II.
NOTE. Full
report of this operation is given in 1st C.S. 89/W.9/1 of
10th May 1940
At 1304
Force was attacked by two aircraft (Dornier XVII). No casualties.
Encountered
for about 1800 and had to abandon all though of entering Namsos Fjord that
night.
Formed
intention of attempting to carry out complete operation on the following night
and informed all authorities.
NUBIAN
shot down one of ARK ROYAL’s Skuas in fog. Crew saved.
Thursday 2nd
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea
with force for Operation KLAXON.
0315. Joined
by Vice Admiral Commanding 20th Cruiser Squadron in CARLISLE
Shadowed by aircraft from 0430 until about 0930.
1107. Destroyers
under Captain (D), Fifth Destroyer Flotilla, bombed in fog. Near miss caused 23
casualties in MAORI.
In fog 1030 to 1300.
Detached
CARLISLE at 1346 to Namsos.
Fog 1730
to 1830 when ran out of fog and steered to Kya Light.
Sent
Transports, Captains (D), Fourth and Fifth Destroyer Flotillas, and YORK into
Namsos and remained outside Namsen Fjord on patrol, until their return.
Friday 3rd
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE at sea
with force for Operation KLAXON.
0220 to 0345. Transport and YORK cleared
Namsen Fiord after having embarked all troops.
Force
left for Scapa at best speed in general formation of
YORK and one transport well ahead.
MONTCALM and second transport
DEVONSHIRE,
CARLISLE, and third transport.
YORK and
her convoy, which was the first to leave, were not seen again and
proceeded without incident. At 0440 a shadowing aircraft was
sighted and from 0847 till late afternoon intermittent bombing attacks were
carried out on remainder. Estimated 63 machines employed. Junkers
87 and 88 types.
BISON
was hit and sunk at about 1200 and AFRIDI hit and sunk about 1445.
SOUTHAMPTON joined
me at 1655 and at 1657 the
Sunderland flying
boat, which had been expected since 1340, arrived.
Shadowed by German aircraft until 2000.
Passed
convoy F.P. 3 at 2230 steering to Northward.
Saturday 4th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE with
force for Operation KLAXON, proceeding to Scapa.
Escort
of Hudson Aircraft or Blenheim intermittently during the day.
Relief
destroyer escort joined at 1100 and IMPERIAL, GRENADE, and GRIFFIN, who
had wounded and survivors from BISON and AFRIDI, were detached to Sullom Voe to
transfer wounded to French hospital ship SPHINX.
YORK and
her convoy arrived Scapa p.m.
Sunday 5th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE en
route to Scapa.
0500. Convoy
arrived Scapa.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron reported to Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet.
Monday 6th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
BERWICK
ordered to
Clyde for Operation
FORK, to transport and establish a force of some 600 Royal Marines, under
Colonel Sturges, in Iceland.
Tuesday 7th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited the Commander in Chief and
suggested obtaining control of potential air and seaplane bases in East
Iceland.
BERWICK
left
Clyde for Reykjavik.
Admiralty
message 1214, re possibility of Germans attacking Kirkenes via Murmansk,
received –
DEVONSHIRE to
standby for the North.
SUFFOLK arrived
Clyde for repairs.
Wednesday 8th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE sailed
from Scapa at 1400 for
North Norway
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0917/8th May)
Reported
unknown aircraft at 1617 and 1626 – subsequently identified by Hatston as
friendly.
Air
escort (four Hurricanes) joined t 1630.
2138. Sighted
and exchanged identities with SOMALI (Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla) and
ESCORT escorting CHROBRY in position 60-56 degrees N, 3-28 degrees W.
Thursday 9th
May 1940
1349. Exchanged
identities with JACKAL and JAVELIN escorting two ships of N.S. 2, S.S. MASHOBRA
and
CALUMET, in position 66-09
degrees N, 00-06 degrees
E. META with
WOLVERINE 100 miles astern. BALZAC and COXWOLD at Stornoway
and Scapa.
Spoke
Finnish PANDIA/OFBO from Antwerp to
Petsamo at 1928 in position 67-27 degrees N, 2-19 degrees E steering 051
degrees, with general cargo. Allowed her to proceed because last port of call
was the
Downs, confirmed by
Lloyds daily list and Flag Officer Commanding Northern
Patrol’s 1154/24th April, and position and course confirmed that she
had passed north of the Faroes.
2000. Received
Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1229/9th May “Proceed to Tromso for latest
information.” Passed 2002/9th May to Flag Officer, Narvik, reporting
no escort.
Friday 10th
May 1940
Flag
Officer, Narvik’s 0635/9th May to Admiralty – “Rumours of German
Marines in
Murmansk”.
0028. Received
Admiralty’s 2116/9th May to Flag Officer, Narvik, on the same
subject.
0817/10th
May to Flag Officer, Narvik, repeated Vice Admiral
Aircraft Carriers giving route to Tromso.
Flag
Officer, Narvik’s 1122/10th May detailed WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER to
rendezvous with
DEVONSHIRE at
1800/10th May.
WESTCOTT’s
1510/10th May received requesting rendezvous whereupon a new
rendezvous for 2045 was signaled as it was apparent from the destroyers
time of arrival at Tromso that they could not rendezvous as ordered at 1800.
Walrus
was flown off as anti submarine patrol at 1940.
WESTCOTT
and VOLUNTEER joined at 2045.
After
passing Norwegian war vessel HEIMDAL in fjord DEVONSHIRE
anchored in Tromso at 2235. At anchor in harbour were British S.S. CARLBURY and
CYCLOPS, with ex German ALSTER being unloaded alongside quay, the latter having
some 70 German prisoners on board.
WESTCOTT
was fuelled from
DEVONSHIRE and
relieved VOLUNTEER on anti submarine patrol off Kraknes (69-49 degrees N, 19-03
degrees E) on completion of oiling. VOLUNTEER, with Royal Marine Officer,
provisions and mails, sent to oil tanks at Ramfordness (69-31-50 degrees N,
19-01-40 degrees
E).
VOLUNTEER embarked Royal Marines landed by DEVONSHIRE and
BERWICK, leaving two machine guns on its being ascertained that Norwegian
personnel were available to man them. During the night CHARBURY and CYCLOPS sailed
for Harstad by inner lead. Conference on board with
Fylkesmann, British Consul, and Norwegian Senior Naval Officer on the situation
at Kirkenes.
YORK sailed
Scapa for Rosyth.
Holland and Belgium
invaded.
Saturday 11th
May 1940
Reported
results of conference to Admiralty, repeated Flag Officer, Narvik (0301/11th
May).
Approved
VOLUNTEER taking in hand repairs to kidney piece of main bearing estimated to
complete by noon and
later by 1600 but eventually not completed until 2100 when she sailed.
Embarked Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Storheill.
At 0846
sighted and reported an aircraft which made no attempt to bomb and appeared to
be a flying boat carrying out reconnaissance. DEVONSHIRE
weighted and remained under way.
DEVONSHIRE
left Tromso with WESTCOTT, proceeding via Soro Sund and Rolfsoy Sund, ordering
VOLUNTEER to join “with all convenient despatch” on completion of repairs and
giving our route.
HEIMDAL,
investigating fishing craft, was again passed at 1330.
During
the afternoon WESTCOTT reported a hole in Anti Submarine Dome which rendered
her unable to operate Anti Submarine Gear except at very slow speeds.
At 1457
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2237/10th May to DEVONSHIRE
ordering CHARLBURY and CYCLOPS to be sent to Harstad by inner lead.
Norwegian
float plane, flying over Soro Sound, who identified herself correctly, was
sighted about 1800.
Sunday 18th
May 1940
DEVONSHIRE
catapulted her aircraft at 1100 to examine Boks, Kjo, and Jar Fjords and to
maintain anti submarine patrol off entrance until 1400.
DEVONSHIRE
anchored in Kirkenes at 1215. WESTCOTT maintaining anti
submarine patrol in Kors Fjord.
VOLUNTEER
arrived at 1630 and relieved WESTCOTT on anti submarine patrol after
disembarking Royal Marines.
Later ordered WESTCOTT to relieve VOLUNTEER on patrol and
VOLUNTEER alongside
DEVONSHIRE for repairs and oil.
Shortly
after DEVONSHIRE’s arrival at Kirkenes I held a conference on board attended by
Colonel Lieutenant Os; his Chief of Staff, Captain Martinse; Director
Thorhildrud, A/S Syvarangers, Iron Ore Company; and the Harbour Master, Captain
Norby; and discussed the East Finmark situation, afterwards visiting the
defence positions with Colonel Os.
On
return made preliminary report to Flag Officer, Narvik, on situation and
requested further instructions (1827/12th May). I subsequently
decided to withhold my amplifying report owing to W/T congestion and embodied
it instead in a letter, 1st C.S. 086 of 12th May, to the
Flag Officer, Narvik.
BERWICK
arrived
Liverpool to refit.
Monday 13th
May 1940
After
relief by VOLUNTEER on Anti Submarine Patrol WESTCOTT oiled from DEVONSHIRE and
embarked Liaison Officer.
0900. DEVONSHIRE left
Kirkenes with WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER; I having previously furnished both ships
with copies of report on Kirkenes for transmission to Flag Officer, Narvik, at
first opportunity.
1030. DEVONSHIRE closed
Vadso and Vado with the object of showing the flag, subsequently shaping course
for Nord Cap.
Merchant
ship on opposite course was sighted in position 70-34 degrees N, 30-39 degrees
E and identified as Finnish PANDIA/OFBO, previously examined on 9th
May.
1600. Reported
position, course, and speed to Flag Officer, Narvik, and requested instructions
(1600/13th May).
Commander
in Chief’s 2249/13th May ordered WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER to be sent
to join Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers’ screen. DEVONSHIRE
continued on present course and speed to join Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers in
position signaled by Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers for 1400/14th
May in his 1913/13th May.
Tuesday 14th
May 1940
Commander
in Chief’s 0007/14th May directing DEVONSHIRE to
remain in North for the present.
Admiralty’s
0059/14 directing Flag Officer, Narvik, to retain DEVONSHIRE and
requesting the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, to give directions for destroyer
screen, received at 0506/14th May.
At 0556
received the Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers 0125/14th May giving
rendezvous for 1400 in position 70-40 degrees N, 16 degrees E (same as in his
1913/13).
Reported
to Flag Officer, Narvik, that his 1059/13th May, referred to in
Admiralty’s 0059/14th May, had not been received (0750/14th
May).
At 0759
reported intentions and fuel remaining to Flag Officer, Narvik, and Vice
Admiral Aircraft Carriers (cleared at approximately 1100) Admiralty and
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
DEVONSHIRE
accordingly re embarked Liaison Officer from WESTCOTT at 1000.
Since
entering extreme northern waters continued W/T difficulty had been experienced.
I reported this at 1234/14th May and following are general remarks.
Experience
confirms that Norwegian mountains near the ship, or at any point of reflection,
may attenuate a H/F wave very severely. It is
therefore necessary when communicating with the United
Kingdom to use as high a
frequency as possible to reduce the number of skips to a minimum. The choice of
a wave is made more difficult by the widely different states of ionization in
52 degrees and 71 degrees N at this time of year.
The
following are examples of conditions in the approximate latitude 71 degrees
North.
(a). On a
bearing from
Whitehall of
conditions in the approximate latitude 71 degrees North.
12,685 Kc/s R7 both
ways in daytime, falling off slightly in the early afternoon.
(b). At Tromso
12,685 Kc/s no use by day
15,555 Kc/s not used successfully
but B.B.C. received well on 15 Mc/s.
8290 Kc/s
satisfactory by night.
(c). At Kirkenes
12,685 Kc/S and 15,555 Kc/s no use.
B.B.C.
received well on 19 mc/s.
Malta R7 on 11,200 Kc/s. It was intended to
try and communicate through GYZ if essential.
8290 kc/s
satisfactory round about
midnight.
At Kirkenes the use of a link
appears essential. Nothing could be heard of ships in the Narvik area on 3700
Kc/s and direct day routines to Harstad were therefore proposed on 8290 kc/s,
which it is believed would cover the distance (300 miles) in approximately one
skip.
(d). L/F at Kirkenes
Rugby good
strength at 16 kc/s.
51.5 kc/s readable but liable to be
jambed by atmospherics, etc. and therefore messages were needed twice through.
138 kc/s only just
audible and seldom readable.
At 1253
met ARK ROYAL with destroyer screen in position 70-53 degrees N, 15-47 degrees
E steering a southerly course.
Detached WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER to join the Vice Admiral
Commanding Aircraft Carriers.
At 1335
CURLEW was identified to the Southward steering a Northerly course to
effect a rendezvous with the Vice Admiral Commanding
Aircraft Carriers.
Course
was altered to 080 degrees at 1400 in order to carry out intentions signaled in
my 0759/14th May, but at 1612 I received Flag Officer, Narvik’s
0920/14th May directing DEVONSHIRE to
proceed to Tromso and keep in touch with the situation there.
Informed Flag Officer, Narvik, that I considered Anti
Submarine Screen essential.
Wednesday 15th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE
proceeding Tromso.
DEVONSHIRE
flew off Walrus for Anti Submarine Patrol in Fjords and on passing Norwegian
war vessel HEIMDAL asked her to patrol off Kraknes until arrival of anti
submarine trawlers.
DEVONSHIRE arrived
at Tromso at 0150 and started fuelling from lighter.
Norwegian
hospital ship ARIADNE and German prize ALSTER in harbour.
ENTERPRISE arrived
at
noon and
anti submarine trawlers ELLESMERE and ULLSWATER at 2300. One trawler was
ordered to maintain anti submarine patrol, under way, to North of anchorage,
the other to anchor one cable 030 degrees from Northern Buoy off Tromso
breakwater maintaining anti submarine watch.
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th May – 31st May 1940
Thursday 16th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
0600. Sighted
one Blom and Voss which did not come close enough to be engaged.
At 0700
I sent
DEVONSHIRE’s Walrus to
Harstad with my Staff Officer (Operations) and despatches for Flag Officer,
Narvik. Returned p.m.
1200. Three
Heinkel III’s sighted, circled ships but did not
attack, finally disappearing to the southwest. Possibly troop
carriers? Reported same (2103/16th May).
During
the forenoon I called on Kontreadmiral Diesen, the Norwegian Commander in
Chief, and later Kapitan Heindrikson, Norwegian Senior Submarine Officer, came
to see me.
I
discussed the question of a possible German attack in East or West
Finmark and agreed to establish Submarine Surface patrols.
(a). Between
Longitude 25-48 degrees and 29-00 degrees E keeping south of latitude 71-15
degrees N to be carried out by H.M.S. TRUANT when she arrived.
(b). to the westward of a line
joining the following points:
A. 70-23N B. 70-07N C.
70-00N
31-25E 31-23E 30-45E
And thence 180 degrees to Norwegian coast.
To be
carried out by Norwegian submarine B 1 then at Tromso, B 3 in Harstad area, and
possibly B 6 if she could be got back from England.
It was
also arranged that a small submarine base should be established at Varda with
Captain Hendrickson in charge and I asked Admiralty to send an ex submarine
Captain as Liaison Officer.
DEVONSHIRE
completed to 75% fuel.
Asked Admiralty to allocate call Sign to ALSTER (1501/16 May).
Received
Admiralty Message 1546/16 May re delay in opening of White
Sea
Canal.
Informed Admiralty, Flag Officer Narvik, and the Commander
in Chief Home Fleet of my proposals for Submarine Patrol off
Finmark
Coast (2242/16 May).
Flag of the Flag Officer Narvik to shore – Harstad.
Friday 17th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
Prize
ship ALSTER sailed for Kirkenes at 2000 to load iron ore escorted by ULLSWATER.
Received
Admiralty’s 1726/17 May requesting information re Maalsnes Pier and routes to
Bardufoss Aerodrome.
2332. Received
report from shore authorities of submarine in position 69-32 degrees N, 18-13
degrees E approaching Rystramen. DEVONSHIRE flew
off Walrus for search and patrol of adjacent fjords and sent motor boat to
patrol to southward of anchorage with depth charges. No further substantiation.
EFFINGHAM
grounded 1951 – total loss.
Mails
for
YORK ordered
to Scapa.
Saturday 18th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
ENTERPRISE ordered
to arrive Harstad at 1600 and sailed accordingly.
Replied
to Admiralty Message 1726/17 (0247/18).
One
Heinkel III was sighted at 0049 reconnoitering Tromso until 0016 when was lost
sight of but at 0140 report was received from shore that Heinkel was engaging
DEVONSHIRE’s Walrus and some minutes later that Walrus appeared to have landed
and that telephone station had been asked to send boat position 69-32 degrees
N, 18-10 degrees E.
I
requested Norwegian authorities to send Norwegian Heinkel to assist.
At 0512
Norwegian patrol vessel arrived in Tromso with Observer Midshipman Corkhill,
slightly injured, and Telegraphist Air Gunner, Naval Airman 1st
William Henry Hill, FAA/F 55056, who died of injuries shortly afterwards. Walrus
had been shot down by Heinkel and sank. The pilot, Lieutenant R.W. Benson Dare,
R.N. was not recovered.
Learned from shore authorities that Heinkel also sunk small
Norwegian vessel SIRIUS.
I
reported the loss of
DEVONSHIRE’s
Walrus to Flag Officer, Narvik, and asked for a replacement.
As DEVONSHIRE
appeared to be likely to remain in Northern Waters for some time I asked the
Flag Officer Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands, to send mails to this area.
Informed
by the Flag Officer, Narvik, (1118/18th May) that TRUANT had been
diverted to Tromso.
At 1930
an air raid warning was given ashore but no aircraft sighted. H.M. Charge
d’Affaires, Mr. Lascelles, and Rear Admiral Hector Boyes, Naval Attache, who
had come to meet H.M. Minister due in ENTERPRISE,
visited me and discussed the general situation in Norway.
A signal
from the Naval Attache was passed to the Director of Naval Intelligence giving
estimate of German air losses in Norway (2301).
At 2400 ENTERPRISE
returned with Sir Cecil Dormer, British Minister to Norway,
General Marion, visiting Norway on
behalf of General Gamelin, Colonel Vigne, French Military Attache, Colonel
Pollack, Liaison Officer to Norwegian Army, and Flight Lieutenant G. Aschan,
British Assistant Air Attache to Sweden. The
latter wished to proceed with despatch to Stockholm as
early as possible and I arranged for him to be flown to Kirkenes the following
day in a Norwegian seaplane and proceed thence via Finland. He
forwarded a valuable report on the situation from Kirkenes to Colonel Pollack.
Sunday 19th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
0915. The
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron called on the British Minister
in
ENTERPRISE before
he landed.
Colonel
Vigne and Colonel Pollack visited me and the whole strategic situation in the
North was discussed. Both agreed with my opinion that a large scale invasion
could not be countered with anything less than such an increase in our forces
as could not be contemplated, but that two or three battalions disposed in self
contained units in West and East Finmark in co operation with troops already in
West Finmark should be adequate to ensure against successful attack by
parachute landings.
Colonel
Pollack reported on these lines to the British Headquarters, Narvik, at once,
and Colonel Vigne promised to impress the matter on Colonel Otto Rugg,
Norwegian Commander in Chief.
ALSTER
informed me loading could not be completed until 22nd May and I
accordingly approved of her staying at Kirkenes until that date to complete
full stowage of 10,000 tons of iron ore.
Made arrangements with local authorities for camouflaging of
Fuel Tanks ashore.
Monday 20th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
Informed
Flag Officer, Narvik, ALSTER expected to arrive at Harstad p.m. 24th
May.
Rear
Admiral, Narvik, allocated GLASGOW’s
Walrus to
DEVONSHIRE>
At 0430
and 0714 air raid warnings were given ashore – no aircraft sighted.
TRUANT arrived
at 0800 and refuelled alongside DEVONSHIRE with
local diesel oil which had been placed in a specially prepared tank. Unfortunately,
this oil subsequently proved unsuitable for submarines.
1321. At
the request of the Norwegian Commander in Chief I informed Rear Admiral,
Narvik, that the Norwegian submarine B 3 awaited escort to Tromso.
At 1700
a Walrus arrived with despatches from the Flag Officer, Narvik.
Sailed
TRUANT at 1800 to patrol between 25-48 degrees East and 29-00 degrees E to
southward of Latitude 71-15 degrees North until 3rd June.
Tuesday 21st
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
I learnt
from Navy Office that a British aircraft had crashed at Torakem and four of the
crew were being sent to Harstad (probably carrier
aircraft being flown ashore to Bardufoss).
Gave (n.b in ink.” by
telephone message in NYKO”) a route to ALSTER intended to take her clear of
TRUANT’s patrol and ordered her to report her expected time of arrival at
Harstad before sailing (1229/21st).
At
request of the British Vice Consul I asked Admiralty for confirmation that the
Government accepted liability for ALSTER’s cargo.
At 1600
anti submarine THIRLMERE escorting the Norwegian submarine B 3, arrived to join
my force and the replaced Walrus, ex GLASGOW, for DEVONSHIRE also
arrived. The latter had taxied the last 12 miles owing to low clouds and
magneto trouble. THIRLMERE brought a small mail, one officer, and six ratings
for
DEVONSHIRE.
Owing to
faulty W/T reception a signal of 19th May from the Flag Officer,
Narvik, asking that H.M. Minister might arrange for himself and General
Auchinleck, the G.O.C., to see His Majesty the King of Norway on the 22nd
or 23rd May, was unfortunately not received until late on this day.
Colonel
Otto Rugg, Norwegian Commander in Chief, arrived in Tromso.
Norwegian
gunboat NORDKAPP arrived at 1730.
Received Flag Officer, Narvik’s instructions for
ENTERPRISE to proceed to
England shortly and to embark some 19 tons of Norwegian Government
gold then at Tromso.
Admiralty
confirmed that ALSTER’s cargo was covered (1914/21).
Wednesday 22nd
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
Bullion
was embarked in
ENTERPRISE by
0400.
At this
date stocks of oil fuel at Ramsfjordnes Depot, Tromso, were
No. 1 Tank 3210 tons
No. 2 Tank 590 tons
No. 3 Tank 735 tons
Flag
Officer Narvik arrived by Walrus to see me at 1630 and returned to Harstad
about 1900.
On
receipt of message from H.M. Minister, I informed Flag Officer, Narvik that
interview with His Majesty had been arranged from 1630 23rd May
1940.
ALSTER
sailed from Kirkenes and reported expected time of arrival at Harstad as 1900
24th May.
A little
difficulty was experienced this day with an unidentified Walrus Aircraft which
landed at Tromso without warning, it later proved to have satisfactory identity
but had taken off without challenge for the day. I was unaware that any Naval
Aircraft or indeed any British personnel were at Banak when I was informed by
Norwegian authorities this aircraft had come.
Thursday 23rd
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
Admiralty’s
Message 0316/23 amending opening date of Baltic – White
Sea
Canal to
23rd May 1940 was received.
Asked Rear Admiral Narvik that ULLSWATER might collect mails
and return to Tromso after arrival at Harstad with ALSTER.
At 1219
received TRUANT’s 1010 23rd May reporting large merchant ship
probably escorted. I at once realised that despite my route, owing to the
abnormal visibility (18 miles), TRUANT had probably sighted and might attack
ALSTER of whose presence she was not aware. Every effort was made to acquaint
TRUANT of the situation but without success before she made an unsuccessful
attack at 1441.
This
incident has been fully reported to Rear Admiral (S), the Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet, and the Flag Officer, Narvik, in my 1st C.S. w. 41/1 of
1st June 1940.
Communication
except in P/L between TRUANT, ALSTER, and escorting trawlers and Norwegian
submarines present great difficulty as the following books only were held by
each:
Vice Admiral Commanding, First
Cruiser Squadron and TRUANT only - General Cypher with Special Submarine
Tables.
Vice Admiral Commanding, First
Cruiser Squadron and ALSTER only – Syko Machine lent from
DEVONSHIRE.
Vice Admiral Commanding, First
Cruiser Squadron the escorting trawlers only – Auxiliary Code
Vice Admiral
Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron and Norwegian submarines – A special
Norwegian code.
Air raid
warning at 1400
DEVONSHIRE sighted
one Heinkel III also British Walrus. Gladiator but did not open fire.
I
informed Flag Officer, Narvik, that ENTERPRISE would
have to call at Harstad for fuel.
Norwegian
submarine B 3 sailed for Finmark patrol, as arranged with Norwegian
authorities, with Captain Hendrickson on board, who intended to establish a
small submarine base at Varda. I warned ALSTER and ULLSWATER that she might be
encountered and warned TRUANT that B 3 would pass through her patrol area a.m. 24th
May.
At 1950
DEVONSHIRE was attacked very suddenly by one Junkers 89 (n.b. inked out – Fokker Wolf Condor written in) which dropped four
bombs – two off the forecastle, two off the quarter deck, starboard side, all
about 30 feet. Ship was badly shaken but no damage. Aircraft approached from
astern at about 13,000 feet and was engaged by 4 inch armament, finally
disappearing to the Southwest.
Lord
Cork arrived by air and I accompanied him to interview the Norwegian Foreign
Minister. He arrived in
DEVONSHIRE just
after the attack mentioned above and returned to Harstad, by air, about 2200.
ENTERPRISE for Harstad at 2230.
At 2326
THIRLMERE reported defects in A/S gear, was relieved on North Patrol by
ELLESMERE and repairs carried out by DEVONSHIRE.
On this
day I received Admiralty message 0316 which appeared to eliminate the necessity
for the presence of
DEVONSHIRE in the
North and as I had seen Lord Cork I decided to go to Kirkenes to investigate
before finally suggesting withdrawal.
Friday 24th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso and on passage to Kirkenes.
ALSTER
passed Tromso at 0330 on the way to Harstad.
There
was an air raid warning ashore at 0815 but no aircraft sighted.
I send
Brigadier Fraser to Harstad by Walrus, he having missed ENTERPRISE.
At 1129
endeavoured to call TRUANT to warn her DEVONSHIRE would
pass through her patrol, but did not succeed until 2240.
Colonel
Graham, the Base Commandant sailed.
DEVONSHIRE sailed
at 1250.
At 2352,
instructed TRUANT to close to V/S distance, giving her DEVONSHIRE’s
position, course, and speed, and warned her that her patrol might be
discontinued shortly. Ascertained she fired two torpedoes at ALSTER, and that
no depth charges were dropped by ULLSWATER.
TRUANT
reported oil fuel supplied by DEVONSHIRE (ex
Tromso) would be unserviceable for that class of submarine for long periods.
Warned
TRUANT Norwegian FRIEDHOF NANSEN operating in vicinity of her patrols, DEVONSHIRE would
pass westbound about 0400/26 and that date of B 1 leaving Tromso was uncertain.
Saturday 25th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea
and at Kirkenes.
Parted company with TRUANT at 0200.
At 0749 DEVONSHIRE spoke
Finnish MATHILDA THORDEN /OFDC from New
York to Petsamo. Position 70-55 degrees
North, 30-37 degrees East, course 130 degrees.
Allowed her to proceed in accordance with Admiralty’s 1810/13/5.
Captain
Hendrickson, who had come over from Varda, came to see me.
At 1600
I went ashore to see Colonel Lieutenant Os and discuss the local situation with
him. I was surprised and rather mystified to learn that he had received
information from the Military Authorities at Harstad to the effect that attack
from the direction of Murmansk was, if
anything, even more probable. I accordingly informed Flag Officer, Narvik (my
1854/25) and decided to remain in the vicinity for the present and sailed in DEVONSHIRE at
2030.
ULLSWATER
and ALSTER arrived Harstad at 1620.
At 1930 DEVONSHIRE sighted
two unidentified aircraft which were probably a Russian patrol on the Finnish
boarder.
ULLSWATER to sail for
Hammerfest with mails and provisions for
DEVONSHIRE.
SUSSEX arrived
Scapa this day.
Sunday 26th May
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Hammerfest.
I
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0100/26 ordered TRUANT to be send to Harstad
with one trawler, and accordingly ordered her to close to V/S distance and
proceed to Hammerfest with DEVONSHIRE.
DEVONSHIRE
anchored in
Hammerfest at 1650
when ULLSWATER was met and some two weeks mail were
received.
TRUANT
sailed at 1900 in company with ULLSWATER and DEVONSHIRE at 1930
to patrol off Nord Kap.
Monday 27th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0930. Requested
reply to Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 1854/25th
May.
At 1023
I received reply to 1854/25th May but no definite instructions for
movements or future employment of DEVONSHIRE and
decided to sail for Tromso at 1330 adjusting course and speed to arrive there
at 0600/28th May. At 1730 I was further mystified by the receipt of
Admiralty Message 1550/27 suggesting that DEVONSHIRE may be
required for special mission in the North. Still without definite instructions,
I kept to my decision to return to Tromso.
At 1920,
I replied to Admiralty Message 1550/27 by reporting my intentions and my
expected time of arrival at Tromso.
Tuesday 28th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
At 0600
DEVONSHIRE anchored in Tromso and the Navy Office informed us that three German
planes flew over Tromso, without bombing, on 27th May (probably on
the way to Bardufoss) but otherwise no enemy aircraft had been sighted in our
absence from the port.
At 1725
I landed for an interview with the Norwegian Foreign Minister and Minister of
Defence.
At 2130
I ordered THIRLMERE to proceed north to Hammerfest.
Friday 29th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso and at sea.
Having
received no instructions and considering as I did that remaining in Tromso
constituted an unjustifiable risk from bombing attacks, DEVONSHIRE took in
720 tons of fuel, weighted and proceed to Northward. At 0057, I signaled my
intentions to cruise off Nordkap pending employment indicated in Admiralty
Message 1550/27.
Throughout
the day
DEVONSHIRE remained cruising
to the Northward of Nordkap keeping to the westward in order to facilitate W/T
reception.
Thursday 30th
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
DEVONSHIRE cruised
to the North and Westward of Nordkap.
P.M. I learnt from Captain Heindricks that B 3
was leaving patrol in Varanger Fjord and proceeding to Tromso. I at once warned
THIRLMERE at
Hammerfest.
Friday 31st
May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea
and at Hammerfest.
At 0845 DEVONSHIRE
anchored in
Hammerfest and
flew off Walrus aircraft to carry out A/S Patrol of adjacent fiords.
At 1210
I learnt from the Consul at Tromso, in reply to my request for information,
that on the 30th May the Power Station at Skarsfjord in Ringavassoy,
and Norwegian gunboat HEIMDAL were bombed and three bombs were dropped in the
harbour, but no damage was done.
At 1301,
I indicated the whereabouts of DEVONSHIRE to Flag
Officer Narvik as ordered in his 1107/31.
Receipt
of Admiralty’s 1246/31 to Flag Officer Narvik re opening of Baltic – White
Sea
Canal and
movements of Russian troops southward from Finnish Border appeared again to
ease the situation in the North.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
14/06
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st June
– 15th June 1940
Saturday 1st
June 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at Hammerfest
On
receipt of the Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0848/1st June ordering DEVONSHIRE to
Tromso I sailed from Hammerfest and
also ordered THIRLMERE to Tromso.
From the
study of northward bound movements of convoys and of H.M. ships it was evident,
but of what nature I had no knowledge except that DEVONSHIRE was
required to remain in the north for a special mission (Admiralty message
1550/27th May).
During
the afternoon I learnt that B 1 had left Tromso at 1400 for Varda and that B 3
had left Tromso at 1600 to the southward, destination not known.
B 1 was
later met in East entrance to Grotsund.
DEVONSHIRE arrived
at Tromso 2030.
Rear
Admiral Boyes, the Naval Attache, came on board to see me at once, accompanied
by Captain Denham, R.N., the newly appointed Attache to Sweden. The
latter proceeded to Kirkenes the next day in a fishing craft en route to Stockholm, taking
with him a letter of introduction, to Colonel Lieutenant Os.
Admiral
Boyes informed me that evacuation of Norway was
imminent and that he thought the Government and King would also leave.
H.M.
Minister was at that moment with the King and would not return until a later
house but wished to see me next morning.
I could
then piece together that the intercepted information at my disposal and arrived
at the conclusion that evacuation would probably be completed on Thursday, 6th
or Friday, 7th June.
Sunday 2nd
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
At 0030
THIRLMERE arrived, oiled, watered, and took up southern anti submarine patrol.
At
0301/2nd June I received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2201/1 requesting me
to confer with H.M. Minister on coming events of a most confidential nature. An
interview had already been arranged for 1000.
Accompanied
by my Secretary I saw H.M. Minister at 1000 and he gave full details of H.M.
Government’s intention to evacuate Norway and of
the Moweinkel proposals for the Swedish occupation of the Narvik area.
He
informed me that only H.M. the King and his immediate retinue were aware of our
intentions to evacuate and that so far he had been unable to persuade either
him or the Crown Prince to leave should the Swedish proposals not become
effective. He was, however, seeing the King again that day. The Norwegian Government
had not been informed of the evacuation as the necessity for preserving secrecy
was paramount if the safety of H.M. the King was to be assured.
DEVONSHIRE took in
680 tons of fuel this day.
At 1330
correspondence arrived from the Flag Office, Narvik, giving details of
evacuation of the Narvik area which, after applying a correction received by
W/T, I then knew would complete at 0300 on 8th June.
Lord
Cork also informed me that DEVONSHIRE was to be at the disposal of H.M. the
King to take him to England and that the evacuation of troops at Tromso was
also to be carried out if possible.
I
decided that Base Commandant, Colonel Graham, must be informed of this latter
forthwith, and accordingly sent for him at 1500 and found that he was already
aware of the possibility of evacuation.
After
discussion with Base Commandant, I decided that as many military as could be
spared, i.e. all not required to man the Anti aircraft batteries recently
installed, would be embarked in DEVONSHIRE as soon as possible and DEVONSHIRE
would proceed to sea as if transferring troops to some other port in order not
to advertise her presence in the neighbourhood.
The
remainder of troops and such Government officials as it was required to
evacuate could then be embarked altogether in the shortest time with the
minimum of publicity.
I again
saw H.M. Minister at 2100 who then informed me that if the Moweinkel proposals
were not accepted, H.M. the King and Crown Prince and most members of the
Government would require evacuation. The Foreign Minister had been informed of
prospect of the evacuation and was flying to Sweden the
following day to discuss Moweinkel proposals and he, the Minister, hoped to get
a decision by a.m. 4th June.
I
informed H.M. Minister of my intentions for evacuation and pressed for it to
take place as early as possible. He was in full agreement and also with the
necessity for not drawing attention to Tromso by the continued presence of DEVONSHIRE.
The
evening of Friday, 7th June, was agreed on as the last practicable
date, Thursday, 6th June, as the probable date, and Tuesday and
Wednesday, 4th and 5th June, as possible dates.
I
drafted orders accordingly and issued sealed copies to necessary ships and
authorities with instructions not to open them until further orders. I informed
the Flag Officer, Narvik, fully of my intentions.
I
arranged a simple code by which H.M. Minister could inform me daily of the
progress of events.
Monday 3rd
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Tromso.
DEVONSHIRE
embarked 13 military officers, one Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant, and 153
other ranks, and sailed at 1730 to the Northward.
Tuesday 4th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Closed
land to be within six hours steaming of Tromso until I received a message from
H.M. Minister to the effect that the evacuation would not take
place that night.
At 1900
on receipt of Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1014/4 to the effect that he would prefer
evacuation deferred to the night of 7th I decided to return to
Tromso.
Instructed
Consul not to supply extracts from Aircraft Identification Signals (S.P.
02292D) to Norwegians after 8th June, inclusive, and informed
Admiralty (Repeated) Flag Officer Narvik, of dates up to which various types of
recognition signals had been supplies (1954/4/6).
Wednesday 5th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Weather misty with drizzle.
At 0900 DEVONSHIRE
anchored in Tromso keeping soldiers below decks. Kept one
anti submarine trawler on patrol to Northward of anchorage.
A convoy
consisting of YEWMOUNT, petrol carrier, NGAKOA, and ARBROATH (A.S.I.S.) at
anchor in harbour.
DEVONSHIRE
supplied convoy with necessary charts and provisions urgently required and
sailing orders to be complied with when ordered by Senior Naval Officer
(Consul).
I landed
at 1000 but was unable to see H.M. Minister until 1700 when he returned from
visiting H.M. the King.
I was,
however, put au fait with the situation at the Ministry, and spent the day in
completing plans for evacuation, still preserving the closest secrecy.
On H.M.
Minister’s return I told him of Lord Cork’s desire to defer evacuation until 7th
June. He agreed with all my plans and arranged to give only some four hours
notice of evacuation.
I sailed
in
DEVONSHIRE again to the
Northward at 2000 leaving my Secretary as Liaison Officer with Ministry, Base
Commandant, and British Military Mission.
RENOWN,
REPULSE, NEWCASTLE, SUSSEX, and five destroyers to sea from Scapa to intercept
two unknown ships reported by R.F.A. PRUNELLA in position 64-40 degrees North,
00-10 degrees East at 1130/5th steering to westward at 20 knots. Northern
Patrol ordered to steer to Westward.
Thursday 6th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
I
received news from Liaison Officer, Tromso, that there were no changes in
situation and that
DEVONSHIRE could
cope with the probable number to be evacuated.
Northern
Patrol resumed normal patrols, battlecruiser having reached a covering
position.
At 1412 CARINTHIA was
torpedoed in position 55-13 degrees North, 10-39
degrees West.
I
received instructions from Flag Officer, Narvik, to use every influence with
Admiral Diesen to send submarines B 1 and B 3 to England, or if unwilling to do
this, to have them destroyed, and shortly afterwards a message from Liaison
Officer to the effect that this matter has been dealt with.
I later
learned that my Liaison Officer had received a personal guarantee to this
effect from Admiral Diesen in the presence of the Naval Attache and had so
informed Lord Cork.
At 2355
I received a message from my liaison officer to the effect that evacuation was
now practically certain, that arrangements had been made to embark 14 tons of
bullion and that present weather at Tromso was unfavourable for enemy air
activity.
The
bullion subsequently proved to be nonexistent. He informed me later that B 3
was due Tromso from Southward at 0500 on 7th June. I considered the possibility
of this movement not having been reported to the Flag Officer, Narvik, and that
submarine reported to Westward of Topsundet in Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1433/6th
June and 1810/6th might have been B 3. In view of her proximity to
Tromso I decided not to break W/T silence. At 1108/7th June Rear
Admiral, Narvik’s 2116/6th June was received reporting this
movement.
Friday 7th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0208
I learnt that Group I Narvik Convoy was sailing at 0300/7th June
escorted by VINDICTIVE and an anti submarine screen.
0302
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2230/6th re officers being sent from
the United Kingdom to confer with Norwegian General Ruge at Tromso, but could
take no action at this late stage (n.b.
pen addition “beyond informing Norwegian Naval Authorities.”)
At 0330
large numbers of aircraft reported off Narvik and Harstad but no reports of
bombing.
At 0643
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0052/7th allocating two “V” class
destroyers to
DEVONSHIRE for
passage to the United Kingdom after
their ferry duties.
For
reasons given in my 0954/7th, I decided not to wait for these
destroyers. In this signal I gave intended route and speed of advance,
requested anti submarine screen to meet DEVONSHIRE and
asked for final destination of DEVONSHIRE. I
selected this route in order to keep outside a distance of 400 miles from Mo,
Trondheim, and Stavanger until within air supporting distance of Shetlands and
also to utilize, in the later stages, the cover provided by the battle cruisers
and VALIANT.
At 1411
received Admiralty’s 1300/7th June concerning rumours of German
landing on east coast of Iceland. Vice
Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron told to investigate taking Armed
Merchant Cruisers under his orders.
At 1650
received reports of enemy air activity in Narvik – Harstad area, Ballangen
being bombed at 1721. This was the first report of enemy bombing since the
start of Operation ALPHABET.
1730. Ran
into rain showers and low cloud 20 miles from Tromso.
1800. Passed
YEWMOUNT, NGAKOA, and ARBROATH on their way homewards 8 miles from Tromso. They
had been sailed in company at 1700 for Scapa.
At 1830
anchored in Tromso and found passengers assembled in trawlers ELLESMERE and
THIRLMERE as arranged and already lying off.
Embarkation
was rapidly completed and at 1950 H.M. the King and Crown Prince embarked and DEVONSHIRE sailed
from Tromso at 2030.
The
following were embarked.
His Majesty the King of Norway
His Highness the Crown Prince
Three Equerries
H.M. Minister
French Minister
Polish Minister
and 19 members of Corps Diplomatique
Prime Minister and 10 Norwegian
Ministers
Their Staffs and
Families. Total 55
24 Norwegian Air
Force
15 political refugees
33 British Officers and some 306
other ranks
Total: 435 men and 26 women.
Amended orders for anti submarine trawlers to enable them to
pick up a convoy of Norwegian merchant ships before overtaking YEWMOUNT’s
convoy.
This was
done at the request of Captain Hovdenac, Royal Norwegian Navy, who intended
himself to fly to collect and to sail with this convoy in PRINCE OLAV. Trawlers
sailed on completion of embarkation at 2000. Advised all
Norwegian warships and Heinkel seaplanes bound for the
United Kingdom to make Thorshavn in the first instance.
2147. Passed
YEWMOUNT’s convoy.
Saturday 8th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0901
reported embarkation of passengers, route, convoy route, and advice given to
Norwegian warships and aircraft to Admiralty, Flag Officer, Narvik, Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, repeated Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers and Vice Admiral
Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron in signal times 0001/8th June. This
signal took nine hours to pass.
At 0902,
having heard that trawlers waited off Karlsoy (70 degrees North, 20 degrees
East) for Norwegian convoy until 0045, at which time in accordance with my
instructions they sailed to overtake British convoy, reported to Flag Officer,
Narvik, repeated Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers, Admiralty, and Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet, and suggested that any available escort would be of value
(0803//8). He detached WALKER and CAMPBELL for this duty at 1924/8th
June.
At 1000
passed through position 71 degrees North, 7 degrees East and altered course to
225 degrees for next position on the route (68 degrees North, 4 degrees East)
speed of advance 27 knots.
At 1730
DEVONSHIRE intercepted a barely readable signal from GLORIOUS to Vice Admiral
Aircraft Carriers timed 1640 which subsequent events have proved probably an
amplifying report identifying two pocket battleships.
As by
1930, in spite of extra look out being kept on all frequencies, there was no
indication to confirm the doubtful enemy report intercepted from GLORIOUS,
reduced to 26 knots to conserve fuel. (Speed of advance 24 knots).
At 2039
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1132/8th detaching VANOC and VETERAN
to wait for
DEVONSHIRE from
2000/9th June in position 60-50 degrees North,
5 degrees West. Later, at 0012/9th June, I received VETERAN’s 0001/9th
giving her intention of proceeding direct to Scapa owing to lack of fuel.
At 2049
received VALIANT’s 1928/8th June giving her intended movements
(turning to the North at 2130/8)
At 2135
in position 57 degrees North, 4 degrees west altered
to 186 degrees.
Sunday 9th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0055. SUSSEX and NEWCASTLE ordered
to patrol off Ireland 53
degrees North, 13 degrees West to intercept German
merchant ships with troops possibly making for Eire.
At 0200
I decided to break W/T silence.
(a). to pass my 2129/8th
June giving position, course, and speed at 0400/9th June, requesting
air escort and asking when destroyer escort might be expected.
(b). to order WALKER and CAMPBELL to
escort Norwegian convoy from Tromso if trawlers had made contact with the
British convoy.
At 0544 DEVONSHIRE sighted
and reported a shadowing aircraft, Heinkel 115. This aircraft in the first
instance repeated the challenge letter which had been flashed to her as has
previously occurred and later closed and again flashed this letter in an
attempt, presumably, to obtain the “reply”
Aircraft
was engaged with 4 inch armament and disappeared.
At 0616
informed by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth, that Sunderland
detailed as air escort for
DEVONSHIRE could
not take off from Sullom Voe because of fog. This aircraft eventually left
Sullom Voe at 1240 but never made contact.
At 0705
heard enemy aircraft call sign 47H tuning and subsequently making “A’s” on 467
Kc/s some considerable distance away.
At 0735
VETERAN reported being bombed and shortly afterwards, the D/F bearing of
aircraft 47H, who was still making “A’s”, was 040 degrees which was
approximately the calculated bearing of VETERAN, whose distance from DEVONSHIRE
was about 300 miles.
At 0712,
in position 63-04 North, 5 degrees West sighted
VALIANT and the Tribals bearing 120 degrees 9 miles and at 0730 reached
position 63 degrees North, 5 degrees West and altered course to 184 degrees.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, ordered Rear Admiral (D) at 0811 to send two destroyers
to rendezvous with
DEVONSHIRE at
1500/9th June in position 59-48 degrees North,
5-45 degrees West.
At 0938
DEVONSHIRE intercepted VALIANT’s 0901/9 report from ATLANTIS of transport
attacked by an enemy battleship and two destroyers at 0900/8 in position 67-44
degrees North, 3 -52 degrees East as a result of which I decided to report
immediately to Command in Chief, Home Fleet, Admiralty, and Vice Admiral
Aircraft Carriers the interception of GLORIOUS 1640/8 (my 1031/9).
1007. ESCORT
and ELECTRA, presumably the destroyers detailed to rendezvous with DEVONSHIRE at
1500/9, were recalled to Scapa. This was confirmed on receipt of Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 1117/9.
At 1045
altered course to 186 degrees – 29 knots. (speed of
advance 27 knots). Visibility 2 to 5 miles.
REPULSE, SUSSEX, NEWCASTLE, ARK ROYAL,
and VALIANT ordered to concentrate on Group II Convoy with SOUTHAMPTON and COVENTRY. RODENY
and RENOWN to sail from Scapa at 1300/9 and steer for position 66 degrees
North, 00 degrees East.
At 1438
VALIANT reported being bombed and was apparently shadowed until dark.
At 1634
reduced speed to 20 knots owing to low visibility and altered course as
necessary to make land.
A
meeting of the Norwegian Cabinet was held in the Gun Room of H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at 1700. After this meeting, H.M. the King informed me that the Government
proposed to take up their headquarters in the West of England.
1808. Sighted
two or three seaplanes steering to the southwards. These were the Norwegian
Heinkels from Tromso which were reported by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth, as
having left Sullom Voe at 1600/9th June for Helensburgh.
1900. Joined
by a Lerwick Flying Boat (Minches Patrol) who acted as anti submarine escort.
1915. Fixed
by Tiumpan Head Lighthouse and proceeded through searched channel.
2000. Increased
to 29 knots.
2125. Lerwick
left with orders to pass by land line to Flag Officer, Greenock, my
affirmative reply to his 1344/9, and to the Commander in Chief, Rosyth, request
for relief escort at dawn.
2130. YORK
reported ready to proceed from Rosyth.
Monday 10th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0200. Passed
arrival signal.
Escorting aircraft unable to take off owing to fog.
0930. Anchored
in Clyde and immediately disembarked all passengers, the arrangements set out
in Flag Officer Greenock’s 1344/9 having, unknown to me, been cancelled in the
interval.
I landed
at
noon and
telephoned to Admiralty from the officer of the Flag Officer, Greenock. I
spoke to the Chief of Naval Staff and after giving him details of the
evacuation and passage I represented that DEVONSHIRE had had
steam on main engines for 34 consecutive days and we had had no leave for some
two months. Permission to grant night leave to each watch accorded.
Tuesday 11th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Wednesday 12th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
I
visited
SUFFOLK and NORFOLK at
Govan and later the Flag Officer in Charge, Glasgow.
Thursday 13th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
P.M. I went to Rosyth by car to see the Vice
Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, and say goodbye to him (Vice Admiral
Layton) as he was leaving the Home Fleet the next day.
On
return orders had been received for FURIOUS to embark some 470 boxes of bullion
and for
DEVONSHIRE to escort her as
far as 30 degrees West.
Friday 14th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
After
embarking gold and waiting arrival of squadron of Swordfish at Prestwick, FURIOUS
sailed at 1800 with ECHO and WITHERINGTON to embark six Swordfish off Ailsa
Craig at 1800.
DEVONSHIRE waited
until receipt of sailing instructions from the Flag Officer, Greenock, and
sailed at 2000 with HAMPBELTON (n.b.
HAMBLEDON). Orders transferred to FURIOUS by HAMPBELTON by boat at 2300
after FURIOUS had completed embarkation of aircraft including replacement of
one aircraft which crashed attempting to land on. Crew rescued.
Saturday 15th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in
DEVONSHIRE at sea,
FURIOUS and destroyer escort in company.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
26/06
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th June
– 30th June 1940
Sunday 16th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0100A SUSSEX with NEWCASTLE left
Scapa to establish patrol in 59 degrees North between 16 degrees and 20 degrees
West.
0445A
FURIOUS flew off an aircraft which carried out a search and then established a
patrol along the mean line of advance on a 25 mile front.
Air
patrol was discontinued at 1030A on account of reduced visibility.
France
approached Germany for
peace terms.
Monday 17th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Evacuation of British Expeditionary Force from Western
French ports.
Weather unfit for flying.
At 1100A
DEVONSHIRE parted company
with FURIOUS in position 49-35 degrees North, 29-50
degrees West. Steered 060 degrees at 20 knots towards
Clyde to keep
southward of REVENGE and convoy’s route, pending instructions.
Spoke
British ENDICOTT/GLRG from Halifax to Glasgow with
cargo of steel and explosives at 1215A in position 49-40 degrees
North, 29-30 degrees West steering approximately 065
degrees.
At 1630
W/T silence was broken in order to pass positions, course, and speed at
1100A/17th June of FURIOUS and DEVONSHIRE to Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet, repeated Admiral, Commander in Chief, Western Approaches, Commander
in Chief, Rosyth, and REVENGE and at 1805A DEVONSHIRE was ordered to return to
the Clyde (Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1639/17th June).
Later at
1818A Admiralty’s 1658/17th June ordered DEVONSHIRE to Halifax to
escort EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA to Iceland with
Canadian reinforcements.
At 2032Z
DEVONSHIRE’s signally expected time of arrival at Halifax (1800 (zone – 4) 21st
June) by FURIOUS route and requested convoy movements, Q.J.A. Messages, and
instructions for entering Halifax to Admiralty, Naval Staff Headquarters,
Ottawa, Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle Squadron repeated Command in
Chief, Home Fleet, Commander in Chief, America and West Indies, and FURIOUS.
Tuesday 18th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0954Z
the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, ordered SUSSEX and NEWCASTLE to
return to Scapa with despatch.
Low visibility and rain.
At 2100O
DEVONSHIRE altered course to
184 degrees to ensure clearing HX 50 and at 2300O altered to 222 degrees for
position E, 38-30 degrees North, 47-10 degrees West.
Wednesday 19th
June 1940
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea
At 0316O
DEVONSHIRE received Rear Admiral Third Battle Squadron’s 2231/18th
June instructing her to endeavour to join FURIOUS so as to arrive in company at
0500 (zone + 4) 22nd June.
At 1956P
DEVONSHIRE received Captain
of H.M. Dockyard, Halifax’s
1520/19th June re searched passage to Halifax.
FURIOUS
was sighted at 2309P in position 38-34 degrees North,
47-54 degrees West. This was two hours (34 miles) behind her estimated position
assuming her speed of advance to have been 17 knots since parting company with
her at 1100P/17th June.
Thursday 20th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0007/P altered course to 288 degrees, speed 22 knots and formed on starboard
beam of FURIOUS in open order, having ascertained that FURIOUS had sufficient
fuel to complete the passage to Halifax at this
speed.
At 0107
signalled time of arrival (2000 (zone – 3) to the Captain of H.M. Dockyard,
Halifax, Rear Admiral Third Battle Squadron, Naval Staff Headquarters, Ottawa,
repeated FURIOUS.
At 0712P
intercepted Commander in Chief, American and West
Indies; 2242/19th June giving situation re French
merchant ships and warships and showing EMILE BERTIN at
Halifax.
At 0712P
FURIOUS reported locating by air, during absence of DEVONSHIRE, three British
Merchant Ships and an American Ice Patrol Cutter, NORD, of which neither she
nor I had any record.
A.M. FURIOUS
passed by V/S relevant Q.J.A. messages for entry into Halifax
extracted from G.R.O. 43.
At 1615P
intercepted Commander in Chief, America and West Indies’ 0902 re Rear Admiral
Commanding Third Battle Squadron being instructed to do all in his power to
keep EMILE BERTIN at Halifax.
At 1839P
received Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s 1401/20 giving
arrangements for air and A/S escorts and berths.
Friday 21st
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
At dawn
a strong southerly wind made FURIOUS difficult to handle on the zig zag in her
light state, so ordered her to discontinue zig zagging and at 0550Z (n.b. P in all other references)
reduced
to 19 knots.
Wind
died down, however, about 0800.
At 1020P
course was altered to 331 degrees in order to approach Halifax on the
course in Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s 1401/20.
FURIOUS
flew off a search of five Swordfish at 1130P returning at 1330P.
At 1200P
joined by Hudson Aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force who acted as air
escort and at 1540 by H.M.C.S. OTTAWA who acted as A/S escort.
At 1815P
AURANIA was sighted in position 44-15 degrees North,
63-07 degrees West, proceeding to the eastward to join H.X. 52 and at 1817P
Sambro Light Vessel was sighted bearing 337 degrees.
From
signals intercepted during the day from Canadian Naval Authorities and from
Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron, it appeared clear that EMILE
BERTIN would persist in sailing and on receipt of Rear Admiral Commanding,
Third Battle Squadron’s 1719/21 to DEVONSHIRE at 1839P instructing her to
shadow EMILE BERTIN, ordered DEVONSHIRE to raise steam in all boilers and
prepare to shadow. At the time, DEVONSHIRE had
about 46% of fuel remaining.
Admiralty
Message 2001 was not received until 2245P.
EMILE
BERTIN was sighted at 1855P bearing 010 degrees 7 miles steering 100 degrees at
25 knots.
DEVONSHIRE turned
to a parallel course, FURIOUS being instructed to proceed into harbour
reporting that
DEVONSHIRE had 44%
fuel remaining.
At 1900P
DEVONSHIRE’s position 44-63
degrees North, 63-23 degrees West and at 1915 EMILE BERTIN altered to 176
degrees,
DEVONSHIRE conforming.
At 1955P
the following signals were exchanged with EMILE BERTIN:
To: From
C.S. One EMILE BERTIN
French Cruiser
EMILE BERTIN sailing from Halifax to
Martinique glad to meet you once more after the
North Sea.
To: From:
EMILE BERTIN C.S. One
Thank you. Is Admiral Derrien
onboard?
To: From:
C.S. One EMILE BERTIN
Admiral Derrien left my cruiser two
months ago and is now commanding a flotilla of destroyers off the coast of
Morocco.
To: From:
EMILE BERTIN C.S. One
We were closely associated on third
of May and I wondered if he had returned to you from MONTCALM.
At
1930/21 giving position course and speed of DEVONSHIRE at 1930/21 and received
cordial signal by V/S from EMILE BERTIN in which she gave her destination as
Martinique as passed to Admiralty and Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle
Squadron at 2001P. At 2100P spoke Norwegian VIGSNES /L.F.G.M. in position 43-36
degrees North, steering to the eastwards.
At 2258P
reported no change, Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 0046Z/22.
Saturday 22nd
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea shadowing EMILE BERTIN.
At 0130
P, I reported course and speed at midnight and that relative positions were
unchanged, my 0300Z/22 and as EMILE BERTIN’s course indicated Martinique as her
destination and Commander in Chief, American and West Indies’s 2239/21 received
at 0059P confirmed this I accordingly asked for further instructions from
Admiralty (My 0546P/22)
At dawn,
as light increased, DEVONSHIRE opened her distance from EMILE BERTIN to 16
miles and at 0600Z on receipt of Admiralty’s 1159/22, altered course as though
for Bermuda until out of sight of EMILE BERTIN when paravanes were recovered,
course shaped for Halifax and speed adjusted to arrive at dawn.
Sunday 23rd
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
French
signed Armistice with Germany.
Exchanged
calls with Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle Squadron, Commodore Reid,
R.C.N., Commanding Officer Atlantic Coast, and Commodore Jones, R.C.N.,
Commanding Canadian Flotilla.
Admiralty
Message 1929/23 received. French ships not to be permitted to sail from any
British port.
Monday 24th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
Captain
of Dutch HEEMSKERCK called on me – as I unfortunately unable to return the call
before he sailed.
Air
Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Anderson called and I later lunched with
Commodore Reid when I met the General Officer Commanding of the District,
Brigadier General Considine of the Canadian Army.
Tuesday 25th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
I
returned the Air Officer Commanding’s call.
Wednesday 26th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
Thursday 27th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
From
Intercepted signals I learnt that EMILE BERTIN, who had a large quantity of
bullion on board, had arrived at Martinique where BEARN and
JEAN D’ARC also were both carrying aircraft from America.
It was
clearly Admiralty’s intention that these ships and their cargos should not be
allowed to proceed to France and FIJI and DUNEDIN were
standing by to prevent this.
Friday 28th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
The
Commanding Officer, Atlantic Coast, having kindly arranged for a Hudson
Aircraft to be at my disposal, I flew to Ottawa to see Rear Admiral Nelles,
R.C.N., Chief of Canadian Naval Staff, an old friend.
I there
also met the C.A.S. and C.G.S. and took the opportunity of discussing the
question of attack on and defence of the Eastern Seaboard and also the question
of the defence of Iceland though I learnt then that the latter was no longer a
Canadian commitment.
I
informed the Commander in Chief, America and West
Indies, later of this visit.
Saturday 29th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
The
sinking of H.M.S. FRASER was made public and caused a considerable stir
locally.
Received
Admiralty Message 1724/28 June giving the news of formation of Force “H”
I
entertained the Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle
Squadron, Commodores Reid and Jones, G.O.C. and A.O.C. to lunch.
Sunday 30th
June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
Intercepted the Commander in Chief,
America and
West
Indies’ 0328/30th
June giving a brief summary of armistice terms.
Received the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1014/30th
June re
SUSSEX sailing to meet FURIOUS.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
10/7
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st July
– 15th July 1940
Monday 1st
July 1940
The Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Halifax.
DEVONSHIRE and
EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA for
Iceland, and FURIOUS for
Liverpool, left
harbour in company at 0900P being met outside the gate by
ASSINIBOINE and
OTTAWA who acted as A/S escort, having previously carried out an
A/S search of the approaches. Additional A/S escort was provided
by a flying boat of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who returned to base at
1540P.
At 1050P
DEVONSHIRE carried out an
eight inch full calibre firing on a target towed by PUGWASH.
At 1130P formed a single line ahead in the order EMPRESS OF
AUSTRALIA,
DEVONSHIRE, FURIOUS, course 116 degrees, 18 knots.
Point
“A” was reached at 2000 (43-20 degrees North, 60 degrees West). Course was
altered to 103 degrees.
At 2022
I received from Rear Admiral Third Battle Squadron’s 1832/1st July
indicating the possibility by D/F bearings of an enemy unit in position 47-05
degrees North by 44-40 degrees West.
Tuesday 2nd
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Fog was
encountered during the middle watch, rain a.m. and low visibility and patches
of fog throughout the day.
At 0339P
I received Admiralty’s 0559/2nd July indicating that on further
analysis the enemy unit in Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s
1832/1 was considered to be a U boat in the Western Approaches, Bermuda’s
bearing being 13 degrees in error.
ASSINIBOINE and OTTAWA were
detached at 0600P to return to Halifax.
At 1400P
DEVONSHIRE spoke Norwegian
LEDAAL/LCXY in position 42-07 degrees North, 07-53
degrees West steering approximately 270 degrees. In the existing low visibility
DEVONSHIRE did not leave the
convoy to ascertain any further details.
Wednesday 3rd
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
improved.
At 0400
P course was altered to 035 degrees when about 35 miles short of position “B”
(41 degrees North, 47 degrees West) in order to save time to enable FURIOUS to
make her rendezvous with SUSSEX and at 2000P, it being now clear that FURIOUS
would be late for her rendezvous with SUSSEX if kept in company any longer, I
detached FURIOUS who proceeded at 22 knots.
Thursday 4th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Encountered fog during the middle watch but visibility good
by the morning.
At 1020O
DEVONSHIRE spoke British MUNERIC/GCGG from Middlesborough to Wabana, Conception
Bay, in ballast on approximate course 261 degrees in position 48-16 degrees
North, 40-26 degrees West and at 1135O British KING ALFRED/GCMX from Glasgow to
St Johns, Newfoundland, in ballast approximate course 255 degrees in position
48-17 degrees North, 40-05 degrees West and at 1659P Dutch WILLEMSPLEIN/PIQE from
Leith to Newfoundland in ballast on approximate course 257 degrees in position
49-53 degrees North, 38-46 degrees West.
At 1700O
convoy reached position “C” (50 degrees North, 38-30 degrees West) and altered
course to 024 degrees.
Friday 5th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 1330N
course was altered to 028 degrees.
At 1542N
I received Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1450/5th July ordering SUSSEX, who
should have rendezvoused with FURIOUS at 0800/5th July, to escort
her to the
North Channel and
then go to the
Clyde. SUSSEX and
SHROPSHIRE to leave Clyde 8th July for Reykjavik escorting personnel
convoy and cover a slow moving convoy sailing 7th July.
Admiralty’s
1559/5th July placing DEVONSHIRE under
the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s orders on leaving EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA was
received at 1905N and subsequently I received the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 2239/5th July instructing DEVONSHIRE to
proceed to Scapa.
The
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2241/5th July diverted DEVONSHIRE and my
mails accordingly.
Saturday 6th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 1030Z
convoy reached position “D” (60-10 degrees North, 30 degrees West) and altered
course to 031 degrees and at 2200P I informed the Admiralty, repeated the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, that EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA would arrive five
hours early.
Sunday 7th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
At 0500A
convoy reached position “E”, 64 degrees North, 25 degrees West and altered
course for Reykjavik and at 0530 a Walrus aircraft was sighed who acted as A/S
patrol.
At 0945A
DEVONSHIRE parted company
with the EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA in position 64-08 degrees North,
22-21 degrees West and shaped course for Scapa at 24 knots.
The
arrival signal for
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa and
DEVONSHIRE’ 1016/7th
July re provisions and stores were passed at 1012A.
During
the first watch several Icelandic trawlers were sighted one of which was
identified at 1933A as TRYGGVI GAMLI/TFQC, Registered No. R. 2 in position
61-37 degrees North, 17-40 degrees west steering
approximately 310 degrees.
SUSSEX arrived
in
Clyde.
Monday 8th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 1047A
sighted an unidentified aircraft in position 59-11 degrees North, 8-30 degrees
west at extreme visibility and at low altitude. The aircraft disappeared from
sight after three minutes and was not seen again.
The
course and speed was adjusted to pass Hoxa Boom at 1915A.
I dined
with the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
NORFOLK sailed
from Scapa for the
Clyde.
Tuesday 9th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
A.M.
SHROPSHIRE and SUSSEX escorting troop convoy consisting of ORMONDE/GLYC and
ULSTER PRINCE/GLFM left Greenock for Reykjavik with orders to remain with this
convoy until latitude 062 degrees North and then to make contact with the slow
convoy which left Greenock P.M. on 8th July and escort it to the
same latitude, subsequently proceeding to Scapa.
Wednesday 10th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Thursday 11th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Arrangements
had been made for
DEVONSHIRE to
carry out a combined 8 inch full calibre and H.A. sleeve target firing but this
practice had to be cancelled owing to unfavourable weather conditions.
Admiral
Superintendent, Rosyth’s signal timed 2052/10th in reply to the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1731/10th confirmed that it would
be possible to dock YORK on 13th
July for changing of propeller and that docking of DEVONSHIRE for
repairs to starboard outer shaft and exchange of port 4 inch guns on 16th
July could be accepted.
Friday 12th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE’s practice
was again postponed owing to weather.
H.M.A.S.
AUSTRALIA to come under orders of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
when ready for sea (Admiralty message 1611/12th July.
Saturday 13th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
A.M. DEVONSHIRE sailed
for the practice but this was again cancelled owing to poor visibility and the
ship returned to harbour.
Information
was received that BERWICK’s completion date was now delayed until
31st July 1940.
The
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, informed me of his intention to sail DEVONSHIRE for
Rosyth so as to arrived at 0800 15th
July 1940, for a quick docking on completion of
YORK.
P.M. YORK docked
at Rosyth.
Sunday 14th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Weather
was still unfit for practices.
YORK delayed
24 hours in dock. Postponed sailing of
DEVONSHIRE for
Rosyth for 24 hours in the hope of being able to carry out the 8 inch full
calibre and H.A. sleeve target firings before leaving Scapa.
P.M. SHROPSHIRE and SUSSEX arrived
from duty with Iceland
convoys.
Home
Fleet at Scapa was ordered to half hour’s notice by Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet, on receipt of Admiralty’s 2323/14th stating that unusual
wireless activity indicated the possibility of an enemy move.
Monday 15th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0730. Reverted to four hours notice and at 1530
DEVONSHIRE
proceeded and carried out 8 inch F.C. firing with aircraft
spotting in
Pentland Firth,
proceeding on completion to Rosyth.
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th July
– 31st July 1940
Tuesday 16th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0415
DEVONSHIRE was joined by one Anson as A/S screen; arrived at Rosyth at 0610 and
was docked in No. 2 Dock during the forenoon after YORK had undocked and
anchored in the stream.
AUSTRALIA arrived
at
Greenock, P.M.
I
proceeded to
London to
visit Admiralty.
Wednesday 17th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
YORK was
sailed P.M. for Scapa
SHROPSHIRE left
Scapa for
Greenock to be
taken in hand by Messrs. Fairfield. Expects to complete on
28th
July 1940.
I
visited the First Sea Lord and Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cork (lately Flag
Officer, Narvik), at Admiralty.
Thursday 18th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
YORK arrived
Scapa at 0735.
SHROPSHIRE
arrived
Greenock 0845.
Friday 19th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth.
Admiral
Superintendent, Rosyth, reported intention to undock DEVONSHIRE p.m. on
22nd
July 1940. (Admiral Superintendent, Rosyth’s 1117/19th
July).
AUSTRALIA left Clyde, P.M.
for Scapa.
Saturday 20th
July 1940
(n.b. page two missing: entries of 20, 21, 22, 23, and start
of 24th July)
Wednesday 24th
July 1940
(continued)
0835. DEVONSHIRE
arrived Scapa. (n.b. from H.F. W.D.)
The Flag
of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was transferred at
noon from RODNEY to NELSON.
Thursday 25th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1941/24 received P.M. stating his intention that
DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK should give close support to fast Iceland Convoy as far
as 62 degrees North, and then return to cover slow convoy.
DEVONSHIRE was
calibrated on the degaussing range, a.m.
P.M.
exercised
DEVONSHIRE, SUSSEX, and AUSTRALIA at
manoeuvres and sub calibre concentration practices in the Flow.
Friday 26th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, requested that a cruiser of the First Cruiser Squadron
should be detailed to replace NORFOLK in the Clyde during
her employment as escort to Iceland convoy.
Detailed
SUSSEX.
Saturday 27th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
A.M.
Exercised DEVONSHIRE, SUSSEX, and AUSTRALIA in pair
ship sub calibre concentration and flank marking in the Flow. On completion, SUSSEX sailed
for
Clyde at 1300.
At 1300
Battlecruisers, cruisers, and destroyers were ordered to 2 ½ hours notice.
At 1630
Battlecruisers, cruisers, and destroyers were ordered to raise steam with all
dispatch for full steam and Battleships and aircraft carriers to keep steam at
1 hour’s notice.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, informed Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
and Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron verbally that there were
indications that GNEISENAU might attempt to leave Trondheim to return to
Germany and that Force “A” consisting of:
|
C.S. One in DEVONSHIRE
|
MASHONA
|
|
B.C. One in RENOWN
|
ASHANTI
|
|
REPULSE
|
TARTAR
|
|
YORK
|
PUNJABI
|
|
AUSTRALIA
|
FURY
|
|
SHEFFIELD
|
FIREDRAKE
|
|
ARROW
|
FORTUNE
|
was to endeavour to bring her to action.
Informed
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet at 1848 that Force “A” would pass Pentland
Skerries at 2000/27 and Commander in Chief, Home Fleet ordered ZULU and MAORI
who were hunting a U boat to the eastward of the Shetlands to join Force “A” at
0400/28.
Force
“A” passed Pentland Skerries at 2000 with cruisers in single line ahead 4
cables apart screened by ASHANTI and MASHONA, battlecruisers screened by
remaining destroyers, 4 miles astern, Mean Course 082 degrees – advancing at 24
knots.
Informed
at 2044 by Commander in Chief, Rosyth that fighter escort of two Blenheims was
arranged from 0400/28 onwards.
At 2210
reduced speed through the water and altered zig zag from No. 15 to No. 10 of
C.B. 3043 in order to enable REPULSE to maintain speed of advance of 24 knots.
At 2037,
AUSTRALIA
reported D/F bearing of 101 degrees (or reciprocal) strength 6, second class on
5060 kc/s. This was presumed to be an enemy surface vessel using the night
alternative frequency.
At 2355 AUSTRALIA
reported D/F bearing of 129 degrees (or reciprocal) strength 8, second class on
5545 kc/s. This was presumed to be a U boat.
(Note:
As
AUSTRALIA’s H/F
D/F set has not been properly calibrated these bearings were accepted as
general indications only.
Sunday 28th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Commander
in Chief, Rosyth reported at 0236 aircraft being unable….(n.b. page chopped)….
AUSTRALIA, DEVONSHIRE, SHEFFIELD, and YORK with ASHANTI and
MASHONA attached to AUSTRALIA and DEVONSHIRE
respectively.
ZULU and
MAORI joined Force “A” at 0400 and were attached to YORK and SHEFFIELD
respectively.
Air
escort of two Blenheims made contact at 0410.
At this
time, although the weather was clear and visibility excellent, the presence of
a “front” and much low cloud and mist to eastward was apparent. During the day
heavy clouds formed down to 2000 feet with cirrus cloud above and visibility
varied between 5 and 25 miles.
At 0420
Commander in Chief, Rosyth reported that aircraft left Sumberg at 0400 for
reconnaissance of Trondjheim.
Informed by Commander in Chief, Rosyth at 0446 of air patrol
of three Blenheims to be flown from 0530/28 over position of Force “A”.
Sighted three Blenheims at 0630.
The
fighter escort of two Blenheims at relieved at 0717.
Altered course of Force “A” at 0800 to 290 degrees in
accordance with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2312/27. My
reasons for doing this were that, had the enemy left Trondjheim before
midnight, even at 20 knots he would by now be to the southward of my position
and the absence of enemy reconnaissance aircraft appeared to indicate that no
important enemy warship movement was in progress down the coast in this
vicinity – an inference which appeared to be confirmed by the absence of
reports from our own coastal reconnaissances. The possibility that Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet might have indications of enemy movements to the westward was
also present in my mind.
At 0913 YORK sighted
a mine (position 61-45 degrees N. 1-35 degree E.).
Reduced distance apart of cruisers to 5 miles at 0915 in
visibility detiorating.
At 1100
reduced speed and increased amplitude of zig zag, advancing at 18 knots.
Lost sight of fighter escort until 1245.
Received Admiralty’s 1120/28 at 1147 to the effect that it
was probable that position of Force “A” had been reported by enemy aircraft at
0939/28. Ordered
SHEFFIELD to search
for shadower on type 79. Admiralty’s 1120/28 was cancelled at 1454.
Reduced
speed at 1200 to 19 ½ knots (advancing 17 knots) to conserve fuel of
destroyers.
Air
reconnaissance of Trondheim at 0800
reported no warship in harbour (Commander in Chief, Rosyth’s 1208 received at
1257). The fact and indications previously mentioned pointed to the probability
that GNEISENAU and her three destroyers had left Trondheim early
yesterday and her presence with her of the destroyers argued against a westerly
enterprise. Accordingly at 1400 altered course of Force “A” to 097 degrees
speed of advance 21 knots with cruisers spread 5 miles apart
4 miles ahead of the battlecruisers in accordance with Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 0931/28.
One of
the battlecruisers’ screen reported a contact
(position 62-08N, 1-02W) at 1407. This was investigated by three destroyers who
subsequently rejoined the screen. There were many whales in the vicinity.
Commander
in Chief, Rosyth reported at 1432 that coastal reconnaissance from Lister Light
to 62 degrees N was being carried out by three aircraft taking off at 1330.
At 1713
and 1734 heard “A’S” strength 8 bearing 215 degrees. These sounded as if made
by a fairly powerful transmitter some way off.
At 1800,
in accordance with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1143/28, ordered Vice
Admiral Commanding, Battle Cruiser Squadron to assume command of Force “A” and DEVONSHIRE to
proceed to escort Iceland convoy.
Passed intended route of
DEVONSHIRE and
instructions for
NORFOLK to
RENOWN for transmission by W/T on her return to harbour. (Vice Admiral
Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron’s 1606/28.
At 1928 DEVONSHIRE sighted
a column of water about 10 feet to 15 feet high as from a
submarine explosion 10 degrees 2 ½ miles on her port bow immediately
after a large alteration of course to port (position 61-46 degrees North, 0-34
degree East). Slight shock was felt in engine room and boiler rooms.
Considered it probable that this was a torpedo from a U boat
exploded on firing.
At 2040
informed Walrus aircraft on patrol S.16 (reference Commander in Chief, Rosyth’s
1146/19/7) of the explosion at 1928 for transmission to Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet.
SUSSEX
reported stripping starboard inner H.P. turbine (SUSSEX
0801/28). Commander in Chief, Home Fleet instructed her to disconnect turbine
and trail shaft until ship could be spared for repairs (Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet’s 1645/28).
Monday 29th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Low visibility varying from ½ mile to 5 miles.
At 1600
ordered
NORFOLK and DEVONSHIRE to keep
30 miles to the north and the west, respectively of convoy and both ships to
keep 30 miles to the South East of N.P. 55 until the fog had lifted.
(Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 1600/29/7.
DEVONSHIRE reached
a position 30 miles to the North of the estimated position of the convoy and
altered course parallel to it. Speed of advance being reduced by wide zig zag.
Maintained this approximate position throughout the night.
Tuesday 30th
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
1 to 5 miles
Made
contact with the convoy at 1345 in position 59-35 degrees North, 13-02 degrees
West – 16 ships with Commodore W.B. Mackenzie in PATRICIA escorted by four A/S
trawlers – and then proceeded ahead to locate NORFOLK which was done at 2040.
At 1544
identified Icelandic trawler BELGAUM/TFNC steering 314 degrees bound for Reykjavik
(position 59-40 degrees North, 13-31 degrees West) and at 1653 spoke H.M.S.
WORCESTER (position 59-51 degrees North, 13-56 degrees West) steering 140
degrees at 12 knots who reported passing NORFOLK at 1512
steering a northerly course.
At 2145 with
NORFOLK in company, closed the convoy which was found to be making
good six knots on a course of 308 degrees. Proceeded
as requisite to maintain a position to North Eastward of convoy.
Wednesday 31st
July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At 0124
Admiralty reported that force was probably reported by a U boat at 2206/30 (Admiralty’s
0050/31). Owing to slow speed of convoy it was not considered that any advantage
would be gained by an alteration of its course. No action was therefore taken.
Visibility 5 to 10 miles, windforce 5 to 6 from South South
West with heavy South West swell.
At 0920
closed the convoy and confirmed its previous course and speed 308 degrees, 6
knots. Remained in its vicinity throughout the day although
low visibility later prevented visual touch being regained before dark.
P.M.
Carried out range and inclination exercises and daylight searchlight laying and
training exercises.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, ordered BERWICK to sail for Scapa when ready, and carry
out full power trial on passage. (Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1054/31). Flag Officer, Liverpool
reported that BERWICK would be ready for sea on 3rd August (Flag
Officer,
Liverpool’s 1115/31)
SUSSEX
reported present maximum speed of 27 knots (SUSSEX’s
1212/31).
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
1st August
– 15th August 1940
Thursday 1st
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
improved to 15 miles at 0300.
Closed
convoy at dawn, and at 0530 in position 61-59 degrees North,
19-17 degrees West, parted company and shaped course for Scapa in accordance
with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2312/26.
At 0930
reported W/T position, course, and speed of convoy (Vice Admiral Commanding,
First Cruiser Squadron’s 0835/1) and expected time of arrival of DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK (Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 0828/1.
Range
and inclination and daylight searchlight exercises were carried out in A.M. and
P.M.
Naval
Officer in Charge,
Liverpool,
reported his intention of sailing BERWICK for Scapa on
3rd August 1940 (Naval
Officer in Charge,
Liverpool’s
1635/1.
Friday 2nd
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Delayed
by fog until 1700 when
DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK passed
through Hoxa Gate and anchored in A.1 and A.2 berths respectively.
Saturday 3rd
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
AUSTRALIA carried
out 8 inch F.C. firing, A.M.
Exercised
DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK in pair
ship sub calibre firing in the Flow, P.M. Owing to an error lining up after an
electrical failure, NORFOLK fired
several shots into Flotta and between Flotta and Calf of Flotta.
SUSSEX taken in hand by Alexander Stephens and Sons, Glasgow and
granted ten days leave to each watch.
FIJI carrying out duties of Cruiser in the
Clyde.
BERWICK
sailed from
Liverpool for
Scapa.
Sunday 4th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
BERWICK in collision A.M. in
North Channel with
unknown ship in fog and put into the
Clyde for
repairs by Fairfields. Estimated time for
completion 2 ½ weeks.
YORK sailed
for Rosyth.
Commander
in Chief walked round divisions in AUSTRALIA after
which
AUSTRALIA left
for D/F calibration at
Kirkwall.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet asked the Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
to nominate a relief for FIJI from
the First Cruiser Squadron. Replied that DEVONSHIRE was the
most suitable and flag could be transferred to NORFOLK if
desired.
Monday 5th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet instructed DEVONSHIRE to sail
for the
Clyde to arrive P.M. 7th
August (CinC, Home Fleet’s 0921/5/8). As REVENGE would
be at
Clyde under operational
command of Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, and as DEVONSHIRE would
be relieved after about a week, Home Fleet did not consider it necessary to
transfer Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s Flag to NORFOLK.
Tuesday 6th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Scapa.
I saw
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet concerning duties in the Clyde.
DEVONSHIRE sailed
at 2015 and, after a H.A. firing at a flare target, shaped course for the Clyde
escorted by one Swordfish until dark.
Wednesday 7th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, informed Admiralty that he considered it desirable that AUSTRALIA should
be docked in near future and suggested this be arranged after completion of SUSSEX and
BERWICK (CinC, Home Fleet’s 1150/7/8)
Passed
extensive oil patches at 1000 in approximate position 55-40 degrees
North, 7 degrees W.
At 1400
a 4 engine monoplane approached DEVONSHIRE as if
to attack making the wrong identification letter. Aircraft was recognized to be
a British training machine and fire was not opened. Reported
the incident to Flag Officer in Charge,
Greenock (Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 1421/7).
Secured
to the Flagship’s bouy at 1545 and requested Flag Officer in Charge, Greenock to
continue to administer the port.
REVENGE,
PENELOPE,
FIJI, ILLUSTRIOUS, ATHERSTONE, HAMBLEDON, and GARTH in harbour.
Thursday 8th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Friday 9th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Saturday 10th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Sunday 11th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
NEWCASTLE and
available destroyers at Devonport, and DEVONSHIRE,
ILLUSTRIOUS, ECHO, and ATHERSTONE at the Clyde were
ordered to raise steam on account of indications of enemy activity on the South
and
West Coasts
(Admiralty’s 1332/11/8). Aircraft were embarked by ILLUSTRIOUS. Ships reverted
to normal notice for steam at 2335/11/8.
NORFOLK
and AUSTRALIA proceeding to establish a patrol P.M. on a line 340 degrees from
position 020 degrees Kalso Light 45 miles as far as latitude 64-30 degrees
North, commencing 1000 12th August 1940 (CinC, Home Fleet’s
1952/11).
Monday 12th August
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron accompanied by Staff Officers
proceeded to Admiralty (Admiralty Message).
NORFOLK and AUSTRALIA to
continue patrol until 1530 13th August and then carry out a sweep as
far as Long. 010 degrees West returning to Scapa on
completion if nothing sighted (CinC, Home Fleet’s 2151/12/8).
Sunderland
aircraft to patrol ahead of both cruisers on altering course to carry out
sweep.
Tuesday 13th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron on duty at
Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
0629. Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0515/13/8.
DEVONSHIRE to raise steam at one hour’s notice.
Later, Admiral Commanding, Western Approaches’ 0705/13. Reliable
information received from Swedish informant that German embarkation began on
the night of 11th August, along whole Norwegian coast which, in
conjunction with other activities, indicates definite operations in progress.
(Admiralty’s 0456/13/8).
Received Admiralty Message 0505/13/8 ordering all available
ships in Western Approaches Command to raise steam.
Flag
Officer,
Glasgow
reported to Admiralty that examination of SUSSEX’s
starboard inner H.P. turbine indicates seven weeks work (F.O. Glasgow’s
1002/13/8).
NORFOLK and AUSTRALIA ordered
to continue patrol until further orders – instructions to carry out sweep being
cancelled.
Wednesday 14th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron on duty at
Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
DEVONSHIRE ordered
to revert to two hours notice for steam (CinC, Home
Fleet’s 0012/14/8).
Thursday 15th
August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron on duty at
Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at
Greenock.
NORFOLK and AUSTRALIA ordered
to discontinue patrol at 0800 16th August and return to Scapa. 15th
Cruiser Squadron relieving the patrol. (CinC, Home
Fleet’s 1911/15/8.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
10/9
WAR DIARY OF THE
VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
Period 1st August to 15th August - Summary
On
the 1st August 1940, the
First Cruiser Squadron, which had been augmented by the addition of H.M.A.S.
AUSTRALIA was
disposed as follows.
H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE, flying my flag, with H.M.S. NORFOLK in company, was escorting a
slow convoy to Iceland.
H.M.S.
YORK and H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA were at
Scapa
H.M.S.
BERWICK was undergoing refit at Liverpool, due to
complete 3rd August.
H.M.S. SUSSEX who had
stripped starboard inner H.P. turbine on 28th July was returning to
the
Clyde for repairs.
H.M.S.
SUFFOLK was undergoing damage repairs at Messrs. Fairfield’s Greenock.
Estimated date of completion January 1941.
H.M.S.
SHROPSHIRE was at Scapa temporarily attached to the First Cruiser Squadron.
2. By
the end of the period under review (15th August),
BERWICK,
who had been in a collision with an unknown merchant vessel in Irish
Sea, was undergoing repairs in the
Clyde. The
collision occurred in thick weather and the Court of Enquiry found the
Commanding Officer blameless.
YORK,
who was at Rosyth, had been allocated to Mediterranean Station and SHROPSHIRE had
left to return to
South Atlantic.
SUSSEX had
been taken in hand by Messrs. Alexander Stephens and Sons of Glasgow.
Estimated time, seven weeks.
3. Thus
leaving with the Home Fleet as effective for anti invasion duties
DEVONSHIRE wearing
my Flag, in Clyde for anti invasion duties.
AUSTRALIA and
NORFOLK at Scapa.
4. Every
advantage was taken, during the period, of facilities at Scapa
Flow to carry out Gunnery Exercises and much benefit was
derived.
5. On 12th August I was ordered to Admiralty and
was informed by the Chief of Naval Staff that I would be appointed to Command
Force “M” on an expedition designed to install General de Gaulle at
Dakar in French
West Africa
