Source: ADM 199/429

 

 

OCTOBER 1942

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st to 15th October 1942, inclusive

 

Thursday 1st October

 

NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, and ORIBI left Hvalfiord to search for an enemy ship reported to be in the Denmark Straits.

O 15 arrived Dundee from Scapa

TRIBUNE and TIGRIS arrived Lerwick from patrol, sailing p.m. for Scapa

MALCOLM and ACHATES (Senior British Naval Officer, North Russia) left Archangel for Kola

LAMERTON left Liverpool for Scapa on completion of repairs

SEAGULL arrived Grimsby from Scapa for refit

TANATSIDE (damaged in collision), escorted by WHEATLAND left Scapa for the Tyne for repairs.

ESKIMO completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

Captain J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, Royal Navy reassumed command of Sixth Destroyer Flotilla vice Acting Captain R.G. Onslow, DSO, Royal Navy

CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Scapa from escort of troopship from Faroes

MILNE left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

BITER, escorted by QUALITY and FARNDALE, arrived Scapa from the Clyde

Troopship from the Faroes (escorted by CHIDDINGFOLD to the Minches) arrived Clyde

 

Friday 2nd October

 

Senior British Naval Officer, North Russia, in ACHATES with MALCOLM arrived Kola from Archangel; MALCOLM and ACHATES sailed p.m. for Seidisfiord

MILNE arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning

OFFA left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

TRIBUNE and TIGRIS arrived Scapa from Lerwick, sailing p.m. for Holy Loch and Methil, respectively

TANATSIDE, escorted by WHEATLAND, arrived Tyne from Scapa for repairs

LAMERTON arrived Scapa from Liverpool on completion of repairs

 

Saturday 3rd October

 

TIGRIS arrived Methil from Scapa

INTREPID left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to LONDON

ONSLOW left Scapa for the Clyde for minor alterations and official visit

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

BRAMBLE left Scapa for the Humber for refit

TRIBUNE arrived Holy Loch from Scapa

LONDON and CUMBERLAND left Clyde for Scapa

FAULKNOR left Scapa for the Tyne for minor alterations and to pay an official visit.

 

Sunday, 4th October

 

ONSLOW arrived Clyde from Scapa

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Scapa area.

NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, and ORIBI returned to Hvalfiord after hunting for an enemy ship reported in the Denmark Straits.

Flag of Rear Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, as Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron hoisted in DUNLUCE CASTLE

LONDON and CUMBERLAND arrived Scapa from the Clyde

WHEATLAND left the Tyne for Scapa, arriving p.m.

MONTROSE and CAMPBELL left Scapa for Harwich and Sheerness, respectively, on completion of duty with the Home Fleet

METEOR left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning.

FAULKNOR arrived Tyne from Scapa

ONSLAUGHT left Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

BRAMBLE arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, struck in SHEFFIELD, ships of the Eighteenth

Cruiser Squadron transferred to the Tenth Cruiser Squadron.

 

Monday 5th October

 

ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of boiler cleaning

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with MENESTHEUS, AGAMEMNON, PORT QUEBEC, ADVENTURE, BRIGHTON, CHARLESTOWN, LANCASTER, and WELLS left Port Z A for Operation S N 3 E, returning p.m. to Port Z A owing to weather

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron, transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to SHEFFIELD.

ONSLAUGHT and IMPULSIVE left Scapa for Hvalfiord for screen of ANSON

Enemy aircraft carried out several reconnaissance’s of Iceland

MONTROSE arrived Harwich from Scapa

METEOR arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of boiler cleaning

CAMPBELL arrived Sheerness from Scapa

MALAYA, escorted by PENN, PATHFINDER, and LOOKOUT arrived at Clyde from Gibraltar (n.b. identified on arrival at Rosyth as PANTHER)

FORESTER left the Tyne for Scapa on completion of refit

PATHFINDER and QUENTIN arrived Clyde from Freetown

BLEAN left Scapa for London for boiler cleaning and repairs

ASHANTI left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

 

Tuesday 6th October

 

TARTAR left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning arriving p.m.

ASHANTI arrived Scapa from Rosyth on completion of boiler cleaning

FORESTER arrived Scapa from the Tyne on completion of refit

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from ANSON to ORIBI

ORIBI (V A 2) left Hvalfiord for Scapa

MALCOLM and ACHATES arrived Seidisfiord from Kola, sailing p.m. for Liverpool and the Clyde, respectively.

MALAYA escorted by PENN, PATHFINDER, and LOOKOUT left the Clyde for Rosyth for refit

Wednesday 7th October

 

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA left Archangel for Kola

HAYDON left the Tyne for Methil en route to Scapa arriving p.m., but returning later to the Tyne with defects

MIDDLETON left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

ROTHERHAM left Scapa for Scrabster, arriving p.m., embarking King Peter of Yugoslavia and the Royal Party and returning p.m. to Scapa

BLEAN arrived London from Scapa for repairs

ONSLAUGHT and IMPULSIVE arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa for screen of ANSON

ONSLOW left the Clyde for Scapa

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

FAULKNOR left Tyne for Scapa

OAKLEY left Aberdeen for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

 

Thursday 8th October

 

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA arrived Kola from Archangel

FAULKNOR arrived Scapa from the Tyne

HAYDON (with defects) arrived Tyne from Methil

OFFA left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning arriving p.m.

ACHATES arrived Clyde from Seidisfiord

MALAYA escorted by PENN, PANTHER, and LOOKOUT arrived Rosyth from the Clyde for refit

MALCOLM arrived Liverpool from Seidisfiord

BERWICK left Scapa for Hvalfiord

PANTHER taken in hand for repairs at Leith

ONSLOW arrived Scapa from the Clyde

P 615 left Holy Loch for Scapa to relieve H 34 as A/S training submarine

ORIBI (V A 2) arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from ORIBI to DUNLUCE CASTLE

OPPORTUNE left Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning and repairs

 

Friday 9th October

 

INTREPID left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

King Peter of Yugoslavia and the Royal Party left Scapa in FAULKNOR for Scrabster, on completion of visit to the Home Fleet, arriving a.m.

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

OPPORTUNE arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of boiler cleaning and repairs

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to RODNEY.

The Prime Minister with Sir Stafford Cripps and party embarked in FAULKNOR at Scrabster and proceeded to Scapa arriving p.m. for visit to the Home Fleet.

 

Saturday 10th October

 

MELBREAK left the Tyne for Methil, arriving p.m., en route to Scapa to work up

BERWICK arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

NORFOLK left Hvalfiord for Scapa

WILTON and MARTIN left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning

P 615 arrived Scapa from Holy Loch to relieve H 34 as A/S training submarine at Scapa

QUICKMATCH left Clyde for Scapa to work up

H 34 left Scapa for Rothesay

 

Sunday, 11th October

 

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA left Kola for Archangel

LEDBURY left Humber for Scapa on completion of repairs

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

MELBREAK left Methil for Scapa, arriving p.m. to work up

OPPORTUNE left Scapa for the Humber for minelaying trials

REDOUBT left the Clyde for Scapa to work up

UREDD and JUNON left Dundee for Scapa

WILTON and MARTIN arrived Clyde from Scapa for boiler cleaning

QUICKMATCH arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

The Prime Minister with Sir Stafford Cripps and party embarked in MILNE at Scapa, sailing for Scrabster and arriving p.m. on completion of their visit to the Home Fleet.

 

Monday 12 October

 

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA arrived Archangel from Kola

OPPORTUNE arrived Humber from Scapa for minelaying trials

REDOUBT arrived Scapa from Clyde to work up

NORFOLK arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

LEDBURY arrived Scapa from the Humber on completion of repairs

JUNON and UREDD arrived Scapa from Dundee, sailing for Lerwick and arriving p.m.

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

QUALITY left Scapa for the Clyde for docking and repairs

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla (on Operation E Y) shadowed by enemy aircraft

H 34 arrived Holy Loch from Scapa

ARGONAUT left Scapa for Rosyth to embark stores for Operation E Z

 

Tuesday 13th October

 

ARGONAUT arrived Rosyth from Scapa to embark stores for Spitzbergen and Kola, sailing p.m. for Operation E Z

UREDD and JUNON left Lerwick for patrols off the Norwegian coast in Zones K 5 and K 9

TARTAR left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, transferred from LONDON to DUNLUCE CASTLE

QUALITY arrived Clyde from Scapa for docking and repairs

ROTHERHAM left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning and repairs

 

Wednesday 14th October

 

INTREPID and OBDURATE left Scapa, joined ARGONAUT from Rosyth for Seidisfiord and Operation E Z

ROTHERHAM arrived Clyde from Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

Enemy aircraft carried out reconnaissance of Iceland

NORFOLK left Scapa for the Clyde for repairs

BERMUDA left Scapa for the Clyde for repairs

LIVERPOOL reduced to care and maintenance at Rosyth

WELSHMAN left the Tyne for Scapa to work up on completion of refit.

 

Thursday 15th October

 

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to LONDON

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, transferred from KING GEORGE V to DUNLUCE CASTLE

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from RODNEY to KING GEORGE V

Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Force H, transferred from NELSON to MALAYA

NORFOLK arrived Clyde from Scapa fro repairs

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

WELSHMAN arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up on completion of refit

ARGONAUT, OBDURATE, and INTREPID, on Operation E Z, arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

RENOWN and DUKE OF YORK, escorted by FAULKNOR, MIDDLETON, ESCAPADE, and MARNE left Scapa for Rosyth for docking

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st-15th October 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-15th	Scapa
2. HMS DUKE OF YORK
	1st-15th	Scapa
	15th	Sailed with RENOWN and four destroyers for Rosyth for docking
3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-15th	Hvalfiord
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
Attached Battleships
5. HMS NELSON (Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Force H)
	1st-15th	Rosyth for docking and repairs
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st-15th	Scapa
7. HMS MALAYA
	1st-5th	On passage from Gibraltar to Clyde escorted by three destroyers
	5th	Arrived Clyde
	6th	Left Clyde with three destroyers for Rosyth
	8th	Arrived Rosyth. Taken in hand for refit
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	1st-15th	Scapa
	15th	Sailed with DUKE OF YORK and four destroyers for Rosyth for docking
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers )
	1st-15th	Scapa
10. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-15th	Clyde
11. HMS AVENGER
	1st-15th	Scapa
12. HMS BITER
	1st	Arrived Scapa from the Clyde escorted by two destroyers
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
Attached Aircraft Carriers
13. HMS INDOMITABLE
	1st-15th	Liverpool. Repairing action damage
14. HMS FORMIDABLE
	1st-15th	Rosyth for docking and repairs
15. HMS ARGUS
	1st-15th	Clyde working up
16. HMS DASHER
	1st-15th	Clyde, working up
First Cruiser Squadron
17. HMS LONDON (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-3rd	Clyde
	3rd	Left Clyde with CUMBERLAND for Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	4th-15th	Scapa
18. HMS NORFOLK
	1st	Left Hvalfiord with SUFFOLK and ORIBI to hunt for a German ship in the Denmark Straits.
	4th	Returned to Hvalfiord
	10th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs
	15th	Arrived Clyde
19. HMS SUFFOLK
	1st	Left Hvalfiord with SUFFOLK and ORIBI to hunt for a German ship in the Denmark Straits.
	4th	Returned to Hvalfiord
	4th-15th	Hvalfiord
20. HMS BERWICK
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
	10th	Arrived Hvalfiord
	10th-15th	Hvalfiord
21. HMS CUMBERLAND
	1st-3rd	Clyde
	3rd	Left Clyde with LONDON for Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	4th-15th	Scapa
22. HMS KENT
	1st-15th	Liverpool, refitting
23. HMS SUSSEX
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
24. HMS SHEFFIELD (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	1st-15th	Scapa
25. HMS NIGERIA
	1st-15th	Gibraltar undergoing temporary action damage repairs
26. HMS KENYA
	1st-15th	Tyne, refitting and for action damage repairs
27. HMS LIVERPOOL
	1st-15th	Rosyth for action damage repairs
	14th	Reduced to care and maintenance
28. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-15th	Scapa
29. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
	15th	Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs
30. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-15th	Scapa
31. HMS ARGONAUT
	1st-12th	Scapa, working up
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation E Z
	12th-15th	Operation E Z (see paragraph 41)

 

 

32. Destroyers

 

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

LEDBURY completed repairs in the Humber on 11th

LAMERTON completed repairs at Liverpool on 1st

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

FORESTER completed refit in the Tyne on 5th

 

 

Ships attached for working up

 

33.

Fleet Destroyers	REDOUBT, PORCUPINE, QUALITY, QUICKMATCH, ISAAC SWEERS, ROTHERHAM
HUNT class destroyers	PENYLAN, HOLCOMBE, FARNDALE, MELBREAK, BLEAN, TANATSIDE

 

Ships attached for special duties

 

34.

(a). for P Q and Q P convoys
Destroyers	MALCOLM, ACHATES
A/A Ship	ULSTER QUEEN
Corvettes	BRYONY, BERGAMOT, BLUEBELL, CAMELLIA
A/S trawlers	CAPE ARGONA, CAPE MARIATO, ST KENAN, DANEMAN
(b). For capital ships working up
Destroyers	MONTROSE, CAMPBELL
(c). Temporarily attached while in Home Waters
Destroyers	PENN, PANTHER, LOOKOUT

 

Changes of Flag

 

35.

(a). The Flag of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, was transferred from KING GEORGE V to DUNLUCE CASTLE on 15th

 

(b). The Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred to the ANSON to the ORIBI on 6th, to the DUNLUCE CASTLE on 8th, to the RODNEY on 9th, and to KING GEORGE V on 15th

 

(c). The Flag of Flag Officer, Commanding Force H, was transferred from the NELSON to the MALAYA on 15th

 

(d). The Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron was transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to the LONDON on 3rd, to DUNLUCE CASTLE on 13th, and to the LONDON on 15th

 

(e). The Flag of Rear Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, as Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron was hoisted in DUNLUCE CASTLE on 4th and transferred to the SHEFFIELD on 5th

 

(f). The Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron was struck in the SHEFFIELD on 4th.

 

Patrols BLACK and WHITE

 

36. There were no Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, on patrol or in the Denmark Straits (Patrol WHITE) or between Iceland and the Faroes (Patrol BLACK) during the period

 

 

Official Visits to the Tyne and Clyde

 

37. Between 4th and 7th September, FAULKNOR (D 8) and ONSLOW (D 17), both of whom had taken part in Operation E V (P Q 18 and Q P 14) paid official visits to the Tyne and Clyde, respectively. Both these visits were considered to have been a success although that of FAULKNOR to the Tyne was slightly marred by the strike of some of the workers. During their stay the ships’ companies were well entertained and officers from the two ships gave lunch hour talks on their recent experiences to shipyard workers.

 

 

Visit of King Peter of Yugoslavia

 

38. His Majesty Peter of Yugoslavia, paid a visit to the Home Fleet from 7th to 9th October. The Royal Party arrived from Scrabster in the ROTHERHAM on 7th and were accommodated onboard the Fleet Flagship. During his stay, King Peter visited several units of the Home Fleet, leaving Scapa on the 9th in the FAULKNOR for Scrabster.

 

 

Visit of Prime Minister

 

39. The Prime Minister accompanied by Sir Stafford Cripps visited the Home Fleet from the 9th to 11 October. During his stay the Prime Minister was accommodated on board the Fleet Flagship, but visited several other units of the Fleet, notably those who had taken part in the last North Russian convoys, and address the ships’ companies. The Prime Minister left Scapa on Sunday 11th in MILNE for Thurso and Edinburgh

 

 

Operation E Y

 

40. In order to search for suspected moored mines in the Seidisfiord area, the Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla (FRASERBURGH, LYME REGIS, BEAUMARIS, ARDROSSAN, WORTHING, LLANDUDNO, and DUNBAR) were sailed from Loch Alsh and Scapa and arrived Seidisfiord to commence sweeping operations on 10th. On 13th, after several mines had already been swept, LYME REGIS, DUNBAR, and WORTHING sailed for the United Kingdom, but later returned to Seidisfiord to continue sweeping.

 

On 15th and 16th ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE on Operation EZ were swept in and out of Seidisfiord

 

From then forwards the sweeping operations were shadowed daily by enemy aircraft who appeared to have obtained accurate information of the operation and the position of the channel being swept. On 18th M S 15 reported that he suspected his dan buoys were being sabotaged and instituted night patrols to guard them. Fighter protection for the operation was not possible owing to the distance from Reykjavik.

 

On 22nd the Flotilla was reinforced by BOOTLE who arrived from Scapa with stores and minesweeping equipment. DUNBAR had left the Flotilla previously for Cardiff to boiler clean and BEAUMARIS was forced to spend two days at Akureyri, escorted by LLANDUDNO, while her propeller was cleared by divers’ she rejoined the Flotilla on 22nd. The operation was expected to continue until the end of October

 

 

Operation EZ

 

41. The object of Operation E Z was to transport stores and personnel to Spitzbergen, and a limited number to Kola Inlet and to bring back personnel (including R.A.F. personnel of 24 Hampden torpedo bombers turned over to the Russians) and survivors from North Russia.

 

These stores were embarked in ARGONAUT at Rosyth on 13th and she sailed the same day, being joined by INTREPID and OBDURATE from Scapa early the following morning. The force then proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel, being swept into the port by the Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla on 15th. The Force sailed for Spitzbergen early the following day. An account of the remainder of this operation will be included in the War Diary of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, for the period 16th-31st October

 

 

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-31st October 1942, inclusive

 

Friday 16 October

 

DUKE OF YORK and RENOWN escorted by FAULKNOR, MARNE, ESCAPADE, and MIDDLETON arrived Rosyth from Scapa

BERMUDA arrived Clyde from Scapa for repairs

NELSON and FORMIDABLE escorted by PANTHER, FAULKNOR, MARNE, ESCAPADE, and MIDDLETON left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m.

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord for Spitzbergen (Operation E Z)

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

HALCYON, HAZARD, and SHARPSHOOTER left Archangel for sweeping operations in Yugorski Straits.

VICTORIOUS, BITER, and AVENGER escorted by MILNE, METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, FORESTER, and LEDBURY left Scapa for the Clyde

OPPORTUNE left the Humber for Scapa on completion of minelaying trials

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla shadowed by enemy aircraft off east coast of Iceland (Operation E Y).

LAMERTON and WHEATLAND left Scapa for the Clyde

 

Saturday 17 October

 

Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Force H, transferred from MALAYA to DUKE OF YORK.

GLASGOW and ORWELL left Portsmouth for Scapa via Plymouth to work up

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

FARNDALE left Scapa for the Clyde

OPPORTUNE arrived Scapa from the Humber.

MARTIN left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of boiler cleaning

LAMERTON and WHEATLAND arrived Clyde from Scapa

FAULKNOR and MIDDLETON left Scapa for Hvalfiord

NIGERIA left Gibraltar for Charleston, U.S.A. for refit and action damage repairs

Fifteenth Minesweeping Flotilla again shadowed by enemy aircraft off the east coast of Iceland (Operation E Y)

VICTORIOUS, BITER, and AVENGER escorted by MILNE, METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, FORESTER, and LEDBURY arrived Clyde from Scapa

METEOR, OFFA, ORIBI, FORESTER, and LEDBURY returning to Scapa

 

Sunday, 18th October

 

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with ADVENTURE, AGAMEMNON, PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, CHARLESTOWN, CASTLETON, and WELLS left Port Z A for Operation S N 3 E

METEOR, ORIBI, OFFA, FORESTER, and LEDBURY arrived Scapa from escort of three aircraft carriers to the Clyde.

LEDBURY left Scapa and joined R.A. (M) and First Minelaying Squadron for additional escort during operation S N 3 E.

ESKIMO left Scapa for Rosyth to fit type 86, arriving p.m.

FARNDALE arrived Clyde from Scapa

MARTIN arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of boiler cleaning

PORCUPINE left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

MILNE left the Clyde for Scapa

Oiler SAN AMBROSIO escorted by CHIDDINGFOLD left Scapa for Seidisfiord

Operation S N 3 E completed by R.A. (M) and the First Minelaying Squadron, LEDBURY detached to Scapa

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE arrived Spitzbergen from Seidisfiord and disembarked stores for GEARBOX (Operation E Z)

WELSHMAN left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m. to work up on completion of refit in the Tyne

ECHO and IMPULSIVE left Hvalfiord for Scapa

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA left Archangel for the Yugorski Straits, for escort of Soviet ships to Archangel.

ACTIVITY escorted by PENN and LOOKOUT left Rosyth for the Clyde.

 

Monday 19th October

 

PENYLAN left Scapa for London for boiler cleaning and repairs

ONSLOW, TARTAR, and FORESTER left Scapa for Rosyth, arriving p.m. for escort of RENOWN to Scapa

ASHANTI and MARNE left Scapa and joined ACTIVITY from Rosyth in the Pentland Firth for escort to the Clyde, relieving PENN and LOOKOUT who proceeded to Scapa, arriving a.m.

FAULKNOR and MIDDLETON arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

MILNE arrived Scapa from the Clyde

PORCUPINE arrived Clyde from Scapa

LONDON left Scapa for Hvalfiord

LEDBURY arrived Scapa on completion of S N 3 E

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE left Spitzbergen for Kola Inlet (Operation E Z)

HARRIER, GLEANER, BERGAMOT, and BRYONY left Archangel for Kola Inlet

GLASGOW arrived Scapa from Portsmouth to work up on completion of refit with ORWELL, to work up and join Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

ICARUS left Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

HALCOMBE left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning and repairs.

RENOWN, escorted by ONSLOW, TARTAR, and FORESTER left Rosyth for Scapa

MARNE detached from escort of ACTIVITY to Londonderry for Operation TRAIN

ESCAPADE and ISAAC SWEERS left Scapa for Londonderry for Operation TRAIN

 

Tuesday 20th October

 

RENOWN escorted by ONSLOW, TARTAR, and FORESTER arrived Scapa from Rosyth

ICARUS arrived Scapa from the Humber on completion of refit

ACTIVITY escorted by ASHANTI arrived Clyde from Rosyth, ASHANTI returning to Scapa

OBEDIENT commissioned for trials and service in the Tyne

Enemy aircraft carried out reconnaissance of Iceland

PENYLAN arrived London from Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA left Scapa for the Clyde for combined operations exercises

ESCAPADE and ISAAC SWEERS arrived Londonderry from Scapa for Operation TRAIN

MARNE arrived Londonderry from escort of ACTIVITY for Operation TRAIN

HOLCOMBE arrived Clyde from Scapa for boiler cleaning

ECHO and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

FURIOUS (with Spitfires for Malta) left Clyde for Operation TRAIN, being joined p.m. by escort of MARNE, ESCAPADE, and ISAAC SWEERS from Londonderry.

CAMELLIA and BLUEBELL left Archangel to escort Soviet ships from the vicinity of the Yugorski Straits to Archangel.

 

Wednesday, 21st October

 

ECHO and IMPULSIVE arrived Rosyth from Scapa for boiler cleaning

HARRIER, GLEANER, BERGAMOT and BRYONY arrived Kola Inlet from Archangel

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA arrived Clyde from Scapa for combined operations exercises.

LOYAL commissioned for trials and service in the Clyde

ASHANTI arrived Scapa from the Clyde from escort of ACTIVITY

SCYLLA left Scapa for Rosyth

 

Thursday 22 October

 

QUILLIAM left Tyne for Methil, arriving p.m. en route to Scapa to work up

SCYLLA arrived Rosyth from Scapa

LONDON arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE arrived Kola Inlet from Spitzbergen (Operation E Z)

NIGERIA arrived Charleston, U.S.A. from Gibraltar for refit and action damage repairs

ESKIMO left Rosyth for Scapa on completion of fitting type 86

AVENGER left the Clyde with convoy K M S 1 for Operation TORCH

 

Friday 23rd October

 

TARTAR docked at Scapa for minor repairs

ESKIMO arrived Scapa from Rosyth

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE left Kola Inlet for Seidisfiord (Operation E Z)

Three A/S trawlers left the Clyde for Reykjavik for Operation F B

TUNA and H 32 left the Clyde for Scapa

NORFOLK left the Clyde for Scapa on completion of repairs

O 15 left Dundee for Lerwick

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

HARRIER and GLEANER left Kola Inlet for Archangel

RODNEY, escorted by PENN, PANTHER, and LOOKOUT left Scapa for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

SUFFOLK left Hvalfiord for Scapa

 

Saturday 24th October

 

NORFOLK arrived Scapa from the Clyde on completion of repairs

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

O 15 arrived Lerwick from Dundee, sailing p.m. for patrol off the Norwegian coast

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE shadowed by enemy aircraft

BERMUDA left the Clyde for Plymouth

SHEFFIELD left the Clyde for Belfast, arriving p.m. to embark stores and personnel for Operation TORCH.

ANSON escorted by FAULKNOR, ONSLAUGHT, and MIDDLETON left Hvalfiord for Scapa

HARRIER and GLEANER arrived Archangel from Kola Inlet

HAYDON left the Tyne for Scapa to work up

MUSKETEER left Scapa for Hvalfiord

SCYLLA left Rosyth for Scapa

FORMIDABLE, escorted by ICARUS and FORESTER left Scapa for the Clyde

SUSSEX left Scapa for the Tyne for repairs to boilers and 8 inch armament

Oiler SAN AMBROSIO, escorted by CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

 

Sunday 25th October

 

SCYLLA arrived Scapa from Rosyth, sailing p.m. for Plymouth

HAYDON arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up

VESPER left patrol in the Nore Command for Scapa to work up

SUFFOLK arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

FORMIDABLE escorted by ICARUS and FORESTER arrived Clyde

BERMUDA arrived Plymouth from the Clyde

TUNA arrived Scapa from the Clyde, proceeding to Lerwick, arriving p.m. and sailing immediately for patrol off the Norwegian coast

FURIOUS, escorted by ISAAC SWEERS, MARNE, ESCAPADE arrived Gibraltar from the Clyde (Operation TRAIN) sailing p.m. to fly Spitfires off to Malta

TARTAR undocked at Scapa on completion of minor repairs

WHADDON left Rosyth and joined SUSSEX for escort to the Tyne

LIMBOURNE left Methil fro Scapa to work up

BRYONY and BERGAMOT left Kola Inlet for Archangel

CHIDDINGFOLD, escorting the oiler MURENA, left Seidisfiord for Kirkwall

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

QUIBERON let the Clyde for Scapa

QUILLIAM left Rosyth for Scapa to work up

SUSSEX, escorted by WHADDON arrived Tyne from Scapa for repairs to boilers and 8 inch armament, WHADDON returned to Rosyth.

JUNON arrived Lerwick from patrol off the Norwegian coast, sailing p.m. for Dundee

LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and WILTON left the Clyde for Milford Haven

 

Monday, 26th October

 

QUILLIAM arrived Scapa from Rosyth to work up

P 615 left Scapa for the Clyde

LIMBOURNE arrived Scapa from Methil to work up

ICARUS and FORESTER arrived Scapa from the Clyde from escort of FORMIDABLE

VESPER arrived Scapa from patrol in the Nore Command to work up

WHADDON arrived Rosyth from the Tyne from escort of SUSSEX

MUSKETEER arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

ARGONAUT, INTREPID, and OBDURATE arrived Seidisfiord from Kola Inlet (Operation E Z) sailing p.m. for Scapa

ANSON, escorted by ONSLAUGHT, FAULKNOR, and MIDDLETON arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

One A/S trawler left Scapa for Reykjavik for Operation F B

QUIBERON arrived Scapa from the Clyde

FAULKNOR taken in hand at Scapa for boiler cleaning and repairs

H 32 arrived Scapa from the Clyde, relieving P 615 as A/S training submarine

LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and WILTON arrived Milford Haven from the Clyde

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

BERMUDA left Plymouth for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

BITER left the Clyde with convoy K M F 1 for Operation TORCH

BERGAMOT and BRYONY arrived Archangel from Kola Inlet

JUNON arrived Dundee from Lerwick

 

Tuesday 27th October

 

Rear Admiral (Minelaying) in SOUTHERN PRINCE with ADVENTURE, AGAMEMNON, PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, CASTLETON, WELLS, SALADIN, and SCIMITAR left Port Z A for Operation S N 3 F, returning p.m. owing to weather.

LEDBURY left Scapa for Rosyth for escort of DUKE OF YORK to Scapa, arriving p.m.

SHEFFIELD left Belfast to join convoy K M F 1 for Operation TORCH

SCYLLA arrived Plymouth from Scapa

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Iceland

BLUEBELL and CAMELLIA arrived Archangel after escorting Soviet merchant ships from the Yugorski Straits.

P 615 arrived Clyde from Scapa

WELSHMAN left Scapa for Port Z A and Plymouth

OPPORTUNE left Scapa for Plymouth

UREDD left patrol off the Norwegian coast for Lerwick

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI left Scapa for Londonderry for escort of W S 24

ARGONAUT arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord on completion of Operation E Z

DUKE OF YORK, escorted by ECHO, IMPULSIVE, and LEDBURY left Rosyth for Scapa

LAMERTON, WHEATLAND, and WILTON left Milford Haven to rendezvous with three A/A ships from the Clyde for escort to Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

 

Wednesday 28th October

 

INTREPID and OBDURATE arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord on completion of Operation E Z

Operation F B – first westbound merchant ship left Byelushaya for Iceland

CHIDDINGFOLD escorting oiler MURENA arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord

MELBREAK left Scapa for Invergordon, arriving at noon and sailing with troopship LADY OF MANN for Scapa, arriving p.m. with military personnel for NELSON for Operation TORCH

DUKE OF YORK escorted by IMPULSIVE, ECHO, and LEDBURY arrived Scapa from Rosyth

WELSHMAN arrived Port Z A from Scapa, sailing p.m. for Plymouth

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI arrived Londonderry from Scapa

Three A/S trawlers from Clyde arrived Reykjavik for Operation F B

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY with one oiler left Scapa for Sullom Voe for Operation S E

TANATSIDE left Tyne for Scapa on completion of repairs to continue working up

SHARPSHOOTER, HALCYON, and HAZARD left patrol in Yugorski Straits to escort Soviet merchant ships for Archangel.

Operation F B – the USSR. merchant ships left Reykjavik for North Russia

 

Thursday 29th October

 

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI left Londonderry to rendezvous with W S 24 and for Force Q in Operation TORCH

BERMUDA arrived Gibraltar from Plymouth for Operation TORCH

CHIDDINGFOLD left Scapa for Sullom Voe for Operation S E, arriving p.m.

TANATSIDE arrived Scapa from the Tyne to continue working up

UREDD arrived Lerwick from patrol off the Norwegian coast

OPPORTUNE arrived Plymouth from Scapa

RODNEY, PENN, PANTHER, and LOOKOUT arrived Gibraltar from Scapa for Operation TORCH

Operation F B – first eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

Operation F B – first eastbound rescue trawler left Reykjavik

Operation F B – second westbound merchant ship left Byelushaya for Reykjavik

SCYLLA and OPPORTUNE left Plymouth for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

Operation F B – second eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

Operation F B – eastbound USSR. merchant ship returned to Reykjavik

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY and one oiler arrived Sullom Voe from Scapa for Operation S E

 

Friday 30th October

 

WELSHMAN arrived Plymouth from Port Z A for Operation TORCH

FURIOUS, ISAAC SWEERS, MARNE, ESCAPADE arrived Gibraltar on completion of Operation TRAIN

One A/S trawler arrived Reykjavik from Scapa for Operation F B

UREDD left Lerwick for Dundee

Operation F B – third eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

Operation F B – second eastbound rescue trawler left Reykjavik

Operation F B – first and second westbound rescue trawlers left Archangel

Operation F B – eastbound USSR. merchant ship again left Reykjavik for North Russia

Operation F B – fourth eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

OBEDIENT left Clyde for Scapa to work up and join the Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

DUKE OF YORK (Flag Officer Commanding, Force H), NELSON, RENOWN, ARGONAUT, MILNE, MARTIN, METEOR, ASHANTI, TARTAR, ESKIMO, and QUIBERON left Scapa to rendezvous with carrier force from the Clyde and for Gibraltar as Force H in Operation TORCH.

VICTORIOUS (Rear Admiral Aircraft Carriers, Home Fleet), FORMIDABLE, PATHFINDER, PARTRIDGE, PORCUPINE, QUENTIN, and QUALITY left the Clyde to rendezvous with Force H from Scapa and for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

 

Saturday 31st October

 

MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD left Sullom Voe for Operation S E - first sortie

RACEHORSE left Clyde for Tobermory arriving p.m. to work up

Operation F B – fifth eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

FAULKNOR completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

Operation F B – third eastbound rescue trawler left Reykjavik

Operation F B – first eastbound rescue trawler turned back to Reykjavik, after sustaining damage in attack on a U boat

OBEDIENT arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up and join Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from KING GEORGE V to ANSON

Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet transferred from DUNLUCE CASTLE to KING GEORGE V

R.A. (M) in SOUTHERN PRINCE, with PORT QUEBEC, AGAMEMNON, MENESTHEUS, ADVENTURE,

CASTLETON, LANCASTER, BRIGHTON, and WELLS left Port Z A for Operation S N 3 F

NORFOLK and CUMBERLAND left Scapa for Force Q in Operation TORCH

Operation F B – sixth eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

 

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th-31st October 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	16th-31st	Scapa
2. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Force H)
	16th	Arrived Rosyth with RENOWN and four destroyers for quick docking
	27th	Undocked at Rosyth and sailed, escorted by three destroyers for Scapa
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force H for Operation TORCH
3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	16th-24th	Hvalfiord
	24th	Left Hvalfiord with three destroyers for Scapa
	26th	Arrived Scapa
4. HMS HOWE
	16th-31st	Scapa
Attached Battleships
5. HMS NELSON
	16th	Sailed from Rosyth for Scapa with FORMIDABLE and five destroyers from Rosyth on completion of refit, arriving p.m.
	16th-30th	Scapa, working up for Operation TORCH
	30th	Left Scapa with Force H for Operation TORCH
6. HMS RODNEY
	16th-23rd	Scapa, working up for Operation TORCH
	23rd	Left Scapa with three destroyers for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH
	29th	Arrived Gibraltar
7. HMS MALAYA
	16th-31st	Rosyth, refitting
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	16th	Arrived Rosyth with DUKE OF YORK and four destroyers for quick docking
	19th	Undocked at Rosyth and sailed p.m. with three destroyers for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force H for Operation TORCH
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers )
	16th	Left Scapa with BITER, AVENGER, and six destroyers for the Clyde
	17th	Arrived Clyde
	17th-30th	Clyde for combined operations exercises and working up squadrons
	30th	Left Clyde with FORMIDABLE and five destroyers to join Force H for Operation TORCH
10. HMS FURIOUS
	16th-20th	Clyde, working up squadrons
	20th	Left Clyde escorted by three destroyers for Gibraltar for Operation TRAIN and Operation TORCH on completion
	20th-31st	Detached on Operation TRAIN (see paragraph 42)
11. HMS AVENGER
	16th	Left Scapa with VICTORIOUS, BITER, and six destroyers for the Clyde
	17th	Arrived Clyde
	17th-24th	Clyde for combined operations exercises and working up squadrons
	22nd	Left Clyde with convoy K M S 1 for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH
12. HMS BITER
	16th	Left Scapa with VICTORIOUS and AVENGER and six destroyers for the Clyde
	17th	Arrived Clyde
	17th-26th	Clyde for combined operations exercises and working up squadrons
	26th	Left Clyde with convoy K M F 1 for Gibraltar and for Operation TORCH
13. HMS DASHER
	16th-27th	Clyde for combined operations exercises and working up squadrons
	27th	Left Clyde with ARGUS, JAMAICA, DELHI, and four destroyers for Gibraltar and for Operation TORCH
Attached Aircraft Carriers
14. HMS FORMIDABLE
	16th	Left Rosyth with NELSON and five destroyers on completion of docking and repairs. Arrived Scapa p.m.
	16th-24th	Scapa, working up squadrons
	24th	Left Scapa with two destroyers for the Clyde
	25th	Arrived Clyde to continue working up squadrons
	30th	Left Clyde with VICTORIOUS and five destroyers to Join Force H for Operation TORCH
15. HMS INDOMITABLE
	16th-31st	Liverpool for action damage repairs
16. HMS ARGUS
	16th-27th	Clyde, working up squadrons
	27th	Sailed with DASHER, JAMAICA, DELHI, and four destroyers for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH
First Cruiser Squadron
17. HMS LONDON (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	16th-19th	Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
	22nd	Arrived Hvalfiord
	22nd-31st	Hvalfiord
18. HMS NORFOLK
	16th-23rd	Clyde for repairs
	23rd	Left Clyde for Scapa
	24th	Arrived Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with CUMBERLAND (Force Q) for Operation TORCH
19. HMS SUFFOLK
	16th-23rd	Hvalfiord
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	25th-31st	Scapa
20. HMS BERWICK
	16th-31st	Hvalfiord
21. HMS CUMBERLAND
	16th-31st	Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with NORFOLK (Force Q) for Operation TORCH
22. HMS KENT
	16th-31st	Liverpool, refitting
23. HMS SUSSEX
	16th-24th	Scapa, working up
	24th	Left Scapa for the Tyne for repairs to boilers and 8Ó armament
	25th	Arrived Tyne
	25th-31st	Tyne
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
24. HMS SHEFFIELD (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	16th-20th	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa with JAMAICA for the Clyde for combined operations exercises
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde for Belfast to embark military personnel for Operation TORCH, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Belfast to join convoy K M F 1 for Operation TORCH
25. HMS KENYA
	16th-31st	Tyne, refitting
26. HMS NIGERIA
	16th	Gibraltar completing temporary action damage repairs
	17th	Left Gibraltar for Charlestown, U.S.A. for permanent repairs
	22nd	Arrived Charlestown, U.S.A. – taken in hand for refit and permanent repairs
27. HMS JAMAICA
	16th-20th	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa with SHEFFIELD for the Clyde for combined operations exercises
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	27th	Left Clyde with ARGUS, DASHER, DELHI, and four destroyers for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH
28. HMS BERMUDA
	16th	Arrived Clyde from Scapa for repairs
	24th	Left Clyde for Plymouth
	25th	Arrived Plymouth
	26th	Left Plymouth for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH
29. HMS SCYLLA
	16th-21st	Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	22nd	Arrived Rosyth
	24th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	25th	Scapa, sailing p.m. for Plymouth
	27th	Arrived Plymouth
	29th	Left Plymouth with OPPORTUNE for Gibraltar and Operation TORCH
30. HMS ARGONAUT
	16th	Left Seidisfiord with INTREPID and OBDURATE for Spitzbergen and Kola Inlet (Operation E Z)
	16th-27th	Operation E Z (see para. 39)
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa with Force H for Operation TORCH
Attached Cruiser
31. HMS GLASGOW
	17th	Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up on completion of refit
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	19th-31st	Scapa, working up
Attached Fast Minelayer
32. HMS WELSHMAN
	18th	Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up on completion of refit, arriving p.m
	18th-27th	Scapa, working up
	27th	Left Scapa for Port Z A
	28th	Arrived Port Z A, sailing p.m. for Plymouth
	30th	Arrived Plymouth for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

  

 

33. Destroyers

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

ICARUS completed her refit in the Humber on 19th

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

ORWELL arrived Scapa on 19th to work up and join the 17th D.F.

OBEDIENT arrived Scapa on 31st to work up and join the 17th D.F.

 

 

34. Ships attached for working up

Cruiser	GLASGOW
Fleet Destroyers	REDOUBT, QUICKMATCH, QUILLIAM, VESPER, ISAAC SWEERS, PORCUPINE
HUNT class destroyers	MELBREAK, HAYDON, LIMBOURNE, TANATSIDE, PENYLAN, HOLCOMBE, FARNDALE
Fast Minelayer	WELSHMAN

 

35. Ships attached for special duties      

(a). for duty with P Q and Q P convoys
A/A Ship	ULSTER QUEEN
Corvettes	BERGAMOT, BLUEBELL, BRYONY, CAMELLIA
A/S trawlers	CAPE ARGONA, CAPE MARIATO, DANEMAN, ST KENAN
(b). For Operation TORCH
Aircraft carriers	FORMIDABLE, ARGUS
Destroyers	PENN, PANTHER, LOOKOUT
(c). For refits and repairs
Battleship	MALAYA
Aircraft Carrier	INDOMITABLE

 

36. Changes of Flag

 

The Flag of the Commander in Chief was transferred from the DUNLUCE CASTLE to the KING GEORGE V on 31st

 

The Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, was transferred from the KING GEORGE V to the ANSON on 31st

 

The Flag of Flag Officer Commanding Force H was transferred from the MALAY to the DUKE OF YORK on 17th

 

 

37. Patrols BLACK and WHITE  

 

There were no Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, on patrol on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes (Patrol BLACK) or in the Denmark Straits (Patrol WHITE) during this period

 

 

38. Operation E Y

 

The search for moored mines in the Seidisfiord area continued throughout the period, night patrols being instituted to guard against the earlier suspected sabotage of the dan buoys. BOOTLE joined the 15th Flotilla on 22nd with stores and minesweeping equipment and BEAUMARIS escorted by LLANDUDNO rejoined the same day after the former’s propeller had been cleared by divers at Akureyri. Enemy aircraft continued to shadow the minesweepers during this operation.

 

The operation was completed by the end of the month when the channel had been widened to 2 miles and on 1st November the 15th M/S Flotilla sailed for Hvalfiord to assist the local minesweeping force to sweep for suspected mines in the Rekjanes passage.

 

 

39. Operation E Z

 

This operation, the object of which was to take special stores to Spitzbergen and Kola Inlet and bring back survivors and R.A.F. personnel from North Russia, was completed successfully and without incident by the ARGONAUT and the destroyers INTREPID and OBDURATE. There was a total delay of 24 hours over the whole operation due to bad weather encountered in the early stages.

 

Having embarked the stores and personnel in ARGONAUT at Rosyth, the force sailed from Seidisfiord on 16th being swept out of the port by the 15th M/S Flotilla. Heavy weather on passage to Spitzbergen delayed their arrived until late on 18th. Disembarkation of stores from ARGONAUT was completed before dark on 19th while the destroyers maintained an A/S patrol at the mouth of the fiord. The force then sailed for kola Inlet and arrived on 22nd.

 

The disembarkation of stores and embarkation of survivors and R.A.F. personnel at Kola Inlet proceeded very smoothly and the force was able to sail early on 23rd after being there only ten hours. On the return passage, the force was shadowed on two occasions by enemy aircraft before arriving at Seidisfiord on 26th. Sailing independently from Seidisfiord the same day, ARGONAUT arrived Scapa on 27th and the two destroyers early on 28th.

 

 

40. Operation S E

 

MIDDLETON, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD together with an oiler arrived Sullom Voe on 29th to carry out an A/S offensive operation in the area, to the eastward of the Rona – Iceland mine barrier, working in close cooperation with Coastal Command aircraft including those on Flora patrols. To ensure proper cooperation between the destroyers and aircraft, the Operation was controlled by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth

 

Extra FLORA patrols were established for this operation and the three destroyers left Lerwick for the first patrol on 31st.

 

 

41. Operation FB

 

In view of the large number of Home Fleet ships withdrawn for Operation TORCH, it proved impossible to run P Q 19 as a normal heavily escorted convoy. Instead it was decided to sail ten ships independently from Reykjavik to North Russia and ten ships independently from Beyslushaya to Iceland at approximately 100 mile intervals; following up these sailings with Q P 15 about 11th November. An account of these operations will be included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for the Period 1st-15th November.

 

 

42. Operation TRAIN

 

As a result of increased Axis air attacks on Malta during the middle of the month an urgent requirement arose for Spitfires in Malta before the commencement of Operation TORCH. It was there decided that FURIOUS, who was in any case taking part in the later operation, should carry out the Operation of ferrying the Spitfires to Malta.

 

After embarking the aircraft in the Clyde she was sailed on 20th escorted by MARNE, ESCAPADE, and ISAAC SWEERS for Gibraltar, arriving there after an uneventful passage on 25th. The Force sailed from Gibraltar the following day and successfully flew off all Spitfires to Malta on 28th. FURIOUS and the three destroyers arrived back to Gibraltar on 30th where they remained – FURIOUS and ISAAC SWEERS for Operation TORCH, ESCAPADE and MARNE for escort duty before returning to the United Kingdom

 

 

43. Operation TORCH

 

A large number of Home Fleet ships were lent to this operation – the Allied attack on French North Africa. Most of the month was spent by these ships working up for the operation, carrying out combined operations exercises, bombardment practices, and flying training for the aircraft carriers. By the end of the month, all units from the Home Fleet had left the U.K. for the Operation

 

The following tables show the progress of the Operation:

Ship	Sailed	Date	Sailed in company with/for
DUKE OF YORK	Scapa	30th	with Force H to Gibraltar
NELSON	Scapa	30th	with Force H to Gibraltar
RODNEY	Scapa	23rd	with three destroyers independently to Gibraltar
RENOWN	Scapa	30th	with Force H to Gibraltar
VICTORIOUS	Clyde	30th	with Force H to Gibraltar
FURIOUS	Clyde	20th	with 3 destroyers for Operation TRAIN
FORMIDABLE	Clyde	30th	with Force H to Gibraltar
ARGUS	Clyde	27th	with DASHER, DELHI, JAMAICA, and four destroyers for Gibraltar*
AVENGER	Clyde	22nd	with convoy K M S 1
BITER	Clyde	26th	with convoy K M F 1
DASHER	Clyde	27th	with ARGUS, DELHI, JAMAICA, and four destroyers for Gibraltar
WELSHMAN	Plymouth	1 Nov	independently for Gibraltar
NORFOLK	Scapa	31st	for Force Q
CUMBERLAND	Scapa	31st	for Force Q
SHEFFIELD	Belfast	27th	with K M F 1
BERMUDA	Plymouth	26th	independently for Gibraltar
JAMAICA	Clyde	27th	with ARGUS, DASHER, DELHI, and four destroyers for Gibraltar
SCYLLA	Plymouth	29th	with OPPORTUNE for Gibraltar
ARGONAUT	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
MILNE	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
MARTIN	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
METEOR	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
ESKIMO	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
TARTAR	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
ASHANTI	Scapa	30th	with Force H for Gibraltar
ONSLOW	Londonderry	29th	with W S 24 and for Force Q
OFFA	Londonderry	29th	with W S 24 and for Force Q
ORIBI	Londonderry	29th	with W S 24 and for Force Q
OPPORTUNE	Plymouth	29th	with SCYLLA for Gibraltar
WHEATLAND	Milford Haven	27th	escorting A/A ships for Gibraltar**
LAMERTON	Milford Haven	27th	escorting A/A ships for Gibraltar
WILTON	Milford Haven	27th	escorting A/A ships for Gibraltar
PENN	Scapa	23rd	with RODNEY for Gibraltar
PANTHER	Scapa	23rd	with RODNEY for Gibraltar
LOOKOUT	Scapa	23rd	with RODNEY for Gibraltar
(n.b. * arrived at Gibraltar: BICESTER, ZETLAND, and FARNDALE
(n.b. ** the three anti aircraft ships were PALOMARES, POZARICA, and TYNWALD)
(n.b. BLYSKAWICA, BRAMHAM, and COWDRAY left Londonderry 20 October for Gibraltar)

 

---

 

 

NOVEMBER 1942

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st to 16th November 1942, inclusive

 

Sunday 1st November

 

UREDD arrived Dundee from Lerwick

WELSHMAN left Plymouth for Gibraltar for Operation TORCH

SCYLLA and OPPORTUNE arrived Gibraltar from Plymouth for Operation TORCH

15th M/S Flotilla (FRASERBURGH, LYME REGIS, BEAUMARIS, WORTHING, LLANDUDNO, BOOTLE, and ARDROSSAN) left Seidisfiord for Hvalfiord on completion of Operation E Y, for sweep of the Rekjanes Passage.

Operation F.B. - First westbound rescue trawler left North Russia for patrol.

7th eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

4th eastbound rescue trawler left Reykjavik for patrol

8th eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over Iceland

Operation S N 3 F completed – 1st M.L. Flotilla returned to Port Z A

 

Monday 2nd November

 

Rear Admiral (m) in SOUTHERN PRINCE, with PORT QUEBEC, MENESTHEUS, AGAMEMNON, ADVENTURE, CASTLETON, LANCASTER, BRIGHTON, and WELLS arrived Port Z A from Operation S N 3 F.

Operation S E – CHIDDINGFOLD, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY arrived Sullom Voe from 1st patrol

Operation F B – 2nd Westbound rescue trawler left Archangel for patrol.

9th eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

1st eastbound rescue trawler returned to Reykjavik after sustaining damage while attacking a U boat

3rd westbound merchant ship left Bycluskya Bay for Reykjavik

10th eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

JAMAICA arrived Gibraltar from the Clyde for Operation TORCH

15th M/S Flotilla arrived Hvalfiord from Seidisfiord for sweep of Reykjanes passages.

FORESTER left Scapa for Hvalfiord

 

Tuesday 3rd November

 

BELFAST recommissioned for trials and service at Devonport under the command of Captain F.R. Parham, R.N.      

Operation F.B. 11th eastbound ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

HOWE left Scapa for Port H H Z escorted by 3 destroyers, arriving p.m. for Operation E W. Destroyers returned to Scapa

 

Wednesday 4th November

 

AGAMEMNON and MENESTHEUS escorted by BRIGHTON and CASTLETON left Port Z A for Scapa, arriving p.m. BRIGHTON and CASTLETON returned to Port Z A

Operation F B – 12th eastbound merchant ship left Reykjavik for North Russia

3rd westbound rescue trawler left Archangel for patrol

4th westbound merchant ship left Bycluskya Bay for Reykjavik

HARRIER and GLEANER left Archangel for Iokanka for rescue work

FORESTER arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

MUSKETEER left Hvalfiord for Scapa

 

Thursday 5th November

 

Operation S E – CHIDDINGFOLD, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON left Sullom Voe for 2nd patrol.

ONSLAUGHT docked for minor repairs at Scapa

BRIGHTON and CASTLETON arrived Port ZA from Scapa from escort of MENESTHEUS and AGAMEMNON.

Operation F B – HARRIER and GLEANER arrived Iokanka from Archangel for routine patrol.

TROOPER, P 312, and P 216 left the Clyde for Port H A Z

FAULKNOR, ECHO, IMPULSIVE left Scapa for Seidisfiord for North Russia and escort of Q P 15

ROCKWOOD left Clyde for Scapa to work up

 

Friday 6th November

 

Operation F B – 6th eastbound merchant ship ashore at South Cape, Spitzbergen

11th and 12th eastbound merchant ships returned to Reykjavik

Operation S E – CHIDDINGFOLD, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON arrived Sullom Voe from 2nd Patrol

MUSKETEER arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

ROCKWOOD arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

TROOPER, P 312, and P 216 arrived Port H A Z from the Clyde. P 312 and P 216 proceeding to patrol off the Norwegian coast in zone K 6

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over the Shetlands

Operation S E – CHIDDINGFOLD, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON left Sullom Voe for 3rd Patrol

LONDON left Hvalfiord for Scapa

 

Saturday 7th November

 

Operation F B – 1st and 2nd eastbound merchant ships arrived Archangel for Reykjavik

1st westbound merchant ship arrived Akureyri from Bycluskya Bay

Operation S E – OAKLEY left Scapa for Sullom Voe, arriving p.m. to relieve CHIDDINGFOLD

CHIDDINGFOLD, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY arrived Sullom Voe from 3rd patrol

KENT left Liverpool for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for North Russia and escort of Q P 15

SUFFOLK left Scapa for Hvalfiord

RACEHORSE left Tobermory for Scapa to continue to work up

 

Sunday 8th November

 

MUSKETEER taken in hand for boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

RACEHORSE arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up

AJAX escorted by MONTROSE and HOLDERNESS left Sheerness for Scapa to work up on completion of refit

Operation F B – 3rd eastbound merchant ship arrived Archangel from Reykjavik

KENT arrived Scapa from Liverpool to work up on completion of refit

LONDON arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord

Operation S E – CHIDDINGFOLD, on relief by OAKLEY, left Sullom Voe for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

MENESTHEUS and AGAMEMNON escorted by VESPER left Scapa for Sheerness.

 

Monday 9th November

 

SUFFOLK arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

HOLDERNESS transferred from escort of AJAX to escort of AGAMEMNON and MENESTHEUS to return to Sheerness

CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Aberdeen from Sullom Voe for boiler cleaning on relief by OAKLEY in Operation S E

Enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance of Seidisfiord

ONSLAUGHT undocked at Scapa on completion of minor repairs

AJAX escorted by MONTROSE arrived Scapa from Sheerness to work up, MONTROSE returning p.m. to Harwich.

JUNON and UREDD left Dundee for Lerwick for patrol off the Norwegian coast

Operation F D – 2nd westbound merchant ship arrived Reykjavik from Bycluskya Bay.

 

Tuesday 10th November

 

MARTIN blew up and sunk in 37-53N, 3-57E during Operation TORCH

INTREPID docked for minor repairs at Scapa, completing p.m.

INGLEFIELD left the Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

AGAMEMNON and MENESTHEUS escorted by VESPER and HOLDERNESS arrived Sheerness from Scapa

Operation F B – TUNA left patrol for Lerwick

UREDD and JUNON arrived Lerwick from Dundee

MONTROSE arrived Harwich from Scapa from escort of AJAX

LOYAL left Clyde for Scapa to work up

Operation F B – 2nd eastbound rescue trawler returned to Reykjavik from patrol.

INTREPID and ICARUS left Scapa for Seidisfiord for North Russia and for escort of Q P 15

 

Wednesday 11th November

 

Operation F B – 3rd westbound merchant ship arrived Akureyri from Bycluskya Bay

7th eastbound merchant ship arrived Archangel from Reykjavik

ADVENTURE left Port Z A for Operation S N 17 A

LOYAL arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up

INGLEFIELD arrived Scapa from Hvalfiord on completion of refit

UREDD left Lerwick for patrol off the Norwegian coast during Q P 15

Operation S E – OAKLEY, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY escorting one oiler left Sullom Voe for Scapa on completion of the operation.

 

Thursday 12th November

 

MARNE torpedoed and damaged in 35-50N, 9-57W during Operation TORCH

Operation S N 17 A completed by ADVENTURE who returned to Port Z A

INTREPID and ICARUS arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa

MUSKETEER completed boiler cleaning and repairs at Scapa

Operation F B – O 15 left patrol for Lerwick

MIDDLETON and LEDBURY arrived Scapa from Sullom Voe

Operation F B – 3rd eastbound rescue trawler arrived Akureyri from patrol with survivors of 9th eastbound merchant ship.

MATCHLESS left Tyne for Scapa to work up on completion of refit and action damage repairs

OAKLEY escorting one oiler arrived Scapa from Sullom Voe

EASTON commissioned for trials and service at Southampton

GOATHLAND left Clyde for Tobermory to work up

INTREPID, ICARUS, FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE left Seidisfiord for Kola for escort of Q P 15

 

Friday 13th November

 

LIMBOURNE, HAYDON, and MELBREAK left Scapa for Port H A Z arriving a.m. Left p.m. as escort for HOWE, arriving Scapa with HOWE later the same day.

JUNON left Lerwick for patrol off the Norwegian coast during Q P 15 and Operation UPSILON

GOATHLAND arrived Tobermory from the Clyde to work up

MATCHLESS arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up

ADVENTURE arrived Port Z A from Operation S N 17 A

Four ships of the 15th M/S Flotilla (LYME REGIS, ARDROSSAN, WORTHING, and LLANDUDNO) left Hvalfiord for the Clyde for boiler cleaning and alterations.

REDOUBT left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning and alterations.

 

Saturday 14th November

 

REDOUBT arrived Clyde from Scapa

SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA left Gibraltar from Operation TORCH for the United Kingdom, sweeping for blockade runners to and from French ports while on passage.

QUICKMATCH left Scapa for the Clyde for boiler cleaning

Operation F B – 4th eastbound rescue trawler arrived Reykjavik from patrol with survivors from 9th eastbound merchant ship

Operation F B – 4th westbound ship left Bycluskya Bay for Reykjavik

ONSLAUGHT and OBDURATE left Scapa for Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force for Q P 15

BODO left Aberdeen for Operation CARHAMPTON (see para. 39)

AVENGER torpedoed and sunk in homeward bound convoy from Operation TORCH.

 

Sunday 15th November

 

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from SHEFFIELD to BERMUDA

QUICKMATCH arrived Clyde from Scapa for boiler cleaning

WENSLEYDALE left Tobermory for Scapa to continue working up

Flag of Flag Officer Commanding, Force H transferred from DUKE OF YORK to NELSON

 

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 1st - 16th November 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-15th	Scapa
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-15th	Scapa
3. HMS DUKE OF YORK
	1st-15th	Detached with Force H for Operation TORCH
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Port H H Z for Operation E W (see para. 37) arriving p.m.
	13th	Left Port H H Z for Scapa on completion of Operation E W, arriving p.m.
Attached Battleships
5. HMS NELSON (FLAG OF FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING FORCE H)
	1st-15th	With Force H for Operation TORCH.
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st-15th	With Force H for Operation TORCH.
7. HMS MALAYA
	1st-15th	Rosyth, refitting
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	1st-15th	With Force H for Operation TORCH.
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers)
	1st-15th	Detached for Operation TORCH.
10. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-15th	Detached for Operation TORCH.
11. HMS BITER
	1st-15th	Detached for Operation TORCH.
12. HMS AVENGER
	1st-14th	Detached for Operation TORCH
	14th	Torpedoed and sunk in homeward bound convoy from Operation TORCH
Aircraft Carriers temporarily attached to the Home Fleet
13. HMS FORMIDABLE
	1st-15th	With Force H for Operation TORCH
14. HMS INDOMITABLE
	1st-15th	Liverpool refitting and repairing action damage
15. HMS ARGUS
	1st-15th	Detached for Operation TORCH
First Cruiser Squadron
16. HMS LONDON (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-6th	Hvalfiord
	6th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	8th-15th	Scapa
17. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-15th	Detached with Force Q on Operation TORCH
18. HMS SUFFOLK
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
	9th	Arrived Hvalfiord
	9th-15th	Hvalfiord
19. HMS BERWICK
	1st-15th	Hvalfiord
20. HMS CUMBERLAND
	1st-15th	Detached with Force Q on Operation TORCH
21. HMS KENT
	1st-7th	Liverpool, refitting
	7th	Left Liverpool for Scapa on completion of refit
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	8th-15th	Scapa, working up
22. HMS SUSSEX
	1st-15th	Tyne for repairs to boilers and 8Ó armament
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
23. HMS SHEFFIELD (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron
	1st-15th	Detached on Operation TORCH
24. HMS NIGERIA
	1st-15th	Charleston, U.S.A., refitting and repairing action damage
25. HMS KENYA
	1st-15th	Tyne, refitting and action damage repairs
26. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-15th	Detached on Operation TORCH
27. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-15th	Detached on Operation TORCH
28. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-15th	Detached on Operation TORCH
29. HMS ARGONAUT
	1st-15th	Detached on Operation TORCH
Cruisers Temporarily attached to the Home Fleet
30. HMS ARGONAUT
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
31. HMS AJAX
	8th	Left Sheerness for Scapa on completion of refit
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	9th-15th	Scapa, working up

 

32. Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

MATCHLESS returned to Scapa on 13th after refit and repairs to action damage in the Tyne

MARTIN blew up and sank (presumably torpedoed by U boat) in 37-53N, 3-57E during Operation TORCH on 10th.

MARNE torpedoed in 35-50N, 9-57W during Operation TORCH. Ship was badly damaged and out of action

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

INGLEFIELD returned to Scapa on 11th on completion of refit in the Humber

 

33. Ships temporarily attached to and lent from the Home Fleet

(a). Attached for working up
Cruisers	GLASGOW, AJAX
Fleet Destroyers	REDOUBT, RACEHORSE, QUICKMATCH, QUILLIAM, LOYAL, VESPER, ISAAC SWEERS
HUNT class destroyers	MELBREAK, HAYDON, LIMBOURNE, TANATSIDE, ROCKWOOD
(b). Attached while refitting
Battleship	MALAYA
Aircraft Carrier	INDOMITABLE
(c). Attached for Operation TORCH
Battleships	NELSON, RODNEY
Aircraft carriers	FORMIDABLE, ARGUS
Cruisers	SCYLLA, ARGONAUT
(d). Detached for Operation TORCH
Battleship	DUKE OF YORK
Aircraft carriers	VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS, AVENGER, BITER
Cruisers	NORFOLK, CUMBERLAND, SHEFFIELD, JAMAICA, BERMUDA
Fleet destroyers	MILNE, MARTIN, METEOR, ASHANTI, TARTAR, ESKIMO, ESCAPADE, MARNE, ISAAC SWEERS, ONSLOW, OFFA, ORIBI, OPPORTUNE, WHEATLAND, LAMERTON, WILTON

 

34. Changes of Flag

 

The flag of the Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron from SHEFFIELD to BERMUDA on 15th.

 

The Flag of the Flag Officer Commanding Force H was transferred from DUKE OF YORK to NELSON on 15th

 

 

35. Patrols BLACK and WHITE  

 

There were no Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, on patrol in the Demark Strait (Patrol WHITE) or between Iceland and the Faroes (Patrol BLACK) during the period

 

 

36. Operation S E

 

This operation, controlled by Commander in Chief, Rosyth, consisted of anti U boat patrols by destroyers based on Sullom Voe, and Coastal Command aircraft. An oiler was based at Sullom Voe during the operations and the destroyers carried out three patrols without result in the first week of November. The force was composed of CHIDDINGFOLD (Senior Officer), MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY. CHIDDINGFOLD being relieved (as Senior Officer) by OAKLEY on 7th.

 

On 11th it became necessary to recall the three destroyers and the operation was abandoned. They arrived back at Scapa with the oiler WAR SUDRA on the following day.

 

 

37. Operation E W

 

The HOWE was detached to Port H H Z between 3rd and 13th for special trials. She returned to Scapa on completion.

 

 

38. Operation TORCH

 

All the Home Fleet ships shown in paragraph 33 (d) remained detached on Operation TORCH throughout the period. The AVENGER was sunk in a homeward bound convoy on 14th after a U boat attack. The MARTIN blew up and sank while escorting Force H in the Mediterranean on 10th. The MARNE was torpedoed while escorting the HECLA west of the Straits of Gibraltar on 12th, but arrived at Gibraltar in tow.

 

 

39. Operation V P

 

The operations by MTBs, under the command of Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands, against enemy shipping on the Norwegian Coast had been planned to commence during the first half of November. The first sortie, however, was held up by bad weather and details of this and later sorties will now be included in the War Diary for the last half of November.

 

 

40. Convoy Q P 15

 

It was decided to run Q P 15 during the second half of November. Planning proceeded accordingly for a convoy of 30 merchant ships escorted by war ships already in North Russia (one A/A ship and four corvettes), reinforced by five of the minesweepers operating from Archangel and Kola Inlet.

 

The destroyer escort consisted of FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE who arrived Seidisfiord on 7th from Scapa where they were joined on 12th by INTREPID and ICARUS. All five destroyers then sailed for Kola Inlet, arriving there on 16th to await the sailing of Q P 15.

 

A second force of five destroyers (MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, MIDDLETON, and LEDBURY) left Scapa on 17th for Seidisfiord to relieve the first force during the passage of the convoy.

A cruiser covering force, composed of SUFFOLK and FORESTER from Hvalfiord and LONDON, ONSLAUGHT, and OBDURATE from Scapa, assembled at Seidisfiord on 17th and 18th November

The convoy was expected to leave Archangel on 17th.

 

 

41. Operation F B

 

The sailing of eastbound and westbound independently routed merchant ships between Iceland and North Russia commenced during the first half of November. A/S trawlers were sailed from Reykjavik and Archangel to act as rescue ships during the operation and they were augmented by two submarines from patrol off the Norwegian coast.

 

The following tables show the progress of the Operation:

Eastbound from Iceland	Sailed	Arrived, sunk, or returned
1. RICHARD H. ALVERY	29 Oct	arrived 7 Nov
2. EMPIRE GALLIARD	29 Oct	arrived 7 Nov
3. JOHN WALKER	30 Oct	arrived 8 Nov
4. EMPIRE GILBERT	30 Oct	missing, believed sunk
5. JOHN H. LATRONE	31 Oct	returned to Reykjavik 2 Nov
6. CHUMLEIGH	31 Oct	wrecked near South Cape, Spitzbergen 6 Nov
7. HUGH WILLIAMSON	1 Nov	arrived 11 November
8. EMPIRE SKY	1 Nov	missing, believed sunk
9. EMPIRE SCOTT	2 Nov	arrived 18 November
10. WILLIAM CLARK	2 Nov	missing, believed sunk
11. DALDORCH	3 Nov	returned to Reykjavik on 6 Nov
12. BRIARWOOD	4 Nov	returned to Reykjavik on 6 Nov
Additional sailing of Soviet Union Ship
3A. DEKABRIST	30 Oct	believed sunk
Westbound from Bycluskya Bay	Sailed	Arrived or sunk
1. MUSSOVICT	29 Oct	arrived 7 Nov
2. AZERBAIJAN	31 Oct	arrived 9 Nov
3. CHERNYSHEVSKY	2 Nov	arrived 11 Nov
4. DOMBASS	4 Nov	believed sunk
5. KONSOMOLETZ	14 Nov	arrived 24 Nov
6. DVINA	24 Nov	arrived 5 December
7. MIRONICH	25 Nov	arrived 5 December
8. YELNYA	25 Nov	arrived 5 December
Rescue ships
(a). Two submarines were on patrol between 30 October and 17 November
(b). Four trawlers from Reykjavik were on patrol between 29 October and 14 November
(c). Three trawlers from Archangel were on patrol between 1 November and 6 November.

 

 

Part I of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th November to 30th November 1942, inclusive

 

Monday 16th November

 

SUFFOLK and FORESTER left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force with Q P 15

FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECHO, INTREPID, and ICARUS arrived Kola Inlet from Seidisfiord for Q P 15

LONDON left Scapa for Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force with Q P 15

FURY left Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

WENSLEYDALE arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up

TUNA arrived Lerwick from patrol off Norwegian coast.

 

Tuesday 17th November

 

SUFFOLK and FORESTER arrived Seidisfiord from Hvalfiord for cruiser covering force with Q P 15

Q P 15 (28 ships) sailed from Archangel for Reykjavik (MEANTLART grounded and sailed after refloating; IRONCLAD failed to sail). See para 38.

NORFOLK and CUMBERLAND arrived Scapa from Gibraltar from Operation TORCH

ONSLOW, OFFA, and ORIBI arrived Clyde from Operation TORCH; ONSLOW and OFFA sailed to Scapa. ORIBI taken in hand for boiler cleaning

ONSLAUGHT and OBDURATE arrived Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force with Q P 15

MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON left Scapa for Seidisfiord for escort of Q P 15

FURY arrived Scapa from Humber on completion of refit

MELBREAK left Scapa on completion of working up to join Plymouth Command

ABDIEL left Tyne for Scapa to work up on completion of repairs

4 ships of 15th M/S Flotilla (LYME REGIS, WORTHING, ARDROSSAN, and LLANDUDNO) arrived Liverpool from Hvalfiord

TUNA left Lerwick for Holy Loch.

O 15 arrived Lerwick from patrol during Operation F B and sailed p.m. for Dundee

 

Wednesday 18th November

 

LONDON arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for cruiser covering force with Q P 15

Operation F B – 10th eastbound merchant ship arrived Kola Inlet.

VICTORIOUS (R.A.A.) , DUKE OF YORK, WESTCOTT, MALCOLM, GLAISDALE, BULLDOG, BEAGLE, OPPORTUNE sailed from Gibraltar for United Kingdom from Operation TORCH (Force A)

ONSLOW and OFFA arrived Scapa from the Clyde

LIGHTNING left Sheerness for Scapa to work up

ABDIEL arrived Scapa from Tyne to work up

O 15 arrived Dundee from Lerwick.

 

Thursday 19th November

 

MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa for escort of Q P 15

FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECHO, INTREPID, and ICARUS sailed from Kola Inlet to join Q P 15

Cruiser Covering Force for Q P 15 (LONDON, SUFFOLK, ONSLAUGHT, OBDURATE, and FORESTER) sailed from Seidisfiord.

BLANKNEY sailed for Scapa from Humber on completion of refit

OFFA sailed from Scapa for Hull to refit

MELBREAK arrived Plymouth from Scapa to join Plymouth Command

RAIDER left Liverpool for Tobermory to work up

TUNA arrived Greenock from Lerwick

ARGUS and BITER arrived Clyde from escort of M K F 1 and Operation TORCH

DASHER arrived Liverpool from Operation TORCH and escort of M K F 1

 

Friday 20th November

 

SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA arrived Scapa from Gibraltar from Operation TORCH

MATCHLESS and LIMBOURNE sailed from Scapa to R/V with Force A

ECLIPSE sailed from Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

OFFA arrived Humber from Scapa for refit

BLANKNEY arrived Scapa from Humber

RAIDER arrived Tobermory from Liverpool to work up

NAMSOS sailed from Iceland for Spitzbergen with stores for GEARBOX

MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON sailed from Seidisfiord to join Q P 15

GOATHLAND left Tobermory for Scapa to continue working up

FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, ECHO, INTREPID, and ICARUS from Kola Inlet joined Q P 15

One merchant ship left Bycluskya Bay to join Q P 15

 

Saturday 21st November

 

ECLIPSE arrived Scapa from Humber

LAFOREY sailed from Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

GOATHLAND arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up

Russian local destroyer escort left Q P 15 and returned to Archangel

VICTORIOUS A/C depth charged and sank a U boat in 46-10N, 17-08W

 

Sunday 22nd November

 

Q P 15 scattered by continuous gale

 

Monday 23rd November

 

Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron (Q P 15 cruiser covering force) detached FORESTER, ONSLAUGHT, and OBDURATE to Seidisfiord to fuel.

Force A (Rear Admiral (A) in VICTORIOUS, DUKE OF YORK, OPPORTUNE, MATCHLESS, and LIMBOURNE arrived Clyde from Operation TORCH. Remaining destroyer detached to Londonderry to refuel.

JAMAICA sailed from Scapa for Barrow for repairs and Arctic fittings.

ORIBI sailed from Clyde for Scapa from boiler cleaning

LAFOREY arrived Scapa from Portsmouth to work up

One merchant ship of Q P 15 torpedoed and sunk in 75-30N, 8-00E.

MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON from Seidisfiord joined Q P 15

 

Tuesday 24th November

 

JAMAICA arrived Barrow from Scapa

ORIBI arrived Scapa from Clyde

TANATSIDE sailed from Scapa on completion of working up to join Plymouth Command

Operation F B – 5th westbound merchant ship arrived Akureyri from North Russia.

6th westbound merchant ship left Bycluskya for Iceland

 

Wednesday, 25th November

 

DUKE OF YORK, LIMBOURNE, OPPORTUNE, and MATCHLESS sailed from Clyde for Scapa.

NAMSOS arrived Spitzbergen with stores for GEARBOX

Operation F B – 7th and 8th westbound merchant ships sailed from Bycluskya Bay for Iceland

ULSTER QUEEN, ICARUS, BLUEBELL, and CAMELIA arrived at Seidisfiord from escort of Q P 15

FORESTER, OBDURATE, ONSLAUGHT detached by Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron from cruiser covering force arrived at Seidisfiord. ONSLAUGHT sailed for Scapa p.m.

Flag of Rear Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE as Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron struck in BERMUDA

LONDON and SUFFOLK left patrol for Scapa and Hvalfiord, respectively

 

Thursday, 26th November

 

ANSON, screened by INGLEFIELD, FURY, and BLANKNEY sailed from Scapa for Rosyth to give leave. On arrival the three destroyers returned to Scapa arriving p.m.

DUKE OF YORK, LIMBOURNE, OPPORTUNE, MATCHLESS arrived at Scapa from the Clyde

Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in LONDON arrived at Scapa from cruiser covering force in Q P 15.

7 stragglers from Q P 15 arrived at Akureyri

TANATSIDE arrived Greenock from Scapa

QUADRANT sailed from the Tyne and arrived at Rosyth en route for Scapa to work up

G.S. MIAOULES left Tyne for Scapa to work up

RAIDER left Tobermory for Scapa to continue working up

FAULKNOR, ECHO, INTREPID, IMPULSIVE, LEDBURY, MUSKETEER, ORWELL, and MIDDLETON arrived Seidisfiord from Q P 15

Commodore’s section of convoy (9 ships proceeded to Loch Ewe).

FORESTER and IMPULSIVE left Seidisfiord to assist SALAMANDER with engine defects in 68-05N, 11-40W.

HALCYON arrived Seidisfiord

 

Friday 27th November

 

SUFFOLK arrived Hvalfiord from cruiser covering force of Q P 15

7 more ships of Q P 15 arrived at Akureyri

SHARPSHOOTER, damaged in collision with EMPIRE SNOW, at Seidisfiord, proceeded to Hvalfiord for repairs.

FURY left Scapa for Hvalfiord

ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa from Q P 15 cruiser covering force

QUADRANT left Rosyth for Scapa arriving p.m. to work up

Operation V P ( MTBs 320 and 623 returned from patrol and claimed torpedo hits on two enemy merchant ships

OAKLEY and one merchant ship arrived Seidisfiord from Q P 15

INTERPID, ICARUS, LEDBURY, MIDDLETON, BLUEBELL, CAMELIA and one merchant ship left Seidisfiord to join Commodore’s section of Q P 15 and escort it to Loch Ewe.

BRITOMART, HAZARD, BERGAMOT, and BRYONY left the Commodore’s section of Q P 15 and arrived Seidisfiord to fuel.

ULSTER QUEEN left Seidisfiord and joined the Commodore’s Section of Q P 15

SHARPSHOOTER arrived Seidisfiord with one merchant ship from Q P 15

FORESTER and SALAMANDER arrived Seidisfiord

IMPULSIVE and OBDURATE established a patrol off Seidisfiord

 

Saturday 28th November

 

Q P 15 – 2 more ships arrived at Akureyri

MUSKETEER, ECHO, FORESTER, ORWELL, OAKLEY, BRITOMART, and HAZARD left Seidisfiord for escort of the Akureyri portion of Q P 15 (Q P 15M) to United Kingdom

RAIDER arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up

G.S. MIAOULES arrived Scapa from Tyne to work up

SHARPSHOOTER ( Q P 15) arrived Hvalfiord for repairs from Seidisfiord

One merchant ship ex Q P 15 left Akureyri for Reykjavik

OBDURATE left patrol for Hvalfiord

IMPULSIVE left patrol for Seidisfiord, arriving a.m.

FAULKNOR left Seidisfiord for Scapa

 

Sunday 29th November

 

Q P 15 M (14 merchant ships) sailed from Akureyri for United Kingdom escorted by MUSKETEER, EHCO, FORESTER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, BRITOMART, and HAZARD. IMPULSIVE, BERGAMOT, BRYONY and two merchant ships joined off Seidisfiord

FAULKNOR (Captain (D) 8th Destroyer Flotilla) arrived at Scapa from Q P 15

FURY arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa

OBDURATE arrived Hvalfiord from patrol off Seidisfiord and Q P 15 cruiser covering force.

HALCYON and SALAMANDER left Iceland for Scapa

G.S. ADRIAS sailed from the Tyne for Scapa to work up

One merchant ship arrived Akureyri from Bycluskya Bay having sailed on 18th to meet Q P 15.

 

Monday, 30th November

 

The Commodore’s Part of Q P 15 (10 ships) arrived Loch Ewe

ICARUS, MIDDLETON, INTREPID arrived Scapa, LEDBURY and ULSTER QUEEN arrived Clyde from escort of Q P 15

ONSLAUGHT sailed from Scapa for Leith for refit, arriving p.m.

PENELOPE sailed from Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

G.S. ADRIAS arrived at Scapa from the Tyne to work up

SEAGULL sailed from Humber for Scapa on completion of refit

BERMUDA, escorting STRATHAIRD, left Gibraltar for United Kingdom

LEDBURY taken in hand in the Clyde for boiler cleaning

ORWELL and OAKLEY detached from escort of Q P 15 M to Scapa

Two merchant ships ex Q P 15 left Akureyri for Reykjavik

BLUEBELL and CAMELIA detached from Q P 15 to the Tyne and Cardiff, respectively.

 

 

 

Part II of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary

For the period 16th November to 30th November 1942, inclusive

 

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	16th-30th	Scapa
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	16th-26th	Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa with 3 destroyers for Rosyth, arriving p.m.
	26th-30th	Rosyth giving leave
3. HMS DUKE OF YORK
	16th-18th	Detached with Force H
	18th	Left Gibraltar with VICTORIOUS and six destroyers for Clyde
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde with 3 destroyers for Scapa
	26th	Arrived Scapa
	26th-30th	Scapa
4. HMS HOWE
	16th-30th	Scapa
Attached Battleships
5. HMS NELSON (FLAG OF FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING FORCE H
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H.
6. HMS RODNEY
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H
7. HMS MALAYA
	16th-30th	Rosyth, refitting
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers
	16th-18th	Detached with Force H
	18th	Left Gibraltar with DUKE OF YORK and six destroyers for the Clyde
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd-30th	Clyde for boiler cleaning and repairs
10. HMS FURIOUS
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H
11. HMS BITER
	16th-19th	At sea on passage to the United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	19th	Arrived Clyde
	19th-30th	Clyde for repairs and alterations
12. HMS DASHER
	16th-19th	At sea on passage to the United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	19th	Arrived Liverpool
	19th-30th	Liverpool for repairs and alterations
Attached Aircraft Carriers
13. HMS INDOMITABLE
	16th-30th	Liverpool refitting and repairing action damage
14. HMS ARGUS
	16th-19th	On passage to United Kingdom
	19th	Arrived Clyde
	19th-30th	Clyde for refit and repairs
First Cruiser Squadron
15. HMS LONDON (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	16th	Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	18th	Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with cruiser covering force for Q P 15
	26th	Arrived Scapa from escort of Q P 15
	26th-30th	Scapa
16. HMS NORFOLK
	16th-17th	At sea on passage to United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	17th	Arrived Scapa with CUMBERLAND
	17th-30th	Scapa
17. HMS SUFFOLK
	16th	Left Hvalfiord with FORESTER for Seidisfiord for cruiser covering force with Q P 15
	17th	Arrived Seidisfiord
	18th	Left Seidisfiord with cruiser covering force for Q P 15
	27th	Arrived Hvalfiord from escort of Q P 15
	27th-30th	Hvalfiord
18. HMS BERWICK
	16th-30th	Hvalfiord
19. HMS CUMBERLAND
	16th-17th	At sea on passage to United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	17th	Arrived Scapa with NORFOLK
	17th-30th	Scapa
20. HMS KENT
	16th-30th	Scapa, working up
21. HMS SUSSEX
	16th-30th	Tyne for repairs to main armament and boilers
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
22. HMS BERMUDA (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
	16th-30th	Detached for Operation TORCH
	25th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron struck
	30th	BERMUDA left Gibraltar for United Kingdom
23. HMS SHEFFIELD
	16th-20th	At sea with JAMAICA on passage to the United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	20th-30th	Scapa
24. HMS KENYA
	16th-30th	Tyne, refitting and action damage repairs
25. HMS NIGERIA
	16th-30th	Charleston, U.S.A. refitting refit and action damage repairs
26. HMS JAMAICA
	16th-20th	on passage to United Kingdom from Gibraltar with SHEFFIELD
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	20th-23rd	Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for Barrow for repairs and Arctic fittings
	24th	Arrived Barrow
	24th-30th	Barrow
27. HMS GLASGOW
	16th-30th	Scapa, working up
28. HMS SCYLLA
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H
29. HMS ARGONAUT
	16th-30th	Detached with Force H
Temporarily attached
30. HMS AJAX
	16th-30th	Scapa, working up

 

 

31. Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

MARNE was taken in hand for temporary action damage repairs at Gibraltar on 16th

Sixth Destroyer Flotilla

BLANKNEY completed her refit in the Humber on the 19th

 

Eighth Destroyer Flotilla

FURY completed her refit in the Humber on 16th

ESCAPADE was transferred to the Western Approaches Command on return to the United Kingdom from Operation TORCH

ECLIPSE completed her refit in the Humber on 20th

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

ONSLOW (Captain D, 17th Destroyer Flotilla)

OFFA was taken in hand for refit in the Humber on 20th

ONSLAUGHT was taken in hand for refit at Leith on 30th

 

 

32. Ships temporarily attached to and lent from the Home Fleet

(a). Attached for working up
Cruisers	AJAX, GLASGOW
Fast Minelayer	ABDIEL
Fleet Destroyers	RACEHORSE, QUILLIAM, LOYAL, LIGHTNING, LAFOREY, RAIDER, QUADRANT
HUNT class destroyers	HAYDON, LIMBOURNE, ROCKWOOD, WENSLEYDALE, GOATHLAND, MIAOULES, TANATSIDE, MELBREAK
(b). Attached while refitting
Battleship	MALAYA
Aircraft Carriers	INDOMITABLE, ARGUS
(c). Detached for Operation TORCH throughout the period
Battleships	NELSON, RODNEY
Cruisers	BERMUDA, SCYLLA, ARGONAUT
Aircraft carrier	FURIOUS
Battlecruiser	RENOWN
Destroyers	MILNE, MARNE, METEOR, ESKIMO, ASHANTI, TARTAR
HUNT class destroyers	WHEATLAND, LAMERTON, WILTON

 

33. Changes of Flag

 

The Flag of Rear Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, as Rear Admiral Commanding, 10th Cruiser Squadron was struck in BERMUDA on 25th (later rehoisted as Rear Admiral Commanding, 12th Cruiser Squadron in AURORA)

 

 

34. Patrols BLACK and WHITE  

 

There were no Home Fleet ships, other than those on passage, on patrol in the Demark Strait (Patrol WHITE) or between Iceland and the Faroes (Patrol BLACK) during the period

 

 

35. Operation F B

 

A complete summary, covering the whole of November, of the eastbound and westbound merchant ships sailings in Operation F B has been included in the Commander In Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for the period 1st-15th November.

 

 

36. Operation TORCH

 

Home Fleet ships which remained detached throughout the period for operation TORCH are shown in paragraph 32 (c). Other ships which had been detached for this operation returned to the United Kingdom before the end of November. There were no casualties during the last half of the month.

 

 

37. Operation V P

 

The offensive patrols, planned for the second half of November against shipping off the Norwegian coast, by MTBs under the Command of Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands, were considerably curtailed by bad weather which involved many delays. On only one occasion was enemy shipping sighted when two ships of about 5000 tons were hit by torpedoes from MTB’s 320 and 623 and left sinking at Askevold. (n.b. handwritten correction shows MTB 320 as MTB 620.)

 

 

38. Convoy Q P 15

 

Q P 15 was sailed from North Russia on conclusion of the independent eastbound and westbound merchant ship sailings (Operation F B) and was not un in conjunction with a P Q convoy in the opposite direction. Of the convoy of 30 ships, one failed to sail, one grounded on leaving Archangel and returned after failing to catch up, and one was torpedoed and sunk. In spite of bad weather which scattered the convoy all the remaining 27 ships arrived in Iceland and the United Kingdom. One additional ship which was sailed to meet the convoy from Bycluskya failed to join and proceeded independently to Iceland. There were no casualties among the naval escort except for slight damage sustained by SHARPSHOOTER in collision with one of the merchant ships at Seidisfiord.

 

A cruiser covering force was sailed to protect the convoy from surface attack and four submarines were on patrol between the North Coast of Norway and the convoy.

 

The following are the details of the passage of Q P 15

(i). Q P 15 and close escort
	5th	FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE left Scapa for Seidisfiord and North Russia
	7th	FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE arrived Seidisfiord
	10th	INTREPID and ICARUS left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	12th	INTREPID and ICARUS arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with FAULKNOR, ECHO, and IMPULSIVE to Kola Inlet
	16th	FAULKNOR, ECHO, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, and ICARUS arrived Kola Inlet
	17th	MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON left Scapa for Seidisfiord.
		Convoy (30 ships) sailed from Archangel escorted by ULSTER QUEEN, HALCYON, BRITOMART, HAZARD, SHARPSHOOTER, SALAMANDER, BRYONY, BERGAMOT, BLUEBELL, and CAMELIA and local escort of three Russian destroyers and one A/S trawler.
		One merchant ship failed to leave Dvina
		One merchant ship grounded.
	18th	Merchant ship aground in Dvina refloated and sailed to catch up with the convoy
	19th	MUSKETEER, OAKLEY, ORWELL, LEDBURY, and MIDDLETON arrived Seidisfiord.
		FAULKNOR, ECHO, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, and ICARUS left Kola Inlet to join convoy
	20th	MUSKETEER and four destroyers left Seidisfiord to meet the convoy
		One merchant ship left Bycluskya to join the convoy
		FAULKNOR and four destroyers from Kola Inlet joined the convoy
	21st	Local escort left the convoy and returned to North Russian ports.
	22nd	Convoy badly scattered by continuous gale
	23rd	One merchant ship torpedoed and sunk in 75-30N, 8-00E.
		MUSKETEER and four destroyers from Seidisfiord joined the convoy
	24th	Destroyers ULSTER QUEEN, BLUEBELL, and CAMELIA proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel.
	25th	ULSTER QUEEN, ICARUS, BLUEBELL, and CAMELIA arrived Seidisfiord
	26th	FAULKNOR, ECHO, INTREPID, IMPULSIVE, LEDBURY, MUSKETEER, ORWELL, and MIDDLETON arrived Seidisfiord.
		Commodore's section of the convoy (9 ships) proceeded direct to Loch Ewe
		FORESTER and IMPULSIVE left Seidisfiord to assistance of SALAMANDER with engine defects in 68-05N 11-40W.
		HALCYON arrived Seidisfiord
		Seven stragglers arrived Akureyri
	27th	OAKLEY and on merchant ship arrived Seidisfiord
		INTREPID, ICARUS, LEDBURY, MIDDLETON, BLUEBELL, and CAMELIA and one merchant ship left Seidisfiord and joined Commodore's section of the convoy for escort to Loch Ewe
		BRITOMART, HAZARD, BERGAMOT, and BRYONY left the Commodore's section and arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel.
		ULSTER QUEEN left Seidisfiord and joined the Commodore's section to Belfast
		Seven further stragglers from the convoy arrived at Akureyri
		SHARPSHOOTER arrived Seidisfiord with one merchant ship
		SHARPSHOOTER damaged in collision in Seidisfiord and sailed p.m. for Hvalfiord for repairs
		FORESTER and SALAMANDER arrived Seidisfiord
		IMPULSIVE and OBDURATE established a patrol off Seidisfiord
		Merchant ship which grounded leaving Archangel and attempted to rejoin convoy returned to Archangel.
		Two more stragglers arrived Akureyri
	28th	SALAMANDER arrived Hvalfiord from Seidisfiord for repairs
		One merchant ship at Akureyri sailed unescorted to Reykjavik
		OBDURATE left patrol for Hvalfiord
		IMPULSIVE left patrol for Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.
		FORESTER, ECHO, OAKLEY, MUSKETEER, ORWELL, BRITOMART, and HAZARD left Seidisfiord for escort
		of the merchant ships from Akureyri.
		FAULKNOR left Seidisfiord for Scapa
	29th	OBDURATE arrived Hvalfiord from patrol off Seidisfiord
		Q P 15 M (14 merchant ships from Akureyri) sailed for Loch Ewe escorted by FORESTER, ECHO, OAKLEY,
		MUSKETEER, ORWELL, BRITOMART, and HAZARD, joined off Seidisfiord by one merchant ship and one tanker escorted by IMPULSIVE, BERGAMOT, and BRYONY.
		FAULKNOR arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord
		SALAMANDER and HALCYON left Seidisfiord for Scapa
		One merchant ship from Bycluskya which failed to join the convoy arrived Akureyri
	30th	Commodore's section of convoy arrived Loch Ewe
		BLUEBELL detached to Tyne
		CAMELIA detached to Cardiff
		INTREPID, ICARUS, MIDDLETON detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
		ULSTER QUEEN detached to Clyde, arriving p.m.
		LEDBURY detached to Clyde, arriving p.m. for boiler cleaning
		ORWELL and OAKLEY detached from escort of Q P 15 M to Scapa
		Two merchant ships left Akureyri for Reykjavik unescorted.
	1st	Dec SALAMANDER and HALCYON arrived Scapa from Seidisfiord
		CAMELIA arrived Cardiff
		OAKLEY and ORWELL arrived Scapa from escort of Q P 15 M.
		BLUEBELL arrived Tyne
	2nd	ECHO detached from escort of Q P 15 M to Clyde for boiler cleaning
		HAZARD and BRITOMART with tanker detached from Q p 15 M to Scapa
		Two unescorted merchant ships from Akureyri arrived Reykjavik
	3rd	FORESTER, MUSKETEER, and IMPULSIVE detached from escort of Q P 15 M to Scapa, arriving a.m.
		HAZARD and BRITOMART with one tanker arrived Scapa from Q P 15 M
		BERGAMOT and BRYONY detached from Q P 15 M off Loch Ewe to the Tyne
		Q P 15 M arrived Loch Ewe (15 ships)
		ECHO arrived Clyde for boiler cleaning
	4th	BERGAMOT and BRYONY arrived Tyne
(ii) Cruiser Covering Force
	14th	ONSLAUGHT and OBDURATE left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	16th	SUFFOLK and FORESTER left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord
		LONDON left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	17th	ONSLAUGHT and OBDURATE arrived Seidisfiord
		SUFFOLK and FORESTER arrived Seidisfiord
	18th	LONDON arrived Seidisfiord
	19th	LONDON, SUFFOLK, FORESTER, ONSLAUGHT, and OBDURATE left Seidisfiord for covering position southwest of Bear Island
	20th	Convoy delayed by heavy weather
	23rd	Destroyers detached to Seidisfiord for fuel
	25th	LONDON and SUFFOLK left patrol for Scapa and Hvalfiord, respectively.
		Destroyers arrived Seidisfiord
		ONSLAUGHT sailed for Scapa
	26th	FORESTER left Seidisfiord with IMPULSIVE to assist SALAMANDER
	27th	LONDON arrived Scapa
		SUFFOLK arrived Hvalfiord
		ONSLAUGHT arrived Scapa
		FORESTER returned to Seidisfiord
		OBDURATE established patrol with IMPULSIVE off Seidisfiord
	28th	OBDURATE left patrol for Hvalfiord
		FORESTER left Seidisfiord for escort of Q P 15 M to Loch Ewe
	29th	OBDURATE arrived Hvalfiord
	3rd	Dec FORESTER detached from Q P 15 M to Scapa, arriving p.m.
(iii). Submarines
	There were four submarines (UREDD, JUNON, P 312, and P 216) on patrol during the passage of the convoy; their object being to sink enemy main units leaving the north coast of Norway to attack Q P 15.

 

 

---

 

 

DECEMBER 1942

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

FOR 1 TO 15 DECEMBER 1942

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

  

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-15th	Scapa
2. HMS DUKE OF YORK
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa, escorted by FAULKNOR, FORESTER, and ECLIPSE for Rosyth for refit, arriving p.m.
	8th-15th	Rosyth, refitting
3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-4th	Rosyth, giving leave
	5th	Left Rosyth, escorted by ORIBI, OPPORTUNE, and OBEDIENT for Scapa
	6th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa, escorted by QUADRANT, ORWELL, and RAIDER for Hvalfiord
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-15th	Scapa
Battleships temporarily attached
5. HMS NELSON (FLAG OF FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING FORCE H
	1st-15th	In Mediterranean with Force H.
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st-15th	In Mediterranean with Force H
7. HMS MALAYA
	1st-13th	Rosyth, refitting
	14th	Left Rosyth escorted by ONSLOW, GOATHLAND, and WENSLEYDALE for trials and for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa to work up
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	1st-15th	In the Mediterranean with Force H
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, Home Fleet
	1st-15th	Clyde for boiler cleaning and repairs.
	15th	Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, transferred to INDOMITABLE
10. HMS INDOMITABLE
	1st-15th	Liverpool for refit and action damage repairs.
	15th	Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers transferred from VICTORIOUS. Captain G. Grantham, CB, DSC, assumed command
11. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-15th	In Mediterranean with Force H.
12. HMS BITER
	1st-10th	Clyde for repairs and alterations
	11th	Left Clyde, escorted by WRESTLER for Dundee for further alterations
	13th	Arrived Rosyth
	14th	Left Rosyth for Dundee
	15th	Arrived Dundee and taken in hand
13. HMS DASHER
	1st-15th	Liverpool for repairs and alterations
First Cruiser Squadron
14. HMS LONDON (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-15th	Scapa
	4th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron transferred to KENT
	15th	Left Scapa for Tyne for refit
15. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-2nd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa with CUMBERLAND for Hvalfiord
	6th	Arrived Hvalfiord
	6th-15th	Hvalfiord
16. HMS SUFFOLK
	1st-4th	Hvalfiord
	5th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa in company with BERWICK from Patrol WHITE
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Sheerness en route for London to refit
	14th	Left Sheerness for London, arriving p.m. for refit
17. HMS BERWICK
	1st	Hvalfiord
	2nd	Left Hvalfiord with FURY for Patrol WHITE
	5th	Left Patrol WHITE for Scapa with company with SUFFOLK from Hvalfiord
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa for Rosyth to change port outer propeller.
18. HMS CUMBERLAND
	1st-2nd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa with NORFOLK for Hvalfiord
	6th	Arrived Hvalfiord
	13th	Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE
19. HMS KENT
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
	4th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron transferred from LONDON
20. HMS SUSSEX
	1st-15th	Tyne for repairs to main armament and boilers
Tenth Cruiser Squadron (Temporarily Administered by Rear Admiral, First Cruiser Squadron in absence of Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
21. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-4th	On passage to the United Kingdom from Gibraltar
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	4th-15th	Scapa
22. HMS SHEFFIELD
	1st-14th	Scapa
	13th	Flag of Rear Admiral (D) transferred from TYNE
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m. (and for Force R with J W 51 A and B)
	15th	Loch Ewe
23. HMS KENYA
	1st-15th	Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
24. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-14th	Barrow for repairs and arctic fitting
	14th	Left Barrow on completion for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
25. HMS NIGERIA
	1st-15th	Charleston, U.S.A. for refit and action damage repairs
26. HMS BELFAST
	1st-10th	Devonport, refitting
	10th	Left Devonport, escort by SLAZAK for Scapa. SLAZAK returned to Devonport, p.m.
	11th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	11th-15th	Scapa, working up
27. HMS GLASGOW
	1st-4th	Scapa, working up
	4th	Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs and Arctic fitting
	5th	Arrived Clyde and taken in hand
	5th-15th	Clyde
28. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-15th	In the Mediterranean with Force H.
Cruisers temporarily attached for working up
29. HMS AJAX
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
30. HMS PENELOPE
	2nd	Arrived Scapa from Portsmouth on completion of refit
	2nd-15th	Scapa, working up
31. HMS CARLISLE
	4th	Left Plymouth on completion of refit for Scapa to work up
	5th	Arrived Belfast with defects
	6th	Left Belfast for Scapa
	7th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	7th-15th	Scapa, working up
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
32. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-15th	In the Mediterranean with Force H.
33. HMS MARNE
	1st-15th	Gibraltar for temporary action damage repairs
34. HMS METEOR
	1st-15th	in the Mediterranean with Force H
35. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-15th	Scapa
36. HMS MUSKETEER
	1st-3rd	At sea escorting Q P 51 M for Akureyri
	3rd	Arrived Scapa with IMPULSIVE and FORESTER
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
37. HMS ESKIMO (Captain (D), Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-15th	In the Mediterranean with Force H
38. HMS ASHANTI
	1st-15th	in the Mediterranean with Force H
39. HMS TARTAR
	1st-15th	In the Mediterranean with Force H.
40. HMS MIDDLETON
	1st	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	2nd	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	2nd-15th	Humber, refitting
41. HMS LEDBURY
	1st-7th	Clyde for boiler cleaning
	7th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	15th	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 A
42. HMS WHEATLAND
	1st-15th	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
43. HMS LAMERTON
	1st-15th	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
44. HMS BLANKNEY
	1st-14th	Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	15th	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 A
45. HMS WILTON
	1st-15th	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
46. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-8th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa with FORESTER and ECLIPSE escorting DUKE OF YORK to Rosyth, arriving p.m.
	10th	Left Rosyth for Scapa, proceeding p.m. to search for crew of a Beaufighter in the sea off Peterhead
	11th	Arrived Scapa after unsuccessful search due to heavy weather
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe
	15th	Left Loch Ewe with ECHO for Seidisfiord for escort of J W 51 A
47. HMS FURY
	1st	Hvalfiord
	2nd	Left Hvalfiord with BERWICK for Patrol WHITE
	6th	Returned to Hvalfiord
	8th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa with ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD for Seidisfiord for escort of J W 51 A
48. HMS FORESTER
	1st-3rd	At sea, escorting Q P 15 M from Akureyri
	3rd	Detached from convoy, arrived Scapa with MUSKETEER and IMPULSIVE
	8th	Left Scapa with FAULKNOR and ECLIPSE escorting DUKE OF YORK to Rosyth, arriving p.m. Taken in hand for boiler cleaning at Rosyth.
	14th	Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion
	15th	Arrived Scapa
49. HMS ECLIPSE
	1st-7th	Scapa
	8th	Left Scapa with FAULKNOR and FORESTER escorting DUKE OF YORK to Rosyth, arriving p.m. and returning to Scapa the same day.
	15th	Left Scapa with FURY and INGLEFIELD for Seidisfiord for escort of JW 51 A
50. HMS ECHO
	1st	At sea escorting Q P 15 M from Akureyri
	2nd	Detached from convoy to Clyde for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand
	14th	Left Clyde for Loch Ewe, on completion
	15th	Arrived Loch Ewe
		Left Loch Ewe p.m. with FAULKNOR for Seidisfiord for escort of J W 51 A
51. HMS INTREPID
	1st	Scapa
	2nd	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	3rd	Arrived Humber and taken in hand
	3rd-15th	Humber, refitting
52. HMS INGLEFIELD
	1st-14th	Scapa
	15th	Left Scapa with FURY and ECLIPSE for Seidisfiord for escort of J W 51 A
53. HMS ICARUS
	1st-12th	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord to relieve OBDURATE
	14th	Arrived Hvalfiord
54. HMS IMPULSIVE
	1st-3rd	At sea, escorting Q P 15 M from Akureyri
	3rd	Detached from convoy and arrived Scapa with MUSKETEER and FORESTER
	7th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord to relieve FURY
	9th	Arrived Hvalfiord
	9th-15th	Hvalfiord
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
55. HMS ONSLOW (Captain D, 17th Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	Scapa
	2nd	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth and taken in hand
	8th	Left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	14th	Left Scapa with WENSLEYDALE and GOATHLAND for Scapa for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and returning as escort for MALAYA
	15th	Arrived Scapa with MALAYA
56. HMS OFFA
	1st-15th	Humber, refitting
57. HMS ORIBI
	1st-5th	Scapa
	5th	Left Scapa with OPPORTUNE and OBEDIENT for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and returning the same day as escort for ANSON
	6th	Arrived Scapa with ANSON
	6th-15th	Scapa
58. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st-15th	Leith, refitting
59. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-5th	Scapa
	5th	Left Scapa with ORIBI and OBEDIENT for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and returning the same day as escort for ANSON
	6th	Arrived Scapa with ANSON
	12th	Left Scapa to search for R.A.F. bomber crew in the sea in 62-50N, 000-49E
	13th	Abandoned search, owing to weather, and proceeded to Scapa
	14th	Arrived Scapa
60. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-12th	Hvalfiord
	12th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	14th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	15th	Arrived Rosyth for boiler cleaning
61. HMS ORWELL
	1st	At sea on passage to Scapa from escort of Q P 15; arrived Scapa p.m.
	14th	Left Scapa with QUADRANT and RAIDER to escort ANSON to Hvalfiord
62. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st-5th	Scapa, working up
	5th	Left Scapa with ORIBI and OPPORTUNE for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and returning the same day as escort for ANSON
	6th	Arrived Scapa with ANSON
	6th-15th	Scapa
Destroyers temporarily attached (for working up, etc)
63. HMS CHIDDINGFOLD (lent by Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands)
	13th	Placed under the orders of Rear Admiral, Destroyers, at Scapa
	14th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	15th	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 A
64. HMS RACEHORSE
	1st-8th	Scapa, working up
	8th	Left Scapa for Clyde and foreign service
65. HMS RAIDER
	1st-14th	Scapa, working up
	14th	Left Scapa with QUADRANT and ORWELL for escort of ANSON to Hvalfiord
66. HMS QUILLIAM
	1st-4th	Scapa, working up
	4th	Left Scapa for the Clyde and foreign service
67. HMS QUADRANT
	1st-14th	Scapa, working up
	14th	Left Scapa with RAIDER and ORWELL for escort of ANSON to Hvalfiord
68. HMS LAFOREY
	1st-7th	Scapa, working up
	7th	Left Scapa for the Clyde and foreign service
69. HMS LOYAL
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
	15th	Left Scapa for the Clyde and foreign service
70. HMS LIGHTNING
	1st-7th	Scapa, working up
	7th	Left Scapa for the Clyde and foreign service
71. HMS LIMBOURNE
	1st-9th	Scapa, working up
	9th	Left Scapa for Plymouth to join Plymouth Command
72. HMS ROCKWOOD
	1st-5th	Scapa, working up
	5th	Left Scapa for Liverpool and foreign service
73. HMS WENSLEYDALE
	1st-14th	Scapa, working up
	14th	Left Scapa with ONSLOW and GOATHLAND for Rosyth arriving p.m. and returning as escort for MALAYA
	15th	Arrived Scapa with MALAYA
74. HMS GOATHLAND
	1st-14th	Scapa, working up
	14th	Left Scapa with ONSLOW and GOATHLAND for Rosyth arriving p.m. and returning as escort for MALAYA
	15th	Arrived Scapa with MALAYA
75. G.S. MIAOULES (Miaoulis)
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
76. G.S. ADRIAS
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
77. HMS HAYDON
	1st-3rd	Scapa, working up
	3rd	Left Scapa for Liverpool and for foreign service
78. HMS RELENTLESS
	10th	Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up
	10th-15th	Scapa, working up
79. HMS QUEENBOROUGH
	11th	Arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up
	11th-15th	Scapa, working up
80. HMCS IROQUOIS
	11th	Arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up
	11th-15th	Scapa, working up
81. HMS BEAGLE
	14th	Left Clyde for Seidisfiord as additional escort for J W 51 A
82. HMS BOADICEA
	14th	Left Clyde for Seidisfiord as additional escort for J W 51 A
Fast Minelayers (temporarily attached)
83. HMS ABDIEL
	1st-15th	Scapa, working up
First Minesweeping Flotilla
84. HMS BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-5th	Humber, refitting
	5th	Left Humber for Scapa on completion of refit
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	7th-15th	Scapa
85. HMS SEAGULL
	1st	Arrived Scapa from the Humber on completion of refit
	13th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe
	14th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	15th	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 A
86. HMS BRITOMART
	1st-3rd	At sea, escorting Q P 15 M from Akureyri
	3rd	Arrived Scapa with HAZARD
	4th	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	5th	Arrived Humber
	5th-15th	Humber, refitting
87. HMS HAZARD
	1st-3rd	At sea, escorting Q P 15 M from Akureyri
	3rd	Arrived Scapa with BRITOMART
	4th	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	5th	Arrived Humber
	5th-15th	Humber, refitting
88. HMS SHARPSHOOTER
	1st-15th	Hvalfiord for repairs
89. HMS GLEANER
	1st-15th	Archangel
Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla
90. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, 6th Minesweeping Flotilla)
	1st-15th	Archangel
91. HMS HALCYON
	1st-3rd	At sea on passage to Scapa from escort of Q P 15
	3rd	Arrived Scapa
	4th	Left Scapa for Milford Haven for refit
	6th	Arrived Milford Haven
	6th-15th	Milford Haven, refitting
92. HMS SALAMANDER
	1st-3rd	At sea on passage to Scapa from escort of Q P 15
	3rd	Arrived Scapa
	5th	Left Scapa for Aberdeen for refit
	6th	Arrived Aberdeen
	6th-15th	Aberdeen, refitting
93. HMS JASON
	1st-15th	Leith, converting to Fleet Minesweeper
	27th	Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up
	28th	Arrived Scapa
	28th-31st	Scapa, working up

 

 

94. Ships detached from and lent to the Home Fleet (other than for working up)

(a). Detached for Operation TORCH
Battleships	NELSON, RODNEY
Battlecruiser	RENOWN
Aircraft carrier	FURIOUS
Destroyers	MILNE, METEOR, ASHANTI, TARTAR, ESKIMO, WHEATLAND, LAMERTON, WILTON
(b). Lent for North Russian Convoy Duty
Destroyers	CHIDDINGFOLD, BOADICEA, BEAGLE
Corvettes	HONEYSUCKLE, OXLIP
Trawlers	CAPE ARGONA, CAPE MARIATO, ST KENAN, DANEMAN, LADY MADELEINE, NORTHERN WAVE
(c). Lent for Minesweeping in Icelandic Waters (part 15th Minesweeping Flotilla)
Minesweepers	BEAUMARIS, BOOTLE, FRASERBURGH, LLANDUDNO

 

95. Changes of Flag

 

Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron was transferred from LONDON to KENT on 4th.

 

Flag of Rear Admiral, Destroyers, was transferred from TYNE to SHEFFIELD (as Senior Officer, Force H) on 13th.

 

Broad Pendant of Commodore C.T.M. Pizey, CB, DSO as Commodore (D), Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas, hoisted in TYNE on 14th.

 

Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers was transferred from VICTORIOUS to INDOMITABLE on 15th.

 

 

96. Patrols BLACK and WHITE  

(a). There were no ships on PATROL BLACK (between Iceland the Faroes) during the period

 

(b). The following Home Ship ships were on Patrol WHITE (in the Denmark Straits) during the period.

BERWICK left Hvalfiord on 2nd; left patrol for Scapa on 5th

FURY left Hvalfiord on 2nd; returned to Hvalfiord on 6th

CUMBERLAND left Hvalfiord on 13th; remained on patrol for the rest of the period

 

97. Operation TORCH

 

Home Fleet ships which remained detached on Operation TORCH throughout the period are shown in paragraph 94 (a).

 

 

98. Convoy Q P 15

 

The arrival of Q P 15 from North Russia in British ports was concluded during the first week of December. A complete summary of this operation was given in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for the 16th-30th November 1942.

 

 

99. Convoy J W 51 A

 

The escorts for this North Russian convoy assembled in Loch Ewe and Seidisfiord during the second week of December. The convoy itself consisting of 16 merchant ships and escorted by BLANKNEY, CHIDDINGFOLD, LEDBURY, SEAGULL, HONEYSUCKLE, OXLIP, LADY MADELEINE, and NORTHERN WAVE sailed from Loch Ewe on 15th. A summary of the passage of this convoy will be included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for the second half of December.

 

 

100. Operation F B and later westbound independent sailings.

 

The last three westbound ships in Operation F B safely arrived at Akureyri during the first week of December. A full summary of this operation was included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for the 1st-15th November 1942.

 

Further westbound independent sailings of Russian Merchant ships commenced on the 12th as follows:

Ship Left	Archangel for Akureyri	Speed
SHILLKA	12th	7 knots
OKHTA	13th	8 knots
BETLOGA	14th	8 knots
NUSBASS	14th	8 knots
OB	15th	8 knots

 

---

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

FOR 16 TO 31 DECEMBER 1942

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

  

Second Battle Squadron
1. HMS KING GEORGE V (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	16th-19th	Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with BERWICK escorted by MUSKETEER, QUADRANT, and RAIDER to cover the passage of J W 51 A.
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with HOWE and BERMUDA, escorted by RAIDER, QUEENBOROUGH, MUSKETEER, PIORUN, MONTROSE, and WORCESTER to cover passage of R A 51 A
2. HMS DUKE OF YORK
	16th-31st	Rosyth, refitting
3. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	16th	Arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa escorted by ORWELL, ICARUS, and IMPULSIVE.
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord with CUMBERLAND escorted by FORESTER, ICARUS, and IMPULSIVE for Akureyri
	24th	Arrived Akureyri
	26th	Left Akureyri with CUMBERLAND escorted by the same three destroyers to cover J W 51 B
	30th	Proceeded ahead of CUMBERLAND and destroyers to Seidisfiord
	31st	Screen of LEDBURY, BLANKNEY, and CHIDDINGFOLD joined. Arrived Seidisfiord p.m.
4. HMS HOWE
	16th-31st	Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with KING GEORGE V, BERMUDA, and six destroyers to cover R A 51
Battleships temporarily attached
5. HMS NELSON (FLAG OF FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING FORCE H
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
6. HMS RODNEY
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
7. HMS MALAYA
	16th-31st	Rosyth, refitting
Battlecruiser
8. HMS RENOWN
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
Aircraft Carriers
9. HMS VICTORIOUS (Flag of Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, Home Fleet
	16th-20th	Clyde for repairs and boiler cleaning
	20th	Left Clyde escorted by RACEHORSE, QUADRANT, and REDOUBT for Bermuda
	29th	Arrived Bermuda to join U.S. Pacific Fleet
10. HMS INDOMITABLE
	16th-31st	Liverpool for refitting and action damage repairs.
11. HMS FURIOUS
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean.
12. HMS BITER
	16th-31st	Dundee for repairs and alterations
13. HMS DASHER
	16th-31st	Liverpool for repairs and alterations
First Cruiser Squadron
14. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)
	16th-31st	Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with BERWICK to cover R A 51
15. HMS LONDON
	16th	Arrived Tyne from Scapa and taken in hand for refit
	19th	Captain R.V. Symonds-Taylor, DSO, Royal Navy, assumed command
	16th-31st	Tyne, refitting
16. HMS NORFOLK
	16th	Hvalfiord
	17th	Left Hvalfiord to relieve CUMBERLAND on Patrol WHITE
	20th	Left Patrol WHITE for Hvalfiord
	22nd	Arrived Hvalfiord
	31st	Left Hvalfiord for Patrol WHITE
17. HMS SUFFOLK
	16th-31st	London, refitting
18. HMS BERWICK
	16th	Arrived Rosyth from Scapa to change port outer propeller
	18th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	19th	Sailed in company with KING GEORGE V and escorted by three destroyers to cover J W 51 A
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with KENT to cover R A 51
19. HMS CUMBERLAND
	16th-19th	Patrol WHITE
	19th	Arrived Hvalfiord from Patrol WHITE on relief by NORFOLK
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord with ANSON and 3 destroyers for Akureyri
	24th	Arrived Akureyri
	26th	Left Akureyri with ANSON and same three destroyers to cover J W 51 B
	30th	Detached by ANSON to Hvalfiord
	31st	Arrived Hvalfiord
20. HMS SUSSEX
	16th-31st	Tyne for repairs to main armament and boilers
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
21. HMS BERMUDA
	16th-31st	Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with KING GEORGE V and HOWE, escorted by six destroyers to cover R A 51.
22. HMS SHEFFIELD (Flag of Senior Officer, Force R)
	16th	Left Loch Ewe to rendezvous with remainder of Force R from Scapa, joining p.m. for Seidisfiord.
	18th	Unable to enter Seidisfiord owing to fog; proceeded to cover J W 51 A with JAMAICA
	24th	Arrived Kola Inlet with JAMAICA
	27th	Left Kola Inlet with JAMAICA, OPPORTUNE, and MATCHLESS to cover R A 51 and J W 51 B
	31st	Engaged an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers in the Barents Sea with the rest of Force R, sinking one enemy destroyer and scoring hits on the cruiser.
23. HMS KENYA
	16th-31st	Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
24. HMS NIGERIA
	16th-31st	Charleston, U.S.A. for refit and action damage repairs
25. HMS JAMAICA
	16th	Left Scapa with OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS and joined SHEFFIELD (Senior Officer) from Loch Ewe (forming Force R) and proceeding to Seidisfiord
	18th	Unable to enter Seidisfiord to fuel owing to fog, proceeded with SHEFFIELD to cover J W 51 A
	24th	Arrived Kola Inlet with SHEFFIELD
	27th	Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 51 and J W 51 B
	31st	Engaged with rest of Force R, an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and 3 destroyers in the Barents Sea, sinking one destroyer and scoring hits on the cruiser
26. HMS BELFAST
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
27. HMS GLASGOW
	16th-24th	Clyde for repairs and Arctic fitting
	24th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa via Loch Ewe
	25th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	26th	Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	26th-31st	Scapa, working up
28. HMS SCYLLA
	16th-31st	Detached with 12th Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean
	31st	Left Gibraltar for United Kingdom
29. HMS CHARYBDIS
	16th-31st	Barrow, refitting
30. HMS PENELOPE
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
31. HMS CARLISLE
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
32. HMS UGANDA
	30th	Left Tyne on completion for Rosyth, arriving p.m. for trials
33. HMS AJAX
	16th-21st	Scapa, working up
	21st	Left Scapa for the Clyde on completion of working up
	22nd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd	Left Clyde for Gibraltar
	26th	Arrived Clyde to join the Mediterranean Fleet
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
34. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	16th-25th	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
	25th	Left Gibraltar with M K F 5 for the United Kingdom
	28th	Left M K F 5 to reinforce escort of O N S 154
	29th	Joined O N S 154
	30th	Left O N S 154 and fuelled at Ponta Delgada
	31st	Left Ponta Delgada for United Kingdom sweeping through positions 43-30N, 28-00W and 44-30N 29-00W.
35. HMS MARNE
	1st-15th	Gibraltar for temporary action damage repairs
36. HMS METEOR
	16th-25th	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
	25th	Left Gibraltar with M K F 5 for the United Kingdom
	28th	Left M K F 5 to reinforce escort of O N S 154
	29th	Joined O N S 154
	30th	Left O N S 154 and fuelled at Ponta Delgada
	31st	Left Ponta Delgada for United Kingdom sweeping through positions 43-30N, 28-00W and 44-30N 29-00W.
37. HMS MATCHLESS
	16th	Left Scapa with JAMAICA and OPPORTUNE and joined SHEFFIELD (Senior Officer) from Loch Ewe (forming Force R) and proceeding to Seidisfiord
	18th	Arrived Seidisfiord with OPPORTUNE
	20th	Left Seidisfiord with OPPORTUNE and rejoined Force R covering J W 51 A
	24th	Arrived Kola Inlet with OPPORTUNE
	27th	Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 51 and J W 51 B then proceeding to Scapa
	1st Jan	Arrived Scapa
38. HMS MUSKETEER
	16th-19th	Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with QUADRANT and RAIDER as escort for KING GEORGE V and BERWICK covering J W 51 A
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Left Scapa with five other destroyers as escort for KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA covering R A 51.
39. ORP ORKAN
	16th-23rd	Clyde for trials
	23rd	Left Clyde on completion
	24th	Arrived Scapa to work up and join 3rd Destroyer Flotilla
	24th-31st	Scapa, working up
40. ORP PIORUN
	20th	Arrived Scapa from Dundee to work up and joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla
	20th-31st	Scapa, working up
	31st	Left Scapa with five other destroyers as escort for KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA covering R A 51.
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
41. HMS ESKIMO (Captain (D), Sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
42. HMS ASHANTI
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
43. HMS TARTAR
	16th-31st	Detached with Force H in the Mediterranean
44. HMS MIDDLETON
	16th-31st	Humber, refitting
45. HMS LEDBURY
	16th-17th	With convoy J W 51 A
	18th	Detached from convoy to Scapa with defects and for escort of J W 51 B, BLANKNEY in company
	19th	Arrived Scapa with BLANKNEY
	21st	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	22nd	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 B
	25th	Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel
	26th	Arrived Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and CHIDDINGFOLD
	30th	Left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with ANSON
	31st	Joined ANSON a.m. and returned with her to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.
46. HMS WHEATLAND
	16th-31st	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
47. HMS LAMERTON
	16th-31st	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
48. HMS BLANKNEY
	16th-17th	With convoy J W 51 A
	18th	Detached from convoy to Scapa (for repairs to gyro compass) and for escort of J W 51 B. LEDBURY in company
	19th	Arrived Scapa with LEDBURY
	21st	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for escort of J W 51 B, arriving p.m.
	22nd	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 B
	25th	Detached from convoy to Seidisfiord to fuel
	26th	Arrived Seidisfiord with LEDBURY and CHIDDINGFOLD
	30th	Left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with ANSON
	31st	Joined ANSON a.m. and returned with her to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.
49. HMS WILTON
	16th-31st	Detached with Inshore Squadron, Western Mediterranean
Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
50. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D), Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord with ECHO from Loch Ewe
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	30th	Left Kola Inlet with R A 51 and escort
51. HMS FURY
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa with INGLEFIELD and ECLIPSE
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers for join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J A 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	30th	Left Kola Inlet with R A 51 and escort
52. HMS FORESTER
	16th-20th	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Hvalfiord
	21st	Arrived Hvalfiord
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND to Akureyri
	24th	Arrived Akureyri
	26th	Left Akureyri with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND covering J W 51 B
	31st	Hove to in gale off Langanes while returning with ANSON to Seidisfiord
53. HMS ECLIPSE
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa with INGLEFIELD and FURY
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with six destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet
	30th	Left Kola with R A 51 and escort
54. HMS ECHO
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord with FAULKNOR from Loch Ewe
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with 6 other destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	30th	Left Kola Inlet with R A 51 and escort
55. HMS INTREPID
	16th-31st	Humber, refitting
56. HMS INGLEFIELD
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord with FURY and ECLIPSE from Scapa
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with 6 other destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	30th	Left Kola Inlet with R A 51 and escort
57. HMS ICARUS
	16th	Left Hvalfiord, joined ANSON a.m. and returned with her to Hvalfiord, arriving p.m.
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND to Akureyri
	24th	Arrived Akureyri
	26th	Left Akureyri with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND covering J W 51 B
	31st	Hove to in a gale off Langanes while returning to Seidisfiord with ANSON. Entered harbour p.m.
58. HMS IMPULSIVE
	16th	Left Hvalfiord, joined ANSON a.m. and returned with her to Hvalfiord, arriving p.m.
	23rd	Left Hvalfiord with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND to Akureyri
	24th	Arrived Akureyri
	26th	Left Akureyri with escort for ANSON and CUMBERLAND covering J W 51 B
	31st	Hove to in a gale off Langanes while returning to Seidisfiord with ANSON.
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
59. HMS ONSLOW (Captain D, 17th Destroyer Flotilla)
	16th-21st	Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	22nd	Left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Arrived Seidisfiord
	24th	Left Seidisfiord with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 B.
	25th	Joined J W 51 B as additional escort
	31st	With remaining destroyers escorting J W 51 B drove off an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one  cruiser, and three destroyers which attacked the convoy. Hit twice forward and once on the funnel by shells. Dropped out of action and proceeded independently to Kola
60. HMS OFFA
	16th-31st	Humber, refitting
61. HMS ORIBI
	16th-22nd	Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Arrived Seidisfiord
	24th	Left Seidisfiord with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 B.
	25th	Joined J W 51 B as additional escort
	30th	Lost touch with the convoy, failed to regain contact and proceeded independently to Kola
62. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	16th-31st	Leith, refitting
63. HMS OPPORTUNE
	16th	Left Scapa with JAMAICA and MATCHLESS, joined SHEFFIELD p.m. (forming Force R) and proceeded to Seidisfiord to fuel
	18th	Arrived Seidisfiord with MATCHLESS
	20th	Left Seidisfiord with MATCHLESS and rejoined Force R covering J W 51 A
	24th	Arrived Kola Inlet with MATCHLESS
	27th	Left Kola Inlet with Force R to cover R A 51 and J W 51 B and then to Scapa
	1st Jan	Arrived Scapa
64. HMS OBDURATE
	16th-21st	Rosyth, boiler cleaning
	21st	Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion, arriving p.m.
	22nd	Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Arrived Seidisfiord
	24th	Left Seidisfiord with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 A
	25th	Joined J W 51 B
	31st	With other destroyers escorting J W 51 B engaged and drove off an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers which attacked the convoy in the Barents Sea, then rejoined the convoy for escort to Kola Inlet
65. HMS ORWELL
	16th	Arrived Hvalfiord from Scapa with ANSON, ICARUS, and IMPULSIVE
	22nd	Left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Arrived Seidisfiord
	24th	Left Seidisfiord with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 B
	25th	Joined J W 51 B as additional escort
	31st	With other destroyers escorting J W 51 B engaged and drove off an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers which attacked the convoy in the Barents Sea, then rejoined the convoy for escort to Kola Inlet
66. HMS OBEDIENT
	16th-22nd	Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Arrived Seidisfiord
	24th	Left Seidisfiord with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 B
	25th	Joined J W 51 B as additional escort
	31st	With other destroyers escorting J W 51 B engaged and drove off an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers which attacked the convoy in the Barents Sea, then rejoined the convoy, as Senior Officer Close Escort, for escort to Kola Inlet
Destroyers temporarily attached and attached for working up
67. HMS CHIDDINGFOLD (lent by Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands)
	16th-17th	With J W 51 A
	18th	Detached from convoy to Loch Ewe for escort of J W 51 B
	20th	Arrived Loch Ewe
	22nd	Left Loch Ewe with escort and convoy J W 51 B
	25th	Detached from convoy to fuel at Seidisfiord
	26th	Arrived Seidisfiord with BLANKNEY and LEDBURY
	30th	Left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with ANSON
	31st	Joined ANSON a.m. and returned with her to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.
68. HMS MACKAY
	22nd	Arrived Scapa for Harwich for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
	26th	Left Scapa for Harwich on relief by WINDSOR
	27th	Arrived Harwich
69. HMS MONTROSE
	22nd	Arrived Scapa from Harwich for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
	31st	Left Scapa with screen for KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA, covering R A 51
70. HMS WORCESTER
	22nd	Arrived Scapa from Harwich for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
	31st	Left Scapa with screen for KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA, covering R A 51
71. HMS WALPOLE
	22nd	Arrived Scapa from Harwich for temporary duty with the Home Fleet
	22nd-31st	Scapa
72. HMS WINDSOR
	25th	Arrived Scapa from Sheerness for temporary duty with the Home Fleet, to relieve MACKAY and work up
73. HMS RAIDER
	16th	Detached from the screen of the ANSON, on passage to Hvalfiord and returned to Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V and BERWICK covering J W 51 A
	25th	Returned to Scapa on completion to continue working up.
	31st	Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA covering R A 51
74. HMS QUADRANT
	16th	Detached from the screen of the ANSON, on passage to Hvalfiord and returned to Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa with screen of KING GEORGE V and BERWICK covering J W 51 A
	25th	Returned to Scapa on completion to continue working up.
	25th-31st	Scapa, working up
75. HMS RELENTLESS
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
76. HMCS IROQUOIS
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
77. HMS QUEENBOROUGH
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
	31st	Left Scapa with escort for KING GEORGE V, HOWE, and BERMUDA covering R A 51
78. HMS VIVACIOUS
	22nd	Arrived Scapa from the Tyne to work up
	22nd-31st	Scapa, working up
79. G.S. MIAOULES
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
80. G.S. ADRIAS
	16th-31st	Scapa, working up
81. HMS BRECON
	31st	Arrived Scapa from the Clyde to work up and join 6th Destroyer Flotilla
82. HMS EASTON
	31st	Arrived Scapa from Tobermory to continue working up
83. HMS WENSLEYDALE
	16th-19th	Scapa, working up
	19th	Left Scapa for Liverpool on completion of working up
84. HMS GOATHLAND
	16th-22nd	Scapa, working up
	22nd	Left Scapa for Clyde on completion of working up
85. HMS BOADICEA
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord from Clyde with BEAGLE
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with 6 other destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	25th-31st	Kola Inlet
86. HMS BEAGLE
	16th	Arrived Seidisfiord from Clyde with BOADICEA
	17th	Left Seidisfiord with 6 other destroyers to join J W 51 A
	18th	Joined J W 51 A as additional escort
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	30th	Left Kola Inlet with R A 51 and escort
87. HMS BULLDOG
	21st	Left Clyde with ACHATES for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Damaged and hove to off South coast of Iceland. Later returned to Clyde
	25th	Arrived Clyde
88. HMS ACHATES
	21st	Left Clyde with BULLDOG for Seidisfiord
	23rd	Hove to and slightly damaged in gale off South coast of Iceland.
	24th	Arrived Seidisfiord, sailing p.m. with 5 other destroyers to join J W 51 B
	25th	Joined J W 51 B as additional escort
	31st	With other destroyers escorting J W 51 B engaged and drove off an enemy force of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers in the Barents Sea. Ship was hit by gunfire, badly damaged and sank later the same day. There were 78 survivors
First Minesweeping Flotilla
89. HMS BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla)
	16th-20th	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Loch Ewe
	21st	Arrived Loch Ewe
	22nd	Left Loch Ewe with escorts and convoy J W 51 B
	29th	Dropped astern of convoy with two stragglers
	31st	Believed to have engaged a pocket battleship during the action in the Barents Sea and to have been sunk with all hands.
90. HMS SEAGULL
	16th-25th	At sea with J W 51 A
	25th	Arrived Kola Inlet with J W 51 A
	25th-31st	Kola Inlet
91. HMS BRITOMART
	16th-31st	Humber, refitting
92. HMS HAZARD
	16th-31st	Humber, refitting
93. HMS SHARPSHOOTER
	16th	Hvalfiord for repairs
	17th	Left Hvalfiord for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Humber for refit
	23rd	Arrived Humber, taken in hand
	23rd-31st	Humber, refitting
94. HMS GLEANER
	16th-30th	Kola Inlet
	30th	Left Kola with R A 51 and escort
Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla
95. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, 6th Minesweeping Flotilla)
	16th-31st	Kola Inlet
96. HMS HALCYON
	16th-31st	Milford Haven, refitting
97. HMS SALAMANDER
	16th-31st	Aberdeen, refitting

 

 

98. Ships detached from and lent to the Home Fleet (other than for working up)

(a). Lent for North Russian Convoy Duty
Corvettes	HYDERABAD, HONEYSUCKLE, RHODODENDRON, OXLIP
Trawlers	LADY MADELEINE, NORTHERN WAVE, VIZALMA, NORTHERN GEM, CAPE ARGONA, CAPE MARIATO, ST KENAN, DANEMAN
(b). Lent for Minesweeping in Icelandic Waters
Minesweepers	FRASERBURGH, LYME REGIS*, ARDROSSAN*, (15th M/S Flotilla) BEAUMARIS, BOOTLE, DUNBAR*, LLANDUDNO, PETERHEAD, CIRCE, FLY, WORTHING*
	(*lent temporarily for duty with the Mediterranean convoys).

 

99. Changes of Flag

 

There have been no changes of Flag during the period. These changes will in future be included in the Commander In Chief, Home Fleet’s quarterly dispatch and not in the War Diary.

 

 

100. Patrols BLACK and WHITE

(a). Patrol BLACK

 

There were no Home Fleet ships on patrol between Iceland and the Faroes during the period

 

(b). Patrol WHITE

CUMBERLAND	On patrol	Returned to Hvalfiord 19th
NORFOLK	Left Hvalfiord 17th	Returned to Hvalfiord 22nd
	Left Hvalfiord 31st	On patrol

 

101. Operation V P (Conducted by Vice Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands)

 

Unfavourable weather held up all offensive patrols by M.T.B.’s until 26th December when five left Scapa for the Norwegian coast. All boats returned p.m. the following day having been unable to enter the Leads owing to bad weather. No enemy ships were sighted.

 

 

102. Westbound independents

 

Westbound independent sailings of Russian merchant ships which recommenced on 12th December continued as follows during the period.

Ship	Left N. Russia	Arrived Iceland (Akureyri)
1. SHILLKA	12th (Archangel)	25th December
2. OKHTA	13th (Archangel)	26th
3. BETLOGA	14th (Archangel)	26th
4. NUSBASS	14th (Archangel)	26th
5. OB	15th (Archangel)	26th
6. SOROKA	16th (Kola Inlet)	26th
7. MSTA	22nd (Iokanka)	6th January
8. ALDAN	23rd (Iokanka)	4th
9. URITSKY	23rd (Iokanka)	4th
10. SAKKO	24th (Iokanka)	6th
11. KARA	24th (Iokanka)	5th
12. VANTSETTI	29th (Iokanka)	18th
13. KRASNOE ZYAMYA	30th (Kola Inlet)	8th
14. OSMUSSARR	30th (Kola Inlet)	9th
15. SHEKSNA	31st (Kola Inlet)	12th

 

103. Convoy J W 51 A

 

This convoy of sixteen merchant ships with a close escort of destroyers and smaller ships and covered by the Battle Fleet and a cruiser force (Force R) arrived in North Russia on Christmas Day without incident. Five of the merchant ships which were diverted to the White Sea arrived in Molotovsk two days later. The following are the details of the passage of J W 51 A.

(i). Convoy and Close Escort
	14th	INGLEFIELD, FURY, and ECLIPSE left Scapa for Seidisfiord.
	15th	J W 51 A escorted by BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, CHIDDINGFOLD, SEAGULL, HONEYSUCKLE, OXLIP, LADY MADELEINE, and NORTHERN WAVE left Loch Ewe for North Russia (16 merchant ships, speed of advance 8 knots).
		FAULKNOR and ECHO left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
	16th	INGLEFIELD, FURY, and ECLIPSE arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa
		FAULKOR and ECHO arrived Seidisfiord from Loch Ewe
		BOADICEA and BEAGLE arrived Seidisfiord from the Clyde
	17th	FAULKNOR, ECHO, INGLEFIELD, FURY, ECLIPSE, BEAGLE, and BOADICEA left Seidisfiord to join J W 51 A
	18th	FAULKNOR and six destroyers from Seidisfiord join convoy.
		BLANKNEY and LEDBURY detached to Scapa for repairs, CHIDDINGFOLD to Loch Ewe for escort of J W 51 B
	19th	CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Loch Ewe
		BLANKNEY and LEDBURY arrived Scapa for repairs
	24th	Five merchant ships escorted by Russian destroyers detached to Molotovsk.
	25th	Convoy (Murmansk section, 11 ships) and all escorts arrived Kola Inlet
	27th	Convoy (Molotovsk section, 5 ships) arrived Molotovsk
(ii). Battlefleet
	19th	KING GEORGE V, BERWICK, MUSKETEER, RAIDER, and QUADRANT left Scapa to cover passage of the convoy.
	21st	Reached covering position and cruised to the southward of the convoy's route
	25th	Returned to Scapa
(iii). Cruiser Covering Force
	16th	JAMAICA, OPPORTUNE, and MATCHLESS left Scapa for Seidisfiord
		SHEFFIELD (Senior Officer, Force R) left Loch Ewe joining JAMAICA and the two destroyers p.m.
	18th	OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS entered Seidisfiord to fuel. SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA, unable to enter owing to fog proceeded to cover the convoy.
	20th	OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS (delayed by defects in MATCHLESS) left Seidisfiord
	23rd	OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS rejoined Force R
	24th	Force R arrived Kola Inlet
(iv). Submarines
	The following submarines were on patrol off northern Norway during the passage of the convoy: SOKOL, P 223, P 339, and TORBAY

 

104. Convoy J W 51 B

 

This convoy of 15 merchant ships also arrived in North Russia intact despite the attempt by German surface forces on New Year’s Eve to destroy it. The only casualties suffered were among with escort of whom ACHATES and BRAMBLE were sunk and ONSLOW was damaged. A summary of the surface action is given in paragraph 105. The close escort of the convoy consisted of destroyers and smaller craft covered by a Cruiser Force (Force R) operating from Kola Inlet and a force consisting of ANSON and CUMBERLAND from Akureyri.

The convoy left Loch Ewe on 22nd December. The Kola Inlet section (10 ships) arrived on 4th January and the White Sea section (5 ships) arrived Archangel on 6th. The following is a summary of the passage of the convoy.

(i). Convoy and Close Escort
	21st	BULLDOG and ACHATES left Clyde for Seidisfiord
		ONSLOW, BLANKNEY, and LEDBURY left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
		BRAMBLE left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.
	22nd	ORWELL left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord
		J W 51 B (15 ships, 7 ½ knots) escorted by BRAMBLE (Senior Officer, 1st Minesweeping Flotilla), BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, RHODODENDRON, HYDERABAD, CHIDDINGFOLD, VIZALMA, and NORTHERN GEM left Loch Ewe for North Russia
		ONSLOW left Loch Ewe for Seidisfiord
		ORIBI, OBDURATE, and OBEDIENT left Scapa for Seidisfiord
	23rd	ORWELL arrived Seidisfiord
		BULLDOG damaged in heavy weather, returned to Clyde
		ACHATES hove to south of Iceland with damage to mast
		ORIBI, OBDURATE, and OBEDIENT arrived Seidisfiord from Scapa
		ONSLOW arrived Seidisfiord from Loch Ewe
	24th	ACHATES arrived Seidisfiord from Clyde
		ONSLOW, ORIBI, OBDURATE, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, and ACHATES left Seidisfiord to join J W 51 B
	25th	BULLDOG arrived Clyde
		ONSLOW and five destroyers from Seidisfiord joined J W 51 B
		BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD detached from convoy to Seidisfiord
	26th	BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD arrived Seidisfiord
	29th	BRAMBLE lost touch with the convoy while searching for stragglers
	31st	Convoy attacked by enemy force consisting of one pocket battleship, one cruiser, and three destroyers. Force drove off by destroyer escort and later engaged by Force R. BRAMBLE sunk. ACHATES badly damaged and later sunk. ONSLOW damaged and Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla wounded and proceeded to Kola Inlet. ORIBI lost touch before the action and proceeded direct to Kola Inlet. OBEDIENT took over Senior Officer of the escort. No damage to the merchant ships. (see paragraph 105).
	1st Jan	ONSLOW and ORIBI arrived Kola Inlet
	2nd	White Sea portion detached to Archangel. Murmansk section fogbound off Kola.
	4th	Murmansk section (10 ships) arrived Kola Inlet with OBEDIENT, ORWELL, OBDURATE, RHODODENDRON, HYDERABAD, VIZALMA, and NORTHERN GEM.
	6th	White Sea section (5 ships) arrived Archangel.
(ii). Battlefleet
	26th	ANSON, CUMBERLAND, FORESTER, IMPULSIVE, and ICARUS left Akureyri to cover the passage of the convoy.
	27th	Reached covering position and cruised to southward of the convoy's route.
	30th	Left Covering position for Seidisfiord
		CUMBERLAND detached to Hvalfiord
		FORESTER, IMPULSIVE, and ICARUS hove to off Langanes in a gale.
		BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD left Seidisfiord to rendezvous with ANSON as screen.
	31st	BLANKNEY, LEDBURY, and CHIDDINGFOLD joined ANSON and escorted her to Seidisfiord, arriving p.m.
		ICARUS arrived Seidisfiord
	1st Jan	FORESTER and IMPULSIVE arrived Seidisfiord
		CUMBERLAND arrived Hvalfiord
		ANSON escorted by ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, and FORESTER left Seidisfiord for Scapa
(iii). Cruiser Covering Force (Force R)
	27th	Force R (SHEFFIELD (Senior Officer), JAMAICA, OPPORTUNE, and MATCHLESS left Kola Inlet to cover J W 51 B and R A 51.
	29th	OPPORTUNE and MATCHLESS detached to Scapa
		SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA in covering position to northward of J W 51 B
	31st	Engagement with enemy surface force (described in paragraph 105). On completion two cruisers continued to cover the convoy to the south eastwards, transferring p.m. to R A 51.
	2nd	Jan Left R A 51 for Seidisfiord
	4th	Arrived Seidisfiord
	5th	Left Seidisfiord for Scapa
	6th	Arrived Scapa
(iv). Submarines
	The following submarines were on patrol off northern Norway during the passage of the Convoy: SOKOL, P 223, P 339, TORBAY, O 14, GRAPH, P 49, P 312, P 216

 

105. Engagement with enemy surface forces on New Year’s Eve

 

BATTLE OF BARENTS SEA

 

Click to enlarge

1. At dawn on New Year’s Eve, J W 51 B was being escorted by ONSLOW, OBEDIENT, OBDURATE, ORWELL, ACHATES, RHODODENDRON, HYDERABAD, NORTHERN GEM, and VIZALMA. BRAMBLE was about 15 miles to North East of the Convoy and SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA (Force R) were about 25 miles due north of the Convoy.

 

2. At 0820 two enemy destroyers were sighted by HYDERABAD and were mistaken for Russian destroyers from Kola to reinforce the escort. Soon afterwards they were sighted by OBDURATE. OBDURATE closed the enemy, but they retired to the North West and OBDURATE rejoined the convoy which was then being covered by a smoke screen from ACHATES.

 

3. A large ship (probably HIPPER) was then sighted by ONSLOW steering towards the convoy. HIPPER opened fire on the ACHATES who was particularly conspicuous owing to her smoke screen and caused damaged from near misses. Fire was returned by ONSLOW and soon afterwards by OBEDIENT and OBDURATE and the enemy withdrew.

 

4. Seeing the enemy retiring, Captain (D) 17th Destroyer Flotilla detached OBDURATE and OBEDIENT to cover the convoy and himself in ONSLOW, with ORWELL in company, attacked the HIPPER, scoring several hits and keeping her away from the convoy.

 

5. At 1020 ONSLOW was hit four times in rapid succession and suffered considerable damage. Captain D 17 was badly wounded in the face, but refused to leave the bridge and was later awarded the Victoria Cross for his great gallantry and skill during this action. ONSLOW and ORWELL then retired on the convoy at about the same time that Force R (SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA) arrived on the scene of the battle.

 

6. Two large ships (probably LUTZOW and HIPPER) were detected by SHEFFIELD’s R.D.F. about 1030 and Force R had closed to investigate the contact. Both these ships came into sight soon afterwards and gunfire from several directions confirmed the fact that they were enemy although in the bad visibility they could not be precisely identified.

 

7. About 1050 both enemy ships altered towards the convoy and were immediately engaged by Force R. Hits were seen almost at once on one of the enemy ships (probably HIPPER) and the enemy appear to alter towards under cover of smoke. A few moments later an enemy destroyer appeared on SHEFFIELD’s bow. She was immediately engaged, hit and left in a sinking condition. JAMAICA engaged a second destroyer which turned away and was lost to view.

 

8. Force R altered course and closed the enemy who when they next came into sight were all seen to be retiring to the westward. It is probable that before retiring the LUTZOW had engaged and sunk the BRAMBLE with all hands as an engagement was seen in the direction of BRAMBLE, after which nothing more was seen or heard of this ship.

 

9. At 1045 the destroyers protecting the convoy attacked and drove off a large enemy ship which approached the convoy from the north east. This may have been a third large unit, or possibly, the LUTZOW.

 

10. OBEDIENT, ORWELL, and OBDURATE remained concentrated between the convoy and the enemy force with ONSLOW at the head of the convoy. ACHATES who was damaged at the beginning of the action was again hit during this last engagement with the enemy. She continued to screen the convoy with smoke for another hour and forty minutes when she sank.

 

11. Several hits were inflicted on the enemy during this last attack and she was unable to break through the destroyers and damage the convoy. Twice she withdrew and twice again attacked the convoy only to be driven off by the destroyers until she finally disappeared to the northwest.

 

12. SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA kept touch with the retreating enemy force until 1345 when there was not doubt that they were retiring towards their base. Force R then returned to cover the convoy which arrived undamaged in North Russian ports.