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

 

Home Fleet Operations September 1939 to April 1942

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

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

MAY 1944

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

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-29th	Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Scapa
2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)
	1st-29th	Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned Scapa
	31st	Scapa
3. HMS KING GEORGE V
	1st-31st	Liverpool, refitting
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-10th	Devonport, refitting
	10th	Left Devonport on completion for Scapa to work up
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	12th-31st	Scapa, working up
5. HMS NELSON
	1st-8th	Rosyth for repairs and exchange of guns
	8th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	18th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	26th	Arrived Scapa
	26th-31st	Scapa
6. HMS RODNEY
	1st-6th	Clyde for bombardment exercises
	6th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	28th	Arrived Clyde
	28th-31st	Clyde
7. HMS RAMILLIES
	1st-6th	Clyde for bombardment exercises
	6th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Clyde for exercises
	23rd	Arrived Clyde
	23rd-31st	Clyde
8. HMS WARSPITE
	1st-2nd	Rosyth
	2nd	Left Rosyth for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	6th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	17th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
Monitors attached to Second Battle Squadron
9. HMS EREBUS
	1st-24th	Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde for Belfast
	25th	Arrived Belfast, sailing p.m. for Portland and for Operation NEPTUNE
	26th	Arrived Portland
	26th-31st	Portland
10. HMS ROBERTS
	1st-25th	Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde for Portsmouth and Operation NEPTUNE
	26th	Arrived Portsmouth
	26th-31st	Portsmouth
Aircraft Carriers attached to Second Battle Squadron
11. HMS FURIOUS
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
12. HMS VICTORIOUS
	1st-12th	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Liverpool for minor repairs
	20th	Arrived Liverpool
	26th	Left Liverpool on completion for Scapa
	27th	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
13. HMS INDEFATIGABLE
	1st-13th	Clyde, working up (Under Flag Officer Carrier Training)
	13th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	14th	Arrived Scapa
	18th	Left Scapa for Clyde to continue working up
	19th	Arrived Clyde
	19th-31st	Clyde, working up
14. HMS INDOMITABLE
	1st-19th	Rosyth for repairs and to give leave
	19th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.
	19th-31st	Scapa, working up
Escort Carrier Squadron
15. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers)
	1st	Arrived Clyde from Scapa
	4th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	16th-31st	Scapa
16. HMS ATTACKER
	1st-4th	Clyde
	4th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Belfast
	8th	Arrived Belfast
	14th	Left Belfast and joined KMS 51 and for Mediterranean Station
17. HMS EMPEROR
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	20th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for escort of convoy OS 78
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	21st-31st	Clyde
18. HMS FENCER
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from convoy to the Clyde
	5th	Arrived Clyde
	5th-31st	Clyde
19. HMS HUNTER
	1st-4th	Clyde
	4th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Belfast
	8th	Arrived Belfast
	14th	Left Belfast and joined KMS 51 and for Mediterranean Station
20. HMS PURSUER
	1st	Arrived Liverpool for repairs
	1st-31st	Liverpool for repairs
21. HMS SEARCHER
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Detached on completion to join Force under Rear Admiral Escort Carriers for operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	13th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th-31st	Rosyth
	31st	Left Rosyth for Scapa
22. HMS STALKER
	1st	Arrived Belfast
	4th	Left Belfast for Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Belfast
	8th	Arrived Belfast
	14th	Left Belfast and joined KMS 51 and for Mediterranean Station
23. HMS STRIKER
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	16th-31st	Scapa
24. HMS ACTIVITY
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. to Clyde and for Western Approaches Command
	6th	Arrived Clyde
	6th-31st	Clyde
25. HMS KHEDIVE
	1st-14th	Clyde
	14th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	15th-31st	Scapa
First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)
26. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron )
	1st-12th	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	18th-31st	Scapa
27. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-31st	Tyne for refit and action damage repairs
28. HMS BERWICK
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth
	8th	Arrived Rosyth
	20th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	21st	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
29. HMS DEVONSHIRE
	1st-12th	Scapa, working up
	12th	Left Scapa on completion for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation Tiger CLAW
30. HMS SUSSEX
	23rd	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	26th	Arrived Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	28th	Arrived Rosyth for leave
	28th-31st	Rosyth, giving leave
31. HMS ARETHUSA
	1st-13th	Scapa, working up
	13th	Left Scapa on completion for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	20th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	21st	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for the Clyde for exercises
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
32. HMS DANAE
	1st-7th	Rosyth for boiler cleaning and leave
	7th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	16th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	17th	Arrived Clyde
	17th-31st	Clyde
33. HMS ENTERPRISE
	1st-6th	Clyde for bombardment exercises
	6th	Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth for duty in Plymouth Command
	7th	Arrived Plymouth
	24th	Left Plymouth for Belfast for Operation NEPTUNE
	25th	Arrived Belfast
	25th-31st	Belfast
34. HMS FROBISHER
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	18th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for the Clyde for exercises
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
35. HMS HAWKINS
	1st-9th	Plymouth for engine repairs
	9th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	18th	Arrived Clyde
	25th	Left Clyde on completion for Belfast, arriving p.m.
	25th-31st	Belfast
36. HMS MAURITIUS
	1st-12th	Chatham for repairs
	12th	Left Chatham on completion for Scapa
	13th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	18th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	19th	Arrived Scapa
	21st	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	22nd	Arrived Clyde
	22nd-31st	Clyde
37. HMS AJAX
	10th	Left Gibraltar for United Kingdom
	13th	Arrived Scapa to work up
	19th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
38. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)
	1st-9th	Rosyth for docking and leave
	9th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
39. HMS SHEFFIELD
	1st-9th	Clyde for bombardment exercises
	9th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	16th-31st	Scapa
40. HMS GLASGOW
	1st-22nd	Plymouth
	22nd	Left Plymouth for Belfast and for Operation NEPTUNE
	23rd	Arrived Belfast
	23rd-31st	Belfast
41. HMS BERMUDA
	1st-16th	Tyne, refitting
	16th	Left Tyne on completion for Rosyth for tilt test
	17th	Arrived Rosyth
	19th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	20th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Scapa
42. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	29th	Left Scapa for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Scapa
43. HMS SCYLLA
	1st-10th	Portsmouth, docking
	10th-31st	Portsmouth
44. HMS ARGONAUT
	1st-8th	Arrived Clyde for bombardment exercises
	8th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
45. HMS BELLONA
	1st-25th	Plymouth
	25th	Left Plymouth for Belfast for Operation NEPTUNE
	26th	Arrived Belfast
	26th-31st	Belfast
46. HMS BLACK PRINCE
	1st-12th	Plymouth
	12th	Left Plymouth for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	13th	Arrived Clyde
	21st	Left Clyde on completion for Belfast, arriving p.m.
	21st-31st	Belfast
47. HMS DIADEM
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for the Tyne for repairs
	5th	Arrived Tyne, taken in hand
	18th	Left Tyne on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Clyde
48. HMS ORION
	1st-15th	Rosyth for repairs and leave
	15th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	24th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
49. HMS EMERALD
	1st	Arrived Lough Foyle from Gibraltar, fuelled and sailed p.m. for Rosyth
	2nd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand for repairs and alterations
	14th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa to work up
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises
	18th	Arrived Clyde
	21st	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	22nd	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Clyde
50. HMS SIRIUS
	9th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	20th	Arrived Clyde
	20th-31st	Clyde
51. ORP DRAGON
	1st-19th	Chatham for repairs and exchange of guns
	19th	Left Chatham on completion for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	21st	Arrived Clyde
	21st-31st	Clyde
52. FS GEORGES LEYGUES (Flag Officer French Cruisers)
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment exercises
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	14th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Belfast
	23rd	Arrived Belfast
	23rd-31st	Belfast
53. FS MONTCALM
	1st-6th	Scapa
	6th	Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment practices
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	14th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	15th	Arrived Scapa
	24th	Left Scapa for Belfast
	25th	Arrived Belfast
	25th-31st	Belfast
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
54. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	12th	Arrived Skaalefiord sailing p.m. for join Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	13th	Joined Force 7
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	19th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	20th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	26th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	27th	Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	29th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
55. HMS MARNE
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	11th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	12th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	13th	Joined Force 7
	18th	Arrived Skaalefiord to fuel, sailing a.m. for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
56. HMS METEOR
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.
	14th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
57. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	12th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	13th	Joined Force 7
	18th	Arrived Skaalefiord to fuel, sailing a.m. for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. and joining Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
58. HMS MUSKETEER
	1st-4th	At sea with RA 59
	4th	Detached from the convoy to Scapa
	5th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord.
	12th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	13th	Joined Force 7
	18th	Returned to Scapa
	27th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord to fuel
	28th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
59. HMS WAKEFUL
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
60. HMS WIZARD
	1st-3rd	Scapa, working up
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7
	13th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	28th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
61. HMS WAGER
	1st-7th	Scapa, working up
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	28th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation TIGER CLAW
	28th-31st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
62. HMS WHELP
	1st-28th	Scapa, working up
	28th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7
	29th	Detached from screen of Force 7 to join screen of Force off Scapa for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Scapa, working up
63. HMS WESSEX
	17th	Left Clyde for Scapa to work up
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa with screen of Force for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	31st	Scapa, working up
Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
64. HMS FAULKNOR (Captain (D) Eighth Destroyer Flotilla
	7th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave and alterations
	13th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	17th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
65. HMS FURY
	7th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for alterations and to give leave
	13th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	17th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
66. HMS ISIS
	7th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for alterations and to give leave
	13th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	17th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
Tenth Destroyer Flotilla
67. HMS TARTAR (Commander (D) Tenth Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command
68. HMS ASHANTI
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command and for collision damage repairs
69. HMS ESKIMO
	1st-14th	Scapa, working up
	14th	Left Scapa for Plymouth for duty in the Plymouth Command
	16th	Arrived Plymouth
	16th-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command
70. HMCS IROQUOIS
	1st-31st	Halifax, refitting
71. HMCS HURON
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command
72. HMCS HAIDA
	1st-31st	Detached to Plymouth Command
73. ORP PIORUN
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	21st	Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation OVERLORD
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	23rd-31st	Plymouth
74. ORP BLYSKAWICA
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	21st	Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation OVERLORD
	23rd	Arrived Plymouth
	23rd-31st	Plymouth
75. HMS JAVELIN
	1st-20th	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Plymouth for Operation OVERLORD
	22nd	Arrived Plymouth
	22nd-31st	Plymouth
Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla
76. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st-2nd	Plymouth for exercises
	5th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	7th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
77. HMS OFFA
	1st-31st	Portsmouth for repairs
78. HMS ORIBI
	1st	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand for boiler cleaning
	7th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	11th	Left Scapa for Skaalefiord
	12th	Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	13th	Joined Force 7
	18th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
79. HMS ONSLAUGHT
	1st-4th	Plymouth for repairs
	4th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
80. HMS OPPORTUNE
	1st-6th	Portsmouth for exercises
	6th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde with screen of REVENGE and RESOLUTION
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	8th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Sheerness for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Sheerness
	27th-31st	Sheerness
81. HMS OBDURATE
	1st-31st	Tyne, refitting
82. HMS ORWELL
	1st-6th	Plymouth for exercises
	6th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Sheerness for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Sheerness
	27th-31st	Sheerness
83. HMS OBEDIENT
	1st-6th	Plymouth for exercises
	6th	Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa
	8th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	26th	Left Scapa for Sheerness for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Sheerness
	27th-31st	Sheerness
Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla
84. HMS SAUMAREZ (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla)
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	5th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde for ammunitioning
	6th	Arrived Clyde
	8th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
85. HMS SERAPIS
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	5th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde for ammunitioning
	6th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand for boiler cleaning
	15th	Left Clyde on completion for Scapa
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
86. HMS SCORPION
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	6th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde with screen of REVENGE and RESOLUTION
	7th	Detached to Clyde, arriving p.m. for ammunitioning
	9th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
87. HMS SAVAGE
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	26th	Left Scapa for Sheerness for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Sheerness
	27th-31st	Sheerness
88. HMS SCOURGE
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	6th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde with the screen of REVENGE and RESOLUTION
	7th	Detached to Clyde, arriving p.m. for ammunitioning
	9th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Force 7
	13th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
89. HMS SWIFT
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	5th	Left Portsmouth for the Clyde for ammunitioning
	6th	Arrived Clyde
	8th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa with screen of WARSPITE for the Clyde
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
90. HNorMS STORD
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	5th	Left Portsmouth for the Clyde for ammunitioning
	6th	Arrived Clyde
	8th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa for the Clyde
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
91. HNorMS SVENNER
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	6th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde with screen of REVENGE and RESOLUTION
	7th	Detached to Clyde, arriving p.m. for ammunitioning
	9th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	23rd	Left Scapa with screen of WARSPITE for the Clyde
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-31st	Clyde
92. HMS IMPULSIVE
	1st	Arrived Portsmouth from Scapa for exercises
	6th	Left Portsmouth on completion for the Clyde with screen of REVENGE and RESOLUTION
	7th	Arrived Clyde
	9th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	10th	Arrived Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning, arriving p.m.
	24th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	26th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	28th	Arrived Portsmouth
	28th-31st	Portsmouth
93. HMS KELVIN
	1st-25th	Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
Twenty fifth Destroyer Flotilla
94. HMS GRENVILLE (Captain (D) Twenty fifth Destroyer Flotilla)
	8th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave
	18th	Arrived Rosyth
	23rd	Left Rosyth on completion, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
95. HMS URCHIN
	8th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave and repairs, arriving p.m.
	23rd	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
96. HMS UNDINE
	8th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave
	18th	Arrived Rosyth
	23rd	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
97. HMS URANIA
	7th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for alterations and to give leave
	13th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	17th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	18th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
98. HMS ULSTER
	8th	Left Gibraltar for Scapa
	12th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for leave
	18th	Arrived Rosyth
	23rd	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.
	30th	Left Scapa for the Clyde for Operation NEPTUNE
	31st	Arrived Clyde
99. HMS ULYSSES
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
100. HMS URSA
	1st-12th	Scapa, working up
	12th	Left Scapa for Operation POTLUCK
	16th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
101. HMS UNDAUNTED
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7
	13th	Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla
102. HMS KEMPENFELT (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
103. HMS VIGILANT
	1st-12th	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
104. HMS VENUS
	1st-12th	Scapa
	12th	Left Scapa with Force 7 for Operation BRAWN
	18th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
105. HMS VIRAGO
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
106. HMS VERULAM
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from convoy to Scapa
	4th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
107. HMCS ALGONQUIN
	1st-3rd	Scapa
	3rd	Left Scapa for Operation CROQUET
	7th	Returned to Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
108. HMCS SIOUX
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation HOOPS
	9th	Returned to Scapa on completion
	25th	Left Scapa for Portsmouth for Operation NEPTUNE
	27th	Arrived Portsmouth
	27th-31st	Portsmouth
Destroyers temporarily attached for North Russia Convoy duties
109. HMS KEPPEL
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	6th	Arrived Clyde
110. HMS BEAGLE
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	6th	Arrived Clyde
111. HMS BOADICEA
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	5th	Arrived Clyde
112. HMS WALKER
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	5th	Arrived Clyde
113. HMS WESTCOTT
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	6th	Arrived Clyde
114. HMS WRESTLER
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	6th	Arrived Clyde
115. HMS WHITEHALL
	1st-3rd	At sea with RA 59
	3rd	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	5th	Arrived Clyde
116. HMS INCONSTANT
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to the Clyde
	6th	Arrived Clyde
Other Destroyers attached for working up
117. HMS JERVIS
	1st-3rd	Scapa, working up
	3rd	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	4th	Arrived Rosyth to give leave
	12th	Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Portsmouth to exchange guns
	24th	Arrived Portsmouth, taken in hand
	24th-31st	Portsmouth for exchange of guns and Operation NEPTUNE
118. HMS NUBIAN
	10th	Left Tyne for Scapa to work up
	11th	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left Scapa with screen of Force 7
	29th	Detached from screen of Force 7 and joined screen of Force, off Scapa, for diversion for Operation TIGER CLAW
	30th	Returned to Scapa
	31st	Scapa, working up.
119. HHMS SALAMIS
	1st-31st	Humber for collision damage repairs
R.C.N. Frigates for temporary duty with North Russian convoys
120. HMCS WASKESIU
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from convoy to Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
121. HMCS GROU
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from convoy to Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
122. HMCS OUTREMONT
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from convoy to Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
123. HMCS CAPE BRETON
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to Londonderry
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
Corvette temporarily attached for duty with North Russian Convoys
124. HMS LOTUS
	1st-5th	At sea with RA 59
	5th	Detached from the convoy to Londonderry for repairs
	6th	Arrived Londonderry
Minesweeping Flotillas
125. First Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-31st	Detached for Duty with Force S (less SPEEDY)
126. HMS SPEEDY
	8th	Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up
	9th	Arrived Scapa
	25th	Left Scapa for Plymouth
	27th	Arrived Plymouth
	27th-31st	Plymouth
127. Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla
	1st-31st	Detached for duty with Force G

 

 

128. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

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

Cruisers:
GLASGOW	1st-22nd
BELLONA	1st-25th
BLACK PRINCE	1st-12th
ENTERPRISE	6th-24th
Destroyers:
TARTAR	1st-31st
HURON	1st-31st
HAIDA	1st-31st
ASHANTI	1st-31st
IROQUOIS	1st-31st, refitting in Halifax
ESKIMO	16th-31st
JAVELIN	22nd-31st
PIORUN	23rd-31st
BLYSKAWICA	23rd-31st

 

129. Changes of Flag

4th	Flag of Rear Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, as Rear Admiral Command, Second Cruiser Squadron hoisted in WARSPITE
4th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred from DIADEM to KENT
12th	Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from ANSON to VICTORIOUS
14th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron transferred from WARSPITE to MAURITIUS
17th	Flag of Rear Admiral Jaujard (F.N.G.B.) as Flag Officer French Cruisers hoisted in MONTCALM
18th	Flag of Flag Officer French Cruisers transferred from MONTCALM to GEORGE LEYGUES
19th	Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, transferred from VICTORIOUS to ANSON

 

130. Operation FZ

 

Details of Operation FZ (passage of convoy RA 59 from North Russia to United Kingdom) , the latter part of which continued into May, were given the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet's War Diary to April 1944

 

 

131. Operation CROQUET

This operation consisted of a strike by aircraft from FURIOUS and SEARCHER against shipping on the Norwegian coast between Bud (62-55N, 06-55E) and 63-20N, 8-20E. The operation was most successful- one ship of 2500 was sunk and one of 6000 tons and a 5000 ton tanker probably sank. An escort vessel was hit by bombs and another merchant damaged by near misses. Two enemy flying boats were shot down; two of our Barracudas were lost

 

(ii) The Force (BERWICK (Senior Officer), FURIOUS, SEARCHER, screened by SAVAGE, PIORUN, BLYSKAWICA, ALGONQUIN, WIZARD, and WAKEFUL) left Scapa late on 3 May and proceeded to the Norwegian coast, arriving in the flying off position early on 5th May. Owing to unfavourable weather, the operation was postponed until the following day and the force reversed course for 12 hours returning to the same position at 0630 on 6th May.

 

(iii) A striking force of Barracuda from FURIOUS, escorted by Wildcats from SEARCHER were flown off and swept the leads from south to north. Two southbound convoys were found and attacked successfully as in paragraph (i) above.

 

(iv) On completion of flying operations the striking force was successfully landed on and the force retired to the westwards at best speed, returning to Scapa west of the Shetlands, arriving on 7 May. SEARCHER was detached to join Rear Admiral Escort Carriers' Force for Operation HOOPS.

 

132. Operation HOOPS

This operation followed close on Operation CROQUET and consisted of another strike against shipping off the South Norwegian coast, this time the Escort Carrier Squadron under Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST. Again the operation was successful as well as keeping German shipping off the Norwegian coast on tenterhooks an enemy merchant was damaged and others near missed. 2 BV 138 flying boats and 3 enemy fighters were shot down and an oil tank on shore was hit. We lost 4 aircraft.

 

(ii) The operation was notable for the success of the Hellcat used as a bomber for the first time in these waters, this despite the fact it was realized EMPEROR's Hellcat pilots were not in any way fully trained in dive bombing.

 

(iii) The fighter escort provided was below normal strength but this was unavoidable as the three Seafire Carriers, HUNTER, ATTACKER, and STALKER, were withdrawn by Admiralty at the last moment, leaving only SEARCHER (detached after Operation CROQUET) to provide fighter escort and STRIKER the A/S protection

 

(iv) The Force (ROYALIST (Rear Admiral Escort Carriers) with EMPEROR, STRIKER, and JAMAICA screened by KEMPENFELT, ONSLAUGHT, MARNE, UNDAUNTED, WAGER, and SIOUX) left Scapa on 7th and proceeded west of the Orkneys where SEARCHER from BERWICK's force joined, 20 miles north of Noup Head.

 

(v) The Force arrived in the flying off position at 0730 on the 8th May and two strikes, each of 8 Hellcats escorted by 8 Wildcats, were flown off. The first strike attacked a northbound convoy of 5 merchant ships with ten escorts 15 miles south west of Kristiansand. One merchant ship was probably damaged and two Wildcats were shot down. On returning the strike was 'jumped' by a mixed force of 6 Me 109Gs and FW 190s. One Hellcat was shot down, but the remaining Hellcats destroyed at least 1 FW 190 and 2 Me 109s. No convoy was sighted by the Second strike so the Hellcats attacked the oil tanks at Khjen and a Herring Oil factory at Fosnavaag. One merchant vessel was machine gunned off Aalesund and two BV 138s shot down by the escorting Wildcats. One Hellcat of the second strike which was damaged by flak was lost after homing successfully back to the force.

 

(vi) The force then withdrew to the westwards and returned to Scapa on 9 May.

 

133. Operation POTLUCK

This operation was planned as another strike against shipping on the Norwegian coast (between Rorvik and Frohavet) by the escort carrier squadron, the main object being to create a diversion for Operation BRAWN (see next paragraph), being carried out simultaneously further north. In this it was completely successful as Vice Admiral, Second in Command's force remained, apparently undetected, in their operation area for about 48 hours.

 

(ii) The result of the strike was probable damage to one, and possible damage to 3, 4,000-6,000 ton merchant ships. Certain damage to 2 armed trawlers and a fish oil factory hit by bombs. 4 He115 floatplanes were shot down, a FW 200 and a Me 110 damaged. We lost one aircraft. The operation showed the possibilities of a strike by one escort carrier and EMPEROR deserved great credit for the result of her strikes.

 

(iii) The Force (ROYALIST (Rear Admiral Escort Carriers), EMPEROR, STRIKER, and SHEFFIELD, screened by ONSLOW, OBEDIENT, URSA, BLYSKAWICA, PIORUN, and WAKEFUL) left Scapa on 12th May and proceeded towards the Norwegian coast, arriving in the flying off position at 1230 on 14th May by which time shadowers were in company; in view of the main object of the operation this was all to the good.

 

(iv) After withdrawing to the westward, the force was attacked by 6 to 8 Me 110's. Gunfire from ROYALIST turned the formation away and Hurricanes from STRIKER caused them to jettison their bombs (and make off at high speed for home, one in a damaged condition.)

 

(v) On 15th May, the force closed the Norwegian coast and at 0425 a second strike of 8 bombers and 7 fighters which proceeded to attack the fish oil factory at Fosnavaag and two armed coasters off the shore as no convoy was sighted. The strike returned without loss and the unfavourable weather reports from inshore, Rear Admiral Escort decided not to carry out any further strikes and returned towards the west.

 

(vi) The Force arrived back at Scapa on 16 May.

 

134. Operations BRAWN and PROTEUS

Operation BRAUN was planned as a repetition of Operation TUNGSTEN, (the Fleet Air Arm attack on the TIRPITZ in Altenfiord), and Operation PROTEUS consisted of a repetition of Operation VERITAS (reconnaissance of a seaborne assault of the Narvik area, as part of the cover plan for Operation NEPTUNE), the two Operations to be carried out by the same force while the escort carrier squadron to act a diversion to the south by attacking shipping off the Norwegian coast (Operation POTLUCK).

 

(ii) Force 7 (VICTORIOUS (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), KENT and DEVONSHIRE screened by MILNE, SAVAGE, MUSKETEER, VENUS, MATCHLESS, MARNE, and ORIBI) left Scapa on the 12th and proceeded to the flying off position for Altenfiord reaching the area p.m. At this time it was evident that weather conditions would be unsuitable and the force stood off to the northwest until the following day.

 

(iii) P.m. on the 15th May weather conditions were again not favourable but the strike was flown off in the hope of an improvement over the target. Unfortunately the target was covered by a thick bank of cloud with no apparent opening and the strike had no option but to return, being landed on without incident.

 

(iv) Having lost the advantage of surprise, Vice Admiral, Second in Command, abandoned Operation BRAWN and proceeded to the southward to carry out Operation PROTEUS the following day.

 

(v) By 0900 on 16th weather conditions had deteriorated sufficiently to prevent any flying operations and Force 7 again withdrew to the northwest. A weather reconnaissance was flown by two Barracudas from VICTORIOUS to try and find a suitable break in the weather for Operation PROTEUS. One Barracuda returned and reported bad weather conditions for at least 120 miles to the southwest. The other Barracuda missed the ship and was lost.

 

(vi) Operation PROTEUS was then abandoned and the Force withdrew to Scapa arriving p.m. 18th May

 

135. Operation D A

 

His Majesty the King visited the Home Fleet from 10th to 13th May to meet with Commander in Chief Home Fleet, in HMS DUKE OF YORK during his visit. During his visit the following programs were carried out

10th May	Arrived Scapa from Scrabster in MILNE, escorted by MATCHLESS and MUSKETEER and transferred to DUKE OF YORK.
	Visited DAUNTLESS (including representatives from DIOMEDE and CORINTHIAN) – C.W. Squadron
	Dinner party in DUKE OF YORK
	Sunset ceremonial in DUKE OF YORK
11th May	Embarked in ONSLOW and proceeded into the Flow for submarine exercise
	Visited ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral Escort Carriers)
	Visited SEARCHER (including representatives from other escort carriers present)
	Embarked in VICTORIOUS and proceeded to sea for flying exercises, returning to harbour on completion.
	Dinner party in DUKE OF YORK
12th May	Visited KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron) (including representatives from DANAE)
	Visited RAMILLIES (including representative from DEVONSHIRE)
	Visited FURIOUS (including representatives from SHEFFIELD and JAMAICA)
	Visited ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command)(including representatives from ARETHUSA)
	Lunch part in ANSON
	Visited BONAVENTURE and her X craft
	Visited TYNE (Flag of Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet) and destroyers berthed alongside
	Dinner party in DUKE OF YORK
13th May	Attended Commander in Chief's Staff Meeting in DUKE OF YORK. Embarked in BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron) and proceeded to Scrabster, escorted by ONSLAUGHT, SIOUX, and WHELP, on completion of the visit

 

136. Operations TIGER CLAW, CAMBRIDGE, and LOMBARD

Operation TIGER CLAW was planned as a repetition of Operation BRAWN, and operation CAMBRIDGE as a repetition of Operation PROTEUS (see paragraph 134 above). In the event, both these operations were again cancelled owing to weather, and Operation LOMBARD (strike on enemy shipping in the Aalesund area) was carried out instead.

 

(ii) Force 7 (VICTORIOUS (Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet), FURIOUS, BERWICK, and DEVONSHIRE screened by WAKEFUL, WAGER, WIZARD, WHELP, and NUBIAN) left Scapa on 28th May and proceeded to the flying off position for Altenfiord. Off the Faroes the force was joined by MILNE, MUSKETEER, MARNE, METEOR, and MATCHLESS who had fuelled at Skaalefiord; when these 5 destroyers joined WHELP and NUBIAN were detached and returned to Scapa

 

(iii) Before reaching the flying off position on 30th a sighting report from an enemy U-boat was intercepted by MILNE and judged to be within 30 miles. In view of this and the quite unsuitable weather reports of the target area, Vice Admiral, Second in Command, decided to abandon operation TIGER CLAW and CAMBRIDGE and turned southwards to carry out Operation LOMBARD in the Aalesund area.

 

(iv) The flying off position was reached p.m. on 1st and the weather was favourable. A strike of 6 Barracudas and 22 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS and 10 Barracudas and 12 Seafires from FURIOUS was flown off and a convoy, reported during the afternoon by an R.A.F. Mosquito aircraft, was found and attacked. All three merchant ships were hit by bombs and the escorting flak ships were nearly all hit by the fighters. It is believed that two merchant ships and one escort vessel subsequently sank. No German Air Force was encountered either over the target or the Fleet; one Corsair from VICTORIOUS and one Seafire from FURIOUS failed to return.

 

(v). The remainder of the striking force landed by 2305/1st and Force 7 withdrew at high speed to the southwestward, arriving back at Scapa p.m. 2 June.

 

(vi) During these operations, Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, in DUKE OF YORK with ANSON, JAMAICA, BERMUDA, screened by NUBIAN, WHELP (ex Force 7) and WESSEX left Scapa on 29th May and proceeded north passing 40 miles east of the Faroes on 30th May in order to be sighted by the German Zenit Flight (see following note) and thus create a diversion for Force 7. In this the force was successfully as it was sighted early on the 30th by an enemy aircraft which was heard to make a signal immediately afterward. This force then returned to Scapa, arriving p.m. 30th.

Zenit Flights -  "Throughout the war, regular flights by GAF long-range weather reconnaissance aircraft, called Zenit, helped to break the air-to-ground code of the day. Beginning first thing, up to 6 Zenit aircraft flew out over the Atlantic to the limit of their range, radioing encoded weather reports. Being stereotyped these messages were readily broken. Furthermore, the information in them was needed urgently by many German meteorological authorities and so they were immediately repeated on other networks in other codes, including occasionally Enigma. Zenit flights only ceased when Germany surrendered. Being predictable, they were a tempting target for Coastal Command. The Chiefs of Staff ordered that they should not be singled out for attack." (Bletchley Park Archives)

 

---

 

 

 

WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

JUNE 1944

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

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.
	1st-10th	Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th	Flag of Admiral Sir Bruce Austin Fraser, GCB, KBE, struck
	14th	Flag of Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, broken
	16th	Left Rosyth
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	17th-31st	Scapa
2. HMS ANSON
	1st-10th	Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th	Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, struck
	14th	Commenced de ammunitioning
	16th	Left Rosyth
	16th	Arrived Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa for Plymouth to refit
	18th	Arrived Plymouth
	18th-30th	Plymouth, refitting
3. HMS KING GEORGE V
	1st-30th	Liverpool, refitting
4. HMS HOWE
	1st-10th	Scapa, working up
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	14th	Arrived Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa for Clyde
5. HMS NELSON
	1st-2nd	Scapa
	2nd	Left Scapa for Milford Haven
	4th	Arrived Milford Haven. Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Forces
	19th	Damaged slightly by mines
	22nd	Sailed to U.S.A. for refit
6. HMS WARSPITE
	1st-14th	Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force
	14th-30th	Rosyth for repairs to mine damage
Aircraft Carriers attached to Second Battle Squadron
7. HMS VICTORIOUS
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	12th	Left Clyde for the Eastern Fleet
8. HMS INDOMITABLE
	1st-9th	Scapa, working up
	9th	Left Scapa for Clyde
	10th	Arrived Clyde
	12th	Left Clyde for Eastern Fleet
9. HMS FURIOUS
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	17th-30th	Scapa
Escort Carrier Squadron
10. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers)
	1st	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Tyne for docking and leave
	26th-30th	Tyne
11. HMS KHEDIVE
	1st-7th	Scapa, working up
	7th	Left Scapa for Rosyth with damaged airframes and engines
	8th	Arrived Rosyth
	24th	Left Scapa
	25th	Arrived Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
12. HMS SEARCHER
	1st	Arrived Scapa from Rosyth
	8th	Left Scapa for Clyde and duty with OS 80
	9th	Arrived Clyde
	9th-30th	Detached
13. HMS STRIKER
	1st	Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa for Clyde for repairs
	27th	Arrived Clyde
	27th-30th	Clyde
14. HMS FENCER
	13th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
First Cruiser Squadron (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron)
15. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron )
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left with BERWICK, BERMUDA, DEVONSHIRE, SHEFFIELD, and JAMAICA for diversion in North Sea
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation BLUES with BERMUDA, DEVONSHIRE, FURIOUS, and MATCHLESS
	23rd	Returned to Scapa
	26th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron transferred to DEVONSHIRE
	27th	Left for Rosyth for docking and leave
	28th	Arrived Rosyth
	28th-30th	Rosyth
16. HMS BERWICK
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	10th	Left Scapa for diversion in North Sea
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and repairs to propeller
	14th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	29th	Left Rosyth
	30th	Scapa
17. HMS DEVONSHIRE (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	10th	Left Scapa for diversion in North Sea
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation BLUES
	23rd	Returned to Scapa
	27th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron hoisted
	27th-30th	Scapa
18. HMS NORFOLK
	1st-30th	Tyne, refitting
19. HMS SUSSEX
	1st-11th	Rosyth
	12th-30th	Chatham, refitting
Tenth Cruiser Squadron
20. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron 1st-15th)
	1st-30th	Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force
21. HMS SHEFFIELD
	1st	Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for diversion in North Sea
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	28th	Left for Clyde to give leave before proceeding for U.S.A. for refit
	29th	Arrived Clyde
	30th	Clyde
22. HMS GLASGOW
	1st	Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force.
	28th	Left Portland for Plymouth
	30th	Left Plymouth for Tyne to refit
23. HMS BERMUDA
	1st	Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for diversion in North Sea
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation BLUES
	23rd	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left for Clyde for refit
	30th	Arrived Clyde
24. HMS JAMAICA
	1st-7th	Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for diversion in North Sea under Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
	11th	Returned to Scapa
	13th	Left Scapa for Clyde to embark personnel, LCV's, and stores for Operation D B
	14th	Arrived Clyde
	16th	Left Clyde
	18th	Rendezvoused with WAGER and WHELP (from Skaalefiord) for passage to Spitzbergen (Operation D B)
	20th	Arrived and left Spitzbergen
	24th	Arrived Scapa
	28th	Left for Loch Erribol to prepare bombing range for practices for Operation MASCOT
	28th-30th	Loch Erribol.
25. HMS SIRIUS
	1st-29th	Detached to Allied Naval Commander Expeditionary Force
	29th	Sailed from Portsmouth to rendezvous with BLACK PRINCE for passage to Sheerness for docking for action damage repair
	30th	Arrived Sheerness
26. HMS BLACK PRINCE
	1st	Detached to Allied Naval Commander Expeditionary Force
	29th	Sailed from Plymouth to rendezvous with SIRIUS for passage to Tyne for docking and short refit
	30th	On passage to Tyne
27. HMS BELLONA
	1st-29th	Detached to Allied Naval Commander Expeditionary Force
	29th	Left Plymouth for Scapa
	30th	Arrived Scapa
28. HMS SWIFTSURE
	1st-16th	Building, Tyne
	16th	Arrived Rosyth for acceptance trials
	23rd	Left Rosyth, arrived Scapa
	23rd-30th	Scapa, working up
Destroyer Depot Ship
29. HMS TYNE (Flag of Commodore (D), Home Fleet
	1st	Left Scapa for Portsmouth
	1st-30th	Detached to Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force
Destroyers
Third Destroyer Flotilla
30. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
31. HMS MARNE
	1st	At sea for Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa, sailing p.m. for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	3rd	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	8th	Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th	Left Scapa, escorting HOWE
	14th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	25th-30th	Scapa
32. HMS METEOR
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	13th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	14th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left for Kola Inlet (Operation D.C.)
	30th	On passage
33. HMS MATCHLESS
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	10th	Left Scapa for Rosyth
	11th	Arrived Rosyth
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	22nd	Left Scapa for Operation BLUES
	23rd	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left for Kola Inlet (Operation D C)
	30th	On passage
34. HMS MUSKETEER
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	9th	Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning
	10th	Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand
	16th	Left Rosyth for Scapa
	17th	Arrived Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	29th	Left Scapa with METEOR and MATCHLESS for Kola Inlet with mails personnel, and stores (Operation D C)
	30th	On passage
35. HMS WAKEFUL
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa for Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	24th	Returned to Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa escorting HOWE to Clyde
36. HMS WIZARD
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa on Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	9th	Damaged by depth charge exploding under stern in Scapa following accidental release
	26th	Left Scapa under tow by EMPIRE MASCOT for Middlesbrough on Tees
	28th	Arrived Tees
	28th-30th	Tees, refitting
37. HMS WAGER
	1st	At sea on Operation TIGER CLAW
	2nd	Returned to Scapa
	7th	Left Scapa on Operation KRUSCHEN
	8th	Returned to Scapa
	16th	Left Scapa, arriving Skaalefiord (Operation D.B.)
	18th	Rendezvoused with JAMAICA and WHELP for passage to Spitzbergen
	20th	Left Spitzbergen
	24th	Arrived Scapa
	26th	Left Scapa to escort STRIKER to 58-15N, Returned Scapa
	30th	Left Scapa escorting HOWE to Clyde
38. HMS WHELP
	1st	Scapa, working up
	16th	Left Scapa, arrived Skaalefiord (Operation D.B.)
	18th	Rendezvoused with JAMAICA and WAGER for passage to Spitzbergen
	20th	Left Spitzbergen
	24th	Arrived Scapa
	24th-30th	Scapa
39. HMS WESSEX
	1st	Scapa, working up
	14th	Escorted IMPLACABLE through Pentland Firth
	15th	Returned Scapa
	17th	Left Scapa to escort ANSON was far as Mull of Kintyre
	19th	Returned to Scapa
	20th	Left Scapa for Operation WANDERERS
	25th	Returned to Scapa
	26th	Left for Thorshaven with Admiral Commanding, Orkney and Shetland to visit Faroes and Shetlands
	27th	Arrived Thorshaven
	28th	Left Thorshaven
	29th	Arrived Lerwick
	30th	Left Lerwick for Scapa
Destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up
40. HMS NUBIAN
	1st-9th	Scapa, working up
	9th	Left Scapa for Clyde with screen of VICTORIOUS and INDOMITABLE
	10th	Arrived Clyde, taken in hand for boiler cleaning and repairs
	20th	Left Clyde for Scapa
	21st	Arrived Scapa
	21st-30th	Scapa
41. HMS VOLAGE
	1st-17th	Scapa, working up
	17th	Left Scapa to escort ANSON to Mull of Kintyre
	19th	Returned to Scapa
	19th-30th	Scapa
42. HMS MYNGS
	15th	Commissioned
	23rd	Left Tyne
	24th	Arrived Clyde
	24th-30th	Clyde

 

 

43. Ships detached to Other Commands

 

Following ships were detached to Allied naval Commander, Expeditionary Force for bombardment in the Channel

Battleships:	RODNEY, RAMILLIES, WARSPITE (arrived Rosyth 14th for docking after being mined), NELSON (from 4th to 19th)
Monitors:	ROBERTS, EREBUS
Cruisers:	ARETHUSA, DANAE, ENTERPRISE, FROBISHER, HAWKINS, BELFAST (Flag of Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), GLASGOW (arrived Tyne for refit 30th), ARGONAUT, SIRIUS (arrived Sheerness for docking after action damage 30th), BELLONA (arrived Scapa 30th), BLACK PRINCE (arrived Tyne for short refit 30th), DIADEM, ORP DRAGON, AJAX, EMERALD, ORION (sailed for Mediterranean 30th)
Destroyer Depot Ship:	TYNE (Flag of Vice Admiral (Destroyers)
Destroyers:	8th Destroyer Flotilla: FAULKNOR, FURY, ISIS
	10th Destroyer Flotilla: TARTAR, ASHANTI, ESKIMO, HAIDA, R.C.N., HURON, R.C.N., ORP PIORUN, ORP BLYSKAWICA, JAVELIN
	17th Destroyer Flotilla: ONSLOW, OFFA, ORIBI, ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, OBDURATE, ORWELL, OBEDIENT
	23rd Destroyer Flotilla: SAUMAREZ, SERAPIS, SCORPION, SAVAGE, SCOURGE, SWIFT, H.Nor.M. STORD, H.Nor.M.S. SVENNER, IMPULSIVE, KELVIN
	25th Destroyer Flotilla: GRENVILLE, ULSTER, URANIA, URSA, ULYSSES
	26th Destroyer Flotilla: KEMPENFELT, VIGILANT, VENUS, VIRAGO, VERULAM, ALGONQUIN, R.C.N., SIOUX, R.C.N.
Minesweepers:	1st Minesweeping Flotilla (Force S)
	18th Minesweeping Flotilla (Force G)

The following were detached temporarily to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches:

Escort Carriers:

EMPEROR, PURSUER

The following ships were attached for working up:

Battleships:	HOWE (1-30.6.44)
	ARCHANGEL (USSR. Flag Vice Admiral Levchenko) (EX ROYAL SOVEREIGN) (17-30.6.44)
Cruiser:	SWIFTSURE (23-30.6.44)
Destroyers:	WESSEX (1-13.6.44, then 3rd Destroyer Flotilla)
	WHELP (1-15.6.44, then 3rd Destroyer Flotilla)
Sloop:	MERMAID (26-30.6.44)

 

44. Changes of Flag

13th	Flag of Admiral Sir Bruce Austin Fraser, G.C.B., K.B.E. struck in DUKE OF YORK
	Flag of Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore, K.C.B., C.V.O., D.S.O. struck in ANSON
14th	Flag of Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore, K.C.B., C.V.O., D.S.O. hoisted in DUKE OF YORK
15th	Rear Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB (Rear Admiral Commanding Tenth Cruiser Squadron) promoted to Vice Admiral.
26th	Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron transferred from KENT to DEVONSHIRE

 

45. Operations

 

Operations TIGER CLAW, CAMBRIDGE, and LOMBARD (28.5 – 2.6.1944)

See War Diary for May 1944

 

 

Operation KRUSCHEN (6-8.6.44)

Object: To destroy shipping off the Norwegian Coast in Leads between Skorpen and Reksten Islands and Reksten and Sogne Sjoen

 

Forces taking part: Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in VICTORIOUS (Barracudas and Corsairs), FURIOUS (Barracudas and Seafires), KENT, JAMAICA, Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, METEOR, MUSKETEER, MATCHLESS, WHELP, WIZARD, WAGER, WAKEFUL

 

Remarks: 18 Group's special air reconnaissance reported a convoy in 60-37N, 04-53E steering northwards and another in 61-41N, 4-47E steering southwards. Unfortunately cloud base was between 500-1000 feet, a minimum of 4500 feet being required for a bombing attack of this nature by Barracudas. Fog was met shortly before the strike was due to fly off, and the operation was postponed until the following day. Weather conditions were even more unpromising on the morning of 8th and the Rear Admiral, Commanding First Cruiser Squadron abandoned the operation.

 

Diversion in North Sea (10-11.6.44)

Object: To create a diversion in the North Sea; to be sighted by the North Sea Zenit on 11 June.

 

Forces taking part: (Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in KENT, BERWICK, DEVONSHIRE, BERMUDA, SHEFFIELD, JAMAICA

 

Remarks: Unidentified aircraft were sighted, though not the Zenit.

 

Operation PLOUGHSHARE (D.B.) (16-24.6.44)

Object: To take stores and relief personnel to Spitzbergen

 

Forces taking part: JAMAICA, WHELP, WAGER

 

Remarks: Stores, personnel, and LCVs to land them were embarked in JAMAICA at Greenock on 14th-16th. The destroyers joined from Skaalefiord on 17th and the force reached Spitzbergen (Advent Fjord) on 20th. Unloading took seven hours. Arrived Scapa on 24th after an uneventful passage both ways.

 

Operation WANDERERS (20-25.6.44)

Object: To create a diversion in Norwegian waters and thereby influence the enemy to retain the large U-boat force already in that area.

 

Forces taking part: Rear Admiral Escort Carriers in ROYALIST, SHEFFIELD, STRIKER, FENCER, Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla in MILNE, METEOR, MUSKETEER, WEESEX, WAKEFUL, MARNE

 

Remarks: No U-boats were sighted

 

Operation BLUES (22-23.6.44)

Object: To maintain the threat of invasion in South Norway

 

Forces taking part: Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in KENT, FURIOUS, DEVONSHIRE, BERMUDA

 

Remarks: It was the intention of this force to be sighted for D/F-ed, but no apparent notice of it was taken by the enemy

 

Operation D.C. (29.6 – 8.7.44)

Object: The passage of stores, passengers, and mails to Kola

 

Forces taking part: MUSKETEER, METEOR, MATCHLESS

 

Remarks: The passage was made without incident. The Force was sighted by a BV 138 when 180 miles north of Kola. On the return journey, Russian fighters escorted to 70 miles from coast.