Die noctague amri
coeloque:
'By
day and by night, by sea and sky'
1
9 4 3
November
Contractors Trials
15th
Commissioned for service in Western
Approaches Command.
20th
Storing and fuel embarkation began.
29th
Commenced Acceptance Trials in North
Sea.
30th
Passage to Rosyth
December
2nd
Carried out Full Power Trials
3rd
Accepted into RN service.
10th
Sailed fro Greenock.
11th
Arrived in Clyde,
15th
First Deck Landing by an AVENGER aircraft.
18th
825 Squadron SEA
HURRICANE and SWORDFISH aircraft embarked at
sea off Cumbrae
Light.
1
9 4 4
January
Nominated for support of anti-submarine
operations in NW Approaches.
20th
Flag Officer Carrier Training visited ship.
(Note: His
assessment of the ship was poor..)
22nd
Dragged anchor in Clyde
and sustained structural damage in collision
with HM Escort Carrier
PURSUER.
February
Under repair.
13th
Ship docked for examination,
23rd
Ship undocked on completion of repair
25th
Resumed preparations for operational service
in NW Approaches for support of
anti-submarine
operations.
25th
Carried out flying exercises during which
two aircraft crashed.
(Note: These
crashes were later found to be due to water
infiltration into fuel.)
Other accidents were also found to be due to
this contamination.)
March
Ship ready for deployment.
2nd
At Larne for meeting relating to planned
operations.
3rd
During flying exercises rating lost
overboard by slipstream of aircraft
taking-off.
9th
Deployed with ships of 6th Canadian Escort
group to carry out antisubmarine operations
in NW
Approaches.
(Note: Ships in
Group were HM Canadian Destroyer QU’APPELLE,
HM Canadian Frigates
WASKESIU, OUTREMONT,
HM Canadian Corvettes PRESCOTT
and EDMUNDSTON.
10th
Carried out search operations in
conjunction with Canadian Escort Group.
Aircraft from ship hit by return fire from
U-Boat sighted on surface.
(Note: One of
aircrew died from injuries.)
11th
Air search operations in continuation.
Supplied fuel to ships
of Escort Group.
12th
6th Escort Group joined by 2nd British
Escort Group
(Note: Ships in
Group were HM Sloops STARLING, WHIMBREL,
WILD GOOSE, MAGPIE
and WREN.)
Aircraft from ship sighted U-Boat bu
follow up operations by HMCS QU’APPELLE not
successful.
13th
Under attack by submarine whilst refuelling
HMCS QU’APPELLE but torpedo avoided by
prompt
manoeuvring action.
14th
Flying operations in continuation.
SWORDFISH search aircraft crashed into sea
after night take-off due to petrol
contamination,
Aircrew of three rescued
by HMCS OUTREMONT.
15th
Radar contact by search aircraft reported to
ships of EG2 which carried out attask
operation
sinking U653. For
details see U-BOATS DESTROYED by P Kemp.
16th
Flying operations in continuation
Refuelled ships of
Canadian Group.
Under torpedo attack after submarine contact
but this failed,
Weather deteriorated,
17th
Flying operations restricted by weather
conditions
Disquiet amongst aircrew about frequent
failure of depth charges to explode and
continued
concern about
petrol contamination.
(Note: Depth
charge failures traced to incorrect assembly
on untested weapons of modified
design.. This
failure prevented sinking of three more
U-Boats which had been attacked
by 825 Squadron,
Only two of the 127 charges dropped had
functioned.)
18th
Flying operations in continuation.
Tests carried out to investigate depth
charge failures,
19th
Flying restricted by fog but the only
contact investigated was not found.
SWORDFISH aircraft crashed due to petrol
contamination and aircrew of three lost.
20th
Flying restricted due to limitations of
space in hangar to change type of aircraft
required
for specific
tasks.
21st
Weather deteriorated and aircraft struck
down.
22nd
Flooding caused power failure and consequent
loss of steering control.
Ship manoeuvred by main engines
Repair effected and normal steering
possible.
23rd
During flying operations SWORDFISH aircraft
overran Flight Deck due to movement of ship
in extreme
weather conditions. Crew rescued by HMCS
WASKESIU.
HM Canadian Frigates CAPE
BRETON and GROU joined Canadian Escort
Group.
24th
During continued flying operations with ship
pitching heavily SWORDFISH aircraft crashed
on landing with
two depth charges on racks. Crew able to
escape from wrecked aircraft
before petrol
ignited and depth charges exploded. One
rating was killed by a splinter whilst
asleep in a
compartment below the Flight Deck.
Flying delayed whilst deck cleared. but
restricted by weather conditions.
25th
Resumed flying in deteriorating
conditions.
One aircraft crashed into barrier on return.
(Note:
Returning aircraft jettisoned depth charges
before landing to prevent a repetition of
the explosion on
24th,)
26th
Flying operations continued in rough weather
which presented difficult landings,
One aircraft hit bridge on landing and was
able to maintain control over the damaged
aircraft
and land
satisfactorily the second time.
Two further barrier crashes due to weather
conditions
27th
Ship withdrew from operations in late
afternoon and took passage to Clyde
(Note: Weather
conditions were unsatisfactory and loss of
four aircraft as well as aircrew
together with the
availability of fewer aircraft made the
return necessary although it
had been intended
that operations would continued for three
weeks,)
28th
Arrived in Clyde
(Statistics of air
operations: 825 Squadron
SWORDFISH:
100 Deck Landings (Day). 235 hours
Flown
22 Deck Landings (Night) 40
hours Flown
SEA
HURRICANE
46 Deck Landings
(Day 36
Sorties
3 Sorties (Night) 1.5 hours
April
Deployed for replenishment in Clyde.
16th
Carried out price shoot.
17th
Commenced Flying training
(Note: Aircraft
hit bridge in during take-off
HURRICANE aircraft fitted with Rocket
Projectiles to assist take-off. (RATOG)
During flying training SWORDFISH aircraft
recently repaired after earlier damage, had
an
engine failure
after launch and ditched.
Aircrew were rescued by attendant destroyer,
24th
Deployed for anti-submarine operations and
sailed from Clyde
escorted by HM Canadian
Frigates MATANE,
STORMONT of 9th Escort Group.
27th
Commenced anti-submarine air search
operations in conjunction with HM Frigates
BICKERTON, AYLMER and
BLIGH of 5th Escort Group.
(Note: Group
had been supporting passage of Outward
Convoy ONS233 and detached
to join ship for
anti-submarine operations,
These ships were refuelled during subsequent
joint operations.).
28th
HM Canadian Frigates KEATS, KEMPTHORNE and
GOODSON of 5th Escort Group
joined.
29th
SWORDFISH aircraft made force landing in sea
after petrol failure.
Aircrew rescued by HMCS AYLMER.
30th
Flying operations restricted by weather.
May
Operation area transferred to new area where
U-Boat was know to be deployed for
weather
reporting.
(Note: This was
directed by Admiralty as a result of
interception of wireless transmissions.
2nd
Arrived in designated area and carried out
flying operations based on interception
of wireless
traffic by ships of Escort Group.
(Note: These
proved to be erroneous and saturation air
search operations failed.
3rd
Weather conditions restricted use of
SWORDFISH aircraft for searches.
4th
Flying operations continued and some escorts
refuelled.
5th
Successful trials established that landing
of aircraft could be carried during
refuelling of
escorts,
Air search for U-Boat in
continuation.
HURRICANE aircraft forced to ditch after
engine failure. Despite drop of dinghies
and gallant
attempts to effect a rescue neither of the
crew survived one of whom.
died on board
HMCS GOODSON after recovered unconscious
from the sea.
6th
U-Boat sighted after radar contact during
intensive air operations nut target
submerged
In low visibility conditions One SWORDFISH
aircraft short of fuel managed to
land with
desperate shortage of fuel.
Frigates of 5th Escort Group began search
supported by air operations resulting in
sinking of U785
by HM Frigates BICKERTON, KEATS, AYLMER
and BLIGH.
See U-BOATS DESTROYED by P Kemp and HITLER’S
U-BOAT WAR by P Kemp.
7th
Despite extreme weather conditions further
search operations for a second submarine
were flown until
conditions force their suspension.
When flying resumed possible contact was
made but subsequent attacks by ships of
Escort
Group were unsuccessful.
8th
Flying operations delayed when Lift to
Flight Deck from hangar had a major defect.
Manual operation of lift used to transfer
aircraft and limited flying resumed.
9th
Despite poor weather conditions air search
operations continued.
Ships of EG5 refuelled.
10th
Three ships of EG5 detached and replaced by
EG2 Sloops.
11th
Air search operations in continued in
support surface anti-submarine operations.
SWORDFISH aircraft crashed on landing and
went overboard due to erratic ship
movement. Despite
rescue attempt by HMCS GOODSON there were no
survivors.
12th
Took passage to Clyde
on completion of overnight air patrols.
14th
Arrived in Clyde.
15th
Began routine maintenance which included
major investigation of the reasons
for petrol
contamination.
(Note: This was
successful and use of sea water instead of
compressed air which had
caused
contamination of the petrol due to
temperature increase
June
Clyde maintenance in
continuation
Nominated for further
anti-submarine support operation in NW
Approaches.
21st
Modified design SWORDFISH Mk III
embarked from shore.
(Note: These
aircraft were fitted with new design centimetric
ASV Mk III
radar
and Rocket
Assisted Take-off Gear (RATOG) to improve
take-off performance
and allow four
depth charges to be mounted in good weather
conditions.)
28th
Prepared to resume anti-submarine
operations.
29th
Passage to Londonderry
for deployment with 5th Escort Group.
July
1st
Sailed from Moville with HM Frigates AWE,
BULLEN, GOODALL and HM Canadian
Corvette ST THOMAS.
2nd
Flying operations commenced.
3rd
Rain and low visibility prevented flying.
HM Destroyer BULLDOG joined supporting
warships.
4th
Flying operations resumed during afternoon
but marred by failures inn new radar sets.
(Note: This was
due to poor design of cabling used for
interconnection between units
and need for
repair reduced availability of aircraft for
search operations.)
5th
Flying resumed in early afternoon.
Ship diverted to carry out out
search for U-Boat which had attacked fishing
trawlers
in position west
of Cape Wrath about
870 miles from current search area.
(Note:
Submarine involved was U11. For details see
HITLER’S U-BOAT WAR.)
Two HURRICANE aircraft launched to carry out
search of area where submarine was likely
to be on passage
away from the trawler attacks,
(Note: These
two were unable to return because of lack of
fuel and landed near Thurso.
6th
Air search operations in continuation..
Rocket projectile accidentally fired during
testing by aircraft on Flight Deck
One rating was killed and another HURRICANE
aircraft damaged.
Later another aircraft was unable to
take-odd because of Water contamination in
fuel.
(Note: This was
traced to human error when water sea was
directly fed into supply tanks.)
7th
Flying operations resumed when 500 gallons
of contaminated petrol had been removed and
had to be
ditched.
One suspected contact was never confirmed.
8th
Search area changed
9th
Carried out air search operations until
these were suspended due to weather
conditions.
10th
Supply hose parted during refuelling of HMS
BULLEN.
Frigates of 5th EG detached.
HM Escort Carrier STRIKER joined to assist
in search operations.
11th
Air searches in continuation with HMS
STRIKER
12th
During air patrol submarine sighted and
position passed to supporting corvette.
Landing conditions for return of SWORDFISH
aircraft made difficult by poor visibility
One aircraft crashed on Flight Deck whilst
landing and the fifth had to ditch due to
lack
of petrol.. The
aircrew were rescued by HM Frigate MANNERS
after complex guidance
from ship.
14th
Arrived at Greenock.
15th
Deployed in Clyde
August
4th
Sailed from Clyde to
carry out flying exercises.
5th
Diverted to take part in anti-submarine
operations as Force 31 and deployed with HM
Corvette
MORPETH CASTLE
(Note: One
source records HM Minesweeper PETROLA but
this ship did not commission
in Canada
as HMS LIONESS until December 1944.)
6th
Joined by HM Frigates BAZELY, BURGES, HM
Canadian Minesweeper TILLSONBURG
and HM Trawler THIRLMERE
Flying operations restricted by bad
visibility with landings controlled by an
extempore
approach control
radar system.
(Note: No
positive submarine sighting was made.)
7th
Returned to Clyde
on release from search.
Passage to Scapa
Flow
to join Home Fleet.
(Note:
Nominated for provision of air cover during
passage of Russian Convoy JW 59 to
Kola Inlet and return Convoy RA59 from Kola
Inlet to UK
(Operation VICTUAL)
13th
Deployed at Scapa Flow
and took part in whaler races.
16th
Flag of CS10 transferred to ship from HM
Cruiser JAMAICA.
Sailed from Scapa Flow
to join JW69 during passage from Loch Ewe
with HM Cruiser
JAMAICA
and HM Escort Carrier STRIKER
screened by HM Destroyers VOLAGE,
VERULAM, VIRAGO, WHIRLWIND, WRANGLER,
SCOURGE and Canadian
ALGONQUIN.
HM Destroyers CAPRICE, MARNE,
MILNE, METEOR and MUSKETEER, joined.
(Note ; For
details of all Russian convoy operations
with details of all mercantiles
and
warships involved
see CONVOYS TO RUSSIA by R A Ruegg,
THE RUSSIAN
CONVOYS by B Schoefield,
CONVOY ! by
P Kemp, ARCTIC
CONVOYS by
R Woodman and for
submarine deployments HITLER’S U-BOAT
WAR.)
Carried out flying
exercises with HMS STRIKER.
17th
Met JW59 and deployed within convoy.
(Note: Battleship ARCHANGELSK (Ex HM
Battleship ROYAL SOVEREIGN on
passage to join
Russian Northern Fleet was also included in
the convoy.)
18th
Carried out air patrols to intercept any
enemy reconnaissance aircraft
19th
Launched HURRICANE aircraft to intercept
radar contact with WILDCAT fighters from
HMS STRIKER. No
sighting made.
Nominated for provision of night air cover
using ASV
Mk III Hurricane
aircraft with
improved radar
performance.
20th
Air search launched for interception of
reconnaissance aircraft which was
unsuccessful,
but sighted nine
Russian ships on passage to join Northern
Fleet based at Murmansk.
(Note: These
ships were on Lend/Lease from USA
and comprised Ex battleship
HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN and eight Ex USN
destroyers which had been
on Lend/Lease to
RN)
Russian ships joined JW59.
First indications of
U-Boat activity by wireless transmissions.
21st
HM Sloop KITE deployed for anti-submarine
support sunk by torpedo from U344
14 survivors rescued by HM Destroyer KEPPEL
but five died on board.
Intensive air search operations carried out
with HMS STRIKER in support of surface
Anti-submarine
deployments of escorts.
German flying boat intercepted and destroyed
by STRIKER aircraft.
22nd
Anti submarine patrol continued..
U344 sighted on surface by SWORDFISH
aircraft and sunk by depth charge attack.
Several attacks made by patrolling aircraft
despite intense return fire.
Neither rocket, depth
charge or acoustic torpedo attacks
by aircraft from both carriers
were successful
23rd
Presence of several of submarines confirmed
by aircraft searches after detection of
of transmitted
radio signals.
Extensive patrols maintained with aircraft
from HMS STRIKER.
Russian ships detached to make independent
passage
24th
Rocket hits during attacks by SWORDFISH from
ship forced surface submarine to dive
and hunt
continued by surface vessels.
Sonar contact established by HM Sloop
MERMAID which resulted in the sinking of
concentrated
depth charge operations by HM Sloop PEACOCK,
HM Frigate LOCH
DUNVEGAN and HM
Destroyer KEPPEL.
The submarine U344 never surfaced and was
sunk by these attacks
For details see above
references and U-BOATS DESTROYED.
25th
Detached from JW59 on arrival at Kola Inlet
and anchored off Vaenga
Island
Flag or CS10 transferred to HMS JAMAICA
28th
Flag of CS10 returned to ship.
Sailed from Vaenga
with HMS JAMAICA and HMS STRIKER screened by
HM
Destroyers MILNE, MARNE,
METEOR, MUSKETEER and CAPRICE
Joined inward Convoy RA59A which had sailed
earlier from Kola Inlet
(Note: Convoy
Escort included HM Destroyers KEPPEL. WHITEHALL,
HM Sloops
MERMAID and PEACOCK as Anti-submarine
Striking Force with HM Frigate
LOCH DUNVEGAN, HM
Sloop CYGNET, HM Corvettes CAMELLIA,
CHARLOCK and OXLIP to be DEPLOYED AS OUTER
SCREEN..
29th
Commenced flying operations after delay due
to fog.
SWORDFISH patrol had radar contact and
passed details to Striking Group.
30th
Air search operations in continuation and
followed up detection of submarine
wireless
transmissions.
(Note: Two
returning aircraft crashed into Barrier.)
September
1st
Aircraft from HMS STRIKER sighted submarine
on surface in snow shower
Further indication of
U-Boat deployments in vicinity of convoy.
2nd
Patrol of three SWORDFISH aircraft sighted
surfaced submarine and directed
Striking Group to
position. Under fire from submarine
and carried out rocket attacks
Followed up with depth charges but these
failed to explode,
Ships of Striking Group carried out
sustained anti-submarine attacks resulting
in sinking
of U394. See
U-BOATS DESTROYED and above references for
details.
3rd
No further U-Boat attacks but air search
operations continued.
Ju88 German reconnaissance aircraft sighted
by HURRICANE interception flight but
escaped.
One SWORDFISH aircraft crashed into sea on
fire after hitting bridge structure on
landing
.
Aircrew rescued by ships seaboat
4th
HURRICANE aircraft crashed after being hit
by stern of ship and hitting Barrier on
landing
(Note:
HURRICANE broke in two and hit other parked
which were damaged.
5th
Detached from RA59A and returned to Scapa
Flow.
Took passage to Return to Greenock,.
6th
Two SWORDFISH launched to carry out
unsuccessful search for U-Boat reported in
vicinity.
(Note: Only one
was able to land on board and the other was
diverted to land ashore.)
7th
Arrived in Clyde
after Squadron aircraft landed at Machrinhannish.
8th
Deployed at Greenock.
825 Squadron left ship.
26th
Ship dragged anchors and sustained damage to
upper deck fittings after collision with
rms
QUEEN MARY
(Note: This
famous liner had just returned from USA
with Winston Churchill and was
anchored
downstream from ship.)
Docking for repair arranged in Clyde
commercial shipyard
October
811 Squadron nominated for service on board
in place of 825 Squadron.
(Note: Work-up
flying programme for new Squadron had to be
reduced until repair completed.)
Nominated for further detached service in
Home Fleet for air support during passage
of Russian Convoy
JW61 to Kola Inlet and return Convoy RA61 to
UK
(Operation TRIAL).
10th
After repair completed deployed to carry out
flying exercises for 811 Squadron in Clyde.
(Note: 813
Squadron included WILDCAT aircraft instead
of HURRICANE fighters.)
21st
Sailed from Clyde
for Scapa
Flow
to rejoin Home Fleet for TRIAL.
22nd
Flag of CS10 transferred and took passage
from Scapa Flow with
Flag of CS10
embarked to join
JW61
HM Cruiser DIDO, HM Escort Carriers NAIRANA,
TRACKER, Frigates of 21st and
24th Escort Group with screened provided by
HM Destroyers NUBIAN and
UNDAUNTED of Home Fleet
in company.
23rd
Joined JW61
For details of main escorts see above
references.
Six Ex US Navy PC Boats also took passage
with JW61.
Carrier aircraft carried out anti-submarine
patrols
26th
Two SWORDFISH aircraft delayed in landing by
weather conditions.
WILDCAT aircraft launched to intercept
unknown aircraft which was found to be
friendly.
28th
SWORDFISH aircraft crashed into sea on
return to ship..
Despite rescue attempts both of crew lost
their lives.
Detached from JW61 on
arrival at Kola Inlet after unscathed
passage.
November
2nd
Sailed from Kola Inlet to join return Convoy
RA61 which had left previously
Avoided torpedo by speedy manoeuvre.
3rd
SWORDFISH aircraft crashed into sea on
landing
Only one of the two aircrew was rescued
.
7th
SWORDFISH aircraft using RATOG crashed into
sea after take-off.
Aircrew were rescued.
(Note: One of
RATOG rockets had not fired which caused
crash.
Two WILDCAT aircraft broke loose from
Lashings on Flight Deck due to violent
ship movement in
sever roll of ship. One went overboard. and
the other was damaged.
As a result further landings were restricted
but two aircraft crashed during their
return.
8th
Detached from JW61 and returned to Clyde
and Squadron aircraft flown ashore
(Note: It was
decided that 811 Squadron required further
work-up to improve their
night flying.)
Deployed on Clyde.
December
Clyde
deployment for flying training in
continuation.
825 Squadron nominated to return to ship.
11th
Squadron aircraft returned ship,
12th
Deployed for flying exercises in Clyde
area..
Nominated for detached service in Home Fleet
in support of passage of Russian
Convoy JW63 to Kola Inlet and return Convoy
to UK Operation GREYSTOKE).
(Note: No other
aircraft carrier was deployed and
availability of the ship was vital
to ensure safety
of these two convoy
24th
Fog delayed return to land Christmas Leave
parties after exercises..
Arrived at berth despite
weather conditions by skilful navigation.
28th
Sailed from Clyde
for Scapa
Flow
after problems in releasing cables.
31st
Flag of CS10 transferred at Scapa
Flow.
Took passage from Scapa Flow
to join JW63 with HM Cruiser DIADEM and
destroyers of
23rd Flotilla.
Launched SWORDFISH aircraft for
anti-submarine search after U-Boat reported
near Scapa
Flow.
1
9 4 5
January
1st
Joined JW63 and took
up station within Box.
3rd
Launched two aircraft to intercept unknown
aircraft detected approaching JW63.
This later was identified as a seaplane but
not found.
WILDCAT aircraft launched for another search
but not found.
(Note:
Extempore aircraft radar equipment fitted
for ship use to reduce risk of
collision whilst
manoeuvring within convoy.).
6th
Intensive search patrols flown in view of
likely assembly of U-Boats near
7th
Detached from JW63 on arrival off Kola
Inlet after unscathed transit.
Took passage with destroyer escort to Vaenga
Bay..
CS10 Flag transferred to HMS DIADEM
11th
Flag returned to ship before sailing to join
return Convoy RA63 escorted by HM Destroyers
ZAMBESI, ZEBRA, WALKER
and WESTCOTT.
Launched aircraft to
carry out anti-submarine search
operations.
12th
Air patrols maintained overnight in
deteriorating weather conditions.
Aircraft crash on landing damaged barrier
which prevented flying till repaired.
(Note: Heavy
weather made steel deck dangerous for
working parties and
accumulation of
snow with ice made clearance essential.
13th
Weather condition made flying impossible
Sustained slight damage to upper deck
fittings in heavy weather
15th
SWORDFISH aircraft launched during night to
locate reported U-Boat without success,
16th
Heavy gale caused some damage and flooding
in ship.
Ships of convoy dispersed owing to weather
conditions.
17th
Made course for Thorshvn,
Faeroes escorted by HM Destroyers SCORPION
and SCOURGE.
(Note: Many
ships of escort also sustained major weather
damage with loss of
serviceable
equipment as well as structural damage.)
20th
Flag transferred to HMS DIADEM.
Sailed from Thorshvn
with HMS DIADEM and three destroyers.
21st
Arrived at Scapa Flow
and sailed for Greenock
same day.
.
23rd
Squadron flew off to Machrihannish
25th
Began refit and docking period.
February
Under refit.
March
2nd
Ship docked for routine examination of
underwater fittings.
Undocked
April
Shipyard work completed
5th
Carried out post refit trials in Clyde.
8th
813 Squadron rejoined in Clyde
estuary.
9th
Commenced work-up for operational service in
Clyde area.
Nominated fro detached service with Home
Fleet in support of passage of Russian
Convoy JW66 to Kola Inlet and return Convoy
RA66 to UK.
17th
Flag of CS10 joined at Tail o the Bank and
sailed to join JW66 which had already taken
passage
from Clyde.
See references.
(Note: Warships
in company were:
HM Escort Carrier
PREMIER, HM Destroyers ZEALOUS,
ZEST, ZODIAC and
OFFA.)
18th
Met JW66 and deployed within convoy
HM Cruiser BELLONA joined convoy.
Launched one SWORDFISH and two WILDCAT
aircraft to allow ships in convoy to become
familiar with
types of aircraft in use for defence during
passage.
22nd
Carriers began air patrols after four days
of inactivity
First anti-submarine patrol launched.
SWORDFISH RATOG gear failed and aircraft
crashed into sea.
Crew rescued by HM Canadian Destroyer HAIDA.
23rd
Patrol aircraft reported presence of
submarine after detection by sonobuoy
during patrol.
Later investigations were
unsuccessful.
24th
Russian Catalina aircraft intercepted by
fighter from ship.
25th
Detached from JW6 with HMS BELLONA and HMS
PREMIER when Local
Eastern escort joined and moved to away to
provide anti-submarine operations
whilst convoy
entered Kola Inlet (Operation SONO-COOKE.)
(Note: FAUST
Group of U-Boats was known to be awaiting
arrival .)
Both carriers launched SWORDFISH aircraft to
lay sonobuoys
across the swept Channel and
AVENGER aircraft to
patrols ahead of outer screen.
26th
Berthed in Vaenga
Bay.
29th
Sailed from Kola Inlet with return Convoy
RA66.
(Note:
Extensive anti-submarine operations were
carried out by ships of 7th and 19th Escort
Groups on 28th to deal
with the known assembly of at least 10
U-Boats.
U986 and U307 were sunk during this
concentrated deployment to clear submarines
from the
approaches.
HM Frigate GOODALL was sunk after being hit
by a torpedo from U986 and had to be
abandoned. See
references.)
May
During passage of RA66 air patrols were
maintained but there were no enemy air or
submarine
attacks.
3rd
One Ju88 aircraft was intercepted by two
WILDCAT fighters and damaged.
6th
Detached from RA66 with HMS PREMIER and
returned to Scapa Flow
with four destroyers as
screen.
Passage from Scapa
Flow
to Clyde.
Deployed in Clyde
and prepared for service in British Pacific
Fleet as a Replenishment Carrier
with British
Fleet Train.
For details of use and extent of Fleet Train
see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET by J Winton and
WAR WITH JAPAN
(HMSO)
June
Extensive changes made by reduction in
number of ship’s company as ship was not to
be
deployed as an
operational aircraft carrier.
3rd
Sailed from Clyde to
Belfast
to embark SPITFIRE and BARRACUDA aircraft by
crane for
passage to Australia
as deck cargo for replenishment in BPF.
FIREFLY aircraft were also embarked and
stowed in hangar,
7th
Returned to Greenock
for final storing before departure.
(Note:
Replacement drafts of naval personnel were
embarked for passage to join ships in Far
East , together
with staff of Drafting and Pay Office from Liverpool.
July
1st
Took passage from Clyde
for Sydney.
5th
Entered Mediterranean.
10th
Transit of Suez
Canal.
14th
Passed Aden.
21st
Called at Colombo.
24th
Called at Trincomalee
August
11th
Disembarked BARRACUDA aircraft at Brisbane
and sailed for Sydney.
12th
Arrived at Sydney and disembarked
passengers.
15th
With the end of hostilities the need for a
Replenishment Ship had ended and ship was
required
for transport of
stores and personnel .
20th
Sailed from Sydney
for the British Forward Base at Manus,
Admiralty islands
Naval personnel were also embarked.
28th
Called at Manus.
September
8th
Arrived at Hong
Kong
after brief call at the US Navy Forward
Base in Leyte.
14th
Began embarkation of Australian prisoners
of war.
17th
British and other civilians released after
end of hostilities embarked for passage.
18th
Sailed from Hong Kong
.
October
2nd
Electrical failure during storm quickly
repaired whilst in Tasman Sea,
3rd
Arrived in Sydney
and passages landed.
Taken in hand for
improvement to ventilation system.
November
Deployed for further transport of stores to
Hong Kong
Passage to Hobart,
Tasmania
with new Governor.
December
Passage to Hong
Kong.
1
9 4 6
January
Embarked aircraft and vehicles at Hong
Kong for transport to Japan.
Took passage to Hong Kong
February
Returned to Sydney
from Hong Kong
March
Under refit at Sydney
to
Nominated for return to UK
to Pay-off
December
HMS
VINDEX returned to Plymouth to Pay -off. On
return passage she was used to transfer
documentation and office equipment
from British Pacific Fleet administration
centre, HMS GOLDEN HIND at Sydney to Ceylon.
Whilst in Ceylon the ship was used to embark
US aircraft supplied under Lease Lend and take
them into the Indian Ocean where they were
dropped into the sea. On completion her final
duties were to carry gold bullion and the
Greek Crown Jewels from
Simons Town to UK. On passage she called at
Mauritius and Durban before sailing to Britain
with her valuable cargo
welded into a ships magazine. This ship
Paid-off on arrival at Plymouth and was
reduced to Reserve status. She was
laid-up at Rosyth
until purchased in October 1947 by the Port
Line from the Admiralty. It is therefore
presumed the that
the Admiralty must have bought the ship at
some time during her war service. The cost of
conversion back to trade
for other mercantiles of this type was paid
for by the Ministry of War Transport after the
end of WW2.