Flotilla Leader for F-Class Fleet Destroyers and ordered from Yarrow's, Scotstoun, Glasgow under the 1932 Programme. The ship was laid down on 31st July 1933 and launched on 12th June 1934 as the 3rd RN warship to carry the name dating from 1795 and commemorates the service of Robert Faulknor, in command of the frigate BLANCHE and who was killed during a duel with the French frigate PIQUE in 1795. It was last carried by a River Gunboat sold in 1928. This destroyer was completed on 24th May 1935 at a cost of £271,886 excluding Admiralty supplied items such as guns and communications equipment. She was slightly larger than others of this Class to provide accommodation for the Flotilla staff and carried an additional 4.7in gun. Prior to WW2 the ship served in the Mediterranean and Home Fleets. After a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in March 1942 the ship was adopted by the civil communities of Stourbridge, Lye and Ambleton all then in Worcestershire.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

JUTLAND 1916 - DOVER PATROL 1916-18 - ZEEBRUGGE 1918  - OSTEND 1918 - ATLANTIC 1939-43 - NORWAY 1940 - SPARTIVENTO 1940 - MALTA CONVOYS 1941 - ARCTIC 1942-43 - SICILY 1943 - SALERNO 1943 - AEGEAN 1943 - MEDITERRANEAN 1943-44 - ANZIO 1944 - NORMANDY 1944

H e r a l d i c   D a t a

Badge: On a Field White, a trident Gold, over two

laurel leaves Green.

 

M o t t o

Dulcit amor: Patria: 'Love of fatherland leads'

 

 

S u m m a r y   o f  P r e – W a r  S e r v i c e

 

1 9 3 5

 

                                Commissioned for service as Leader of 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet.

                                On completion of trials and storing took part in the Jubilee Review of Fleet by HM King George V

                                at Spithead before embarking the Prince of Wales for a visit to the Channel Islands. Her first active

                                deployment was in the Mediterranean to reinforce the Fleet at Alexandria following the Italian

                                invasion of Abyssinia.

 

1 9 3 6

 

                                Returned to Home Fleet duties and after short refit carried out exercises off Rosyth and later

                                continued work-up at Portland. Retained in Home waters when half of the Flotilla were detached to

                                carry out patrol duty in defence of British flagged shipping off NW Spain she was deployed for

                                Fleet duties with the other four ships.

 

1 9 3 7

 

                                Detached for Non-Intervention patrol deployed both in the Mediterranean and Bay of Biscay.

                                At Bilbao she experienced her first air raid before return for the Coronation Review by HM King

                                George VI at Spithead. Whilst on passage to Gibraltar with ships of the Home Fleet on 4th August

                                involved in collision with ss CLAN MACFADYN off Ushant and sustained structural damage.

                                During repair at Portsmouth ships company manned HM Flotilla Leader KEITH for Home Fleet

                                service until November when repair was completed.

 

1 9 3 8

 

                                Remained in Home waters and carried out exercises with French warships as well as taking part

                                in the annual joint exercises with Home and Mediterranean Fleets. In the summer she carried out

                                visits top UK ports and also to Ostend and Kristiansund. Took up war station when Fleet was

                                mobilised for the Munich crisis in September.

 

1 9 3 9

 

                                Sailed for Gibraltar for joint Fleet exercises after a visit to Bordeaux extended because

                                of bad weather. Returned to Portsmouth for Seasonal Leave.

                                Flotilla was renumbered to 8th Destroyer Flotilla.

                                Deployed at Portland and took part in Home Fleet exercises and visits programme

                                Sailed to take up war Station at Scapa Flow in August.

 

 

D e t a i l s    o f    W a r    S e r v i c e

 

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

 

 

September             Deployed as Leader of 8th Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet for screening of major Home Fleet

                                units and anti-submarine patrol.

                                (For details of naval activities in 1939 see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY by C.

                                Barnett and SEEK AND STRIKE by W Hackmann)

                14th        Participated in sinking of U39 with HM Destroyers FOXHOUND and FIREDRAKE after an

                                attack on HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL in position 58.32N 11.49 W.

                                Rescued survivors from submarine.

                19th        Deployed with destroyers of 6th and 8th Destroyer Flotilla in search for U-Boats in NW

                                Approaches.

                20th        Participated in search for U27 with HM Destroyers FORTUNE and FORESTER.

                                Rescued some survivors from submarine which was sunk by HMS FORTUNE.

                                (Note: Boarding Party from HMS FORTUNE was able to recover some documentation

                                but this is not mentioned in released post war documents as being related to

                                ENIGMA coding material.)

                25th        Deployed with Flotilla as screen for Home Fleet units covering ships of Humber Force which

                                were escorting damaged submarine HMS SPEARFISH back to harbour.

 

October

                4th          Took part in anti-submarine operation off Fair Isle without success.

                8th          Deployed with Home Fleet screen during search for German battlecruiser GNEISENAU

                                and cruiser KOLN in North Sea.

                                Sustained weather damage requiring repair.

                12th        Under repair at Barclay Curie shipyard in Clyde.

                                On completion rejoined Home Fleet which had transferred to Loch Ewe after loss of

                                HM Battleship ROYAL OAK at Scapa Flow. based at Greenock.

 

November              Deployed with Home Fleet screen during covering of passage of convoys to Norway.

                25th        Deployed with Flotilla for screening duty with Home Fleet during operation in N W

                                Approaches to intercept German battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST

                                following sinking of HM Armed Merchant Cruiser RAWALPINDI.

 

December              Returned to Loch Ewe with Fleet and present when. HM Battleship NELSON was

                                damaged by magnetic mine en entry to harbour.

                7th          Escorted HM Battleships NELSON and RODNEY during covering operation for passage

                                military convoy TC1.

                29th        Part of escort for damaged battleship HMS BARHAM to Liverpool after being hit by

                                torpedo From U30.

1 9 4 0

 

January

                4th          Escorted HMS NELSON with HM Destroyer FAME, FORESIGHT, FOXHOUND, IMPULSIVE

                                and ISIS from Loch Ewe to Portsmouth for repair after mine damage (See above references)

                8th          Returned to duty with Home Fleet after arrival.

                                Deployed with Flotilla as escort for Canadian troop convoy TC3.

 

February                Part of escort for HM Battleship WARSPITE and HM Battlecruiser HOOD during passage

                                in NW Approaches.

                12th        Released from escort duty to fuel at Sullom Voe. On passage rescued 10 survivors

                                from Swedish ss ORANIA sunk NE of Shetland Isles.

                19th        Deployed with screen for Home Fleet units covering return passage of HM Destroyer

                                COSSACK to Leith after rescue of prisoners from German tanker ALTMARK.

                20th        Fleet deployment in continuation for interception of German warships GNEISENAU,

                                SCHARNHORST and HIPPER during operation against Norwegian convoys which failed.

 

March

                9th          Fleet returned to Scapa Flow.

                                Under air attack without damage during escort of convoy.

                19th        Deployed with screen for Home Fleet units. Operation BC)

                20th        Participated in search for U44 with HM Destroyers FORTUNE and FIREDRAKE.

                                U44 was sunk by HMS FORTUNE.

 

April                       Deployed for support of planned allied landings in Norway (Operation RUPERT).

                7th          Nominated for escort of troop convoy NP1 with HM Cruiser AURORA and HM Destroyers

                                FOXHOUND, FORESTER and DELIGHT and at Greenock waiting for convoy to assemble.

                8th          After German invasion of Norway diverted to rejoin Fleet units.

                10th        Joined Fleet in North Sea.

                                (For details see CARRIER GLORIOUS by J Wanton, NARVIK by D MacIntyre and THE

                                DOOMED EXPEDITION by T Adams).

                11th        Deployed on patrol off Narvik and as screen for HM Cruisers AURORA and EFFINGHAM

.               15th        Engaged German mercantile and shore gun positions in Narvik harbour.

                16th        Bombarded the wreck of the German destroyer HERMANN KUNNE in Rombaksfjord with

                                HM Destroyer ZULU. Boarding party sent to destroyer was fired on by snipers and one

                                rating was killed.

                                Under air attacks.

                20th        In action against aircraft attacking fleet units.

                24th        Carried out anti-submarine patrol during bombardment of Narvik by HM Battleship WARSPITE,

                                HM Cruisers AURORA, EFFINGHAM and ENTERPRISE. (See above references and

                                DESTROYER LEADER by P Smith).

                                Bombarded shore targets with Polish destroyer ORP BLYSKAWICA.

                29th        Embarked soldiers of South Wales Borderers for passage to Skelfjord for landing.

                30th        Support of military operations in continuation.

 

May

                5th          Rescued survivors from Polish destroyer ORP GROM.

                                Struck submerged wreck in Rombaksfjord.

                                Damaged ASDIC Done and Directing Gear.

                                Returned to UK with HM Destroyers AMAZON, IMOGEN and WHIRLWIND.

                                (For details of the disastrous naval operations off Norway see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE

                                CLOSELY, the Naval Staff History (2001) and above references).

                13th        Taken in hand for repair at commercial shipyard in Grimsby.

                                After torpedo tube mounting removed and replaced by 3in AA gun.

 

June

                13th        On completion of sea trials took passage to Scapa Flow to rejoin Fleet.

                15th        Nominated for transfer to join Force H at Gibraltar with Flotilla.

                16th        Prepared for foreign service.

                17th        Took passage to Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FOXHOUND and ESCAPADE

                                as screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD and HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL.

                23rd        Arrived at Gibraltar.

                28th        Joined Force H on formation with Flotilla (HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FORESIGHT,

                                FORESTER and FOXHOUND - For details of naval operation In Mediterranean see THE

                                BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre and Naval Staff History).

 

July

                3rd          Took part in attack on French Fleet at Mers el Kebir (Operation CATAPULT).

                                (For details see RELUCTANT ENEMIES and THE DEADLY STROKE by W Tute,

                                ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and Naval Staff History (2001) ).

                8th          Deployed as screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD, HM Battleships VALIANT and

                                RESOLUTION, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers ARETHUSA,

                                ENTERPRISE and DELHI with HM Destroyers FOXHOUND, FEARLESS and FORESTER

                                of Flotilla and destroyers of Local Flotilla, HM Destroyers ESCORT, DOUGLAS, ACTIVE,

                                VELOX, VORTIGERN and WRESTLER (Operation MA5).

                                Planned attack on Cagliari abandoned after ships came under series of attacks by Italian

                                aircraft.

                                Stood by HMS ESCORT with HMS FORESTER after HMS ESCORT had been torpedoed by

                                Italian submarine GUGLIELMO MARCONI.

                11rth       Returned to rejoin Force H after HMS ESCORT sank.

                23rd        Deployed with Force H for attack on Bay of Biscay shipping.

                25th        Operation cancelled and returned to Gibraltar.

                31st         Part of screen for HMS HOOD, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS ENTERPRISE with HMS

                                FORESTER, HMS FORESIGHT and HMS FOXHOUND as Force A to cover air attacks

                                on Cagliari.

                                (Operation CRUSH - This was co-incident with Operation HURRY an aircraft delivery by

                                HM Aircraft Carrier ARGUS - See The Naval Staff History (2001).)

 

August

                4th          On return to Gibraltar from Operation CRUSH escorted HMS VALIANT and HM Aircraft

                                Carrier FURIOUS to Liverpool with HM Destroyer FORESTER.

                                (Note: This was part of re-organisation of Force H ).

                11th        Under repair in Liverpool.

                19th        On completion rejoined Flotilla.

                20th        Passage to Gibraltar as screen for HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Aircraft Carrier

                                ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers SHEFFIELD, COVENTRY and CALCUTTA with HM

                                Destroyers FURY, FORESIGHT and FORESTER of 8th Flotilla.

                30th        Joined HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD in Force B with

                                Flotilla for screening of HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD

                                providing cover for passage of reinforcement warships (HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, HMS VALIANT

                                and HM Cruisers COVENTRY and CALCUTTA to Sicilian Channel.

 

September

                1st           Screening duty in continuation for air attacks by ARK ROYAL on Cagliari.

                                (Operations SMASH and GRAB).

                6th          Detached for support of French landings at Dakar (Operation MENACE).

                                Passage to join Force M with HM Destroyers FORTUNE, FORESTER, FURY,

                                FORESIGHT and GREYHOUND.

                13th        Met Force M.

                22nd       Sailed from Freetown for landing operations.

                                (For details of this ill-conceived and failed operation see Naval Staff History (2001), ENGAGE

                                THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and MENACE by A Marder).

                25th        Operation abandoned and returned to Freetown.

                26th        Escorted damaged battleship HMS RESOLUTION under tow by HM Battleship BARHAM to

                                Freetown arriving on 29th September.

 

October                  Remained in West Africa for support of future operations in French Cameroons.

                3rd          Joined HM Cruiser DEVONSHIRE, HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FURY and ESCAPADE

                                for escort of transport WESTERNLAND taking British Brigade to Duala.

                4th          Arrived at Duala.

                16th        Passage to Gibraltar to rejoin Force H.

                19th        Resumed duties with Force H at Gibraltar.

                21st         Deployed on patrol duty in Straits of Gibraltar.

                31st         Part of screen for HM Battlecruiser RENOWN and HMS BARHAM with HMS FORESTER,

                                HMS FORTUNE, FIREDRAKE, GALLANT, GREYHOUND and GRIFFIN for surveillance

                                of Vichy French naval movements.

 

November

                7th          Joined Force B with HM Destroyers DUNCAN, ISIS, FORESTER, FOXHOUND,

                                FIREDRAKE, FORTUNE and FURY as escort for HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD

                                to cover passage of reinforcements (Force F) to join Fleet in Eastern Mediterranean

                                (Note: Force F - HMS BARHAM, HM Cruiser BERWICK and H M Cruiser GLASGOW,

                                HM Destroyers GALLANT, GREYHOUND, GRIFFIN and ENCOUNTER.

                                (Operation COAT).

                9th          Deployed as Screen for HMS ARK ROYAL during air attacks on Sardinian airfields at Elmas

                                and Cagliari as a diversion from COAT (Operation CRACK).

                10th        Joined escort for reinforcement ships ( Force F ) for final stage of passage to Malta with HMS

                                FURY and HMS FORTUNE and streamed minesweeping gear.

                11th        Took passage back to Gibraltar with HMS FURY and HMS FORTUNE.

                12th        Joined Force B with HM Destroyers FIREDRAKE, FORTUNE, FORESTER and FOXHOUND

                                for escort of HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD to cover aircraft

                                delivery to Malta by HMS ARGUS and carry cut air attacks by HMS ARK ROYAL on Algerho

                                airfield as a diversion (Operation WHITE).

                                (Note: Delivery operation was unsatisfactory as only five aircraft of 14 arrived in Malta and

                                air attacks were cancelled due to weather conditions).

                20th        Deployed with HMS FORESTER to intercept Vichy French mercantile in Atlantic.

                23rd        Intercepted mv CHARLES PLUMMER 110 miles east of Gibraltar and returned to Gibraltar.

                25th        Deployed as screen for HMS ARK ROYAL, HMS RENOWN, HMS SHEFFIELD and HM

                                Cruiser DESPATCH with HM Destroyers DUNCAN, ENCOUNTER, VIDETTE and

                                WISHART belonging to Gibraltar Local Flotilla, HMS KELVIN and HMS JAGUAR of 5th

                                Destroyer Flotilla and HM Destroyers FIREDRAKE, FORESTER and FURY of 8th Flotilla.

                                (Operation COLLAR).

                26th        Joined HM Cruisers MANCHESTER and SOUTHAMPTON taking troops to Malta from UK,

                                ss CLAN FRASER, ss CLAN FORBES and MV NEW ZEALAND STAR escorted by HM

                                Destroyers HOTSPUR and VIDETTE, HM Corvettes SALVIA, GLOXINIA. HYACINTH and

                                PEONY (Force F).

                                (Note: Cruisers and corvettes were on passage to join Mediterranean Fleet. HMS HOTSPUR

                                was also taking passage to Malta for repair).

                27th        Italian Battleships VITTORIO VENETO and GUILIO CESARE and seven cruisers with a

                                screen of 16 destroyers reported by SUNDERLAND aircraft off Cape Spartivento.

                                Detached with Force H units for attack en Italian ships which retired after an exchange of fire

                                at long range (Battle of Cape Spartivento).

                                (For details of this engagement see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY, THE BATTLE

                                FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D MacIntyre and Naval Staff History (2001).).

 

December              Deployed with Force H major units for patrol in Azores area following reports of possible

                                landing by German troops.

                20th        Deployed with HM Destroyers FIREDRAKE, FORESTER, FORTUNE and FOXHOUND in

                                Group 1 as screen for HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD to cover

                                passage of HM Battleship MALAYA, HM Destroyers HERO, HASTY and HEREWARD as

                                well as Convoy M31 from Malta (Operation HIDE).

                25th        Deployed with HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD for Atlantic

                                after German cruiser HIPPER had attacked Convoy WS5A during passage in Atlantic.

 

1 9 4 1

 

January

                7th          Deployed as screen for HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD with

                                HMS FURY, HMS FORESTER, HMS FOXHOUND, HMS FIREDRAKE, HMS FORTUNE

                                and HMS DUNCAN during the escort through Western Mediterranean of military convoy to

                                Malta and Piraeus (Operation EXCESS).

                12th        After return from EXCESS deployed for patrol in Gibraltar area nominated for detached duty

                                at Freetown.

                24th        Took passage for convoy defence on UK-Freetown route.

                29th        Deployed with HM Destroyer FORESTER, HM Sloop MILFORD, HM Corvettes CLEMATIS

                                and CYCLAMEN as Local Escort for military convoy WS5B on departure from Freetown

 

February

                1st           Detached from WS5B with Local Escort and too passage to return to Freetown.

                3rd          Rescued survivors from BRITISH PREMIER off Freetown who had spent 41 days in open

                                boat in the Atlantic.

 

March                    Atlantic convoy defence duties in continuation

                9th          Escorted UK-Freetown Convoy SL67 with HM Battleship MALAYA, HMS FORESTER and

                                HM Trawler CELIA. When threatened by German battleships SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU

                                the convoy defence was reinforced by ships of Force H

                                Took passage to Gibraltar after relief.

                17th        Under refit at Gibraltar.

                30th        Joined HM Cruiser SHEFFIELD, HM Destroyers FURY, FEARLESS, FORTUNE and

                                FORESTER with HM Destroyers-FOXHOUND and FORESIGHT to Intercept Vichy French

                                convoy bound for France from West Africa in Mediterranean.

                                Attack by Vichy French aircraft during return passage was unsuccessful. (Operation RATION)

 

April

                2nd         Sailed from Gibraltar with Destroyers FEARLESS, FORESIGHT, FURY and FORTUNE

                                as screen for ships of Force H during cover for aircraft delivery to Malta by HMS ARK ROYAL.

                                (Operation WINCH).

                6th          Deployed with HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FORTUNE, FURY and HIGHLANDER as screen for

                                HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers SHEFFIELD and FIJI during search for

                                German SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU reported in North Atlantic.

                16th        Returned to Gibraltar with Force H ships after relief by Home Fleet ships.

                22nd       Deployed with HMS SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyer WRESTLER to meet HM Aircraft Carrier

                                ARGUS on passage to Gibraltar with aircraft for delivery to Malta.

                24th        Joined screen for HMS ARK ROYAL, HMS RENOWN and HMS SHEFFIELD with HM Destroyers

                                FEARLESS, FORTUNE, FURY and FORESIGHT (Force S ) for escort of HM Cruisers

                                ABDIEL and DIDO, HM Destroyers KELLY, KIPLING, KASHMIR, KELVIN, JERSEY and

                                JACKAL on passage to reinforce Fleet at Malta (Operation SALIENT).

                                (Note: Coincident Operation DUNLOP was an aircraft delivery by HMS ARK ROYAL).

 

May

                1st           Carried out exercises with Dutch Submarine O21.

                5th          Remained at Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESTER and FURY for the arrival of HM

                                Battlecruiser REPULSE and HM Destroyers HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS.

                6th          Embarked personnel and stores and took passage with these five destroyers to join escort

                                for military convoy which had sailed for Malta on 5th May.

                                (Operation TIGER - For details of this and all Mediterranean operations see Naval Staff History

                                (2001) and above references).

                                Joined HM Destroyers FORTUNE, FORESIGHT and FEARLESS in screen for H M Battleship

                                QUEEN ELIZABETH, HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and NAIAD (Force F ) with destroyers

                                from Gibraltar.

                                (Note: Passage of Convoy of tanks for Middle East was also part of this operation which was

                                covered by HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD).

                                HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING were part of this screen and were on passage

                                to join Fleet in Eastern Mediterranean.

                8th          Detached with destroyers of 8th Flotilla, HMS KASHMIR and HMS KIPLING to escort

                                convoy and warships being transferred during passage through Sicilian Narrows.

                9th          Disembarked stores and passengers and sailed to rejoin Force H ships west of Skerki Channel.

                                HMS FORESIGHT had to return to Malta with mechanical defect.

                                HMS FORTUNE was damaged in air attacks.

                10th        Rejoined Force H ships for return passage to Gibraltar.

                19th        Escorted HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL, HMS FURIOUS and HMS SHEFFIELD during

                                cover of aircraft delivery to Malta (Operation SPLICE).

                21st         HMS FORESIGHT joined escort for return passage after repair in Malta.

                24th        Deployed with the three major ships of Force H to cover passage of an Atlantic military convoy

                                with HMS FORESTER, HMS FORESIGHT, HMS FORTUNE, HMS FOXHOUND and

                                HMS FURY in view of possible threat from German battleship BISMARCK.

                25th        Detached from HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS SHEFFIELD when they were

                                ordered to join Home Fleet ships in search for BISMARCK and cruiser PRINZ EUGEN.

                                (Note: This was due to shortage of fuel.)

                31st         Deployed to reinforce HMS FORESTER, HMS FURY, HM Corvettes FLEUR-DE-LYS and

                                COREOPSIS with HM Destroyer WRESTLER, HM Sloop BIDEFORD, the Free French corvette

                                ALYSEE and HM Trawler IMPERIALIST in escort of local convoy under U-Boat threats.

                                Hunt unsuccessful and returned to Gibraltar.

 

June

                5th          Joined HMS RENOWN and HMS FURIOUS as screen with HMS FORESIGHT, HMS FORESTER

                                and HMS FOXHOUND for aircraft delivery to Malta by HMS FURIOUS and HMS ARK ROYAL.

                                (Operation ROCKET).

                8th          Deployed with Force H major units and ships of 8th Flotilla to meet HM Aircraft Carrier

                                VICTORIOUS and HM Cruiser HERMIONE in Atlantic.

                                (Note: HMS HERMIONE was to relieve HMS SHEFFIELD in Force H.)

                13th        Joined HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL, HM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS and HMS

                                HERMIONE as screen with same destroyers as ROCKET for further aircraft delivery to Malta

                                by the two aircraft carriers (Operation TRACER).

                15th        Deployed with Flotilla as screen for ships of Force H in search for two German warships reported

                                sailing from Brest.

                18th        After being detached during passage to Gibraltar participated in sinking of U138 with HMS

                                FEARLESS, HMS FORESTER, HMS FORESIGHT and HMS FOXHOUND west of Gibraltar

                                in position 36.04N 07.29W. 28 survivors were rescued.

                20th        Joined ships of Force H in unsuccessful Atlantic search for supply ships.

                22nd       Deployed with HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FOXHOUND, FORESTER and FURY to intercept

                                German supply ships reported on passage towards French coast by aircraft.

                23rd        Intercepted ss ALSTERTOR which scuttled en approach in position 41.12N 13.10W.

                                Rescued 78 British seamen held as PoW from ships sunk by German raiders and the German

                                crew.

                25th        Landed passengers at Gibraltar.

                28th        Joined HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS HERMIONE as screen with HMS

                                FORESTER, HMS FURY and HM Destroyers LANCE and LEGION for aircraft delivery to

                                Malta by HMS ARK ROYAL (Operation RAILWAY I).

                30th        Escorted HMS RENOWN and HMS ARK ROYAL with HMS FURY, HMS FORESTER and

                                HM Destroyer LANCE as Group B for further Malta aircraft delivery by HMS ARK ROYAL and

                                HMS FURIOUS which was part of Group A (Operation RAILWAY II).

 

July

                21st         Deployed as screen for HM Battleship NELSON, HMS RENOWN, HMS ARK ROYAL,

                                HM Cruiser HERMIONE with HMS FORESTER, HMS FORESIGHT, HMS FURY,

                                HMS DUNCAN and HM Destroyer LIGHTNING during cover of passage in Western

                                Mediterranean for Malta relief convoy. (Operation SUBSTANCE).

                                (Note: Force H was supplemented by ships of Hone Fleet for this operation and HM Cruiser

                                MANCHESTER was torpedoed during passage - see above references).

                27th        Joined HM Battleship NELSON, HMS RENOWN and HMS ARK ROYAL as screen with HMS

                                FURY, HMS FORESIGHT, HMS FORESTER and FOXHOUND of 8th Flotilla, H M Destroyers

                                MAORI, NESTOR, BRIDGE and ENCOUNTER from other Flotillas, to cover passage of

                                Personnel convoy to Malta (Operation STYLE),

 

August

                2nd         Returned to Gibraltar as escort for HM Battleship NELSON with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT

                                FOXHOUND and FURY as Group II following STYLE launch.

                                Defects in propulsion turbines discovered and sabotage suspected.

                                Took passage to UK for repair as part of escort for Convoy HG70 with HM Destroyers

                                ENCOUNTER, AVONVALE and NESTOR, HM Sloop DEPTFORD and attacked by Italian

                                submarine

                                (Note: HM Destroyers BOREAS and WILD SWAN reinforced escort later from Freetown)

                13th        Carried out anti-submarine hunt with HMS WILD SWAN during escort of HG70 to UK

                                (Note: Depth charge attacks assessed as having damaged the U-Boat.

                                This may have been U123. See HITLER’S U-BOAT WAR Vol.1 by C Blair.)

                20th        Taken in hand for repair at Southampton.

                                (Note: Converted for use as Escort Destroyer - See V AND W DESTROYERS by A Preston).

 

September             Under repair and survey of turbines confirmed that sabotage was responsible.

to                            (Note: The phenomenal amount of days spent at sea largely under an action state of readiness

October                  may have been the reason for a low morale - See AMAZON TO IVANHOE by

                                J English.).

 

November              Post refit trials. Nominated for duty with Home Fleet at Scapa Flow.

                13th        Escorted HM Battleship NELSON during passage to Scapa Flow.

                22nd       Slightly damaged by collision with oiler during work-up at Scapa Flew.

                                Repaired by staff of HM Depot Ship TYNE.

 

December              Nominated for escort of HM Battleship DUKE OF YORK to USA with Prime Minister

                                embarked.

                13th        Sailed with HM Destroyer FORESIGHT and Home Fleet destroyers as escort.

                17th        Detached from HMS DUKE OF YORK with HMS FORESIGHT.

                                Later stood by HMS FORESIGHT during repair to steering gear.

                23rd        Arrived at Scapa Flow after 24 hour stay in Azores.

 

1 9 4 2

 

January                  Home Fleet deployment in continuation.

                17th        Passage to Iceland with Home Fleet units for interception of German battleship

                                TIRPITZ attempting convoy attacks in North Atlantic.

 

February

                5th          Escorted HM Cruiser NIGERIA providing cover for passage of Russian Convoy PQ9/10

                                with HM Destroyer INTREPID.

                                (For details of all Russian Convoy operations see CONVOYS TO RUSSIA by R A Ruegg,

                                CONVOY! by P Kemp and THE RUSSIAN CONVOYS by B Schoefield).

                13th        Joined escort for returning convoy QP7.

                20th        On arrival at Scapa Flow docked for inspection of hull.

                                Took passage to Iceland to resume escort duties on completion.

 

March

                1st           Part of screen for HM Battleships KING GEORGE V and DUKE OF YORK, HM Battlecruiser

                                RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS, H M Cruisers BERWICK and KENYA

                                providing Distant Cover for passage of Russian convoys QP8 and PQ12.

                4th          Sustained structural damage in atrocious weather.

                                (Note: One source quotes ship detached with HM Destroyer BEDOUIN to escort cruiser to

                                Iceland. This is to be confirmed.)

                8th          Took passage from Iceland with HM Destroyers ESKIMO, BEDOUIN and TARTAR to rejoin

                                covering force after TIRPITZ had been sighted by HM Submarine SEAWOLF..

                10th        Returned to Scapa Flow with Fleet units after attacks on TIRPITZ by aircraft from HM Aircraft

                                Carrier VICTORIOUS had failed.

                11th        Deployed on patrol south of Boo with HM Destroyers FURY, INTREPID, ICARUS, TARTAR.

                                BEDOUIN, ESKIMO and PUNJABI for torpedo attacks on TIRPITZ.

                14th        Returned to Scapa Flow without sighting enemy ship.

                19th        Part of screen for HM Battlecruiser RENOWN during gunnery firings.

                22nd       Sailed with Home Fleet destroyers as screen for HMS KING GEORGE V, HMS DUKE OF

                                YORK, HMS VICTORIOUS and HM Cruisers EDINBURGH and KENT to provide

                                Distant Cover for passage of Russian Convoys PQ13 and QP9.

                26th        Returned to Scapa Flow with Fleet.

 

April

                1st           Part of screen for Home Fleet major units covering passage of Norwegian merchant

                                ships attempting to escape from Baltic (Operation PERFORMANCE).

                2nd         Sank ss RIGMOR damaged during the passage through Skaggerak after German surface

                                attack on these ships whilst trying to enter North Sea.

                10th        Deployed with Home Fleet units as screen for whilst providing distant cover for Russian

                                Convoys QP10, PQ14 and PQ15, QP11.

 

May

                1st           Part of escort for HM Battleship DUKE OF YORK on passage to relieve HM Battleship

                                KING GEORGE V in Distant Cover force for PQ15/QP11.

                                (Note: HMS KING GEORGE V had been damaged after sinking HM Destroyer PUNJABI).

                12th        Deployed with Home Fleet units providing distant cover for return passage of H M Cruiser

                                TRINIDAD which had been damaged when with Convoy PQ13.

                14th        Part of screen for Home Fleet units providing distant cover for Convoys PQ16 and OP 12.

 

June                        Home Fleet deployment in NW Approaches in continuation.

                                Joined in exercises with Home Fleet ships.

 

July

                1st           Part of screen for HMS DUKE CF YORK, US battleship USS WASHINGTON, HMS

                                VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND and NIGERIA with 10 tone Fleet and two

                                US destroyers which were providing cover for passage of Russian Convoys PQ17 and the

                                returning QP13.

                13th        Taken in hand for refit in Hull shipyard.

 

August                  Under refit.

                                (Note: Fire control radar Type 285, warning radar Type 286PQ fitted.

                                For details of development and use of radar by RN see RADAR AT SEA by D Howse.

                                Direction Finding radio set fitted for interception of enemy wireless signals to establish

                                position - See SEEK AND STRIKE by W Hackmann.

                                3in HA gun resited in X position in place of 4in mounting and after torpedo tube

                                mounting replaced.

                28th        On completion took passage to Scapa Flow for work-up.

 

September             Working-up at Scapa Flow with Home Fleet.

                6th          Resumed operational duties and sailed as 'Fighting Escort' for Russian Convoy PQ18

                                with HM Cruiser SCYLLA, HM Escort Carrier AVENGER and Home Fleet destroyers.

                9th          Joined PQ18.

                                (Note: PQ18 was the first Russian Convoy to have a ‘Fighting Escort’. See references.)

                12th        Sank U88 in position 75.04N 04.49E (SW of Spitzbergen) during defence of PQ18.

                                (See U-BOATS DESTROYED by P Kemp which is at variance with DESTROYER

                                LEADER: HMS FAULKNOR 1935-1946 by P Smith regarding identity of submarine).

                                Remained with PQ18 when HMS SCYLLA detached with four destroyers to refuel at

                                Spitzbergen.

                17th        Joined escort of returning convoy QP14 with HM Escort Carrier AVENGER and 15 Home

                                Fleet destroyers,

                28th        Detached from QP14 on arrival of Local Escort.

 

October                  Deployed with Home Fleet in NW Approaches.

 

November              Nominated for escort of returning Convoy QP15 and took passage to Kola Inlet.

                20th        Joined QP15 with H M Destroyers INTREPID, ICARUS and IMPULSIVE.

                                Man lost overboard in rough weather conditions.

                26th        Detached from QP15 before arrival at Loch Ewe and took passage o UK for repair

                                to weather damage.

 

December              Resumed Fleet duties on completion of repair at Hull.

                18th        Joined Russian Convoy JW51A at Seidisfjord as Senior Officer (Escorts) with H

                                Destroyers ECHO, BOADICEA, ECLIPSE, FURY and INGLEFIELD.

                25th        Detached on arrival of convoy at Kola Inlet.

                30th        Joined returning convoy RA51 with same ships, except HMS BOADICEA.

 

1 9 4 3

 

January

                6th          Detached from convoy before arrival. at Loch Ewe.

                23rd        Part of screen for HM Battleship ANSON and HMS SHEFFIELD with HM Destroyers

                                ECHO, ECLIPSE, INGLEFIELD, MONTROSE, QUEENBOROUGH, RAIDER and

                                Polish ORP ORKAN to give Distant Cover for passage of Russian convoy JW52 and

                                returning RA52.

 

February

                19th        Joined escort for Russian Convoy JW53 with seven other Home Fleet destroyers.

                27th        Detached on arrival of eastern Local Escort.

 

March

                1st           Joined return Convoy RA53 with HM Cruiser SCYLLA and Home Fleet destroyers on

                                departure from Kola Inlet.

                5th          Under U-Boat attacks despite weather conditions

                                Sank US freighter EXECUTIVE which had been torpedoed by U255 and abandoned.

                                (Note: This convoy was subjected to particularly atrocious weather conditions).

                12th        Detached with HMS BOADICEA, ECLIPSE, IMPULSIVE and INGLEFIELD during passage.

                17th        Taken in hand for refit in Hull shipyard to make good damage during last duty.

 

April

                16th        On completion rejoined Home Fleet at Scapa Flow.

                23rd        Detached for convoy escort in North Atlantic with Flotilla as 4th Escort Group.

                                (For details of this crucial period in the Battle of the Atlantic and changes in

                                weapons and tactics by both submarines and escorts see SEEK AND STRIKE, THE

                                BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC by D MacIntyre and U-BOAT WAR IN THE ATLANTIC

                                (HMSO).

                25th        Joined Convoy HX234 with HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, FURY and ICARUS of Group for

                                reinforcement of escort.

                                Drove off U-Boat attacks with aircraft assistance.

                28th        Part of escort for Convoy SC127 which avoided attacks by AMSEL Group of U-Boats.

 

May

                2nd         Refuelled in Iceland and sailed with HM Escort Carrier ARCHER Part of escort for

                                Convoy ONS6

                                Rescued pilot of aircraft from HMS ARCHER after failed deck landing.

                12th        Joined escort for Convoy ONS182.

                15th        Refuelled at Argentia, Newfoundland. Part of escort for Convoy HX239

 

June                        Rejoined 18th Destroyer Flotilla for Fleet duties

                                Nominated for service in Mediterranean.

                17th        Joined screen for HM Battleships WARSPITE, VALIANT and NELSON and HM

                                Aircraft Carrier INDOMITABLE with destroyers of 4th, 8th and 24th Flotillas

                                for passage to Oran to prepare for landings in Sicily

                                (Operation HUSKY - See ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and Naval Staff

                                History.)

 

July

                5th          Arrived at Alexandria for escort of Fleet units for support of Operation HUSKY.

                9th          Part of screen for covering force in Ionian Sea (HM Battleships RODNEY, WARSPITE

                                and VALIANT, HM Aircraft Carriers INDOMITABLE and FORMIDABLE, HM Cruisers

                                AURORA, PENELOPE, CLEOPATRA and EURYALUS with 17 other allied destroyers.

                12th        Escorted HMS WARSPITE to Malta and rejoined Fleet.

                17th        Bombarded Catania with HMS WARSPITE.

                28th        Took part in bombardment of Lochri, NE of Spartivento.

 

August                  Screening and patrol duties in continuation.

                                Nominated screening duty of Fleet units supporting allied landings on the Italian mainland

                                (Operation BAYTOWN).

 

September

                2nd         Part of screen for HMS VALIANT and HMS WARSPITE, HM Cruisers ORION and MAURITIUS,

                                HM Monitors ABERCROMBIE, EREBUS and ROBERTS with other destroyers for bombardment

                                of coastal targets between Reggio Calabria and Passario.

                8th          Part of screen for HMS RODNEY, HMS WARSPITE and HMS VALIANT, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

                                and HMS FORMIDABLE providing cover for allied landings at Salerno with destroyers of 4th, 8th

                                and 24th Flotillas (Operation AVALANCHE - See above references).

                9th          Detached with HM Destroyers ECHO, FURY, INTREPID, RAIDER, Greek destroyer QUEEN

                                OLGA and French destroyer LE TERRIBLE to screen HMS WARSPITE and HMS VALIANT for

                                escort of surrendered Italian Fleet on passage to Malta..

                16th        Transferred to Eastern Mediterranean for support of allied operations in defence of Aegean Islands

                                against German invasion after the Italian surrender.

                                Escorted HMS KING GEORGE V and HOWE escorting surrendered Italian warships to Alexandria

                                from Malta.

                                (For details see WAR IN THE AEGEAN by P Smith and E Walker, THE LAST DESTROYER by

                                F Mason and ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY).

                17th        Commenced support duties Aegean Islands military operations and embarked troops for passage to

                                Leros.

                18th        Sank 2 ships off Stampalia with ECLIPSE and Greek QUEEN OLGA.

                20th        Deployed with HMS FURY, HMS ECLIPSE and QUEEN OLGA to take troops and Bofors guns

                                to Leros from Haifa.

                22nd       Carried out interception patrols off Scarpanto Straits with HMS ECLIPSE.

                                In action with HMS ECLIPSE against mercantile with destroyer escort during which the mercantile

                                was sink and a destroyer set on fire.

                26th        Under air attack at Leros with HMS INTREPID and Greek QUEEN OLGA.

                                (Note: HMS INTREPID and Greek QUEEN OLGA were sunk during these attacks).

 

October

                2nd         Detached with HMS FURY, ECLIPSE and ECHO for escort of HMS KING GEORGE V and HMS

                                HOWE from Alexandria to Malta

                6th          Resumed Aegean duties.

                7th          Escorted HM Cruisers SIRIUS and PENELOPE with HMS FURY for interception patrol

                                and attacked six landing craft, an ammunition ship and an escorting trawler in Scarpanto Strait.

                                All these ships were sunk.

                                Passage to Alexandria escorting damaged HMS PENELOPE with HMS SIRIUS and HMS FURY

                15th        Escorted HM Cruiser PHOEBE with HMS FURY during unsuccessful search for invasion craft

                                headed for Cos.

                21st         Under air attacks in Parthani Bay, with HM Destroyer PETARD.

                22nd       Returned to Alexandria with HMS AURORA, HMS PETARD and HMS DULVERTON after patrol

                                south of Levitha.

 

November

                3rd          Embarked troops and stores for garrison on Leros, with H M Destroyers ECHO, PENN and

                                PATHFINDER covered by HMS PHOEBE.

                4th          Landed 750 troops and 80 tons of stores on Leros.

                7th          Bombarded positions on Kos with HM Destroyer BEAUFORT and the Greek destroyer PINDOS.

                11th        Bombarded positions on Leros with HMS BEAUFORT and Greek destroyer PINDOS.

                13th        Bombarded German positions on Mount Clindi, Leros at request of Army.

                15th        Deployed to assist in evacuation of British troops

 

December              Passage to Malta for support of military operations on the west coast of Italy.

                29th        Escorted HM Landing Ships (Infantry) ROYAL ULSTERMAN and PRINSES BEATRIX

                                with 9th Commando for reconnaissance landing north of Garigliano.

                30th        Embarked troops after successful landing and took passage to carry out diversionary

                                bombardments at Scauri, Gaeta and Itria with HM Destroyers LAFOREY and LOYAL with

                                Dutch Gunboat FLORES.

 

1 9 4 4

 

January                  Nominated for support of allied landings at Anzio (Operation SHINGLE)

                                (For details see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and Naval Staff History).

                12th        Deployed at Naples and took part in preparatory exercises prior to Anzio landings

                15th        Deployed with H M Cruisers ORION and SPARTAN, H M Destroyers LAFOREY, JERVIS and

                                JANUS for bombardment of Gaeta and Formia.

                18th        Bombarded Terracina in support of 5th Army advance across Garigliane River.

                                Shore gunfire was ineffective.

                21st         Sailed from Naples for support at P-Beach head

                22nd       Part of Northern Attack Force as Assault Group B during Assault Phase with HM Cruisers

                                ORION, HMS SPARTAN and RN destroyers.

                                Provided naval gunfire support and AA defence during landings.

                                (Note: HMS JANUS was lost and HMS JERVIS badly damaged during air attacks).

                23rd        Support and AA defence duties in continuation.

 

February                Support duties in continuation.

                15th        Escorted ammunition ship from Naples to beach head.

                                (Note: After arrival this ship was sunk in an air attack).

                24th        Carried out anti E-Boat patrol off Naples with HM Destroyer LAFOREY.

                25th        Took part in unsuccessful hunt for submarine with HMS LAFOREY lasting two days.

 

March                    Military support and patrol duties in continuation.

 

April                       Nominated for return to UK and took passage with HMS FURY, HMS ISIS and HMS JERVIS

                                for support of allied landings in Normandy (Operation NEPTUNE).

 

May                        Allocated for duty with HM Destroyers KEMPENFELT, VENUS, FURY, VIGILANT

                                BLEASDALE, ALGONQUIN (RCN), GLAISDALE, SIOUX (RCN), STEVENSTONE and

                                French Escort Destroyer LA COMBATTANTE in Force J of Eastern Task Force (British).

                11th        At Scapa Flow when King George VI visited Home Fleet.

                                Target allocated in Pre-arranged Fire Plan - Beach Defences West of la Riviere.

                25th        Passage from Scapa Flow with HM Destroyers FURY, ISIS, UNDAUNTED, URANIA and

                                URSA to join Eastern Task Force ships in Solent

                27th        Joined Force J on arrival.

                28th        Carried out exercises with Force J ships.

                                For details of naval activities before and during landings see LANDINGS IN NORMANDY

                                June 1944 (HMSO) and OPERATION NEPTUNE by K Edwards.

 

June

                4th          Sailed as escort for Convoy J1 with HMS FURY but recalled when D-Day postponed.

                5th          Sailed with Convoy J1 escort.

                                (Convoy comprised 9th Minesweeping Flotilla, four Danlayers, a Harbour Defence Motor

                                Launch and 1st Division of 159 BYMS Flotilla.

                6th          Provided naval gunfire support as required by Fire Plan.

                                Returned to Portsmouth and re-ammunitioned.

                7th          Embarked General Montgomery for passage to beachhead to set up Tactical HQ.

                                (For details see DESTROYER LEADER: HMS FAULKNOR 1935-1946 by P Smith).

                8th          Grounded and refloated with aid of US Navy Landing Craft.

                                ASDIC Dome lost, propellers chipped and hull structure damaged.

                                Passage to Portsmouth for docking and repair.

                12th        Deployed on patrol, AA defence in beachhead area and ferrying duties as ASDIC Dome had

                                not been replaced.

                24th        Remained in Portsmouth Command for support of military operations and defence of convoy

                                anchorages.

                                Embarked First and Second Sea Lords, Naval Secretary and Lord Beaverbrook at Portsmouth

                                for passage to visit Assault Area.

                                After arrival. Flag of Admiral Ramsay worn for visit by Admiral Kirk USN.

                                Returned to Portsmouth with passengers same day

                26th        Under air attack in the Assault Area and shot down attacker.

                                Two of airmen who survived were rescued.

 

July                         After release from NEPTUNE took passage to Grimsby for repair.

                8th          Taken in hand for repair.

August                  Under repair.

                                Propeller damaged whilst undocking but ship operational.

 

September             On completion relieved HM Destroyer JERVIS for support and convoy defence in Channel area.

 

October                  Nominated for service in 14th Escort Group.

                9th           Joined Group at Milford Haven.

                10th         Deployed with Group in Irish Sea for convoy defence.

                15th         Escort and patrol duties in Channel and SW Approaches.

 

November

                14th        Escort Group deployment in continuation.

 

December              Rejoined reformed 8th Destroyer Flotilla at Plymouth. Deployed for defence of Channel convoys.

                                (Note: Atlantic convoys had been re-routed through Channel after air threat from bases in France

                                had been removed.)

 

1 9 4 5

 

January                  Convoy defence and patrol in Channel in continuation.

to                            (Note: Patrols were established to intercept craft attempting to evacuate troops from ports

April                       in Bay of Biscay.)

 

May

                8th          Accepted surrender of German garrison in Channel Islands at St Peter Port Guernsey.

                9th          Passage to Plymouth with Commander of German forces.

                17th        Escorted surrendered German warships with HM Frigate NARBOROUGH from the Channel

                                Islands to UK.

                                (Note: Six minesweepers and two Patrol Boats.)

 

June

                6th          Escorted HM Cruiser JAMAICA taking HM King George VI to Channel Islands with HM

                                Destroyers BRILLIANT, CAESAR and IMPULSIVE.

                                Deployed for air sea-rescue duty during return Royal Flight.

 

July                         Nominated for reduction to Reserve and de-stored.

                9th          De-stored and de-ammunition at Plymouth.

                12th        Passage to Dartmouth to lay up.

                25th        Laid up at Dartmouth and Paid off.

 

S p e c i a l    N o t e

 

This ship had a particularly notable record of war service and the Flotilla took part in sinking of 14 U-Boats. She was awarded 11 Battle Honours which clearly testify to the extent of her contribution. As shown in the above Chronology she played a very active operational role in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Arctic. Attention is drawn to the book DESTROYER LEADER: HMS FAULKNOR 1935-1946 by Peter C Smith which describes these activities and provides a great deal of background information about this Flotilla Leader and those who served in her during WW2. It should be noted that some of the details in this book, especially after May 1944 are not agreed in other sources such as AMAZON TO IVANHOE by J English. For example, dates of last refit and the date that the ship went into Reserve at Dartmouth differs.

 

P o s t    W a r    N o t e s

 

HMS FAULKNOR went en the Disposal List in December 1945 and was sold on 21st January 1946 to BISCO for breaking-up by T W Ward at Milford Haven. After being de-equipped in Plymouth during March she was towed to the breakers yard where she arrived on arrived 4th April 1946.

 

---

 

Addendum

 

CONVOY ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMS FAULKNOR

by Don Kindell

 

This convoy list has not been cross-checked with the text above

(Note on Convoys)